RTHK: King Charles III promises "lifelong service" King Charles III vowed on Friday to emulate his late mother's long life of service to Britain and the Commonwealth, and elevated his heir William to become the new prince of Wales, in an emotive televised address. In his first spoken remarks since ascending the throne upon Queen Elizabeth II's death, Charles also declared his "love" for his estranged younger son Harry and Harry's wife Meghan. The new monarch further said he could "count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla" after she became queen consort. Charles said he shared the public's "sense of loss beyond measure" after his mother passed away on Thursday aged 96, after a record-breaking reign of 70 years. "That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today," he said. "As the queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation." Addressing his "darling Mama", joining his father the late Prince Philip, who died last year, "I want simply to say this: thank you", the new king said. "Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." As heir to the queen, Charles was duke of Cornwall and duke of Rothesay in Scotland, titles that passed immediately to William on Thursday. But the highest title for the heir to the throne, prince of Wales, remained in the monarch's gift to bestow or withhold. "Today, I am proud to create him prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru (in Welsh), the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty," Charles said. "With Catherine beside him, our new prince and princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given." The date of the queen's state funeral has yet to be confirmed but is expected on September 19. "In a little over a week's time we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest," Charles said. "In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example," he said. "On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. "They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express." (AFP) ______________________________ Last updated: 2022-09-10 HKT 10:30 This story has been published on: 2022-09-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Chinese, Egyptian students jointly celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Cairo Xinhua) 12:29, September 10, 2022 Students take photos with mooncakes at a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in Cairo, Egypt, Sept. 8, 2022.(Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) CAIRO, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Wearing Chinese cheongsam, tasting mooncakes, and doing funny contests, dozens of Egyptians and Chinese students celebrated at Thursday night China's upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival. Organized by the Confucius Institute at Cairo University and the Chinese Bridge Language Club in Egypt's capital Cairo, Egyptian students studying the Chinese language and Chinese students studying in Egypt jointly celebrated the festival in a hall decorated with red lanterns and colorful Chinese paintings. The Mid-Autumn Festival, an ancient Chinese tradition that symbolizes family ties, is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar when the moon is the fullest and brightest. This year's festival falls on Sept. 10. Rehab Mahmoud, director of the Confucius Institute at Cairo University, said that "we share these moments of festivity with the Chinese students living in Egypt, and we also want to give the Egyptian students background about this major festival." "It is a festival during which families gather to spend a good time together, a festival of love and reunion," she told Xinhua. It is the first time for Youssif Mohammed, a student majoring in the Chinese language at Cairo University, to taste the mooncake. The celebration of the festival made the young man further believe that Chinese culture is beautiful and rich, which he is "obsessed with." "I love everything related to China and its culture, that is why I'm here today," said Mohammed, adding he has always spared no effort to join all China-related activities and events in Egypt. Aya Ibrahim, a fresh graduate of Chinese language college, wanted to share these moments of love and peace with Chinese friends who are away from their beloved ones. "Our message is that we are also your families here," Ibrahim passionately said. Although thousands of miles away from his family, Ma Shukai, a Chinese student studying at Egypt's Al-Azhar University, did not feel lonely. "I do miss my family, but My Egyptian friends here made me feel I am at home today," Ma told Xinhua as he was surrounded by a number of his Egyptian friends. "China and Egypt have enjoyed a long history of friendship and cultural exchanges, and I'm happy that most Egyptians respect and love China and its people," Ma said with a happy smile. An Egyptian student performs at a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in Cairo, Egypt, Sept. 8, 2022.(Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Egyptian and Chinese students take photos with mooncakes at a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in Cairo, Egypt, Sept. 8, 2022.(Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Bianji) ISLAMABAD, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and six others injured in heavy monsoon rain-triggered flash floods in the last 24 hours in Pakistan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said. According to a report released by the NDMA on Friday night, three children and a woman were among those who lost their lives in separate flood-related accidents. The country's southwest Balochistan province was the worst-hit region with four killed, followed by southern Sindh province with one death while all the injured were reported in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the report said. Moreover, 4,179 houses were destroyed and 731 livestock perished in different parts of Pakistan, it added. The total death toll in Pakistan from this season's monsoon rains and floods since mid-June has risen to around 1,396 along with 12,728 injured, the NDMA said. Additionally, 1,743,345 houses have been destroyed, while an estimated 750,223 livestock has perished in the rains across the country, it said. The NDMA further added that 177,265 people have been rescued and 663,869 others are currently living in camps. Rescue and relief operations by the NDMA, other government organizations, volunteers and non-government organizations were underway in the flood-hit areas. LEWISTON - At approximately 7:40 a.m. on Saturday morning, emergency crews were called to single vehicle, rollover accident on Down River Road (Highway 128) near the Idaho/Washington state line. According to Lewiston Police, when officers arrived, they found a red 2007 Pontiac G6 on the railroad tracks below the roadway with significant damage. The man inside was initially unresponsive and Lewiston Ambulance transported him to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The Lewiston Police Department's Major Collision Investigation Team responded to investigate the accident. Detectives reviewed evidence left at the scene and spoke to the driver, 24-year-old Archanopf Ntumba, of Clarkston, who was the only occupant of the vehicle. It was determined by detectives that the Pontiac was traveling westbound on Down River Road. Ntumba failed to negotiate a turn in the road and briefly left the northside of the roadway before over-correcting back onto the roadway and then left the southside of the roadway, and went down an embankment where his car rolled one time, ending up back on its wheels on the railroad tracks below the road. Police say it is believed excessive speed was a factor in the crash and charges are expected to be filed. Ntumba was later released from the hospital with minor injuries. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to call Lewiston Police Officer Chris Smith at 208-746-0171. The accelerator programme will run for 6 months under two tracks Pune-based Venture Center, a not-for-profit technology business incubator hosted by CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), has announced the launch of the "SAMRIDH Accelerator @ Venture Center" by Jitendra Vijay, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub, MeitY, Govt. of India. The accelerator programme will run for 6 months under two tracks (Track 1: Digitech Launchpad and Track 2: Investor Readiness Program) with a highly selective cohort of eleven participants across both tracks. Selected candidates will receive in-depth and tailored hand holding from the very experienced mentors at Venture Center. Other benefits include an opportunity to pitch to a curated group of investors, for investments in range of Rs 50-400 lakhs. The cohort participants will also benefit from our high quality master classes on fund-raising and a professionally designed and developed pitch deck. The SAMRIDH Accelerator at Venture Center brings on board a powerful investor network to accelerate and scale digital technology-based startups working on solutions that solve Indias problems while creating positive social impact. Our investor partners include Social Alpha, TiE Pune, 1Crowd, Indian Angel Network, Inflexor Ventures, Pentathlon Ventures, Lavni Ventures, Enzia, BioAngels, Keiretsu Forum, and more. PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Three passengers were killed and 12 others injured as a passenger bus turned turtle in the Khinjan district of the northern province of Baghlan on Saturday, an official with the highway authority said. The ill-fated passenger bus was heading to the northern Mazar-i-Sharif city from Kabul Saturday morning but the bus diverted from the road due to reckless driving and overturned in Salang Pass, killing three on the spot and injuring 12 others, including women and children, said Hafiz Mohammad Yaqub. Salang Pass, which links the national capital Kabul to the northern provinces of Afghanistan, has been badly damaged over the past two decades of war, which often causes road accidents, particularly in chilly winter. Congested roads and reckless driving often lead to deadly road accidents in the country. OTTAWA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Health Canada Friday approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for use in children under 5 years old. The federal health department updated information of the approved COVID-19 vaccines on its website saying that available data supported the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine in preventing COVID-19 in the age group of six months through four years. The benefit-risk profile of the vaccine was considered favourable in that age group for use as a 3-dose primary series with two doses given three weeks apart followed by a third dose given at least eight weeks after the second dose. It's the second vaccine approved for that age group after Health Canada approved Moderna's Spikevax in July. Last week Health Canada approved an adapted version of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine, known as a bivalent vaccine, to target both the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Omicron (BA.1) variant as a booster dose in individuals aged 18 and above. Tech entrepreneur Fred Schebesta is leading a group of Sydney Grammar alumni in a push to accept girls into the prestigious private boys school. Schebesta, who founded Finder, earned millions in cryptocurrencies and was worth an estimated $214 million in 2019, hosted a dinner to discuss the plan on Friday evening with other former students at his South Coogee home. Fred Schebesta founded Finder and earned millions in cryptocurrencies. Credit:Sally Patten It comes as many of Sydneys elite private boys schools have started the move towards co-education amid growing pressure from parents who question whether single-sex schools serve students in the modern world. Ever since my two girls were born, Ive wanted them to share the same opportunities as I had when I was young, Schebesta said. Statement from Dr. Simon Gold, President of AFLDS, Upon Being Released from Federal Prison Prominent Doctor and Lawyer, Dr. Simone Gold Vows to Pursue Patient First HealthCare; Take Legal Action Against the DOJ, CDC, NIH, and House Sub-Committee on Coronavirus "Misinformation" NEWS PROVIDED BY America's Frontline Doctors Sept. 9, 2022 MIAMI, Sept. 9, 2022 / During her prison stay, Gold was quarantined in solitary confinement for eight days for refusing to take the Covid vaccine. The only so-called "vaccine" in the world that has proven to be unable to stop transmission or infection, suggesting the "vaccine" is a libelous fraud perpetuated on the American people as well as medical and global communities. Dr. Gold promised swift action against the "gate-keepers" of Covid propaganda, saying, "I served a federal prison term for a non-violent misdemeanor trespassing charge with no prior recordmaking me the first woman in history to do so. My conviction and sentencing were completely out of line. It made a mockery of justice. I was made an example. This was a political hit. "I will use every means at my disposal to call out the liars, the purveyors of Covid misinformationincluding Rep. John Conyers' and his House Committee on Coronavirus 'MisInformation,' the NIH, the CDC, and especially the DOJ for their egregious overreach of my case. I will fight for the 840+ Patriots who are still awaiting justice for their J6 involvement." While in prison, Gold recounted her eyewitness account of seeing the mistreatment of women, placed in a Federal Prison where males outnumbered females three or four to 1. Dr. Gold announced that while in prison, she started writing a book on the J6 Patriots. It is scheduled for publication on January 6, 2023, the second-year anniversary of the Capitol Hill Protest. In addition to seeking justice for the American people regarding Covid misinformation and lies from Federal Authorities, Gold announced the launch of GoldCare, a movement of medicine and healthcare that will protect patients from the multiple failed health agencies in the U.S., including the FDA, NIH, CDC, and from globalist elites at the WHO. "In the aftermath of Covid-19 political propaganda and lies, I am excited to offer GoldCare to the American people. GoldCare represents a new movement of medical freedomwherein patients seeking honest healthcare choices are prioritized over Democrat Party Talking Points and Big Pharma." *Congressman Louie Gohmert R-Texas was there to Greet Dr. Gold upon her release. America's Frontline Doctors (AFLDS) stands up for every American looking for the best quality healthcare by empowering doctors working on the front lines of our nation's most pressing healthcare challenges. AFLDS' call for early use of Ivermectin was vindicated this week, as was well as AFLDS' concern that masks will do more harm than good. To that end, AFLDS will seek legal action for damages caused to the organization from news outlets that defamed the work and mission of AFLDS and Founder and President Dr. Simone Gold. AFLDS can be found on the web at SOURCE America's Frontline Doctors CONTACT: Andrea Wexelblatt, 775-440-0544, Share Tweet NEWS PROVIDED BYSept. 9, 2022MIAMI, Sept. 9, 2022 / Christian Newswire / -- Dr. Simone Gold, president and founder of America's Frontline Doctors, was released from federal prison today*. Gold was sentenced to 60 days in prison for reading prepared remarks in the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.During her prison stay, Gold was quarantined in solitary confinement for eight days for refusing to take the Covid vaccine. The only so-called "vaccine" in the world that has proven to be unable to stop transmission or infection, suggesting the "vaccine" is a libelous fraud perpetuated on the American people as well as medical and global communities.Dr. Gold promised swift action against the "gate-keepers" of Covid propaganda, saying, "I served a federal prison term for a non-violent misdemeanor trespassing charge with no prior recordmaking me the first woman in history to do so. My conviction and sentencing were completely out of line. It made a mockery of justice. I was made an example. This was a political hit."I will use every means at my disposal to call out the liars, the purveyors of Covid misinformationincluding Rep. John Conyers' and his House Committee on Coronavirus 'MisInformation,' the NIH, the CDC, and especially the DOJ for their egregious overreach of my case. I will fight for the 840+ Patriots who are still awaiting justice for their J6 involvement."While in prison, Gold recounted her eyewitness account of seeing the mistreatment of women, placed in a Federal Prison where males outnumbered females three or four to 1.Dr. Gold announced that while in prison, she started writing a book on the J6 Patriots. It is scheduled for publication on January 6, 2023, the second-year anniversary of the Capitol Hill Protest.In addition to seeking justice for the American people regarding Covid misinformation and lies from Federal Authorities, Gold announced the launch of GoldCare, a movement of medicine and healthcare that will protect patients from the multiple failed health agencies in the U.S., including the FDA, NIH, CDC, and from globalist elites at the WHO."In the aftermath of Covid-19 political propaganda and lies, I am excited to offer GoldCare to the American people. GoldCare represents a new movement of medical freedomwherein patients seeking honest healthcare choices are prioritized over Democrat Party Talking Points and Big Pharma."*Congressman Louie Gohmert R-Texas was there to Greet Dr. Gold upon her release.America's Frontline Doctors (AFLDS) stands up for every American looking for the best quality healthcare by empowering doctors working on the front lines of our nation's most pressing healthcare challenges. AFLDS' call for early use of Ivermectin was vindicated this week, as was well as AFLDS' concern that masks will do more harm than good. To that end, AFLDS will seek legal action for damages caused to the organization from news outlets that defamed the work and mission of AFLDS and Founder and President Dr. Simone Gold. AFLDS can be found on the web at www.AFLDS.org SOURCE America's Frontline DoctorsCONTACT: Andrea Wexelblatt, 775-440-0544, andrea@aflds.org This story is part of the September 11 Edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories. Its tempting to flop on the couch after dinner, when your belly is full and youre worn out from the daily grind. But instead of scrolling through your phone or mindlessly watching TV, its worth lacing up your shoes and going for a stroll. An evening stroll is a common ritual in the Mediterranean. Credit:Stocksy Thats what English writer Annabel Streets, author of 52 Ways to Walk, believes. While Annabel notes that Aussies seem to be more of a morning walking bunch, she says the culture of strolling in the evening is well and truly alive in the Mediterranean. On a recent visit to Greece she was delighted to see crowds of people on the move at twilight. You go out and everyone is promenading, she says. Theyll do this for an hour, two hours, sometimes three hours. Italians have a name for this beautiful, languid stroll: la passeggiata. Its a tradition they partake in during the late afternoon or early evening and is a social event in which friends and family meet up to chew the fat and enjoy their surrounds. It is stating the obvious that the late Queen Elizabeth II has always been part of our lives. Even the most passionate republicans who read The Sydney Morning Herald will accept that she has been a reassuring constant. After all, only 14 per cent of Australians now alive have experienced any monarch other than her majesty. There are many reasons for this but, especially given the length of time she was on the throne and the immense changes in public attitudes which occurred over that 70-year period, strength of character must bulk largest of all. Queen Elizabeth II with prime minister John Howard at a dinner at the Festival Centre February 27, 2002 in Adelaide. Credit:Tony Lewis On her 21st birthday, speaking from South Africa, the then Princess Elizabeth declared my whole life, whether it be long or short, will be devoted to you and to the service of the great imperial family to which we all belong. That declaration committed the future Queen Elizabeth II to 75 years of consistent fealty to the coronation oaths she would take in June 1953. James Ruse Agricultural High and North Sydney Boys High are investigating whether students from their schools were involved in an online private chat room run by senior-school boys at Knox Grammar. Student emails from the states top-performing selective high schools were used to access the Discord group chat where violent and racist messages were posted, the NSW Department of Education confirmed. North Sydney Boys High School. Last week the principal at Knox Grammar Scott James told parents it had uncovered the involvement of boys and girls from other schools in the group, and that the schools investigation had identified 74 active handles in the chatroom materials provided to the school. A NSW Department of Education spokesperson said it had recently been made aware that student emails from the two public schools were used to access the Discord channel. God Save the King will ring out across Sydney on Sunday as the new monarch is proclaimed and the citys Anglicans come together. St Andrews Cathedral staff are considering purchasing additional condolence books after Sydneysiders flocked to the venue to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday in Scotland. The books will eventually be sent to Buckingham Palace. Parishioners gather at St Andrews Cathedral in Sydney on Friday night. Credit:Wolter Peeters Its been really gratifying to see so many people coming here to remember her, Helen, the office manager of the cathedral, said. Were thinking about going to buy more condolence books. People are coming here to share their memories of her. There are lots of young people coming in, too, which were very pleased to see. She said the cathedral was looking forward to King Charles IIIs reign. Australias top emergency medicine college is pushing for around-the-clock specialist security guards to be stationed at every Victorian emergency department, as doctors warn of unprecedented levels of violence in hospitals. Australasian College for Emergency Medicine national president Clare Skinner said staff reported escalating levels of violence in every emergency department across the state, where security remained variable and particularly patchy in smaller hospitals and regional health services. Australias top emergency medicine college is pushing for specially trained security guards to be rolled out at every Victorian emergency department, 24-hours a day. Credit:Damian Shaw Skinner said rising incidents of abuse were partly fuelled by elevated drug and alcohol use. Other sick Victorians and their carers, frustrated due to record long waiting times in EDs, were also lashing out at staff. The vast majority of patients and their carers are lovely, but increasingly we are seeing people affected by drugs and alcohol, or who arrive in ED understandably very distressed, and they become very frustrated when theyre unable to access care in a timely way, she said. A toddler has been killed in the driveway of a property in Melbournes south-west. Police said a car struck a two-year-old boy at the Point Cook property about 3pm on Saturday. Sadly, the child died at the scene, police said in a statement. The Altona Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. In South Melbourne, a pedestrian was killed when they were struck by a tram on Kings Way about 1.30pm on Saturday. The first Australian ceremony of King Charles IIIs reign will take place on Sunday morning, with Governor-General David Hurley to officially proclaim the new sovereign following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will lead a meeting of ministers, acting as the Executive Council, to formally recommend the governor-general to issue the proclamation in Australia at a special meeting at Government House in Canberra. Speaker Milton Dick, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General David Hurley arrive at the wreath laying ceremony. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Following the meeting at 11am, Hurley will go to Parliament House and officially proclaim King Charles III the new sovereign amid a 21-gun salute. Hurley and Albanese are expected to fly to London on Thursday to attend the Queens funeral as Australia continues to observe a 14-day mourning period which includes the suspension of parliament. As I watched the spectacle and absorbed the atmosphere, it occurred to me that there was no other head of state, head of government or other public figure in any country in the world who could have been greeted with such universal, unqualified affection even love. It was spontaneous, unrestrained and deeply felt. A tribute not just to 70 years of selfless public service, but to the Queen herself: a constant in everyones lives for so long as they could remember an icon, yes, but a person too. At the end of the parade, the doors opened and the Queen, accompanied by Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William and Catherine, and their three children, appeared on the palace balcony to the thunderous rapture of the crowds. It was the very spot where, as a 19-year-old in service uniform, she had first stood beside her father, King George VI , 77 years ago, before another rapturous crowd, on VE Day. Her balcony appearances on important state occasions have punctuated the modern history of Britain. This would be the last. It was a powerful and poignant moment: at once a public demonstration of gratitude and, unspoken, but in everyones mind, a goodbye. Three months ago, the Queen made what would be her last public appearance in London. It was the Jubilee pageant, a long, joyous, colourful street parade to celebrate the 70 years of her reign. Thousands upon thousands of participants, representing every part of the Commonwealth and every aspect of British life, from military bands to reggae groups to modern dance troupes, processed through the streets of London, down the Mall, towards Buckingham Palace. It was estimated that half a million people gathered in the adjacent St Jamess Park. Tens of millions across the United Kingdom celebrated at street parties. As Australian High Commissioner, I had occasion to meet the Queen several times. The first meeting was the customary audience to present credentials. I arrived, morning-suited and a little nervous. There was little ceremony. The page announced me, the Queen greeted me, there were official photographs, and then all the staff withdrew, leaving us alone. I was told in advance that the audience usually lasted about 10 minutes, but this one went for over half an hour. Having spent an entire lifetime putting strangers at ease in her presence, I found her extremely easy to talk to. We chatted about a diverse range of topics and personalities mainly Australian. She was friendly, funny and sharp. Years later, I hosted her at the last Australian event she ever attended. The COVID pandemic had kept her isolated for more than a year, but in April last year she resumed a limited schedule of public appearances. Her first post-lockdown event was a ceremony at the Air Force Memorial, near her home at Windsor Castle, to mark the centenary of the RAAF and commemorate the thousands of Australian aircrew who lost their lives over European skies in the Second World War. When I said to her assistant private secretary how delighted we were that the Queen had selected our invitation among the many thousands she receives for her first post-lockdown appearance, he told me how excited she was about it. Like everybody else, shes been locked down for more than a year, shes bored to death and she cant wait to come. And she loves Australia. High Commissioner George Brandis lays a wreath at the socially distanced anniversary service. Credit:Getty Images After a short ceremony and speeches, I conducted her around the cloister and introduced her to a number of RAAF personnel embedded with RAF units. She asked one young officer where she was stationed; when she mentioned the base in the north of England, the Queen well aware that there were boom microphones nearby picking up every word replied brightly: Oh yes, I know it. Youre the ones who chase the Russians away. You dont have to be diplomatic when youre the sovereign. Her Majestys visit to the Air Force memorial would also be her last public appearance for many months; just nine days later, her husband Prince Philip died. Edinburgh: Prince William has paid an emotional tribute to his grandmother as he joined his estranged brother in an impromptu public show of unity with thousands of mourners outside Windsor Castle following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The Prince of Wales invited Prince Harry and wife, Meghan, to join him and his wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, to view the public tributes left at the royal grounds. It followed their father, King Charles III, formally being proclaimed the nations sovereign in a day of pomp and ceremony at St Jamess Palace in London on Saturday morning London time. Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, and Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex walk to greet the crowds after viewing the floral tributes for the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Windsor Castle. Credit:AP The Queens coffin began its journey to its final resting place from Balmoral to Edinburgh at 10am London time (7pm AEST) on Sunday, draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland and with a wreath of flowers on top. Buckingham Palace has announced she will lie-in-state from next Thursday at Westminster Hall to give the public and foreign dignitaries an opportunity to pay their respects before a state funeral on Monday, September 19. Queues to view the coffin are expected to stretch for several kilometres. In death comes peace, it was once said. It may be a departing gift to the late Queen Elizabeth II from her beloved grandsons. After a toxic two-year feud, William, the newly created Prince of Wales, and his brother Harry, the Duke of Sussex, put on a public show of unity when the kingdom needed it most. Catherine, the Princess of Wales, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, walk towards the crowds at Windsor Castle. Credit:Getty Wearing black, the princes and their wives, Catherine, the Princess of Wales and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, emerged from a Range Rover on Saturday afternoon local-time to thank the thousands of mourners outside the gates of Windsor Castle, their grandmothers principal residence for the final years of her life. William is said to have magnanimously invited his brother and sister-in-law, who are staying alongside the Cambridge family on the Windsor estate. It had followed a pledge that the new heir would support his father, King Charles III, in every way he could. Kyiv: Ukrainian forces have scored the most significant battlefield gains since they routed Russia from the area around Kyiv in April by reclaiming territory in the northeast, according to Ukrainian officials, Western analysts and battlefield imagery. In his overnight address to the nation Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian military had captured scores of villages and large chunks of Russian-occupied territory across Ukraine since the offensive began. In total, more than a thousand square kilometres of the territory of Ukraine have been liberated since the beginning of September, he said. Ukrainian forces moving towards Bucha outside Kyiv. Credit:AP On Friday, the Ukrainian military appeared to be moving rapidly to cut off the city of Izium, a critical logistical hub for Russian military operations. The exact positions of Ukrainian forces in the area around Izium could not be independently established. But satellite data, independent military analysts and photos and videos of Ukrainian forces indicated that they had moved quickly toward Kupiansk, another logistical hub just north of Izium. The Indian Alliance (IPA) on Saturday cleared Micro Labs, the makers of the tablet Dolo-650, of the charge that they offered freebies worth Rs 1,000 crore to doctors to prescribe the brand. The IPA, whose members account for 60 per cent of Indias domestic market and about 80 per cent of Indias exports, in a report submitted to the National Pricing Authority (NPPA) said that, in view of interaction with the management of the company and the detailed reply, it is clear Rs 1,000 crore expenditure on single brand Dolo-650 on freebies in one year is not correct. The national pricing regulator had asked the IPA to investigate the matter under the Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP). A three-member internal committee examined the issue. The investigation report that Business Standard has seen said that, the total turnover of the company is Rs 4,500 crore, out of which around Rs 2,500 crore is domestic sales. The overall expenses on domestic sales in the last four years (year by year on all activities) on an average are Rs 200 crore. Therefore, the fact that Micro Labs incurred expenses to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore to promote Dolo-650 is misrepresented. Sheetal Sapale, president-marketing, AWACS, a research and analytics firm, had told Business Standard in July that Dolo contributed to around 7 per cent of the company turnover in pre-Covid times. This contribution has moved up to around 14 per cent now. In the market, Dolo had a market share of 15 per cent in pre-Covid-19 times; this has moved to 24 per cent now. It has overtaken Calpol, the market share which has remained 20-22 per cent in the past five years, she explained. Another contention against Micro Labs was that the dose of 650 mg is irrationally prescribed. In a hearing before the Supreme Court, the Federation of Medical & Sales Representatives Association of India (FMRAI) alleged that while the price of 500 mg is controlled, the higher doses are out of price control. The FMRAI counsel argued in the apex court that in order to increase profits, Micro labs distributed freebies amongst doctors to prescribe a dosage of 650mg, which he referred to as an "irrational dose combination", according to a Livelaw report. The IPA ethics committee investigation report, however, stated, its strength has been approved in all the treatment protocols issued by the Government of India and various state governments, including Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) during the pandemic. Besides, it is a recommended dose across the world, and has been available in many countries such as the US, European countries. The company submits that 650mg strength is accepted as the appropriate dosage regimen for mild to moderate fever. Moreover, Dolo-650 mg is covered under the National List of Essential Medicines and its prices to the consumer have been controlled by the NPPA since 2016, the report added. The price of Paracetamol 650 was Rs 1.84 per tablet in the year 2021, it noted. Speaking to Business Standard, Micro Labs executive VP Jayaraj Govindaraju had strongly refuted the charges of spending Rs 1,000 crore on handing out freebies to clinicians to promote Dolo. We have spent Rs 1,000 crore as marketing expenses across all our 14 divisions over several years, and not on marketing Dolo during the pandemic, Govindaraju said. According to the company, the amount was spent over 5 years or more, and included gifting low-value items like table-top memorabilia, brand reminders through diaries, pens, calendars and the like. In response to IPAs investigation, Micro Labs had shared the five-year expenditure details on all activities. The company had incurred a total of Rs 186 crore on total sales and marketing in FY 2020-2,1 of which Rs 65 crore was spent on Product Management Team Expenses, Rs 67 crore on Scientific and Academic Services and Rs 53 crore on Sales and Promotion Activities. In 2019-20, the company spent Rs 67 crore on Sales and Promotion Activities. The total expenditure on Dolo 650 is Rs 115.2 crore in 2021-22. This was Rs 71.2 crore in 2020-21. The expenditure was mainly made on visual aids, literature and print promotional inputs, brand reminders, physician samples and scientific and academic services combined. IPA, however, has noted in its report that, it has neither the mandate nor the resources, to investigate the matter of tax evasion which the CBDT is looking into. Archaeologist and Padma Vibhushan awardee B B Lal died on Saturday aged 101. Prime Minister paid rich tributes, saying he will be remembered as a great intellectual who "deepened our connect with our rich past". Lal was the director general of the Archaeological Survey of India and had found temple-like pillars during excavation at the site where the Ram temple is now being built. Modi said, "Shri B B Lal was an outstanding personality. His contributions to culture and archaeology are unparalleled. He will be remembered as a great intellectual who deepened our connect with our rich past. Pained by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Om Shanti." Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy said the country has lost one of the brightest minds. He said Lal contributed significantly towards India's archeological excavations and endeavours and trained archeologists for over four decades. The Archaeological Survey of India said in a tweet, "The contribution of Padma Vibhushan Prof B B Lal in Archaeology is beyond measure. A doyen in his field, he devoted his entire 101-year life to the subject. He may be gone but his work lives on and will continue to teach and influence generations to come. Our homage to the great soul. (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.) Vice Chairperson Saurabh Bhardwaj chaired a high-level meeting today at the DJB Headquarters to ensure that is held in a grand and safe manner this year. Senior officials of Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Police, Flood and Irrigation Department, SDMs of South Delhi and representatives of several Committees were present in the meeting along with the officials from other departments. Discussions were held on pragmatic ways to abate the pollution in the Yamuna that is found to increase after immersion of idols after the puja. The DJB Vice Chairman directed the entire civil administration to ensure that the immersion of idols post-festival takes place only in artificial ponds created specifically for the devotees. Saurabh Bhardwaj directed the Flood and Irrigation Department to construct artificial ponds for idol immersion so that devotees are not forced to immerse idols directly in the Yamuna River. He instructed the officials of the to ensure the optimal availability of water in these artificial ponds so that immersion is smooth and eventful. He also directed the officials concerned to beautify of roads around the venues of Durga Puja, arrangement of street lights and tight security for the convenience of the devotees in South Delhi. At the conclusion of the meeting, Saurabh Bhardwaj said, "During in Delhi, especially in the southern part, huge crowds of devotees gather in the area and the activity is highest. All necessary instructions have been given to the officials concerned to ensure that there is no problem during the preparations for the puja and immersion thereafter.'' ''I have instructed for the construction of artificial ponds and them with water so that the devotees do not have to face any problem for idol immersions. We must abide by the instructions of NGT regarding idol immersion in the Yamuna so that by 2025, the objective of cleaning the Yamuna, as set by Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal, is fulfilled,'' he added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Even as the stayed the demolition of one particular survey number of Curlies night club and restaurant on Goa's Anjuna beach, the demolition squad razed the other portions of Curlies on Friday. The demolition process was on till late on Friday evening. The bench had directed the restaurant owner to suspend commercial operation till further orders, adding that if there is unauthorised construction in lands other than the survey number, where it stayed the demolition, the demolition drive can certainly go on. After the order, the razing process had halted in the said survey number of Curlies restaurant, which has been linked to the death of Haryana BJP leader Sonali Phogat as she was seen partying there on the night of her death. Speaking on the demolition process, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the demolition drive started in the morning and a large portion of Curlies has been demolished. "We will not tolerate drugs and illegalities. We will go in detail in such cases and illegal structures will be demolished. The Supreme Court has given a stay on survey No. 42/10, hence it was demarcated and the rest of the structure (of Curlies) was demolished," Sawant told reporters here. The authorities demolished the restaurant after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) upheld the Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) order to demolish it. The demolition squad began bulldozing the sea-facing area the restaurant at around 7.30 am on Friday. Later at 11.30 am, the process was stopped following the Supreme Court order, which stayed the demolition in one particular survey number. "We got the NGT order on Thursday afternoon. They (authorities) came to demolish the structure within 24 hours, that too early in the morning. I have never heard about such (hurry). I had informed the collector that we have challenged the NGT order in the Supreme Court," said Gajanan Korgaonkar, the lawyer representing Curlies owner Linet Nunes. Superintendent of Police (North), Shobit Saxena, who visited the demolition site, said that they had received an order from the government that the property was to be demolished and police support was sought for it. "We have deputed the necessary staff to assist the demolition squad. We are here in a supportive role and to ensure that the demolition work proceeds smoothly," he said. --IANS sbk/arm (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister on Saturday asked officials of the Archaeological Survey of India to expedite the excavation work at the protected area in Rakhigarhi, a Harappan civilisation site. During a meeting with the officials regarding the area's development as an archaeological site here, Khattar also directed them to prepare a master plan for all 11 mounds at the site. Batting for providing security to Rakhigarhi, the chief minister said all artifacts found during the excavation are the country's property, and hence, it is important to preserve them. Khattar also directed officials to prepare a list of artifacts found from the excavation site and also record ancient items that villagers possess. To rehabilitate those displaced due to the excavation, the chief minister told the officials to chalk out a long-term rehabilitation policy, which would also take into account their means of livelihood. He asked the panchayat and animal husbandry departments to jointly prepare the plan so that animals, too, are accommodated. According to Khattar, panchayat land will be given on lease to the animal husbandry department, where it will construct sheds to house the animals. Further, he pitched to strengthen road network from Hansi, Jind and Barwala up to Rakhigarhi. Meanwhile, the chief minister said his government has prepared a 'home stay policy', under which villagers will be encouraged to let one or two rooms in their houses for tourists. He said this policy will not only promote tourism in the state and create a chance for outsiders to know the culture of closely, but also generate employment opportunities for the locals. (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.) Highlighting the Centre's science and technology-based development model, Prime Minister on Saturday said that India's ranking improved from 81 in 2015 to 46 at present due to the central government's efforts. The Prime Minister on Saturday inaugurated the Centre-State Science Conclave via video conferencing. Addressing the event, PM Modi said, "We have to make India a global centre of research and innovation in this Amrit Kaal. States should adopt best practices from other states. This will be a step towards ensuring timely and effective implementation of science-led development programs in the country." He said for the development of 21st-century New India, science will play an important role in accelerating the growth of all areas and sectors. He also said the central government is working with the vision of science-based development. Since 2014, PM Modi said there has been a substantial increase in investment in the field of science and technology. "Due to the efforts of the government, today India is ranked 46th in the Global Innovation Index, while in 2015 India was at number 81. Today, when India is moving towards leading the fourth industrial revolution, the role of India's science and people associated with this field is very important." Noting science as the basis of solutions, evolution and innovation, Prime Minister said New India is marching ahead with the mantra of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan and Jai Anusandhan". PM said scientists in the West like Einstein, Fermi, Max Planck, Niels Bohr, Tesla were surprised the world with their experiments. At the same time many scientists including CV Raman, Jagdish Chandra Bose, Satyendranath Bose, Meghnad Saha, S Chandrashekhar were bringing their new discoveries to the fore. "If we remember the early decades of the last century, we find that the world was going through a period of devastation and tragedy. But even in that era, whether it was East or West, scientists everywhere were engaged in their great discovery," he stated. The Prime Minister urged citizens to celebrate the achievements of the scientists of the country with great enthusiasm. "We have to work on many fronts simultaneously to make India a global centre of research and innovation. We have to take our research related to science and technology to the local level," PM Modi said. In order to encourage innovation, PM said the state governments should emphasize on the creation of more scientific institutions and simplification of processes. "In the states, there are many national-level scientific institutes, laboratories are also there. The states should take full advantage of their capability and their expertise. We also have to take our science-related institutions out of the state of silos," the Prime Minister said. He said the number of innovation labs should also be increased in higher education institutions in the States. According to Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the first of its kind Conclave will strengthen Centre-State coordination and collaboration mechanisms - in the spirit of cooperative federalism - to build a robust science, technology and innovation (STI) ecosystem across the country. The two-day Conclave is being organised at Science City, Ahmedabad on September 10-11. It will include sessions on different thematic areas including STI Vision 2047; Future Growth Pathways and Vision for STI in States; Health - Digital Health Care for All; Doubling Private Sector investment in R & D by 2030; Agriculture - Technological interventions for improving farmers' income; Water - Innovation for producing potable drinking water; Energy- Clean Energy for All including S & T role in Hydrogen mission; Deep Ocean Mission and its relevance for Coastal States/UTs as well as country's future economy. During the inauguration of the conclave, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh were present. The first-of-its-kind Conclave will witness the participation of Science and Technology Ministers and Secretaries of States and Union Territories, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, NGOs, young scientists and students, said the PMO. (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 High Court of has ordered the State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) to pay the pending bill of Rs.34,85,179 with an interest of 12 per cent to a Class I Contractor and also a of Rs.2,00,000 for delay in clearing the bills. The contractor had completed the building in 2014 and was paid Rs.1,46,56,901 during the course of construction. But the last bill of Rs.34,85,179 was still not paid till he approached the HC in 2018. The HC judgement came on September 3, 2022. "This is a fit case for levy of exemplary costs for the ill-treatment meted out to the scrupulous citizen who had done the work for the State entities. A message should loudly go to the quarters that be, that the courts would not tolerate indolence on the part of the public bodies when interest of the citizen is put to peril," the HC said. The HC said, the KSTDC should be made to pay a cost. This court is of the considered opinion that the second respondent-Corporation should be saddled with a cost of Rs.2,00,000 payable to the petitioner in addition to interest at a reasonable rate for the delay in making payment in terms of undisputed bills. M Chiranjeevi, a Class I Contractor approached the HC against the Department of Tourism and KSTDC. He was seeking the corporation to pay his bills. He had won a contract to construct a building for the Corporation and after completion of the same his bills were not cleared. A year after the completion of the project, he was told that there were four deficiencies in the construction which he should address first. In the HC, the KSTDC argued that there was an arbitration clause in the contract and a writ petition should not be entertained. The HC said that normally "Writ Courts do not grant indulgence in matters involving contract and non-payment of contractors' bills. But courts nowadays have been observing a kind of callousness and 'come what may attitude' on the part (of) some public functionaries." Justice Krishan S Dixit in his judgement said that judges have to keep themselves aware of what was happening around. The building constructed by the contractor was inaugurated on April 10, 2017 in the presence of the then district in-charge minister, transport minister, the vice-chairman of the Vidhana Sabha and MPs and MLAs not even one raising a little finger about the quality of the work the court said. The MD of the KSTDC had written about the completion of the work and handing over the structure to the Corporation. The last bill was certified by the architect appointed by the Corporation in November 2017. The HC dismissed the contention of the KSTDC that this case cannot be considered by the HC. "There are sufficient elements of public law. A contract to which the State is a party does not create an island completely immune from judicial review under Article 226 and 227," it said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Land grabbers in have targeted an ancestral property belonging to Christie Fernandes, father of the new British Home Secretary Suella Braverman, a top police official told IANS. An SIT headed by Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Nidhin Valsan was formed in July this year to look into complaints with regard to illegal land grabbing and conversion. Since its formation, the SIT has received many complaints. Valsan confirmed to IANS that Police have received a complaint from Christie Fernandes in regards to grabbing of his ancestral property in Assagao. The SIT has registered an FIR after receiving the complaint. Sources said that Fernandes, an Indian-origin resident of the UK, complained to the Police after he came to know that the SIT was formed to probe land grabbing cases. He has addressed complaints to the Chief Minister, the Director General of Police and the NRI Commissioner, Goa. Sources informed that the property belongs to Fernandes and other co-owners. The FIR has been registered under sections 419 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code. As the land grabbers have targeted properties of people living abroad, the SIT has urged people to recheck their records if the land is still in their possession, else they can file a complain. --IANS sbk/ksk/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) More than 2,100 cattle were found infected with the Lumpy skin disease across 10 districts of Madhya Pradesh, prompting the administration to ban the transportation of bovine animals in the affected parts of the state. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during a meeting held on Friday to review the situation arising out of the spread of the disease, directed the officials that the cattle being brought into MP from other states should be banned and that extra precaution should be taken in the adjoining areas of the disease-affected districts. The authorities have already banned the transportation of cattle in the affected areas and districts. Officials said that the major symptoms of this infectious viral disease affecting cattle, are fever, nasal and lacrimal discharge, ulcers in the eye, swollen lymph nodes and a drop in milk production. The disease has been confirmed in Ratlam, Ujjain, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Betul, Indore and Khandwa districts, they said. The symptoms of this disease have also been reported in animals in Dhar, Burhanpur, Jhabua, the officials said. As many as 2,171 cattle have been affected by this disease across 10 districts of state. Of these, the health of 1,717 animals has improved. So far 77, 534 animals have been vaccinated," an official said. The outbreak of the disease has been reported in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu-Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Since the disease is infectious, it is important to take preventive measures such as proper cleanliness of cowsheds and segregation of healthy animals from infected ones, experts have said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Saturday said needs to build resilience among people living in coastal areas with the changing climate across the globe. India's coastline is of immense strategic, economic and social importance to the country, he said. Addressing the first Conference on Sustainable Coastal Management in here, the minister said, "With the changing climate, we need to build the resilience of communities living in coastal areas." A programme on enhancing climate resilience of coastal communities is being implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the initiative is integrating ecosystem and community-based approaches to adaptation into coastal management and planning. Spanning 7,500 kilometres, India's coastline is the seventh longest in the world, and is home to 20 per cent of the country's population, he said. "Three of our four metropolitan cities lie on the coast. There is a great diversity of ecosystems within our coastal regions that support more than 17,000 species of plants and animals," Yadav said. The minister also stated that the conference is being held at an important time as has submitted its revised NDCs and seeks to create multi-sectoral partnerships to meet the targets. Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) embody efforts by each country to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of . The objective of the conference is to bring officials from all 13 coastal states of the country under one roof to focus on three interrelated themes of coastal and marine biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation and coastal pollution, an official said. The endeavour is aimed at creating a vibrant network of stakeholders so that they continue to engage with each other on various topics and themes such as coastal governance, technologies and innovation as well as domestic and international finance, he said. Data-driven policies and management frameworks, participatory conservation models, and convergence among stakeholders are the key pillars for effective coastal management, the official added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the government to pay Rs 12,000 crore as environmental compensation for improper management of solid and liquid waste. A bench headed by chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel held that the compensation under Section 15 of the NGT Act was necessary to "remedy" the continuing damage to the environment caused due to the shortcomings in . The bench, also comprising Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member Senthil Vel passed the order pursuant to the Supreme Court directions requiring the tribunal to monitor enforcement of solid and liquid norms. The bench said the decision became necessary to "remedy the continuing damage to the environment". It said that fixing liability was "necessary for restoration". "Without fixing quantified liability necessary for restoration, mere passing of orders has not shown any tangible results in the last eight years (for solid waste management) and five years (for liquid waste management), even after expiry of statutory/ laid down timelines," the bench said. It added that continuing damage was required to be prevented in future, and the past damage was to be restored. The NGT determined the compensation in respect of gap in treatment of liquid waste to be about Rs 10,840 crore, and in respect of un-remediated legacy waste to be around Rs 1,200 crore, and rounded the amount off to Rs 12,000 crore. The bench directed the state government of to deposit the amount in a separate ring-fenced account to be operated according to the directions of chief secretary and utilised for restoration measures. The restoration measures for sewage management would include establishing sewage treatment and utilisation systems, upgrading systems/operations to ensure full capacity utilisation, ensuring compliance with standards, including those for faecal coliform, and establishing proper faecal sewage and sludge management in rural areas, it said. In terms of solid waste management, the NGT said that the action plan involves the establishment of required waste processing units as well as the rehabilitation of 84 sites that have been overlooked. It added that the bioremediation/bio-mining process must be carried out in accordance with CPCB guidelines, and the stabilised organic waste from biomining as well as compost plants must meet laid down specifications. The bench also stated that the restoration plan must be executed in a time bound manner, and cautioned that if violations continued, additional compensation may be considered against the state. "Compliance will be the responsibility of the chief secretary," it said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The provisional gross for FY23 till September 8 stood at Rs 6.48 trillion, which is 35.5 per cent higher than the same period last year, the said in a statement on Friday. The governments ban on broken rice exports and restrictions on other grades of the cereal comes amid export gains that were at a multi-year high, shows a Business Standard analysis of trade data. Read more on these in our top headlines. Direct tax mop-up jumps 35.5% to Rs 6.48 trillion in FY23: Govt The provisional gross for FY23 till September 8 stood at Rs 6.48 trillion, which is 35.5 per cent higher than the same period last year, the said in a statement on Friday. Direct tax collections, net of refunds, stand at Rs 5.29 trillion, which is 30.2 per cent higher than the net collections for the corresponding period of last year, the ministry said, adding that this was 37.2 per cent of the net direct tax Budget Estimate for FY23. Read more India's broken rice exports had gained over 90% in FY22, shows data The governments ban on broken rice exports and restrictions on other grades of the cereal comes amid export gains that were at a multi-year high, shows a Business Standard analysis of trade data. While Indias exports of broken rice jumped 90.2 per cent to $1.1 billion in the financial year 2021-22 (FY22), they had been $595.7 million in FY21. The share of broken rice in overall rice exports had risen from 6.7 per cent in FY21 to 11.7 per cent in FY22 (chart 1). Read more India opts out of trade talks with a US-led group of Asian nations India opted out of trade talks with a US-led group of Asian nations, again avoiding easing access to its markets via a multi-country deal, while moving ahead with the others in areas including supply chains and clean energy. The South Asian nation was the only participant in the 14-nation Indo-Pacific Economy Framework that didnt sign on to the groups negotiation track on trade, according to statements released after two days of meetings in Los Angeles. Read more Crowdfunding under govt's Ni-kshay Mitra comes to the aid of TB eradication The crowdfunding model a large number of people contributing small amounts for a common purpose usually through a website made its way into public healthcare on Friday as President Droupadi Murmu launched the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative that seeks to ensure adequate and nutritional food for those being treated for (TB). Each food-basket is likely to cost Rs 1,000-1,200 a month to the donor. There are 1.3 million people being treated for TB in India, of which 890,000 have already agreed to be part of this programme. The Centre expects this initiative will help in achieving the target of eliminating TB by 2025. Read more High EU gas costs, an opportunity for Indian chemical companies Theres an interesting investment thesis arising out of the squeeze on Russian gas supplies to the EU. Europes chemicals producers, which depend on Russian natural gas for feedstock, are struggling. At the same time, gas shortages have led to a sharp spike in electricity tariffs. As a result, EU production of chemicals, such as ammonia, caprolactam, methanol, and melamine, has been drastically curtailed. Since the EU is a large producer of ammonia, this results in downstream shortages in industries like nitrogen-based fertilisers and other chemicals like caustic soda and soda ash, which are vital for downstream industries. Read more Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will visit the cloudburst-hit areas of Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district on Sunday and meet the affected people in Khotila village. The cloudburst that occurred past midnight in a border village of Nepal triggered a flash flood in Khotila village on the Indian side as surging waters of the Kali river rushed into homes, filling them with sludge and killing a woman. The body of Pashupati Devi, resident of Khotila village, was later pulled out of the sludge that had choked her house after the flooding of the river, Pithoragarh District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan 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 Cabinet on Friday decided to take away the responsibility of conducting recruitment to 7,000 government posts from the state Subordinate Service Selection Commission as the body is facing a probe in a paper leak case. The government handed over the responsibility to the State Commission. It has been done to maintain probity and transparency in recruitment examinations, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said. The chief minister has asked the State Commission to issue a calendar of recruitment examinations to be held in and start the process. (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.) Lauding the nation's exceptional nature of human resources, Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday expressed happiness and said Indians are now widely recognized. "The outstanding quality of our human genius and innovative attitude and unparalleled perseverance is now well known all over the world. The exceptional nature of human resources available amongst Indians is now widely recognised," said Dhankar. Referring to the focal role played by Indians in the success of reputed MNCs such as Google, Microsoft, Twitter, IBM, MasterCard and Starbucks, he highlighted that the outstanding quality of our human genius and innovative attitude is now well known all over the world. Addressing a gathering after felicitating the winners at an awards function in New Delhi today, the said that since ancient times, India has produced outstanding luminaries in the field of Mathematics, Science, Astronomy, Philosophy and linguistics. He noted that the improvements in the governance framework and other catalytic initiatives in recent years have created an enabling environment to nurture and develop the inherent latent talent in various remote corners of our country. Mentioning that many of the change makers honoured today come from ordinary backgrounds, he wanted such extraordinary human resources to be recognised and brought to the centre stage. "It should be our collective endeavour as an ambitious nation to quickly identify and meaningfully leverage the potential of these exceptional individuals," he added. Earlier on August 28, while noting the dynamic leadership of UNGA President and Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar praised his work in revitalizing the UN and added that his visit to India will further bolster the multi-faceted ties with the Maldives. "His dynamic leadership of the 76th UNGA and his Presidency priorities, in particular on revitalizing the UN, have universal appeal. We are confident that his visit would further strengthen India's close and multi-faceted ties with the Maldives," said Dhankhar while welcoming Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid. Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, on Sunday, called on the United Nations General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid and discussed further deepening of India's relations with the Maldives. Secretary Kwatra congratulated the UNGA President on his 'Presidency of Hope' and for his visionary leadership in the 76th session of the UNGA. Notably, in November, the UNGA president launched the President of the General Assembly's (PGA) Harnessing Opportunities for Promoting Empowerment of Youth Fellowship - the PGA's Fellowship for HOPE. (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.) told Inc. that a $7 million severance payment to a whistle-blower who raised questions about problems at the company gives him another reason to walk away from his $44 billion purchase of the social media platform. Musk is trying to terminate his acquisition of after claiming the platform misled him and investors about the number of spam and bot accounts among its more than 230 million users. counters that Musks bot concerns are a pretext to get out of a deal in which the worlds richest person allegedly developed buyers remorse. Musks lawyers, in a filing Friday, said as part of the purchase deal, Twitter needed to notify the billionaire before it spent $7.75 million in a separation agreement on June 28 with Peiter Zatko, the companys former security chief. Musks lawyers said they learned of Zatkos agreement Sept. 3 when Twitter filed paperwork in court. Zatko is scheduled to testify before a US Senate committee next week on his concerns about lax security, privacy issues and the number of bots on the platform. He has been subpoenaed to testify in the Twitter lawsuit, as well. Both sides are gearing up for an October trial of Twitters lawsuit to force Musk to consummate the deal. Delaware Chancery Judge Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick on Wednesday approved Musks request to add Zatkos allegations to his counterclaims. But she denied his bid to delay the trial. Twitter representatives didnt immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Its the third time Musk has told Twitter officials hes withdrawing his $54.20-per-share bid for the platform because of violations of the buyout agreement covering the transactions. This severance payment violated the requirement that Twitter executives run the company in the ordinary course of business while the legal dispute over Musks efforts to torpedo the deal are hashed out. The case is Twitter v. Musk, 22-0613, Delaware Chancery Court (Wilmington). As the United Kingdom mourns a beloved queen, the nation is already wondering how King Charles III will reign and whether his monarchy will depart from the traditions of his mother. If his first full day on the throne is any indication, Charles seemed ready to chart at least a slightly different course. When Charles travelled to Buckingham Palace for the first time as the new king Friday, his limousine snaked through a sea of spectators then stopped short of the palace gates before he got out and shook hands with well-wishers. Charles looked more like a US president on the campaign trail than the latest steward of a 1,000-year-old hereditary monarchy. It's not that didn't meet her subjects. She did, often. But this felt different a bit less formal, a bit more relaxed. Charles spent almost 10 minutes greeting people pressed up against the crowd-control barriers, smiling, waving, accepting condolences and the occasional bouquet of flowers as the audience broke out in a chorus of God Save the King. After inspecting the tributes to his mother lined up outside the palace, he waved once more and walked through the gates with Camilla, the Queen Consort. It was impressive, touching, a good move to come out to the crowds, said Ammar Al-Baldawi, 64, a retiree from Hertfordshire who was among the throngs outside the palace. I think that's where the royal family needs to communicate with the people now." There are more difficult issues ahead, most pressingly how the 73-year-old king will carry out his role as head of state. The laws and traditions that govern Britain's constitutional monarchy dictate that the sovereign must stay out of partisan politics, but Charles has spent much of his adult life speaking out on issues that are important to him, particularly the environment and development. His words have caused friction with politicians and business leaders who accused the then-Prince of Wales of meddling in issues on which he should have remained silent. The question is whether Charles will follow his mother's example and muffle his personal opinions now that he is king, or use his new platform to reach a broader audience. In his first speech as monarch, Charles sought to put his critics at ease. My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities,'' he said. It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of ." Ed Owens, a historian and author of The Family Firm: Monarchy, Mass Media and the British Public, 1932-53, said it's unlikely Charles will suddenly stop talking about climate change and the environment issues where there is a broad consensus about the urgent need for action. That may push the boundaries of what a constitutional monarchy looks like, he said. Such vigorous promotion of the consensus is something we're going to see that is going to be different compared to his mother's reign, Owens said before Charles became king. John Kerry, the US special envoy for climate, said he hopes Charles will continue speaking out about climate change because it is a universal issue that doesn't involve ideology. Kerry was in Scotland to meet with the Prince of Wales this week, but the session was cancelled when the queen died. It doesn't mean he's involved in the daily broil of politics or speaking for a specific piece of legislation, Kerry told the BBC. But I can't imagine him not feeling compelled to use the important role of the monarch, with all the knowledge he has about it, to speak out and urge the world to do the things the world needs to do. Constitutional lawyers have debated for years whether Charles has pushed the boundaries of conventions designed to keep the monarchy out of the political fray. His so-called Black Spider Memos named for his spidery handwriting to government ministers have been cited as evidence that he wouldn't be neutral in his dealings with Parliament. The debate has also spilled over into fiction. In the 2014 play King Charles III, playwright Mike Bartlett imagines the new king, uncertain of his powers and moved by his conscience, causing a constitutional crisis by refusing to sign a new law restricting press freedom. It is an illustration of the tensions inherent in a system that evolved from an absolute monarchy to one in which the sovereign plays a largely ceremonial role. While Britain's unwritten constitution requires that legislation must receive royal assent before it becomes law, this is considered a formality that the monarch cannot refuse. In an interview for a 2018 documentary broadcast on his 70th birthday, Charles said he would behave differently when he became king because the monarch has a different role than the Prince of Wales. Even so, he questioned the criticism he has received over the years. I've always been intrigued if it's meddling to worry about the inner cities, as I did 40 years ago, and what was happening or not happening there, the conditions in which people were living, he wondered. If that's meddling, I'm very proud of it. On another issue facing the new king, Charles has said clearly that he intends to reduce the number of working royals and cut expenses as he seeks to ensure the monarchy better represents modern Britain. Robert Lacey, a royal historian and adviser on the Netflix series The Crown, said this initiative underscores the important role of Prince William, who is now heir to the throne. William has already made the environment one of his primary issues, and he is likely to take an even more prominent role in this area now that his father is king, Lacey told the BBC. But there is another clue to the new king's plans for his reign, and that's his choice of a name. Before Elizabeth's time, there was a tradition that British monarch's would choose a new name when they ascended the throne. Charles' grandfather, for instance was known as Bertie before he became King George VI. There was some thought Charles would choose to be known as King George VII in honour of his grandfather. But Charles rejected the idea and kept his own name. That's a clear message that the king will continue to champion the causes he backed as Prince of Wales, Lacey said. It was his father, Prince Philip, who identified ways in which the neutral monarchy could advocate for youth development and the environment "really important causes that they could push forward without being accused of partisanship, he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Health has approved Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine to immunise children under the age of five. The federal health department updated information of the approved vaccines on its website saying that available data supported the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine in preventing Covid in the age group of six months through four years, reports Xinhua news agency. The benefit-risk profile of the vaccine was considered favourable in that age group for use as a 3-dose primary series with two doses given three weeks apart followed by a third dose given at least eight weeks after the second dose. It's the second vaccine approved for that age group after Health approved Moderna's Spikevax in July. Last week, Health approved an adapted version of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine, known as a bivalent vaccine, to target both the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Omicron (BA.1) variant as a booster dose in individuals aged 18 and above. --IANS ksk/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Canada's rate rose to 5.4 per cent in August for the first time in seven months, Statistics has said. The rate, up 0.5 percentage points from the record low of 4.9 per cent observed in June and July, was the first increase not coinciding with a tightening of public health restrictions since May 2020, when the rate reached its pandemic peak, Xinhua news agency cited the national statistical agency as saying. The unemployment rate increased for four of the six main demographic groups in August, including young men aged 15 to 24, women aged 55 and older, core-aged men, and core-aged women. It was little changed among young women and older men, the agency said. The adjusted unemployment rate, which includes people who wanted a job but did not look for one, rose 0.5 percentage points to 7.3 per cent in August. This increase was largely due to the rise in the number of unemployed, rather than an increase in those who were outside the labour force but wanted work, according to the agency. Long-term unemployment, the number of people who had been continuously unemployed for 27 weeks or more, rose by 22,000, or 13.7 per cent in August, offsetting a similar size decline in July. Long-term unemployment expressed as a proportion of the total labour force was 0.9 per cent in August, the same as its February 2020 pre-pandemic level, the agency said. The unemployment rate of very recent immigrants has a particular impact on labour market conditions in Canada's largest cities, which attract a disproportionate share of new arrivals. In both the Toronto and Montreal economic regions, the unemployment rate surpassed the national average in August, said Statistics . --IANS int/shs (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) King Charles III pledged lifelong service to his subjects in his first televised address to the nation as monarch, in which he paid tribute to his late mother . To my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you, he said. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest. In the pre-recorded message to and the Commonwealth, the King also acknowledged the moment of change felt by Britons and in his own Royal Family. He suggested that given his new responsibilities, his own public interventions -- he has made his views known on issues from architecture to the environment -- would become a thing of the past. Yet he also said his heir, Prince William, would assume the role of trying to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given. He continued: I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas. Earlier, Charles had arrived at Buckingham Palace as the UK entered a period of national mourning, stopping his car before it went through the gates and walking among the gathered, shaking their hands and receiving their condolences. It was a notable and deliberate move, signaling the new head of state is determined to show he would follow his mothers example by maintaining a close relationship between the Royal Family and the public. The King will hold a private audience with Liz Truss later on Friday. The UKs new prime minister -- who only took office herself on Tuesday -- will also give a reading at a remembrance service at St. Pauls Cathedral. Charles automatically became King as soon as the Queen died, but formal recognition will come at a meeting of the so-called Accession Council at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Buckingham Palace will also announce the date and details of the Queens funeral arrangements on Saturday, it said in the statement. US President Joe Biden will be among the world leaders who will attend her funeral. In a little over a weeks time we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest, Charles said in his address. In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example. Finance and economy ministers of the (EU) member states have agreed to support the swift adoption of additional financial assistance to Ukraine to the tune of 5 billion euros. "The new loan of 5 billion euros will be used for the day-to-day running of the state and to ensure the operation of the country's critical infrastructure, such as offices, schools and hospitals," Czech Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura said in a statement on Friday after the first day of an informal meeting of the member states' ministers and central bank governors. Stanjura added that he would also push for "a swift agreement on the provision of the remaining 3 billion euros". The EU has pledged 9 billion euros in assistance for Ukraine. In early August, Ukraine received 1 billion euros of the aid package in two tranches. Besides the loan package, the participants of the meeting also discussed here ways to protect citizens from high energy prices. "The current situation on energy markets requires an immediate EU-wide solution," Stanjura was quoted as saying in the statement. "Personally, I consider it reasonable to cap prices at European level for electricity from sources other than gas, which generates huge profits -- and also to separate electricity prices from gas prices," he said. The Czech Minister further said that his country is aiming to present a new set of measures next week, which it expects would work alongside any EU-level solution to be agreed by the member states. --IANS ksk/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Taliban's Finance Ministry in wants its employees to be more than number crunchers -- it's requiring that everyone in its ranks must pass a test of faith to stay employed, a media report said. A letter has been issued detailing orders for all employees to be given a test to gauge their knowledge of Islam. The letter, which bore stamps and insignias and was signed by officials, was delivered by the ministry's Directorate of Invitation and Guidance, RFE/RL reported. It says all ministry employees are required to take the test, which appears to be based on a 10-page booklet that covers issues related to Islam. The booklet, which was reviewed by RFE/RL, addresses 53 topics, ranging from asking to describe the five pillars of Islam are to explaining the difference between a prophet and a messenger of God to describing the signs that Judgment Day has arrived. According to the ministry source, who did not give his name due to fears of retribution, the booklet is being distributed to employees before they take the test. One ministry employee, also speaking on condition of anonymity, wrote by text message that he took the seven-question test last week and was awaiting the results. During its first stint in power from 1996 to 2001, the also tested the religious knowledge of state employees who were not members of the hard-line group. But this is the first time the has quizzed public employees since it regained power in August 2021. In July, the Finance Ministry requested that female employees send a male relative to work in their stead, in keeping with the Taliban government's decision to bar most women from working in the public sector and government. Only women in the health and education sectors are permitted to work. The ministry said it had made the request in order to speed up processes and reduce pressures on employees, RFE/RL reported. --IANS san/arm (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.) Tourism in Greece, a vital pillar of the country's economy, is on track to yield record high revenues this year, exceeding pre-Covid levels, according to officials. "2022 has been an amazing year for Greek tourism... I'm very happy to say that both branded and alternative destinations, both on islands and the mainland, were full of travellers and tourists this year, and we are set to surpass this year the numbers recorded in 2019, which has so far been a record year in tourism," Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias told Xinhua news agency. In 2019, registered 32 million arrivals and some 18 billion euros in tourism-related revenues, according to Bank of (BoG) data. The data so far this year indicates a strong comeback. Tourism-related revenues were 224.5 per cent higher in June and 329.3 per cent higher in January-June 2022 than in the corresponding periods of 2021, according to the latest BoG announcement. Compared with 2019, tourism-related revenues increased by 2.3 per cent in June 2022. A recent analysis by local lender Alpha Bank expects Greece's tourism-related revenues to reach 20 billion euros this year, thanks to a travel frenzy after travel restrictions were lifted, giving a significant boost to the Greek GDP. "After two very difficult years for tourism, we had an extremely positive rebound this year that helps us a lot and helps the Greek a lot. As a sector we usually account for 25 per cent of the GDP, this is a very big number for a national economy," Alexandros Vassilikos, president of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH), told Xinhua on Friday. Tourism was a key driver in of the 7.7 per cent GDP growth in the second quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 2021, according to data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). The impressive performance of Greek tourism -- despite prevailing challenges, such as the simmering Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and the energy crisis -- is the result of good planning, hard work and collaboration among all players, according to Kikilias. However, there are many challenges lying ahead, such as the upscale of tourism infrastructure to accommodate more visitors, which requires the implementation of a strong strategy, the minister said. "Circumstances are still very peculiar, which leaves a lot of question marks for the future. Nonetheless, we are extremely positive about the future," Vassilikos said. --IANS ksk/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UN chief Antonio Guterres on Saturday exhorted the community to step up efforts to help flood-ravaged rebuild resilient communities and infrastructure to resist future disasters, while conceding "what the UN is doing in is a drop in the ocean of what is needed." Secretary General Guterres made these remarks in Sukkur in Pakistan's Sindh province, where he was visiting flood-hit areas. Taking an aerial view of the flood-affected regions along with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the UN chief termed the flood devastation 'unimaginable'. Countries vulnerable to climate change, including Pakistan, must be supported to rebuild resilient communities and infrastructure to resist future disasters, Guterres said, as he rounded-off the two-day solidarity trip to the country. He said that there needs to be a serious discussion on loss and damages as "what the UN is doing in is a drop in the ocean of what is needed." "We are perfectly aware of our limited capacity and our resources. But you can absolutely be sure about one thing: we are in total solidarity with the Pakistani people, Geo TV quoted him as saying. The UN chief said that he will ask the community to ensure that they help Pakistan "now" while vowing to raise awareness about the disastrous situation, the report said. Last week, the UN had launched an appeal for USD 160 million in aid for Pakistan. In a tweet, the UNSG said developing nations were paying a "horrific price" for the world's reliance on fossil fuels. "Pakistan and other developing countries are paying a horrific price for the intransigence of big emitters that continue to bet on fossil fuels," Guterres said. "From Islamabad, I am issuing a global appeal: Stop the madness. Invest in renewable energy now. End the war with nature, he added. Guterres said on Friday that are estimated to have caused about USD 30 billion in economic losses to Pakistan. He said that there was no memory of anything similar to what has happened with the impact of climate change in Pakistan and added the number of losses and victims was appalling. Nearly 1,400 people have died in flooding that has inundated a third of the country, wiped-out crops and displaced more than 33 million. The UN secretary general called the lack of global attention to climate change "insanity". "This is insanity, this is collective suicide," Guterres told a news conference here. The massive losses from the catastrophic monsoon rains and in Pakistan, the war in Ukraine and other factors may force it to slash its GDP growth rate for the financial year 2022-2023 from five per cent to three per cent, according to government estimates. Meanwhile, the WHO has airlifted emergency medical supplies to Pakistan, while the US has announced an additional USD 20 million in financial aid for flood relief, the Express Tribune newspaper reported. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The death of has triggered a series of carefully structured ceremonial and constitutional steps, as Britain undergoes a period of national mourning and heralds the reign of King Charles III. The long-established 10-day plan, code-named Operation London Bridge, has been adapted to the specific circumstances of the queen's death in Scotland, and some details haven't been publicly confirmed. Here is a look at what will happen in the coming days. Friday, September 9 King Charles III and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, travelled from Balmoral Castle in Scotland to London. At noon, church bells rang at Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral and across the country in honour of the queen. Also at noon, Parliament held a special session so lawmakers can pay tribute to the queen. A 1 pm, gun salutes were fired in London's Hyde Park and at military sites around the country, one round for reach of the 96 years of the queen's life. During afternoon, the king meets with new Prime Minister Liz Truss. 6 p.m. The king makes a televised address to the nation. 6 pm A service of remembrance is held at St. Paul's Cathedral for the queen. Saturday, September 10 At 10 am, King Charles meets at St. James's Palace with senior officials known as the Accession Council and is officially proclaimed king. At 11 am, an official reads the proclamation aloud from a balcony at St. James's Palace. It is also read out in other locations across the . Around 1 pm, the Parliament holds a second day of tributes to the queen. Subsequent days: The queen's body is moved from Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands to Edinburgh, where the coffin is likely to rest at Holyrood Palace before being moved to St. Giles' Cathedral so members of the public can pay their respects. The coffin will be transported by train or plane to London. The queen will then lie in state for several days in Parliament's Westminster Hall, where the public will again be able to pay their respects. A state funeral at Westminster Abbey will be attended by leaders and dignitaries from around the world. The period of national mourning will end the day after the queen's funeral. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) has not yet agreed to the commitments of the trade pillar of the 14-member Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and will wait for further clarity on the issue, a top official said on Friday. Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal attended the first in-person ministerial meeting of the two-day IPEF, which concluded here. The IPEF was launched jointly by the US and other partner countries of the Indo-Pacific region on May 23 in Tokyo. It seeks to strengthen economic partnership among participating countries with the objective of enhancing resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness and competitiveness in the region. The 14 members of the IPEF are -- Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the US. The framework is structured around four pillars relating to trade, supply chains, clean economy, and fair economy. " has agreed to the remaining three pillars (supply chains, clean economy, and fair economy). We are not yet clear on the binding commitments of the trade pillar. So we will wait and see what are the commitments set out in further deliberations and we will act accordingly," the official said. cannot agree on free agriculture trade, but if it is about high standards of export, "we are agreeable. India has stood up to its own interest and we can't be arm-twisted like other smaller countries," the official added. India will act in national interest, the official said, adding India can opt after it is clear about the commitments. Goyal has earlier stated that India will take decisions on different aspects of IPEF based on its national interest. Another official said that all the member countries will focus on tangible outcomes. "Right now, the forum's focus is on policy and rules and not so much on market access. So, we will be keeping track of the discussions at the official level and decide on our next course of action," the official added. Meanwhile speaking at a press briefing, US secretary of commerce Gina Raimondo too said that India is not participating in the trade pillar. She added that the next ministerial meet may happen in the beginning of next year sometime. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India opted out of talks with a US-led group of Asian nations, again avoiding easing access to its markets via a multi-country deal, while moving ahead with the in areas including supply chains and clean energy. The South Asian nation was the only participant in the 14-nation Indo-Pacific Economy Framework that didnt sign on to the groups negotiation track on trade, according to statements released after two days of meetings in Los Angeles. Known as IPEF, the initiative is an effort by President Joe Bidens administration to deepen ties with Asian nations through a range of issues including trade, climate change, supply chains and taxation. Its also among US levers to counter Chinas rising influence, although US officials have stressed that they arent asking partners to choose between Washington and Beijing. India made a similar move in 2019, when it decided to exit talks on the China-backed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the worlds largest regional free- agreement that includes nearly a third of global population and gross domestic product. Prime Minister said at the time that he pulled out over concerns about how RCEP would affect the livelihoods of Indians, particularly the most vulnerable. US officials in a briefing Friday said New Delhis decision not to join demonstrated the flexibility built in to the IPEF framework, with US Representative Katherine Tai adding that bilateral trade talks will continue between the US and India. Indias commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, said in a briefing that the benefits to India are still unclear from trade commitments related to issues around the environment, labor and digital trade, and that it wants to avoid any conditions that will harm developing countries. He added that India will stay engaged and wait for the final contours to be decided before we formally associate with the trade track. After launching in May, representatives from IPEF nations met for the first time this week to define their main negotiation tracks. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, speaking at the same briefing, said that theres no consensus yet on when IPEF would complete negotiations on its four tracks, or pillars. In addition to trade, those were labeled Friday as supply chains; clean economy, which focuses on the transition to renewable energy and fighting climate change; and fair economy, which includes taxation and corruption issues. All 14 countries signed on to those three. The countries are working on a really aggressive timeline, Raimondo said. In May, a US official said that the Biden administration was aiming to have substantive commitments in about 12 to 18 months. Raimondo added Friday it would be positive to have IPEF pillars agreed to by November 2023, when the US hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Partnership forum, which promotes free trade. Theres such eagerness to get the back in the region in a big way, Deputy US Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi told reporters. Theres just a view that if we can do an executive agreement that we all sign on to, that it really will be durable and lasting and wont have to go through some of the more political aspects of our system. Union Minister for Commerce and Industry said on Saturday said that fruitful discussions had been held over the course of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Ministerial meeting to bring together a group of like-minded, rules-based, transparent countries with a shared interest in an open Indo-Pacific region. Highlighting that India had engaged very exhaustively in all the various streams of discussion, Goyal in an official statement said that on three out of four pillars related to supply chains, tax and anti-corruption and clean energy, India was comfortable with the outcome and text and has joined the declaration. On one pillar, which deals primarily with trade, the Minister said that the contours of the framework - particularly on commitments required on environment, labour, digital trade and public procurement -- are still emerging. "We have to see what benefits member countries will derive and whether any conditionalities on aspects like environment may discriminate against developing countries who have the imperative to provide low cost and affordable energy to meet the needs of our growing economy, the Minister, who is in United States, said in a statement. Goyal also underscored that India was in the process of firming up its own digital framework and laws, particularly regarding privacy and data and said that therefore India, while continuing to engage with the trade track in the IPEF, will wait for the final contours to be energe. In the meantime, officials will be participating in the discussions with an open mind and in the best interest of the people and businesses in India, he added. Responding to a query, the minister said that certain responsibilities of the developed world should also be an integral part of any such agreement and that is a matter that will require deeper engagement. Goyal also complimented all the member countries for the speed with which, from launch in May to first ministerial laying down the broad contours of future engagements have been drawn up in September. The Minister also complimented the US and both the US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai for their unwavering commitment in making IPEF a success and for the inclusive nature of discussions. "They have both been very supportive to India throughout the discussions and negotiations," he said in the statement. The Minister expressed confidence that together this group of 14 countries will define the rules of trade among countries which believe in fair play, transparency and rules-based trading in the future. Goyal also met Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell on the side-lines of IPEF meet in Los Angeles on Saturday. "Our trade and investment ties have strengthened with the signing of Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. Discussed ways to further boost bilateral trade & cooperation under the IPEF", he tweeted. The Minister interacted with Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs of Indonesia, Airlangga Hartarto on the side-lines of the Ministerial meet. "Discussed expanding bilateral trade & investment under IPEF, giving further impetus to economic cooperation between India & Indonesia," the Minister tweeted. Goyal also visited the Los Angeles Port, one of the busiest seaports in the world. "It is the right time to invest in India's ports sector that is being expanded & upgraded to strengthen logistics. India & US look to deepen trade & investment ties & build resilient global supply chains", he tweeted. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) was launched jointly by the USA and other partner countries of the Indo-Pacific region on May 23, 2022, in Tokyo. (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 federal judge ordered the Biden administration to reinstate a drilling lease that has been in dispute for decades on land near the Blackfeet Indian Reservation that is considered sacred to Native American tribes in the US and . The 10-square-mile (25-square-kilometer) oil and gas lease in the Badger-Two Medicine area of northwestern Montana was first issued in 1982. It was cancelled in 2016 under then-US Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, at the request of the Blackfoot tribes and conservation groups. There have been efforts to declare the area a national monument or make it a cultural heritage area, and tribal leaders have bitterly opposed drilling in recent decades. But US District Judge Richard Leon on Friday said Jewell lacked the authority to withdraw the lease so many years after it was sold and after several prior studies examined the environmental and other impacts of drilling in the area. He ordered Interior Department officials to reinstate the lease and a issue a drilling permit to Solenex LLC, the Louisiana company that holds the lease. It is time to put an end to this interminable, and insufferable, bureaucratic chess match, Leon wrote in his 36-page decision. The Badger-Two-Medicine is adjacent to Glacier National Park and is the site of the creation story of the Blackfoot tribes of southern and Montana's Blackfeet Nation. The Blackfeet had intervened in the case on the side of the government, and tribal Historic Preservation Officer John Murray said the fight against drilling would continue. We have lived under this kind of reckless threat to our sacred lands for decades, and we will never surrender to roads and drill rigs in the Badger-Two Medicine, Murray said. Solenex founder Sidney Longwell, who died last year, bought the lease but never drilled on the site. Instead, Longwell confronted major bureaucratic delays within the US departments of Interior and Agriculture that prompted the company to sue in 2013. Interior department officials did not immediately respond to the ruling. Judge Leon criticized government officials for adopting the Blackfeet Tribe's position that drilling had the potential to affect the power and spirituality of the area without explaining what those effects were. He also rejected the claim from officials that the impacts to tribal resources could not be lessened if drilling occurred. (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.) British Prime Minister Liz Truss spoke to Prime Minister on Saturday and agreed on the vital importance of the India-UK bilateral relationship. In their first phone call since Truss assumed office earlier this week, Modi conveyed his condolences on the death of Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of all Indians and paid tribute to the 96-year-old late monarch's lifetime of service. The two leaders said they looked forward to meeting in person in the near future. The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister this afternoon, following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, Downing Street said in a readout of the phone call. "The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Modi for his heartfelt condolences, which he said were on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians. The leaders acknowledged the grief felt by the many people of the UK and India, and paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen's lifetime of service, the statement said. The two agreed on the vital importance of the UK-India relationship and looked forward to meeting in person in the near future, it added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The explosive Mosquito Fire burning in the foothills east of Sacramento, capital city of the western US' California, grew to 29,585 acres (119.7 square km) on Friday noon, some 60 hours after it was first reported on Tuesday evening. "Today the Mosquito Fire showed extreme fire behavior and growth, more than quadrupling in size," the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said in its latest briefing, adding that aircraft continued to have difficulty accurately mapping the fire's perimeter due to heavy smoke, Xinhua news agency reported. The blaze has continued to erupt in size, up from 13,700 acres (55.4 square km) reported Thursday evening and 6,900 acres (27.9 square km) Thursday morning. Some 1,700 personnel were assigned to the huge wildfire as of Thursday evening, according to Cal Fire. The Forest Service said more than 260 bulldozers are working on the scene. As of Thursday evening, local authorities said the blaze was threatening 3,666 structures in El Dorado and Placer counties, while Georgetown, a historic gold rush town of close to 3,000 residents, was listed on the evacuation map. California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday evening declared a state of emergency for El Dorado and Placer counties due to the Mosquito Fire. A state of emergency was also declared early this week in Riverside County for Fairview Fire burning in Southern California, which consumed 27,463 acres (111.1 square km) of land as of Friday noon. --IANS int/shs (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepal's Council of Ministers on Friday evening has announced three days of national mourning over the demise of who took her last breath on Thursday. The government of expressed deep sorrow over the demise of and wished for eternal peace for the departed soul. Also, the meeting announced to fly the national flag at half-mast in government offices and Nepali embassies and missions abroad for three days (September 10-12) to mourn the demise of Elizabeth II. President of Nepal, Bidya Devi Bhandari and Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka also visited the British Embassy in Kathmandu on Friday to sign the book of condolence on the passing away of . Writing a message in the condolence book, the President extended heartfelt condolences to King Charles III, the Royal Family and the friendly Government and people of the United Kingdom. The President stated that the late Queen was a devoted and compassionate guardian for the United Kingdom and for she was a great well-wisher. "President also sent today a message of condolence to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom. In her message, the President stated that this tragedy has stunned not only the United Kingdom but also the people around the world who knew the late Queen as a caring leader and a great human being. The President also stated that the late Queen's rich legacy of public service would be remembered for years to come," a release from Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated. Recalling the State Visits of Queen Elizabeth to in 1961 and 1986, the President mentioned that the late Queen's contribution to strengthening the bond of the Nepal-UK relationship was immense. Likewise, in his condolence message to Elizabeth Truss MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba also paid tribute to the late Queen as a respected world leader who distinguished herself with duty, honour and service to the nation and humanity. "Recalling the contributions made by the late Queen to the strengthening of Nepal-UK relations and her close connection with Nepal represented by her two State Visits, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister stated that in her passing away, Nepal has lost a great admirer and friend," the release further added. Separately, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Narayan Khadka has also sent a message of condolence to James Cleverly MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, expressing profound sorrow on the demise of Queen Elizabeth II. (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.) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for efforts to protect the right to in his message for the Day to Protect from Attack. is a fundamental human right and "an essential driver for achieving peace and sustainable development," the top UN official was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. Unfortunately, this right continues to fall under attack, especially in conflict-affected areas, he said. "Classrooms must remain places of peace and learning," Guterres noted. In 2020 and 2021, the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack reported over 5,000 assaults and cases of military use of schools and universities. And more than 9,000 students and educators were killed, abducted, arbitrarily arrested, or injured, the majority of whom were women and girls. "These attacks deprive millions of vulnerable learners from accessing education and increase the risk of sexual violence and child recruitment by armed groups. They must stop immediately," said the UN chief. Guterres welcomed steps taken by many countries to protect educational institutions and urged "all member states to endorse and implement the Safe Schools Declaration." " law and humanitarian law obligations must be respected. We must pursue monitoring, investigate all attacks and hold perpetrators to account," he said. In marking the international day and in the lead up to the Transforming Education Summit, which will be convened at the UN headquarters in New York from September 16 to 19, Guterres encouraged everyone to "act together to guarantee safe education for all." Attacks on education and military use of schools increased by one-third in 2020 compared to 2019, and maintained the same rate in 2021. Six attacks on education or incidents of military use occurred each day. Explosive weapons were used in around one-fifth of all reported attacks on education during the reporting period, according to the United Nations. The International Day to Protect Education from Attack, which aims to raise awareness to preserve education and protect it from attacks, is observed on September 9 every year. --IANS int/shs (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) has been depicted on British banknotes and coins for decades. Her portrait also has been featured on currencies in dozens of other places around the world, in a reminder of the British empire's colonial reach. So what happens next after her death this week? It will take time for the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries to swap out the monarchs on their money. But that doesn't mean the bills don't work they do. Here's a look at what is next for the paper cash featuring the late queen: SWITCHING MONARCHS The queen's portrait on British notes and coins is expected to replaced by a likeness of the new King Charles III, but it won't be immediate. Current banknotes featuring the image of Her Majesty The Queen will continue to be legal tender, the Bank of England said. An announcement on existing paper money issued by the UK's central bank will be made after the official 10-day mourning period has ended, it said. The Royal Mint, which is the official maker of British coins, said all coins with her portrait remain legal tender and in circulation, with more information to come later. As we respect this period of respectful mourning, we continue to strike coins as usual, the Royal Mint said on its website. With 4.7 billion UK banknotes worth 82 billion pounds ($95 billion) in circulation and about 29 billion coins, British money bearing the queen's image will likely be in circulation for years. Rather than all of the current coins and notes being handed in, the process will be a gradual one and many of the coins featuring portraits of will remain in circulation for many years to come, according to Coin Expert, a British coin research website. After Charles takes the crown at his coronation, a new portrait will need to be taken to use on redesigned notes and coins, the website said. Coins featuring him will show him facing to the left, replacing the queen's rightward gaze in line with tradition dating to the 17th century. It dictates monarchs be shown in profile and in opposite direction to their predecessors. WHAT ABOUT OTHER COUNTRIES? Other nations' currencies that feature the queen from Australian, Canadian and Belizean dollars also will be updated with the new monarch, but the process could take longer, because it is much easier to enforce a new design in the country where it originates, rather than in other countries where different jurisdiction may take place, the Coin Expert website said. The Bank of Canada said its current $20 banknote, made of synthetic polymer, is designed to circulate for years to come. There is no legislative requirement to change the design within a prescribed period when the Monarch changes, the Bank of Canada said. In general, when a new portrait subject is chosen for Canadian money, the process begins with drawing up a fresh design, and a new note is ready to be issued a few years later, the bank said. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand said it will issue all of its stock of coins depicting the queen before new ones go out with Charles' image. The queen also is featured on the $20 bill, which is made infrequently" and there is no plan to destroy stock or shorten the life of existing banknotes just because they show the Queen," the bank said. It will be several years before we need to introduce coins featuring King Charles the Third, and longer until stocks of $20 notes are exhausted," it added. THE QUEEN'S CURRENCY She first appeared on money when she was still a princess. That was in 1935, when Canada's $20 bill featured 8-year-old Princess Elizabeth, whose grandfather King George V was then the monarch, as part of a new series of notes. Canadian $20 bills were updated with a new portrait of the queen in 1954, a year after her coronation, and her portrait also started appearing on other currencies around the world, mainly British colonies and Commonwealth countries. British bills didn't get her image until 1960 seven years after her coronation. That's when the Bank of England was granted permission to use her likeness on paper money, starting with the 1-pound note, though the formal and regal image was criticised for being too severe and unrealistic. She became the first monarch to be depicted on British banknotes. British coins, meanwhile, have featured kings and queens for more than 1,000 years. CURRENCIES OUTSIDE THE UK At one time, appeared on at least 33 different currencies, more than any other monarch, an achievement noted by Guinness World Records. Her image is still featured on money in places where she remains a beloved figure, such as Canada, and continue to incorporate the Union Jack into their flags, like Australia and New Zealand. She's also found on notes and coins issued by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the monetary authority for a group of small nations including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Other places have long stopped putting her face on their currency. After Jamaica gained independence from in 1962, its central bank replaced the queen on paper notes with portraits of national heroes such as Marcus Garvey. Notes in the Seychelles now feature local wildlife instead of the queen. Bermuda did a similar revamp, though the queen retains a minor position on bills. Trinidad and Tobago swapped in a coat of arms after it became a republic. Hong Kong dollars issued after handed its colony back to Beijing in 1997 feature Chinese dragons and skyscrapers on the Asian financial centre's skyline. (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 State Funeral of will take place at Westminster Abbey in on September 19, at 11am local time, announced on Saturday. Prior to the State Funeral, the late British monarch will lie-in-state at Westminster Hall nearby for four days, to allow the public to pay their respects. "During the Lying-in-State, members of the public will have the opportunity to visit Westminster Hall to pay their respects to the Queen, the palace statement said. "On the morning of Monday 19th September, the Lying-in-State will end and the coffin will be taken in Procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey, where the State Funeral Service will take place, it said. Following the State Funeral, the coffin will travel in procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch in for its onwards journey to Windsor. In Windsor, the State Hearse will travel in procession to St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, the monarch's final resting place with her late husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died on Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after reigning for 70 years. She was 96. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said on Friday that Moscow is currently considering retaliatory measures in response to Kiev's decision to impose a regime for Russian citizens. "We are currently discussing this issue within various departments ... we will take into account a wide range of aspects, including humanitarian ones," Rudenko was cited by local media as saying. "We do not want to complicate the lives of those Ukrainian citizens, who wish to leave the country and go to Russia. Obtaining visas would become difficult for them," he said. Rudenko said that a final decision has not yet been made, and that the response would not have to be symmetrical, Xinhua news agency reported. In an earlier statement on Tuesday, Rudenko said Ukrainian citizens could still enter Russia without a until January 1, 2023. On July 1, Ukraine introduced a regime for Russian citizens following a decision by its government. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in June that the country had decided to end visa-free travel for Russian citizens due to the "unprecedented threats to the national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Ukraine. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russian President said that is ready to donate its potash fertilizers to developing countries. "Our manufacturers, primarily producers of potash fertilizers, are willing to transfer them free of charge to developing countries that are in dire need of these fertilizers," Putin said at a regular meeting of the Russian Security Council. The President said that he wanted the Russian Foreign Ministry to work through this issue as well, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the Kremlin. Large quantities of Russian fertilizers have accumulated in European ports due to sanctions, Putin added. According to the President, supplied 7 million tonnes of fertilizers to other countries from May to August, about half of them to countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. --IANS int/shs (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Space remains a place of undiscovered and unrealised opportunity and it is our responsibility to work together to guide humanity forward into this new frontier and to realise the incredible potential of space for all people, US Vice President said at a NASA event. She was speaking at the National Space Council meeting held at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on Friday. "Space can and must be protected for the benefit of all people. There is so much we still don't know and so much we still haven't done," said Harris. The Vice President also underscored the important research conducted on the Space Station that will enable long duration stays on the Moon and future human missions to Mars, in addition to benefits to life here on Earth. For more than 50 years, NASA satellites have provided open-source and publicly available data on Earth's land, water, temperature, weather and climate. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that the new Earth Information Center will allow the public to see how the Earth is changing and guide decision makers to mitigate, adapt, and respond to climate change. "Just like we use mission control to monitor operations during spaceflight, we're embarking on this effort to monitor conditions here on our home planet, and it will be available to everyone in an easy-to-access format," Nelson noted. Planning for the Earth Information Center is underway with the initial phase providing an interactive visual display of imagery and data from NASA and other government agencies. NASA Headquarters plans to house this initial interactive display with goals to expand in person and virtual access over the next five years. "Research on the space station demonstrates that the benefits of microgravity are not just for discovery. We also develop new technologies that improve life on Earth, like treatments for cancer,a said Nelson. On the Artemis I mission, NASA has announced that it is considering two dates, September 23 or September 27, to attempt the launching of the Moon mission. On September 3, NASA attempted to launch Artemis I for the second time. However, it was called off after detecting a liquid hydrogen leak. The team was trying to work through a leaky fuel problem with the rocket, called the Space Launch System or SLS. --IANS na/ksk/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Deadly fighting between armed groups in South Sudan's Upper Nile state has prompted thousands to flee from their homes and triggered violence in displacement camps, a UN spokesman said. "This latest fighting has led to the deaths of civilians, injuries and further displacement," Xinhua news agency quoted Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as saying. "Up to 5,000 civilians had fled to (Adidiang) last month, following the fighting between rival armed groups." Several civilians fleeing the violence on boats and canoes reportedly drowned, Dujarric said. UN peacekeepers raced to rescue drowning civilians and protect the affected population. He said the UN peacekeeping mission, known as UNMISS, reported that the latest attack also triggered inter-communal fighting among some internally displaced people of different groups within the UN site set up to protect civilians. The spokesman said that the UN humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, reported that "the UN and our partners will continue supporting people in need to the best of their ability, but we need an immediate end to the fighting and a resolution to the conflict". --IANS ksk/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (UN) Secretary-General has appealed to the community for "massive" support for to respond to the ongoing climate catastrophe devastating the lives of millions. " needs massive support. It is not just a message of solidarity but an obligation and responsibility. is at the front line of the impact of climate change," the secretary-general was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. The secretary-general addressed a joint press conference along with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in the capital Islamabad, saying his voice is entirely at the service of the government and people of Pakistan, who are grappling with difficult situations amid floods. Before the press talk, Guterres received a briefing from the officials of the National Flood Response Coordination Center about the massive havoc caused by the recent flood and ongoing relief activities across the country. "We waged war on nature, and nature is now striking back," Guterres said. "We need to stop increased emissions and mobilise much more resources to countries like Pakistan to resist these devastating disasters caused by climate change." According to the latest figures from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan, over 33 million people had been affected, 1,355 died, and 12,722 were injured in this season's monsoon rains and floods since mid-June. Additionally, over 1.7 million houses have been destroyed, and an estimated 753,187 livestock has perished, said the NDMA, adding that 81 districts of Pakistan had been affected by floods and 634,749 people are currently living in camps. --IANS int/shs (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A US judge has dismissed former President Donald Trump's lawsuit against Hillary Clinton, his rival during the 2016 presidential election. On Thursday night, the judge said the suit was not an effort to seek "redress for any legal harm", but was instead an attempt to use the court to air political grievances, reports Xinhua news agency. Judge Donald Middlebrooks, at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, said Trump "is seeking to flaunt a two-hundred-page political manifesto outlining his grievances against those that have opposed him". "And this Court is not the appropriate forum," Middlebrooks wrote in his opinion. The lawsuit stemmed from the inquiry into any possible ties between the 2016 Trump presidential campaign and Russia. After two years and millions of dollars, the US government found no smoking gun. Last March, Trump accused Clinton, who ran against him in the 2016 presidential race, as well as dozens of other Democrats, of attempting to rig the elections by creating a false narrative that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia. The lawsuit alleged that Clinton and her campaign conspired with former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey, the Democratic National Convention, and others who "maliciously conspired to weave a false narrative". Middlebrooks said: "Many of the statements that Plaintiff characterizes as injurious falsehoods qualify as speech plainly protected by the First Amendment." "At its core, the problem with Plaintiff's Amended Complaint is that Plaintiff is not attempting to seek redress for any legal harm." A spokesman from Trump's office did not respond immediately to requests to comment on the case. The case comes as the former President is once again in the spotlight, a month after the FBI conducted an unprecedented raid on his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Republicans have been in an uproar, alleging that the FBI has gone above and beyond the norms of the United States political arena. Some notable Democrats, including former New York State Mayor Andrew Cuomo, also questioned the raid. Trump took to social media and said the US was now a "banana republic" - a corrupt country without rule of law. The FBI claimed it had "probable cause" that warranted a raid, as the agency believed it would find "evidence of obstruction", a crime in the US, at Trump's residence. --IANS ksk/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The on Saturday announced USD 40 million in aid to buy fertilizer and other key agricultural inputs in time for the next cultivation season in crisis-hit Sri Lanka. USAID Administrator Samantha Power, who is visiting Sri Lanka, made the announcement after she met farmer representatives in Ja-Ela outside the capital, Colombo. She said the money will be in addition to the $6 million announced earlier to assist low income farmers. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis and acute shortages of essentials like food, fuel and medicines because of a lack of foreign currency to pay for the imports. Agricultural yields dropped by more than half for the past two cultivation seasons because authorities had banned the imports of chemical fertilizers ostensibly to promote organic farming. The farmers that I just met with described enormous challenges that the economic crisis has placed on them and their families and the whole community. They described phenomena that were unimaginable two, three years ago, Power told reporters. She said that according to the World Food Program, more than 6 million people nearly 30% of Sri Lanka's population are currently facing food insecurity and require humanitarian assistance. Power said the money will help 1 million farmers in time for the next season starting soon. Sri Lanka has reached a preliminary agreement with the Monetary Fund for a $2.9 billion aid package over four years. However, the program hinges on debt restructuring assurances from creditors after the country announced that it is suspending repayment of its foreign loans. Sri Lanka's total foreign debt amounts to more than $ 51 billion of which $28 billion must be repaid by 2027. (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.) Britain's said on Saturday that he knew the day would come when his "Grannie" would be no more but that it would take some time for the reality to sink in, as he reflected upon how the world had lost an extraordinary leader. In his first statement as the Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne, posted on Instagram, the 40-year-old said he would honour the memory of the late monarch by supporting his father, the new monarch. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real, William said in his short statement. On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen's wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade, he said. My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives. She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life, he reflected. Thanking his late grandmother for the kindness she showed him and his family, the heir who is now also Duke of Cornwall expressed his gratitude on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all. My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen. I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can, he concluded. Soon after he was joined by his wife, Catherine Princess of Wales, and brother Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, as they viewed the floral tributes left by members of the public at the gates of Windsor Castle the Queen's royal residence in Berkshire, south-east England. In what is seen as a moment of royal unity amid reports of tension between the two brothers, the foursome shook hands and spoke to members of the public gathered at the castle to pay their respects in the wake of the Queen's death. Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died on Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after reigning for 70 years. She was 96. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting in Kiev with his visiting Latvian counterpart Egils Levits and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. At the meeting, Zelensky thanked Latvia and Poland for the political, defence, and humanitarian support they have provided to since Russia began its invasion of Kiev on February 24, reports Xinhua news agency. In particular, he praised Latvia and Poland for their role in allocating 5 billion euros in assistance from the European Union (EU) and in promoting Kiev's position in the 27-member bloc. The parties also discussed Ukraine's European integration, sanctions policy against Russia, energy issues and the assistance for Ukrainian refugees. Levits and Morawiecki had arrived in Kiev earlier in the day. Following his arrival, the Latvian President said in a tweet: Today I am in Kiev to assure Zelensky of Latvia's continued strong support to until victory in this war. Latvia is your advocate. Latvia will help in the reconstruction effort." On his part, Morawiecki said: "I am in Ukraine. In a place where history is being made today, where the struggle for freedom and security of the whole of Europe is taking place. "In this fight, we will side with Ukraine until the only possible end: a full victory." --IANS ksk/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Container Corporation of India said that ICRA has re-affirmed the credit rating on the debt instruments of the company. ICRA has re-affirmed the rating of the company's non-fund based limits - long term of Rs 462 crore and that of the proposed term loan of Rs 9,000 crore at [ICRA]AA+. The ratings, however, continue to be on watch with developing implications, the agency stated. Offering the rating rationale, ICRA said that the rating factors in the dominant position of Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) in the containerised rail freight business, supported by a large, pan-India infrastructure and an established track record of healthy operational performance. The rating also considers the financial profile of the entity, characterised by healthy profitability and cash accruals. Owing to its strategically located terminal network, the company is well poised to gain from the commissioning of the dedicated freight corridor (DFC), particularly the western leg, as several industrial clusters are located along the western DFC. The rating also factors in the GoI's ownership, which benefitted CONCOR in the early stages of establishing its network, a source of competitive advantage for the company. ICRA notes that the GoI is looking to divest a 30.8% stake in the company along with ceding of management control to a strategic investor. While the company has always benefitted from its close ties with the Ministry of Railways, following the change in management control too, it is expected to continue to benefit from its pan-India, strategically located infrastructure. Nevertheless, once there is more clarity on the divestment, ICRA will review the rating to assess the implications on the credit profile of the entity. The rating is constrained by the annual land licence fee (LLF) paid by the company which is now being charged on the basis of land value. While LLF charges are decreasing as a few terminals have been surrendered, the company expects an outgo of Rs. 390 crore as LLF in FY2023. Further, the GoI has been exploring the possibility of giving railway land to CONCOR on a 35-year lease, with the company making an upfront lease payment for the same. In this scenario, there will be an upfront cash outflow and an adverse impact on the credit metrics. Currently, the company estimates a cash outflow in the range of Rs. 6,500-7,500 crore, which will be funded through a mix of term debt and internal accruals. CONCOR's board has already approved raising term loans worth Rs. 3,500 crore. However, ICRA notes that only one of the above options will be implemented finally. Further, ICRA also takes note of the recent decision by Union Cabinet to revise the Railway's land policy and reduce the land lease rate to approximately 1.5% of land value (as against 6% being considered currently). However, further clarity on the impact of revised land policy on CONCOR's lease payment options is awaited and the developments on this front remain a key monitorable. The rating is also constrained by the susceptibility of the entity's performance to the revision in haulage rates by the Indian Railways and rising competition from private container train operators (CTOs) and road freight operators. The rating has been placed on watch with developing implications, given the GoI's plan to offload a 30.8% stake in CONCOR along with ceding management control to the incoming investor, together with lack of clarity on the total cash outflow for the upfront lease payment. The credit profile of the incoming investor will remain a key monitorable. "The performance of the company remains vulnerable to the overall macroeconomic activity and global trade, ICRA said in a statement. Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) operates 59 terminals across the country along with two strategic tie-ups. The company's primary operation is to provide inland transportation of containers from ports using rail wagons. The company also manages cold storage chains and warehouses. The GOI, through the Ministry of Railways, continues to hold a majority stake of 54.8% in the company at the end of June 2022. On a consolidated basis, the company's net profit rose 14.60% to Rs 297.08 crore on 9.56% increase in net sales to Rs 1993.99 crore in Q1 June 2022 over Q1 June 2021. The scrip advanced 2.92% to end at Rs 752.75 on the BSE yesterday. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lokesh Sharma, officer on special duty to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Saturday rejected Union Home Minister Amit Shah's criticism of the state government, saying it has been working to fulfil promises from day one. His rebuttal came hours after the home minister accused the government of not fulfilling the promises made by the party before the 2018 polls. On Shah asking questions on the promise of "employment to 20 lakh" youths and Rs 3,500 allowance for the unemployed, Sharma said the promise during the 2018 election was to create more and more employment opportunities. "Mr home minister, (it was) not 20 lakhs, it was promised in 2018 to create more and more jobs for the youth. The chief minister has worked accordingly from day one," he tweeted. "So far, 1.29 lakh youths have been given jobs by the . One lakh jobs are under process and an announcement to give 1 lakh has been made," he said. On Shah's statement, during a booth level functionaries programme at Jodhpur, he has come to remind Gehlot of his promises made during the assembly elections, Sharma said the CM daily gives an account of his work among the public and in front of the media. "So far, out of 501 promises of Jan Manifesto, 377 promises (75 percent) have been fulfilled and 104 promises (21 percent) are in progress. The is working with commitment in every field and for every section," he said. Shah addressed a meeting of booth-level party workers in Jodhpur, the hometown of CM Gehlot on Saturday. "I am here in Jodhpur to remind you of the promises made by you (Ashok Gehlot) -- loan waiver in 10 days; Rs 3,500 unemployment allowance; and 20 lakh employment to youth. Have you got it?" he asked. Shah also said the Centre reduced taxes on petrol and diesel, after which BJP-ruled states brought down the Value Added Tax, but the Gehlot government did not do so. Fuel and electricity are most expensive in Rajasthhan today, he said. "Who is responsible for this? Oust the Gehlot government and our government here, will reduce tax and tariff of electricity," he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Greater Chennai police have rejected a request by deposed coordinator O. Panneerselvam (OPS) for police protection to enter the party headquarters in the city. The police protection was sought by leaders close to OPS. On July 11, when the general council meeting was held at Vanagaram, OPS and his associates had entered the party headquarters leading to major clashes between the cadres of Panneerselvam and Palaniswami. After the division bench of the Madras High Court reinstated the posting of Edappadi K. Palaniswami as the interim general secretary of the AIADMK, he visited the party headquarters on Tuesday. Heavy police contingent was deployed during the visit. Following Palaniswami's visit, the OPS faction announced that Panneerselvam will also make a trip to the party head office. D. Jayakumar, former minister and a close associate of EPS, later filed a petition with the Chennai police that OPS was expelled from the party and that he should not be allowed to enter the headquarters. The city police have now directed OPS not to enter the party headquarters at the moment as he could face physical assault. The police also said that he could be provided security only after assessing the law and order situation. --IANS aal/ksk/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The on Saturday accused the of spreading mischief and alleging that the ruling party has turned more desperate ever since the successful launch of the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'. The was objecting to a tweet put out by leaders about Rahul Gandhi's conversation with a Christian priest about Jesus being God. AICC general secretary communications Jairam Ramesh said BJP's "hate factory" is sharing tweets about Gandhi which has no relation to the audio. "An atrocious tweet from the hate factory is doing the rounds. It bears no relation whatsoever to what is recorded in the audio. This is typical BJP mischief that has become more desperate after the successful launch of BharatJodoYatra which is evoking such a huge response," Ramesh tweeted. "People who were responsible for the killing of Mahatma Gandhi and the murders of people like Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, MM Kalburgi and Gauri Lankesh are raising questions! What a morbid joke! Such attempts to damage the spirit of #BharatJodoYatra will fail miserably," he said in another tweet. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, while sharing the video of Gandhi with a priest, said, "George Ponnaiah who met says 'Jesus is the only God unlike Shakti (& other Gods)'." "This man was arrested for his Hindu hatred earlier - he also said 'I wear shoes because impurities of Bharat Mata should not contaminate us'. Bharat Jodo with Bharat Todo icons," Poonawalla tweeted. Gandhi is undertaking the 3,570-km 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' to connect with people across the country while seeking to strengthen the party, which has suffered successive electoral defeats in the last few years. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sixty truck-mounted containers with colour-coded occupant capacity, a 10-seater conference facility, mobile toilets and a dining area are some of the features of a "Bharat Jodo Yatra" campsite that moves daily to a new location. is staying in a one-bed container that has a small sofa, an air conditioner, a small refrigerator and an attached toilet. A pictorial representation of one of Mahatma Gandhi's marches with his quote, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world", is also put up in the former chief's container. The containers are colour-coded according to their occupant capacity. Those marked yellow are single-bed containers. The containers marked with blue have two beds each, with a washroom. The red and orange zone containers house bunk beds and a train compartment like feel. There is also a pink zone for women yatris, with attached bathrooms. General camp guidelines put up in various containers state that consumption of liquor, tobacco and smoking is prohibited. The said its "Bharat Yatris" were staying in containers which have very "basic and minimal" facilities, and claimed that the BJP was trying to "defame" its "Bharat Jodo Yatra" as it was rattled by it. The Opposition party alleged that the BJP IT cell was spreading falsehoods about the facilities at its yatra campsites and in containers. general secretary Jairam Ramesh also took a dig at the BJP, saying this is not like the 1990 "Rath Yatra" a "Toyota yatra" or an "Innova yatra", ours is a padyatra. The attack by the Opposition party came after it gave access to the media to its campsite in Nagercoil where the 60 containers were parked. About 230 people, including 119 "Bharat Yatris" who will walk the full 3,570 km from Kanyakumari to Kashmir will spend their nights in 60 containers mounted on trucks that will be moved daily from one place to another. Leaders such as Congress general secretaries K C Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh and Digvijaya Singh are staying in two-bed containers. There are also four-bed, six-bed, eight-bed and 12-bed containers. While some have attached toilets, others do not. Mobile toilets and showers, mounted on trucks, are also parked at the campsites. The site visited by the media was Scott Christian College, Nagercoil, where the yatris spent Thursday night. "We have 60 containers here. These containers move from one site to another. There is a one-bed container which Mr uses. There is a two-bed container which Mr Digvijaya Singh, Mr K C Venugopal and I use, there is a four-bed, six-bed, eight-bed and 12-bed containers," Ramesh told reporters. He said his container has two bunks and is like a second AC train compartment. There is an area for having meals at the campsite and a conference room container which can accommodate 10 people, Ramesh said. Hitting out at the BJP, Ramesh said they only have "propaganda" to peddle. "The allegations that have been made by the BJP IT cell with the encouragement of the prime minister (Narendra Modi) to defame the "Bharat Jodo Yatra" show that the BJP is rattled," Ramesh said. The BJP is making these allegations in its nervousness, he claimed. "They should come and see what the reality is. We are not hiding anything, there is complete transparency. Look at the way we are staying, it would take about 160 days (to complete the Yatra)," he said. This is "very basic" and "very minimal", Ramesh said. "I wish both Amit Shah and Amit Malviya see these containers and then they will know what it is to live in a container. This is not like the Rath Yatra. It is not a Toyota yatra' or an Innova yatra'. Ours is a padyatra," Ramesh said. The containers are not Made in China, he added. The facilities are very basic. It is like what you would expect while travelling in a second AC rail compartment, he said. "By 8 am these containers move to the next locations. We need two acres to accommodate these containers. We end up setting up camps in schools and colleges," he said. He said the camp sites are mostly for the 119 'Bharat Yatris', support staff and people managing the camps. Ramesh said the food for the yatris is being managed by the party's state units. Rahul Gandhi, along with several of his party colleagues, embarked on the 3,570-km "Bharat Jodo Yatra" from here on Thursday. Amid sounds of drum beats, a sea of Tricolours and slogans of "Bharat jodo", the march began from Vivekananda College Road, Agasteeswaram, on Thursday. The march would cover 12 states and two Union Territories in about five months. The march is moving in two batches from 7 am to 10.30 am and from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm. While the morning session includes fewer participants, the evening session sees mass mobilisation. The participants plan to walk around 22-23 km daily. About 30 per cent of "Bharat Yatris" are women. The average age of "Bharat Yatris" is 38. About 50,000 citizens have also registered to participate in the yatra. It will pass through Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Nilambur, Mysuru, Bellary, Raichur, Vikarabad, Nanded, Jalgaon, Indore, Kota, Dausa, Alwar, Bulandshahr, Delhi, Ambala, Pathankot, Jammu, and end in Srinagar. (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.) Gujarat is asking for change and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader will soon take out a march in the BJP-ruled state to fulfil the demand of people, Delhi Chief Minister said on Saturday. The convenor, however, did not mention in his post when his deputy Sisodia will visit Gujarat to take out a march of his party for change in the state. "Gujarat is asking for change. Soon, ji will take out a march in Gujarat," Kejriwal said in a tweet in Hindi. "Just need change now", he added. Responding to Kejriwal's tweet, the AAP's Gujarat unit chief Gopal Italia welcomed Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, ahead of his visit and appealed to the people of the state to bring "change" by voting for the Kejriwal-led party in the upcoming assembly polls "on the issue of education, health, electricity and employment". "Welcome to Gujarat, Manish Sisodia--the hero of the revolution brought in the education sector in Delhi," Italia said in a tweet in Hindi. "Gujarat is asking for change. Let us all together bring a change by voting on the issue of education, health, electricity, employment," he added. The is gearing up to contest all seats in the upcoming assembly polls later this year, projecting itself as an alternative to both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in the state. To woo the voters, Kejriwal has given a host of "guarantees" including an overhaul of the school education system in Gujarat to provide free and quality education to every child if the is voted to power. The AAP convenor has also promised to provide free and good healthcare services to all in the state, free electricity upto 300 units per month to every household, jobs to every youth, a monthly unemployment allowance of Rs 3,000 to those unemployed and a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 to women above 18 years of age. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking a jibe at BJP's mega event 'Janaspandana' to commemorate one year of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai at office and three years of rule in Karnataka, the state on Saturday termed it 'commission rally'. The jibe was based on allegations that the leaders charge 40 per cent commission for any government-related work. Opposition leader Siddaramaiah questioned BJP's performance saying that the government is neck deep in corruption and charge 40 per cent commission for projects, he said. It is not a Janaspandana rally, but a commission rally, he asserted. Ruling government should reciprocate to people in crisis but sadly, no minister visits his/her constituency. People are in distress following heavy rains and floods. Instead of listening to the woes of people, the leaders are spending huge money on convention, he alleged. 'Janaspandana' is a politically motivated programme. The situation is so bad due to floods in Bengaluru that the people are forced to commute in boats, he said. unit on social media dubbed the 'Janaspandana' rally as "convention of commission." The convention is being organised with the money looted through 40 per cent commission by netas. The has further questioned the BJP whether its leaders are going to boast about killing its own party worker? Are you going to talk about how you finished off contractor Santhosh Patil? In response, BJP hit back at Congress and Siddaramaiah with Minister for Horticulture Munirathna questioning the celebration of 75th birth anniversary of Siddaramaiah. Had not the Congress spent money there? MLC H Vishwanath stated that for the birthday celebration of Siddaramaiah Rs 50 crore is spent. Why did they spend that amount of money, this could have been given to flood victims, he said. --IANS mka/shb/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister on Saturday slammed leader for his party's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' questioning him on who has harmed the unity of India that required the opposition party to take out such a campaign. Making an indirect reference to leader Kanhaiya Kumar, Irani also took a dig at Gandhi for being in the company of people who allegedly chanted "anti-India" slogans. " is on the way to unite India but he should answer first who dared to break India. You make a person a member of your party who had shouted the slogan 'Bharat Tere Tukde Honge, Insha Allah'," Irani said at Doddaballapura in Bengaluru. She was addressing the gathering at the Bharatiya Janata Party's 'Jana Spandana' programme celebrating the ruling party's three years in office in Karnataka. Irani expressed her shock over Gandhi's remark in Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu that the fight is now against the structure of Indian state and the opposition. "With all seriousness, I am making this charge of sedition. I am shocked at Rahul Gandhi's statement that he is fighting against the Indian state. You have waged a war against India. I am shocked by your hunger for power," Irani, who represents Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, said. The Union Minister for Woman and Child Welfare charged that during rule in Maharashtra a terrorist's grave was beautified with marble tiles in Mumbai and that attacker was responsible for the killing of around 250 people. Irani also alleged that when the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was fighting against COVID-19 pandemic and succeeded in developing an indigenous vaccine, the Congress was spreading lies asking people not to use it. She also slammed the 'sycophants of Gandhi family' for using derogatory remarks against President Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal person to hold the highest post in India. The Union minister charged that the Congress could not "digest" the statue of iconic freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose being inaugurated at 'Kartavya Path' in New Delhi as the party did not issue any statement favouring the step. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) has issued a detailed advisory for prospective students wanting to study medicine in China, cautioning them of the pitfalls, including poor pass percentage, mandatory learning of official spoken language Putonghua and stringent norms to qualify to practice in . The advisory was issued as thousands of Indians studying in Chinese medical colleges are currently stuck at home for over two years due to Beijing's COVID visa ban. According to official estimates, over 23,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in various Chinese universities. A vast majority of them are medical students. After over two years of COVID visa restrictions, has recently started issuing visas to a selected number of students to return. However, most of them struggled to return as there are no direct flights and the two countries are still in talks to work out limited flight facilities keeping in view Beijing's quarantine restrictions. The Chinese medical colleges, meanwhile, began enrolment for new students from and abroad. Against this backdrop, the Indian Embassy in Beijing issued a comprehensive advisory on Thursday for students from India wanting to study medicine in . The advisory has results of the studies, which outlined difficulties faced by Indian students in and the stringent norms they face to qualify for practicing medicine in India. A striking feature of the advisory is that only 16 per cent of the students passed the required test between 2015 and 2021 to qualify to practice in India. Only 6,387 out of 40,417 students who appeared in FMG (Foreign Medical Graduate) Examination of the Medical Council of India (MCI) from 2015 to 2021 have cleared it. The pass percentage of Indian students who have studied clinical medicine programmes in China in that period in 45 accredited universities was only 16 per cent, the advisory underlined. The prospective students and parents may please note this fact while deciding on seeking admission in Chinese universities for clinical medicine programme, it said. On the costs, it said the fee structure is different for different universities and advised students to check from the university directly before taking admission. The advisory listed 45 medical colleges designated by the Chinese government to provide medical degrees in five-year duration plus a one-year internship. Indian students are advised not to seek admission other than those 45 colleges. The Chinese government has clearly mentioned in their official communication that foreign students can only join medical programmes in 45 universities in English language. They cannot join the clinical medicine programme in China which is offered in the Chinese language. They have also clearly stated that any university offering clinical medicine programmes in bilingual mode (English and Chinese language) is strictly forbidden, the advisory said. However, learning the Chinese language is mandatory for clinical sessions. Hence, every student will also need to learn the Chinese language up to HSK-4 level. Any student who does not clear this minimum Chinese language skill will not be awarded a degree, it said. The advisory also highlighted that Indian students studying medicine in China have to obtain a license to practice in the country where they obtained the degree. After completion of the internship, students have to clear the Chinese Medical qualification examination and obtain a physician qualification certificate to practice in China, the advisory said. It is important to clear the qualification exam to practice in India as the NMC (National Medical Commission) regulations dated November 18, 2021 state that any prospective student who seeks medical education abroad should necessarily have a license to practice in the country of a graduate after completion of his/her clinical medicine programme, before he/she can appear for FMG examination in India,'' it said. Also, the Indian students who are interested in taking a medical qualification from China are required to clear the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate) exam, which is the entry examination for undergraduate medical education in India, as a prerequisite to pursue medical education abroad, the advisory said. Only those students who clear the NEET-UG for admission to undergraduate medical education in India will be eligible to appear for the screening test, namely, the Foreign Medical Graduates Exam (FMGE), it said. On the quality of clinical medicine undergraduate programmes in China, the advisory listed the feedback from past students. The Embassy has received several feedbacks from past students who have completed such programmes earlier. One of the most common challenges is the English language skills of Chinese teachers in these universities. Few students have also complained about lack of practical/clinical experience in terms of engaging with patients in certain universities," the advisory said. It advised prospective students and their parents to look at the study conducted by the National Board of Examination of the pass percentage of students who had studied in various Chinese universities. It also advised the students who are planning to enrol in any university in China to ascertain themselves whether the university is in the list of 45 universities, the duration of the course (as it varies university to university), curriculum being offered, language of instructions, mode of education (online or offline), fee structure and visa requirements before proceeding to China. Due to the Dynamic Zero Covid Policy' of China, there are various restrictions and quarantine norms in China, which vary from city to city and are very strict and demand full compliance without exception. Moreover, these regulations are updated regularly. Therefore, Indian students enrolled in Chinese universities are advised to take note of the latest regulations of the place of travel and make appropriate arrangements, the advisory said. The advisory noted that China's Ministry of Education has not published any separate ranking of various Chinese universities which offer clinical medicine programmes. However, the embassy prepared a table as per the pass percentage of Indian students in FMG Examination the link of which is provided in the advisory. The advisory said prospective students may wish to make their own judgement while making a decision to choose the university as the Embassy or the National Medical Council of India has not done any ranking or evaluation of the quality of education offered by these universities to foreign students in China. (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 city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, has been in the spotlight this week as the venue for the 22nd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. As a prominent trading hub on the original Silk Road traversing Central Asia, the citys history can be traced back to before the Roman empire. We take a closer look at the ancient city Sep 16, 2022 08:19 PM Rising "excavator index" indicates China's dynamic economy 13:28, September 10, 2022 By Li Xinping ( People's Daily The China Import and Export Fair Complex (Phase IV) is under construction, Sept. 5, 2022. (Photo by Chen Zhiqiang/People's Daily Online) The climbing "excavator index" mirrors China's endeavors to rev up infrastructure construction and stabilize investment and growth. Statistics showed that 65.4 percent of all engineering equipment across China were operating in July, higher than the January-June figure of 60.37 percent. In the first half of this year, the total working hours of excavators increased 6.86 percent year on year. The rising trend of the "excavator index" is corroborated by relevant statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBSC). According to the NBSC, infrastructure investment grew 7.4 percent year on year in the first seven months of this year, which was 0.3 percentage points higher than the January-June figure. Over 134,000 new infrastructure projects commenced in the first half of this year, up 26,000 from a year ago. The total investment of new projects expanded 22.9 percent year on year during the same period, and the paid-in investment (real estate investment not included) went up by 18.8 percent. These figures fully indicate that China's efforts to make proactive investments in infrastructure have paid off. As a matter of fact, it takes time for engineering projects to turn investment into tangible achievements. It is believed that as more policies are implemented to stabilize the economy, effective investments will be further expanded. A road renovation project is under construction in Xiangyang, central China's Hubei province, Sept. 7, 2022. (Photo by Xie Yong/People's Daily Online) Infrastructure offers solid support for economic and social development. Major infrastructure projects, involving a number of industries, can attract huge investment and create massive job opportunities. They play an important role in stabilizing macro economy. This year, both central and local policies have been issued to improve traditional and new infrastructure construction. To bolster areas of weakness, China is steadily pushing forward the implementation of 102 megaprojects earmarked for the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period, and some 2,600 smaller projects were already spun off from these megaprojects. Besides, the country has kicked off a vast plan to build regional data center clusters in its western region that process data generated in the east. Currently, over 3,100 "5G+Industrial Internet" projects are under construction across China, and more than 1.85 million 5G base stations have been established. This not only offers solid support for stabilizing the fundamentals of the Chinese economy, but also contributes to the construction of the country's modern infrastructure system. A rebuilding project of China's National Highway 521 is under construction in Yuncheng, north China's Shanxi province, Sept. 4, 2022. (Photo by Xue Jun/People's Daily Online) China is currently at a critical stage of economic recovery. It should give full play to the role of effective investment in economic recovery to consolidate previous achievements and further stabilize macro economy. It should give support to projects that aim at both near-term and long-term benefits. Transport, energy, logistics, and rural infrastructure, as well as new infrastructure projects shall be major areas of investment, so that more momentums will be gathered for expanding effective investment. Besides, effective investment must be well utilized through market-oriented manners. For instance, the leading role of special bonds must be brought into full play. In the first half of 2022, effective investment driven by special bonds offered important support for stabilizing economy. Gross capital formation contributed to a 0.8-percentage rise in China's economic growth. Though the Chinese economy still faces challenges and problems, the fundamentals sustaining China's long-term stable economic growth remain unchanged. The rising "excavator index" reflects China's accelerating infrastructure construction, as well as growing benefits of and confidence in investment. Such a positive trend is generating new impetus driving continuous development of the Chinese economy. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Bianji) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Equatorial Guineas Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons Reuters Goal to eradicate energy poverty by 2030, create energy security, market in African sub-region, says official KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Central African energy ministers announced a plan Friday to boost energy supply in the region after signing a deal to construct an oil and gas pipeline network. Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, Angola, Congo and the Republic of Congo inked the deal at the Central Africa Business Forum which concluded in Douala, Cameroon. Equatorial Guineas Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, said the countries are committed to increasing energy production in the region. The deal to "build three gas pipelines measuring about 6,500 kilometers" (4,000 miles) is aimed at ensuring the survival of the entire region in the energy sector, he said. At least three refineries and power plants fired by gas linking 11 countries will also be built under the deal The goal is to eradicate energy poverty by 2030, create energy security for the future and create an energy market in the African sub-region, said Lima. While most of the countries that signed the deal lack sufficient refining capacity, Lima said regional financial institutions were ready to finance the projects. Oil reserves in Central Africa are estimated at 31.3 billion barrels. Of the top 10 oil reserves in Africa, five are in the region: Gabon, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Chad and Angola. The forum said there is a need to invest in heavy energy infrastructure for common benefits through pooling resources and turning to south-south foreign direct investment. Secretary-General Omar Farouk Ibrahim from the APPO, the organization of African oil-producing countries, expressed support in June for the project to build the pipelines. By James Tasamba/AA remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. A man on Standifer Gap Road told police his fiancee, who he has not met in person, lives in Houston. He said he has sent her money several times to pay for her travel expenses to meet him. He said he has also been told by an "agent" at an airport that she has been detained and is requesting $700. * * * An employee of Walgreens. 2104 McCallie Ave., told police a black male in a gray t-shirt and khaki pants entered Walgreens and proceeded to stuff miscellaneous shampoo and conditioners in his pants and left the store without providing payment for the items. She said the man passed all points of sale and proceeded north on North Willow St. The employee was unable to show police video of the theft occurring, due to there being no cameras on that specific aisle. Police searched the area for the man, but were unable to locate him. * * * While patrolling an area on Latimore Street, police observed a white Kia Rio parallel parked. Due to patrolling the area frequently and there being numerous auto theft recoveries at this location, police were aware that the vehicle was possibly abandoned. Police ran the VIN and found it to return stolen. The listed suspect was not located on scene. The owner was notified and the vehicle was towed by United Transport #2. The vehicle was removed from NCIC. * * * A man called police from the Greyhound Bus Station, 740 E 12th St., and said he lost his wallet that had his Social Security card, TN ID and birth certificate inside it. The man said he is unsure where he lost his wallet. * * * A woman on Bradmore Lane said someone damaged her vehicle. She found that both side mirrors were broken and there were scratches on the passenger side. * * * Police located a light green Honda Pilot (2007) abandoned in the roadway on Frances Drive. The temp tag (GA) came back to a Chevy Tahoe. The Honda Pilot did not come back stolen when the VIN was run through NCIC. Due to the vehicle being abandoned and unable to locate the owner, the vehicle was towed by Les's Wrecker (S&H) to 6221 Hwy 58. Where the vehicle was located could have caused a crash once it got dark. * * * Police noticed a suspicious gold Nissan Armada, TN tag, on N. Germantown Road. The tag came back to a Lexus. Police then ran the VIN on the vehicle, which came back negative stolen, to the Nissan Armada. Police will be turning in this license plate to CPD Property. * * * A woman on McCallie Avenue told police someone was taking pictures of her vehicle. She said the person was in a gray Nissan Rouge. * * * A woman on Shallowford Road requested help from police to get her dogs back. The woman showed police a court order paperwork about the dogs. Police were able to get the person who had her dogs to meet her at a location for her to get her dogs back. * * * A man told police he was from out of town visiting his son when he parked his car in the parking garage on Douglas Street. At a later time, he said he returned to the vehicle and noticed a dent in the rear door. which had not been there when he parked it. The man called police to report the damage since the vehicle is a rental and would need a report. He asked if there were cameras available to check and see who or what had caused the damage. Police informed him they would talk to management in the morning and ask. At this time there is no suspect information. Police informed the man a report would be done for the rental company. * * * An anonymous caller said he discovered the mailboxes on Stein Drive appeared damaged. Police arrived and found the mailboxes with several boxes opened and envelopes on the ground. There were four mailboxes opened and they were unable to be secured due to broken locks. * * * The Chattanooga 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is Sunday. Its special because this year, it actually falls on 9/11. The event will be held at AT&T Field. The opening ceremony will start at 8:30 a.m. The climb is a way for firefighters and members of the community to honor the 343 firefighters lost on 9/11. This event is spearheaded by Chattanooga firefighters and its become a staple in the city as an annual meaningful recognition. Participants can climb 110 floors or walk 3.43 miles around the field. Attendees can participate or observe and encourage those pushing through. Those interested in participating can register for both the climb and the 3.43 mile walk until 8 the morning of the event. The walk will take place around the inside of the field. Thanks to the members of the CFD who organize the stair climb and dedicate their time each year to making it a very powerful remembrance. Here is the link to register. Many friend groups have the mom friend. In the Real Girlfriends in Paris cast, thats Anya Firestone. Viewers met Firestone when the first two episodes of Bravos newest reality show premiered on Sept. 5. Though she was born and raised in New York, she has lived in Paris for a decade and has fully immersed herself in French culture through her jobs. Read on to learn more about what Real Girlfriends in Paris star Anya Firestone does for work. Anya Firestone on Real Girlfriends in Paris | Fred Jagueneau/Bravo Real Girlfriends in Paris introduces Anya Firestone, the mother of the friend group While the other stars of Real Girlfriends only moved to Paris permanently in recent years, Firestone has lived in the City of Lights off and on for 10 years. According to Bravo, she has a masters degree in French cultural studies from Columbia University Graduate School. Her French knowledge, combined with her motherly qualities, makes Firestone the friend to lean on for advice on dating in Paris, adjusting to French culture, combatting homesickness, and more. She lives in her apartment with her fiance, Mathieu, and their dog, Zsa Zsa. Raising five young American women in Paris is a full-time job, Firestone says in the RGIP trailer. And I would love to see them off with a nice young French man. Anya Firestones work involves being an expert in French culture and history How do you say retweet in French?? ? pic.twitter.com/HjXfObd4Dn Bravo (@BravoTV) September 6, 2022 So, what is Firestones actual full-time job? She wears many hats (literally and figuratively). As Bravo states, Firestone is licensed by the French government to give tours at every historical and cultural venue in Paris. Shes also a Nationally Licensed Museum Lecturer, as well as an art critic and art and culture theorist. Fans can take a closer look at Firestones work on her businesss website, Maison Firestone. According to the site, Maison Firestone curates out-of-the-box and out-of-the-boutique experiences poised to amplify brand identity through cultural engagement. Firestone is responsible for planning and hosting private parties that emphasize French culture, brand storytelling, and networking. Creating full-sensory events, dinners, and tours, we engage, educate, and enchant VIP clients through collaborations built on art and culture, in areas including fashion, jewelry, design, beauty, and technology, the description continues. On Maison Firestones website, fans of Firestone can find a library of articles written by the founder herself. Theres also an archive of Maison Firestones clients, including clothing stores, beauty brands, and even celebrity agencies. Some of the businesss past events include a luncheon with Elizabeth Olsen and a jewelry gala. Anya Firestone says it takes the chutzpah to run her business as an American in Paris Anya Firestone spoke briefly about her work in an exclusive interview with Showbiz Cheat Sheet alongside her Real Girlfriends in Paris co-star, Emily Gorelik. She revealed that fans of the show will see Firestone face some career challenges in season 1. What you will see this season is firstly the chutzpah, as we say in New York, that it takes to really try something that is not even a normal thing in the United States and to try it in France, Firestone said. And to try to get your business idea out there in front of people in art and in fashion and gastronomy. I mean, Paris is the city of high culture. And I am an American woman telling the French what to do with their culture. So that takes the chutzpah. New episodes of Real Girlfriends in Paris air on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo. RELATED: Real Girlfriends in Paris: When to Watch New Episodes on Bravo Netflix drops a new documentary series, Sins of Our Mother, in September 2022, detailing the timeline of events leading up to Tylee Ashlyn Ryan and Joshua Jaxon JJ Vallows death. The new production features testimony from Lori Ryan Vallow Daybells only surviving son, Colby Ryan. Take a look at the complete timeline leading up to and since the discovery of the childrens bodies before watching (or while you binge) Sins Of Our Mother. Sins of Our Mother: Colby Ryan | Netflix Sins of Our Mother: The suspicious deaths surrounding Lori Vallow the timeline begins July 11, 2019: Lori Vallows brother, Alex Cox, kills Loris husband at the time, Charles Vallow, in Arizona. The police initially ruled the altercation as self-defense. However, they reopen the case after Tylee and JJ go missing. August 2019: Only one month after Charles death, Lori moves with her children, JJ and Tylee, to Rexburg, Idaho. This location is close to where her future husband, Chad Daybell, lives with his wife, Tammy. September 8, 2019: The last day that Tylee is seen alive. She travels to Yellowstone National Park with Lori, JJ, and Alex. After the trip, Lori told people that her daughter was studying at Brigham Young Universitys Idaho campus. September 23, 2019: The last day that students and teachers see JJ at his school in Rexburg, Idaho. The school received Loris email the following day stating that she was moving the family to California for a new job. October 2, 2019: Someone targets Brandon Boudreaux, the ex-husband of Loris niece Melani Pawlowski, in a drive-by shooting in Arizona. Police found that the shooters vehicle was a Jeep registered to Charles Vallow, Loris husband (who died July 11, 2019). October 19, 2019: Chads wife Tammy dies at their Idaho home at the age of 49. The obituary reports that she died peacefully in her sleep. Chad refused the autopsy, and the coroner listed the reason for her death as natural causes. December 12, 2019: Alex Coxs stepson found his new stepfather gasping for air in their bathroom after his mother, Zulema Pastenes, asked him to check on the 51-year-old man. Doctors pronounced Loris brother dead when he arrived at Banner Gateway Hospital. According to The East Idaho News, the autopsy determined that he died of natural causes. The search for JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan begins October 25, 2019: A friend of Tylees received a vague miss you text from Tylees phone, but the friend reported that the text did not sound like the teen. November 5, 2019: Lori and Chad get married in Kauai. Receipts indicate that Lori purchased her wedding ring from Amazon almost three weeks before Tammy (Chads wife) died. November 26, 2019: Out-of-state relatives ask the Idaho police to perform a welfare check on JJ. Lori and Chad report that the young boy is in Arizona with relatives. They ask their friend, Melanie Gibb, to lie and say she took the boy there for Thanksgiving. Police discover that no one has seen JJ or Tylee since September. RELATED: Doomsday Mom: The Lori Vallow Story: Where Is Lori Vallow Today? November 27, 2019: After obtaining a search warrant, the police find that Lori and Chad have fled to Hawaii. December 11, 2019: The police investigation leads to exhuming Tammys body from a Utah cemetery. They reclassify her death as suspicious. The missing children case timeline intensifies as the search for JJ and Tylee continues December 21, 2019: The Rexburg police department issues the first press release about JJ and Tylee, revealing they believe their disappearance is linked to Tammys death. December 30, 2019: Police accuse Lori and Chad of lying to investigators and say they believe the couple knows where the kids are or what happened to them. January 3, 2020: Police search Chads home in Salem and remove 43 items, including technology devices and journals. They also comb over sections of the snow-covered yard with rakes and metal detectors. The investigators do not find the children. Timeline: Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell refuse to cooperate with the authorities January 26, 2020: The police serve Lori and Chad with search warrants in Kauai. They also serve Lori with a court order to produce JJ and Tylee to authorities in Idaho in five days. January 30, 2020: Lori does not meet the deadline to bring the children to Idaho authorities. February 20, 2020: The police arrest Lori in Kauai, charging her with two felony counts of desertion and nonsupport of dependent children. They also charge her with one misdemeanor count each for resisting and obstructing an officer, solicitation of a crime, and contempt of court. March 5, 2020: The police extradite Lori to Idaho, where they hold her on a $1 million bond at Madison County Jail. March 17, 2020: Lori professed her innocence in a statement through her attorney. However, two other members of her defense team quit, and the judge removed himself from the case. March 24, 2020: Loris niece, Melani, and her husband, Brandon Boudreaux, allege that Lori told people she believed her children were zombies before JJ and Tylee disappeared. April 9, 2020: Authorities reveal they are investigating Lori and Chad for murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy concerning Tammys death. June 9, 2020: The police search Chads home in Salem for the second time and discover human remains in the backyard. Chad is taken into police custody and charged with destruction or concealment of evidence. Criminal proceedings timeline in Lori Vallow and Chad Daybells cases continue May 25, 2021: The police charged Lori and Chad with first-degree murder in the death of Tylee and JJ. They also charge Chad with first-degree murder in his wife, Tammys death. May 27, 2021: A judge deems Lori incompetent to stand trial on the murder charges in Idaho. August 5, 2021: The prosecution announces that it will seek the death penalty for Chad. March 21, 2022: A judge denies Chads request to separate his case from Lori Vallows. April 11, 2022: Judge Boyce restores competency to Lori so she can stand trial. Criminal proceedings against her in Idaho continue. April 14, 2022: Fremont County Sheriff officers take Lori from a mental health facility to the Madison County Jail in Rexburg, Idaho. April 19, 2022: Lori Vallow pleads not guilty at her arraignment. May 2, 2022: The prosecution announced that they seek the death penalty for Lori Vallow. May 26, 2022: The start date of Lori Vallows trial is changed to January 9, 2023 to ensure that she and Chad Daybell are tried together. Background information is provided by the East Idaho News. The three-episode documentary Sins of Our Mother hits Netflix on Sept. 14, 2022. RELATED: 4 of the Best Netflix Documentaries to Watch in September Actor John Wayne gave one of the best performances of his career in The Shootist. However, he didnt initially agree with the original rough cut that director Don Siegel put together. Wayne demanded to reshoot a number of scenes, including one where his character shoots another man in the back. He refused to see his morals violated on the silver screen, even when playing a character. John Wayne played J.B. Books in The Shootist John Wayne as J.B. Books | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images Wayne played J.B. Books in The Shootist. He played many Western roles over the course of his career, but this one offered the most sentimental and introspective role of his career. J.B. is a notorious shootist with numerous deaths on his hands. However, everything changes when he discovers from a local doctor in Carson City, Nevada, that he has cancer. J.B. decides to take refuge in a boarding house, but the host doesnt initially welcome him. However, he plans to stick around and die in the most painless and respectable way possible. Hosts Bond Rogers (Lauren Becall) and her son, Gillom (Ron Howard), ultimately develop a connection with him that will forever leave an impression on their lives. John Wayne demanded The Shootist reshoots after seeing a scene of him shooting another man in the back According to Scott Eymans John Wayne: The Life and Legend, there were several changes that Wayne wanted to make to The Shootist. He spent his entire career perfecting his on-screen persona that remains iconic in modern-day filmmaking. As a result, he refused to negotiate any element of that characters moral compass. Duke agreed with the majority of the stuff he saw, actor Hugh OBrian said. The only thing that startled him was the way Siegel had shot the scene with the guy played by Bill McKinney, the town braggart. Dukeor Dukes doubleshot him in the back as hes trying to get out the door of the saloon. And when he saw that, Duke jumped up. Wait a goddamn minute! Ive never shot anybody in the back, and Im not going to start now. Wayne believed that this scene in The Shootist would violate his reputation with moviegoers. Siegel thought it was ridiculous and senseless, but he ultimately caved and agreed to let the actor have the reshoots that he found necessary. They reshot it to where McKinney was shot in the chest rather than in the back. The actor had a list of scenes he wanted to reshoot Lauren Bacall and John Wayne in The Shootist (1976). pic.twitter.com/NFHBWlWLEB Movies TV Network (@MoviesTVNetwork) August 27, 2014 Siegel agreed to do any The Shootist reshoots that Wayne found necessary. However, the actor was still upset with the director for even including a scene of him shooting another man in the back. In response, Siegel asked if he would prefer another director to work with, which the actor ignored. Lets shoot the dying scene first, Wayne responded. Ill go over this list of shots youve made and make up my mind what we should reshoot. Siegel was careful with how he directed Wayne through the gunfight and death close-up sequences, which went smoothly. They reshot other scenes, as needed, which were less intense. The director and the producers were wise enough not to push Duke for a full days work, Hugh OBrian said. They let him go home early because they wanted to finish the film. RELATED: John Wayne Hated the Idea of a Movie Rating System You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Christian student at risk of losing license to practice psychology after professors protest graduation speech A university in Mexico has initiated proceedings against a recent psychology graduate after a group of professors expressed concerns over his graduation speech defending the family and the sanctity of life, which might cost him his license to practice. The Autonomous University of Baja California received complaints against the student, Christian Cortez Perez, and has started formal proceedings to ban him from practicing psychology, human rights group ADF Internationalsaid Friday. As the top of his class at the universitys School of Medicine and Psychology, Perez earned the right to deliver the commencement address at his graduation ceremony on June 27 where he voiced his deeply held moral convictions regarding the state of the world today, and the importance of the family and the sanctity of life among other issues. Some students and faculty protested vocally and walked out, but he continued and delivered his graduation address in full. The professors then issued a manifesto, calling his address hate speech. They demanded that his academic degree and professional license be withheld, his merit award withdrawn and psychology associations across Mexico be alerted regarding his actions. I exercised my fundamental right to free speech to address my classmates about what I believe are the most pressing issues of our time, Perez was quoted as saying in response to the universitys action. Now, I stand to lose my entire professional career because I expressed views with which some students and faculty disagree. In response to the proceedings against him, Perez has submitted a counterclaim to protect his rightful interests, said ADF International, which is supporting him, adding that a judgment from the university is expected later this month. In his commencement speech, Perez said, Today we are deep into a real anthropological struggle to redefine the human being, the human person, man, through the implementation of ideologies and fashions of thought that always end up undermining dignity and freedom. He then quoted English writer and lay theologian G.K. Chesterton: People do not know what they are doing; because they do not know what they are undoing. Perez added that to attack life and the family is to self-destruct, it is an attack on civilization itself. He then urged his peers to live in solidarity with one another, saying, You have to love; no one seeks the good of the other if he does not love him. Kristina Hjelkrem, ADF Internationals legal counsel for Latin America, said Perez faces irreparable reputational damage and a ban on his professional practice, threatening all that he has worked for in his career just because he exercised his basic human rights and expressed views shared by many. If the campaign to punish Christian is successful, it shows that anyone who dares to speak in public in Mexico is in danger, Hjelkrem added. This is a clear violation of international human rights law, reminiscent of dictatorships, not democracies. Perez said he is committed to obtaining justice not just for myself, but for all Mexicans interested in preserving the right to freely express themselves. ADF International commented that students and professors all over the world are being subjected to censorship campaigns, often accompanied by legal proceedings, which threaten severe harm to both their reputations and careers. 'Defender of the faith': Calvin Robinson extolls Queen Elizabeth's servant leadership Paying tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Calvin Robinson extolled the Christian virtues of Britains longest-serving monarch to a largely American audience who have long been fascinated by the British royal family. During an interview with Fox News opinion host Tucker Carlson, Robinson, who serves as an Anglican deacon at Christ Church in London, recapped moments in the life of the former head of the Church of England that exemplified her deep faith and reliance on God. Carlson, who presumed that many Americans might be unaware of the queen's public professions of faith, asked if the British public viewed her as a Christian leader. She was a thorough Christian, Robinson declared. The queen wrote her own speeches every Christmas and she always managed to get in there that the person who inspired her was Jesus Christ. And that, I think, is why she led a life of service and duty and obligation a servant-leader, if you will. She put Him at the heart of everything. And I think thats important for someone whos a global leader because they have to be accountable to someone. And for the queen that was Christ." Defender of the faith. pic.twitter.com/7oKSsumBKv Fr Calvin Robinson (@calvinrobinson) September 9, 2022 Speaking about reactions to the queen's death in the U.K., which will remain in a period of national mourning until seven days after the state funeral, Robinson said, Right now, as a nation and as a Commonwealth, we are grieving. He added: I think we have to acknowledge that thats a good thing, too, because Jesus grieved at the graveside of Lazarus, and its something that helps us get past our emotions and it comforts us through this terrible time of loss. Once we move past that, we have to remember there is always hope. The hope of the resurrection through Christ. He (Jesus) told us that I am the resurrection and the life and all who believe in me even if they die will live. Reading from part of the queens first Christmas radio broadcast in 1952 at age 25, a mere 10 months after her father, King George VI, had died at Sandringham, Robinson noted that, from the beginning, she asked her subjects to pray for her: Pray for me that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making. And that I may be faithfully serving Him and you all the days of my life. The beautiful thing is that that is exactly what she did, Robinson said. She served us her people, her subjects and she served Christ, her God, all of her life to the very last day. Highlighting the queens sense of duty, he added that, despite being frail, on Tuesday the monarch met with both Boris Johnson, who tendered his resignation, and his successor Prime Minister Liz Truss at Balmoral where she was photographed with the 15th PM to serve during her 70-year reign. Even though she was incredibly frail, incredibly old and obviously ill, duty was the most important thing to her, duty to us, Robinson said. Carlson then asked whether the next reigning monarch, King Charles III, will carry out his mothers same devotion to her Christian faith. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was the defender of the faith. King Charles III has been on record before saying he will be defender of the faiths. I hope that was a slip of the tongue because we do need a Christian monarch to maintain Christian values in a Christian country, said Robinson, acknowledging that its yet unknown how the king will reign. Its OK to have tolerance of people of other faiths and none thats a British value, he continued. But Britain and England is a Christian country first and foremost. That is where we get a moral compass from, thats where we get our guidance from, thats where we get our values from, and that's where get our family structure from. So its important we maintain that throughout, and Im hoping that he will do. In 2015, Queen Elizabeth overtook Queen Victoria as Britains longest-reigning monarch. Back in June, the world celebrated the sovereigns Platinum Jubilee, commemorating her 70 years of service. In the U.S., the eyes of many royal watchers have been on the Sussexes who some had expected to travel together to Scotland to join other members of the royal family. Prince Harry traveled to Balmoral alone, however. He arrived over an hour after Buckingham Palace announced that his grandmother had died Thursday at age 96, The Telegraph reported. The queens family is expected to remain at Balmoral over the next three days to mourn privately. Afterward, the queen will lie in state in Edinburgh and London before her funeral, followed by burial at her final resting place next to Prince Philip at Windsor. USCIRF report warns of deteriorating religious freedom in Nigeria, implores State Dept. to take action The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has warned that religious freedom is deteriorating in Nigeria because of rising violence by non-State actors, and "poor governance" is driving and aggravating that violence, calling on the State Department to take action. In recent years, nonstate actor violence has increased in most parts of Nigeria, and this violence has yielded devastating humanitarian and human rights consequences, including but not limited to violence based on religion and other violations of Nigerians rights to freedom of religion or belief, USCIRF says in a report on violence in Africas most populous country. Violence that infringes on freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria includes militant Islamist violence, identity-based violence at the intersection of religion, ethnicity, and geographic heritage, mob violence against individuals accused of blasphemy, and violence impacting worship, explains the commission, a congressionally mandated body of independent experts tasked with advising the federal government on religious freedom issues. According to a recent study from the Anambra-based International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), at least 60,000 Christians have been killed in the past two decades in Nigeria. The organization, which is run by Christian criminologist Emeka Umeagbalasi, reported that hundreds of churches had been threatened, attacked, closed, destroyed or burned in 2021 alone. The commission points out that Nigeria is battling several concurrent security crises and the militant Islamist groups that originated in the northeast region have now expanded their territory west and south. In several regions, criminal armed groups target civilians and infrastructure to enrich themselves and expand territorial control. In areas of the northwest, northcenter, and south, resource conflicts and population movements have heightened group tensions and yielded deadly cycles of retaliatory identity-based violence. In the southeast, separatists associated with the Biafran liberation movement have taken up arms to fight for secession. As a result, many Nigerians face a daily threat of violence, USCIRF says. Militant Islamist groups, including the Islamist State in West Africa Province, Boko Haram and Ansaru, have political and ideological objectives, including to overthrow secular governance in Nigeria and enforce a particular interpretation of Islam, the commission says, adding that their methods to achieve them often have devastating humanitarian and religious freedom consequences. Intersociety said in its report that an estimated 10 million people had been uprooted in northern Nigeria, where extremist violence was most severe, from July 2009 to July 2021. The report added that about 2,000 Christian schools were attacked during that time. The atrocities included massacres, killings, mutilations, torture, maiming, abductions, hostage-taking, rape, girl-child defilements, forced marriages, disappearances, extortions, forceful conversions and destruction or burning of homes and sacred worship and learning centers, Intersociety reported. ISWAP currently presents the largest threat while factions of Boko Haram and the al-Qaeda affiliate Ansaru also operate in some regions, and these groups target non-Muslim communities as well as Muslims who disagree with or oppose their interpretation of Islamic practice and tradition. Many have raised concerns about what they perceive as the governments inaction in holding terrorists accountable for the rising number of murders and kidnappings, which some groups warn have reached the level of genocide. In its report, USCIRF recommends that the State Department designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for engaging in and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. Countries subject to the State Departments CPC designation face negative consequences, including the possibility of crippling sanctions. Numerous analyses and policy reports corroborate that poor governance is one of the main drivers of violent conflict throughout the country, says the commission, which visited Nigeria in June and was told by various stakeholders about the governments inability to provide services, security and justice equitably across its population. However, in the 14 years that USCIRF has recommended Nigeria be designated as a CPC, the State Department has only accepted its recommendation a single time, in 2020 under the Trump administration, the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern points out. Nigeria was taken off the CPC list by the Biden administration the following year, which was an unprecedented move that drew widespread criticism from human rights groups and USCIRF, which called the delisting unexplainable, ICC adds. Democrat official arrested for allegedly murdering investigative journalist, evidence found at home Las Vegas police have arrested a Democrat politician for allegedly murdering an investigative reporter who was found stabbed to death. At a news conference Thursday, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officials announced that Robert Telles, who serves as the Clark County Public Administrator, was arrested Wednesday for the murder of Las Vegas Review Journal investigative reporter Jeff German. Telles arrest came hours after Las Vegas police executed a search warrant at his home. Clark County, which employs Telles, is the largest county in Nevada and home to the states most populous city of Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement that Telles has been charged with open murder with a deadly weapon and is being held at the Clark County Detention Center. Telles recently lost renomination in the Democratic primary for a second term in his position after German published a report alleging an environment of turmoil and internal dissention at the office, including emotional stress, bullying and favoritism. On May 16, German reported that Telles had an inappropriate relationship with a staffer that led to him giving her special treatment. A subsequent article written by German the following week detailed how an outside consultant was hired to resolve turmoil in county office. Additional articles about Telles contained headlines reading, Embattled county official losing a re-election bid, posts angry letter and Embattled county official concedes race, remains combative. As German explained in his May 16 article, employees of the Public Administrators office videotaped Telles and his mistress in the back seat of her car in a parking garage to provide evidence of the relationship. German also reported on a complaint filed with the Clark County Office of Diversity, stating that the county has failed to protect employees from a mentally and emotionally abusive situation that has continued now for two years-plus, and the mental and physical health ramifications have been felt by most of the full-time employees in this department of only eight full-time employees. Complaints by employees suggest that Telles also favored employees hired he started serving as Public Administrator over those who began working at the office before his tenure began. A woman quoted in the article told German that he [Telles] literally works to create division in the office, adding, Hes so vindictive and horrible. According to Janelle Lea, a part-time investigator at the Public Administrators office, Everybody looks like theyre in a CYA situation all the time. People are depressed, theyre physically ill. One staffer told me, Id rather have a colonoscopy every day than come here and deal with him. Janie Osuzik, who worked at the office for over 30 years before retiring due to mental anguish, said: You always had to be on guard, and it made the office uncomfortable because you knew there were certain people who would run to (Telles) on everything, even with lies, and would accept it as true. She added, He would storm into my office and accuse me of things and never take the time to investigate anything. Less than a month after that article was published, Telles narrowly lost renomination to Rita Reid, a staffer in the Public Administrators office, in a June 14 primary. Reid attributed headaches, stomachaches and depression she experienced to the treatment she received from Telles. For his part, Telles has vehemently denied all allegations of wrongdoing and defended his record in multiple statements on his campaign website. In one statement, released on June 19, Telles accused German and his predecessor as Public Administrator of trying to drag me through the mud and expressed concern that the articles might keep coming. Telles also lashed out at German on Twitter, suggesting that German was going through the trash for his 4th story on me and characterizing him as a typical bully who cant take a pound of criticism after slinging 100 pounds of BS. *Wife hears rustling in the trash* Her: "Honey, is there a wild animal in the trash?" Me: "No, dear. Looks like it's @JGermanRJ going through our trash for his 4th story on me." Oh, Jeff... ???? @LVRJ#LasVegas Rob Telles (@RobTellesLV) June 18, 2022 As LVMPD Homicide Section Captain Dori Koren explained at the news conference, German was found unresponsive outside his home Saturday morning. When officers arrived at the scene, they determined that he had died as a result of multiple stab wounds. Koren told the press that the murder took place the day prior at around 11:18 a.m. local time. Police identified Telles as the suspect after discovering that a vehicle suspiciously driving around in the neighborhood on the morning of the murder, prior to the murder and then certainly was there at the time when the murder happened belonged to his wife and was later found at his home. According to Koren, That vehicle had stopped multiple times throughout the neighborhood and was behaving suspiciously. We determined that the suspect wearing the orange shirt had fled in that vehicle, which connected the vehicle to the suspect, he added. The police discovered clothing matching the clothing worn by the suspect at Telles property and DNA collected from Telles matched DNA found at the crime scene. Telles campaign website portrays him as a family man with a beautiful, intelligent wife and three usually wonderful children. In his role as Public Administrator, Telles secures property of people who pass away in Clark County while a search for family or the decedents executor is performed and administers estates in court when families cannot. King Charles III speaks of his 'deeply rooted' Christian faith in first address to the nation King Charles III spoke about his responsibility to the Church of England and his own personal faith in his first address to the nation as sovereign following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The address was broadcast live nationwide and on large screens erected in St. Paul's Cathedral for a service of prayer and reflection that was attended by 2,000 people, including Prime Minister Liz Truss. As Britain's new monarch, King Charles inherits the titles of Supreme Governor of the Church of England and Defender of the Faith. King Charles said that his faith was "deeply rooted" in the Church of England and that it had taught him to "cherish a sense of duty to others." "The role and the duties of monarchy also remain, as does the sovereign's particular relationship and responsibility toward the Church of England the Church in which my own faith is so deeply rooted," the King said. "In that faith, and the values it inspires, I have been brought up to cherish a sense of duty to others, and to hold in the greatest respect the precious traditions, freedoms and responsibilities of our unique history and our system of parliamentary government. "As the queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I, too, now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation." Earlier in his address, the king thanked his "darling mama" for her 70 years of service to the U.K. and Commonwealth. "In her life of service we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which make us great as nations. The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign," he said. "And, as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humor and an unerring ability always to see the best in people. "I pay tribute to my mother's memory and I honor her life of service. I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of you and I share that sense of loss, beyond measure, with you all." He said he would endeavor to serve the people of the U.K., the Realms and the Commonwealth "with loyalty, respect and love," before ending with a nod to his late father, Prince Philip, and a quote from Shakespeare's Hamlet. "And to my darling mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late papa, I want simply to say this: thank you," he said. "Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May 'flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.'" Michigan judge's reversal of criminal abortion law is 'Roe 2.0' A Michigan judge has declared a 1931 state law banning most abortions unconstitutional, months after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide. In a Wednesday ruling, Michigan Court of Claims Judge Elizabeth Gleicher issued a permanent injunction barring enforcement of the ban by the states Attorney General and county prosecutors. The law, which had been dormant before the Supreme Court returned the abortion issue to the states in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, makes it a crime to commit abortions unless the mothers life is at risk in a medical emergency. Gleicher ruled that the law compels motherhood and deprives only women of their ability to thrive as contributing participating in world outside the home and as parents of wanted children. "Manifestly, criminalizing abortion will eliminate access to a mainstay healthcare service. For 50 years, Michiganders have freely exercised the right to safely control their health and their reproductive destinies by deciding when and whether to carry a pregnancy to term," Gleicher wrote in the opinion, in part, according to the Detroit Free Press. Alexandra Snyder, CEO of Life Legal Defense Foundation, a pro-life nonprofit law firm, said in an interview with The Christian Post that Gleichers ruling was Roe 2.0 for Michigan. Her arguments about the right to privacy, the right to bodily integrity, and then calling pregnancy a bodily intrusion just reveals her own bias toward abortion and against children, he said. Snyder also found it ironic that the provision of Michigans Constitution that Gleicher relied upon in her ruling states: No person shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law. And the Supreme Court has already said, in terms of the U.S. Constitution, that there is no liberty interest under the 14th Amendment that would grant the right to abortion, Snyder said. He further noted that Gleicher is a Planned Parenthood donor. The judges potential conflict of interest was cited in a complaint filed by multiple pro-life groups, including the Alliance Defending Freedom and Right to Life Michigan, requesting that Gleicher recuse herself from the case. The complaint further added that Gleicher received an advocate award from Planned Parenthood and had represented them in a previous lawsuit. As The National Review reported in May, Gleicher refused to recuse herself from the case. Gleichers decision states that criminalizing all abortions, barring those performed to safeguard the mother's health, violates the bodily integrity and right to equal protection afforded to pregnant individuals under the Michigan constitution. In contrast to the Supreme Courts ruling in June, stating that the U.S. Constitution does not confer a right to abortion, the Michigan judge determined there was enough evidence to conclude that her states constitution bestows protections on those seeking to terminate a pregnancy. Our Constitution does not permit the Legislature to impose unjustifiable burdens on different classes of pregnant women, she wrote. It also forbids treating pregnant women as unequal to men in terms of their ability to make personal decisions about when and whether to be a parent. According to the Detroit Free Press, the order is not final, as opponents can still appeal to a higher court. However, it is the first time that a Michigan judge has weighed in on the constitutionality of abortion in the absence of Roe. The recent ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed against Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel by Planned Parenthood of Michigan and Michigan abortionist Sarah Wallett in April. The lawsuit argued that the law was unconstitutionally vague and violated Michganders rights under the state constitution and civil laws. On May 17, the Court of Claims granted a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking the ban and upheld abortion access in the state after the Supreme Court reversed Roe the following month. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, according to the Detroit Free Press, thanked Gleicher for her recent ruling, although she noted it was likely to be contested. We know that theres a group of extremists who will stop at nothing to ban abortion even in cases of rape and incest. With our rights still hanging by a thread, the Michigan Supreme Court needs to provide certainty and rule on my lawsuit to protect the right to abortion in the state constitution," Whitmer said in a statement. While other states and even some politicians in Lansing take steps to control womens bodies by defending extreme restrictions on abortion and health care, I will fight like hell for reproductive freedom." The Guttmacher Institute, Planned Parenthoods former research arm, noted that 13 states have trigger laws on the books that banned abortion after Roes reversal: Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Pastor of family church allegedly loaded gun, threatened to kill wife in home New Prospect Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio, remained tightlipped about the fate of its pastor, the Rev. Charles Ross, Thursday, days after his wife reported to police that he loaded a gun and threatened to kill her inside their home in the early hours of Sunday morning. Court records reviewed by The Christian Post show that at about 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 4, Ross did cause the belief of serious physical harm or imminent death to his live-in wife and mother of his children when he loaded a firearm and stated is it going to end, while he held the firearm in front of the victim. Ross, who has three children with his wife, Yolonda, was charged with aggravated menacing and domestic violence. When he appeared before a judge on Tuesday, he pleaded not guilty and was ordered to stay away from his wife. It remained unclear Thursday if Ross is still the leader at New Prospect Baptist Church as calls to the church, as well as his home, went unanswered. The church's Facebook account and website have also been suspended. A family member of the pastors wife, who asked not to be identified, told ABC 13 that in light of the charges against Ross, he shouldn't remain in the pulpit. Im the one that went up and talk to the deacons. Youre supposed to protect her, not cause harm to her. Youre threatening to harm. Thats a problem, the family member told ABC 13. Yes, we all make mistakes, but theres no way it should be where you can do this and then lie to people saying you didnt do it. Its unacceptable, the family member added. In a message shared on its YouTube channel, New Prospect Church is described as a ministry that tends to the needs of the whole family. It is the mission of our ministry to see families thrive in all aspects of life. Furthermore, it is our heartfelt desire that through our ministry lives are changed, people are healed, and families are made stronger, the church said. Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, the second-largest U.S. provider of property and casualty insurance to Christian churches and related ministries, warns in its advice to churches that domestic violence can also lead to church violence. The company also urged churches to invest in domestic violence training. Domestic violence takes many forms, but physical violence is among the most common. Physical violence affects 1 in 5 women and results in more than 1,500 deaths annually in the U.S., the company said. Whats more, violence in the home can result in violence at church. One of the deadliest examples is the Sutherland Springs tragedy, where the suspects second wife and mother-in-law attended. The Sutherland Springs tragedy occurred in November 2017 when a mentally unstable shooter massacred 26 people inside the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs before fatally shooting himself. Pastor Ross, who was released on his own recognizance on Tuesday, will next appear in court for a pre-trial hearing on Sept. 26. Texas teacher faces termination after telling students to call pedophiles MAPs A school board in Texas has voted to fire a teacher who told students to refer to pedophiles as "minor-attracted persons" in a viral video that her defenders say was taken out of context. The El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees has begun the process of terminating Amber Parker, an English teacher at Franklin High School. The action follows the publication of a short video that shows her telling students to refer to pedophiles as "minor-attracted persons." In the video, Parker instructs a student that they're "not allowed to label people" with the word pedophile. ?? English teacher at Franklin HS in El Paso, TX reportedly instructs students to not judge someone just because they want to have sex with a 5 year old, and tells them to call them "Minor Attracted Persons instead ?? The case for homeschooling grows stronger every day. pic.twitter.com/YiIt6aN3nW Gays Against Gr??mers (@againstgrmrs) August 30, 2022 "We're not going to call them that. We're going to call them MAPs, minor-attracted persons," Parker said as students objected in the background. "So don't judge people just because they want to have sex with a 5-year-old." Daniel Call, a member of the El Paso Independent School District's Board of Trustees, elaborated on the situation in an Aug. 31 Facebook post. "After hearing from some of the students that were in the class, including my own nephew, I believe now that the teacher that appeared to be promoting and normalizing pedophilia was pretending to advocate a position she didn't actually believe in order to challenge the students in preparation for them reading the book 'The Crucible,'" he wrote. "The video that many of us saw was missing this important context," he concluded. "I regret the negative attention that this situation has brought on this teacher and wish her well." Call previously shared a statement from a school district spokeswoman in an Aug. 29 Facebook post. "Any allegation of potential misconduct is investigated thoroughly, and the safety of our students is a top priority. As this is a personnel matter, no further information will be shared at this time." Jason Parker, who identified himself as "the husband of the teacher in question," responded to Call's post in a comment declaring that their family has been "shaken to the core about these accusations." "It is both scary and disturbing that an edited 18 second clip could destroy a 30 year career when taken completely out of context. Needless to say we have spent many sleepless nights because of this cruel release to social media of the 18 seconds," Parker wrote. "We pray that you and the rest of the board will see this for what it is and not allow [an] edited video [to] destroy an innocent woman, her career and her family in the process," he added. The Board of Trustees for the El Paso Independent School District held a special meeting Tuesday. Among items on the agenda was a recommendation from the superintendent for the "proposed termination of probationary employment contract, suspension without pay, and/or end-of-term termination of the 2022-23 probationary employment contract" for an unnamed teacher at Franklin High School. Video footage published by local news outlet KFOX14 reveals that the board voted unanimously to "propose the termination of Ms. Amber Monk Parker's probationary employment." As EPISD School Board President Al Velarde said in a local news report, "The investigation has been completed but there is a process defined by [Texas Education Agency] that we must follow when it comes to a termination of an employee." Velarde insisted that "the process is just beginning" and predicted that "there's going to be hearings and appeals and so forth that become available to the teacher." While her supporters say her comments were taken out of context, other community members online believe the topic of "minor-attracted persons" should not have been brought up in the first place. Parker is not the first educator to face professional consequences for using the term "minor-attracted persons." Allyn Walker, a former professor at Old Dominion University in Virginia, was placed on leave last year after he appeared on a panel where the non-binary educator stressed the purported importance of ensuring that pedophiles have "dignity." Walker authored A Long Dark Shadow: Minor-Attracted Persons and Their Pursuit of Dignity. Appearing on a podcast late last year, Walker asserted, "It's important to use terminology that members of that group want others to use for them." "A lot of people, when they hear the term pedophile, they automatically assume that it means a sex offender," Walker said. The professor described that allegation as false, stating, "that isn't true, and it leads to a lot of misconceptions about attitudes towards minors." "Using a term that communicates who someone is attracted to doesn't indicate anything about the morality of the attraction," Walker suggested. Outrage over the comments led Old Dominion University to put Walker on leave. Walker later resigned from the university. The controversy surrounding the term "minor-attracted persons" comes as parents across the country have voiced concerns about their children's public schools embracing of LGBT ideology and other topics many see as inappropriate for young children. The presence of the books such as Gender Queer and Lawn Boy in public school libraries has caused parents particular concern. Concerned parent Stacy Langton appeared at a school board meeting in Fairfax County, Virginia, last year to express outrage about the contents of the books, which, as Langton said, "include pedophilia" and "sex between men and boys." She said, "one book describes a fourth-grade boy performing oral sex on an adult male," while "the other book has detailed illustrations of a man having sex with a boy." Boasting in the cross requires genuine humility Man naturally tends to be quite proud of himself, and this innate weakness often gets him into trouble. Scripture informs us: Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). The proud and arrogant man Mocker is his name; he behaves with excessive pride (Proverbs 21:24). It should therefore come as no surprise that the Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: they will not go unpunished (Proverbs 16:5). Bishop J.C. Ryle addressed the dangers associated with pride: Let us watch against pride in every shape pride of intellect, pride of wealth, pride in our own goodness. Nothing is so likely to keep a man out of Heaven, and prevent him from seeing Christ, as pride. So long as we think we are something, we shall never be saved. Preacher Charles Spurgeon wisely stated, None are more unjust in their judgments of others than those who have a high opinion of themselves. I suspect you have found this to be true in your own life. Whenever you pass judgment on others and condemn them, you are engaged in the ugly sin of pride. All of us have been guilty of this wicked behavior. This ever-present temptation led the Apostle Paul to write: You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things (Romans 2:1). The apostle knew all about the problem of pride from his past experience with this gnarly proclivity. Prior to meeting Christ and being given his new name, Saul of Tarsus was saturated with an egotistical aura of self-importance and religious arrogance. Paul wrote, If anyone thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless (Philippians 3:4-6). Saul was extremely proud of his religious rituals, religious pedigree, and religious zeal. And he wore his spiteful persecution of Christians as a badge of honor. Paul wrote to the churches in Galatia: For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers (Galatians 1:13-14). In spite of his zeal, Saul was spiritually dead, which meant his sins were not forgiven. That all changed once Saul received the Gospel by revelation from Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:12). This good news turned Sauls life upside down from the moment of his conversion. Decades later Paul would write, Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith (Philippians 3:7-9). When God converted this vicious persecutor of Christians, Saul was transformed from a mean-spirited religious zealot into a loving and humble servant of the Lord. And suddenly this new creation in Christ began to boast in what Jesus did to save his soul and make him truly righteous in Gods sight. Paul explained his astonishing new perspective in this profound declaration: May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14). What a dramatic difference! What a breathtaking change! Rather than boasting any longer in himself and his religious credentials, Paul began to boast in the message of the cross. It became Pauls lifeblood and purpose for living. Everything for Paul flowed from the cross. Without the cross, he would have still been trying to destroy the church by dragging off men and women and putting them in prison (Acts 8:3). What could have possibly transformed this tenacious terrorist into such a devoted follower of Jesus Christ? Only one thing has that kind of power, and it is the message of the cross. Paul wrote, For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). Zac Poonen is a former Indian Naval officer who has been serving the Lord in India for over 50 years as a Bible teacher and church planter. Poonen wrote, Sin came through the pride of Lucifer and salvation came through the humility of Jesus. You see, Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8) When a person becomes a Christian through faith in Jesus Christ, it produces the genuine humility that is necessary in order to boast in the cross of Christ and in the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made to pay for our sins. I love the way theologian and Christian apologist Tim Keller explains it: The Christian Gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time. It undermines both swaggering and sniveling. I cannot feel superior to anyone, and yet I have nothing to prove to anyone. I do not think more of myself or less of myself. Instead, I think of myself less. May God grant you and me genuine humility every day so that we never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you Lord for enduring the agony of the cross in order to pay for my sins. Wash me, Jesus, with your precious blood." Farewell, my queen She was one of the dearest friends I never had, whom, sadly, I never met. For over 30 years Ive carried beautifully etched pictures of her in my wallet, never leaving my adopted home in the English Cotswolds without her. And, sticking closely, she would walk hand in hand with me to the post box, never minding whether she was going First Class or Second Class. Everywhere I went, I could sense her warm presence, whether looking down on me kindly from some shop wall, or perhaps from a commemorative mug on a shelf, or a tea towel hanging from a rack. Rare is the day I havent seen her, whether on the telly, perhaps opening some new hospital or school, or as I picked up my morning newspaper down the village lane. Her familiar face wasnt always on the front page, but rarely was she ever left out altogether. Everyone wanted to know what she was doing, where she was going, who she was seeing, and most of all what she was wearing. Whether decked out in understated elegance for a royal occasion or wearing wellies with her hair wrapped in a simple scarf on a windy Balmoral walkabout, she had style! Of course, she never knew me personally (why should she!), but I felt as if she did. And Im sure Im not alone. She had a way of making everyone feel special. Maybe it was because she invited us to watch her home movies, as if we were members of the family. In fact, we watched her children grow up. And now the next two generations, who, at early ages, have learned to mimic their grandmothers signature handwave from that famed balcony at Buckingham Palace. Through the magic of television, weve been alongside her at countless ceremonies, memorials, parades, and fly-pasts. On racing day at Ascot, weve cheered for her horses, knowing they gave her joy. Her corgis were our corgis. We could imagine walking with her along the decks of the royal yacht Britannia; and now, with its decommissioning in Edinburgh, we can personally enjoy a cup of tea on board, almost as if she were there, playing mother and pouring. No matter what the crisis, be it war or pandemic, she urged us to Keep calm, and carry on. It was what she, herself, did. Who of us cant identify with her intensely personal heartaches people we love getting divorced, or tragically dying. Or missing a beloved companion who has passed. Or having a child caught up in something shameful; or once-close siblings parting ways. Who cant identify with an annus horribilis, some horrible time when dreams go up in smoke, if not literally like Windsor? Through it all, she remained resolute, optimistic, gracious, and kind. Despite such remarkable gravitas, she was at her best when she let her quietly and mischievous sense of humor shine through and make us smile. Can any of us forget her cheeky cameo, parachuting with James Bond? Or surprising us on her Platinum Jubilee with that delightful teatime hilarity with Paddington Bear? Who cant love a sovereign willing to poke fun at herself! Most of all, I will never fail to admire her unwavering commitment to her holy coronation vow of service to God and her nation, and her outspokenness as an unabashed Defender of the Faith. Where else can one find such a sense of the sacred and selfless duty in civic leadership? As only a part-time resident of Queen Elizabeth IIs realm, I was never officially her subject, but no less blessed to have known her. So, farewell, my Queen. My life is diminished without you. In Canada, free speech is under fire. America, take heed When Americans consider Canada, they probably think of maple syrup and funny accents. They should start thinking about alarming amounts of authoritarianism. What has been jokingly referred to as Americas hat has been going through a rough patch recently when it comes to protecting its citizens fundamental liberties. And next on the chopping block appears to be free speech. During a recent trip to Alberta, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who also serves as finance minister, was confronted by an angry man who yelled obscenities at her and called her a traitor. Canadian politicos quickly criticized the incident. If you disagree with a politician, by all means exercise your right to protest. But screaming threatening language & physical intimidation cross the line, tweeted Alberta Premier Jason Kenney. And on Sunday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, Threats, violence, intimidation of any kind are always unacceptable, and this kind of cowardly behavior threatens and undermines our democracy and our values of openness and respect. These handwringing comments come on the heels of efforts by the Canadian government to tamp down on free speech rights. The government, led by Trudeaus Liberal Party, has promised to institute a so-called online harms bill that would press companies to censor whatever the government defines as harmful. Now, more than ever, online services must be held responsible for addressing harmful content on their platforms and creating a safe online space that protects all Canadians, the Canadian governments website states. But the Trudeau governments track record when it comes to determining actual harmful content is egregious. During the Freedom Convoy protests earlier this year, the government viciously cracked down on Canadians rights to peaceably assemble, all while slandering the organizers as being Nazis and racists. Freedom of expression, assembly and association are cornerstones of democracy, but Nazi symbolism, racist imagery, and desecration of war memorials are not, Trudeau said. After claiming that the protests were not really speech and were just hateful bigots complaining, Trudeaus government proceeded to invoke the Emergencies Act. The invocation granted the government sweeping powers, which it immediately used to crush the free speech of the truckers. The incident with Freeland in Alberta isnt a useful example of how to express ones feelings, but its being used as a justification for the Canadian governments continued efforts to stymie free speech and free expression unless its for the benefit of the Liberal Party. But Americans shouldnt look the other way, since Trudeaus brand of authoritarian speech-policing isnt isolated to the Great White North. Here at home, we see so-called hate speech being used against protected groups like Black Lives Matter or transgender people used as an excuse to ban or deplatform those critical of the radical left. While the American government hasnt yet been able to destroy that pesky First Amendment and pass laws banning hate speech, social media platforms, most notably Facebook and Twitter, do the job for them and regularly retaliate against their opposition. And the key word there is opposition because hateful speech targeting those the powers that be dislike is allowed to flourish or even encouraged. Since the leaked draft of the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in May, angry protesters have marched their way around the justices neighborhoods, chanting vile and hateful things. Thus far, authorities have refused to act, even though what the protesters are doing is against the law. Trudeaus Canada and Attorney General Merrick Garlands Justice Department here are dire warning signs of a frightening new breed of authoritarianism. The state will ruthlessly enforce orthodoxy toward leftist positions and accuse peaceful protests against them as hateful. Canadian and American elites alike are trying to strip us of our free speech rights to insulate themselves from criticism. We cant let them. If the left is so afraid of what we have to say, we must keep talking. Originally published at The Daily Signal. The difference between patriotism and Christian faith There are certainly times when our religious faith and our patriotism go hand in hand. At other times, our religious faith might cause us to seem unpatriotic. But at all times, its important that we distinguish between our faith and our patriotism. Blurring the lines can be dangerous. Before I focus on the subject of this article, let me give you some different but related examples. Lets say youre a Christian and a policeman. If you give a driver a ticket for speeding, youre doing so as a policeman who happens to be a Christian, quoting the law to the driver, not the Bible. If you share the Gospel with the driver, youre doing so as a Christian who happens to be a policeman, quoting the Bible to the driver, not the law. Any policeman can issue a ticket. Only a Christian would share the Gospel. Lets say youre a Christian and a soldier fighting terrorists in Syria. If you kill an enemy combatant, youre doing it as a soldier who happens to be a Christian. If you pray for the enemys family, youre doing it a Christian who happens to be a soldier. Any soldier can kill the enemy. It takes a Christian to pray for the enemys family. If youre a Christian and a veteran reciting the pledge with pride, youre doing so as a veteran who happens to be a Christian. If you pursue a fresh spiritual awakening in America, youre doing so as a Christian who happens to be a veteran. Many veterans can recite the pledge with pride. It takes a Christian to pursue a fresh spiritual awakening. Yet in each of these three instances, theres a good deal of overlap. The Christian policeman wants to be a good witness on the job, and as a Christian, he is committed to serve with integrity. As for the Christian soldier, he prays for protection and for success in his mission of taking out the bad guys. As for the Christian veteran, in his mind, love for God and love for country go hand in hand. Plus, as far as he is concerned, his beloved America is special because of its Christian roots. You do not take off the Christian hat when you put on the hat of the policeman (or soldier or veteran). In fact, if you need to take the Christian hat off when you do your job (meaning, you cannot live by your Christian principles while doing your job), you should find another job. Now, lets say that youre a Christian and a gun owner living in America and the government wants to take away your legally owned firearms. You will oppose the governments actions as an American who happens to be a Christian. But will you make a separation between your faith and the Second Amendment? Will you compartmentalize the two? I seriously doubt it. Chances are that the thought wouldnt even come into your mind. In fact, you would probably call other Christian friends urging them to pray and strategize with you. You would think to yourself as Christians, We need to prevent this kind of dangerous government overreach, not just for our sake but for the sake of the generations to come. This is a matter for prayer and action. And so, you would pray, Heavenly Father, were asking You to help us fight against these ungodly forces. This tyrannical takeover must be stopped. In Jesus name, amen! After all, isnt this what our Founding Fathers did in America? Wasnt the Revolutionary War fueled by preaching from our pulpits? Didnt the ministers help stoke the fires of revolution? And didnt Benjamin Franklin say that, Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God? The answer to these questions is yes, indicating the ease with which we can merge our faith with our patriotism And it can easily be argued that, at certain times in history, it is right and fitting to merge the two. It can also be argued that now is one of those times, as the radical left, embodied in the current administration, has launched an all-out assault on our most fundamental freedoms. But this is where we need to be careful. On the one hand, many fine Christians are joining together to push back politically, just as those with other ideologies are pushing for their agendas politically. We have every right to do this as Americans, but it is our faith that fuels our convictions and informs our voting. Thats why we pray for our elected officials, and thats why we pray for God to turn the tide in our nation. There is no separation here between our faith and our patriotism, between our loyalty to God and our loyalty to America. Let us impact our nation for good. On the other hand, loyalty to Jesus is still distinct from loyalty to America (and on an entirely different level), and Second Amendment rights (to give one example) are not on the level of Scripture. Accordingly, as followers of Jesus, we are called to die rather than deny Jesus. As believers, we are not called to die rather than surrender our weapons. There will also be different perspectives during a war, because of which there were British Christians fighting against American Christians in the Revolutionary War and northern Christians fighting against southern Christians during the Civil War. Does that mean they were killing each other in Jesus name, or does that mean that national issues can sometimes divide true Christians? The answer is obviously the latter. Patriotism and discipleship obviously do not always go hand in hand. The reality is that America is a fallen nation, just like every other nation on the planet, and as such, is part of what the Bible calls the world. The political system is also part of this fallen world, with even our favored party mixed with corruption and compromise. As for political leaders, no matter how heroic and strong they might be, all of them have clay feet (to use a biblical idiom) and all of them are mere mortals, here today and gone tomorrow. The Bible frequently urges us not to put our trust and hopes in them. So, while our faith and our patriotism often overlap, there is a vast difference between the two. There is a vast difference between our loyalty to Jesus and our loyalty to a party or cause or leader, between the kingdom of God and America. We do well to keep those distinctives in mind. Otherwise, when the lines between Christianity and patriotism get blurred, the spirit of the world will enter our hearts. And soon enough, we will look more like the world than like the people of God. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Across the globe, the death of Queen Elizabeth II has prompted reflections on the historic sweep of her reign and how she succeeded in presiding over the end of Britain's colonial empire and embracing the independence of her former dominions. Tributes to the queen's life have poured in, from world leaders to rock stars to ordinary people along with some criticism of the monarchy. Midland resident Maureen O'Neal, who was born in England and lived in Thrapston, Northamptonshire, from the age of 9 until the age of 30, recalls that whenever she went to the movies, the song "God Save the Queen" would play afterward and everyone was expected to stand out of respect for Queen Elizabeth. "She was always a presence in our lives," O'Neal said. "I saw her from afar once when I went up to London. I think it was on a school trip," she recalled. O'Neal feels that King Charles will carry on the monarchy well. "Ive always admired him, so I think hell be a good king," she said. She feels that even those who consider themselves "anti-royalists" still appreciate what the queen did for England. "I think they all admired the queen," O'Neal said. Judith Richards, a native of Wolverhampton who moved to the United States 20 years ago and is a speech and language pathologist for the Midland County ESA, has a deep appreciation for Queen Elizabeth. "She was just an incredible person, Richards said. "She dedicated her life to serving the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. I just think thats an amazing thing to do. She served as the monarch for 70 years. That was an amazing, incredible commitment that she made. Shes seen a number of changes throughout the country. Shes accepted everything with incredible dignity, grace and servitude." Richards believes that the monarchy is still very important today. "I think the popularity of the monarchy has fluctuated over time, depending on what events were happening. But the support for the queen has always remained constant. And Im sure it will remain the same for King Charles," she said. The widespread tributes that followed the queen's death came not only from U.S. President Joe Biden but also every living president. She was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States, Biden and first lady Jill Biden said in a statement, adding that she defined an era. Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, said Elizabeth made the role of queen her own with a reign defined by grace, elegance, and a tireless work ethic." George W. Bush called her a woman of great intellect, charm, and wit," and Jimmy Carter said Elizabeths dignity, graciousness and sense of duty" were inspiring. Elizabeth was mourned across Europe. In France, Britains historic rival and contemporary ally, officials ordered flags at the presidential palace and public buildings be lowered to half-staff on Friday. French President Emmanuel Macron released a video message Friday in English expressing a sense of emptiness after her passing. Addressing the British public, the French president said: To you, she was your Queen. To us, she was THE Queen, to all of us. Even in places where the relationship with British monarchy is complicated, the tributes flowed. In India, once a British colony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Elizabeth a stalwart of our times. The queens death came as a growing number of British territories in the Caribbean are seeking to replace the monarch with their own heads of state amid demands that Britain apologize for its colonial-era abuses and award its former colonies slavery reparations. In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was having trouble believing he'd had his last sit-down chat with Elizabeth: I will so miss those chats," he said. Elizabeth had visited Canada 22 times as monarch. For most Canadians, we have known no other sovereign, Trudeau said. He said she was a "constant presence in our lives and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our countrys history. LONDON (AP) By early afternoon, the scent of thousands of lilies and roses floated in the air outside Buckingham Palace. But the pilgrims kept arriving, bearing still more bouquets and notes of endearment addressed to the only queen most have ever known. The scene outside the wrought iron gates was just as Nick French expected. But when he left a London hospital Friday, still shaky 10 days after surgery for prostate cancer, there was no question he would join them. Setting out on foot for an hour-long walk across the city, French searched through seven mostly sold-out florists shops until his arms were filled with blossoms of crimson and cream, pink and purple. I felt the need to come right down here, said the 50-year-old social services consultant from nearby Kent, standing behind a police barricade. True, Elizabeth II, born to royalty and bound by duty, had lived a life of palaces and pomp. But in the queen's decades of steadfast stewardship, French said, an ordinary man had found an inspiration and kindred soul. Elizabeths life, brings me hope because the queen was always an incredibly charitable person, a decent person even in the face of great adversity, he said, And that gives me a role model to try and move on in my own life, post-cancer. A day after the longest reigning monarch in British history died at 96, Frenchs tribute echoed through the crowds that thronged to Buckingham and the memorial plaza over which the palace presides. Those in attendance were, of course, self-selected people who cared for the queen and had come to express their affection. But the pilgrimage was remarkable for more than just its size; it was striking, too, for how it underscored the multitude of roles visitors say the monarch occupied in the lives of those she could never know. You inspired generations of young women like me to serve the great nation that thrived under your leadership, read one note penned in purple marker, left at the gate. Farewell, my dearest, read another, attached to a bouquet of yellow roses. Thank you maam ... for being a beacon of hope and stability in troubled times. And yet another: We thank you for everything you stood for. For your sense of duty, your care, your compassion and of your love for us, your people. The outpouring of flowers and heartfelt notes in public places evoked, for those old enough to remember, another somber week in London 25 years ago the days after Princess Diana, the queen's onetime daughter-in-law, was killed in a car crash in Paris. Then, a nation poured out its public grief in a way not entirely dissimilar. For David Hunt, a 67-year-old retiree from the British Library, the queen was a symbol of a bygone era and her death a reminder of just how much everything has changed since her reign's early days in his childhood. And Claire McDaniel, 48, said she came when she finished work in a skin-care shop because it felt like the right thing to do for a monarch who, for her, felt almost like a grandmother. During the pandemic she came on TV and said, `This is bad, but it will get better. We will see each other again and get together again.' And I think, as a country, it was just what we needed, McDaniel said. Not far away, classmates Adam Al-Mufty and Oliver Hughes, both 16 and in school uniforms, said they had come to Buckingham Palace to observe a chapter of history. But there was something more. She represented all of us, Al-Mufty said, acknowledging the unlikeliness that a teenage student and a sovereign could relate to one another. She was very down to earth. French, who came to the palace after an MRI to check that recent surgery had removed all his cancer, said his fondness for Elizabeth began in childhood but grew stronger in recent years. After Frenchs father died in 2019, he said he found solace observing the queens grace and solidity at the funeral of her husband, Prince Philip. As she grew older and her own health faltered, her determination to enjoy the places and things she loved while maintaining her role as queen provided him inspiration, he said. When he arrived at Buckingham Palace on Friday, he arranged four small bunches of flowers into a generous bouquet held together with a hairband given to him by another admirer in the crowd. At the barricade, he handed them to a police officer, who promised to find a good spot at the base of the palace gates. It provided small solace. But in the weeks to come, the pain of losing Elizabeth will be difficult to hide, said McDaniel, the retail worker. After all, the queens face and name are everywhere on Britains money and postal stamps, on an air terminal at Heathrow and on Londons newest subway line. It will be hard, but well get through it, McDaniel said. Thats what we do. Were English. Well have a bit of tea and carry on. ___ Adam Geller is a national writer for The Associated Press, on assignment in London to cover the queen's death. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/adgeller Just over three months after an elementary school massacre in Uvalde, Texas claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers, the towns local police department is investigating another shooting at a local park. Authorities announced that the suspected gang-related shooting at Memorial Park, which reportedly left two people injured, posed no threat to the community. We are working with the Uvalde Police Department and Sheriffs Office following a suspected gang related shooting at Memorial Park, read a tweet from the Texas Department of Public Safety. This information is preliminary, as the situation develops we will work with local law enforcement to provide updates. On Friday, the Uvalde Criminal Investigations Division announced it has arrested four people on charges related to the shooting: 17-year-old Donavan Hill, 22-year-old Karlyn Alexandyra Valdez, 18-year-old Brandon Alba and one unnamed juvenile (16-year-old) suspect were all charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities also announced that one victim, 18-year-old Bruce Brown is in stable condition at San Antonio hospital, while an unnamed 16-year-old victim remains stable, but in critical condition. The Uvalde Police Department first posted on Facebook Thursday evening that they were investigating the shooting after receiving a shots fired call at 5:30 p.m local time. Please AVOID the area of the Uvalde Memorial Park, read the post. The Uvalde Police Department is currently investigating a shooting with injured victims. A CBS news reporter present at the scene of the shooting said an eyewitness claimed the incident stemmed from a personal rivalry situation and was not a mass shooting. Witnesses tell me this was not a mass shooting situation, it was more like a personal rivalry situation. https://t.co/x9RnUidU4D Lilia Luciano (@lilialuciano) September 9, 2022 Meanwhile, local outlet KSAT12 said police were assuring the already-shaken community that the incident is not a dangerous situation for the general public and that theres no need to take shelter. The shooting comes just a few days after the beginning of a new school year in the Texas town still grieving for the lives loss at Robb Elementary School on May 24. The Texas Department of Public Safety said it would suspend two officers with pay during an internal review of their response to the school massacre, per CNN. A public information officer for UPD and the Texas Department of Public Safety did not immediately respond to Rolling Stones request for comment. Canning season is in full swing around here. We are a week into September already. Sept. 10 is granddaughter Abigails 6th birthday. Her birth brought us much excitement, as she put Joe and me on the grandparent list. Every grandchild brings excitement, but that first grandchild makes a change in your life. Last night all the family was here for supper. We had mashed potatoes, beef and noodles, cucumber salad, cheese, cookies and canned peaches. Son Kevin turned 17 on Sept. 2. Daughter Lovina and I made him a horseshoe-shaped cake. We celebrated his birthday a day earlier, as our family gathered here for a farewell supper for our dear friend Jodi. Jodi, whose husband Dan was killed in same accident that took the life of daughter Susans husband Mose, has moved to Alabama to live with her daughter Krista and family. We have come to be good friends with Jodi and will really miss her being close by. I understand that she wants to be closer to her daughter, though. We made a haystack dinner for Jodi and her son James and family. It was nice to spend a night together before she headed south. Daughter Elizabeth and Tim are glad that church services at their house are now over. Its always a good feeling to have everything cleaned again. A baptismal service for son Benjamin was held there on Saturday. After most of the people left, sister Emmas family and our family helped pack up the dishes in the bench wagon, and the men put all the benches back in. The tent was taken down and packed up in the tent trailer to be pulled to the next ones that need it. Tim served a good church lunch of homemade wheat and white bread, ham, cheese, peanut butter mixture, pickles, red beets, hot peppers, butter, grape jelly, coffee, iced tea and a variety of cookies. It was a nice, sunny day to have services under a tent. The sun warmed up later in the day, making the iced tea sister Emma made taste extra good. It always seems to make a parents heart so thankful when another child takes that precious step in life and accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior. May God continue to be Benjamins guide as we travel into the unknown future. Today my husband Joe stayed home from work, as he has several appointments. First we will go to the doctors office to find out the results on some blood tests he took. Then we will head over to the hospital, where he has to take a stress test. Joe has been having some health complications, so we hope to get good results. I cant believe the cost of doctor and hospital visits, but like everything else, the prices go up. We will take one day at a time and trust in our Heavenly Father above. I want to apologize to readers who have written letters to me that didnt receive an answer yet. I managed to get a few more answered this week. If you have a stamped envelope with your letter, you will get a reply, but I cant promise when. Also, if you are requesting recipes that I havent had in the columns, then I will try to print those in a future column to save time. I appreciate all the kind, encouraging letters I receive. Daughter Loretta appreciates all the get well and baby cards and gifts she has received. May God bless you for your kind deeds. Until next week God bless! This recipe was requested by a reader. Lovinas Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold. Readers can write to Eicher at Lovinas Amish Kitchen, PO Box 234, Sturgis, MI 49091 (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply); or email LovinasAmishKitchen@MennoMedia.org and your message will be passed on to her to read. She does not personally respond to emails. Whoopie Pies 4 cups flour 1 cup cocoa powder 2 teaspoons baking soda pinch of salt 2 eggs 2 cups white sugar 1 cup shortening 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup sour milk (2 tablespoons vinegar added to sweet milk to make a cup) 1 cup hot water Cream filling: 1 3/4 cups butter at room temperature 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1014 ounces marshmallow creme Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream eggs, sugar, shortening and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients alternately with sour milk to creamed mixture, then add hot water last. Buttermilk can be substituted for the sour milk. Drop on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375 degrees about 8 minutes or until done. For cream filling, cream butter and powdered sugar; whip until fluffy, then blend in vanilla. Fold in marshmallow creme until combined. Chill for 20 minutes. Put two cookies together with cream filling in between. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) The Justice Department and Donald Trumps legal team each proposed candidates Friday for the role of an independent arbiter in the investigation into top-secret documents found at the former president's Florida home, but the two sides differed on the scope of duties the person would have. Lawyers for Trump said they believe the so-called special master should review all documents seized by the FBI during its search last month of Mar-a-Lago, including records with classification markings, and filter out any that may be protected by claims of executive privilege. The Justice Department, by contrast, said it does not believe the arbiter should be permitted to inspect classified records or resolve potential claims of executive privilege. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon had given both sides until Friday to submit potential candidates for the role of a special master, as well as proposals for the scope of the persons duties and the schedule for his or her work. The Justice Department submitted the names of two retired judges Barbara Jones, who served on the federal bench in Manhattan and has performed the same role in prior high-profile investigations, and Thomas Griffith, a former federal appeals court jurist in the District of Columbia. The Trump team proposed one retired judge, Raymond Dearie also the former top federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of New York and a prominent Florida lawyer, Paul Huck, Jr. The back-and-forth over the special master is playing out amid an FBI investigation into the retention of several hundred classified documents recovered from Mar-a-Lago within the past year. Though the legal wrangling is unlikely to have major long-term effects on the investigation or knock it significantly off course, it will almost certainly delay the probe by potentially months and has already caused the intelligence community to temporarily pause a separate risk assessment. The Justice Department proposed an Oct. 17 deadline for the special master to complete the review process, while the Trump team said the work could take as long as three months. Though both sides met Cannon's deadline to provide potential candidates, their filings made clear that they have core disagreements about the job of special master. That's not surprising given that the Justice Department had strenuously objected to the Trump team's desire for such an arbiter, and gave notice Thursday that it would appeal the judge's decision to grant the ex-president's request. Central to the dispute is precisely what documents the yet-to-be-named special master should be tasked with reviewing. Roughly 11,000 documents including more than 100 with classified markings, some at the top-secret level were recovered during the FBIs Aug. 8 search. In granting the request for a special master, Cannon directed the department to temporarily pause its use of the seized records for investigative purposes. The Justice Department had said a special master was unnecessary in part because it had already completed its own review of the seized documents, locating a limited subset that possibly involve attorney-client privilege. It has maintained that executive privilege does not apply in this investigation because Trump, no longer president, had no right to claim the documents as his. Though the government does not believe the special master should inspect documents with classification markings, the Trump team maintains the arbiter should have access to the entire tranche of seized records. According to a summary of its position outlined in a filing Friday night, it disputes the idea that the Justice Department's separation of these documents is inviolable or that a document with classification markings should be forever regarded as classified. And, the lawyers say, if any document is a presidential document then Trump has an absolute right of access to it. "Thus, President Trump (and/or his designee) cannot be denied access to those documents, which in this matter gives legal authorization to the Special Master to engage in first-hand review," the filing states. Executive privilege generally refers to a presidents power to shield information from the courts and public so as to ensure the confidentiality of presidential decision-making, though there are limits. A separate dispute concerns the special master's fees and expenses. The Trump team has suggested splitting the costs evenly with the Justice Department. The government says the Trump team should bear the cost. The two sides are also at odds over candidates, though three of the four are retired judges. Jones, a former Manhattan federal judge and one of the government's picks, recently served as special master in two other high-profile cases related to Trump. She reviewed materials seized in FBI raids on Trumps one-time personal lawyers Michael Cohen, in an investigation related to hush-money payments, and Rudy Giuliani, in a probe of his dealings in Ukraine. Griffith, the other Justice Department selection, was named to the federal appeals court in Washington in 2005 by then-president George W. Bush, and previously represented the institutional interests of the Republican-led Senate during the impeachment case of former President Bill Clinton. The Trump team recommended Dearie, who was nominated in 1986 by then-President Ronald Reagan to the federal court based in Brooklyn. He has also served on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. The other Trump pick, Huck, served as general counsel to Charlie Crist when Crist was the Republican governor of Florida. He is married to Barbara Lagoa, a judge on the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which would hear any appeal in the Trump case from Florida. He is listed on the Federalist Society website as a contributor to the conservative legal group. The Justice Department on Thursday filed a notice of appeal indicating it would contest the judges special master order to the Atlanta-based 11th Circuit. It asked her to lift her hold on their investigative work pending their appeal. The department has been investigating the unlawful retention of top-secret records at Mar-a-Lago after Trump left the White House, as well as whether anyone sought to obstruct that probe. It is not clear if Trump or anyone else will be charged. ___ Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak in New York and Curt Anderson in Miami contributed to this report. More on Donald Trump-related investigations: https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump PRICES CORNER, Del. (AP) The Greenbank Church of Christs drive-thru food pantry was bustling with activity on a recent Thursday evening, as the church carried on its 10-year tradition of providing free weekly meals to local families. Community residents drove past the entrance of the pantry and exited the Prices Corner property with enough food to last their families through the end of the month. The pantry is a blessing, said Senior Minister Domingo Reyes of the Greenbank Church. People call us the best food pantry, but were not in competition with anybody. We just do it from the heart. Volunteers at the church gave away a variety of prepackaged perishable and nonperishable foods, including meats, bread, vegetables and pasta. As a partner of the Food Bank of Delaware, the items at the pantry all meet U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements. Sue Maynard, a founder of the food pantry who handles orders for the program, said the supplies help families supplement the food that they dont have at home. The weekly pantry, located off 511 Greenbank Road, is held every Thursday, from 6 to 6:45 p.m. It has been in operation for almost a decade and has grown significantly over the years. Maynard and her husband, Ed, have led the program since it was previously known as the Cedars Church of Christs food pantry. The name change to Greenbank is in reference to the merger of Cedars Church of Christ and First State Church of Christ. Reyes previously ministered at First State Church. He said the two churches one predominantly white and one predominantly Black became one congregation in 2019. Cedars started it and the pantry is now a big part of our history, Reyes said. On Nov. 1, the food pantry will celebrate 10 years of service in Wilmington. The good Lord has made it possible for us to do it and I give him all the praise, said Maynard, adding that a young couple who attended the church came up with the idea in 2012. Since its inception, the community has been very supportive of the pantry throughout the years. Maynard recalled when only four people showed up to their first meeting. By the end of 2012 we had 100 people and in the next year, up to 200 families showed up, Maynard said. I thought whoa its going to take a lot of volunteers for that many families. After the pandemic struck the nation in 2020, the pantry closed and later reopened that year in September in its current drive-thru model. During the pandemic, Reyes said, it was important to ensure the church pantry reopened to anyone who might need help. The program now serves 65 families every week. While the church has had to reduce the numbers it serves due to fewer volunteers and social distancing recommendations, the drive-thru model is more efficient, said Maynard. Meal recipients are required to register on the church website by the letter (A-D first week, E-L second week, M-R third week, S-V fourth week) that corresponds with their familys last name. The number of family members determines how many bags of food each family receives in the drive-thru, according to Maynard. We actually found that we can give out more and offer more services this way because its a more organized operation now, Maynard said. We dont plan on going back to distributing from the building. In addition to the weekly free food distribution, volunteers at the church also give away essential non-food items that they receive. Were not going to open a closet anytime soon, but there are plenty of other things that come our way that we make sure the homeless get ... such as gloves for the winter, Maynard said. We dont want to waste anything. The Greenbank Church of Christ food pantry is one of the largest emergency food distributors in the Wilmington area, according to the Food Bank of Delawares website. Maynard estimates that the food pantry has distributed 6 million pounds of food since it opened. LONDON - In 1953, Eve Pollard's parents bought a tiny black-and-white TV so the family could watch Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. Pollard was 7, and she remembers neighbors piling into her house, all dressed up for the telecast - men in ties, women in smart outfits and Pollard in a frilly, checked dress. "That's how innocent we were," said Pollard, a longtime journalist and author in London. "We had just won a war, a great victory, and the queen was so glamorous. Now, we wonder, 'Who are we? And where are we going?'" With the queen's death on Thursday, Britain's new Elizabethan age is over, replaced by a moment of uncertainty and questions about the future. Her passing comes as this island nation of 67 million was already mired in dire and complicated times, with the question of national identity - fraught and unanswered since the end of World War II - blurred and divisive. The prideful proclamations of the Brexiteers - who heralded a new era of "Global Britain" in the aftermath of its break with the European Union - have degenerated into petty legal disputes and sniping with its closest neighbors. The country is experiencing the highest energy cost spikes in Europe and a revolving door at 10 Downing Street that has Britain suddenly looking more like Italy - working on its fourth prime minister in six years. Regional tensions that have long dogged London are also increasing. Scotland, already angling for a new independence vote, may find this moment ripe for a fresh start in the absence of a beloved and shared queen. Northern Ireland, whose status has never been totally clear post-Brexit, is jittery, which carries ominous echoes. "She was the glue that held our nation together for as long as most of us can remember," veteran Scottish journalist and former BBC presenter Andrew Neil wrote in the Daily Mail. "Through war and peace, social revolution and consolidation, separatist challenges and national unity, here-today, gone-tomorrow politicians (including her 15 prime ministers), from Empire to Commonwealth." ". . . With her gone," he wrote, "the risk of becoming unstuck and falling apart on so many fronts is all the greater." The country moves forward now with a new monarch, King Charles III, who is less popular than his mother and even than his son and heir, Prince William. The new prime minister, Liz Truss, was selected by Conservative Party members and has yet to be tested in a public vote. A recent poll showed only 12 percent of Britons expect her to be a good or great leader, with 52 percent predicting her tenure will be "poor or terrible." "There will be a substantial moment of national introspection, a long moment of pause for what the queen's death means for Britain's role in the world," said Tony Travers, a British politics expert at the London School of Economics. "Britain has a separate head of state and government, and both have changed in the span of two days," he said. "The passing of a monarch and changing of a prime minister have happened before, of course, but it will be a profound moment for collective self-reflection in the U.K." Flowers and other offerings are piling up in front of Buckingham Palace, where crowds have gathered to pay their respects. In interviews, many there said they were impressed by King Charles. They know he will be different from his mother, but they are also used to him - he's the longest-ever king-in-waiting. In recent years, and in recent months especially, Charles has been taking on more of his mother's duties. He stood in for her at major events like the COP 26 climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, and the ceremonial State Opening of Parliament. Still, the passing of the queen was jarring. "I woke up this morning and felt really strange. It's like there's been a seismic shift in reality," said Louise Kirby, 52, who works for an aquarium in east Yorkshire. "I got a message from my mother saying, 'What's in store for us?'" She said her mother is a supporter of the royal family and likes Charles but is worried. "Can we cope with another change? We've been faced with so many changes worldwide, are we ready for another?" "Even if the change is good - not that the queen's death is good - we can all react to change in a strange way," Kirby said. "There's a certain level of unease." The national outpouring for the 96-year-old queen's death seems more muted than the collective mourning over the sudden death of Princess Diana 25 years ago when she was just 36. There's also a generational disconnect. Many younger Britons care little about the monarchy and see it as a relic of an often-troubled past. Some have chafed at the massive media focus on the queen's death and say Brexit is a far more important issue. Still, for millions of people, Queen Elizabeth was a touchstone, a symbol of British pride and greatness, a living bridge to a more glorious time. When she became monarch in 1952, Britain was the most industrialized nation in Europe, accounting for nearly 10 percent of global trade. Today, its economy is vastly eclipsed by once-defeated Germany, and only marginally larger than that of France. The quality of its leaders has diminished, from the lion that was Winston Churchill to the scandal-plagued likes of the recently ousted Boris Johnson, known perhaps more for his flubs and flippancy than his stewardship of Britain. "In 1953, the U.K., its government and its civil servants were highly respected across the world," said David Edgerton, professor of modern British history at King's College. "And today, people look on in amazement at our prime ministers and are astonished by their seeming lack of grasp of reality." Postwar Britain was hardly a golden age, as the country struggled to modernize its economy and society, resulting in labor strife and often grim economic times. Those problems, along with the Cold War and later violence in Northern Ireland, lasted well into the term of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. Still, at the end of World War II, Elizabeth, then a young princess, had stood alongside a smiling Churchill on V-Day, waving to jubilant crowds celebrating victory over Nazi Germany and hopeful about Britain's future. Now war has returned to Europe because another leader, Russia's Vladimir Putin, is determined to destroy neighboring lands to conquer them. The fighting in Ukraine has interrupted global energy supplies and is likely to force Britain to borrow millions to help heat British homes in a difficult winter ahead. "This country has always thought we could at least heat our homes," Pollard said. "Suddenly we woke to find everyone in a real bind. Suddenly we don't seem to be quite the strong country we felt we were." In practical terms, the arrival of a new prime minister is more significant to daily British life than the ascendancy of the new king. The monarch can express empathy with people struggling to heat their homes, but the prime minister can provide money and programs. But Queen Elizabeth held a unique place in British life. Even people who despise the monarchy liked her. She projected British pride. She was what Britain wanted to see when it looked in the mirror. Her loss is unsettling. "There is a sense of unease, but people can't quite put their finger on what the source of that is, except for a sense of change and not knowing quite what the future will feel like," said Bronwen Maddox, director of Chatham House, the British think tank. "We are moving into a point where Britain is less sure of its role in the world." Robin Niblett, Maddox's predecessor at Chatham House, said Britain was already in decline by the time the queen ascended the throne. Its once-great empire was waning. And Elizabeth's reign was marked by further deterioration, including the humiliating Suez crisis in 1956, in which British, French and Israeli troops were forced to withdraw from a military operation to retake control of the Suez Canal from Egypt. The episode was widely seen as affirming Britain's reduction to a second-tier power. Niblett said the nation has already moved on from being defined "entirely by her." New cultural touchstones beyond the monarchy, from Harry Potter to "Downton Abbey," are now the more familiar global symbols of Britain. While Britain now has a richer and more diverse population than ever, it is also deeply divided along economic and cultural lines in ways that mirror the polarization in the United States. King Charles III also inherits from his mother the problem of how to deal with growing unease among Commonwealth nations over colonial history and their allegiance to the crown. Last November, Barbados severed its colonial-era ties to the British throne, declaring itself a republic amid fireworks and cheers. Earlier this year, Caribbean trips by Prince Edward, Elizabeth's youngest son, and his wife, Sophie, and Prince William and his wife, Catherine, were marred by protests and calls for reparations from countries colonized by Britain that still hold its monarch as head of state. Six island nations in the region - Belize, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis - have already signaled plans to eventually drop the British monarch as head of state and name their own. "It is inevitable that the countries where Charles III is now king will become republics," said Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda's ambassador to the United States. "Not because of the death of Elizabeth II, who had been their sovereign for 70 years, but because it has become incongruous that countries that are independent and sovereign should continue to hold to the British crown." Maddox said British government officials were reluctant to make changes to long-held traditions that were seen as important to the queen, including the monarch's role as the head of the Church of England and the hereditary nature of memberships in the House of Lords. "Conversations that were deliberately avoided out of respect for Queen Elizabeth might be more open and more accessible now," she said. Changes on the horizon have been brought into focus by the queen's death. Whether welcome or not, they have created a disquiet in the country she led. "It's given people the feeling that we're not sure about ourselves," Pollard said. "The British are worried about where we fit in." - - - The Washington Post's Karla Adam contributed to this report. MANCHESTER A national cannabis cultivator and retailer plans to move a medical dispensary from Hartford to a former Friendly's restaurant near the Buckland mall. Curaleaf plans to relocate its dispensary at 92 Weston St. in Hartford to Manchester at 240 Buckland St. The new business is to be a hybrid, offering medical and recreational sales, Manchester officials said. The planning and zoning commission approved the new use for the 4,322-square-foot building this week. Benjamin Clack, an attorney for Curaleaf, said Friday the company now must get state approval both to move the medical dispensary license from Hartford to Manchester and to offer recreational sales at the Manchester location. The goal, Clack said, is to get those approvals within the next several months and begin operating as a hybrid store early next year. No significant changes are planned for the Buckland Street building, which is on 1 acre in the general business zone. Nearby businesses include a Chili's restaurant. A state-owned park-and-ride lot is just north of the site. Business hours are expected to be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store interior is to include spaces for employees, a vault for product storage, a packaging and processing area and an employee break room. A total of 10 to 12 employees are to be on site each day, including five or six workers per shift, according to town documents. Curaleaf operates 134 dispensaries and 26 cultivation sites in 22 states, including Massachusetts, Maine, New York and New Jersey, according to the company website. In Connecticut, along with the Hartford dispensary, the company has medical dispensaries in Stamford, Groton and Milford, according to its website. "Providing patients with quality cannabis for health and wellness has been our focus for the last decade," the company stated on the website. A company representative could not be reached for comment. The planning and zoning commission had to consider local zoning regulations that say no cannabis establishment can be within 500 feet of a school or within 200 feet of a religious or charitable institution, hospital or veterans' home. Local rules also prohibit operation of cannabis stores/dispensaries outside the hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. In June, the commission approved retail cannabis sales for Fine Fettle Dispensary, one of three tenants in a building at 91 Hale Road. Fine Fettle has cannabis dispensaries in Stamford, Willimantic, Newington, Martha's Vineyard and Rowley, Mass. Planned security provisions at the Manchester site included a 360-degree surveillance camera, two intrusion detection systems and controlled access via key cards, according to a town report. The Buckland Street site has two entrance points off Buckland Street, one shared with Chilis. Because that part of Buckland Street is separated by a median, the access points are only accessible from the southbound lane, which makes both entry and exit a right-turn only, town officials said. During peak business, a traffic engineer's report says, 35 vehicles are expected to enter the site each hour and the same number will leave. No disruption to local traffic is expected, the engineer reported. LONDON - The Garter King of Arms, an official member of the royal household since 1415, took to the balcony of St. James's Palace in central London on Saturday to proclaim to all of the United Kingdom that there was a new monarch: King Charles III. Holding a scepter and wearing an ostrich-feathered velvet hat, his reading from a large written proclamation was a historic ritual that's gone on for hundreds of years. Trumpets - the tweets of yore - blared. Cries of "God save the king" rang out, in a scene that will be repeated across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the next day with more gun salutes and military pomp. In a twist of history and modernity, the meeting of the historic Accession Council - made up of members of the Church of England, lawmakers and senior state officials - was streamed live for the first time ever. It allowed millions of Brits to watch the ceremony that usually takes place behind closed doors, and was seen as a potential sign of how the new king may intend to reign. "The King personally asked for television cameras to be allowed in the Accession Council. King Charles III starts his reign as he means to go on. A new transparent monarchy for a modern age," tweeted royal commentator Charlie Proctor. The council's convening, traditionally meant to be as soon as possible after the death of a sovereign, is followed by a meeting in Parliament. Charles, dressed in black, took an oath before the council while standing alongside Queen Consort Camilla and the new Prince and Princess of Wales William and Catherine. He promised to uphold the church and facilitate the continuity of government - a pledge taken by every sovereign at their accession since George I in 1714. He referred to the "irreparable loss" the nation has suffered with the death of Queen Elizabeth II and hailed her reign as "unequaled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion." "I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me," he told the council. "I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set." Outside the palace, crowds from across the U.K. assembled and fell into a hushed silence as they awaited the proclamation - albeit with modern mobile phones in hand, ready to post scenes from the event online. Craning their necks, some jostled for a good view. Others, somewhat ironically, took to WhatsApp messaging groups and websites for better views and detailed insights. "It's like we're so close and yet so far," said Adam Stanton, 32, as he tried to refresh his social media feeds for news. "What are they doing in there? Where are the trumpets?" After the declaration, the chants hailing Charles rang out - at first tentatively and then more full throated - alongside gun salutes and trumpets. One exasperated mother tried to keep her children engaged in the momentous event: "Guys, I know this is really boring to you but this is actually extremely important," she was overheard saying. Online, the tone was less enthusiastic. "No one cares it's not the middle ages any more," tweeted one watcher. "Enough now," said another. Charles's mother made her own history when encouraged by her husband, Prince Philip, she gave permission for her coronation to be televised for the first time in 1953. Amanda Kingston traveled from the Welsh town of Tenby, waking up at 3:15 a.m. to travel to London with her family for the event. In a time of national flux, she said Charles had proved reassuring. "We said to each this morning, that we feel a lot happier," she told The Washington Post outside St. James's Palace. "He looked like a king," she said of the new monarch. Kingston and her family were devastated by the news of the queen's death on Thursday and gathered to raise a toast at home in her honor. Inside the palace, former British Prime ministers mingled, among them Tony Blair, David Cameron and newly ousted Boris Johnson surrounded by senior religious and state officials who make up the council. Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer called it "a real moment in history." Speaking to Britain's Sky News after attending, he said, "on occasions like this we come together." He and other senior lawmakers will re-swear their own oaths later Saturday to the new King Charles III and will meet with him at Buckingham palace in a smaller private audience. Flags will be briefly flown at full-staff across the nation for the next 24 hours following the accession ceremony, before returning to half-staff as the United Kingdom continues its 10 days period of national mourning. The state funeral for Elizabeth is expected to take place on Monday Sept. 19 with world leaders and officials, among them President Biden, due to attend. What happens at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral? Here's what we know so far. Elizabeth, who died at Balmoral Castle on Thursday, will lie in state in Edinburgh before being transferred to London's Westminster Abbey. She will then be buried near her husband and father at Windsor Castle. As crowds ebbed away and the ceremony faded outside St. James's some people lingered taking in the rare historic moment, others made plans to travel to nearby Buckingham palace to lay flowers and remember the queen. DENVER (AP) Chief Justice John Roberts defended the authority of the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution, saying its role should not be called into question just because people disagree with its decisions. When asked to reflect on the last year at the court in his first public appearance since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Roberts said Friday he was concerned that lately some critics of the courts controversial decisions have questioned the legitimacy of the court, which he said was a mistake. He did not mention any specific cases or critics by name. If the court doesnt retain its legitimate function of interpreting the constitution, Im not sure who would take up that mantle. You dont want the political branches telling you what the law is, and you dont want public opinion to be the guide about what the appropriate decision is, Roberts said while being interviewed by two judges from the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at its conference in Colorado Springs. Roberts described the last year as an unusual and difficult one, pointing to the public not be allowed inside the court, closed in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, as one hardship. He also said it was gut wrenching to drive into the Supreme Court that was surrounded by barricades every day. The barriers were installed in May when protests erupted outside the court and outside the homes of some Supreme Court justices after there was an unprecedented leak of a draft opinion indicating the justices were planning to overturn Roe v. Wade, which provided women constitutional protections for abortion for nearly 50 years. The barriers are gone and the public will be allowed back inside when the court's new session begins in October but an investigation ordered by Roberts into the leak continues. Speaking at the same conference Thursday, Justice Neil Gorsuch said it is terribly important to identify the leaker and said he is expecting a report on the progress of the investigation, I hope soon. Gorsuch condemned the leak, as have other justices who have addressed it publicly. Improper efforts to influence judicial decision-making, from whatever side, from whomever, are a threat to the judicial decision-making process," Gorsuch said. Reporters from The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg attended the talk. The leaked draft was largely incorporated into Justice Samuel Alito's final opinion in June that overturned Roe v. Wade in a case upholding Mississippi's law banning abortion after 15 weeks. The ruling paved the way for severe abortion restrictions or bans in nearly half of U.S. states. In June's ruling, Roberts, appointed to the court in 2005 by former President George W. Bush, voted to uphold Mississippi's law but he did not join the conservative justices in also overturning Roe v. Wade, as well as Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the 1992 decision that reaffirmed the right to end a pregnancy. He wrote that there was no need to overturn the broad precedents to uphold the state law, saying he would take a more measured course. Roberts has spoken out repeatedly about the importance of the judiciarys independence and to rebut perceptions of the court as a political institution not much different than Congress or the presidency. Opinion polls since the leak and the release of the final abortion decision, though, have shown a sharp drop in approval of the court and confidence in the institution. When asked what the public might not know about how the court works, Roberts emphasized the collegiality among the justices and the court's tradition of shaking hands before starting conferences or taking the bench. After the justices might disagree about a decision, everyone eats together in the court's dining room where they talk about everything but work, he said. He said it's not borne out of fake affection but a respect that comes from the push and pull of explaining ideas and listening to the responses to them. We have a common calling and we act like it, he said. ___ Associated Press writer Mark Sherman contributed to this report from Washington. ___ Follow AP's coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) A day of terror that left four dead and three wounded in a Tennessee city this week tore a hole in the hearts of those left behind: the grandmother of three children left without parents, the man who lay down beside his fallen best friend and refused to leave, the daughter whose wounded father is her whole world. Police have so far released few details of the rampage that sent Memphis into lockdown as a shooter drove around town for hours, opening fire on people and streaming some of the attacks on social media. Police arrested 19-year-old Ezekiel Kelly on Wednesday night when he surrendered after a car chase and charged him with first-degree murder in the shootings. Although several of the victims have been publicly identified by friends and relatives, police had released the name of only the first victim, Dewayne Tunstall, on Friday. Marcus Cash was in his house just before 1 a.m. Wednesday when he heard gunfire and ran outside to where Tunstall and some friends had gathered. Cash and Tunstall were so close that they were like brothers, he said. When Cash saw Tunstall's body, he just lay down beside him. I had his blood all over me," Cash said. "They couldnt get me off the ground. After police arrived, they held Cash for hours as a precautionary measure, because he was so distraught, he said. They said I wasnt in the right state of mind to be out, Cash said. I was emotionally torn. When asked what he told police, he said: You all better catch him before I do. Tunstall was featured in a news story on Memphis television station WREG-TV last year after he bought gas for a stranger at a local station. Olivia Jennings told a reporter she was standing in line behind Tunstall when she started joking with him about all the orange juice he was buying. Then he offered to buy her gas. The small act of kindness touched Jennings so much that she asked to take a photo with Tunstall to post online. She told the station she wanted others to know that while Memphis gets a bad rap, there are good people all over the city. The young man is about the same age as my son, Jennings said. I would just like to know if he did something kind, people would at least say something. You know, Youre a good kid. Also killed on Wednesday was Allison Parker, a mother of three who worked as a medical assistant at a clinic in nearby West Memphis, Arkansas. Parkers mother-in-law, Debbie Holland, said Parkers children lost their father her son a couple of years ago. Speaking by phone on the way to be with her grandchildren Thursday, she said the killer didnt just take one life but also left the children without parents. She was beautiful, intelligent, kind-hearted, giving she would help anybody who asked, Holland said. She didnt deserve to die at the hands of this monster. A Facebook post from Dr. Trent Pierce at the Family Practice Center of West Memphis, where Parker worked, said the office was grieving her death. Please pray for her family and our entire office staff as we try to process this senseless loss, it read. Rodolfo Berger was shopping in an AutoZone when he was shot just before 6 p.m. Wednesday, according to his daughter. Police said Kelly streamed the shooting on Facebook live, casually speaking to the camera before opening the store door and firing what appeared to be a pistol. Police said the man who was injured was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Jenny Berger identified the victim as her father in a long post on Facebook. Today my dad was a victim of a senseless act of violence. Memphis shooting rampage. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time, she wrote. Berger said she was in agony for hours, not knowing what had happened to the man she considers her best friend. I love this man so much, she wrote. If you know me, you know hes my world. A person who answered the phone at Jenny Bergers office said she was not granting interviews. She wrote on Facebook that her father is recovering. A family friend has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help with expenses. I can feel in my heart he is so STRONG and ready for a journey of healing ahead, Berger wrote. ____ Loller reported from Nashville, Tennessee. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) Sweden is holding an election Sunday to elect lawmakers to the 349-seat Riksdag as well as to local offices across the nation of 10 million. Early voting began on Aug. 24. Here are some key things to know about the vote. WHAT IS AT STAKE? Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson is fighting to keep her center-left Social Democrats at the helm of a left-wing coalition but is facing a strong challenge from the right. Sweden is known for being a cradle-to-grave welfare society and Andersson would like to preserve the social protections that have long defined Sweden, and reverse some of the market-oriented changes by an earlier government. Her party feels that some of the changes, like state subsidies going to private schools, are creating greater inequalities. The once-mighty Social Democrats have been in power since 2014. But as the party's popularity has sunk, it has presided over a weak government that relies more on other parties to pass laws, creating political instability for the past eight years. WHO IS LIKELY TO WIN? There are two major blocs: one with four parties on the left and another with four on the right. The polls leading up to the election say it is impossible to predict. Its basically a coin toss. Its 50-50 between the two different sides, Zeth Isaksson, a sociologist in electoral behavior at Stockholm University, said Saturday. Under Swedish law, the party that wins the most seats forms the next government. Polls show this is likely to be Andersson's party, which will need to create a coalition with other parties. But if the left as a whole has a poor showing, she might not be able to form a coalition. In that case, the baton would be passed to the second-largest party to try to form a government. WHICH PARTY IS IN THE NO. 2 SPOT? In the last election in 2018, the Moderates led by Ulf Kristersson, a center-right party, won the second-highest number of seats. The conservative party promotes a market economy, lower taxes and a smaller role for government in a country with a generous welfare state supported by high taxes. But like the Social Democrats and other mainstream parties across Europe, the Moderates have also seen their popularity decline amid a populist challenge coming from further right. WHO ARE THE POPULISTS? The Sweden Democrats, a populist right-wing party that takes a hard line on immigration and crime, first entered parliament in 2010 and has been growing steadily ever since. The party won 13% of the vote in 2018, becoming the third-largest force in parliament. Polls show it is likely to improve on that showing Sunday. Some Swedes compare the party to Trump-style populism and note it was founded by far-right extremists decades ago. They do not trust it in its reported transformation to a more traditional conservative party. The party is led by Jimmie Akesson, a 43-year-old former web designer who has been the driving force in trying to moderate the partys image. The party has clearly tapped into the social mood, however, and other parties have been moving closer to its positions, as many Swedes believe that they can no longer bear the costs of the country's generous refugee policies and are seeking a crackdown on crime. Once a pariah, other conservative parties have grown increasingly willing to deal with the Sweden Democrats. Andersson told reporters Saturday that the rise of the far right was partly the fault of the right-wing opposition, which she said spent so much time and effort to try to convince people that the Sweden Democrats arent the party that they actually are. HOW SERIOUS IS CRIME IN SWEDEN? Some immigrants have had difficulties assimilating into Swedish society, leading to segregated neighborhoods with high crime rates. Gang violence mostly takes place among criminal networks dealing drugs or involved in other illicit activity. But there have been recent cases of innocent bystanders being hurt. So far this year, 48 people have been killed by firearms in Sweden, three more than in all of 2021. The fears triggered by shootings and explosions in disadvantaged neighborhoods have made crime one of the most pressing issues for Swedish voters. Shootings and explosions of bombs have increased in the last few years and (this violence) is now considered a great social problem," said Anders Sannerstedt, a political scientist at Lund University in southern Sweden. THE GENDER FACTOR Andersson became Swedens first female prime minister less than a year ago a milestone late in coming for a country that in many ways is an example of gender equality. I was really proud, said Ulrika Hoonk, a 39-year-old who voted early in Stockholm on Friday, saying it took far too long for that to happen. Polls show that Andersson's party is especially popular with women, with men tending to vote more conservative. Even though Andersson is the first prime minister, there are still many women represented in positions of authority. Four party leaders are women and one party has a woman and a man sharing the leadership. In parliament, the gender balance has long been split roughly 50-50. Several women voters interviewed this week said that finally having a woman in the top leadership job was very important for them, and one factor they considered when choosing which party to support. ___ Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, contributed. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Nearly 1 in 3 Republican candidates for statewide offices that play a role in overseeing, certifying or defending elections supported overturning the results of the 2020 presidential race, according to an Associated Press review. They include contenders from one end of the country to the other, often in pivotal swing states, for positions that are the linchpins of democracy. In Michigan, Kristina Karamo, a community college professor who signed an affidavit to a lawsuit seeking to throw out President Joe Biden's win, is running to be the state's top elections official. In Arizona, GOP candidates for the three top statewide offices all backed setting aside Bidens victory in their state. The breadth of election denial among Republicans is a reminder of the grip that Donald Trump has on the party. As the midterm primary season reaches its conclusion next week, Trump has wielded the power of his endorsement with great effect, lifting candidates who parrot his conspiracy theories while largely sidelining those who accepted the legitimacy of Biden's election. That's raising the stakes for the November vote, particularly for contests that play a vital role in validating election results and ensuring peaceful transfers of power. Governors, for instance, often confirm the results of presidential elections. Most secretaries of state oversee their state's election system. Attorneys general have the power to defend their state's elections or investigate claims of wrongdoing. Of the 86 Republican candidates vying for those positions in 37 states in the fall, one-third have echoed Trump's lies about widespread fraud costing him reelection, according to the AP review. Only 40% would directly say Biden was legitimately elected. The ball is still in the voters court, said Tammy Patrick, a former Arizona election official who works at Democracy Fund, which advocates for election access. Depending on who they vote for in November, that may not be the case in the future. There is no evidence of any widespread fraud or manipulation of voting machines in the 2020 election, underscored by repeated audits, court cases and the conclusions of Trumps own Department of Justice. The prevalence of candidates who insist otherwise has fueled fears of state officials in 2024 trying to award presidential electors to a candidate who did not win them. But it could also cause disruption and distrust in thousands of other down-ballot races across the country. Trumps falsehoods propelled the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Many of the most aggressive candidates see themselves as part of a movement to uncover a grand election conspiracy they blame for Trump's loss. We have a fight on our hands," Arizona state Rep. Mark Finchem, the GOP nominee for secretary of state who was at the Jan. 6 protests, told a gathering of several dozen election skeptics in Omaha, Nebraska late last month. "The establishment and the Democrats want to do everything they can to subvert our elections. That's become an article of faith with much of the Republican electorate. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research from 2021 showed that 2 out of every 3 GOP voters believe Biden was not legitimately elected president. Now, in all but one of the battleground states that decided the 2020 race, there is a Republican candidate on the ticket who, like Finchem, has suggested overturning the Democrat's win. The exception is Georgia, where the GOP incumbents beat back a slate of challengers Trump supported to punish them for not awarding the state to him rather than Biden, the actual winner. In Pennsylvania, state Sen. Doug Mastriano, the Republican nominee for governor, attended the Jan. 6 rally near the White House shortly before the riot and arranged for buses to bring others from his state who wanted to stop Congress from certifying Biden's victory. In Wisconsin, Trump-endorsed businessman Tim Michels, who is running for governor, said he is open to exploring how to decertify Biden's win in the state something lawyers say is legally impossible. In Michigan, the Republican candidates for governor, secretary of state and attorney general have all repeated Trump's election lies. If even one or two of these people win, we're in a full-blown constitutional crisis, said Ellen Kurz, a Democrat whose group, iVote, is involved in the swing state secretary of state races. Other experts on voting are alarmed but warn against panic. I dont want to give them more power than they actually have to undermine us and our faith in the election process, said Sylvia Albert, director of voting and elections for Common Cause, a nonpartisan organization that advocates for expanded voter access. We have a huge infrastructure with thousands of election officials and checks and balance. In places where there are bad intentions to harm voters, we are all working to ensure those dont happen. The candidates' views are important in the key presidential states because a governor or secretary of state with a record of not respecting the actual vote count could introduce chaos into the selection of the next president. Some of the statewide candidates are likely to win in November because they are running in overwhelmingly Republican states. That includes former U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador, the GOP nominee for attorney general in Idaho, and Alabama state Rep. Wes Allen, the nominee for secretary of state. Both candidates said they would have signed onto a 2020 Texas lawsuit to overturn Biden's win. That case was swiftly thrown out by the U.S. Supreme Court. In Wyoming, state Rep. Chuck Gray, who won last month's GOP primary for secretary of state, faces no opponent from the Democratic Party or any other group in November in a state that Trump won by 43 percentage points. Gray has repeated Trump's lies about 2020 being rigged, traveled to Arizona to watch a partisan review of ballots that was derided as deeply flawed and proposed additional regular election audits in Wyoming. In response to Gray's likely ascension, a committee of the Wyoming Legislature late last month voted to draft a bill that would remove the secretary of state from overseeing the state's elections. Dan Zwonitzer, the Republican co-chairman of the committee, said in an interview that it's likely the Legislature cannot finish the effort this year, but may be forced to consider it in the future. It's a little bit of a reaction to the gut punch the state took, Zwonitzer said, noting that the government has been holding numerous open forums and demonstrations of its vote counting to assure the public it's secure. The pushback in Wyoming is a reminder of that, as Trump has tried to make denial of the 2020 election results a litmus test in his party, many Republican elected officials have refused to go along. Democracy is not a partisan issue, said Thania Sanchez of States United Action, an organization tracking candidates who deny the 2020 outcome and are running for statewide office. A lot of Republicans have been consistent about not spreading the lies about the 2020 election. Sanchez noted that most statewide GOP incumbents did not outright deny the 2020 outcome or use their positions to try to overturn the election. Many faced primary challengers this year, as in Georgia, but Trump's movement knocked out incumbents in only two races the Idaho attorney general primary and in Indiana's secretary of state race, where Diego Morales won the nomination at the state Republican Party convention after repeating Trump's fraud claims. The movement had its greatest success in races for open seats, such as Gray in Wyoming or the race for secretary of state in Nevada. A Republican who defended the 2020 election result was prevented by term limits from seeking reelection, and GOP voters then nominated Jim Marchant, who says he would not have certified Biden's win in Nevada. Rory McShane is a political strategist who advised both candidates and worked for a coalition of like-minded skeptics of the 2020 result who are running for secretary of state; Marchant founded that group. McShane said candidates such as Gray and Marchant are being maligned. If you criticize or talk about election security, they ostracize you and try to throw you out of the mainstream conversation, McShane said. That leaves Republicans two choices to run milquetoast candidates or run candidates willing to stand up to the mainstream media. ___ Associated Press statehouse reporters from throughout the United States contributed to this report. ___ Follow AP for full coverage of the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ap_politics. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ROANOKE, Va. (AP) A year after fleeing Afghanistan and losing everything for the second time in his life, Mohammad Naziry sat in the safety of his Roanoke apartment and discussed what is most important to him. Atop that short list are his familys health and well-being. Next is to be granted asylum, which would give him permanent residence in the United States. I want to be valid, so I can really work hard and try to build up a life here, Naziry said. Otherwise, where am I going to be headed, you know, if I dont have my proper documentation? So that is really important. Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, 214 Afghans have come to the Roanoke and New River valleys, according to Commonwealth Catholic Charities, the nonprofit that helps immigrants and refugees settle in Virginia. Naziry is one of many seeking asylum, a form of protection that allows refugees to remain in the United States rather than be deported back to a country where they fear persecution of themselves or their families. Asylum seekers must apply for protection within one year of arriving in the United States. Many refugees came on Special Immigration Visas or humanitarian parole, which often allow permanent residency in the country. Naziry, however, did not receive a Special Immigration Visa, though he said he and his family rented out living spaces to American government contractors in the U.S.-backed Afghan government era. Since we had our homes rented to the U.S., Naziry said, now we have going through our mind that the Taliban is going to say to us, You work with them. You had your homes rented to them, so were not going to spare you. Were going to cut your throat. Joe Mott, a retired senior executive with the Department of Justice, was a liaison in Afghanistan from 2018 to 2020 and is helping Nazirys family apply for asylum. Mott volunteers with Episcopal Community Sponsorship, a ministry that joined Commonwealth Catholic Charities newly formed Community Sponsorship program. Naziry, his wife, their two sons and his mother are here on humanitarian parole, which is granted to people with urgent need to enter the United States. They werent eligible for SIV because they werent employees of the U.S. government or a U.S. government contractor, Mott said. In their case, the route to seek asylum is due to the threat of harm if they return to their native country. Fleeing the Taliban As the Taliban gained control of Kabul in 2021, Naziry and his family of five fled their home with an uneaten hot dinner at the table, dirty dishes in the sink and the television still on, showing the news. They filled one suitcase for all of them. They had no idea where to go. Naziry told his story in English and in Dari, with help from a Commonwealth Catholic Charities translator. He and his family are Shia Hazara, an ethnic minority in Afghanistan that has long faced discrimination and persecution in the country. Naziry, 36, recalled the Taliban gaining control of Afghanistan in the late 1990s, when he was a young boy. The Taliban took away and tortured his father and brother for being Hazara, he said. His father died of those injuries within days of his return. Naziry said his brothers hands still shake from the torment. Naziry and his family fled to Pakistan soon after. When they returned to Afghanistan in 2002 after the U.S. and its allies drove the Taliban from power, Naziry started a bridal shop business. I was a hard worker. I was well off, and I made good money for myself, a good living, Naziry said. He shared his wealth with neighbors, for example providing beds for children previously sleeping on floors. I said, Wheres your pillows? Wheres your blankets? And they say, We dont have that. And that made a hole in my heart. The system is broken Mott, the attorney helping Naziry and his family, said their asylum application is supported by the fact that they helped U.S. government contractors, but also by who they are. Theyre Shia Muslims who are subjected to frequent attacks, especially by ISIS, even within the last couple of months, Mott said. Plus, theyre a member of the Hazara minority, which has historically been subjected to discrimination and oppression under the previous Taliban regime. The Taliban kidnapping and beating Nazirys father is an example of what Hazara Shia face, Mott said. Seeking permanent residency in the United States can be an uncertain path, taking years and possibly ending in rejection, according to Rachel Thompson, an immigration lawyer with Poarch Thompson Law in Salem. The system is broken, Thompson said. Once an application is submitted, it can take years until an interview with an asylum officer is scheduled with the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services. Thompson said some clients who filed applications four years ago still have not had interviews. It kind of jeopardizes their due process, because as each day passes, evidence is getting old, its getting stale. People seeking asylum must prove that their lives are in danger based on race, religion, nationality and membership in a particular social group or political opinion if they return to their native lands. If you have one minor contradiction (in your filing), then your case could be tanked, Thompson said. If the application is not filled out correctly, it could get rejected or denied. Jennifer Smyrnos, an immigration lawyer with Grace Immigration in Roanoke, said the average wait time can be several years for an asylum interview with her firm. Because of hurdles in applying for asylum, she has advised Afghan families in Roanoke to consider applying for Temporary Protected Status, which allows displaced individuals to remain in the United States for up to 18 months, a time that can be extended. The TPS program provides them with the minimum of what they need to begin their lives here in the U.S., such as a work card and a Social Security number, Smyrnos said. Afghanistan is one of 15 countries currently designated for Temporary Protective Status by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Smyrnos understands that many families want a permanent home base, but said many of the Afghan families who came to Roanoke last fall will have difficulty meeting the criteria to get approved. Even with a country in turmoil such as Afghanistan, that has been subjected to Taliban terror, does not automatically mean that its civilian population will be granted green cards or approvals for asylum status, she said. We see this clearly in the immigration courts and the agencies. The backlog of immigration cases is nearly 1.5 million and growing, according to the Transactional Research Access Clearinghouse, a data research organization based at Syracuse University that tracks immigration reports. Virginias 69,120 pending immigration cases are the sixth-most in the United States, according to the group. That is a nearly seven-fold increase in the past decade. TRAC Immigration data shows that as of July, more than 1,500 pending cases from the Roanoke Valley are waiting to be heard in Virginias immigration court. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., heard multiple concerns about wait times for permanent residence status and citizenship, during a meeting in August with more than 20 local South Asian community members at Baymont Inn, in Salem. Kaine said that the backlog of immigration cases in the courts is due to the pandemic and restrictions imposed by former President Donald Trumps administration. Everything on the immigration side, and a lot of other things too, kind of backed up during COVID, Kaine told reporters after meeting citizens. And then there was a backlog. And then second, look, the Trump administration was not interested in making it easy for people. Even people who are in the United States who had green cards found that the process of going from green card to citizen slowed down. So I think there was an intentional slowdown effort in the previous administration on everything connected to immigration. Smyrnos said that Temporary Protected Status, with its easier access, is a solid option to obtain legal status in the U.S., compared to the lengthy petition process for asylum. TPS is envisioned to be a temporary measure, she said. But in practice, it acts like a long-term measure because Congress has repeatedly reauthorized TPS programs over the past 20 years. Until Congress gets it together and provides comprehensive immigration reform, which hasnt been addressed in over a quarter century, immigration practice today is largely a piecemeal framework of federal regulations, executive actions, agency programs and political whim. People like Naziry can only wait as their requests work through the system. Right now, its a little hard for me. I am new to this county, Naziry said. But here is peace. I can work. I can go home. I can be happy with my family. If I can stay here for my future, its everything for me. Is the coronavirus on its way out? You might think so. New, updated booster shots are being rolled out to better protect against the variants circulating now. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has dropped COVID-19 quarantine and distancing recommendations. And more people have thrown off their masks and returned to pre-pandemic activities. But scientists say no. They predict the scourge thats already lasted longer than the 1918 flu pandemic will linger far into the future. One reason it's lasted this long? It's gotten better and better at getting around immunity from vaccination and past infection. Scientists point to emerging research that suggests the latest omicron variant gaining ground in the U.S. BA.4.6, which was responsible for around 8% of new U.S. infections last week appears to be even better at evading the immune system than the dominant BA.5. Scientists worry the virus may well keep evolving in worrisome ways. White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said COVID-19 will likely be with us for the rest of our lives. Experts expect COVID-19 will someday become endemic, meaning it occurs regularly in certain areas according to established patterns. But they dont think that will be very soon. Still, living with COVID "should not necessarily be a scary or bad concept, since people are getting better at fighting it, Jha said during a recent question-and-answer session with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. "Obviously if we take our foot off the gas if we stop updating our vaccines, we stop getting new treatments then we could slip backwards. Experts say COVID will keep causing serious illness in some people. The COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub made some pandemic projections spanning August this year to May of next, assuming the new tweaked boosters adding protection for the newest omicron relatives would be available and a booster campaign would take place in fall and winter. In the most pessimistic scenario a new variant and late boosters they projected 1.3 million hospitalizations and 181,000 deaths during that period. In the most optimistic scenario no new variant and early boosters they projected a little more than half the number of hospitalizations and 111,000 deaths. Eric Topol, head of Scripps Research Translational Institute, said the world is likely to keep seeing repetitive surges until we do the things we have to do, such as developing next generation vaccines and rolling them out equitably. Topol said the virus just has too many ways to work around our current strategies, and itll just keep finding people, finding them again, and self-perpetuating." Scientists expect more genetic changes that affect parts of the spike protein studding the surface of the virus, letting it attach to human cells. Every time we think weve seen the peak transmission, peak immune escape properties, the virus exceeds that by another significant notch, Topol said. But the virus probably won't keep getting more transmissible forever. I think there is a limit, said Matthew Binnicker, director of clinical virology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. What were really dealing with, though, is theres still a lot of people across the world who dont have any prior immunity either they havent been infected or they haven't had access to vaccination." If humanity's baseline level of immunity rises significantly, he said, the rate of infections, and with that emergence of more contagious variants, should slow down. But there is a chance the virus could mutate in a way that causes more severe illness. Theres not any inherent reason, biologically, that the virus has to become milder over time, said Dr. Wesley Long, a pathologist at Houston Methodist. The fact it may seem milder now is likely just the combined effect of all of us having some immune history with the virus. While scientists hope that continues, they also point out that immunity gradually wanes. Omicron has been around since late last year, with a series of super transmissible versions quickly displacing one another, and Binnicker believes that will continue at least for the next few months. But down the road, he said it's likely a new variant distinct from omicron will pop up. The recent wave of infections and re-infections, he said, gives the virus more chances to spread and mutate and new variants to emerge. Yes, experts said. One way is to get vaccinated and boosted. We have a virus out there thats still circulating, still killing hundreds of Americans every day, Jha said in a press briefing Tuesday. But, he added: We now have all of the capability to prevent, I believe, essentially all of those deaths. If people stay up to date on their vaccines, if people get treated if they have a breakthrough infection, we can make deaths from this virus vanishingly rare. Not only does vaccination protect against severe disease and death, it raises the level of immunity globally. CDC director Rochelle Walensky said Tuesday that up to 100,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations and 9,000 deaths could be prevented if Americans get the updated booster at the same rate they typically get an annual flu shot this fall. About half of Americans are typically vaccinated against the flu each year. People can also keep protecting themselves by taking other precautions like, for example, wearing masks indoors when COVID rates are high. Longtime nurse Catherine Mirabile said it's important not to dismiss the dangers of the coronavirus which sickened her twice, nearly killed her husband and left them both with long COVID. Daily deaths still average around 450 in the U.S. People really need to look at this and still take this seriously, said the 62-year-old from Princeton, West Virginia, who is now on disability. They could end up in the same shape were in. MANSFIELD The elementary and middle schools reopened this week after a transportation snafu caused some principals to drive students home and closed school on Wednesday. But the problems arent all solved, Mansfield Superintendent of Schools Peter Dart said. Calling the bus problems significant and unacceptable, Dart closed the elementary and middle schools Wednesday to try to develop a solution with the bus company, M&J Bus Inc. Jon Hipsher, chief operating officer of M&J Bus Company, could not be reached for comment Friday, and the company did not return a call seeking comment earlier in the week. In a letter to the school community, Dart said he felt the students were not safe with some very young children not making it home for hours after the first day of school dismissed on Tuesday. I saw principals driving kids home, Dart said at a Board of Education meeting Thursday night. When school reopened on Thursday, Dart said the problems continued with four buses failing to run their afternoon routes. Dart told parents of students assigned to those buses to try to pick them up from school or they would have to wait an hour or more for a bus to return to the school after dropping other students off. Still, we opened to relative success Thursday, Dart said at the school board meeting. Were seeing some of our runs improving greatly, but were not where we should be. However, the situation improved Friday with the company having enough drivers to staff all of the buses, according to Margaret Chatey, a spokesperson for the district. That will help with some of the extraordinary delays of students getting home if they can all step onto a bus right after school, she said. So what happened? The problem was two-fold, Dart said at the meeting: For one, M&J didnt properly process student information from the school system for its bus routes, he said. There were errors in more than one bus schedule one of which used information so old that it listed a high school student as being in elementary school. Much of the data appeared to be hand-typed as well, he said. That problem with the schedules was exacerbated by the lack of bus drivers, which has been an ongoing issue in Connecticut and across the nation. School employees and M&J staff worked throughout Wednesday to correct the errors, according to Dart, who was careful not to blame the bus drivers. Even last night at 10 oclock, we were exchanging data, he said at the meeting. Dart said the school district is in the second of a five-year contract with M&J. He said its possible to legally get out of the contract, but there are not other companies that we could just quickly call and bring on board. CHICAGO (AP) A central Illinois man pleaded guilty Friday to felony charges for assaulting a law enforcement officer and a member of the news media during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, prosecutors said. Shane Jason Woods, 44, of Auburn, Illinois, south of Springfield, pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement officers and a related federal assault charge, prosecutors said. Court documents say Woods was among people on the Capitol grounds illegally, joining a mob in the Lower West Terrace area. Someone in the crowd sprayed a Capitol Police officer with a chemical irritant and fled, and when the officer pursued that person, Woods lowered his shoulder and rammed into her, knocking her off her feet and sending her crashing into a downed bicycle barricade, prosecutors said. Later that day, Woods gathered with other rioters in the media staging area at the Capitol and joined others in damaging media equipment, according to prosecutors. When a member of the media tried to walk away to protect himself and his camera, Woods ran at him and tackled him, knocking him to the ground and causing him to drop the camera, prosecutors said. Woods was arrested June 24, 2021, in Springfield. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 13, 2023. The charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding a law enforcement officer carries a statutory maximum of eight years in prison. The federal assault charge carries a statutory maximum of one year. Both charges also carry potential financial penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Woods is among more than 30 Illinois residents charged in the Capitol riot. It wasnt all that long ago that railroads crisscrossed the state and the nation, even the waters of Lake Michigan. Among them was the Ann Arbor Railroad, which ran from Toledo, Ohio, through Ann Arbor, ultimately ending in Frankfort. Today there are only seven living engineers from the more than 50 who operated freight trains on that railroad at its peak in the mid-20th century. Two former Frankfort residents were among a group who met in June at the Clarke Historical Library at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant: Deryl Holmes, who now lives in Lansing, and Bruce Reich, now a resident of Sylvania, Ohio. They joined fellow engineers John Szilagyi, Howard Duke and Bob Hilliker. The five of us went to Central, said Holmes, where they examined the historical documents at the library and reminisced. For Holmes, that took him back to his late teens. Wooden ferries Though the railroad line technically ended in Frankfort, that wasn't the end of the line for the railroad cars. In fact, the Ann Arbor Railroad was created as a means of bypassing Chicago. As such, from 1910 to 1968, when the rail cars reached Boat Landing, as its yard in Elberta was termed, they would be loaded onto ferry boats for the trip across Lake Michigan. Two went to Wisconsin ports, and two to the Upper Peninsula. It covered 320 miles on the water compared to 292 miles of railroad, making it as much a steamship line as a railroad. The original wooden ferries, Ann Arbor No. 1 and No. 2, built in 1892, were 260 feet long and could carry 24 freight cars. Their bows were designed to ride up on lake ice and crush it with their weight, a necessity for year-round navigation, especially with the tight schedules they kept to. During their peak in the 1940s, up to six ferries made the round trip from Boat Landing across the waters. See More Collapse I got married out of high school, he said. Needing a job, he turned to a family tradition: My dad and grandpa worked on the railroad. Reich too came from a railroad family. I give my dad most of the credit, he said. He worked for the Ann Arbor Railroad. As did his dad and my brother and sister. Curiously, though they both lived in Frankfort, they didnt know each other until after theyd started working for the railroad, even though their fathers were friends. Bruce was two years younger than me, and I went to Benzie. I knew his older brother, said Holmes. Our paths never really crossed until (we were) in the railroad, said Reich. After that, We hung out a bit and became friends, though they noted that since they were both engineers they seldom worked together. Reichs family moved around when he was younger, as his father was in management. He went to high school in Frankfort for three years, but before his senior year they moved to the Detroit area and he graduated from Northville. He got a job in a Ford factory, but after just 89 days he was laid off. Thats when he heard from a friend back home that the railroad was hiring, and rather than wait to be go back to the factory, he went to Owosso and applied much to his fathers chagrin. Im sure he didnt want me to, but my mom eventually talked him into it, Reich said. Both started their railroad careers as firemen, a position they said was largely a holdover from the steam engine days. The fireman would shovel coal into the boiler to make sure there was plenty of steam to run the engine. That responsibility disappeared when they switched to diesel. They asked me whether I wanted to be a fireman or a brakeman. Fortunately I said fireman, said Reich. The brakeman did a lot of work. They would operate the track switches, couple or uncouple freight cars, inspect couplings and other parts. In the winter its freezing cold, the summer in the blistering heat, he said. The fireman sits in the engine. Its like an apprentice engineer. They both learned how to run the train, learning the lay of the land along the route, from the inclines to the valleys, curves to straightaways. You had to know how to operate it, said Holmes. That experience came in handy when they took their engineers exams. Holmes passed his first, as Reich missed two years while serving in Vietnam. Even though they seldom saw each other as they were both engineers, they became good friends, their friendship helped no doubt by their common upbringing in Frankfort. Over the years, the industry changed. Truck hauling became more common, and rail traffic diminished, part of the reason that in 1982 the railroad declared bankruptcy. That was when their work lives diverged. It changed significantly, said Reich. Unfortunately a lot of people lost their jobs, I got laid off but hired on as trainmaster, a job he likened to that of an air traffic controller. The railroad downsized but still needed an operator. Holmes, on the other hand, saw it as an opportunity. He was attending college in his off time, and finished his degree in journalism at Central Michigan University. He landed a job at Grayling Mercy Hospital, and met then-senator Connie Binsfeld. She called on him for his knowledge of issues in transportation and healthcare, eventually offering him a job as a legislative aide. When she became lieutenant governor, Gov. John Engler appointed him to a position in the state Department of Transportation. Reich, in contrast, decided to wait things out. It was so much fun I didnt want to miss a day. It was a job I truly enjoyed, he said. Today he and Holmes are both retired. They stay in touch, as evidenced by their trip to Mt. Pleasant, bonded by their time on the rails, which they both enjoyed. I was like a great big kid with a giant toy, said Reich. Even the last day I worked I remember wanting to go to work. The first rioter from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol to be charged with attacking a member of the news media pleaded guilty Friday to felony counts of assault on law enforcement and assault on a news photographer. Prosecutors estimated that he faces a possible sentence of 33 to 41 months in prison. Shane Jason Woods, 44, drove to Washington from Auburn, Ill., where he owns Auburn Heating and Air. Court records show he was captured on video and in photographs on multiple occasions, on both the west and east sides of the Capitol, over a period of several hours. He was arrested on a federal complaint in June 2021, and indicted on eight felony assault and disorderly conduct charges last March. Woods is one of about 11 rioters who have been charged with assaults on members of the news media or destroying their equipment. Reporters and photographers who were stationed in one area behind bike racks were overwhelmed by rioters at one point, leaving behind valuable equipment that was then destroyed. Some of the cases do not specifically allege attacks on journalists, and there is no federal law specifically against attacking a journalist. So the Justice Department has charged those who went after reporters or their gear on Jan. 6 with committing violence in the restricted grounds of the Capitol, or destroying property on the Capitol grounds. According to an FBI affidavit, Woods was first captured on video on the west side of the Capitol around 2:10 p.m. Several officers were attempting to arrest a struggling rioter when someone sprayed the officers with bear spray, the FBI said. A U.S. Capitol Police officer, described as "Officer A," told agents that as she ran toward the person with the bear spray, Woods tripped her and pushed her to the ground, sending her crashing into a downed bicycle barricade. The officer felt immediate pain and the next day, she felt as if she had been "hit by a truck," the statement of facts entered Friday says. The affidavit said the officer lost her helmet and was surrounded by other rioters until another officer came to her aid. Woods's whereabouts for the next three hours were not specified, but at 5 p.m., the FBI affidavit shows him at the mostly abandoned media area at the northeast corner of the Capitol, "standing with protesters who are yelling and spitting at members of the news media," and then tossing some of the abandoned equipment. A news photographer identified as "G.P." was trying to leave the area to protect himself and his camera, according to the statement of facts. Woods took a running start and hit G.P. "with a blindside shoulder-tackle, knocking G.P. to the ground and causing him to drop his camera." The extent of the photographer's injuries was not known. The U.S. attorney's office for the District said Thursday that 870 people had been arrested for their actions on Jan. 6, 2021, and 269 of those are charged with assault on law enforcement. About 140 officers, 80 from the Capitol Police and 60 from the D.C. police, were assaulted that day, prosecutors said. Twenty-eight people have pleaded guilty to assault on law enforcement, and 14 have been sentenced so far. The average sentence handed down for assault on law enforcement has been 47 months, according to a Washington Post database. SPRINGFIELD State Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, has been honored for his support of pro-growth economic policies, as the Illinois Chamber of Commerce has named him as a Champion of Free Enterprise. State government has a duty to ensure that businesses have the freedom to succeed, create jobs, and help grow our economy, said McClure. It is a great honor to be recognized again for my work to make our state more friendly for business and job growth. LANSING An odd tradition sea lamprey pie linking the Great Lakes to Great Britains Royals is expected to continue with the crowning of King Charles III. Lampreys are considered an undesirable invasive species in the Great Lakes. They devastate native fish by latching onto them with a sucker-like mouth filled with sharp teeth. Great Lakes state, provincial and federal governments spend millions of dollars to control them. But baking them into a pie is a longtime tradition in the United Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth II, who died Sept. 8 after reigning 70 years, was served the eel-like sea lamprey in 2002 to celebrate her Golden Jubilee, or 50th anniversary of being on the throne. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission made another shipment of the fish taken from the Great Lakes 10 years later in 2012 for her 60th anniversary, and once again in 2016 for her 90th birthday. We capture them and send them over to Gloucester, England, so that they can continue their long tradition, said Marc Gaden, the deputy executive secretary of the fishery commission, a binational organization founded in 1954 to fight the parasite. With the coronation of King Charles III coming up, I can only assume Im going to be sending a few more over there. Sea lamprey are protected in the U.K. because streams there are heavily dammed, and they cannot spawn as much as they do in the Great Lakes, Gaden said. The lamprey pie is a tradition in the U.K., spanning hundreds of years. Serving it was discontinued except for coronations in 1836, due to its high cost, according to Whats Cooking America, a website that documents food history. The lamprey is baked while coated in syrup, along with some wine and spices. It is then spooned out and served on sliced white bread. In 1996, Wisconsin Sea Grant organized a sea lamprey taste test in hopes of spurring a commercial market for the fish instead of simply landfilling those that they trapped. Taste ratings were high, but the plan fell apart when contaminant tests showed that the Great Lakes lamprey contained mercury levels that were too high to meet European Union standards. How does it taste? Surprisingly good, Bob Bennet, the owner, and chef of a Duluth restaurant that hosted the event said at the time. Try selling it without telling people what they are eating. It would be better. But dont ask Gaden. I cant say Ive tried the lamprey pie, he said. NEWARK, Del. (AP) A woman suspected of shooting another woman at a Delaware apartment complex was critically wounded by police who confronted her, authorities said. The armed woman was firing a gun when two officers encountered her at the apartment complex in Newark on Friday night, the New Castle County police department said in a news release. CLEVELAND (AP) A housing authority police officer used a stun gun that proved ineffective before shooting and killing a man who attacked him as he was investigating a noise complaint early on Labor Day, authorities said. The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority officer was flagged down near the Riverside Park housing authority apartments in the West Park neighborhood shortly after 12:30 a.m. Monday as he was responding to a call for service for loud music, Cleveland police said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Five people died Saturday in New Zealand after the small charter boat they were aboard capsized, authorities say, in what may have been a collision with a whale. Another six people aboard the boat were rescued. Police said the 8.5-meter (28-foot) boat overturned near the South Island town of Kaikoura. Police said they were continuing to investigate the cause of the accident. Kaikoura Police Sergeant Matt Boyce described it as a devastating and unprecedented event. Our thoughts are with everyone involved, including the victims and their families, their local communities, and emergency services personnel, Boyce said. He said police divers had recovered the bodies of all those who had died. He said all six survivors were assessed to be in stable condition at a local health center, with one transferred to a hospital in the city of Christchurch as a precaution. Kaikoura Mayor Craig Mackle told The Associated Press that the water was dead calm at the time of the accident and the assumption was that a whale had surfaced from beneath the boat. He said there were some sperm whales in the area and also some humpback whales traveling through. He said locals had helped with the rescue efforts throughout the day but the mood in the town was somber because the water was so cold and they feared for the outcome of anybody who had fallen overboard. Mackle said hed thought in the past about the possibility of a boat and whale colliding, given the number of whales that frequent the region. It always plays on your mind that it could happen, he said, adding that he hadnt heard about any previous such accidents. Mackle said the boat was a charter vessel typically used for fishing excursions. News agency Stuff reported the passengers belonged to a bird enthusiasts' group. Police said they were still notifying the relatives of those who died, and couldn't yet publicly name the victims. Vanessa Chapman told Stuff she and a group of friends had watched the rescue efforts unfold from Goose Bay, near Kaikoura. She said that when she arrived at a lookout spot, she could see a person sitting atop an overturned boat waving their arms. She said two rescue helicopters and a third local helicopter were circling before two divers jumped out. She told Stuff that the person atop the boat was rescued and a second person appeared to have been pulled from the water. Kaikoura is a popular whale-watching destination. The seafloor drops away precipitously from the coast, making for deep waters close to the shore. A number of businesses offer boat trips or helicopter rides so tourists can see whales, dolphins and other sea creatures up close. Compliance agency Maritime New Zealand said it sent two investigators to the scene and would be conducting a thorough investigation once recovery operations had concluded. Principal Investigator Tracy Phillips said the agency offers its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the people who have died. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Veterans of the Special Forces Berlin held their annual reunion in Beaumont for the first time since the tradition started in 1998. Unlike other veteran reunions, where old comrades recounted shared tales of their service, Special Forces Berlins get-togethers entail being able to share their stories of service together for the first time. The Special Forces, also known as Green Berets, in Detachment A and later the Physical Security Support Element all served in Berlin during the Cold War operations in the region from 1956 to roughly 1990. We all served undercover in clandestine operations, said Det A veteran John Lee, who was in Berlin from 1968 to 1970. Their mission was to prepare if we went to war with Russia, get our butts out of there, and create as much havoc as possible to cut all lines of communication coming in and out of Berlin to the Russian and communist forces, said Alan MacRae, Support Element in Berlin from 1984 to 1990. Part of their mission to prepare against a Western invasion by the Russians entailed recruiting and training locals to fight against whomever we were fighting against, Lee said. MacRae described the Special Forces mission in the Cold War in the way once told to him by a Sgt. Major Jeff Baker. In Marine reconnaissance, they go out in the field, find a snake, cut its head off and put it in their backpack for food. The Navy Seals find a snake and dive 200 feet down into the water to drown the snake," MacRae recalled. "The Green Berets find a snake, sit down with it, establish a rapport and try to teach the snake to kill other bad snakes. In short, the mission was, as their motto implies, De Oppresso Liber liberate the oppressed. By the 1980s it also included counter-terrorism measures. But because their individual roles were undercover, no Special Forces commando knew exactly what the other was doing or who they even were. In any given year, roughly 90 Special Forces operated in Berlin throughout their time there, said Det A veteran Bob Mitchell, 1972 to 1976. And they werent the only spies in town. All countries used Berlin as a training ground for their respective clandestine operations, said MacRae. The U.S., British and French wanted to know what the Russians and Eastern block nations were doing or preparing to do, and vice versa. Each man went about his own solo, classified mission. What he knew, only he knew. What he did, only he knew hed done. It wasnt until their mission was declassified in the late 1990s that they could finally unite with others in their unit and share their Cold War stories in the first of many reunions. Related: Veteran's Day celebrations in Beaumont Were just a group of guys trying to get to know each other after being in the same city over 30 years, Lee said. For so long we couldnt even talk to each other, but now that its been declassified, were trading stories like crazy, MacRae said. The first reunion was held in Asheville, North Carolina, and the annual get-togethers vacillated heavily between North Carolina and Colorado. The group wanted a different location for this years reunion, and Lee, who lives in Vidor, suggested Beaumont. He worked with the Convention and Visitors Bureau to get the hotel accommodations set up and also got help organizing the weekend event from the Southeast Texas chapter of the Blinded Veterans Association, of which Lee is a member. His vision loss is just one physical ailment resulting from his exposure to Agent Orange while serving as a Special Forces operative along the Laotian border during the Vietnam War. Related: Stand Down events aid area veterans His story there is something straight out of Apocalypse Now, with Lees mission having been to work with mountain tribes and mercenaries to prevent further incursion into South Vietnam and border countries by the North Vietnamese. He wasnt a rogue actor like the famed Colonel Kurtz character of the film, but Lee said, I can relate to it. That camp looked a lot like my camp. His job was to teach the people how to defend their homes. We built trenches under their bedrooms, so they could drop down directly into them and get up to the firing line if the North Vietnamese attacked. And they trained the mountain villagers to use various guns, mortars and other weapons. The Special Forces had camps like his stationed all along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. After the war, Lee was in the position of many armed forces officers -- there were simply too many of them now that the recruits had been let out of service. The Green Berets and others were an army of leaders with not enough troops to lead. He could either take a downgrade in rank and pay and stay in the Green Berets, or take a lump sum of money and return to civilian life. He took the money and later a job with a new brokerage firm started by Ross Perot. These were his stories of service, tales he was glad to finally share with more and more of his brothers in Cold War arms. Friday morning, after gathering for an invocation and group photo, the 20-plus veterans and some spouses headed out to take in the local history and cuisine of Southeast Texas. They toured the McFaddin-Ward House Museum before gathering for lunch at Lukes. Later, they planned to regroup and toast comrades whove passed since their time in Berlin. Its a growing list, said MacRae, including two more who just recently passed away. Saturday, theyll visit the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, and enjoy more time together before the reunion ends Sunday morning and they head back to their homes across the U.S. WFO LAS VEGAS Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Saturday, September 10, 2022 _____ FLASH FLOOD WARNING The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Southwestern Inyo County in south central California... * Until 530 PM PDT. * At 214 PM PDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. 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 low-water crossings, creeks, normally dry washes and roads. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Olancha, Lone Pine, Cartago, Keeler, Diaz Lake and Tuttle Creek Campground. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO LOS ANGELES Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Friday, September 9, 2022 _____ EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard CA 805 PM PDT Fri Sep 9 2022 ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM PDT SATURDAY... ...WIND ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... ...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING HAS EXPIRED... * WHAT...Very warm overnight low tempeatures will persist through tonight. * WHERE...Santa Clarita Valley, Ventura County Inland Coast, Central Ventura County Valleys, Southeastern Ventura County Valleys and Santa Monica Mountains. * WHEN...Until 9 AM PDT Saturday. * 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. ...WIND ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED... * WHAT...Very warm overnight low temperatures will persist overnight. * WHERE...Los Angeles County Inland Coast including Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles County San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County San Gabriel Valley. * WHERE...Lake Casitas and Ojai Valley. * WHERE...Ventura County Beaches and Malibu Coast. * WHERE...Los Angeles County Beaches. ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT SATURDAY... * WHAT...Temperatures in the 80s to lower 90s. * WHERE...San Luis Obispo County Inland Central Coast and Santa Barbara County Inland Central Coast. * WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT Saturday. Conditions will improve overnight and the excessive heat warning will be allowed to expire. ...HEAT ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED... Conditions will improve overnight and the heat advisory will be allowed to expire. * WHERE...Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast. ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM PDT SATURDAY... * WHAT...East winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected. * WHERE...Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands. * WHEN...Until 6 PM PDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * WHERE...Ventura County Mountains, Los Angeles County Mountains and Antelope Valley. * WHEN...Until 11 PM PDT this evening. result. Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. * WHERE...San Luis Obispo County Beaches and Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO SAN DIEGO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Friday, September 9, 2022 _____ FLASH FLOOD WARNING The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Southeastern San Diego County in southwestern California... * Until 715 PM PDT. * At 410 PM PDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.75 and 1.25 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.75 to 1.25 inches are possible in the warned area. 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... Mount Laguna, I-8 Between Pine Valley And Boulevard, I-8 Between Boulevard And Imperial County Line, Hwy 78 Between S2 And Borrego Springs Rd, Hwy 78 Between Banner And S2, Hwy S2 Between Agua Caliente And Canebrake, Hwy S2 Between Canebrake And Imperial County Line, Hwy S2 Vallecito Creek Rd, Hwy S2 Between Shelter Valley And Agua Caliente and Fish Creek Wash. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Friday, September 9, 2022 _____ SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT Special Weather Statement National Weather Service San Joaquin Valley CA 736 PM PDT Fri Sep 9 2022 ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of north central Kern, southeastern Kings and southwestern Tulare Counties through 800 PM PDT... At 734 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9 miles east of McFarland, or 12 miles southeast of Delano, moving southwest at 20 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph, pea size hail and brief heavy showers. 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... Delano, Wasco, Shafter, Earlimart, McFarland, Rosedale, Richgrove, Allensworth State Park, Famoso and Pixley. 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. LAT...LON 3602 11919 3565 11892 3538 11931 3577 11960 TIME...MOT...LOC 0234Z 053DEG 18KT 3568 11907 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... North Central San Diego County in southwestern California... * Until 1045 PM PDT. * At 739 PM PDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 0.5 to 1 inch in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. 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... Julian, Hwy 78 Between Banner And S2, Hwy S2 Between Hwy 79 And Hwy 78, Ranchita, Hwy 79 Between Santa Ysabel And Warner Springs, Warner Springs, Hwy 79 Between Julian And Lake Cuyamaca, Hwy 79 Between Warner Springs And Oak Grove, Lake Cuyamaca and Hwy S1 Between Lake Cuyamaca And Mount Laguna. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather The size of Ashwin Sanghi's book The Magicians of Mazda may end up scaring a new reader. But for fans of Sanghis thrillers as well as book lovers, its a welcome sight. The story starts with a thief breaking into the British museum to steal the Cyrus Cylinder, a relic of Cyrus the Great who ruled Persia 2,600 years ago. The man kills the guard who tries to stop him. That sets the tone of the novel, that people will kill to get what they want. Cut to the next few scenes, Jim Dastoor, an Indian born Parsi scientist and his historian wife Linda are living a peaceful life in Seattle. Jim is on the verge of a major breakthrough in his research. Through a video call from his laboratory, he communicates to the four researchers who work with him, that his formulation called Hamzaa Dura can replace virtually every other medicine in the world. Its a medicine that can trigger the regeneration process in humans and it can be the mother of all cures. So, if its that good, needless to say there will be pharma companies too clamouring for it. Jim is first abducted by the pharma giant Asclepius and taken to their facility as they want the medicine. From there he is again abducted and taken to Tehran, as the supreme leader of Iran believes that Jim will lead them to the ancient relic called the Athravan Star which he believes was taken by the Parsis when they fled to India from Persia. In Tehran, Jim is imprisoned in the coffin cell (a torture unimaginable) to break his spirit. Jim's wife Linda and his close friend and co-researcher Dan Cohen,take the help of a motley group of people and follow him to Tehran to rescue him. The trio with a couple of other people then reach Afganistan, smack into the waiting arms of the Taliban. Practically everyone around Jim, who is either abducting him or rescuing him, has a secret agenda of their own. Friends turn into enemies and betray himand enemies offer to help;all this happens in the blink of an eye. The three constantly jump from the frying pan into the fire and then back into the frying pan, this becomes a loop with the reader eagerly turning the pages of the book to know whether they will meet a friend or a foe next. The entire story is linked to the exodus of the Parsis from Persia. Through the story you will see the ancient ruins of Persepolis, hear about the fire temple of Udvada, visit the Tower of Silence of Dui and also a library in Navsari (a city linked to the history of Parsis in India) with an octogenarian Pestonji Unwalla and see the valleys and lakes of Kashmir with a baba. Then you will also bump into China's spy agency, move along with a razor-sharp mossad spy and shake hands with an NSA agent. The roads of Kish Island and Taliban camps and deserts come alive during the escape scenes. The Magicians of Mazda is a lesson in Zoroastrian history, in ancient myths that have been shrouded by time. Though this is a work of fantasy, Sanghis research is phenomenal, his characterisation happens on a large scale, the characters are so life-like (even the deadly commandos) that you cant help but like them. Sanghi's story is like a giant jigsaw puzzle and, chapter by chapter, he makes the characters assemble it as the reader gets to learn what is this Athravan Star, how it is connected to Jim, what is in the wooden box passed down from ancient time and how Jim is its current custodian. At times Sanghis narrative may overwhelm the reader, especially with the mention of so many ancient kings and the battles they won/lost, but he always manages to wrest the story back to Jim and back on track, so that the deviations will make the readers think that they just took a detour to get acquainted with ancient history. Though Jim is the main character, but for me Linda completely stole the thunder from him. But that fact in no way dilutes Jim's character. Infact it balances his story, as the man of science is married to a historian, so the reader getsboth facts and myths and both are tied up together so neatly. For that the credit goes to Sanghi. As for the reader, this roller coaster ride that encompasses the geography of the world is both racy and intriguing. Whoever said that history was boring hasn't read Sanghi yet. Under his pen history takes on a new persona and comes alive. The Magicians of Mazda By Ashwin Sanghi HarperCollins India pp. 492, Rs 450 The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p. Primeste notificari pe email Nota bene: Adresele email cu extensia .ru nu sunt acceptate. Contractare si Achizitie Bunuri Anunturi de Angajare Granturi - Finantari Burse de studiu Stagii Profesionale Oportunitati de voluntariat Toate Articolele Nighttime museums make people's cultural life more splendid 13:45, September 10, 2022 By Chen Yuanyuan ( People's Daily Parents take their child to a "24-hour" exhibition held at Zhejiang Museum of Natural History. The exhibition started in June 2022 and displayed over 300 exhibits. (Photo by Lian Guoqing/People's Daily Online) Have you ever visited a museum at night? Chinas Zhejiang Museum of Natural History has brought this brand-new experience to its visitors during the summer vacation this year, operating 24 hours on weekends. Over 300 animal, plant and mineral specimens of Zhejiang province were displayed in the museum, and there was also a Metaverse hall that displayed a wide range of collections. It was a great place for citizens to spend their time in after dinner. Apart from the Zhejiang museum, many museums across China have extended their opening hours to late night. The extended opening hours mirror people's rising demand for culture and their aspiration for a better life. For 9-5ers, night time means a great period to relax and learn after a long day of tiring work. Museums opening at night have created a fantastic opportunity for them to get closer to the cultural life. Children watch mineral specimens at Zhejiang Museum of Natural History, June 2022. (Photo by Lian Guoqing/People's Daily Online) The Museum of Yangtze-River Crossing Campaign in Wuhan, central China's Hubei province, was open on the night of each Friday and Saturday between July 8 and Aug. 31 this year. It was visited by many citizens taking a walk after dinner. The number of visitors to the museum more than doubled on the first day it extended opening hours. The popularity indicated people's aspiration for more flexible opening hours of museums. The upgrading services of museums mirrored their efforts to expand the supply of high-quality cultural resources. The nighttime operation brought different experiences to visitors, as the shades presented unique views. It is very attractive to the public and enjoys huge potential. People read books in a 24-hour book store in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu province, June 2019. (Photo by Xu Congjun/People's Daily Online) However, nighttime operation cannot be made prevalent overnight. A few extended opening hours need not only extra manpower, but also well-coordinated efforts in ensuring heritage security, event planning and management. In other words, whether a museum is able to run high-quality exhibitions and activities determines its appeal to the public, and tests the capability of its operators. In recent years, nighttime culture is prospering across China, further enhancing the cultural appeal of cities. For instance, Beijing has extended the opening hours of theaters, libraries and book stores, and Shanghai is offering diverse courses for its citizens at night schools. It reflects cities' responsibility in upgrading public cultural services and makes people's life even better. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Bianji) 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. However, as soon as the Modi government came into power in 2014, the decision was reverted back to the usage of lethal weapons by the BSF, which resulted in rampant killings at this border. The border guards, who are being praised by the Prime Ministers for their efforts to curb smuggling, are in turn the perpetrators who are facilitating cross border movements across the border. Without border guards of both the countries aiding movement, cross border smuggling couldnt have been possible It has been proved time and again that without the border guards of both the countries aiding the cross border movements, narcotics and cattle smuggling couldnt have been possible at the Indo-Bangladesh border. There are corrupt officers in the forces of both the countries who facilitate such illegal trade across the border. Moreover, the kingpins of the robust syndicate that controls cattle and narcotics smuggling across the border are unnoticed and the marginalized rattlers, who lean on smuggling for a few amount of cash, are being killed. However, praising the border guards actions by the Prime Ministers either reflects their naivety on the issue or their political intention to subdue the illegal actions of the forces of these two neighbouring countries. The political intent of the governments that has been reflected through this statement seeks to conceal facts, propagate false information and non-cognizance of the sufferings of the border populace. The exact number of killings along the Indo-Bangladesh border should come to light and the guilty border guards should be tried under law for their trigger-happy attitude. If the true intent of the governments of both the countries is to stop killings at the border, then their actions should start with ending impunity within the countries by taking punitive actions against the guilty personnel. --- *Secretary, Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM); national convenor, Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity (PACTI), Hooghly On the four-day India tour undertaken by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since 5th September, 2022, both the countries have entered into many bilateral agreements and signed MoUs in that regard. On 7th September, 2022, a joint statement was released by both the Prime Ministers, where both of them expressed satisfaction on the matter that the number of killings at the Indo-Bangladesh border has been reduced significantly.They have also praised the border guards of both the countries for their efforts to stop smuggling and trafficking across the border. However, the Prime Ministers agreed that theres still something to do on the matter to bring down the number of border killings to zero.It is ironical that a few hours after the release of the joint statement, Minarul Islam, a minor Bangladeshi school student, was shot dead at the Dainur border of South Dinajpur district by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF).As per our estimate the number of killings by the border guards at the Indo-Bangladesh border has drastically increased in this decade. Reports state that the killings have increased from 150 per year in the past decade to almost 200 per year in this decade.The Monmohan Singh government in July 2011 had made an effort to reduce border killings by introducing non-lethal weapons to the BSF at the Indo-Bangladesh border. In this CJ Affiliate guide, I will share with you everything you need to get started on the platform, I will give you an in-depth look at the network and how it works. You will learn how to earn money with the platform. If you're not interested, I'll share some of the best CJ affiliate programs and alternatives. By the end of this post, I will also answer some of the FAQs on the platform and give my quick CJ review. Sounds Good So lets start What is CJ Affiliate? Commission Junction is an online advertising company that offers affiliate programs for various retailers. Since 1998, it has been known as one of the oldest and most popular affiliate networks. Commission Junction has consistently ranked among the top 10 affiliate networks With in-depth data analysis and an unmatched understanding of clients needs, CJ has established itself as a leader in performance marketing. For Advertiser: CJ provides advertisers with a variety of tracking, management, and payment options. As an affiliate network, CJ can help you launch multiple affiliate programs from a centralized network. CJ's experienced team of account managers is available to help at every stepfrom program set-up to optimization. For Publishers: CJ offers a variety of well-paying affiliate programs. You can find affiliate programs in almost every niche at CJ. With CJ, you can also find promotional tools such as banners and product feeds, which help you promote your website. The reporting tools are unparalleled and provide granular data that can assist you in fine-tuning your campaigns for maximum results. Requirements First things first, CJ is free to join! 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CJ provides a win-win situation for both sides: advertisers get more sales and publishers make money. In order to free up both parties to concentrate on their job, CJ also handles payments and other technical issues. Now that you know how CJ works, let's learn more about how to sign up and start making money with it. How to Start Making Money Online Using CJ Affiliate To get started using CJ's affiliate network, you'll need to register for an account. To do this, you must have a website or social media profile with relevant content and an audience from the US or Canada. Create a CJ account, complete the application process, and then wait for approval. You shouldn't worry CJ is not strict as other network in approving applications. Here's how you can signup for Cj Visit cj.com to register as a publisher. Fill in information such as your nationality, email, password, and more. Verify your email address now. You will be transferred right away to your CJ Account Manager, which contains crucial data including network statistics and performance summaries. Now from the Account menu, head to Network Profile. And to sign up for any affiliate programme offered on CJ, complete this profile separately. When applying for CJ, you need to share these two pieces of information Description of the website (include statistics for your site and more) Promotion methods (Traffic sources) The process of setting up a CJ Affiliate account is a way for you to prove to CJ and the merchants that you're a serious affiliate marketer. Your CJ account is complete once you've added or edited your payment information; now you need to add or edit your tax certificates if required. You are now prepared to start making money on CJ Affiliate program apply for product when approved start promting and earn commissions on every sale. Click on "Advertisers" and then select a category to go to your niche advertiser area. 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Just enter your keywords in the search bar, and CJ will show you all the relevant programs that match your criteria. You can further filter the results by commission type, category, or country. A Quick CJ Affiliate Review: Is It Good Enough? CJ Affiliate is one of the oldest and most well-known affiliate networks. The platform has been around for over 20 years and has a massive network of advertisers and publishers. The features on CJ Affiliate are easy to use, and it offers advertisers a wide range of tracking, management, and payment options. CJ offers some great features for publishers toopromotional tools like banners, links, and social media are available to help boost your site's visibility. The only downside is that CJ has a bit of a learning curve, and the approval process can be strict. But overall, CJ Affiliate is an excellent platform for advertisers and publishers. Top Alternatives and Competitors CJ Affiliate is a great place to earn an income from affiliate marketing. It offers a wide range of features and options for advertisers and publishers. But if CJ doesn't work for you, plenty of other options are available. Here are some of the top competitors and alternatives in the market today: ShareASale AWIN Impact Rakuten Marketing PartnerStack Partnerize ClickBank Here are some of the best CJ Affiliate alternatives that you can try. Each platform has its own set of features, so make sure to choose one that best suits your needs. Regardless of which CJ alternative you choose, remember that quality content is key to success as a publisher, so ensure to focus on providing high-value, engaging content to your readers. Frequently Asked Questions About Cj Affiliate Marketplace Is the Cj AffilIs late Network legit? CJ Affiliate is a legitimate affiliate platform that has earned the trust of many marketers because of its vast network of advertisers and publishers. How much do CJ affiliates make? 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All you need is to log in to your CJ account and click on Advertisers' from the menu. Depending on your niche, you can then search for any affiliate program on CJ What are the Pros of CJ Affiliate for advertisers? CJ Affiliate is one of the most advanced affiliate programs available, providing advertisers with a range of features and options including advanced tracking, management, and payment options. The platform is also easy to use and provides promotional tools like coupons, banners, and widgets that can help increase our sales. Final Saying Choosing Commission Junction as your affiliate program isn't easy. CJ is a big company and they have a wide range of affiliates, big and small. They offer everything from banner ads to text links and so much more. The sheer amount of choices can seem intimidating at first, especially to new Affiliates, which is why we've put together this simple guide for people looking for a successful CJ affiliate program to join. If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments. Connecticut's Bridgewater Chocolate is opening a flagship retail location in Westport at 165 Main Street, less than a year after bringing a holiday pop-up experience to town in late 2021. The new store is the fourth retail location for the chocolate company, which first offered chocolates for sale in Bridgewater in 1995 and later expanded to Brookfield and West Hartford. At the new Westport location, a 1,350-square-foot space, customers will be greeted and guided through an in-store sampling experience of the company's best sellers, according to a news release. A By the Piece Bar will allow customers to pick a box, choose from a variety of housemade chocolates and customize details for a personalized selection. "Westport had a chance to get a taste of our house-made chocolates with our holiday pop-up last year, and the community welcomed us with open arms. We couldnt be more excited to be returning this year with a permanent location, said Jeff Stoeckel, CEO of Bridgewater Chocolate. We aim to be the iconic chocolate brand in Connecticut and growing our retail presence is a significant part of that. CHICAGO (AP) The defense for R. Kelly and two co-defendants rested Friday at the R&B singers trial on charges of trial-fixing, child pornography and enticing minors for sex, with closing arguments and the start of jury deliberations scheduled for early next week. Minutes before resting, Kelly co-defendant and ex-business manager Derrell McDavid ended three days on the stand. He testified for nearly two days that he had believed Kelly when he denied abusing minors then said he started having doubts about Kelly's believability during the trial that started last month. Kelly and McDavid are charged with fixing Kellys 2008 state child pornography trial at which Kelly was acquitted by threatening witnesses and concealing video evidence. Both also face child pornography charges. A third co-defendant, Kelly associate Milton Brown, is accused of receiving child pornography. Prosecutors normally get a chance to call witnesses in a rebuttal of the defense case. But when they told Judge Harry Leinenweber on Friday that they needed some time to prepare, he said there would be no rebuttal and the case would go straight to closing arguments Monday morning. McDavid was the only one of the three defendants to testify in his own behalf. Kelly, 55, already was sentenced to 30 years in prison in June after a separate federal trial in New York. Known for his smash hit I Believe I Can Fly and for sex-infused songs such as Bump n Grind, Kelly sold millions of albums even after allegations of sexual misconduct began circulating in the 1990s. Widespread outrage emerged after the #MeToo reckoning and the 2019 docuseries Surviving R. Kelly. During her cross-examination of McDavid, prosecutor Jeannice Appenteng sought to cast doubt on his testimony that, all through the 2000s, he was unaware that the sexual abuse allegations might have some credence. During Kellys monthlong trial in 2008, which McDavid attended, state prosecutors played a 30-minute, sexually explicit video dozens of times on large screens throughout the courtroom. Prosecutors said it showed Kelly abusing a 14-year-old girl, Jane." McDavid initially said he looked away every time the video was played but later conceded that he glanced back and forth at it, though not long enough to fully assess the content. Appenteng also questioned McDavid about his claim that he wasnt at a 2001 hotel room meeting with Jane and her parents, where government witnesses said Kelly admitted having sex with Jane, who regarded Kelly as her godfather. McDavid testified that he drove to the hotel but remained outside in his car. It was delicate, he added. It was delicate, the prosecutor shot back, because Kelly admits (at the meeting) ... he is having sex with his goddaughter. On Thursday, McDavid also denied intimidating anyone leading up to the 2008 trial. His lawyer asked if he ever threatened to kill Kelly's ex-girlfriend Lisa Van Allen for having stolen a sex video from Kelly and for not being forthcoming about it, as she testified earlier. Im an accountant. No, he said. At times, McDavid sounded more like a government witness. In a sudden shift at the end of his second day of testimony Thursday, he expressed doubts about Kellys insistence in the 2000s that he never sexually abused minors. Asked by his own lawyer, Beau Brindley, if he was in a different position to assess allegations against Kelly after sitting through government testimony by four Kelly accusers, including Jane, McDavid responded: Yes, I am. The last (few) weeks Ive learned a lot that I had no idea about in 2008, added McDavid, who previously had testified that he once saw Kelly as a son. McDavids testimony could lend credence to the charges Kelly alone faces five counts of enticing minor girls for sex, one count each for five accusers. Judge Leinenweber repeatedly rejected requests from Kellys defense team that he be tried alone because his and McDavid's interests would conflict at a joint trial. The ongoing trial in Kelly's hometown is, in ways , a do-over of the 2008 trial. The single video was at the heart of that trial and is also in evidence at the current trial. Jane, then an adult, did not testify at that 2008 trial, which jurors cited as a reason they couldn't convict Kelly. She testified at the current trial that she was the person in that video. She also said Kelly sexually abused her hundreds of times starting when she was 14. ___ Follow Michael Tarm on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mtarm and find APs full coverage of the R. Kelly trial at https://apnews.com/hub/r-kelly This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 4 1 of 4 Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Show More Show Less 2 of 4 H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Show More Show Less 3 of 4 H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Show More Show Less 4 of 4 Sunday will mark the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that claimed more than 3,000 lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Community members will gather at ceremonies to reflect and honor the victims and first responders. Here is where events will be held. Its no secret that numerous states are actively taking steps to impede voting access for millions of Americans, which will discourage voting, create more bureaucratic barriers, and depress voter turnout. In recent years Connecticut has taken a different and better path rightly addressing restrictive laws and making voting easier for all eligible Connecticut citizens. As Connecticuts former secretary of the state, it was my sworn duty to safeguard and expand the right to vote, which is why I am both very proud of the progress our state has made, but also keenly aware that we have more work to do. Connecticut is one of only four states along with Alabama, Mississippi, and New Hampshire that require all voters to vote in person in a polling place on Election Day unless they present a specific reason why they cannot appear. There is no reason Connecticut citizens shouldnt have the same opportunities to vote that citizens in neighboring states and the vast majority of Americans have. It is far past time for Connecticut to enact early voting, making it easier and more convenient for workers, parents, commuters, the disabled, seniors, and every eligible voter to engage in democracy. Thankfully, voters will now have the chance to make this change at the ballot box this November. On each ballot this fall, a question will appear as follows: Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to provide for early voting? There will only be two options: yes or no. I am urging every Connecticut voter to take this incredible opportunity to support democracy, support their fellow voters of all parties, and vote YES. This is not the first time Connecticut voters will be asked to amend the state constitution to allow for early voting; In 2014, an early voting ballot measure was narrowly defeated in part because of confusing language and insufficient education on what the measure would mean. We now have a second chance to expand voting access so every eligible voter who wants to vote can do so safely, securely, and conveniently. In 2016 a third of voters, almost 50 million people nationwide, voted early; in 2020, those numbers had grown to more than 100 million people voting early representing more than two thirds of the total votes cast. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it exposed the fundamental inflexibility of our election system. My office worked with all 169 towns in Connecticut to ensure that every voter who wanted to vote could do so securely and safely in the way that best suited their lifestyle, work schedule, and health conditions. The result was a resounding success. More than 1.8 million people a record number of Connecticut voters - cast ballots in November and more than 650,000 of them chose to vote by absentee ballot 35 percent of total votes cast. This record number of voters underscores the fact that when people can vote conveniently and do not have to alter their lives to physically be somewhere between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on one weekday in November, more people will be able to will choose to engage in democracy and take the patriotic action to vote. Let me be clear: this is not a partisan issue. Early voting is popular across the political spectrum. Despite a highly polarized electorate, 79 percent of Connecticut voters support early voting and 73 percent of Connecticut voters support expanding access to absentee ballots to all voters without requiring an excuse. When this amendment passes, we can begin the conversation of how to best implement these election reforms so that our democracy is truly participatory. But to get there, we have to amend our state constitution in support of these rights and these ideals. When it when comes to early voting, we need to vote yes this November! Denise Merrill is Connecticuts former secretary of the state. At Bishops Orchards Farm Market & Winery in Guilford, preparation for the 2022 apple picking season had its fair share of obstacles. Over the past few months, the orchard has faced Connecticut severe drought conditions, federal calls for limited water usage and now, heavy post-Labor Day rainfall. To adapt, Bishops Orchard owners irrigated water from nearby ponds and paid significantly more for labor and fertilizer, Sarah DellaVentura, co-owner of the orchard, said. The last time she saw conditions this dry was in the 1990s. We havent had anything like this since back then. This [year] has been extremely painful, she said. Apple orchards and pumpkin patches are opening up across the state for autumn 2022. And due to the summer weather conditions, apples and other fall crops will be smaller and more scarce, Bryan Hurlburt, the commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Agriculture, said. He said the state does not have specific numbers on the yield losses. On the upside, apples, pears and peaches will be sweeter because the sugar will be more concentrated due to the lack moisture, he said. There are challenges, but there are also certainly opportunities. And, we want to make sure that everybody's aware that there's still fruit out there, and there are still opportunities out there. And they should still go out there and visit a local orchard, he said. Nicole Funaro / Hearst Connecticut Media Group Mitchell DeFazio, co-owner of DeFazio Orchard and Greenhouses, said his pumpkins and fruit are smaller because the dehydrated trees couldnt hold the weight of the crops. We're starting to see a lot of fruit drop, he said. Everything was smaller than it should have been and there were lot of yellow leaves here and there. Apples not so much, but with the peaches you can just tell everything was stressed out. The burst of rain from this past week could exacerbate those struggles for orchard owners. The summer drought, similar to the one in 2020, caused soils to dry up and harden, hindering its ability to absorb heavy rains and causing flooding in some parts of the state. "When you're getting two to four inches of rain all dumped all at one time, it is not helpful to us. Especially when the ground is still dried out because of the drought. Because the rain doesn't have anywhere to really to permeate through because everything is so dry," DellaVentura said. Shuresh Ghimire, an extension educator and vegetable specialist at University of Connecticut, said sudden heavy rain can lead fall vegetables like pumpkins and butternut squash to crack because theyve been building up sugar concentration over the summer due to lack of moisture. It can happen on fruit crops as well. So, that could be a potential problem moving forward because we had so much drought most of the growing season and now we received good amount of rain, which is good for the most part, but for those higher content fruit, it may lead to fruit cracking," he said. But for owners who didnt receive as much rain, the showers provided some relief. John Lyman, executive vice president of Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, said the rain filled nearby ponds the orchard uses for irrigation, which were running low in July, and has supplied them with plenty of groundwater heading into the fall. I think things will kind of perk up. I'm looking forward to a really nice fall and having a lot of people come out and enjoy the orchard, he said. Lyman said while the input costs this summer were higher and the crops weigh less, the year was more successful than in 2021 when the rain washed out his crops. When you have a really wet season, it's really hard because you can't take the water away. The roots need to breathe and with too much water they suffocate. So there was there was a lot of failures with vegetables. So pumpkins were definitely impacted last year. This year, theyre looking better despite the dry weather," he said. Connecticut experienced its third-rainiest July in 2021 with more than nine inches of rain, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This year, the state had its 10th-driest July on record with two inches of rain. Last year, everything was underwater. In the year before that, everything was dry the bone and this year, we're back to dry as a bone. Now we're underwater again, Defazio said. Ghimire believes these extreme weather events will become the new normal for the state due to climate change and will create more challenges for farmers running fall activities. He said some farmers have turned to increasing soil organic matter to hold more water and growing crops covered in semi-controlled environments to adapt. We can expect to see more and more extreme weather moving forward. So some level of drought, some level of flooding, is just going to be a fact of farming moving forward. So farmers need to be prepared to deal with those extreme weather events, he said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated New London and Windham Counties as primary natural disaster areas due to drought, and farmers in those countries are eligible for federal economic disaster loans. Hurlburt said later this year, the state plans to roll out a multi-million dollar program to help farmers adapt to extreme weather events. I think has been the year to demonstrate what [farmers] going to be facing," he said. DellaVentura said like every year, the orchard has overcome the volatile weather and is ready to give customers a fulfilling autumn experience. Such is the life of farming, its the industry were in. Weather always plays a factor.. we're used to it and everything that we go through, we kind of take with a grain of salt and we learn from the experiences...and how we can maintain the crop through something like this, she said. ROSEBANK, South Africa (AP) _ Lesaka Technologies, Inc. (LSAK) on Friday reported a fiscal fourth-quarter loss of $15.1 million, after reporting a profit in the same period a year earlier. On a per-share basis, the Rosebank, South Africa-based company said it had a loss of 25 cents. Losses, adjusted for non-recurring costs and amortization costs, came to 9 cents per share. TORONTO (AP) Tyler Perry has directed his first screenplay, 27 years after writing it. A Jazzman's Blues, which is premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, was Perry's first stab at screenwriting long before Madea made him a media mogul, back when he was pouring what little money he had into less successful Atlanta stage shows. After directing numerous films, dozens of TV episodes and expanding his 330-acre Tyler Perry Studios empire in Atlanta, Perry has returned to that old script, without hardly changing a word, for his first film for Netflix. ("A Jazzman's Blues" begins streaming Sept. 23.) The timing seemed to be right, Perry said in an interview ahead of the film's premiere Sunday. Set in mid-century Georgia, the movie stars Joshua Boon as Bayou, a juke joint-sensation who, before leaving to make it big in Chicago, falls in love with Leanne (Solea Pfieffer). Years later, she returns to their hometown married and passing for white. It's a romance sketched against the backdrop of the segregated South and the era's flourishing music scene, with songs by Terence Blanchard and choreography by Debbie Allen. Remarks have been edited for brevity. ___ AP: What was going on in your life when you wrote this? PERRY: I was really struggling and poor. It was a really difficult time. I got a chance to see an August Wilson play. If I'm not mistaken, I think it was Seven Guitars. I would have to sneak it an intermission and go in when people came out for a smoke. I couldn't afford a ticket. There was an afterparty at a little cafe and I ran into him. I told him what kind of shows I was doing and how there was so much more I wanted to do. He encouraged me to not be ashamed of what I was doing but also to do whatever else I wanted to. I went home and started writing and Jazzman showed up. AP: Where did the story come from? PERRY: I grew up New Orleans and I have family in rural Louisiana. That's where I spent summers with my grandmother. So I knew this world very well. When I was a young kid working on Bourbon Street, I'd hear all kind of music. As I was writing, all this music was in my head. I wasn't trying to write a period piece about someone passing in the South. A couple years ago, I remember seeing a picture of my grandmother and great grandmother who looked like white women. My grandmother married my grandfather, who was clearly a Black man. According to my aunt I'm fact checking this now there are people in my family who passed for white. AP: Was that something your family talked about? PERRY: No. It's the strangest thing from the generations before me. I find this true with my Jewish friends who have grandparents who survived the Holocaust. It's just not talked about. It's not spoken of. I feel that it's a horrible disservice to the future children and people who are benefitting from the atrocities that our families endured. If you don't know the facts of what happened and how it happened, I think you do a disservice to your family. AP: This might be your most ambitious film yet. Did you feel you had to build up to it? PERRY: One hundred percent. Diary of a Mad Woman, my first film, I didnt direct because I didnt know how. It took all of these films and all of these television episodes to really understand filmmaking. I really credit David Fincher and (Ben) Affleck when I was on Gone Girl where I really started to understand it and get it. For me, it had always been that the camera was just there to tell the story. I didnt take in the fullness of all the things that the camera can represent. AP: So why tackle it now? PERRY: Ive been strategic. Ive had to make sure that I super-serve my niche, my audience. I needed those successes to be able to get it here. Its all been part of the plan. The reason that it came up now is that I've been watching so many politicians and powers that be trying to downplay and whitewash the experience of Black people in America. I think it's up to us as storytellers to bring those real stories to the forefront because of this assault on history. AP: Georgia has been at the center of some of the battles over voting rights, abortion rights and school curriculum. How do you feel about having your studio there? PERRY: I have two views to that. One is: Being on the very ground and home of Dr. Martin Luther King and seeing their fight, seeing the vigor that it took to get things done. There's a richness there that I thrive on, that I plug into, that I appreciate. On the other side, we're dealing with all this gerrymandering, voting-rights issues, abortion issues. All these moments are happening but I have to focus on the fighters so that I'm able to function in a state that I love. AP: Some in Hollywood have previously called for boycotting productions in Georgia. Last year, the Will Smith film Emancipation withdrew from shooting in the state. What do you think about those kind of measures? PERRY: Some of them I think are extreme. We have this cancel culture now that if someone does something you don't like or says something you don't like, they're canceled. If the state makes a law you don't like, you don't go there. The reason I take issue with all of it is every four years there's an election, or every two years with the midterms. We get an opportunity to try to change it. So I think drastic, immediate shutdowns can be harmful to people who work here. At this moment, I have over $400 million in the ground at Tyler Perry Studios. And there are many people who come to work there who would have never gotten a chance to be in this business. I know Hollywood is really big on diversity now. Well, you don't get more diverse than Tyler Perry Studios. If you're trying to boycott the state, you're boycotting those people, too. AP: You've had a content deal with Viacom for years. This is your first film with Netflix. Are you looking for a bigger platform? PERRY: I've built this machine and it's ready to produce tons and tons and tons of content. So I want to be in a place where that content can be created and a place where I can express things like Jazzman" or whatever I want to do next. I have a zombie movie that I've worked on for a while that I want to do. I just want to be in a place where I can cultivate all those things. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Police in Ohio's capital city will no longer serve warrants overnight on certain suspects in the wake of last month's fatal police shooting. The Columbus Dispatch reported Friday that the new policy was noted in an internal memo issued Thursday by city Police Chief Elaine Bryant. The policy involves preplanned warrants, wherein the only reason a police officer goes to a specific site is to serve a warrant. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Show More Show Less 3 of 3 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) An alligator, drugs, guns and money were seized during a raid at two homes in Albuquerque last month, but New Mexico wildlife officials said Saturday they are still searching for a young tiger they believe is being illegally kept as a pet. Investigators think the tiger is with someone in New Mexico or a nearby state, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officers said in a statement Spooky season gets an early start as the harvest moon rose on Friday and will shine all weekend. Its called the harvest moon, according to the Farmers Almanac, because at the peak of harvest season farmers could work late in the night by this moons light. According to Space.com, the moon officially turns full when it reaches that spot in the sky opposite (180 degrees) to the sun and it occurred Saturday at 5:59 a.m. In Connecticut, the moonrise is at 7:40 p.m. Saturday and 8:04 p.m. Sunday. The moon will appear full a couple of days on either side of the full moon. Twitter user @HogwartsHudson spotted the Harvest Moon in Waterbury saying, "the Harvest Moon from my car driving through Waterbury CT last night." Connecticut residents can expect to see a haze in the sky Saturday and potentially Sunday as smoke from western wildfires drifts East. Because the smoke is carried in by sea winds, the haze will likely be more visible in cities and towns closer to the shoreline, including New Haven and Bridgeport, according to Garry Lessor, a meteorologist at Western Connecticut State Universitys Weather Center. Lessor forecasts more robust sunrises, moonrises and sunsets. Colors will likely be especially vivid as a result of particulate matter refracting light, Lessor said. The harvest moon doesnt always rise in September, as it will this year. The harvest moon occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, which marks the start of fall across the Northern Hemisphere, on Sept. 22. According to Farmers Almanac, the harvest moon is usually in September, but there have been times when it occurred in October. The harvest moon will play a trick on people as it may appear larger in the sky compared with other full moons, but that's your eyes playing a trick on you called the "moon illusion." Any full moon will look bigger along the horizon, so the harvest moon's location close to the skyline makes this optical illusion more noticeable, EarthSky said Staff writer Caroline Tien contributed to this story. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) The man charged with abducting and killing a Tennessee teacher this month was a suspect in a 2021 kidnapping and sexual case, but his indictment over those allegations didn't occur until Thursday because of the timing in testing his DNA. Cleotha Henderson was rebooked at the Shelby County Jail on Friday on charges of aggravated rape, especially aggravated kidnapping and unlawful carrying of a weapon. Details of the newest allegations against Henderson were not immediately available. The indictment came days after Hendersons arrest in the death of Eliza Fletcher, a mother of two and a kindergarten teacher. Fletcher disappeared while on a pre-dawn run near the University of Memphis campus on Sept. 2, and her remains were found Monday near an abandoned house. Henderson is being held in the Shelby County Jail without bond on the charges related to Fletchers death. In the earlier case, Memphis police took a sexual assault report on Sept. 21, 2021, the department said in a statement Saturday. A sexual assault kit was submitted two days later to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the statement said. An official CODIS (national DNA database) hit was not received until after the unfortunate event that occurred on September 2, 2022, the Memphis police statement said, referring to the jogger's abduction. Probable cause to make a physical arrest of any suspect did not exist until after the CODIS hit had been received." Memphis police provided no further details, citing an ongoing criminal prosecution. Hendersons public defender could not be reached for comment Saturday. The TBI confirmed Saturday that the sexual assault kit was submitted last Sept. 23. The evidence was put into the queue of unknown assailant kits, as no request was made for TBI analysis to be expedited, and no suspect information or DNA standard was included in the submission, the TBI statement said. The kit eventually was pulled from evidence storage along with 19 other kits for analysis this past June 24 and an initial report of the results was completed on Aug. 29, the TBI said. When the 2021 DNA was entered into the national database, it returned a match for Henderson on Sept. 5, which the TBI reported to Memphis police, the TBI said. The TBI accepts rush DNA cases when requested to do so by local law enforcement agencies, as was done in the Fletcher case, according to the TBI. Last weekend, Henderson was identified as the suspect less than 18 hours after receiving key evidence, which was critical in his subsequent apprehension. Because we rarely know the facts of the case when processing evidence, TBI relies on submitting agencies to identify cases that would benefit their investigation from our rush analysis, the TBI statement said. Henderson, who also has gone by the name Cleotha Abston, is charged with kidnapping and killing Fletcher, 34. Henderson is being held in the Shelby County Jail without bond on the charges stemming from Fletcher's death. Henderson was arrested after police detected his DNA on sandals found near the location where Fletcher was last seen, an arrest affidavit said. A funeral for Fletcher was held Saturday. Henderson, 38, previously served 20 years in prison for a kidnapping he committed at age 16. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BOISE, Idaho (AP) When Joseph Kibbe attended the first Boise Pride Festival in 1989, he and about two dozen other participants wore paper bags over their heads to hide their faces from potentially violent onlookers. At the first festival parade two years later, Kibbe and his friends were greeted by protesters with nooses in front of the Statehouse. Boise was a very different place back then it was not a safe time to be LGBTQIA, he said. Still, for Kibbe then a junior high student who faced frequent beatings at school, now the vice principal of the Boise Pride Festival board the event was the one place where he felt like part of a community. I could come and be who I wanted to be here, who I actually was, Kibbe said on Friday, just a few hours before this year's festival was set to begin. That was a huge morale booster, and why I'm so passionate about what we're doing today. But this year, a roughly half-hour program on the three-day-long festival schedule called Drag Kids has prompted a wave of political pressure and anonymous threats. Festival organizers envisioned a short performance where kids could put on sparkly dresses and lip-sync to songs like Kelly Clarksons People Like Us on stage. But others, including Idaho Republican Party Chairwoman Dorothy Moon, expected a lurid scene where children would engage in sexual performances with adult entertainers. The event garnered national attention from far-right websites and podcasts, and by Tuesday organizers realized this wasn't the normal amount of opposition, said festival president Michael Dale. The sexualization of children is wrong, full stop, the Idaho GOP wrote on Twitter. Idaho rejects the imposition of adult sexuality & adult sexual appetites on children. Moon and the Idaho GOP sent out statements directing constituents to ask the festival's corporate sponsors to pull support. A few did, at least partly removing their logos from festival fencing and canceling plans for booths. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced it was pulling $38,000 in funding along with resources focused on tobacco-cessation and HIV/AIDS prevention. A conservative pastor from California began rallying like-minded congregations, asking members to tell the Ada County Sheriff to arrest any festival organizer who contributes to the delinquency of minors. A group known for armed protests told followers to show up Sunday. Others, though, rallied to support Boise Pride. Four Democratic state lawmakers pledged their own financial support, and released a joint statement criticizing what they called the false, dangerous claims from Idaho GOP Chair Dorothy Moon that stoke violence. New business sponsors stepped up to fill vacancies. But the political maelstrom was growing more intense by the hour, and five kids were stuck in the middle. Riley Burrows, a full-time drag entertainer from Boise who was co-producing the Drag Kids event, began getting death threats on social media. It's: 'Were going to show up at this festival,' 'We're coming after you,' I hope you know you have a target on your back,' and Youre going to be found in a tree,'" Burrows said. It's gotten so repetitive. On Thursday afternoon, festival organizers made the decision to postpone the kids performance. We wanted to ask these kids first and foremost, because it affects them, and their confidence and their lives. And they still wanted to do it, Dale said, fighting back tears. But it came to be an issue of their health, their wellbeing, and that of the festival-goers. Anti-LGBTQ rhetoric has been increasing in Idaho and around the U.S. in recent months, and earlier this year 31 members of a white supremacist group were arrested outside of a northern Idaho Pride event for allegedly planning to riot. The Boise Pride organizers have been working with Boise Police to boost security since the northern Idaho arrests in June. None of the five young performers are new to drag shows. The youngest is 10, and was inspired by watching her mom get ready to perform. She really wanted to copy me and just do the makeup and have fun with it, said Harley Innocent, who goes by her stage name. Innocent is one of many cisgender women who participate in drag, sometimes referred to as AFAB" or Assigned Female At Birth Queens." Her daughter's first performance was in 2019, in the rural Idaho town of Emmett. She loved it, Innocent said. She was really looking forward to being able to do it on the Pride main stage it was a big opportunity for her to share her talent." Innocent says her daughter does a porcelain doll makeup look, wears a wig and chooses a song that fits her mood. It's similar to a glitzy beauty pageant, Innocent said, but more laid back. In drag you don't have to be perfect. We're just trying to have fun and welcome them to this art form. Burrows, the Drag Kids co-producer, said the kids are just having fun on stage in pretty outfits. It's like if you were to send your kid to a school of dance, and the performance theme was rainbows big tutus, bows and fun hair. That's different from an adult drag show, which can have heavier themes, more revealing costumes and be geared toward more mature audiences, Burrows said: It's like the difference between a kid's TV show and an adult TV show. Youth performances can give kids a sense of belonging, he said, adding that it's not scary to be gay when you're surrounded by love and acceptance." There's a lot more support available for LGBTQ kids today, said Kibbe, but it was still heartbreaking to tell them the event was being postponed until organizers could find a safer, more supportive venue. The actions of whatever small minority group dont reflect how the majority of people feel, but we havent figured out how to counterbalance that yet, Kibbe said. The kids that were going to be performing in that show, they were literally just trying to let others know, Hey, youre OK, this is what a supportive parent looks like, this is what a friend looks like. STRATFORD Town officials are inviting the public to break out their binoculars later this month for the relaunched Stratford Bird Festival, an event showcasing and celebrating the regions wide variety of birds. For the first time in a decade, the free festival will be held between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Stratford Point on Prospect Drive, according to Karin Doyle, the towns economic and community development coordinator. With miles of riverfront, several hundred acres of tidal marsh, Connecticuts longest barrier beach, and a beautiful shorefront on Long Island Sound, Stratford has been coined one of the best birding locations in Connecticut, Doyle said in a statement. Doyle said the event will feature a series of walking tours hosted by professional birders and educators with the Connecticut Audubon Society, a Fairfield-based nonprofit that works to protect the states wild birds. Two of the tours will take place at Stratford Point, while one will be held on Long Beach. Doyle said festival-goers interested in a walking tour should pre-register for a tour online. Each tour is capped at 25 participants. The once-popular festival regularly drew residents interested in the regions winged wildlife. But waning interest ultimately led the town to abandon the annual event after the last festival was held in 2012. David Wright, the towns historian and an experienced birdwatcher who is helping organize the festival, said officials began considering reviving the event after a rare juvenile snowy owl was spotted on a town beach last fall. Crowds quickly flocked to the shore for a chance to catch a glimpse of the creature. The enthusiasm prompted concern from local conservationists worried the birdwatchers might disturb the vulnerable animal, but it also convinced the town there might be enough interest in a new bird festival. Wright described the upcoming festival as a kind of experiment that will feature an array of family-centered activities, including a presentation he will host about the safest methods to feed birds. The festival will also include a childrens craft tent, food truck and presentations by Skyhunters in Flight, a showcase demonstrating the power of hawks and falcons, and a Secret Life of Owls, which promises to offer a closer look at the life of owls. According to Wright, about 300 different species of birds either live in or pass through Stratford in any given year. The list is made up of common birds like house sparrows, starlings and pigeons, but it also includes more interesting animals such as cardinals, blue jays, northern flickers and red-bellied woodpeckers. He said Stratfords wide variety of birds is largely due to its uncommon geographical features which allow for a diverse number of habitats that can support different species. Because Stratford is a very long and narrow town, you have shoreline birds that you would see in Lordship that you wouldn't necessarily see in the north end, he said. It really is unique. richard.chumney@hearstmediact.com This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices. US senator Jack Reed remarked the rumored transfer of US aircraft to Kyiv is not confirmed, despite the claims, as part of the Defense News Conference when he had an interview last Wednesday when he gave his remarks. Sending US Aircraft to Ukraine Unconfirmed Reed reportedly refused to back a clause in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act that would have given $100 million to begin training Ukrainian pilots to fly American fighter jets, reported Sputnik News. It raises questions about whether the clause would stand up to scrutiny during Senate negotiations when Congress draughts the final bill. The Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown and Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said in July that Ukraine's armed services would ultimately have to transfer from Soviet-era aircraft to even more modern gear that conforms to NATO specifications. Nonetheless, US senator Kendall allegedly stated previously in his panel at the Defense News Conference that his remarks from July, in which he did not rule out the transfer of US aircraft to Kyiv, were not meant to imply the Air Force's motivations for doing so. Stable Front Not To Last Long In the short term, he maintains, the US is concentrating on providing Ukraine with basic needs for the conflict can continue. A military analyst added that an artillery-driven conflict and a Ukrainian military campaign, neither of which the Russian military claimed to have failed, had already essentially gained control of the battle situation. Read Also: Xi Jinping: 5 Things To Know About China's President Kendall believes, based on the reports, that the present relatively stable front will only last for a few months before the winter weather shows up and impedes the fighting conditions. He denied speculation that the Air Force could give Ukraine one of its A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft. Even though the A-10 has "some very attractive capabilities," Kendall contended that these attributes are dated and have their constraints. Additionally, the Biden presidency has refrained from having to send some of its more cutting-edge military equipment to Ukraine out of major worry that it could get into the hands of Russian servicemembers. The White House has conveyed serious misgivings regarding Moscow's potential response should Ukrainian forces utilize modern US weapons on the battlefield, per Foreign Policy. By a vote of 329 to 101, the House approved its defense authorization, which contained a rule allowing for the instruction of Ukrainian flight crews. Reed told the outlet that he is pushing for a vote on the assessment this month despite the Senate's refusal to allow it to pass its version. The Senate's defense approval also allots $2.7 billion to support munitions advancements, such as stockpiling American stocks of the Javelin anti-tank and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. Senator Reed expects the increased money to help resolve the continuing workforce and supply chain challenges that have constrained the military-industrial bases' capacity to manufacture various weapons systems. Mentioning the fact that the funding was based on previous plans in earlier defense approvals to endorse the submarine sector. US senator Reed remarked the transfer of US aircraft to Kyiv is speculative, and it is all in the rumor mill with no basis. Related Article: US Political Expert Says the Democrats Made November Midterms Harder After Mar-A-Lago FBI Raid @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Belarusian forces are about to practice military drills close to the Polish border that would serve as an occupied territory to liberate. The Defense Ministry of Belarus informed the media of the drills they would be doing and activities related to them. Military Preparedness of Minsk The Ministry of Defense announced last Thursday that Western tensions brought on by its proxy Ukraine have the Russian ally commencing these activities to hone combat troops' ability to drive away an invading force, reported RT. Applying martial law, dealing with enemy-armed group incursions, and practicing close air support for ground forces are all part of the drills that will be carried out. Additionally, according to officials, these military exercises will take place in the Brest region close to the Polish and Ukrainian borders until September 14. For greater regional stability and to show transparency, Minsk invited interested international observers to visit, noted Daiji World. After President Alexander Lukashenko contended in July that NATO was preparing for a conflict in Eastern Europe and referenced increased activity by the military alliance, Minsk began preparing for maneuvers close to the Polish border. The Belarusian president said NATO cannot be trusted at this point and alluded to the German plan to conquer eastern lands. By using Kyiv as a tool, the West may endanger Eastern Europe and Russia. Fighting between Russia and Ukraine in August this year led to Lukashenko's evaluation that Kyiv posed a danger to Minsk's security. He alleged President Zelensky intentionally increased tensions and oppressed Ukrainians with his Nazi allies while maintaining order by force. Read Also: Volodymyr Zelensky Children: Does the Ukraine President Have Kids? These exercises come after the Vostok 2022 international military drills, which were held in Russia and in which troops from Belarusian forces also participated. Vostok 2022 Exercises The drills follow the Vostok 2022 international military exercises held in Russia, in which Belarusian troops also took part, per Hi India. A senior Russian general explained that the primary objective of the activity being sponsored by Russia is to prepare the countries involved for deploying soldiers in a significant regional peacekeeping mission. Over 2,000 visiting troops were among the 50,000 service members involved in the drill. The exercises occurring between September 1 and 7 in Russia's Far East are participated in by a maximum of 15 nations. Military commanders involved in the exercise would receive general staff training, and military units would start engaging in field maneuvers. Nine or so of the participants are outsiders. Soldiers must train alongside the Russian military. In a video that Zvezda TV posted on Tuesday, Major General Vladimir Omelyanovich stated that showcasing an alliance force is one of the main objectives of the high-profile event. The Coalition forces chief of general staff praised each member for completing their tasks immediately and capably. Many nations participated in this year's exercises, including Azerbaijan, Algeria, Armenia, Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, and other allied nations. As Belarusian forces begin military drills due to the instability created by the West at its Polish border, Minsk needs to counteract the menace of Ukraine. Related Article: Belarusian Leader Seeks To Set Up a People's Militia on the Southern Border of Ukraine @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. It was when Liz Truss arrived late for her heavily trailed energy bill statement that MPs began to suspect something was wrong. We were told it was being pushed from 11.15 to 11.30, a Minister told me, but she didnt turn up until 11.40. That doesnt happen unless something major is going on. Truss had already been briefed there were serious concerns about the Queens health before she entered the Chamber. But she was duty-bound not to share that information with the rest of the Cabinet. Then MPs noticed newly appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Nadhim Zahawi whispering something in the Prime Ministers ear. He then approached the Speakers Chair and finally the Labour front bench. Liz Trusss sombre, poignant speech set the tone of the wave of tributes to the Queen in Parliament Moments later Keir Starmer left the Chamber. Hed been asked to speak to the Cabinet Secretary, a Starmer aide confirmed, and that was when he was told the Palace were issuing a statement regarding the Queen. When the House of Commons assembled that morning, those sitting opposite one another across the Chamber arrived ready to do battle. When they left, seven hours later, they were united in grief. And as one MP observed: Were living in a different country now. Nothing will ever be the same again. As the day wore on and speculation intensified, age-old party divisions melted into irrelevance. MPs huddled together in small groups, sharing the latest news. There was a report the flag man the technician who maintains the Downing Street flag pole had been seen entering the building in preparation to lower the Union Jack to half-mast. Another began to circulate that an aide had been seen carrying a black dress into the Prime Ministers parliamentary office. Then senior MPs were informed preparations were under way to assemble the Accession Council, the group of Privy Counsellors who formally meet to confirm the accession of a new monarch. But the details of the process were so obscure many senior parliamentarians were unclear precisely what their role entailed. Keir Starmer found his emotional pitch in his tribute to the late Monarch writes Dan Hodges Tributes were briefly suspended on Friday as MPs listened to the first public address by King Charles III Im not sure if Im on it, one Privy Counsellor told me. I was, but now Im not in the Cabinet I dont know if Im meant to get involved. Another said: Im definitely on it but I dont actually know what Im meant to do. I suppose theyll send me an email. There was a widely held view the British Establishment had a smooth and efficient contingency plan to manage the Queens passing. But it quickly became apparent people were finding it difficult to come to terms with the moment. I know weve got it all written down, one House of Commons official told me, but the thing you have to remember is we havent actually had to do any of this for 70 years. Another political official said: Even though the plans are huge and meticulous, theres still loads of ambiguity on all sorts of things. One senior MP simply refused to acknowledge what was happening. The Queen is not going to die today. I dont believe it. It wont happen, he insisted. In the end, reality forced its way on to the parliamentary estate. More and more members began appearing in mourning dress. The House formally adjourned. MPs and officials packed around the BBC feed in the Strangers Bar. Former Prime Minister Theresa May 'wonderfully discovered the humour and warmth absent from her own premiership' writes Dan Hodges Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, replaced just this week, also spoke of his relationship with the late Queen The longest-reigning Queen died at her beloved Balmoral home in Scotland on Thursday Then, at just after 6.30pm, presenter Huw Edwards appeared and said: A few moments ago Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second. Members of all parties wept openly. Some clung on to one another for support. The rancour witnessed daily in the Chamber was replaced by silence a silence that was broken only as God Save The Queen played one final time. Britains political class has let itself and the nation down many times during the Queens seven-decade reign. But at this defining moment in Britains history they have managed to rise to the occasion in significant and surprising ways. That was especially evident during the two-day session of commemoration. Liz Trusss sombre, poignant speech set the tone. Keir Starmer found his emotional pitch. Boris Johnson ejected from office only days before was humble and eloquent, as Harriet Harman, who is currently pursuing him via her Privileges Committee, generously acknowledged. Theresa May wonderfully discovered the humour and warmth absent from her own premiership. But the most significant moment came from the SNPs Ian Blackford, one of the Governments staunchest critics. He went out of his way to reach out to Liz Truss and declare: My thoughts are with our own Prime Minister. Just days into office, and having to come to terms with the enormity of the loss of the Head of State. This morning Britain is a nation that feels untethered. Questions are already being raised about the future. Of the Commonwealth. Of the Union. The enormous challenges presented by the cost-of-living crisis, the malign long-tail of Covid and war in the Ukraine have been thrown into even sharper relief. MPs came back together in the House of Commons to pay moving tributes to the late Queen MPs observed a moments silence in memory of the late Monarch and paid tribute to her lifelong work for the country Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross reading a tribute out in the House of Commons King Charles III addressed the nation in a public broadcast for the first time on Friday evening But the politicians we have tasked with dealing with those challenges have grown slightly taller this week. For once their instincts and actions are in alignment with the countrys. They have opted for unity over division. And they have demonstrated a maturity and indeed a humanity and humility that does them credit. It wont last, of course. There is some talk of the party conferences being cancelled or slimmed down because they may jar against the national mood. But soon we will be back to business as usual. The fury and vanity and duplicity will return. BUT AT least we now know they can do it. It is actually possible for our MPs to put petty politics aside. To lay personal ambition down for a moment. To think however briefly about what lies beyond the ornate walls of Westminster. In his first national address, King Charles talked of his mothers passion for, and commitment to, public service. When he finished, the parliamentarians who had assembled in the Commons to watch broke into a spontaneous and convention-defying round of applause. It was a moving moment. But it was also an authentic moment. And it showed that despite fashionable and cynical perception, our MPs do recognise why service to the people is an honourable and worthy calling. At a time of great national and global upheaval, that should provide a sliver of reassurance. None of those who rose from the green benches to pay tribute to Her Late Majesty can hope to come close to matching her selfless dedication. But last week they finally recognised they have an obligation to try. There are some who have long enjoyed predicting the collapse of the Crown Commonwealth. The death of Queen Elizabeth II, they suggest, makes it certain that almost all the countries that retain the British Monarch as their head of state will become republics. They point to Barbados becoming one last November, even during the late Queens reign, and the stated intention of the Jamaican government to become a republic by 2025. The death of Queen Elizabeth II, suggest [some], makes it certain that almost all the countries that retain the British Monarch as their head of state will become republics. They point to Barbados becoming one last November, even during the late Queens reign, and the stated intention of the Jamaican government to become a republic by 2025. (Pictured: King Charles on a visit to Barbados in 2021) They confidently predict that during King Charles IIIs reign, Australia and several other realms will break away, too. Yet are they right? Im not so sure. In fact, I see nothing inevitable about the demise of the Crown Commonwealth, a bulwark of freedom in an increasingly dangerous world. Republicanism comes and goes. It became an issue in Canada during the 1960s and 1970s, in Australia in the 1990s, and as a result of the Black Lives Matter movement, the Windrush scandal and the slavery reparations issue, it is presently one in the Caribbean. If the Crown Commonwealth countries of the West Indies wish to become independent, thats entirely up to them, but they would be well advised to try to find a system of government that works better than their limited, constitutional monarchy. It wont be easy. (Pictured: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge drew criticism during their tour of Jamaica in March) Yet the decision of the Barbadian government was profoundly undemocratic, taken only by MPs and not by a referendum of the people, despite it being so profound a constitutional change. The Barbadian head of state was then similarly imposed by parliamentarians without the people being consulted. Republicans, who are the first to complain that the British Monarch is unelected, tend to fall hypocritically silent when this kind of disgraceful gerrymandering goes on in nascent republics. If the Crown Commonwealth countries of the West Indies wish to become independent, thats entirely up to them, but they would be well advised to try to find a system of government that works better than their limited, constitutional monarchy. It wont be easy. According to analysis by the United Nations, more than half of the top 20 most free countries in the world are monarchies. The bottom ten are all republics. The 55 to 45 per cent defeat of republicanism in the Australian referendum of November 1999 seems a long time ago now, but it is interesting to see how little the underlying circumstances have changed. You ask when you are going to be free of the British Monarchy, the late Australian author Clive James told an audience in the country after the republican defeat. You are free under the British Monarchy. What you have to guarantee is that you are going to be free under the next system. King Charles III is particularly well equipped to deal with threats to the Crown Commonwealth and, with Queen Consort Camilla, he ought to embark on a tour of it sooner rather than later, to take advantage of the huge wellspring of sympathy and support that the House of Windsor is experiencing at the moment. King Charles III is particularly well equipped to deal with threats to the Crown Commonwealth and, with Queen Consort Camilla, he ought to embark on a tour of it sooner rather than later His diplomatic skills have been consistently underrated. He has a profound personal interest both in this nations place in the world and in the Commonwealth itself. For years, he has attended the meetings of the Commonwealth heads of government in place of his mother, Queen Elizabeth. He is a realist, as he has been at pains to make clear. But I am in no doubt whatsoever that he will be tenacious in fighting for her legacy. His well-judged speech on Friday, pledging that he will be a constitutional Monarch who will not interfere in politics, will strengthen the attractions to his realms of having a head of state who is above politics, who does his advising, encouraging and warning in private. Yet even if every realm but the United Kingdom were to renounce the Monarchy, it would not affect the Commonwealth, of which King Charles is the head and in which 64 per cent of the countries are republics already. Back in the 1970s, the Commonwealth was a basket case: nothing in common and no wealth, as the derisive old joke went. Full of vicious dictatorships and kleptocratic regimes, it had become an embarrassment on the world stage. Largely due to the efforts of Elizabeth II, however, by the mid-1990s it was once again a force for good in the world. Today it is more than that. Increasingly threatened by the sinister global ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party, the Commonwealth is proving an invaluable part of the free world. Its 56 member countries are not all former territories of the British Empire. And today its 2.6billion people constitute a third of the worlds population, who live across one-fifth of its land mass. Those who constantly want to put Britains past on trial ought instead to look to the wider vision of the Commonwealth, Britains vibrant modern legacy. The denigration of the British past proved an insufficient reason for Australia to vote for a republic in 1999, and that was when that past was almost a quarter of a century closer than it is today. By October 2011, the Australian prime minister Julia Gillard, herself a republican, was welcoming the Queen to Australia as a vital constitutional part of Australian democracy. Republicanism is overwhelmingly supported by a media and political elite, leading Clive James to note: There is a danger in Australia of the consensus of the commentariat separating too far from the opinion of the people, to the point where the commentariat becomes contemptuous of the people. The parallels with Brexit are obvious. Today, opinion polls show that a large number of young Australian radicals consider the Monarchy republic debate to be irrelevant compared to the issues of climate change, indigenous rights and sexual harassment. Because the republican campaign has no minority grievance to inspire new generations of activists, and does not slot into the victim-oppressor model of woke politics, it is widely seen as outdated. Meanwhile, for many non-political Australians, William and Kate, the new Prince and Princess of Wales, present the modern face of an ancient institution. Meanwhile, for many non-political Australians, William and Kate, the new Prince and Princess of Wales, present the modern face of an ancient institution When the Cambridges, as they then were, visited Australia in April 2014, opinion polls showed that 60 per cent of 18 to 24-yearolds were opposed to a republic. For millennials, then, Australian republicanism is an idea whose time has gone. A brilliant forthcoming book, The Enduring Crown Commonwealth by Michael Smith and Stephen Klimczuk-Massion, sets out how the Australian constitutional monarchists such as former prime ministers John Howard and Tony Abbott convinced ordinary Australians that it was in their interests to retain the tried and proven status quo. With King Charles having famously always been a passionate environmentalist when he was Prince of Wales indeed a leader of the movement long before the phrase climate change even came into common parlance his popularity among Australians is only likely to rise. The embarrassments of the Lady Di era are now a quarter of a century gone and Queen Consort Camilla is the kind of no-nonsense person who Australians like, since they tend to be straight speakers themselves. Whatever might happen in Jamaica, where the government is stoking up resentments that frankly have nothing to do with the Royal Family and also ignore the profound constitutional issues at stake, if Australia stays among King Charless realms it is very unlikely that New Zealand and Canada would leave either, let alone the smaller territories in the Pacific and elsewhere. Far from assuming a republican victory over the coming years, therefore, right across the Crown Commonwealth there is still everything to fight for. And in King Charles III we have the man to lead the charge. Advertisement Throughout her life, the Queen amassed a jewellery collection full of family heirlooms, priceless treasures and gifts from world leaders. The monarch was rarely seen without diamonds, pearls or gemstones adorning her clothes, with royal commentators sometimes suggesting she used the pieces to send unspoken signals. Particular attention was paid to her brooches: Her Majesty would often choose one with a connection to the person, country or organisation she was visiting. The Queen was renowned for generously loaning both elaborate and simple pieces to royal wives including Meghan Markle, Sophie Wessex, Kate Middleton and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, over the years. Now, upon her death at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne, FEMAIL looks at Her Majesty's jewellery collection. The Queen was rarely seen without a dazzling array of diamonds, pearls and gemstones decorating her bright and colourful clothes (pictured, in 2022 at the Platinum Jubilee celebration wearing her favourite pearl necklace, earrings and one of her favourite brooches the Kensington Bow brooch) Her Majesty was often gifted her pieces for special occasions and wore wedding gifts throughout her life (left). She was renowned for generously loaning pieces to other royals including Kate Middleton (pictured right, at the Jubilee wearing the Queen's earrings) The Queen's amazing collection of jewels included glittering brooches, earrings and necklaces. Some have been passed down to Her Majesty through the royal family, while others were gifted to the monarch to mark important milestones, including her wedding, coronation and jubilees. The most impressive jewels were reserved for high profile occasions like state dinners. Otherwise the Queen preferred to keep her jewellery low-key and was rarely seen without three strings of pearls gifted to her by her grandfather. The Queen was able to recall the meaning and occasion behind each item she had been gifted over the years, experts have claimed. Pictured left, in 1983 on a banquet in India, and right, in 2007 wearing a necklace gifted by President of Brazil for the Queens Coronation in 1953 The monarch, pictured here on one of her final engagements in July 2022, always wore her engagement ring in a sign of her dedication to her husband Prince Philip The Royal Collection was held in trust by the Sovereign for her successors and the nation, and was not owned by The Queen as a private individual. However she did have her own smaller private collection, which she has been known to loan to members of the royal family for formal occasions and state visits, at her own discretion. NECKLACES While we associated the Queen with her incredible Royal Collection of priceless tiaras, intricate brooches and dazzling diamond earrings, she was, like many Englishwomen of a certain age, most at ease in her pearls. Pearls were the Queens first serious piece of jewellery. When her grandfather George V celebrated his Silver Jubilee in 1935, he gave both his granddaughters pearl necklaces. Among the collection Elizabeth owns today are two stunning necklaces - the 18th-century Queen Anne pearl necklace and the 50-pearl Queen Caroline necklace, both given as a wedding present from her father. Her favourite necklace for quiet days was her single-strand version, one of the first pieces she acquired, and very much in the English tradition, matching the timeless elegance of her treasured pearl and diamond studs. Meanwhile the royal also had a huge range of other opulent necklaces, including the stunning sets gifted from her coronation in 1953. One striking set formed from unusual aquamarine stones, was a gift from the President of Brazil for the Queens Coronation in 1953. The striking necklace was made by Mappin & Webb in Rio de Janiero, and the stones are set in diamond and platinum surrounds. It came with matching earrings - and in 1958 she was presented with a large brooch and bracelet. The stones are perfectly matched - it took a year to collect them from mines across Brazil. The Queen's much beloved glittering Festoon necklace, gifted to the royal by her father, is pictured during an outing to a concert with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy in America in 1983 The nation continued to supply the Queens aquamarine collection, including providing stones for a tiara she had adapted in 1971. She toned down the piece by replacing the pendant with a smaller stone, and attaching the aquamarine to her tiara. The royal also adored jewellery presents from family members, including one glittering Festoon necklace given to Princess Elizabeth in 1950 by her father that remained her favourites throughout her life. It was made from 105 loose diamonds that were kept in reserve at Garrard, stored in pouches marked C for Crown, in case a monarch wanted to extend a necklace or improve a tiara. Queen Mary, the Queens grandmother, was said to have made regular use of the service. The resulting triple strand necklace has rows of graduated stones, suspended between two diamond triangles. It was also the Queens preferred necklace for wearing without a tiara. Among the Queen's more recent pieces was a gift from Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, former Emir of Qatar, during a state visit to Britain in 1985. Where did the Queen keep her extensive jewellery collection? At home in Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, the jewellery she wore regularly was not kept in one of the boxes of battered leather lined with mushroom velvet that house her grand occasion pieces. Instead, they lived on trays that house stones according to colour rubies, sapphires, emeralds. Advertisement A diamond swag shape, set in gold and designed around two central gemstones, it came with a matching set of earrings and had been one of the Queens favourite ruby pieces ever since. Because of its rich, exotic colour, she preferred it for foreign engagements, such as this state banquet in Turkey in 2008, but has also worn it twice to the state opening of Parliament. The royal also lent her Nizam of Hyderabad necklace, originally created by Cartier in 1930s to family members. One of the Queen's more recent acquisitions was the necklace and earring set from Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, former Emir of Qatar, who gifted it to the royal during a state visit to Britain in 1985. Did the Queen ever wear gold? The Queen rarely wore gold jewellery, but opted for this gold and emerald piece to a film premiere in 2004 The Queen rarely wore gold, preferring silver or platinum for her everyday jewels, so this gold and emerald necklace is something of a curiosity in the royal collection. Its a pared-down look, more akin to costume jewellery than royal regalia, worn to a film premiere in London in 2004 - and paired with matching emerald drop earrings in a pretty bow shape. The provenance of the 18-stone chain is unknown, and Her Majesty wasn't known to have worn it before or since, suggesting it may have been a gift not quite to her taste. Advertisement It was gifted to Majesty as a gift when she married in November 1947 and consists of a long chain of 38 diamonds (reduced from the original 46) with a diamond-encrusted snap. The centre of the necklace was pave-set with detachable double-drop pendant 13 emerald-cut diamonds and a pear-shaped drop. The original necklace consisted of eight double-drop and three triple-drop pendants. Kate Middleton borrowed the diamond stunner to attend a black tie Portrait Gala in 2014 at the National Portrait Gallery in London. It set off her midnight blue Jenny Packham evening gown, which was plain to show off the beauty of her diamonds. Left, The Queen wearing the Nizam of Hyderabad necklace - part of the Royal Collection - which was made by Cartier, the George IV State Diadem and the insignia of the Order of the Garter, circa 1953. Right, the Duchess of Cambridge wearing the necklace in 2014 The Queen's remarkable memory Journalist Sali Hughes, author of Our Rainbow Queen, explained the Queen had an 'outstanding memory' and put it to good use when it comes to her wardrobe. 'There are no mistakes; there are no accidents,' Hughes said in an interview with Vanity Fair. 'Everything is forensically thought of, considered, and documented, and her memory is outstanding. 'She does not forget who gave her something, and she doesnt forget the meaning it has when she was given her gifts and her jewellery.' Advertisement BROOCHES Brooches, usually worn on the left shoulder, were a favourite for the royal and the Queen was believed to have over 100 in her collection. A selection that would go with an outfit were presented to her - usually three at a time - by her senior dresser and confidante Angela Kelly on special trays that once belonged to Queen Mary. The royal had a wide variety of different brooches which she often wore with her usual pearl earrings and necklace, including a spray of flowers brooch by the people and government of Australia during her Coronation tour of 1954. She was also regularly seen in the Queen Mothers Shell Brooch from the late Queen Mothers jewellery collection, a shell shape consisting of solid rows of diamonds with a single pearl cradled at the base, and strings of diamonds suspended underneath. One of the royal's favourites was the Kensington Bow brooch, a wedding gift from the residents of Kensington to her grandmother in 1893, costing 450 (about 40,000 today). The brooch features two rows of diamonds set in silver and gold, tied in a bow around a single large diamond, and it was often used to secure a sash or as a clasp for remembrance poppies. Among the brooches she favoured was the Cullinan V Brooch, which was an unusual and distinctive heart shape. The diamond, of 18.8 carats, was one of six numbered stones cut from the Cullinan diamond, the biggest in the world, and given to Queen Mary, the Queens grandmother, by the people of South Africa in 1910. Many have suggested the Queen may have tried to send messages with her selection of brooches - some commentators pointed out the royal wore a brooch given to her by President Obama when she met President Trump on a visit in 2019. When Prince Philip was in hospital in 2021, the Queen paid tribute to her late husband with her brooches for public appearances. The Queen had a huge selection of brooches, with over 100 in her personal collection. One of her favourites was the Cullinan V Brooch, given to Queen Mary, the Queens grandmother, by the people of South Africa in 1910 (pictured wearing it during a visit to Tuvalu in South Pacific) One of the royal's favourites was the Kensington Bow brooch, a wedding gift from the residents of Kensington to her grandmother in 1893, costing 450 (about 40,000 today). (pictured in 2005 visiting Bristol university) It was occasionally suggested the royal selected her brooches in order to send a signal about her beliefs (pictured left, with President Obama and Michelle Obama, wearing the pin they gave her in 2011, and right, the pin) The royal had a wide variety of different brooches which she often wore with her usual pearl earrings and necklace (pictured left, The Queen was given this spray of flowers brooch by the people and government of Australia during her Coronation tour of 1954, the Queen was presented with this brooch from the people and government of Australia. It depicts a spray of flowers with mimosa leaves and tea tree blossoms in white and colored diamonds. pictured right, The Queen Mothers Shell Brooch from the late Queen Mothers jewellery collection and takes the shape of a shell made of solid rows of diamonds with a single pearl cradled at the base and strings of diamonds suspended underneath.) Another of the 2,500 wedding presents given to the Queen on her marriage to Prince Philip, the Carrington Sapphire Feather brooch (right) was a gift from Carrington jewellers. A fine diamond feather with a sapphire centre, its always paired with blue or purple, as here in 2019 The Queen was generous with her jewellery collection, often lending pieces to other senior royals. The New Zealand Fern brooch was presented to the Queen in 1953 by the women of Auckland. She is seen wearing it in 2008 (left) and it was loaned to Kate for her 2014 tour of Australasia (right) The Queen kept Prince Philip close to her heart while he was in hospital in 2021 by donning significant brooches for public engagements - in February, she chose to wear the same six-petal diamond flower brooch she had worn when the couple announced their engagement in 1947 (left and right) The Queen kept her husband close to her heart in 2021 while the Duke spent several weeks in hospital, donning the same six-petal diamond flower brooch she wore when the couple announced their engagement in 1947 for a virtual engagement. The monarch wore the glittering accessory on a video call with health leaders from Windsor Castle in which she made a historic intervention in the coronavirus vaccination drive, suggesting it is selfish not to have the jab. And during his funeral on April 18, Her Majesty brought out the diamond Richmond Brooch, a present from the town of Richmond for her grandmother Queen Mary's 1893 wedding to the future King George V which she inherited. The Queen wore a brooch gifted to her by Prince Philip during a visit to the Royal Navy flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth The gold Scarab brooch, with ruby and diamond embellishments, was a 1966 gift from the Duke of Edinburgh (pictured the couple together in 1966, with the Queen wearing the brooch) Weeks later, as she visited the Royal Navy flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Queen wore a brooch gifted to her by Prince Philip. Her Majesty, 95, paid tribute to her beloved husband of 73 years, who died on April 9 2021 aged 99, by wearing the piece, which she teamed with a brick-red military-style cashmere coat for her appearance at HM Naval Base, Portsmouth. The gold Scarab brooch, with ruby and diamond embellishments, was a 1966 gift from the Duke of Edinburgh. EARRINGS When the Queen turned 21, jewels flooded in, mostly in the form of gifts from relatives. Among them was a pair of heavy diamond chandelier earrings that had been given to her mother Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother as a wedding present. Soon, she had acquired many other pairs of earrings that could be worn only with pierced ears, and so in 1951, just before her state visit to Canada, the 25-year-old Queen gave in to the inevitable and had her ears pierced. Some of the royal's favorite earrings remained her pearl pieces throughout her life, with the Queen often choosing a simple stud or pearl drop for her daily appearances. Day-to-day Her Majesty often wore the simple but chic Queen Mary's Button Earrings, which feature a pearl and a diamond (pictured here visiting the Royal British Legion Industries Village, Aylesford in November 2019) The Queen regularly wore pearl drop earrings, but often chose the Ladies of Devonshire earrings for formal day events (pictured waving to the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2017) Day-to-day, the Queen often chose between two almost identical pearl earrings. The royal's favourite earrings for casual wear were the simple Queen Mary's Button Earrings, which featured a single pearl with a small diamond on top. Meanwhile she would wear the Ladies of Devonshire earrings for more formal day events, such as the Diamond Jubilee service or the Order of the Garter service, as well as for evening occasions. Queen Mary gave the Devonshire Earrings to her granddaughter, Princess Elizabeth, as a wedding present in 1947. The Queen is believed to have gifted Meghan Markle a similar pair of earrings to her own for their first joint engagement in June 2018 A present to the Queen from the kingdom of Bahrain to celebrate the Queen's wedding to Prince Philip in 1947, the Bahrain pearl drop earrings were hidden away from public view for many decades but have recently been seen more regularly. The Queen chose to wear the pieces to the Remembrance Day service in 2015, with Kate Middleton wearing them the following year to the same event. The Countess of Wessex has also sported the diamond-supported pearls. And Kate, who is known to adore a pearl earring, also wore them while staying at Balmoral during the summer of 2018. The Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings were a present to the Queen from the kingdom of Bahrain to celebrate her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947 Kate wore the jewels as she joined Prince William and other senior royals at the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee Sophie, The Countess of Wessex, also wore the Bahrain pearl drop earrings in 2012 to attend a performance of the Massed Bands and Bugles of The Rifles at the Royal Albert Hall Kate has also donned another set of the Queen's diamond-and-pearl earrings, which the monarch herself last wore in 1977. In 2016, the Duchess was spotted wearing them while on a trip to Canada, and later in the year in Holland. The Queen gifted Meghan Markle a similar (but smaller) pair prior to the Duchess' first royal joint engagement without her husband. The monarch continued to generously lend her earrings to her granddaughters-in-law during the final years of her life. At the Silver Jubilee in 1977, the Queen donned a pair of diamond-and-pearl earrings that she hasn't worn since in public. However, the monarch has gifted them to her grandaughter-in-law, with Kate spotted wearing them twice in 2016 New generation, same jewels: The Duchess of Cambridge was spotted wearing the same earrings in 2016 during a royal visit with Prince William to Canada, they appeared again on a trip later that year to the Netherlands In 2021, the Duchess of Cambridge honoured the Queen on her birthday by borrowing her pearl earrings for a visit to an air cadet centre. Kate borrowed the silver jubilee diamond and pearl earrings from the monarch who first wore them to celebrate her silver jubilee in 1977. The visit, which took place on the Queen's 95th birthday, was carried out in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh, who was Honorary Air Commodore-in-Chief of the squadron for 63 years before Kate took over as Commandant-in-Chief in 2015. But it was not just pearl pieces that the royal favoured, with the royal occasionally donning large costume-style jewellery from her collection of diamond pieces. The Duchess of Cambridge honoured the Queen on her 95th birthday by borrowing her pearl earrings for her visit to an air cadet centre The origin of the stunning large teardrop-shaped diamond adornments is unknown and they may even be a more modern addition to the Queen's collection. The monarch was spotted wearing them at the State Opening of Parliament in 2012 before they were next seen gracing Kate's ears, most notably at a gala held at Kensington Palace in November 2017. The royal would also occasionally don pieces that were part of a set with her elegant necklaces, such as the aquamarine set gifted to her by the President of Brazil for her coronation. The origin of these teardrop-shaped earrings is unknown and they may have first been seen in public as late as 2012, when the Queen wore them to the State Opening of Parliament. A different look: Kate has worn the drop diamond earrings on a number of occasions including at a dinner while on a royal visit to Sweden and Norway A closer look: The Duchess of Cambridge at a 2017 Gala Dinner for The Anna Freud National Centre held at Kensington Palace in 2017 All that glitters! The Duchess of Cambridge borrowed the Queen's emerald and diamond earrings and matching bracelet (both pictured) for the Caribbean tour in 2022 (left) Treasured: The Queen has worn the set on a number of occasions, including at a reception for the Obamas in 2011 (right). There is also a necklace (seen here) which Kate did not wear When she was not wearing her trademark pearls, the Queen opted for pendants such as these dazzling purple stones, part of the Kent Amethyst set, which belonged to Queen Victorias mother. The set also included three brooches, a necklace and hair combs, but the earrings worn to a state banquet in Portugal in 1985 - are the only items seen in public. These ornate diamond frames, each containing an oval pearl drop, are the Duchess of Gloucesters Pendants, first owned by Queen Marys great aunt. They passed to the Queen on her grandmothers death in 1953. She chose them for her wedding in 1947, on a visit to Mauritius in 1972 and wears them often nowadays. If shes not wearing her trademark pearls, the Queen opts for pendants such as these dazzling purple stones (left), part of the Kent Amethyst set, which belonged to Queen Victorias mother. These ornate diamond frames (right), each containing an oval pearl drop, are the Duchess of Gloucesters Pendants, first owned by Queen Marys great aunt BRACELETS The Queen mainly wore bracelets for formal occasions and events, such as foreign tours and the State Opening of parliament. The royal had many diamond bracelets, and mainly choose them for black tie events, occasionally if she didn't wear a tiara. Her collection included a set of two matching bracelets composed of chain links between diamond plaques which came from Queen Marys collection. The Queen regularly wore bracelets for black tie and formal events, donning two diamond pieces for the State Opening of Parliament in October 2019 Mary bought them in 1932, and then had a matching one made three years later to hold a 9.75 carat diamond from the Premier Mines given to her during a visit to South Africa. The bracelets were made to join together to create a choker. They are nearly identical, one having a larger plaque for the South African diamond. One of the sets the Queen most often wore was the sapphire set. The royal often wore the glittering pieces of jewellery to formal black tie events, donning the chain links between diamond plaques from Queen Mary's collection over white gloves. The Queen also had a selection of pearl evening watches for formal events (pictured left in Canada in 2002) She occasionally wore bracelets as part of a set of jewellery (pictured right, leaving the Ritz after celebrating her Golden Jubilee in 2002 wearing emerald-cut sapphires and diamonds collection, which included a necklace, earrings, a bracelet and a ring). It began with a mid-19th century set of necklace and earrings bought by her father, King George VI, at Carrington & Co. and given to her as a wedding present in 1947. The set features a necklace of emerald-cut sapphires surrounded by diamonds and separated by individual diamonds, plus a pair of earrings, each with a large sapphire in a diamond cluster. As given to the Queen, the necklace had 18 sapphire clusters, which she had shortened in 1952. The Queen was often seeing wearing her gold watch, which she was gifted during her visit to Canada in 1951, as her go-to timepiece (pictured, in 2003 with George Bush) In 1959 the largest cluster was turned into a pendant to hang on the necklace and was fitted with a pin for use as a brooch. The royal also made a habit of wearing a watch every day, which was as much as a staple to her look as her pearls and her wedding and engagement rings. Her gold watch, which she was gifted during her visit to Canada in 1951, was her go-to timepiece. RINGS There is one notable omission from the Queens jewel box: she very seldom wore rings. Although she received a stunning square-cut diamond engagement ring with diamond side stones set in platinum from Prince Philip, the ring was barely seen as the Queen tended to cover her hands with gloves when in public. She doesnt much like her hands, said royal editor Ingrid Seward, and prefers not to draw attention to them. LIME MACARONS Lime is one of my favourite flavours and I think it works really well with the almond in these macarons. Makes 30 For the Macaron paste 3 large egg whites 275g ground almonds 275g icing sugar For the Swiss meringue 3 large egg whites 240g caster sugar A few drops of green food colouring For the Lime filling 175g unsalted butter Softened 475g icing sugar Sifted finely grated zest of 1 lime 2tbsp juice Line three (or four) baking trays with baking paper. Using a pastry cutter as a guide, draw circles (around 15-20 on each tray), about 4.5cm in diameter, on the paper, leaving a 2cm gap between them. Turn the paper over and place on the baking tray. For the macaron paste, put the egg whites into a bowl, add the ground almonds and sift in the icing sugar. Mix to form a thick paste. For the Swiss meringue, place the egg whites and sugar in a heatproof bowl and set over a pan of simmering water, making sure the base of the bowl is not in direct contact with the water. Using a balloon whisk, whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 65C (use a cooks thermometer). Now either transfer the mixture to a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or use an electric hand whisk to whisk the mixture until it has cooled and you have a stiff, glossy meringue this will take at least 5 minutes. Gradually fold the meringue into the macaron paste, a spoonful at a time, until incorporated. Add the colouring and mix until evenly combined. Spoon the mixture into a paper piping bag and snip off the end to create a 1cm opening. Pipe the mixture evenly over the marked circles on the paper. Leave to stand, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until a skin forms. This helps prevent the surface from cracking. Heat your oven to 150C/fan 130C/gas 2. Bake the macarons for 15 minutes, until risen and set. Leave on the trays to cool completely. To make the filling, using an electric hand whisk, beat the butter until soft, then beat in the icing sugar, a few spoonfuls at a time. Aldi Specially Selected Sauternes (37.5cl, 14%) 9.49 Add the lime zest and juice and whisk again. Place in a paper piping bag and snip off the end. Pipe a little lime filling onto the centre of half the macaron discs, leaving a narrow margin around the edge. Sandwich these together with the remaining macaron discs WINE PAIRING: ZEST FRIEND Aldi Specially Selected Sauternes (37.5cl, 14%) 9.49 Sauternes is famous for its zingy sweetness and balance. Its prices can be sky high so to find a good bottle for under a tenner is a rare treat. Serve fridge-cold in white wine glasses and take your time with it. Like the lime macarons, sweetness gives way to zestiness and its a pleasurable twist to really savour. STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING You can serve this Sticky Toffee Pudding with pouring cream or ice cream for that irresistible hot-cold contras. A real crowd-pleaser of a dessert, sticky toffee pudding is surprisingly easy to make. Its essentially a date sponge covered in a rich toffee sauce and then warmed under the grill. Serves 9 175g pitted dates Chopped 200ml Boiling water 1tsp bicarbonate of soda 75g unsalted butter, plus extra to grease the tin 150g soft dark brown sugar 2 medium eggs, beaten 175g self-raising flour tsp baking powder for the sticky toffee sauce 100g unsalted butter, diced 150g soft dark brown sugar 150ml double cream Heat your oven to 180C/fan 160C/ gas 4 and butter a 24 x 26cm, 4cm deep baking tin. Put the chopped dates into a bowl, pour on the boiling water and stir in the bicarbonate of soda. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, beating well after each addition. Sift the flour and baking powder over the mixture and fold in. De Bortoli Show Liqueur Muscat (50cl, 18%) 14.99, sandhamswine.co.uk Stir in the dates, with their soaking water. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and spread it evenly, right into the corners. Bake for 25- 30 minutes, until firm and risen. Meanwhile, to make the sticky toffee sauce, heat the butter, sugar and cream together in a pan over a low heat until melted and smooth. Let it bubble for a few minutes, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Heat your grill to high. With a skewer, make holes all over the surface of the cooked pudding. Pour half of the toffee sauce over the pudding and place under the hot grill for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling. Cut the pudding into portions and serve with the remaining warm toffee sauce. WINE PAIRING: TERRIFIC WITH TOFFEE De Bortoli Show Liqueur Muscat (50cl, 18%) 14.99, sandhamswine.co.uk Possibly the richest and most indulgent sweet wine of them all. Glossy, unctuous and dark, its like a galaxy of sweet sticky dates blitzed into a single sip. Serve this modern Australian icon of a wine chilled in small glasses for a pairing that succinctly echoes the flavours and textures in this sumptuous recipe. FRUITS OF THE FOREST CHEESECAKE Although this isnt a baked cheesecake, its such a classic for me that I had to include it. My mum used to make it when I was a kid and it was a massive favourite of mine. Serves 10 For the base 200g digestive biscuits 150g unsalted butter, melted, plus extra to grease the tin For the Berry filling 6.5g leaf gelatine (I use Costa brand, which is 4 sheets) 100g frozen forest fruits, defrosted 300g full-fat cream cheese 2tbsp caster sugar 175ml double cream 60ml just-boiled water For the Vanilla filling 6.5g leaf gelatine (4 sheets of Costa brand) 300g full-fat cream cheese 2tbsp caster sugar 1tsp vanilla extract 175ml double cream 60ml just-boiled water For the Topping 4g leaf gelatine (2 sheets of Costa brand) 4g leaf gelatine (2 sheets of Costa brand) 150ml red berry juice 150g mixed soft fruit (cherries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries) Lightly grease a 23cm diameter springform cake tin with butter and line the base and sides with baking paper. For the base, put the biscuits into a plastic bag and bash with a rolling pin to a crumb-like texture. Transfer to a bowl, pour on the melted butter and stir until fully coated. Tip into the cake tin, spread evenly and press down firmly onto the base, using the back of a spoon. Chill until set firm. To make the berry filling, put the gelatine into a heatproof bowl, cover with cold water and set aside to soften. Meanwhile, using a blender or food processor, blitz the defrosted berries to a puree. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar until smooth. Add the pureed fruit and stir to combine. In another bowl, whip the cream to soft peaks and then fold into the fruit and cream cheese mix. Lift the gelatine from the bowl and squeeze out any excess water. Pour off the water from the bowl then return the drained gelatine to it. Pour on the 60ml just-boiled water and stir until dissolved, then fold into the berry filling until well combined. Pour onto the biscuit base, smooth the surface to level and place in the fridge to set for an hour. To make the vanilla filling, put the gelatine leaves into a heatproof bowl, cover with cold water and set aside to soften. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix the cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Whip the cream to soft peaks and fold into the cream cheese mix. Lift the gelatine from the bowl and squeeze out any excess water. Pour off the water from the bowl and return the drained gelatine to it. Pour on the 60ml just-boiled water and stir until dissolved, then fold into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Pour the mixture onto the set berry filling and smooth the surface to level. Return to the fridge for another hour to set the vanilla layer. For the topping, put the gelatine into a heatproof bowl, cover with cold water and leave to soften. Heat the berry juice in a pan; do not let it boil. Lift the gelatine from the bowl and squeeze out any excess water. Pour off the water from the bowl and return the gelatine to it. Pour the hot berry juice over the gelatine and stir until it is fully dissolved. Lindemans Kriek (25cl, 3.5%) 2.05, beermerchants.com Leave to cool until slightly thickened but still pourable. Arrange the berries on top of the set cheesecake, then pour the berry juice over. Place in the fridge to set. To serve, release the cheesecake from the tin and transfer to a serving plate. ALCOHOL PAIRING: FRUITY BEAUTY Lindemans Kriek (25cl, 3.5%) 2.05, beermerchants.com Cherry beer may not be a familiar dessert pairing, but with this fruits of the forest cheesecake, it should be top of your list. Refreshingly sweet with a tart twist, this Belgian Lambic beer is easy-drinking with intriguing complexity just think of it like liquid cherry sherbet for grown-ups. INDIVIDUAL LEMON SPONGES We have used steaming as one of the challenges on Bake Off, as this age-old method really tests peoples ability to know when something is cooked. Its a gentle technique, resulting in a very light and delicate dessert with an intense lemony flavour. Makes 6 6tbsp lemon curd (homemade or goodquality shop-bought) 150g butter, softened, plus extra to grease the moulds 150g golden caster sugar 3 medium eggs, beaten Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon 150g self-raising flour Custard To serve lightly grease six 150ml individual pudding moulds and line the bases with a disc of baking paper. Put 1tbsp lemon curd into the base of each mould. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together, using a hand-held electric whisk, until pale and creamy. Gradually incorporate the beaten eggs, beating well after each addition. Add the lemon zest and sift the flour over the mixture. Using a spatula, fold to combine. Stir the lemon juice through. Divide the mixture evenly between the pudding moulds. Cover each mould with a layer of baking paper, then a layer of foil. Secure with string. Stand on a rack in a steamer or place them in a large saucepan and pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up their sides. Taylors Chip Dry White Port and Tonic (25cl, 5.5%) 2.50, Ocado Put the lid on and simmer gently for 40-50 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean, topping up the water in the pan as necessary. Carefully lift the pudding moulds from the pan and remove the covers. Run a knife around the edge of each one to release the pudding and turn out onto warmed plates. Serve with custard. ALCOHOL PAIRING: LOVELY WITH LEMON Taylors Chip Dry White Port and Tonic (25cl, 5.5%) 2.50, Ocado White port and tonic is one of my favourite drinks from late summer into autumn. It works beautifully with lemon sponge thanks to the white ports natural sweetness and the zingy tonic. Serve with lots of ice and a citrus slice. PECAN PIE Crossing America on a motorbike from New York to L A, I stopped in Georgia and had an amazing pecan pie. Its such an American classic. Laden with brown sugar, golden syrup and treacle, it has a sweet, buttery richness and lots of texture from the pecans. You only need to add enough water to bring the pastry together; add a little at a time as you may not need all of it. Serves 12 For the Pastry 200g plain flour, plus extra to dust A pinch of fine salt 75g cold butter, diced 1 large egg yolk 50g full-fat cream cheese 2-3tbsp cold water For the filling 150g pecan nuts 80g butter 120g soft dark brown sugar 150g golden syrup 60g black treacle 1tbsp cornflour 1 medium egg, beaten 1 extra egg yolk 175ml double cream to serve Cream or ice cream To make the pastry, mix the flour and salt together in a bowl. Add the butter and rub in lightly with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and cream cheese. Stir into the mixture with a round-bladed knife, then add the water, 1tbsp at a time (see tip, right) until the dough begins to hold together. Gently knead into a smooth ball. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for at least 30 minutes. Heat your oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to 3mm thick and use to line a 23cm diameter loose-bottomed tart tin, leaving a little excess hanging over the edge of the tin. Line the pastry case with baking paper and fill with a layer of baking beans. Bake blind for 12-15 minutes, until the pastry is dry to the touch. Remove the paper and beans and return the pastry case to the oven for 5 minutes, or until it is very lightly coloured. Use a small, sharp knife to trim away the excess pastry from the edge. Lower the oven temperature to 160C/fan 140C/gas 3. To make the filling, scatter the pecan nuts on a baking tray and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, keeping a close eye to make sure they dont burn. Tip onto a plate and leave to cool, then finely chop half the pecans. Increase the oven temperature to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Melt the butter, sugar, syrup and treacle together in a pan over a medium-low heat. Tesco Finest 10 Year Old Tawny Port (20%) 12.50 Whisk in the cornflour and stir over the heat until smooth and thickened. Take off the heat and add the beaten egg, extra egg yolk and cream. Mix well, then stir in the chopped pecans. Pour the filling into the cooked pastry case and arrange the whole pecans on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the filling is risen and just set. Leave in the tin to cool completely, then remove and serve with ice cream or cream. ALCOHOL PAIRING: PECAN PERFECTION Tesco Finest 10 Year Old Tawny Port (20%) 12.50 A cool glass of tawny port is one of lifes delights. The cooler temperature calms the booze and enhances the sultana sweetness of this award-winning Portuguese wine. It has a similar level of sweetness to pecan pie and a distinctive dried fruit and nutty allure. If youre having blue cheese after dinner, its another pairing to amaze your guests with CARROT CAKE My gently spiced carrot cake uses a mixture of wholemeal and plain flour for extra depth. Ive piped the cream cheese frosting, but you can simply spread it on if you prefer. Grated carrots and oil keep this cake deliciously moist, and chopped walnuts add crunch and flavour. Serves 8 150g plain flour 100g wholemeal plain flour 1tsp baking powder tsp fine salt 1tsp ground cinnamon A pinch of ground cloves tsp ground nutmeg 200ml vegetable oil, plus extra to oil the tins 100g caster sugar 100g soft light brown sugar 3 large eggs 1tsp vanilla extract Finely grated zest and juice of 1 orange 200g peeled carrots, coarsely grated 100g walnuts, chopped 25g coconut flakes For the cream cheese frosting 75g butter, at room temperature 50g icing sugar 300g cream cheese, at room temperature To finish Walnut halves Toasted coconut flakes Heat your oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Grease two 20cm diameter sandwich tins and line the bases with baking paper. In a bowl, mix the flours, baking powder, salt and ground spices together and make a well in the middle. In a separate bowl, whisk the oil, sugars, eggs, vanilla extract and orange zest and juice together until well combined. Pour the whisked mixture into the flour mixture and stir until you have a smooth batter. Stir in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts and coconut flakes. Divide the mixture between the prepared tins and smooth the surface to level. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cake is risen and springy to the touch. Meanwhile, make the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, using a hand-held electric whisk, beat the butter until soft, then add the icing sugar and beat until creamy. Add the cream cheese and beat until just combined. Cover and chill until ready to use. When the cakes are cooked, leave them to cool in the tins for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely. Luscombe Hot Ginger Beer (270ml x 12) 21.30, luscombe.co.uk To assemble, put the cream cheese frosting into a piping bag fitted with a 1cm plain nozzle. Pipe half the frosting over one of the cooled cakes and sandwich together with the other cake. Pipe the remaining frosting decoratively over the top of the cake and finish with walnut halves and toasted coconut flakes. ALCOHOL PAIRING: CRACKING WITH CARROT CAKE Luscombe Hot Ginger Beer (270ml x 12) 21.30, luscombe.co.uk This is real-deal ginger beer, with a perfectly judged kick. Made with fresh Peruvian ginger, the quality is plain to taste with its jumping freshness and invigorating twist. With carrot cake, its a booze-free delight, but if you wanted to pep it up with a discreet shot of rum, I promise I wont tell a soul. BAKED ALASKA Theres no denying that baking something with ice cream in the middle is a test of your nerves. But this luscious strawberry and vanilla version is a total showstopper and well worth the effort. Serves 8 For the Sponge base 125g butter, softened, plus extra to grease the tin 125g caster sugar 2 medium eggs 125g self-raising flour For the ice cream filling 500g strawberry ice cream 300g vanilla ice cream For the Meringue 3 medium egg whites tsp cream of tartar 175g caster sugar Heat your oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Grease the base of a 20cm diameter loose-bottomed cake tin and line with baking paper. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with a hand-held electric whisk until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Using a spatula, carefully fold in the flour until evenly combined. Transfer to the tin and gently smooth the surface. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the sponge is risen and springs back when lightly pressed in the centre. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. To make the filling, line a 1.2-litre bowl with clingfilm. Beat the strawberry ice cream until soft, then spread evenly over the base and side of the bowl to line it. Cover the ice cream with clingfilm and sit a smaller bowl in the centre to create a hollow. Freeze just long enough for the ice cream to set. Take out the smaller bowl and clingfilm, fill the space with the vanilla ice cream, then return to the freezer. Heat your oven to 220C/fan 200C/ gas 7. Moscato dAsti Bersano DOCG (5.5%) 8.99, reduced to 7.49 until 27 September, waitrosecellar.com To make the meringue, whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks with a handheld electric mixer. Add the cream of tartar and a spoonful of the sugar and whisk again. Continue to whisk in the sugar, a spoonful at a time, until you have a thick, glossy meringue. Place the sponge in the middle of a baking sheet. Remove the ice cream bombe from the bowl, pulling on the clingfilm to help release it. Turn the ice cream upside down and position on the sponge. Remove the clingfilm. Spread the meringue all over the bombe so it completely covers the ice cream and the sponge base. Bake for 3-4 minutes, until the meringue is just beginning to brown. Slide onto a serving plate and serve immediately. WINE PAIRING: FIZZ SET FOR ICE CREAM Moscato dAsti Bersano DOCG (5.5%) 8.99, reduced to 7.49 until 27 September, waitrosecellar.com Baked Alaska is a joyful dessert that calls for a playful pairing, and sparkling, sweet Asti is as exuberant as it gets. This Italian wine has been overlooked as a bit of a novelty for too long as it has a serious provenance. Serve cold in flutes to unleash the full sense of occasion! Extracted from Bake: My Best Ever Recipes For The Classics by Paul Hollywood (Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 26). To order a copy for 18.20, go to mailshop.co.uk/bake or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK delivery on orders over 20. Promotional price valid until 25 September 2022. Photography: Haarala Hamilton. The chance occurred after King Charles announced their new titles last night Prince William and Kate Middleton have updated their social media profiles to reflect their new titles, the Prince and Princess of Wales. As Charless eldest son, William, 40, inherited the title the Duke of Cornwall upon the death of the Queen. However last night, during his first speech to the nation, the new King told the former Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would be given the title Prince and Princess of Wales. The change was immediately reflected on the couple's social media pages, which changed from the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. Meanwhile their titles were also updated on the Royal Family's official website, where pages for the couple were listed as 'Prince of Wales' and 'Princess of Wales'. The prince, whose father Charles is now King Charles III, was among the senior royals who rushed to Balmoral upon hearing the Queen's health was deteriorating. Prince William and Kate Middleton, both 40, have updated their social media profiles to reflect their new titles, the Prince and Princess of Wales The change was immediately reflected on the couple's social media pages, which changed from the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge William has also inherited the Scottish titles the Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. The King said: 'Today, I am proud to create [William] Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. It comes as Kate said that she appreciates the history associated with the role of the Princess of Wales but wants to create her own path. A source said the new Princess of Wales 'appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path'. Prince William and Kate had earlier this week updated their social media profiles to reflect their previous titles, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge The royal source said: 'The couple are focused on deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time. 'The Prince and Princess of Wales will approach their roles in the modest and humble way theyve approached their work previously.' 'With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.' Since the 14th century the title of the Princess of Wales has been used by the wives of the Princes of Wales. However, it is a courtesy title Meanwhile their titles were also updated on the Royal Family's official website, where pages for the couple were listed as 'Prince of Wales' and 'Princess of Wales' In his first televised address to the nation since the death of the Queen, King Charles III confirmed his son Prince William would inherit his title of the Prince of Wales and his wife Kate would become Princess Technically, Charles's wife, Camilla Parker-Bowles, has been the Princess of Wales until now, but she has used the feminine equivalent of Charles's Duke of Cornwall title, the Duchess of Cornwall. The Duchess of Cornwall is thought to not use the Princess of Wales title out of respect for Charles's ex-wife Princess Diana, who died in Paris in August 1997. Among the younger royals, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's infant children will become Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. In his speech, the new King paid tribute to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex saying he wanted to 'express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.' Kate has said that she appreciates the history associated with the role of the Princess of Wales but wants to create her own path The couple also swapped their smiling social media profile photos to their official coats of arms earlier this week in a mark of respect to the Queen. Kensington Royal, the handle of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge changed its image - which had shown the couple beaming at one another to their official royal coat of arms. The Instagram account also shared the black and white image of the Queen released by the Palace today. Meanwhile the royal family's website was updated with a statement. Kate Middleton and Prince William's children now have new titles as their grandfather ascends the throne. King Charles III, 73, announced in his first public address to the nation yesterday that he has bestowed the Prince and Princess of Wales titles upon Prince William and Kate Middleton. This means that while their parents take on this new title, their three children will now be known as Prince George of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales. Prince William and Prince Harry were known as William and Harry of Wales before they were given their own titles. As Charless eldest son, William has also inherited the title the Duke of Cornwall upon the death of the Queen. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's children have new title as their grandfather becomes king and will be known as Prince George of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales (pictured on their first day of school, Wednesday morning) King Charles III, 73, announced in his first public address to the nation yesterday that he has bestowed the Prince and Princess of Wales titles upon Prince William and Kate Middleton, both 40 In his first televised address to the nation since the death of the Queen, King Charles III confirmed his son Prince William would inherit his title of the Prince of Wales and his wife Kate would become Princess. The King said: 'Today, I am proud to create [William] Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. 'With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.' As Kate and William's children, Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, seven and Prince Louis, four, will now be known as Princes and Princess of Wales until they get their own personal titles. William and Kates children have become Prince George of Cornwall and Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cornwall and Cambridge, and Prince Louis of Cornwall and Cambridg Since the 14th century the title of the Princess of Wales has been used by the wives of the Princes of Wales. However, it is a courtesy title. Kate and William have also become Duke and Duchess of Cornwall while retaining the Duchy of Cambridge, meaning that their children are also 'of Cornwall Cambridge.' Kate, formerly known as the Duchess of Cambridge, will now hold the titles of the Duchess of Cornwall and the Princess of Wales - the first member of the Royal Family to hold the title since Princess Diana. A royal source said the new Princess of Wales 'appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path'. The royal source said: 'The couple are focused on deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time. 'The Prince and Princess of Wales will approach their roles in the modest and humble way theyve approached their work previously.' Meanwhile, the change of monarch has trigged other changes of titles around the royal family. William has also inherited the Scottish titles the Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. The Duchess of Cambridge is now the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. When William becomes the Prince of Wales as expected, she will become Princess of Wales The Duke of Cambridge, as heir to the throne, is now the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge. As Charless eldest son, he has inherited the title the Duke of Cornwall (pictured) and King Charles confirmed he was making him Prince of Wales The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, is now technically a prince following the death of the Queen. His younger sister, Lilibet 'Lili' Mountbatten-Windsor, is also entitled to be a princess following the death of the Queen and with her grandfather, the Prince of Wales, becoming King. Kate will also hold the title the Countess of Chester if William becomes the Earl of Chester. She is also now the Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland previously Camillas title. Meanwhile, Prince Edward, who was known as the Earl of Wessex, could become the Duke of Edinburgh, while his wife, Sophie Wessex, would be the new Duchess of Edinburgh. Prince Edward has been Earl of Wessex up till now. However, he could become Duke of Edinburgh following the Queen's death. Members of the royal family are seeing a title change following the death of Britain's longest reigning monarch, The Queen The dukedom was expected to be passed to Edward after Buckingham Palace announced in 1999 that he would succeed his father 'in due course' with both his parents' blessing. The royals whose titles WON'T change after the death of the Queen Princess Anne, also known as Princess Royal Prince Andrew, also known as Duke of York The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Princess Eugenie Princess Beatrice It is currently unclear whether the titles for Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James Mountbatten-Windsor, Viscount Severn will change. It may depend on whether their father, Prince Edward, is given the title of Duke of Edinburgh. In 2021, it was reported Prince Charles was considering whether to grant the title to Edward, or leave it in abeyance. If Edward did inherit the Edinburgh title, it would then pass to his own son, James, Viscount Severn, who is being raised to expect a life outside the Royal Family. Advertisement He was instead granted the Earl of Wessex title by the Queen after his marriage to Sophie Rhys-Jones that same year. But upon Prince Philip's death in April 2021 year at age 99 the title immediately reverted to Philip's eldest son, Charles, in line with royal tradition set out in the Letters Patent issued when George VI gave Philip the title in 1947. It was reported last year that Charles was deciding whether to grant the title to Edward, another member of his family, or leave it in abeyance. He was said to be considering breaking the 1999 pledge as he assessed his own future, The Sunday Times said. A source told the publication: 'The prince is the Duke of Edinburgh as it stands, and it is up to him what happens to the title. It will not go to Edward.' And another said: 'Edinburgh won't go to them (the Wessexes) as far as the prince is concerned.' The Duke of Edinburgh title will merge with the crown upon Charles' eventual accession to the throne meaning that it can be regranted anew to Edward. The initial decision to give Edward the title was taken in recognition of his work with, and commitment to, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award - of which he is a trustee, as well as chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. Philip was the sixth person - including two Dukes of Gloucester and Edinburgh - to bear the title the Duke of Edinburgh. If Edward did inherit the Edinburgh title, it would then pass to his own son, James, Viscount Severn, who is being raised to expect a life outside the Royal Family. U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES 'As the United Kingdom's longest-lived and longest-reigning Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II was widely admired for her grace, dignity, and dedication around the world. She was a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change, including the decolonization of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth.' U.S. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AND JILL BIDEN 'In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her,' they said in a statement. 'Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.' POPE FRANCIS 'I willingly join all who mourn her loss in praying for the late Queens eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth.' DALAI LAMA IN A MESSAGE TO KING CHARLES 'Her reign, as Britains longest serving monarch, represented celebration, inspiration and a reassuring sense of continuity for so many people alive today. 'Your mother lived a meaningful life with dignity, grace, a strong sense of service and a warm heart, qualities we all should treasure.' PATRIARCH KIRILL, HEAD OF THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 'Her Majesty has remained a symbol of stability, continuity and sustainability of centuries-old historical traditions, not only for her Fatherland, but for the entire European continent.' COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY-GENERAL PATRICIA SCOTLAND 'Her Majesty loved the Commonwealth, and the Commonwealth loved her. During her reign she travelled more than any monarch in history, visiting every part of our family of nations. 'The growth and vibrancy of our modern Commonwealth is a credit to her and testament to her dedication, wisdom and leadership.' INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI 'Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a stalwart of our times. She provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people. She personified dignity and decency in public life. Pained by her demise. My thoughts are with her family and people of UK in this sad hour.' SHEHBAZ SHARIF, PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN 'Deeply grieved at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Pakistan joins the UK & other Commonwealth nations in mourning her death. My heartfelt condolences to the royal family, people & government of the UK.' CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU 'It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canadas longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives - and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our countrys history.' GHANAIAN PRESIDENT NANA AKUFO-ADDO 'The Ghanaian people have very fond memories of the two visits she made to Ghana during her reign, and, on both occasions, we remember the friendliness, elegance, style and sheer joy she brought to the performance of her duties.' SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA 'Her Majesty was an extraordinary and world-renowned public figure who lived a remarkable life. Her life and legacy will be fondly remembered by many around the world. The Queens commitment and dedication during her 70 years on the throne remains a noble and virtuous example to the entire world.' NIGERIAN PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI 'The story of modern Nigeria will never be complete without a chapter on Queen Elizabeth ll, a towering global personality and an outstanding leader. She dedicated her life to making her nation, the Commonwealth and the entire world a better place.' KENYA'S PRESIDENT-ELECT WILLIAM RUTO 'The queens leadership of the Commonwealth for the past seven decades is admirable.' 'She steered the institutions evolution into a forum for effective multilateral engagement whose potential to drive tremendous socioeconomic progress remain incontestable.' NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER JACINDA ARDERN 'To us she was a much admired and respected monarch, to them she was a mother and grandmother.' 'The Queen was a much loved and admired monarch, whose record reign of 70 years is an absolute testament to her, and her commitment to us all. She was extraordinary.' AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE 'With the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second, an historic reign and a long life devoted to duty, family, faith and service has come to an end.' 'There is comfort to be found in Her Majestys own words: 'Grief is the price we pay for love'.' FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP AND FORMER FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP 'Queen Elizabeth's historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain. Her leadership and enduring diplomacy secured and advanced alliances with the United States and countries around the world.' FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA 'Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us.' 'Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance.' FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH 'Laura and I were honored to have known Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a woman of great intellect, charm, and wit. Spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty - and her Corgis - is among our fondest memories of the presidency. Queen Elizabeth ably led England through dark moments with her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow.' FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON 'My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and all the people Her Majesty inspired throughout her lifetime of service.' EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN 'It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was the worlds longest serving Head of State and one of the most respected personalities worldwide. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the British people.' EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT CHARLES MICHEL 'Once called Elizabeth the Steadfast, she never failed to show us the importance of lasting values in a modern world with her service and commitment.' IRISH PRIME MINISTER MICHEAL MARTIN 'Her State Visit to Ireland in 2011 marked a crucial step in the normalisation of relations with our nearest neighbour. That visit was a great success, largely because of the many gracious gestures and warm remarks made by the Queen.' DUTCH KING WILLEM-ALEXANDER 'We remember Queen Elizabeth II with deep respect and great affection. Steadfast and wise, she dedicated her long life to serving the British people. We feel a strong bond with the United Kingdom and its royal family, and we share their sorrow at this time.' NORWAY'S KING HARALD 'For nearly a century, Her Majesty devoted her life to the service of the Commonwealth, following the British people through good days and bad, in times of happiness and sorrow. We send our deepest condolences to the British people on the loss of their beloved Queen. 'On a personal note, I am mourning the loss of a dear relative and confidant friend.' DENMARK'S QUEEN MARGRETHE IN LETTER TO KING CHARLES 'Your mother was very important to me and my family. She was a towering figure among the European monarchs and a great inspiration to us all. We shall miss her terribly.' KING CARL XVI GUSTAF OF SWEDEN 'The Queen served Her countries and the Commonwealth with an outstanding devotion and sense of duty. She has been a constant presence, not only in British society but internationally. In addition, she has always been a good friend to my family and a link to our shared family history.' GERMAN CHANCELLOR OLAF SCHOLZ 'The Queen embodied the best of our shared European inheritance, democracy and the rule of law,' Scholz said in a televised statement. 'We wish her successor Charles III strength, skill and the necessary luck for his new post.' FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON 'We are grateful for her deep affection for France: Elizabeth II mastered our language, loved our culture and touched our hearts.' 'To you, she was your Queen. To us, she was The Queen. She will be with all of us forever.' ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER MARIO DRAGHI 'Queen Elizabeth was a major player in world history over the last seventy years. She represented the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with balance, wisdom, respect for institutions and democracy. She has been the most beloved symbol of her country and has garnered respect, affection and warm feelings everywhere.' TURKISH PRESIDENT TAYYIP ERDOGAN Erdogan said he was saddened to learn of Queen Elizabeth's death and sent his deepest condolences to the royal family and the people and government of the United Kingdom. SPANISH PRIME MINISTER PEDRO SANCHEZ 'A figure of global significance, witness and author of British and European history.' UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY 'It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the UA people, we extend sincere condolences to the @RoyalFamily, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.' POLISH PRESIDENT ANDRZEJ DUDA 'For decades she has been an embodiment of everything that makes Britain truly Great. She will be missed and remembered in Poland and all over the world.' SWISS PRESIDENT IGNAZIO CASSIS 'She will be remembered as a woman of great strength & steady leadership.' CHIEF MINISTER OF GIBRALTAR FABIAN PICARDO 'The People of Gibraltar will mourn Her Majesty as a monarch who has reigned wisely and with incomparable dedication throughout the period of our post-war emergence as a part of the British family of nations.' 'The People of Gibraltar and the Government proclaim their loyalty to the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to His Majesty The King.' BARBADOS PRESIDENT SANDRA MASON 'Just under one year ago Barbados took the decision to complete the course of independence by breaking constitutional ties with the British monarchy and establishing the world's newest republic. Significant as that decision was, given the place Barbados has held in the British Empire for centuries, it did not in the least diminish the friendship between our two nations, or indeed with Buckingham Palace.' JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER ANDREW HOLNESS 'We join our brothers and sisters in the Commonwealth in mourning her passing, and pray for the comfort of the members of her family, and the people of the United Kingdom, as they grieve the loss of their beloved Queen and matriarch.' TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO PRIME MINISTER KEITH ROWLEY 'Though Trinidad and Tobago gained its Independence and later became a Republic, this country recognizes the lasting legacy of Her Majesty.' PRIME MINISTER OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, GASTON BROWNE 'Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has had an impactful reign, during which her relations with my State and its people have remained mutually respectful and unchanging.' 'Before being accorded the role of Head of the State of Antigua and Barbuda, beginning 1st November 1981, Her Majesty was shown great affection by the people of our country on her visits.' GRENADA'S PRIME MINISTER DICKON MITCHELL 'As Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majestys steady leadership helped to unite people and countries from around the globe in common cause, and for this, Queen Elizabeth II will always be remembered.' SAUDI ARABIA'S KING SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ 'Her majesty was a role model for leadership that will be immortalised in history.' MOROCCO'S KING MOHAMMED VI Offered condolences, recalling the 'qualities and merits of an illustrious queen, who invariably stood as a symbol of the greatness of the United Kingdom, devoting her entire life to serving her country'. ISRAELI PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG 'Queen Elizabeth was a historic figure: she lived history, she made history, and with her passing she leaves a magnificent, inspirational legacy.' OMAN'S SULTAN HAITHAM BIN TARIQ Expressed his sincere condolences and sincere sympathy to His Majesty, his family and the friendly British people, recalling the merits of the late queen and the position she enjoyed among the peoples of the world. QATAR'S AMIR SHEIKH TAMIM BIN HAMAD AL-THANI 'The world has unanimously appreciated and respected her. She was a source of inspiration and nobility.' LEBANONS PRESIDENT MICHEL AOUN Emphasising how the Lebanese people were saddened by the loss of the queen: 'She was always by their side, especially during the painful circumstances that Lebanon underwent.' PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD ABBAS 'Since her accession to the throne and for many decades, she has been giving and doing good and performing her royal duties, leaving behind a rich legacy that will remain engraved in the minds and hearts of generations.' UAE'S PRESIDENT MOHAMED BIN ZAYED 'Her Majesty was a close friend of the UAE and a beloved & respected leader whose long reign was characterised by dignity, compassion & a tireless commitment to serving her country.' DUBAI RULER SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL-MAKTOUM 'We join the world in mourning the passing of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, a global icon who represented the finest qualities of her nation and people. Her incredible lifetime of service and duty to the United Kingdom is unparalleled in our modern world.' ABDULLAH BIN AL HUSSEIN, KING OF JORDAN 'Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of wisdom and principled leadership for seven decades. She was a partner for Jordan and a dear family friend. We stand with the people and leadership of the UK at this difficult time.' IRAQI PRESIDENT BARHAM SALIH 'Queen Elizabeth will be remembered as a great icon of history who served with grace, dignity and fortitude.' KUWAIT'S EMIR SHEIKH NAWAF AL-AHMAD AL-JABER AL-SABAH Offered his condolences and noted that the world had lost a great leader who was wise, experienced and far-sighted. She had historical stance that contributed to shaping several regions in the contemporary world. BAHRAIN'S KING HAMAD BIN ISA AL KHALIFA His Majesty mourned Her Majesty's passing and emphasised that the world has lost a great source of inspiration and strength whose wisdom and humanity will be missed by all. CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING 'Queen Elizabeth II was the first British monarch to visit China. Her death is a great loss to the British people.' 'I attach great importance to the development of Sino-British relations and am ready to work with King Charles III to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level as an opportunity to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.' JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER FUMIO KISHIDA 'Queen Elizabeth ... played an extremely important role in the peace and prosperity of the world. In 1975, she visited Japan and contributed greatly to the strengthening of Japan-Britain relations. '(Her death) is a great loss not only to the British people but also to the international community.' JAPANS EMPEROR NARUHITO 'Many people across the world were deeply touched by the way she always prayed for world peace and stability. I express respect and gratitude from the bottom of my heart to the many achievements and contributions she made.' SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT YOON SUK-YEOL 'She had a strong belief in the cause of human freedom and left great legacies of dignity. Her kind heart and good deeds will remain in our memories.' SINGAPORE PRIME MINISTER LEE HSIEN LOONG 'She performed her duties with devotion, grace, and humility. Her contributions to the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and indeed to the world will be recorded in history, and she will always be remembered fondly as a great world leader.' TAIWAN PRESIDENT TSAI ING-WEN Tsai expressed 'deep condolences' for the death. Her office said: 'Taiwan and the United Kingdom are united in their gratitude for the Queen's lifelong contribution to world peace and prosperity; Taiwan will also work with the United Kingdom to continue to work hard for common ideals and values.' PHILIPPINES PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR. 'She exemplified to the world a true monarch's great dignity, commitment to duty, and devotion to all those in her realm. 'The world has lost a true figure of majesty in what she demonstrated throughout her life and throughout her reign as Queen.' INDONESIA PRESIDENT JOKO WIDODO 'I am deeply saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, a widely admired and beloved queen.' THAILAND'S MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 'We share with the British people and the international community in mourning this great and irreparable loss.' MALAYSIA FOREIGN MINISTER SAIFUDDIN ABDULLAH 'Her Majesty was a towering figure and led a lifetime of dedication and service to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth.' TUVALU ACTING PM AND MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS SIMON KOFE 'We were fortunate to have the Queen visit us in our history, and we recognize her incredible commitment to service and the critical role she has played through transformational times in our world.' BRAZIL PRESIDENT JAIR BOLSONARO 'She was not only the queen of the British people but a queen for us all.' SURINAME PRESIDENT CHAN SANTOKHI 'The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a great loss to the world. It marks the end of an era in the history of the British monarchy, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations.' ARGENTINE GOVERNMENT Expressed its 'sorrow' at the death of Queen Elizabeth II and said that it 'stood by the British people and her family in this moment of pain'. VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO 'The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of England, British monarch. We express our condolences to the royal family, to the United Kingdom and to the British people. Peace to her Soul!'. ECUADORIAN PRESIDENT GUILLERMO LASSO 'Distraught at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, whose long life and dedication to the service of her people go down in history as an exemplary reign.' PARAGUAYAN PRESIDENT MARIO ABDO BENITEZ 'From the Republic of Paraguay, we convey our condolences to the Royal Family, the Government and the people of the United Kingdom on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, who will always be remembered for her great vocation of service, ' said MEXICAN FOREIGN MINISTER MARCELO EBRARD 'Our thoughts and condolences to the people and government of the United Kingdom.' PANAMANIAN PRESIDENT LAURENTINO CORTIZO 'I send heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, the British people and the Commonwealth on the physical passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who honored Panama on a historic State Visit six decades ago. Peace to her soul.' GUATEMALAN PRESIDENT ALEJANDRO GIAMMATTEI 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her leadership will remain a legacy for humanity. We express our deepest condolences to the royal family and the British people.' PERUVIAN PRESIDENT PEDRO CASTILLO 'On behalf of the Peruvian people, we express our condolences to the royal family and the entire United Kingdom on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of England, the British monarch. Her legacy of service and leadership will live on in history.' RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN In a message to Charles, Britain's new king, Putin said the queen 'rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage', adding: 'I wish you courage and resilience in the face of this difficult, irreparable loss. May I ask you to pass on sincere condolences and support to members of the royal family and the entire people of Great Britain.' KREMLIN SPOKESMAN DMITRY PESKOV The Russian people have 'great respect' for Queen Elizabeth II, her 'wisdom and authority', he said. 'Such qualities are in very short supply on the international stage at the moment.' Moscow and Beijing will surpass western sanctions imposed to hobble Russia, said Alexey Kalachev, International Center for Joint Initiatives head. The Kremlin's target between both partners is to earn $200 billion as the goal to be reached by 2024. Unprecedented Western Sanctions on Russia Extraordinary Western sanctions aimed at Russia have given Chinese firms the chance to increase their visibility in the Russian market, which they have taken full advantage of, said the head of the International Center for Joint Initiatives, Kalachev, reported RT. He expressed his views at the 7th EEF in Vladivostok, saying that the crisis is a source of new chances and that these new possibilities are in the form of new businesses that can now enter the Russian market readily while trying to prove their trustworthiness and quality of products. Furthermore, some companies are concerned about possible sanctions for doing business with Russia, but those interested say they are willing to set up shop in Russia, noted the Thread Times. The organization is for the establishment to support cooperation among Moscow and Beijing firms under punitive measures. Alexey Kalachev said his job is presently centered on establishing relationships with China in certain spheres such as agriculture, auto manufacturing, information system technology, and building, citing Good Word News. Several cooperation agreements with Chinese companies have been signed this week at EEF, including a deal with China State Construction Engineering Corporation. Read Also: Volodymyr Zelensky Children: Does the Ukraine President Have Kids? These contracts call for the building projects to be spread among several locations in Moscow and St. Petersburg by 2024. Deals also were struck with asset developer NFC and Sunny Machinery Factory. Penalized Russian Bank Overrides the SWIFT VTB, one of Russia's largest banks, is now the country's first lender to initiate money transfers to China in yuan, circumventing the Western-controlled worldwide financial messaging system SWIFT, per Fars New. Andrey Kostin, CEO of VTB, explains why alternative payment systems are being developed to avoid SWIFT. According to one observation, the new reality is causing a widespread rejection of the use of the US dollar and the euro in international transactions. It is the first Russian bank to launch an alternate solution to cross-border bank transfer service with China, with initiatives to increase fivefold the quantity of these money transfers within the following year. According to the bank's press release, the maximum limit is set at 100 million rubles ($1.6 million), with a single transfer of funds worth 20 million rubles ($325,000). The institution also stated that it intends to begin lending in yuan and other non-Western currencies later this year. Western countries penalized Russia's largest banks at the beginning of the Ukraine conflict by expelling them from SWIFT and blocking access to dollars and euros. Instead of caving into western pressure, Russia strove to re-invent its financial infrastructure in cooperation with nations that haven't imposed sanctions that disappointed the Biden administration the most, rattling off illegal sanctions when it saw a great flop of punitive measures. A great effort by Moscow and Beijing to use the sanctions as boosters to find ways to leave the failed western systems remark Alexey Kalachev. Related Article: Kremlin Spokesman Claims US, EU Causes Global Disorder Brought About by Punitive Measures @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Three of the late Queen's children have paid homage to mother for BBC special King Charles III has recalled how the Queen tried on the crown at home ahead of her coronation - as he joined his siblings in paying tribute to the Queen in a BBC special which was broadcast last. King Charles III, 73, the Princess Royal, 72, and Prince Edward, 58, all reminisced about their mother in clips that have been shared by the BBC as part of a BBC One special which aired last night, A Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen. In the interviews, which are believed to have been recorded ahead of the Queen's death, the new Monarch and his siblings remembered her sense of humour and the 'twinkle' in her eyes, as well as other 'marvellous' moments and family holiday. Prince Andrew, 62, the Queen's third child, did not feature in the clips shared by the BBC. Homages from across the world have been pouring in since it was announced the Queen had passed in Balmoral on Thursday at the age of 96. King Charles III, 73, the Princess Royal, 72, and Prince Edward, 58, all reminisced about their mother in clips that have been shared by the BBC as part of a BBC One special which aired last night, A Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen. Pictured: The Duke of Edinburgh with Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, the Queen, King Charles III and the Princess Royal in 1968 Speaking first, King Charles recalled seeing his mother prepare for her own coronation in 1953, when he was three Speaking first, King Charles recalled seeing his mother prepare for her own coronation in 1953, when he was three. 'I shall never forget, when we were small, having a bath and she came in practicing wearing the crown before the coronation,' he said. 'All those sorts of marvellous moments, I shall never forget,' he added. He added it would have been 'difficult' not to have the Queen's presence throughout his life. The new Monarch and his siblings remembered the Queen's sense of humour and the 'twinkle' in her eyes, as well as other 'marvellous' moments and family holiday. Pictured in 2007 'She was always there, I could talk to her about this, that, or the other. 'I think that's always going to be something that will be very difficult not to have,' he said. Meanwhile, the Princess Royal reminisced about the Royal family's busy holidays away from the limelight. 'There was a lot going on in those periods... it was probably the times she most enjoyed,' she said. 'Partly because it included all the things she enjoyed - the countryside, the dogs, the horses, and just being out and about - and being able to get away a bit from that public gaze,' she added. Prince Edward, the Queen's youngest child, remembered the 'extraordinary' appearance at the London 2012 Olympics' Opening Ceremony, which surprised the whole world. The Princess Royal reminisced about the Royal family's buys family holidays away from the limelight Prince Edward, the Queen's youngest child, remembered the 'extraordinary' appearance at the London 2012 Olympics' Opening Ceremony, which surprised the whole world In the skit, Daniel Craig, who held the role of James Bond at the time, was summoned to Buckingham Palace to pick up the Queen. Corgis in tow, the Monarch, dressed in a pink suit, was escort by the actor playing her secret agent onto a helicopter. The humourous clip culminated with a stunt double for the Queen launching herself out of the helicopter and being parachuted into the ceremony under raucous applause. Prince Edward said: 'There was Daniel Craig as James Bond, arriving at Buckingham Palace and everybody, wherever you were in the world, was thinking exactly the same thought - who will be playing the Queen? And it was the Queen.' The late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh pictured with their children and their pets in 1979 at Balmoral 'And it had the same effect on everybody who was watching - they just couldn't believe it,' he added. 'I thought it was an extraordinary moment because it just showed that fantastic twinkle and sense of humour - the fact that my mother kept that completely to herself, and the team didn't tell anybody was just brilliant,' the royal went on. The programme was broadcast after King Charles III gave his first national address from the Buckingham Palace Drawing Room. The new King last night paid tribute to his 'darling Mama' the Queen and vowed to 'renew' her 'promise of a life of service' as he delivered a deeply revealing and personal first address to the nation. He spoke to the nation from the same room where his mother made dozens of Christmas messages in a historic nod to her impressive legacy. She was gamely 'parachuted' in the Olympic stadium for the opening ceremony at London 2012, after a meeting with James Bond at Buckingham Palace - with corgis in tow of course (pictured) The monarch, holding back tears, said, 'To my darling Mama, thank you, thank you', as he hailed Elizabeth II as an 'inspiration and an example to me and to all my family' following her death at Balmoral on Thursday aged 96. In a moving speech that was screened at a service of prayer and reflection at St Paul's Cathedral, the King spoke of a 'time of change for my family' while praising his 'darling wife Camilla' who becomes Queen Consort 'in recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago'. Charles, 72, extended an olive branch to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, saying he wished to 'express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas'. The King also used his speech to announce that he had created his son William the Prince of Wales, with Kate the Princess of Wales - a role last held by Diana. Now touching new video released by the palace shows King Charles in the moments before and after he gave his address as the cameras and lighting were organised around him. BBC presenter Clare Balding has shared her own sweet and funny anecdote about the Queen today - as tributes to the late Monarch continue to pour in from across the UK and the world. The broadcaster, 51, who was reported from Buckingham Palace this morning for BBC Breakfast, said she once had an incident involving a sausage while eating breakfast with the Queen. Clare explained she once 'grabbed' a sausage from the floor after it 'shot off her plate' during breakfast with the Queen - and said while the monarch's eyebrows were raised by the incident, she 'didn't say a word.' The presenter has known the Queen for much of her life - her father Ian Balding was the Queen's racehorse trainer, and the two women now share a love of horses and racing. Her story comes after former Prime Minister Theresa May reduced the House of Commons to bits yesterday when she shared an awkward incident with a rogue cheese at as Balmoral picnic. BBC presenter Clare Balding has shared her own sweet and funny anecdote about the Queen today - as tributes to the late Monarch continue to pour in from across the UK and the world The broadcaster, 51, who was reported from Buckingham Palace this morning for BBC Breakfast, said she once had an incident involving a sausage while eating breakfast with the Queen (pictured, together) 'I feel so much better since Theresa May told that story about the cheese yesterday,' Clare said. 'I had a similar incident with a sausage at the breakfast table. I tried to cut it to put it on toast and it ended up shooting across the table and the Queen was sitting at the end of the table. 'And I grabbed the sausage and put it back on the toast and she did raise an eyebrow and I thought "okay, we'll be alright here",' Clare added. Theresa May was the unlikely comedic first turn in parliament yesterday as politicians and religious leaders shared their heartwarming personal memories of the Queen following her death. The former prime minister had MPs laughing as she recounted an incident with a rogue cheese at a Balmoral picnic yesterday The former prime minister, known for her serious demeanor, had MPs laughing as she recounted an incident with a rogue cheese at a Balmoral picnic. She was among a number of MPs who mixed fond lighthearted memories in with the more somber tributes that followed the monarch's death on Thursday. The Archbishop of Canterbury also dryly remarked on his 'fortitude' as he recounted in the Lords the experience of a winter barbecue with the Royal Family at Sandringham. He also remarked on her 'dry sense of humour', adding: 'The Church of England was very capable of giving her material.' Mr May reduced the whole House of Commons to laughter with a story about the Queen and some dropped cheese. The Maidenhead MP said: 'Her Majesty loved the countryside, and she was down to earth and a woman of common sense. 'I remember one picnic at Balmoral, which was taking place in one of the bothies on the estate. The hampers came from the castle, and we all mucked in to put the food and drink out on the table. She was among a number of MPs who mixed fond lighthearted memories in with the more sombre tributes that followed the monarch's death yesterday. 'I picked up some cheese, put it on a plate and was transferring it to the table. The cheese fell on the floor. I had a split-second decision to make.' Mrs May paused as MPs burst into laughter, before adding: 'I picked up the cheese, put it on the plate and put it on the table. I turned round to see that my every move had been watched very carefully by Her Majesty the Queen. 'I looked at her. She looked at me and she just smiled. And the cheese remained on the table.' Afterward, Dame Andrea Leadsom, the former minister, recounted her own experience with the Queen at Christmas. Recounting a January visit to Sandringham for a Privy Council meeting she told MPs: 'I recall the Queen saying what a busy Christmas she had had. And I suggested well at last her family didn't have to pause Christmas lunch for the Queen's speech. 'She said, "what are you doing here?" Former Labour leader Ed Miliband recalls funny encounter with the Queen When former Labour leader and shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband met Her Majesty when his wife became a High Court Judge in 2019, becoming a dame. He told the Commons: 'We were both invited to the Palace to meet Her Majesty, and Her Majesty fixed me with her gaze, as we saw each other and said, "oh, it's you". 'She said, "what are you doing here?", knowing full well why I was there, and we had a wonderful conversation. 'And there she was at 93 still full of vim, vigour, and humour.' Advertisement 'Which she told me they most certainly did. As per all of us, the family would pause Christmas lunch and watch the Queen's speech and Princess Charlotte had run over to the tv screen and said ''look there's gan-gan''. Very heartwarming.' In the Lords, The Most Rev Justin Welby sparked laughter in as he recounted the holding of barbeques in January at the late Queen's country seat of Sandringham in Norfolk. He said: 'One of the greatest privileges of sitting on these benches is that within a year or so of becoming a diocesan bishop you are invited to spend a weekend at Sandringham and there, often in January, you go for a barbeque - fortitude.' He went on: 'And you have the enormous gift given to you of being able to spend time with her late Majesty, with her family, with the jigsaw puzzle and all the other things that are there. 'Thus on behalf of these benches I know from the conversations we have among ourselves that there is a profound sense of personal sorrow and an even more profound sense of the significance of the virtues of the characteristics of the late Queen.' The top cleric sparked further laughter when he added: 'She had a dry sense of humour and the ability to spot the absurd. The Church of England was very capable of giving her material. But she never exercised that at the expense of others. 'Her memory when I last saw her in June was as sharp as it could ever have been. She remembered meetings 40, 50 years ago and drew on lessons from those times to speak of today and what we needed to learn.' When former Labour leader and shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband met Her Majesty when his wife became a High Court Judge in 2019, becoming a dame. He told the Commons: 'We were both invited to the Palace to meet Her Majesty, and Her Majesty fixed me with her gaze, as we saw each other and said, "oh, it's you". 'She said, "what are you doing here?", knowing full well why I was there, and we had a wonderful conversation. 'And there she was at 93 still full of vim, vigour, and humour.' Former leader of the Conservative Party Sir Iain Duncan Smith resigned his post in 2003 and said the moment was something the Queen was 'pretty much used to'. The Archbishop of Canterbury also dryly remarked on his 'fortitude' as he recounted in the Lords the experience of a winter barbecue with the Royal Family at Sandringham. He also remarked on her 'dry sense of humour', adding: 'The Church of England was very capable of giving her material.' After the Queen asked Sir Iain to take leave of her officially, he was brought into Buckingham Palace's drawing room. 'I was struck by two or three things,' he told the Commons on Friday. 'One was the two bar electric fire which had a very strange piece of cardboard cut out in the shape of flames, coloured with crayons... 'The other was the tupperware radio sitting next to her which I hadn't seen since my parents smashed their last one, then she sweetly asked me how I was being clearly sympathetic about what had happened. 'I just shrugged and said "well ma'am, nobody died and I'm still here", whereupon she roared with laughter and the funny thing was as she did she paused, looking at me, not sure whether I had actually made a joke. 'I laughed too and then she laughed again - whether at me or with me I couldn't figure that out.' And on her beloved Corgis, leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey told the Commons of a silver cylinder which he 'wondered what treasures it might hold'. 'I had my suspicions when as dessert was served her beloved Corgis were let in and nestled themselves around her feet,' he said on Friday. 'The Queen lifted up the lid of the cylinder, plucked out some digestive biscuits and begun sneaking them to her grateful dogs.' Conservative MP for Taunton Deane, Rebecca Pow, recalled when the Queen made a visit to her constituency in 1987 - the first visit by a monarch for almost 500 years - since the Monmouth Rebellion and the 'infamous' Battle of Sedgemoor in 1685. The royals at the time were almost overthrown. Ms Pow went on to tell the tale: 'It's a well-known story in my constituency that Queen Victoria was passing through the west country on the train to Devon... 'And when she was passing through Taunton, she asked for all the blinds to be put down because she didn't want to see rebellious Taunton. 'The train stopped in Taunton and a civil party was waiting for her - but she refused to alight. 'Many many years later this incident was related to the Duke of Edinburgh and he was absolutely furious so of course he shared the story with Her Majesty The Queen - and she determined to set the record straight. 'That's why in 1987 she made that visit to Taunton - and we still thank her for it, we're back in the good books... hopefully that can happen to the rest of us! Similar things going on in this place [The Commons]. 'I think it demonstrates just that power that she always wanted to set the record straight [and] to be fair.' The Tory MP also recounted the time she met the Queen in 1985 when she was working for the National Farmer's Union in Taunton when she ran organisation called The Taste of Somerset. 'I had to set up a big marquee running at the Royal Bath and West Show of which Her Majesty was a patron,' she told The Commons on Friday evening. 'I was given the honour of giving her a Taste of Somerset hamper. 'I was absolutely beside myself with nerves... I had the outfit made, I had the hair done, practised the curtsy. 'Along she came and she was utterly charming and delightful - and all she had to do was that smile, she made me feel so comfortable I forgot all my nerves. 'We've still got that photograph on the mantlepiece on the sideboard at home of the beautiful smile.' Former Prime Minister David Cameron joked he needed glasses as he signed King Charles III's proclamation today - moments after Ian Blackford prompted Angela Rayner to yelp as he trod on her foot. The antics were spotted while MPs signed the royal proclamation that recognised Charles III as king. As Mr Cameron approached the paper, he could be seen gesturing with his glasses, adding: 'I need to put my glasses on so I can see what I'm doing'. Meanwhile Mr Blackford could be seen chatting to the deputy Labour leader Mrs Rayner after he accidentally stepped on her foot in the line. It was the first time a monarch's Accession has been broadcast and cameras were fixed on the MPs as they lined up to sign their names. Former Prime Minister David Cameron joked he needed glasses as he signed King Charles III's proclamation today He signed his name and thanked the officials off-camera before walking away and speaking with one-time Tory leadership hopeful Kemi Badenoch. Meanwhile, Westminster SNP leader Mr Blackford appeared to run out of ink as he was signing his name, as he chatted to Conservative MP Andrea Leadsom. He found a pen that worked and continued to sign the rest of his name before turning around and stepping on Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner's foot. Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner yelped and raised her hands as the SNP's Ian Blackford trod on her foot She emitted a yelp of pain before Blackford seemed to apologise to her. The pair smiled together before Mrs Rayner stepped up to sign her name. It came after King Charles III made a personal declaration on the death of his beloved mother Queen Elizabeth II today. He vowed to uphold 'constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world'. Former PM Mr Cameron was about to sign his name when he reached for his glasses (left). He joked that he needed them to see what he was doing He signed the Proclamation before walking away and chatting to Tory MP Kemi Badenoch (right) Britain's new monarch was formally announced at St James's Palace in London today. Although Charles automatically became Sovereign on the death of his mother, the Accession Council - an ancient body of advisers that dates back as far as the time of the Norman Conquest - formally announced his role as Head of State today. Broadcast cameras were allowed into the historic event giving the world a first glimpse of an ancient ceremony dating back centuries - and one of the first changes to convention instigated by the new King. Ian Blackford, the SNP leader in Westminster, was signing his name alongside Tory MP Andrea Leadsom Blackford turned around and accidentally stood on Angela Rayner's foot (left). She let out a yelp and cried 'ouch' before the pair made up At 11am, trumpets sounded from the balcony of St James's Palace as the Principal Proclamation announcing the King was read out. Around 1,000 people gathered outside the Palace as the King was officially proclaimed Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including Supreme Head of the Church of England and Commander-in-Chief of Britain's Armed Forces and Head of State of the Commonwealth and British territories around the world. Gun salutes at Hyde Park, the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, Hillsborough Castle and Cardiff Castle were then fired before the National Anthem was performed by The Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. King Charles III signs an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London The Prince of Wales, the Queen, King Charles III and Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt during the Accession Council at St James's Palace They were accompanied by the St James's Palace Detachment of The King's Guard made up of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards. The crowd of well-wishers joined the King's Guard gathered outside the palace in three cries of 'hip hip hooray' for the King. On a balcony above Friary Court in St James's, David White, the Garter King of Arms, read the proclamation. He ended by saying it was 'given at St James's Palace this 10th day of September in year of our Lord 2022.' In the moments after, 'God save the King' was shouted out. Members of the Queen's extended family looked somber as they stepped out to attend King Charles III's proclamation in St James this morning. The Queen's cousins Prince Michael of Kent, the Duke of Kent and the Duchess of Gloucester were spotted at St James Palace, where the new Monarch was proclaimed by the Accession Council. The Duke of Kent's daughter, Lady Helen Taylor, and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester were also in attendance. It was the first time the late Monarch's extended family have been seen since her death at Balmoral was announced on Thursday. These extended members of the royal family have always shown their unwavering support for the late Monarch, and have appeared at several events, including the service of Thanksgiving held in honour of her reign in June during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Charles automatically became Sovereign on the death of his mother aged 96 at Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon, but the Accession Council - an ancient body of advisers that dates back as far as the time of the Norman Conquest - has formally announced his role as Head of State today. Members of the Queen's extended family looked somber as they stepped out to attend King Charles III's proclamation in St James this morning. The Duke of Kent and daughter, Lady Helen Taylor were among them Prince Michael of Kent, right, and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, were also in attendance this morning Prince Michael of Kent, who is the younger son of Prince George and the Duke of Kent looked serious, wearing a navy suit for the occasion. He manages his own consultancy firm, but has occasionally represented the late Queen Elizabeth II at some functions in outside the United Kingdom. The Duke of Kent wore a navy blue suit for the historical moment today. Prince Edward, who was the Queen's first cousin, is involved with over 140 different charities, organisations and professional bodies on behalf of the Royal Family. A peripheral royal happy to lead a life largely under the radar, Lady Helen, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, wore a smart black suit for the a solemn moment. Lady Helen walked alongside the Duke of Kent as they made their way through St James Palace this morning Lady Helen Taylor was accompanied by her son Cassius, 25, right, who is Lady Amelia Windsor and Lord Edward Downpatrick's cousin She was accompanied by her son Cassius, whom she shares with art dealer Timothy Taylor. Cousin to Lady Amelia Windsor and Lord Edward Downpatrick, 25-year-old Cassius also donned a beard, alongside a black suit as he took his seat four rows back from the front. Meanwhile, Prince Richard, the youngest grandchild of King George V and Queen Mary, looked sombre in a pin-stripped black suit. The Duke is and a paternal cousin of the Queen. He carries out duties on behalf of the royal family and is patron of many societies. The Duke of Kent, who was accompanied by his daughter and grandson, looked somber in a navy blue suit The Duke of Kent, the Duchess of Gloucester, Prince Michael of Kent and the Duke of Gloucester all made their way to the ceremony at St James's Palace together Their appearance today came as King Charles III has made a personal declaration on the death of his beloved mother Queen Elizabeth II and vowed to uphold 'constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world'. Broadcast cameras were allowed into the historic event today giving the world a first glimpse of an ancient ceremony dating back centuries - and one of the first changes to convention instigated by the new King. The Queen's extended family looked very solemn during the new King's proclamation this morning Prince Michael of Kent, Duchess of Gloucester and Duke of Kent were seen chatting together during a quiet moment The Duchess of Gloucester leaned towards the Duke of Kent to whisper a remark in his ear as they waited for the ceremony to start At 11am, trumpets then sounded from the balcony of St James's Palace as the Principal Proclamation announcing the King was read out. Crowds gathered outside the palace as the King was officially proclaimed Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including Supreme Head of the Church of England and Commander-in-Chief of Britain's Armed Forces, as well as Head of State of the Commonwealth and British territories around the world. Gun salutes at Hyde Park, the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, Hillsborough Castle and Cardiff Castle were then fired before the National Anthem was performed by The Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. They were accompanied by the St James's Palace Detachment of The King's Guard made up of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards. The crowd of well-wishers joined the King's Guard gathered outside the palace in three cries of 'hip hip hooray' for the King. On a balcony above Friary Court in St James's, David White - an official known as the Garter King of Arms - read the proclamation. He ended by saying: 'Given at St James's Palace this 10th day of September in year of our Lord 2022.' In the moments after, 'God save the King' was shouted out. The royals, who quietly chatted together, had a front row seat to King Charles III's proclamation Sophie Wessex was visibly upset today as she stepped out of Balmoral for the first time since it was announced the Queen has died. Prince Edward's wife, 57, was very close to her mother-in-law, and was known as one of her closest confidantes. Her Majesty's daughter-in-law was often been noted as the monarch's 'favourite' family member after she married Prince Edward. Sophie formed close bond with the royal family after losing her own mother, Mary Rhys-Jones, to stomach cancer in 2005 aged 71, when her daughter Lady Louise Windsor was only two. She was also extremely distraught following the death of the Duke Edinburgh, and became the Queen's 'rock' following his funeral. Prince Edward's 57, was very close to her mother-in-law, and was known as one of her closest confidantes She was also extremely distraught following the death of the Duke Edinburgh in 2021 after broke down in tears at his mention during an interview with the BBC last year Sophie has spoken openly about her grief before, having previously spoken of a tragic miscarriage she suffered in 2001. Meanwhile in 2005, Sophie lost her mother. The Countess opened up about her mother's death last year during a speech for Women's Institute members at their annual meeting in June 2021. She said of her other that she missed 'her very much and there are moments where I hear some music she loved or I do something I know she'd have wanted to hear about, which make her early departure very hard. "She has missed out on so much, and I'm particularly sad that she hasn't seen my children grow up or seen how my work has grown and developed,' she added. Sophie suffered a miscarriage as a result of an ectopic pregnancy in 2001. Here she is pictured in 2005 The Countess of Wessex grew close to the Queen after losing her own mother, Mary Rhys-Jones, pictured in pink, to stomach cancer in August 2005 (pictured on her wedding say in 1999) 'She would have loved that I am talking to you today,' she added. At the time of Mrs Rhys-Jones death, a statement from Buckingham Palace said: 'The countess was very close to her mother and this is a very sad time. 'She is being comforted by her husband but she is deeply saddened.' After her mother's passing, Sophie grew close to the Queen, whom she was heard calling 'mama' on occasion, including at a Diamond Jubilee Trust event at Buckingham Palace in 2019. In recent years, former aides have previously described the Queens relationship with Sophie as like mother and daughter, adding: There is a great deal of love and mutual respect between them. Sophie and The Queen enjoyed a privileged relationship, and the Countess of Wessex was often described as the Monarch's favourite daughter-in-law (pictured at Royal Ascot in 2019) Sophie became the Monarch's 'rock' following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh in 2021. Pictured at his funeral in Windsor on 17 April of that year) And in 2021, a tearful Countess described the queen as amazing as she and her husband Prince Edward comforted Her Majesty at Windsor Castle following the death of her husband Prince Philip. Sophie's determination also saw her take on full-time royal duties, and embrace rural pursuits beloved by the royals, such as riding, fishing, shooting game and carriage driving. In recent years, she has been a rock for the Queen. Speaking in 2021, one friend said: Sophie set herself a series of tasks. She learned how to ride properly and now rides with the Queen at least once a week. She took up carriage-driving to be close to Philip,' they added. Earlier today, she was seen looking through floral tributes the late monarch with Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice Prince Edward and Sophie were the first to visit the grieving Monarch after the Duke of Edinburgh's death, and as they left the castle Sophie was visibly upset. At the time, she was described as one of a group of four who were providing support for the monarch. Sophie is like another daughter to the Queen, they are that close, said a Royal source. She is trusted and relied on like few others. And speaking in June last year, royal expert Duncan Larcombe told The Sun: 'Sophie has emerged as the Queens unlikely "rock" as the monarch adjusts to life without Prince Philip.' 'Prince Edwards wife has according to sources made it her personal mission to ensure Her Majesty is fully supported by the family. 'Since the Dukes death in April, Sophie has driven the 10 miles from her Bagshot Park home to Windsor Castle every few days and most weekends to spend socially-distanced time with Her Majesty. Sophie was seen holding hands with her daughter Lady Louise in Balmoral earlier this afternoon For the days she couldnt make it to see the Queen in person, the Countess made a point of calling her mother-in-law at least once a day. Sophie looked very sombre on Thursday when she arrived at Balmoral alongside the Duke of Cambridge and Cornwall, Duke of York and Earl of Wessex. Sophie also went through a traumatic ectopic pregnancy in 2001 which resulted in a tragic miscarriage. The Countess broke down in tears as she opened up about the death of Prince Philip during an emotional BBC interview. In the interview, recorded in 2021, the interview Sophie grew increasingly tearful while talking about the Duke of Edinburgh, who she was close to. She spoke candidly about the photograph she took of the Queen and her father-in-law in Scotland in 2003. She said: 'We were lucky enough to go to Scotland for half term and I don't know if you remember the photograph I took? 'It was... yes... I was pregnant with Louise at the time and we went up there during half term.' The Royal was forced to pause as she struggled to hold back the tears as Ms Munchetty asked: 'Are you okay?' She continued: 'And just to be there, in that place... was an oh my god moment. So I think they'll come and go. But you have to let them come and let them go. 'But just talking to you now it's a bit of an oh my goodness moment which you don't necessarily expect and you don't expect them to come. 'I had the same when I lost my mother. You know I'd be fine, absolutely fine fine fine, then something happened or you'd hear a piece of music or you'd do something then suddenly you would, you know, get taken off at the knees. 'So there will be lots of moments like that but it's good to remember.' Sophie was struck by tragedy early on in her marriage to Prince Edward, when she suffered a miscarriage as the result of an ectopic pregnancy in 2001. Prince Edward addressed the press as his wife recovered in hospital at the time, saying: 'It's obviously a very traumatic time and my wife has It's quite the most painful thing anyone can undergo. 'It's a pretty traumatic experience. As the pain reduces, so the relief will increase. I want to add my thanks to all the medical team who have done a fantastic job and reacted so quickly and have handled things so professionally,' he added. Sophie and Prince Edward went on to welcome their daughter Lady Louise Windsor, who is now 18, in 2003, and their son James Viscount Severn, 14, in 2007. Advertisement Prince Andrew seemed 'less worried' by inhibitions than other senior members of the royal family who gathered in Balmoral today to pay tribute to the Queen, according to a body language expert. Her Majesty died at the Scottish estate on Thursday, aged 96, with a Buckingham Palace statement saying the monarch passed away 'peacefully'. Today, some senior members of the Firm attended a church service at Craithie Kirk, including three of the Queen's four children - the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and Earl of Wessex - joined the Countess of Wessex, and Anne's husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. Also in attendance were the Queen's grandchildren Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, as well as Lady Louise Windsor. The family spent just under 10 minutes intently reading the tributes and admiring the flowers before they returned inside Balmoral Castle. According to body language expert Judi James, Prince Andrew seem 'less worried by inhibitions' than other royals during a public appearance in Balmoral today, following a memorial service. She said he adopted an an emphatic praying hands' gesture when he looked at the crowds (Pictured L-R: Princess Beatrice, Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Lady Louise Windsor, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward) When his daughter Eugenie started weeping, Prince Andrew 'offered a hug that pulled her close in a display of comfort', says Judi James Judi James told FEMAIL that Princess Anne (pictured) was 'possibly the most poignant figure in terms of her body language, with her diminished posture and her facial expression that appeared to aim at stoicism but which was contorted by sadness' And according to body language expert Judi James, while the royals 'are never known for their tactile or emotional displays...they came together today in an open show of mutual support that involved tears, hugging and moments of open tenderness'. She told FEMAIL: 'Princess Anne was possibly the most poignant figure in terms of her body language, with her diminished posture and her facial expression that appeared to aim at stoicism but which was contorted by sadness. 'Her older brother Andrew seemed less worried by any inhibitions, bending to study the messages, wrapping his arm around his eldest daughter and even performing an emphatic praying hands gesture when he looked at the crowds.' Noting that Andrew is the 'royal we tend to see the least in public', she described as putting on 'the most active display of body language here'. According to Judi: 'While royals like his daughter Beatrice hailed the crowd with a suppressed, lip-pressed, brave looking smile and one raised hand, and other royals just smiled weakly but warmly in a gesture of shared sympathy, Andrew hunched his shoulders, steepled his brows and raised and pressed his hands together in what looked like a praying gesture of thanks. Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice are consoled by their father Prince Andrew as they look at the floral tributes for Queen Elizabeth II outside the gates of Balmoral Castle Prince Andrew, Princess Anne and Prince Edward view floral tributes outside Balmoral Castle From right to left: Prince Andrew, Duke of York stands with his daughters Princess Eugenie of York and Princess Beatrice of York, along with Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence and Peter Phillips, as they look at the flowers placed outside Balmoral Castle 'He chatted to the crowds and he seemed to chat a lot to the other royals. He walked with arm spread around Sophies back and when his other daughter Eugenie was weeping at the sight of the messages it was Andrew offering a hug that pulled her close in a display of comfort.' Judi added that sisters Eugenie and Beatrice 'clung together, holding hands', with Eugenie weeping openly, just as her sister had during her grandfathers memorial. She said: 'The mutual comfort-giving also entailed Eugenie hugging Lady Louise and we can see the two young women standing with their heads tilted together in a display of mutual unity and support. 'Sophie is often seen as the nurturing royal and with her arms spread out wide she seemed to embrace a large number of the Firm in the kind of maternal, caring gesture they must need now their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother has gone.' Senior palace officials have revealed that Her Majesty's oak coffin, which is lying in the Ballroom at Balmoral Castle, will be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Sunday September 11, on a six-hour journey by hearse. The Queen will then lie in state for 'four clear days' in Westminster Hall from Wednesday September 14 before the state funeral. Princess Beatrice, Peter Phillips, Lady Louise Windsor, Sophie Countess of Wessex, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence wave to the members of the public at Balmoral The Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence walk to meet and thank members of the public at Balmoral in Scotland The Duke of York meets well-wishers outside Balmoral in Scotland following the death of Queen Elizabeth II Thousands of people will be able to file past to see the late monarch's coffin - and further details of how the public can attend will be announced in the coming days. A spokesman for the King said the monarch's main focus will be leading the royal family and nation in mourning over the coming days. 'Whilst, in the next few days, the King will carry out all the necessary state duties, his main focus will be leading the Royal Family, the nation, the Realms and the Commonwealth in mourning Her Majesty The Queen. 'This will include meeting members of the public, to share in their grief,' the spokesman said. Prince William has posted a heartfelt tribute to his late grandmother, the Queen, who was by his side during the 'saddest days of [his] life'. Posting on Instagram, the Prince of Wales acknowledged the support his 'Grannie' had given him throughout his life in difficult times - a nod to how she made him and his brother Harry her top priority following the death of their mother, Princess Diana. In his tribute to the Queen today, the first time William has publicly spoken since her death, he said: 'She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life.' Prince William paid tribute to his 'Grannie' who supported him throughout his life (pictured: The Queen and Prince Philip with Diana, Charles, William, Harry, Zara Phillips, Peter Phillips in 1988) After the death of Princess Diana the Queen supported her grandchildren Harry and William and fiercely protected them from upsetting details about the car crash Following the death of Diana, the monarch fiercely protected the princes who were just 12 and 15 years old at the time, and became a mother figure to them throughout their adolescence. At the time of Diana's death on 31 August 1997 the princes, who were staying at Balmoral with their grandmother, were fast asleep as news came in shortly after midnight. After receiving the devastating news Diana had died in hospital following the car crash in Paris, the Queen instructed her staff to let the young boys sleep in before telling them. That morning, which was a Sunday, the family still attended church as normal, but the Queen forbid any mention of Diana's death from the service. William wrote: 'She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life' The Prince of Wales said: 'I knew this day would dome, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real' After breaking news of their mother's death to William and Harry, the Queen shielded them from upsetting details about the crash by instructing staff to hide all the TVs and radios at Balmoral. Over the years the Queen became a maternal figure for the princes, who grew up incredibly close with their grandmother. Speaking ahead of the Queen's 90th birthday in 2016, William paid tribute to his grandmother for all her support when he was a teenager. He told The Queen at 90 documentary: 'Having lost my mother at a young age, it's been particularly important to me that I've had somebody like the Queen to look up to and who's been there and who has understood some of the more complex issues when you lose a loved one.' He added: 'She's been incredibly supportive and I've really appreciated her guidance.' In his tribute to the Queen following her death, the Prince of Wales said he was 'grateful' to have learnt and been supported by the Queen throughout his life. He said: 'I have had the benefit of the Queen's wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. 'My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives.' William added that while he always 'knew this day would come' it didn't quite feel real that his grandmother was no longer around. He said: 'It will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real. 'I thank her for the kindness she showed my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing and example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all. 'My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen.' Advertisement Prince William looked like the 'leader and instigator' as he was joined by his wife Kate Middleton, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for a walkabout in Windsor today, a body language expert claimed, who says there were 'no signs of affection' during the meeting'. The Prince and Princess of Wales, 40, took to Windsor to inspect the sea of floral tributes laid outside the gates of the Berkshire estate in tribute to the late Queen, who died in Balmoral on Thursday, aged 96. During the engagement, they were joined by Prince Harry, 37, and Meghan Markle, 41, marking the first time that the two couples have all appeared in public since Commonwealth Day on March 9, 2020, just weeks before the Covid lockdown. The royals, once dubbed the 'fab four', were greeted by applause as they walked along the gates of Windsor Castle together. However, all did not appear to be completely well among the feuding couples, who at times appeared uneasy in each other's company. Body language expert Judi James told FEMAIL: 'This is a phenomenal and unexpected scene that displays some natural caution and awkwardness in the body language, although as a statement of intent it seems choreographed as something of a loving tribute the Queen and in some ways the new King, who took what was maybe the first step in speaking of his love for Harry and Meghan in his recent speech. 'The four line up together to suggest some form of unity and it is William, with his puffed chest and air of confidence, who looks like the leader and instigator. Harry performs some clothing touch anxiety rituals but Meghan seems to be on hand to offer comfort, support and encouragement.' As they walked along the gates of Windsor Castle together, temporarily putting aside the differences sparked by the Sussexes' departure, they appeared to maintain a significant distance from each other. The couples only came together briefly at the start and end of the engagement. Throughout the rest of the walkabout, which is believed to have lasted some 30 minutes, Prince William and Kate, and Meghan and Harry, appeared to stick to their two couples - perhaps instructed to by their aides - and barely interacted during the sombre occasion. The two couples, who have not been seen together in an official capacity since March 2020, appeared to maintain their distance from each other (pictured L-R: the Princess and Prince of Wales, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex) After speaking to the crowds, the couples made their way to their separate vehicles. At one point, the two Duchesses appeared to be avoiding making eye contact (pictured) During the walkabout today, the royals inspected the sea of floral tributes laid outside the gates of the Berkshire estate in tribute to the late Queen At times during the walkabout, all four split up, to greet and speak with members of the public individually. As the four emerged from their vehicle, the couples spoke to an unidentified man, thought to be an aide. At one point during the conversation, Harry stepped back towards Meghan, and the pair listened while locked in an embrace, with the Duke's arm around his wife's waist. As they started walking, with the two men standing next to each other, while their respective wives flanked them on the outside, William and Harry appeared to engage in a brief chat, as Kate and Meghan looked straight ahead. At times, Kate appeared to stand some distance from the group. 'Kate looks slightly distanced although she is close to William when the couples split slightly,' said Judi. Before setting off on the walkabout, the couples spoke to an Paul Sedgwick (far left), the deputy ranger of Winsor Park, with William and Kate appearing to do most of the talking, as Meghan hung back As they emerged from their vehicle, the two couples did not appear to be engaging with each other, and looked straight ahead While making their way towards the floral tributes, Kate and William mainly walked separately, occasionally reaching out and touching. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan maintained contact most of the time, often holding hands During the walkabout, the Prince and Princess of Wales appeared to walk slightly ahead of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex According to body language expert Judi James, it was 'William, with his puffed chest and air of confidence, who looks like the leader and instigator' She added that the meeting represented 'an adult approach from the new Prince of Wales', saying it 'could have broken a lot of ice' As they reached the gates, the two couples stopped to look at some of the floral tributes left by well-wishes. Harry and Meghan stayed close together at the beginning of the event, and often if they were separated, were seen reaching for each other to hold hands. According to Judi: 'When the couple clasp hands it is Harrys fingers wiggling downward while Meghans are curled around his palm, with her thumb gently stroking his hand. She performs touches on his back and small strokes and other tie-signs and there are some moments when she is the one looking across for communication with William and Kate.' As the royals started the long walk to Windsor Castle, the couples split up, each attending to one side of the crowd, which was heard cheering both the couples. The four greeted members of the public within their respective couplings, as well as separately. Once they finished meeting the public, they reconvened in front of their vehicles, where they had a brief chat, before getting into their respective cars. Describing the overall tone of the meeting, Judi told FEMAIL: 'Theres no signs of relaxed engagement or even affection here but the fact they are lining up together and communicating again is impressive in itself. 'Its an adult approach from the new Prince of Wales and it could have broken a lot of ice in terms of their body language at the funeral and beyond.' The two couples seemed to engage very little with each other, instead staying separate Meghan was seen hugging Harry as he looked down at the floral tributes left to his grandmother A Kensington Palace source said that the Prince of Wales invited the Sussexes to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier today. At one moment, a small Paddington Bear was given to William, which he passed on to an aide. He was seen lightly touching Kate's back at one moment as she crouched down again to speak to a child at the front of the gates. Kate crouched down at one moment and began speaking to a child who had started to cry. The child stopped crying when Kate approached her. One well-wisher who spoke to Harry and Meghan told MailOnline:'It's lovely to see them both together. Maybe they can get back to a proper relationship. Lovely ripple went through the crowd as they approached. Hopefully the healing between Harry and his brother can start now. I'm just so excited to have seen them both together. It's lovely.' Today's appearance by the couple followed Prince William sharing a public statement regarding the death of his grandmother. In the post, which he shared on Instagram, the royal wrote: 'On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute. So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign. 'I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen's wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had 20 years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives. 'She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real. 'I thank her for the kindness she showed my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all. 'My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen. 'I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can.' Today's appearance followed the publication of an official statement by Prince William (pictured) which he posted on Instagram It was revealed yesterday that William and Kate will become Prince and Princess of Wales, with King Charles confirming the news in his first televised address to the nation since the death of the Queen. He said: 'Today, I am proud to create [William] Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. 'With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.' Kate, formerly known as the Duchess of Cambridge, will now hold the titles of the Duchess of Cornwall and the Princess of Wales - the first member of the Royal Family to hold the title since Princess Diana. In his first televised address to the nation since the death of the Queen, King Charles III confirmed his son Prince William would inherit his title of the Prince of Wales and his wife Kate would become Princess Kate Middleton has said that she appreciates the history associated with the role of the Princess of Wales but wants to create her own path Kate, formerly known as the Duchess of Cambridge, will now hold the titles of the Duchess of Cornwall and the Princess of Wales - the first member of the Royal Family to hold the title since Princess Diana However a source said the new Princess of Wales 'appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path'. The royal source said: 'The couple are focused on deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time. 'The Prince and Princess of Wales will approach their roles in the modest and humble way theyve approached their work previously.' Since the 14th century the title of the Princess of Wales has been used by the wives of the Princes of Wales. However, it is a courtesy title. Technically, Charles's wife, Camilla Parker-Bowles, has been the Princess of Wales until now, but she has used the feminine equivalent of Charles's Duke of Cornwall title, the Duchess of Cornwall. The Duchess of Cornwall is thought to not use the Princess of Wales title out of respect for Charles's ex-wife Princess Diana, who died in Paris in August 1997. Kate, dressed in black and wearing sunglasses, will be heartbroken that Her Majesty has passed away The Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge, now the Princess of Wales, is seen in Windsor looking sombre after the death of Queen Elizabeth Grieving Kate was spotted yesterday for the first time since the death of Her Majesty on Thursday. Hiding her eyes behind dark glasses, and wearing black, Kate, was spotted driving to pick up her three children from school after their first week at Lambrook near Ascot yesterday afternoon. The death of their great-grandmother the Queen will be a heavy blow to Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, seven, and four-year-old Prince Louis, as they and their parents begin a new life at Adelaide Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle - where Her Majesty spent most of the year. On Tuesday 'the gang', as they call themselves, chased up the steps of their new prep, prompting beams of delight from William and Kate who held their hands when they arrived. Within 48 hours the country was in mourning - but the Duchess decided to stay in Windsor to support the children at school as William flew to Aberdeenshire on a RAF jet. Royal fans have been going wild online as the new Prince and Princess of Wales were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on a walkabout in Windsor tonight. Prince William and Kate Middleton, as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, were greeted by applause as they walked along the gates of Windsor Castle together as they honoured the legacy of Her Majesty - temporarily putting aside the differences sparked by Megxit which have fractured the Royal Family in recent years and plunged the British monarchy into one of its most severe ever crises. Tonight's reunion marks the first time that the two couples have all appeared in public together since Commonwealth Day on March 9, 2020, just weeks before the Covid lockdown. Many of those watching the scenes were amazed by the surprise joint appearance, and took to Twitter to share their happiness that the Fab Four had reunited. Royal fans have been going wild online as the new Prince and Princess of Wales were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on a walkabout in Windsor tonight One excited royal watcher commented: 'The Fab Four. Finally reunited publicly.' Another posted: 'Good to see the fab four together again!' A third added: 'So lovely to see the Fab Four back together! So gutted, watching from a distance due to Covid.' A fourth wrote: 'I see the Fab Four are back. Quite the reunion.' Many royal fans shared their excitement online about the reunion, with one writing it was 'lovely' to see the group together again As boys, William and Harry were inseparable, finding solace in one another as they coped with the shattering loss of Princess Diana and later sharing in each others dreams and successes as adults. Williams marriage to Kate eight years ago contributed barely a quiver to this remarkable relationship as two became three. The arrival of the Wales children George, Charlotte and Louis served only to strengthen the fraternal bonds. When Meghan arrived with her Hollywood glamour the threesome became the Fab Four, as popular as any pop group but dusted with the magic of royalty. But then the news came that the brothers were to set up their separate households there is a parting of the ways. The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted by applause as they walked along the gates of Windsor Castle together as they honoured the legacy of Her Majesty Since there, their feud has gotten even worse - with Meghan and Harry's exit from life as senior royals, their decision to release multiple bombshell interviews about their fall-out with the royal family, and accusing The Firm of being racist. And mere days ago, on Wednesday, Omid Scobie published a column for Yahoo which claimed Harry was 'waiting for an apology' from his brother. The column suggested that tensions between the Sussexes and the Cambridges remained high. 'Theres a laughable effort to suggest the [Sussexes] have been shunned...the true story is, they never reached out to the Cambridges,' said a source described by Scobie as 'someone familiar with the current family dynamics'. He then quoted a 'family friend' as saying: 'What [Harry] is waiting for is accountability Many lines were crossed by William. He was at the centre of a number of painful moments, be it the actions of his own staff or turning his back when support was needed. King Charles III's warring sons Prince William and Harry and their wives Kate and Meghan all appeared in black at Windsor Castle 'It was a dark time and one that, so far, William has been unprepared to unpack.' King Charles III's warring sons Prince William and Harry and their wives Kate and Meghan all appeared in black at Windsor Castle this evening to inspect the sea of floral tributes laid outside the gates of the Berkshire estate in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted by applause as they walked along the gates of Windsor Castle together as they honoured the legacy of Her Majesty - seemingly temporarily putting aside the differences sparked by Megxit which have fractured the Royal Family in recent years and plunged the British monarchy into one of its most severe ever crises. Tonight's bombshell marks the first time that the two couples have all appeared in public since Commonwealth Day on March 9, 2020, just weeks before the Covid lockdown. Harry and Meghan, who sensationally quit frontline duties two years ago to strike out on their own in California and then levied a series of bombshell allegations against The Firm, held hands as they looked at the tributes, with Harry at one point affectionately putting his hand on Meghan's back. They were seen pointing at different tributes and discussing them as members of the crowd waved at them. A Kensington Palace source said that the Prince of Wales invited the Sussexes to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier today A Kensington Palace source said that the Prince of Wales invited the Sussexes to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier today. At one moment, a small Paddington Bear was given to William, which he passed on to an aide. He was seen lightly touching Kate's back at one moment as she crouched down again to speak to a child at the front of the gates. Kate crouched down at one moment and began speaking to a child who had started to cry. The child stopped crying when Kate approached her. One well-wisher who spoke to Harry and Meghan told MailOnline:'It's lovely to see them both together. Maybe they can get back to a proper relationship. Lovely ripple went through the crowd as they approached. Hopefully the healing between Harry and his brother can start now. I'm just so excited to have seen them both together. It's lovely.' Just moments earlier, the Prince of Wales paid an emotional tribute to his late 'Grannie', describing the beloved monarch as an 'extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute' and admitting it would be 'some time' before her loss 'will truly feel real'. It comes as royal courtiers announced that the Queen's funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday September 19 at 11am. Senior palace officials revealed that Her Majesty's oak coffin, which is lying in the Ballroom at Balmoral Castle, will be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Sunday September 11, on a six-hour journey by hearse. The Queen will then lie in state for 'four clear days' in Westminster Hall from Wednesday September 14 before the state funeral. Thousands of people will be able to file past to see the late monarch's coffin - and further details of how the public can attend will be announced in the coming days. Earlier, the late Queen's close family including Prince Andrew publicly grieved over the death of the elderly monarch at a private church service in Balmoral - after Charles III was formally proclaimed at a historic ceremony at St James's Palace in London. Advertisement Meghan Markle tonight received a mixed reaction from a crowd in Windsor as she returned to royal life alongside Prince Harry for a surprise appearance with the Prince and Princess of Wales. King Charles III's warring sons Prince William and Harry and their wives Kate and Meghan all appeared in black at Windsor Castle this evening to inspect the sea of floral tributes laid outside the gates of the Berkshire estate in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. While the foursome were greeted by applause as they walked through the gates of Windsor Castle together to honour the legacy of Her Majesty, other moments between the British public and the Duchess of Sussex appeared not to run as smoothly. The royal mother-of-two, who stepped back from royal duty last year and now lives in her $14 million mansion in the US, has released a series of bombshell interviews in the last 18 months about her time in the royal family. Meghan was seen cooing over babies in the crowd and even offered hugs out to some of the mourners waiting - but others in the crowd greeted Meghan with stony faces this evening as she took part in the walkabout. Meghan Markle tonight received a mixed reaction from a crowd in Windsor as she returned to royal life alongside Prince Harry for a surprise appearance with the Prince and Princess of Wales Some people in the crowd appeared to hesitate before offering the Duchess of Sussex their hand to shake as the royal couples took part in a walkabout Meghan was seen cooing over babies in the crowd and even offered hugs out to some of the mourners waiting While Meghan doted over the baby in the crowd, Harry bent down to stroke a dog The Duchess also grinned as she greeted a furry mourner in the crowd Tonight's reunion marks the first time that the two couples have all appeared in public since Commonwealth Day on March 9, 2020, just weeks before the Covid lockdown. Harry and Meghan, who sensationally quit frontline duties two years ago to strike out on their own in California and then levied a series of bombshell allegations against The Firm, held hands as they looked at the tributes, with Harry at one point affectionately putting his hand on Meghan's back. They were seen pointing at different tributes and discussing them as members of the crowd waved at them. A Kensington Palace source said that the Prince of Wales invited the Sussexes to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier today. The Sussexes' friend and preferred journalist Omid Scobie later claimed on Twitter that the invitation was made at the '11th hour'. However, hinting that William is prepared to extend Harry an olive branch and work towards melting the ice between them, he declared: 'It is, without a doubt, a significant moment in the history of the relationship between the two brothers'. At one moment, a small Paddington Bear was given to William, which he passed on to an aide. He was seen lightly touching Kate's back at one moment as she crouched down again to speak to a child at the front of the gates. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex view the tributes left after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle However others in the crowd greeted Meghan with stony faces this evening as she took part in the walkabout and appeared to look beyond her to the other members of the royal family in attendance The duchess is embraced by a female in the crowd during the walkabout in Windsor to view the floral tributes to The Queen A 14-year-old was able to hug Meghan Markle, and said she did it to show her that "she's welcome here" pic.twitter.com/2untm4UIYu philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 10, 2022 Girl, 14, who hugged Meghan said she felt 'it was the right thing to do' A teenager who hugged Meghan Markle as she, Prince Harry, Prince William and wife Kate greeted royal fans outside Windsor Castle today said: 'I felt it was the right thing to do'. The 14-year-old girl spoke to American news channel CNN after she was filmed hugging the Duchess of Sussex. She said: 'We were waiting for them to come and she came in and asked my name and how long I was waiting and I asked if she can have a hug, and she hugged me back. It was an amazing moment, I'm still shaking now. Asked why she felt like she wanted to hug her, she said: 'Everyone was kind of cheering me on and I guess I felt like I needed to in the way, because I look up to her in someway and it felt like the right thing to do. Asked if she felt sorry for her, she replied: 'Because of the Queen died, but also because of everything (with the Royal Family) but I thought it was quite nice to see William and Kate and Meghan and Harry together. I just wanted to show that she was welcome here (in the UK).' Advertisement Kate crouched down at one moment and began speaking to a child who had started to cry. The child stopped crying when Kate approached her. Meanwhile the Duchess of Sussex was seen being given a close hug by a young girl in the crowd at Windsor Castle. Meghan walked over to a section of the crowd and approached a teenager, who was seen putting her hand over her mouth in shock. The pair spoke briefly for a few moments and Meghan could be seen assuring her by putting her hand on her shoulder. The girl then said: 'Can I have a hug?' and Meghan was seen nodding, before leaning in and giving her a big hug. The touching moment was filmed by other members in the crowd. One well-wisher who spoke to Harry and Meghan told MailOnline: 'It's lovely to see them both together. Maybe they can get back to a proper relationship. 'Lovely ripple went through the crowd as they approached. Hopefully the healing between Harry and his brother can start now. I'm just so excited to have seen them both together. It's lovely.' Another mourner said: 'We couldn't believe it when the gates opened, and we saw William and Harry walk down with Meghan and Kate. I'll be honest there was a little bit of a groan when Harry and Meghan came down our side, but I passed him a bunch of flowers and he was happy to take them. 'I'm pleased that they came out together and as a family I'm delighted that they all took the time to come and say hello to the crowds. Sad things like funerals bring families together so I hope that when they get back to California they think long and hard about everything that's happened.' It comes after it was reported King Charles 'told' Prince Harry not to bring wife Meghan to Balmoral Castle as he and other senior royals rushed to the beside of the dying Queen. At other moments, the Duchess of Sussex was handed posies and bouquets of flowers by royal fans who were keen to show their support to the family in the period of grief At other stages, the Duchess was seen cooing over a young mother and her baby in the crowd Clutching bouquets of flowers, the duchess also spoke with young members of the public who have turned out in force to pay tribute to our beloved Queen who died on Thursday aged 96 The Sussexes stopped to shake hands with mourners gathered The couple landed back in the UK last weekend intending to attend charity events when the Queen died at Balmoral Meghan gazes at Kate as the 'fab four' are reunited at Windsor to mourn the death of The Queen Amid the personal family tragedy on Thursday, when the Queen died at the age of 96, a small domestic drama was playing out involving the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It was a fortunate coincidence of sorts that Harry and Meghan were in the country when the prince's grandmother passed away, sparing him an emotional and undoubtedly traumatic transatlantic dash as the Queen's health failed. Despite the rancour of the past few years, no one would begrudge him the chance to mourn his beloved 'Granny', with whom he had always enjoyed a warm and fun-loving relationship. But as the royal households were consumed in concern for the ailing monarch, the Sussexes prompted an unprecedented flurry behind the scenes by announcing that Harry and Meghan would both be travelling to Balmoral. Others appeared to greet Meghan with a little less excitement. The Duchess has released a series of bombshell interviews over the past 18 months According to The Sun, Prince Harry was at Frogmore Cottage when he received a call from his father asking him not to bring Meghan. 'Charles told Harry that it wasn't right or appropriate for Meghan to be in Balmoral at such a deeply sad time,' a source told the newspaper. 'It was pointed out to him that Kate was not going and that the numbers really should be limited to the very closest family. 'Charles made it very, very clear Meghan would not be welcome.' Meanwhile The Telegraph reported that Harry was not initially summoned when senior royals made their way up to Balmoral, like his brother Prince William was, due to constitutional reasons. The two royal couples inspect the floral tributes left outside the gates of Windsor Castle this evening The Prince and Princess of Wales view the tributes left after the Death of Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince Harry and Meghan walk outside Windsor Castle A royal insider also said that 'it's quite hard to spend too much time with someone you know is about to publish a tell-all book about you.' King Charles says he wants 'to express my love for Harry and Meghan' as he extends olive branch to the US-based prince and his wife King Charles III extended an olive branch to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in his first address to Britain and the world as monarch yesterday. The new Sovereign, who became King the moment that his mother Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday afternoon at Balmoral Castle aged 96, said he wished to 'express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas' - in a move likely to be regarded by royal commentators as a bid to finally draw a line under the tumult of recent years. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex plunged the monarchy into crisis during the twilight years of the Queen's reign after sensationally quitting frontline royal duties and moving to California two years ago - a saga which precipitated the rift between Harry and his brother William, allegations of racism against the royals and claims the Firm failed to help a suicidal Meghan. After their bombshell interview with US talk show host Oprah Winfrey, Harry appeared to suggest, in a mental health podcast, that his father and the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh had all failed as parents - while the family was still mourning Prince Philip's death last year. The Duke of Sussex had grief etched on his face as he was swept into the grounds of Windsor Castle this afternoon after losing a race against time to get to his grandmother's bedside before she died yesterday. King Charles III went to Buckingham Palace to meet fellow mourners this afternoon where he shook hands and accepted their condolences to cries of 'God save the King' and impromptu renditions of the national anthem. One woman kissed him on the cheek. He also inspected flowers and tributes left for his late mother at the gates before entering the palace. Harry landed at Heathrow yesterday lunchtime after jumping on an early morning BA flight where he comforted an airport worker with a reassuring hand on her shoulder after she gave him her condolences. He left Balmoral after 12 hours mourning his grandmother with his father and brother - but despite the brevity of the visit, the Sussexes are not expected to return to California until after the state funeral, currently expected to be ten days from now on Monday, September 19. The Duke of Sussex was the last royal to arrive at the Aberdeenshire castle on Thursday and the first to leave on Friday morning. Advertisement Another added: 'I think the general reaction to Harry and Meghan's behaviour has been one of incredulity to be honest.' News of their plans came via the small group of media the Sussexes deem it appropriate to deal with and tweeted out by journalists at 1.53pm. The statement read: 'From a spokesperson: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be travelling to Scotland.' This was, of course, news to the Palace and it did not go down well. Many behind royal walls, frankly, were incredulous. There was half an hour on Thursday following the Sussexes' initial announcement during which matters quickly came to a head. It is still unclear how much pressure was brought to bear by the Palace itself or whether senior royal were involved but a spokesman for the couple frantically began to 'clarify' their position, informing those same journalists that 'only the duke was travelling at the moment'. Exactly what happened is open to speculation. Some say that Harry and Meghan hadn't considered that William's wife wouldn't be there, with Kate staying in London instead, and when it was pointed out that she wouldn't be, they realised how bad it looked. Others believe Meghan was effectively banned, using the argument that Kate now the Princess of Wales was staying at home. Either way, their hurried announcement that only Harry would be making the trip north from the capital prompted a sigh of relief among aides. Putting aside the anguish of the past few years, the initial decision in itself, that both Sussexes would travel, was seen as wholly inappropriate, according to palace insiders, for one very simple reason: this was a private, family moment. Only the two oldest children of the elderly monarch Charles and Anne were present when the Queen passed away. Her other children, Andrew and Edward, arrived as soon as they could afterwards on a plane with Prince William, who is now first in line to the throne. Edward was accompanied by his wife, Sophie, but she is adored by the Queen, who views her as a second daughter, and is likely to have been there at her request. Although most have assumed that Kate stayed behind because it was her children's first day at school, which is in part true, she instinctively knew this was an occasion for the Queen's blood family. It is impossible to forget that events are taking place against a backdrop of unimaginable bitterness. So deep is the rift between the two brothers that even though Harry and William have been temporarily living just a few minutes' walk from each other at Windsor this week, there has been no attempt at contact from either party. Relations are little better with any other members of the family either King Charles, in particular, has been left bewildered and deeply hurt by his younger son's incessant attacks. While no one wants an all-out war, few are in a hurry to forgive or forget Meghan's series of laser-guided and deeply harmful accusations against family members, as well as the institution of the monarchy itself. It was noticeable that there was no invitation for Harry to join the family party that headed north on Thursday, taking off from RAF Northolt bound for Aberdeen. He made his own way to Balmoral by private jet and faced a lonely drive to the castle, finally arriving at 7.52pm an hour and a half after the palace's historic statement informing the nation of the death of Her Majesty. He was seen being driven out at 8.28am yesterday, little more than 12 hours later. During that time he would have had to kiss his father's hand, curtsey to his step-mother and break bread with those he has caused so much hurt. The brothers now face seeing a lot of each other as they prepare for the Queen's funeral. In response to Jeff Bezos' criticism of her remarks on Thursday, a Carnegie Mellon University associate professor who had previously wished for Queen Elizabeth II's "excruciating" demise lambasted the Amazon founder and CEO on social media. Uju Anya, a second language associate professior at Carnegie Mellon University, on Thursday tweeted in her personnal Twitter account: "I heard the chief monarch of a thieving raping genocidal empire is finally dying. May her pain be excruciating." This was posted following the news that Queen Elizabeth's doctors expressed concern about the monarch's health condition. Bezos questioned the tone of Anya's remark even though Twitter later deleted the tweet for breaking their rules.. The second-richest person in the world, Bezo, tweeted, "This is someone supposedly working to make the world better? I don't believe so. Wow." This is someone supposedly working to make the world better? I dont think so. Wow. https://t.co/2zoi6CdFMq Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) September 8, 2022 Anya responded by criticizing Bezos' "merciless greed" and declining to apologize,per CBS News. The professor tweeted: "If anyone expects me to express anything but disdain for the monarch who supervised a government that sponsored the genocide that massacred and displaced half my family and the consequences of which those alive today are still trying to overcome, you can keep wishing upon a star." Anya, who joined Carnegie Mellon in 2021, was born in Nigeria, which gained independence from the UK in 1960 according to the institution's "Faculty Spotlight." Carnegie Mellon Denounced Professor's Statements The associate professor's post from Thursday was denounced by the institution, according to Fox Business. "We do not condone the offensive and objectionable messages posted by Uju Anya today on her personal social media account." Carnegie Mellon Spokesperson Peter Kerwin said. "Free expression is core to the mission of higher education, however, the views she shared absolutely do not represent the values of the institution, nor the standards of discourse we seek to foster." Twitter did not react right away when queries on the precise rule that Anya's message broke. Read Also: Ukraine Goes on the Offensive, Retakes Control Over the City of Balakliia, Kharkiv Oblast According to the platform's hateful conduct policy, Twitter prohibits "content that wishes, hopes, promotes, incites, or expresses a desire for death, serious bodily harm, or serious disease against an entire protected category and/or individuals who may be members of that category." Meanwhile, Bezos paid his respects to the Queen via a tweet. "I can think of no one who better personified duty. My deepest condolences to all the Brits mourning her passing today," he posted on Twitter. On Thursday, Anya did not reply to several media outlet's request for comment. 'The Crown' Filming On Hold In other updates, Variety has reported that "The Crown" halted filming on Friday in remembrance of the Queen's passing. The sixth and allegedly last season of the show is presently under production. Filming on "The Crown" was halted today out of respect, a Netflix source revealed. Additionally, filming will stop on the day of Her Majesty The Queen's burial. After the passing of the Queen, "The Crown," the acclaimed drama about Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events that influenced it, is set to halt production on Season 6. This was verified to Variety by sources close to creator Peter Morgan. No statement has yet been made by Netflix. At age 96, the monarch, who ascended to the throne in 1952, was the oldest monarch in history to be in power. The family said on Thursday that she passed away at Balmoral, her residence in the Scottish Highlands, while surrounded by her family. King Charles III, her eldest child, is her successor. Related Article: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet: Will Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Return to Royal Palace Now That Children Have HRH Titles? @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Kate Middleton debuted a new lighter hairstyle today as she stepped out in Windsor alongside Prince William for a surprise joint engagement with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Prince and Princess of Wales, 40, took to Windsor to inspect the sea of floral tributes laid outside the gates of the Berkshire estate in tribute to the late Queen, who died in Balmoral on Thursday, aged 96. During the engagement, they were joined by Prince Harry, 37, and Meghan Markle, 41, marking the first time that the two couples have all appeared in public since Commonwealth Day on March 9, 2020, just weeks before the Covid lockdown. The royal mother-of-three was dressed in a black midi dress for the occasion, wearing her brunette locks, which had appeared to have been highlighted with a lighter colour, down her back. Just last month, the then-Duchess of Cambridge was seen at the Commonwealth Games with significantly darker coloured locks. Kate Middleton debuted a new lighter hairstyle today as she stepped out in Windsor alongside Prince William for a surprise joint engagement with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Just last month, the then-Duchess of Cambridge was seen at the Commonwealth Games with significantly darker coloured locks The Princess has often lightened her hair from a darker tone each September, as she returns to royal duty following the summer break. King Charles III's warring sons Prince William and Harry and their wives Kate and Meghan all appeared in black at Windsor Castle this evening to inspect the sea of floral tributes laid outside the gates of the Berkshire estate in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. While the foursome were greeted by applause as they walked through the gates of Windsor Castle together to honour the legacy of Her Majesty, other moments between the British public and the Duchess of Sussex appeared not to run as smoothly. Tonight's bombshell marks the first time that the two couples have all appeared in public since Commonwealth Day on March 9, 2020, just weeks before the Covid lockdown. The Princess has often lightened her hair from a darker tone each September, as she returns to royal duty following the summer break The royal mother-of-three was dressed in a black midi dress for the occasion, wearing her brunette locks, which had appeared to have been highlighted with a lighter colour, down her back Harry and Meghan, who sensationally quit frontline duties two years ago to strike out on their own in California and then levied a series of bombshell allegations against The Firm, held hands as they looked at the tributes, with Harry at one point affectionately putting his hand on Meghan's back. They were seen pointing at different tributes and discussing them as members of the crowd waved at them. A Kensington Palace source said that the Prince of Wales invited the Sussexes to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier today. The Sussexes' friend and preferred journalist Omid Scobie later claimed on Twitter that the invitation was made at the '11th hour'. However, hinting that William is prepared to extend Harry an olive branch and work towards melting the ice between them, he declared: 'It is, without a doubt, a significant moment in the history of the relationship between the two brothers'. The Princess of Wales, who was spotted chatting to children during the walkabout, showed off a new lighter hairstyle Earlier today, it was reported Kate has said that she appreciates the history associated with the role of the Princess of Wales but wants to create her own path At one moment, a small Paddington Bear was given to William, which he passed on to an aide. He was seen lightly touching Kate's back at one moment as she crouched down again to speak to a child at the front of the gates. Kate crouched down at one moment and began speaking to a child who had started to cry. The child stopped crying when Kate approached her. Meanwhile the Duchess of Sussex was seen being given a close hug by a young girl in the crowd at Windsor Castle. Meghan walked over to a section of the crowd and approached a teenager, who was seen putting her hand over her mouth in shock. The pair spoke briefly for a few moments and Meghan could be seen assuring her by putting her hand on her shoulder. The girl then said: 'Can I have a hug?' and Meghan was seen nodding, before leaning in and giving her a big hug. The touching moment was filmed by other members in the crowd. Earlier today, it was reported Kate has said that she appreciates the history associated with the role of the Princess of Wales but wants to create her own path. A source said the new Princess of Wales 'appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path'. The royal source said: 'The couple are focused on deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time. 'The Prince and Princess of Wales will approach their roles in the modest and humble way theyve approached their work previously.' In his first televised address to the nation since the death of the Queen, King Charles III confirmed his son Prince William would inherit his title of the Prince of Wales and his wife Kate would become Princess. The King said: 'Today, I am proud to create [William] Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. 'With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.' Drugs once hailed as the holy grail of dementia treatment put patients at high risk of life-threatening side effects while having no clinical benefits, leading scientists warn. Alzheimers experts are now calling for an immediate halt to any further trials into the drugs, which they say may even pose a danger to sufferers. The medicines, designed to combat the degenerative effects of the debilitating disease, have been shown to cause swelling and bleeding in the brain. These serious and even fatal complications were seen in 40 per cent of patients who took one of the drugs, called aducanumab. The medicines, designed to combat the degenerative effects of the debilitating disease, have been shown to cause swelling and bleeding in the brain Neurologist Dr Daniel Gibbs from Portland, Oregon was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimers in 2015 and was recruited in 2017 to the aducanumab trial. However, the father-of-three and grandfather-of-five received just four monthly doses before his health began to deteriorate Last year, a 75-year-old woman in Canada died after being given it. A report concluded she had suffered a brain haemorrhage caused by her treatment. Since then, US regulators have recorded another four deaths linked to the same medicine. The Mail on Sunday has now learned that another patient died while taking a similar dementia drug as part of a clinical trial that started in 2019. The medicine, lecanemab, is being developed by Biogen and Eisai, the same two pharmaceutical companies behind aducanumab, sold under the brand name Aduhelm. When approached, Eisai would neither confirm or deny the allegation, but said: All the available safety information indicates that lecanemab therapy is not associated with an increased risk of death overall or from any specific cause. Due to patient privacy regulations, Eisai cannot comment on any individual participant. According to a source close to the trial, which includes 1,500 people from around the world, the patient was based in the US and died of a brain bleed. The revelation comes just weeks before researchers are due to present the findings of the much-anticipated lecanemab trial. Its predecessor, aducanumab, was at the centre of one of the biggest medical scandals in recent history, after American regulators approved it for use in 2021, despite scant evidence that the drug slowed the progression of dementia. The firms were also heavily criticised for how the study was carried out. The medicine, lecanemab, is being developed by Biogen and Eisai, the same two pharmaceutical companies behind aducanumab, sold under the brand name Aduhelm Medical trials involve two patient groups those who are given the trial drug and those who are given a placebo, but neither knows which is which. The process is designed to eliminate the chances of benefits being imagined, rather than being real. However, many patients on the aducanumab trial discovered they had been given the real drug because they began suffering severe side effects. Professor Alberto Espay, a neurologist at the University of Cincinnati, said: Placebo is a really powerful thing, and its possible these patients may have wrongly assumed their cognitive function was better than it really was because they knew they were taking aducanumab. Despite getting the green light, US insurance companies, which finance most peoples healthcare in the States, refused to fund the 40,000-a-year treatment, and European regulators rejected the drug. Biogen and Eisai subsequently abandoned efforts to roll it out, and instead focused on pushing forward with lecanemab. Both drugs work by clearing away amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimers patients. Normally these proteins circulate in the blood, but for reasons not fully understood they can clump together, forming plaques. These plaques collect between neurons and disrupt cell function, eventually causing permanent brain damage. Anti-amyloid drugs work by harnessing the immune system to attack these plaques. The theory was that in doing so deterioration could be slowed or even halted but there are also major downsides. About 40 per cent of patients on the aducanumab trial experienced brain swelling, also known as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). These patients typically experienced headaches, confusion, dizziness and nausea About 40 per cent of patients on the aducanumab trial experienced brain swelling, also known as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). These patients typically experienced headaches, confusion, dizziness and nausea. In more than ten per cent of cases this swelling led to brain haemorrhages. Scientists now warn that the risk of taking anti-amyloid drugs is too great for their use to be ethical. Theres no clear clinical benefit to taking these drugs. Meanwhile, there are huge levels of side effects and the risk of death, says Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London Institute of Mental Health. Prof Espay added: We need a moratorium on any more of these trials and research bodies should refuse to take part. Companies are desperate to prove their products work, but the line is crossed when people end up getting hurt. More than 900,000 people in the UK suffer some kind of dementia, with Alzheimers being the most common form. Cases are expected to rise over the next few decades as the disease becomes more common with people are living longer. Dementia kills more than 6,000 Britons every month and there is no cure. More than 900,000 people in the UK suffer some kind of dementia, with Alzheimers being the most common form For this reason, when in June last year the US drug watchdog, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), announced it would approve aducanumab for dementia patients, it was widely celebrated. But it then emerged that ten of the 11 members of an FDA advisory committee asked to assess the effectiveness of the drug had voted against licensing it, as they found the evidence provided by Biogen to be insufficient. The FDA approved the drug anyway with Biogen promising to provide proof it worked by 2030 and three members of the advisory committee resigned in protest. One branded it probably the worst drug-approval decision in recent US history. The key concern was that, despite early studies showing promise, aducanumab had failed in clinical trials to show any major improvements in patients symptoms. At best, Biogen could show that patients taking the highest dose of the drug improved their mental capacity by less than one per cent. Just months after the controversial move, in November 2021, came the Canadian death due to ARIA. Since then, according to the FDA, there have been 71 cases of serious adverse events in patients taking aducanumab, including four deaths. Doctors say that, had aducanumab been rolled out across the US and other countries, the result could have been disastrous. When patients in the trials developed ARIA, this was picked up pretty quickly because they were under observation, says Prof Espay. Its a much more dangerous prospect if people were to take this drug unsupervised, because these issues might not get noticed until its too late. Experts point out that ARIA was not the only serious side effect seen in the aducanumab trials. According to analysis of the trial published in the medical journal JAMA Neurology, every single patient given aducanumab saw a significant shrinkage of their brain size known medically as brain atrophy. While doctors say it is too early to say what exactly the impact on patients this will have, they argue it cannot be good. It doesnt take a neurologist to tell you that a drug that shrinks the size of your brain is bad, says Dr Madhav Thambisetty, a neurologist at the US National Institute of Aging and a member of the FDA advisory committee on aducanumab. I find it very concerning how little attention has been given to these serious side effects, which mean patients who take aducanumab run the risk of suffering brain swelling, bleeding or shrinkage. Experts say the fallout from the aducanumab debacle will only increase scrutiny on lecanemab. For Biogen, its success is crucial to its finances. In March, following the failure of aducanumab, the firm laid off ten per cent of its staff in the hope of saving 400 million. Early trial data suggests that lecanemab causes fewer cases of ARIA than aducanumab. However, according to a reliable source, trial investigators are still seeing a significant number of cases of brain swelling and bleeding. Dementia kills more than 6,000 Britons every month and there is no cure Experts expect to see more cases of ARIA because the condition has been seen in almost every anti-amyloid drug developed. Since the 1990s there have been 41 such treatments created, all of which train the bodys immune system to attack amyloid plaque in the brain. Scientists say it is this process that carries an implicit risk. When the immune system attacks the amyloid plaque, this also inflames healthy tissue in the brain too, says Prof Howard. During the attack, the brain can swell and blood vessels can burst. In fact, the symptoms of ARIA were seen in the very first anti-amyloid drug, called AN-1792. Several patients died soon after taking the treatment. When scientists inspected the brains of the patients who had died, they found no sign of amyloid plaque. These drugs are doing exactly what theyre supposed to do, which is clear the plaque, says Prof Howard. But weve known for more than 20 years than if you trigger a strong inflammatory response in the brain, youre going to see serious side effects. Several anti-amyloid drug trials, including aducanumab, have involved giving the medication to patients who are yet to develop the symptoms of dementia but who are believed to be at genetic risk. The theory is that by stopping the amyloid from building up in the first place, the onset of symptoms could be prevented altogether. But Prof Howard says: There is a very real question over whether it is right to be giving patients who have not been diagnosed with Alzheimers, and in some cases may never be diagnosed, drugs that could cause brain bleeds. One patient to experience the life-threatening side effects of aducanumab is 71-year-old Dr Daniel Gibbs from Portland, Oregon. Dr Gibbs, a neurologist who once treated dementia patients, was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimers in 2015 and was recruited in 2017 to the aducanumab trial. However, the father-of-three and grandfather-of-five received just four monthly doses before his health began to deteriorate. I started getting these really bad headaches, which got worse and worse, he says. Then, just a few days before Christmas, I became so confused that I could hardly communicate or think. His wife Lois took him to hospital where doctors found that his blood pressure was dangerously high and he was immediately taken to intensive care. He says: At first they thought I was having a stroke, but when the aducanumab trial investigator heard I was in hospital, he knew immediately it was ARIA. Brain scans revealed that Dr Gibbs had multiple bleeds on his brain which had caused significant damage. Doctors placed him on steroids to bring down the inflammation and he was then kept under observation for several months. Dr Gibbs doesnt remember much of the period, as his memory was so badly impacted, but says that the experience was frightening, adding: Id never been in intensive care until then, and for weeks after I couldnt read, I couldnt talk or remember anything. While he has now fully recovered, the ARIA has left a permanent mark on his brain, which shows up on scans. This was the inspiration behind the title of his book about his experience, A Tattoo On My Brain. His illness continues to progress. Dr Gibbs remains hopeful that anti-amyloid drugs could prove beneficial to Alzheimers patients like himself, but says he worries about the impact of allowing thousands of people to take a drug that carries the risk of life-threatening side effects. I dont regret going on the trial because Id happily take the risk if it meant helping fight Alzheimers. But a drug like aducanumab should not be widely available, otherwise what happened to me will happen to others. In 2019, Biogen abruptly stopped its aducanumab trial when it appeared the drug was not performing any better than a placebo. However, the firm eventually restarted the study, claiming that in patients given the highest doses for the longest period of time there were clinical benefits. For this reason, some scientists argue Biogens results are misleading. Biogen abandoned their trial, changed the rules of what was considered a success, then started it again, says Prof Howard. At best its an abuse of scientific analysis, at worst its a kind of fraud. When patients are given any medical drug, they are always told of the possible risks, but their doctor will explain why the benefits outweigh the risks, but you cant do a risk-benefit analysis when there are no benefits. Biogen said that robust measures were taken to prevent any possible skewing of results in their aducanumab trials, and it continued to work with regulators to better understand the deaths seen. It added: There are benefits and risks with all medicines, and we continue to believe that aducanumab provides a meaningful benefit. Recent data demonstrate that long-term treatment continues to reduce the underlying pathologies of Alzheimers disease beyond two years. But scientists increasingly argue that the reason anti-amyloid drugs are failing to show positive results is because amyloid is not, in fact, the cause of Alzheimers. These drugs clear all the amyloid in the brain, says Prof Espay. But theyre not making any difference to the disease. Thousands of British women are enduring insomnia, painful sex and life-ruining mental health symptoms because of the ongoing shortages of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), campaigners have warned. Problems first emerged in April when pharmacy regulators instructed chemists to restrict sales of HRT gels containing the female sex hormone oestrogen. This move allowed pharmacists to offer alternatives where available without the need to contact the patients GP, but limited them to dispensing no more than three months supply. Although the guidance remains in place until the end of October, at the start of this month the Government announced that it was to disband the taskforce responsible for tackling HRT shortages because the situation had improved. Jo Bryant, 52, an office administrator from Truro in Cornwall, has been struggling to get hold of HRT patch Estradot since being put on it in July. She says: I had some relief, but I still felt bad so in August my GP prescribed me a higher dose, which I have never been able to get, so have remained on the lower dose. I only have a couple of weeks of patches left Thousands of British women are enduring insomnia, painful sex and life-ruining mental health symptoms because of the ongoing shortages of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), campaigners have warned The head of the group, HRT tsar Madelaine McTernan, has now returned to her previous role as director-general of the Vaccine Taskforce, overseeing the autumn Covid booster programme. However, The Mail on Sunday has learnt of at least five other HRT products that are now in short supply. Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, says: This is a big problem at the moment. Pharmacists are spending a lot of time on the phone every day trying to sort out medicines for their patients. The HRT patches Evorel 50, Evorel Sequi and Estradot are out of stock. Sandrena gel, on a shortage list for the past three months, is starting to come in but is still often unavailable, added Dr Hannbeck. A fifth product said to be suffering inconsistent supply is Utrogestan, which contains the hormone progesterone. A recent poll by menopause support group The Latte Lounge found 36 per cent of women were still struggling to get hold of the treatments that work for them. Last week, Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who is chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Menopause, invited her Twitter followers to share their stories of HRT shortages. Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, says: This is a big problem at the moment. Pharmacists are spending a lot of time on the phone every day trying to sort out medicines for their patients She said: The stock shortage crisis is far from over I am still hearing from hundreds of desperate women. Some are travelling abroad where products are more freely available and can be bought over the counter, or taking 100-mile round trips in rural areas just to find a pharmacy with stock. Women are self-rationing their HRT to make it last, as they cant get their next prescriptions. Some are waiting for months and theres still no sign of the product they need in pharmacies. Dr Hannbeck adds: A lot of the raw materials for manufacturing medicine come from the Far East, so when youve had lockdowns in China or issues with logistics or transportation or higher costs, that impacts on getting the materials to where they need to be. Patients have also told this newspaper of just how widespread the problems still are. Jo Bryant, 52, an office administrator from Truro in Cornwall, has been struggling to get hold of HRT patch Estradot since being put on it in July. She says: I had some relief, but I still felt bad so in August my GP prescribed me a higher dose, which I have never been able to get, so have remained on the lower dose. I only have a couple of weeks of patches left. The divorcee, who lives with her daughter, 21, adds: I have terrible brain fog, and if I could only get the higher dose, it should help. I get my words muddled up, which is so embarrassing, and I cant concentrate at work. I burst into tears all the time, especially when the chemist says they dont have my patch. Hayley Lambarth, 57, a mother of two who lives near Lowestoft in Suffolk, has used Estradot for four years. Earlier this year it became unavailable and she was prescribed an Estraderm patch, which doesnt keep her vicious hot flushes at bay. Another said she has been unable to get Estradot patches on the NHS since February. I have had to buy from friends going to Spain. This is completely unsustainable She says: We were promised a while ago that the shortages were over, but I still cant get the product that makes me feel OK. Curtain-maker Kara Williams, 54, from Alresford, Hampshire, says she keeps having to switch HRT. She says: Every time I change my treatment it takes my body about three weeks to get used to it, and the old pain and symptoms hot flushes and sleeplessness and joint pains, like needles in my bones start to come back. I have one months worth of Sandrena left and then Ill be going around all the pharmacies again. Im dreading it. Many women have written on social media about similar stress. One tells how not getting her supply of Estradot is taking its toll. She adds: I felt suicidal before taking it and cant imagine what will happen if I dont get my supply next time. She also suffers from vaginal atrophy, in which the vagina wall can become thin and dry due to the lack of oestrogen, and sex can be uncomfortable. Other women have splashed out on private medication. One said: No Lenzetto for five months from my own pharmacy so I have paid for it [at 25 a month] from a private practice. I dont know how they can get it while my usual prescription cannot be fulfilled. Another said she has been unable to get Estradot patches on the NHS since February. I have had to buy from friends going to Spain. This is completely unsustainable. Carolyn Harris once admitted that during the menopause she got close to putting my car in front of a lorry and has pointed out the average age of women experienceing the menopause is 51, while the biggest risk of suicide in women is between 50 and 54. She is now planning to take the evidence of the ongoing shortage to the Department of Health and Social Care. Q: Ive got nothing against vaccines, but Ive just had Covid so do I really need another booster? A: Yes, but you must wait at least a month after infection before having the jab, as interactions between the virus and vaccine could make the jab less effective. The reason another dose is needed, however, is that there is still a question mark about how long immunity lasts after natural infection. A wealth of studies have shown that extra doses of the Covid jab dramatically lower the risk of hospitalisation for at least six months after the vaccine by about 80 per cent. They also reduce the risk of infection for up to six months. But there is less clear evidence regarding natural infection. A wealth of studies have shown that extra doses of the Covid jab dramatically lower the risk of hospitalisation for at least six months after the vaccine by about 80 per cent. They also reduce the risk of infection for up to six months Recently, researchers from Imperial College London found that being infected with the Omicron variant offers poor protection against catching the virus again Most adults received their last booster dose in December, while 80 per cent of over- 75-year-olds had a spring booster. This means most people have gone between five and nine months without an extra dose Recently, researchers from Imperial College London found that being infected with the Omicron variant offers poor protection against catching the virus again. We know protective antibodies are nowhere near as high after natural infection, when compared with a dose of the vaccine, says Dr Penny Ward, Professor in Pharmaceutical Medicine at Kings College London. This determines how long it will be before antibodies drop to the level they were at originally. We also know that vaccines offer a host of other benefits for the immune system, including boosting the response of long-lasting fighter T cells. With natural infection, this effect seems to vary more between individuals. If you want high-quality protection that lasts as long as possible, getting vaccinated at least every six months if youre vulnerable, and every year if youre not, is probably the best way to do it. Most adults received their last booster dose in December, while 80 per cent of over- 75-year-olds had a spring booster. This means most people have gone between five and nine months without an extra dose. Q: What if a new variant crops up? Surely the booster wont be of much use? A: Experts say it is inevitable that the virus will eventually evolve into further strains that can evade our immune systems fighter cells. Unfortunately, this becomes more and more likely as greater numbers of us are somewhat protected. The virus is unlikely to stand still, says Jonathan Ball, Professor of Molecular Virology at the University of Nottingham. Omicron immunity [from vaccines] might push Covid down other evolutionary paths. However, experts are hopeful that unless there is a major shift in the virus, the boosters will still fight off severe disease from forthcoming variants. Experts say it is inevitable that the virus will eventually evolve into further strains that can evade our immune systems fighter cells. Unfortunately, this becomes more and more likely as greater numbers of us are somewhat protected Dr Ward says the proteins on the outside of viral cells the spike proteins are broadly similar regardless of variant, meaning all jabs will offer some protection in the future. The original vaccines have remained protective against severe disease despite various mutations, she says. It is true that we might see less robust effects with future variants in terms of infections, but it is likely theyll remain mild. Q: Do we really need a booster, as Covid seems to be disappearing again? A: You'd be forgiven for thinking an autumn booster was excessive. Last week it was announced that UK health chiefs had downgraded Britains Covid alert level to 2 the lowest it has been since the scoring system was introduced. This means the virus is still spreading but infections are either stable or in decline. Despite two large spikes in early summer, driven by the arrival of Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, infections and hospitalisations are firmly on a downward trend. Covid cases dropped below one million last week for the first time since June down 25 per cent from the week before. But the picture is likely to change as we reach the colder months. Previous years have seen cases surge as the temperature drops, blamed on more socialising taking place indoors. The main objective of the autumn booster programme is to prevent overwhelming pressure on the NHS this winter The main objective of the autumn booster programme is to prevent overwhelming pressure on the NHS this winter. Experts are expecting a surge in non-Covid respiratory illnesses such as flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Britons have had little exposure to these infections over the past two years, thanks to social restrictions. Now a resurgence is likely landing many older, vulnerable people in hospital. And with the NHS already almost at capacity, health chiefs want to avoid bouts of extra illness. Adam Finn, Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Bristol, said the boosters are designed to keep as many people as possible well and out of hospital, and to protect the NHS. Q: I have a health condition that means the jabs dont work as well. Is there any point in getting another booster? A: About 500,000 Britons do not respond to vaccines due to problems with their immune systems. This includes those with blood cancer, transplant patients and people who take medication that suppresses their immunity. Throughout the vaccination programme this group has received top-up jabs to boost their protection. The autumn booster for which this group have been prioritised will be the sixth jab they have been offered. Studies have shown that most of these patients, following extra doses given at more regular intervals, are able to reach the level of antibodies others get after a single jab. It is for this reason the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that these patients wait only eight weeks between doses, compared with 12 for everyone else. But for some of these people, no amount of vaccine will stop them becoming very ill with Covid. In people without a functioning immune system, vaccines simply dont work, says Dr Ward. A small number of people in this group mount no antibodies at all after three jabs. But evidence shows that giving patients an infusion of a treatment called Evusheld which contains Covid-specific antibodies before they become infected, is far more effective. According to data from the Office For National Statistics, between seven and nine per cent of triple-jabbed people will suffer Covid symptoms four to eight weeks after testing positive with Omicron Given once every six months, Evusheld can reduce the chance of infection by 80 per cent and severe disease by 50 per cent. But the Government refuses to approve the drug, claiming there is insufficient evidence the drug provides long-lasting protection against the Omicron variant. Charities and doctors are currently fighting against the decision. As it stands, a review isnt scheduled until April. It is an absolute disgrace, says Dr Ward. Health Secretaries of other nations have approved Evusheld, and there is no sound reason not to. Instead, health chiefs will keep telling these individuals to have vaccine after vaccine, and theyll continue to see no benefit. Q: Is it safe to have the flu jab at the same time as my booster? A: Yes. In fact, many surgeries and community hubs will be running dual clinics so you can have one shot in each arm. A review paper published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal last year concluded that there was no interference between the two vaccines. Despite anecdotal reports that the double-dose last year was linked to worse side effects, having both at the same time was deemed safe and effective. Some studies have also suggested that the Covid booster makes the flu jab more effective, and vice versa. Last week, pharmaceutical giant Moderna announced that it is developing a six-in-one superjab, which will protect against strains of Covid-19, flu and RSV in one shot. But bosses say well have to wait until winter of 2025 to get it. Q: What about long Covid will the booster protect me from that? A: Yes. According to data from the Office For National Statistics, between seven and nine per cent of triple-jabbed people will suffer Covid symptoms four to eight weeks after testing positive with Omicron. Other studies have shown that two jabs cut the risk of long Covid in half, compared with unjabbed or those with one dose. And experts say that there is real-life evidence that extra shots further slash the chances. Professor Danny Altmann, a virus expert from Imperial College London, says: Colleagues in Singapore, a country with a large peak of Omicron infections following a relatively mild early pandemic, talk of long Covid clinics without patients. Meanwhile, figures from the Office For National Statistics show long Covid cases have fallen to 1.8 million, from a peak of two million in May. Also, Australian data suggests that new-generation vaccines provide up to 85 per cent protection against symptomatic infection with any Omicron strain. And the lower the chance of infection, the smaller the risk of long Covid. I suffered from severe PMS when I was younger. Im 75 now, and thankfully thats all behind me, but my granddaughter, whos 19, now seems to be suffering the same problems, but worse. Im really concerned about her. Are there any new developments with regard to this problem? PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is the name for a collection of symptoms that women can experience in the weeks before their period. Thankfully, these days its recognised that if it interferes with work, relationships and everyday life, its a medical problem that should be treated. Recognised symptoms include depression, anxiety, mood swings, bloating, breast pain and brain fog that occur specifically in the second half of the menstrual cycle. PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is the name for a collection of symptoms that women can experience in the weeks before their period There is also a condition called PMDD premenstrual dysphoric disorder where the symptoms are more severe and can even involve suicidal thoughts. In either case, a GP should be able to help. It is helpful to take along a diary of the symptoms, so the monthly patterns can be seen. This is one way we can tell its not standard depression or another mental health problem. Regular sleep, meals and exercise are known to improve things, while contraceptive pills taken continuously can help tackle PMS. Cognitive behavioural therapy CBT is another highly effective treatment. In some cases, sessions can be taken online. A few years back I was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis in my lower back. I have been prescribed various pain relievers to little effect. My GP has now prescribed gabapentin, which does not dull the pain but does make me very sleepy. I also have a heart problem called atrial fibrillation, and this means my consultant refuses to operate on me. Im in agony to the point I find it difficult to walk. Is there anything that may help? Spondylolisthesis is when one of the bones of the spine, known as the vertebra, slips forward. This causes back pain thats particularly bad when walking or standing but is relieved when sitting or bending forward. It can also cause pain, numbness or tingling in the legs due to compression of the nerves that run through the back into the lower limbs. Treatment such as steroid injections and physiotherapy as well as painkillers would be the usual treatment for the more mild cases. Surgery would be carried out under general anaesthetic, so would certainly carry risks for somebody with heart problems. Gabapentin is a very specific type of painkiller which targets nerve related pain and should work in this instance. If it doesnt then it may be worth considering combining this with more mainstream painkillers like anti-inflammatories or paracetamol. Otherwise the medication needs to be stopped. It is never worth continuing taking a drug if it is not doing anything. There are other specific nerve painkillers, including pregabalin and amitriptyline, which may be worth trying. If the risks of the surgery outweigh the potential benefits, it may be worth a referral to a local pain clinic in order to access both drug and non-drug options such as osteopathy or acupuncture. If the pain has dramatically worsened or changed compared with the past few years, then it may be worth having a reassessment with the doctor or physio as another condition may have occurred. I am covered in moles and freckles. Recently Ive been spending time in the sun and Ive noticed a couple of the spots on my back are bigger than usual and slightly more raised. My GP said it is very important to keep a check on all my moles, but theres so many of them its hard to do. Should I get the bigger ones removed, just in case? Someone with a lot of moles and freckles should not be spending a lot of time in the sun in the first place. Any sun exposure should be with the full protection of light clothing, sun block of at least factor 50 as well as a hat in order to avoid the most risky UV rays. Do you have a question for Dr Ellie? Email DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk or write to Health, The Mail on Sunday, 2 Derry Street, London, W8 5TT. Dr Ellie can only answer in a general context and cannot respond to individual cases, or give personal replies. If you have a health concern, always consult your own GP. Advertisement The concerning features of changing moles include any differences in the symmetry, edge, colour or shape, as well as growing to more than half a centimetre in diameter. Other worrying signs would be if they look particularly different from all the other moles around them, or if theyre itching, oozing or bleeding. Anybody with a skin lesion that looks like it has grown or changed should always have this checked by their GP. This is very easy nowadays as a GP will often look at digital photographs you take yourself. People with lots of moles should get used to checking them in the mirror regularly using previous photos to compare against is always a good idea. If this is too awkward, there are also private High Street mole scanning services available who will do this sort of thing for a fee. Removing large moles just in case isnt a good plan: its not always the large ones that become concerning. Surgery could be worthless and, worse, offer false reassurance. Measure Therese only by the size of her successes I have never been backward in criticising Health Ministers for their shortcomings, but I wholly reject the jibes being directed at the new Secretary of State Therese Coffey. Social media has been awash with comments about her body shape, the fact shes fond of a few drinks and was once seen smoking a cigar. The implication is shes unfit for the job which is drivel. Being a paragon of fitness neither disqualifies nor qualifies someone to work in the health arena. We should all be more concerned with her approach to policy and she has her work cut out. I have never been backward in criticising Health Ministers for their shortcomings, but I wholly reject the jibes being directed at the new Secretary of State Therese Coffey. Being a paragon of fitness neither disqualifies nor qualifies someone to work in the health arena. We should all be more concerned with her approach to policy and she has her work cut out Emergency services are bursting at the seams, theres a Covid vaccine booster and flu jab programme to roll out, nurses and junior doctors are threatening strikes and there are unprecedented pressures on mental health teams, GPs and hospitals. And its not even winter. Managing the NHS is a gargantuan task and there is so much that could be done better. This is what Ill be keeping a close eye on, not anyones size. How grief brings us together Grief is usually a solitary, even lonely, experience. But it is one that touches us all. Few of us could say they knew the Queen in any way. But many people I know, and many who are commenting on social media, have expressed surprise at the depth of sadness theyve felt these past few days. And its not all that surprising. The death of such a loved figure reminds us of those we have lost or fear losing. And, on these occasions, grief becomes something we can share. Colleagues have also spoken of what a good death it appears the Queen had. It is so important, at the end of life, to be where we want to be. Knowing everything was done to make this possible also helps families come to terms with their loss. If you are struggling with grief, GPs are able to give referrals for bereavement counselling. Experts have forecasted a spike in prostate cancer deaths over the next few years a hangover from the thousands of cases that were missed during the Covid pandemic. Cancer specialists have blamed the lack of face-to-face GP appointments for the predicted rise, which meant tell-tale signs going unnoticed. An analysis of NHS data shows that the number of prostate cancers diagnosed late when the disease has spread have risen by three per cent since 2020. The report, by the leading charity Prostate Cancer UK, also noted a four per cent increase in the number of cases spotted in A&E. Cancer specialists have blamed the lack of face-to-face GP appointments for the predicted rise, which meant tell-tale signs going unnoticed When cancer is diagnosed in an emergency situation, it is often at an advanced stage, when it causes painful symptoms When cancer is diagnosed in an emergency situation, it is often at an advanced stage, when it causes painful symptoms. Meanwhile, the total number of middle-aged men diagnosed with prostate cancer is four per cent lower than doctors would expect over two years, suggesting cases have been missed. The authors, who will present the data today at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress, say the figures suggest at least 14,000 British men are living with undiagnosed prostate cancer. This data is very worrying and shows how vital it is that more is done to raise awareness of prostate cancer particularly among younger men, says Chiara De Biase, a director of Prostate Cancer UK. At least 14,000 fewer men were diagnosed during the pandemic, and we now know that unless things change, were facing the prospect of worsening health outcomes for men. Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in the UK and will affect one in eight British men during their lifetime. By far the biggest risk factor is age its most common in men over 75. Genetics also play a role, with tumours far more likely to strike men with a direct family member who has also been affected. And prostate cancer is more common in black males than white or Asian men. Unlike many cancers, prostate cancer is not clearly linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity or smoking. In general, the prognosis is good, with 84 per cent of patients surviving ten years or more. But it still kills 11,500 men a year. Unlike many cancers, prostate cancer is not clearly linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity or smoking. In general, the prognosis is good, with 84 per cent of patients surviving ten years or more. But it still kills 11,500 men a year Roughly 15 per cent of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer have surgery to remove the tumour, and a third undergo radiotherapy. Chemotherapy is less commonly given, with three per cent of patients having the treatment. As the prostate gland sits just below the bladder, aggressive treatment carries some risk of incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Newer therapies which involve blasting the prostate with ultrasound waves or using freezing needles have aimed to reduce these problems, although there is not enough evidence yet to suggest they become standard offerings on the NHS. All those who have prostate cancer diagnosed at its earliest stage will survive their disease for one year or more. However, if it is picked up once the cancer is advanced and has spread outside the prostate, the likelihood of surviving more than five years is only 50 per cent. When prostate cancer is diagnosed in A&E, survival rates are markedly lower than those picked up at a GP appointment. For this reason, early diagnosis of prostate cancer is crucial. The disease is almost always spotted first using a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This is a blood test that can spot possible cancer cells and is typically carried out by a GP. Patients whose PSA test shows a worrying result will then be referred to a cancer specialist. GPs usually dont wait for the symptoms of prostate cancer to arise before offering the test to men. Instead, they will often ask men over the age of 45 if theyd like to do a PSA test when they visit their surgery for other unrelated issues. Cancer experts say restricted access to GPs during the Covid pandemic meant that far fewer PSA tests were carried out, and, as a result, less prostate cancer diagnoses were made. GPs tend to carry out PSA tests opportunistically, says Professor Joe OSullivan, oncologist at Queens University Belfast. You might go in with a bad knee, and your GP will give you a PSA test while youre there. But with far fewer GP appointments taking place face-to-face during the pandemic, these opportunities to test for the disease were drastically reduced. Were now seeing a rise in prostate cancers being picked up at a late stage, and this is without a doubt because of a reduction in GP appointments. Airlines face a bleak winter after the end of Government support, a summer of cancellations and rising costs, analysts have warned. Firms battling staff shortages and soaring fuel prices struggled to meet a surge in demand over the peak holiday period. Now the next three months will be a fragile time that could usher in a string of failures if travellers facing higher household bills cut back on flying. Autumn is traditionally the most painful season for airlines, when they must settle bills and invest in the coming year even as demand dwindles. Monarch collapsed in October 2017 and Thomas Cook followed in September 2019. City broker Bernstein said in a report: 'The pandemic has brought few airline failures in Europe, with state support and furlough schemes keeping many from collapsing. That may be about to change.' At risk: The next three months will heap pressure on airlines across Europe Jet fuel is nearly double what it cost before the pandemic, while almost all major airlines have been forced to increase wages to combat staff shortages. 'Winter 2022-23 looks set to be one of the worst in memory,' said the report. 'September heralds the beginning of bankruptcy season. 'After the summer is over, airlines often enter into a period of losses and limited cashflows, as demand ebbs with the weather, and children return to school.' Bernstein said airlines in Central and Eastern Europe were at the highest risk. The report said the low-cost Irish airline Ryanair and Wizz Air could be among the biggest beneficiaries of a fallout. Ryanair was also listed as among the European carriers best prepared for the squeeze, followed by easyJet, Jet2, British Airways owner IAG and the lowest ranked of the London-listed stocks travel firm TUI. But even Ryanair recently warned of an 'extremely challenging' winter as it withdrew planes from a Brussels airport. Bernstein assigned airlines a 'survival score', though there is no suggestion any UK firms are in financial difficulty. Bernstein's score ranges from zero to 100. Ryanair received 92 while Tui was handed 60. However FTSE 250-listed Tui ranked higher than a large number of other smaller airlines that fly to the UK, including Finnair, Norwegian and Blue Air. The lowest was France's ASL with a score of zero. It has been a chaotic recovery for travel firms since Covid restrictions were eased earlier this year. Cancellations and queues have littered airports across Europe, with Heathrow among the worst hit. Last week, Gatwick's chief financial officer Jim Butler said he was 'cautious about what we might see in the winter or next year'. He said economic uncertainty could 'impact the overall propensity for travel' as the industry faces ongoing staff shortages and rising fuel costs. Heathrow recently came under fire for trying to introduce a new charge for airlines. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents the largest airlines, accused the airport of trying to 'squeeze more money' from companies already struggling with sky-high costs. California is in the grips of a deadly crisis! No, not the weeks-long 100-degree-plus temperatures blanketing the state. Heat waves come and go. I'm talking about something far more insidious. The state is being strangled to death in the clench of a 'climate cult.' All week every Californian with a cellphone has been receiving desperate text messages pleading with them to 'turn off your appliances' and turn down their air conditioning. Governor Gavin Newsom has been sending plaintive pleas thanking us for complying and urging us to continue with the rationing measures. You see -- California's electricity grid cannot cope with the additional demands put upon it by the hot weather. Newsom assures us our compliance will ensure that 'we can get through this together.' Governor Gavin Newsom (above) has been sending plaintive pleas thanking us for complying and urging us to continue with the rationing measures. Get through what? A stretch of hot days in the summer is nothing new, despite Newsom's false claims of 'unprecedented' temperatures. The last comparable heat wave occurred in 1988. That's not exactly ancient history. No, the real reason that California a state that ranks as the world's fifth largest economy cannot power its citizens' homes is that for years Newsom and far-left Democrats have waged war on energy in the name of fighting climate change. For them, the only thing that matters is pushing forward, with all the zeal of the religious fanatic, a crazed and irrational anti-energy, anti-human agenda. Reliable sources of electricity, like gas-burning power stations and nuclear power, have been undermined, while renewable alternatives like wind and solar have been encouraged through regulation and subsidy. Let's be clear, the climate is changing, and I have always supported reasonable, balanced policies to address that reality. I also back the sensible use and development of renewables. But I and millions of Californians are not willing to plunge ourselves and our children into hot and dangerous darkness in the pursuit of a vague, self-righteous, ill-conceived crusade that won't even deliver its stated objectives. There is zero evidence that California's self-sacrifice will amount to any meaningful reduction in global warning. In any case, there has been no long-term increase in heatwave frequency or severity in the U.S. over the last century, and deaths from heatwaves have fallen significantly - mainly because of the increased availability of air conditioning. All week every Californian with a cellphone has been receiving desperate text messages pleading with them to 'turn off your appliances' and turn down their air conditioning. But the climate cultists are telling us to turn our air conditioning off! Isn't that proof that the headlong retreat from reliable energy has gone too far? Apparently, not for the high priests of the 'climate crisis', as they call it. 'We understand we cannot have the lights go off,' Siva Gunda, vice chair of the California Energy Commission told The Washington Post. 'But the fear of these questions being brought up is not a reason to slow down from what we know is morally and societally what we need to do.' There it is in black and white. It is moral to cripple energy production. Unbelievably, in the midst of this entirely self-created crisis California is doubling down. The latest centerpiece is the program to force the electrification of our economy with bans on gas cookers in new homes, and, most famously, banning gas cars by 2035. Electric vehicles for all! But in potentially the cruelest and most inept recent edict, Californians with electric vehicles were told not to charge their cars. To complete the picture of chaos and confusion, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Isaac Sanchez pleaded with people to ignore that command, with parts of the state under wildfire evacuation warnings. 'We recommend cars are fully charged and ready to go. If that's your means of evacuation and if you don't do it, you are unable to evacuate, life safety is a priority. At least it is to us,' Sanchez told Newsweek. 'Our priority is always to err on the side of life safety.' Exactly. But 'life' is not a priority for the demented 'climate' zealots who have brought California to this sorry state of affairs. They have even contributed to the very wildfires which they use as an excuse to push ahead with their agenda. By forcing utilities like Northern California's PG&E to spend money on vanity 'climate' projects, vital ongoing maintenance work has been neglected. Time and again, investigations have shown that faulty equipment has been the cause of the most damaging wildfires. The tragedy of all this - and the warning to the rest of America - is that it is all so unnecessary. Like America as a whole, California has abundant energy reserves, especially natural gas, which we could be using to reliably power our economy and society while reducing carbon emissions. Instead, we're pathetically muddling through with a combination of rationing and the import of far dirtier fossil fuels from some of the world's worst regimes. We all shuddered at the revolting spectacle of Biden's 'fist-bump of shame' with Mohammed Bin Salman, the Butcher of Saudi Arabia. In potentially the cruelest and most inept recent edict, Californians with electric vehicles were told not to charge their cars. To complete the picture of chaos and confusion, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Isaac Sanchez pleaded with people to ignore that command, with parts of the state under wildfire evacuation warnings. 'Life' is not a priority for the demented 'climate' zealots who have brought California to this sorry state of affairs. Now the Saudis are throwing it back in Biden's face with a pledge to cut production instead of increasing it, in order to keep prices high. It is a truly grotesque abdication of U.S. leadership. Yet these Democrat politicians have the nerve to claim that their disastrous and shambolic energy policies are somehow to be admired and replicated. Newsom brags that where California leads, the nation will follow - a sentiment recently echoed by Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and one that should terrify all Americans. If Democrats in California - or at the national level - really wanted to do that, they would give a massive boost to the most reliable form of clean energy we have, nuclear power. Instead in California after years of demonization we just saw a grudging reprieve for our last remaining nuclear power station, Diablo Canyon, with zero long-term investment and nothing from Biden but a token commitment. When you consider the astonishing incoherence and deep destructiveness of the Democrats' energy policies, you inevitably conclude that they are truly in the grip of a 'climate' cult. Anti-science, anti-human, inconsistent even on its own termsit is all one giant, self-indulgent exercise in elitist virtue-signaling, and as usual ordinary Americans are left in the dark. Newspapers across Europe also paid tribute to the late British monarch The UK flag only appears at the Elysee when a high-level dignitary is visiting Mr Macron made the address in front of flags of France, the EU and the UK Emmanuel Macron broke from official protocol yesterday to deliver a touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in English. The French presidents address from the Elysee Palace in Paris praised the monarchs wisdom and empathy, adding we all feel an emptiness. To you, she was your Queen. To us, she was the Queen, the French leader said during the three-minute speech posted on social media. Elizabeth II mastered our language, loved our culture and touched our hearts. From her coronation on, she knew and spoke with all of our presidents. No other country had the privilege of welcoming her as many times as we did. Mr Macron made the address in front of the French and EU flags, as well as a Union Jack. The British flag appears at the Elysee only when a high-level dignitary from the UK is present. Mr Macron made the address in front of the French and EU flags, as well as a Union Jack. The British flag appears at the Elysee only when a high-level dignitary from the UK is present Mr Macron sat near the Queen during the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Portsmouth in June 5, 2019 President Joe Biden, pictured with his wife Jill signed a book of condolences in the White House Even members of the New York Yankees stood during a moment of silence before their game against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium Members of a ballet company laid flowers outside the British embassy in Tokyo Mr Macron made his speech in English standing in front of the flags of France, the EU and the UK French daily Le Figaro carried the headline Goodbye to the Queen, praising her as a rock for her kingdom after seven decades of devoted public service. It praised Her Majestys command of the French language and her old-fashioned elegance. Lets face it, a front-page editorial said, the willingly rebellious French, the heir to a people who once executed their king, often found themselves secretly admiring her dignity, and perhaps even envying this country whose queen was a remarkable woman. Left-wing newspaper Liberation carried on its front page an elegant black-and-white photo of the Queen in her younger years, draped in a black cape, and the headline Englands sorrow. A universal icon, she has gone through a century of history without ever weakening, without ever giving up, the paper said. The cover of a special edition of the glossy celebrity magazine Paris Match described the Queens death as the end of a world. In Germany, best-selling daily Bild wrote the world is crying for the Queen, while the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung said the monarch encapsulated normality and the fulfilment of duty. Sydney commemorated the queen by projecting her image onto the world famous opera house The Milan-based Corriere della Sera newspaper described Her Majesty as a leader par excellence. Elizabeth II has always remained true to herself, even to the point where she sometimes seemed alienated from the present, the Right-wing daily wrote. The affection felt in these hours shows that it is not always necessary to be fashionable to earn esteem and sympathy. Leaders and politicians not only in Britain should keep this in mind. Spains El Pais said that for more than 70 years the Queen maintained the neutrality that guaranteed the continuity of the British crown. Dutch tabloid De Telegraaf hailed the great-grandmother of 12 as a global icon . Its front-page headline was: A Queen in the whole worlds hearts. The papers lead editorial said the monarch was a rock for many British people during turbulent times. Newspapers across Europe and the world carried front page tributes to Her Majesty The Volkskrant said the Queen was like a grandmother and mother to the British, adding: She was always there for the people, in good times and bad. Right-leaning Belgian daily Le Soir stated on its front page that she was simply the Queen of the century. Is this the end of an era? the paper asked. The fact that the Queen survived everything, everyone, provided proof that the worlds house of cards could shake but never crumble. What now? Australias Sydney Morning Herald claimed the worlds most famous and admired woman leaves behind a fractured and fraying kingdom. In a dispatch filed from London, the newspaper said the Queens passing was a hammer blow to the British psyche. Monuments and public buildings across Australia were lit up with images of Her Majesty after a 96-gun salute had been held in Canberra. Prime minister Anthony Albanese said the tributes reflected the light she brought to so many. But some republicans refused to wait until the official mourning period ends before calling for Australia to ditch the Royal Family. Our thoughts are with her family and all who loved her. Now Australia must move forward, Australian Greens Party leader Adam Bandt said on Twitter. Chinese president Xi Jinping lamented the Queens passing, saying: Her death is a great loss to the British people. German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier said: Britain held out the hand of reconciliation to Germany, and the hand of reconciliation was also the Queens hand. He called a state visit by the Queen to West Germany in 1965 one of the most important and powerful symbols of post-war friendship. ...except Putin mouthpiece Vladimir Putin propagandist Margarita Simonyan has lashed out at the global outpouring of tributes for the Queen, saying her death was receiving too much attention. The 42-year-old boss of the Kremlin-backed RT channel sent out the bizarre missive on her Telegram channel late on Thursday night. Colleagues, lets finish up with the amount of news about the Queen, Miss Simonyan wrote. She died. Well, rest in peace. We all die. The self-styled journalists channel has been banned across most of the EU for peddling fake news and conspiracy theories. The RIA news agency, another Kremlin mouthpiece, suggested that the future of the country was in doubt. The death of the Queen calls into question the very existence of the United Kingdom, it claimed. The Kremlin confirmed that Putin would not travel to Britain for the funeral. Scott Morrison has recalled the moment the Queen became excited 'like a schoolgirl' when he gifted her a signed biography of retired champion racehorse Winx. The former prime minister presented Queen Elizabeth II with the gift during a visit with his wife Jenny to Buckingham Palace in June 2019. Mr Morrison had been granted an audience after leading the Coalition government to victory at the federal election. He admitted he was nervous and had no idea what gift he should present to the Queen so he turned to former Liberal prime minister John Howard for advice. The former prime minister presented Queen Elizabeth II with the signed biography of Winx during a visit with his wife Jenny to Buckingham Palace in June 2019 (pictured) Scott Morrison recalled the moment the Queen became excited 'like a schoolgirl' when he gifted her a signed biography of retired champion racehorse Winx (pictured) 'And he said, 'mate she loves horses, she loves her horses', and so you know, we came up with the idea of the Winx biography,' he told Sky News on Friday. 'And so we brought it along and I had it in the little bag there as we met, we were bowing and holding this bag. 'We mentioned it to her and she was pretty keen to sort of pull it out. She pulls it out, like a schoolgirl, she's flicking through and looking at the photos.' Winx is an Australian thoroughbred racehorse that won 33 consecutive races between May 2015 and her retirement in April 2019. Horses were among the passions of the Queen with many close to her believing she was never happier than when she was on a racecourse watching her mares. In 2013, her filly Estimate won the Ascot Gold Cup, with jockey Ryan Moore on board. Queen Elizabeth II loved seeing them race and loved making breeding plans for her horses at the Royal Studs. There were hand-written letters each autumn to her trainers detailing the yearlings they were being sent. She also loved the trips in the spring to see them and their trainers as well as the hours just chatting with the people who looked after her horses. Horses were among the passions of the Queen with many close to her believing she was never happier than when she was on a racecourse watching her mares (pictured, Queen Elizabeth II chatting with jockeys at Randwick racecourse in 1970) Mr Morrison told SkyNews he was nervous and had no idea what gift he should present to the Queen so he turned to former Liberal prime minister John Howard for advice Mr Morrison said she 'really lit up' when he spoke to her about her love for horses. Mr Howard said her passion and knowledge of the animal was evident when he met the Queen during a trip to Windsor Castle as prime minister in 1997. 'I mentioned something about Winx and, of course, her eyes lit up,' he told ABC. 'I'd really struck a great chord. I think she had more knowledge of Winx than I did. 'I mean, I knew a little bit about Winx, but I didn't pretend that I'd had a Bob Hawke-like knowledge of it.' Mr Morrison said Australians should spare 'a thought and a prayer' for King Charles as he steps up to lead the British monarchy after the loss of his mother. Under royal protocol Charles immediately went from being Prince of Wales to King Charles III, head of the British royal family, when his mother's 70-year reign suddenly ended. Mr Morrison said Australians should spare 'a thought and a prayer' for King Charles as he steps up to lead the British monarchy after the loss of his mother (Pictured, Charles kisses his mother's hand during her Jubilee Celebrations) 'Spare a thought for King Charles III, when we heard him speak at the jubilee celebrations, I think he referred to [the Queen] as mummy,' Mr Morrison told Sky News. 'That showed an affection in the relationship that was quite touching. 'And I do really feel for King Charles at the moment. Here he is stepping into this great moment of history in his own life and in the world's history but he's dealing with the grieving process of his ''mummy''. And that must be very hard for him. 'So I think as a country we should be sparing a thought and prayer for King Charles III and the whole family this is a great loss to their family, an earthquaking loss, and we're all with you.' UN global congress vows to support terrorism victims Xinhua) 16:38, September 10, 2022 UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The first United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism concluded Friday at the UN headquarters in New York with a commitment to strengthen support for terrorism victims. Themed "Advancing the Rights and Needs of Victims of Terrorism," the congress aims to adopt a victim-centric approach to countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism, said a press release of its organizer, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. More than 600 participants, including close to 100 victims of terrorism from 25 countries across the globe, attended the congress in person. The congress concluded with the presentation of the chair's summary by Vladimir Voronkov, the under-secretary-general for counter-terrorism. In his remarks, Voronkov reiterated a three-pronged approach to promote the rights of victims of terrorism and better support their financial, legal, medical, and psychosocial needs. The chair's summary also foresees the launch of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism Victims of Terrorism Association Network in 2023, which would bring together victims, victims associations and civil society organizations to further the rights of victims and survivors of terrorism. The Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism is a critical first milestone towards strengthened global solidarity in highlighting the support to victims of terrorism. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Bianji) King Charles III, who assumed the throne of Britain the next day when Queen Elizabeth II passed away, came back to London from Scotland on Friday and vowed to serve the people of Britain "with loyalty, respect, and love, as I have throughout my life." While the king's address marked the end of a national day of sorrow in Britain, it also served as a striking illustration of the monarchy's enduring character. Just four days after the queen appointed Liz Truss as prime minister at Balmoral Castle in her final formal act of her seven-decade reign, he had a meeting with her. King Charles III Pledges To Serve With "Loyalty, Respect, and Love" As his bereaved eulogy for his mother and solemn oath of loyalty, Charles' broadcast eulogy for Queen Elizabeth II was both dignified and intensely emotional. "Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived, a promise with destiny kept," he remarked. The 73-year-old king said, "I, too, now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation." Per NY Times, he was referring to Queen Elizabeth II's promise made on her 21st birthday to serve her people for the rest of her life, "whether it be long or short." Charles will no longer be able to devote his time as king to the charitable endeavors or public policy concerns, such as climate change, that kept him busy during his protracted reign. He will take on his mother's unusual duty instead: that of serving as the country's imperial emblem while remaining primarily ceremonial and absolutely outside of politics. The connection between the head of state and the head of government of Britain, which under the queen went all the way back to Winston Churchill, her first prime minister, enters a new chapter with Charles' ascension. It also heralded the beginning of a new royal style, headed by a monarch who has made it clear he wishes to change the place of his family in British society. Read Also: Queen Elizabeth II: Timeline of Her Royal Reign and Most Notable Accomplishments as Britain's Monarch King Charles III Honors Queen Elizabeth II King Charles III gave a very personal address about his family at this time of mourning, which was filled with raw emotion. The headline said that Prince William and Kate Middleton will pass the Welsh throne on to the next generation by becoming Prince and Princess of Wales. He spoke of his "profound sorrow" at the loss of his mother, the Queen, and her "life well lived" and her "sacrifices for duty," remaining steadfastly true to her sense of service through decades of significant social change. But perhaps more movingly, he paid tribute to two women at the center of his life - his "darling wife," Camilla, and his mother, BBC reported. The new King also complimented his wife Camilla for her "steadfast devotion," underscoring the crucial and indisputable role she will play in his life. Additionally, "Harry and Meghan as they continue to establish their life overseas" were mentioned with fondness. Another unmistakable message was that King Charles would be on the throne for "the remaining time God provides me" and that he was in it for the long haul. However, it was a significant speech that established the tone and was devoid of any ostentatiousness, offering to serve rather than to control. Shakespeare and religion, two of his interests, were also mentioned. Although nothing in the royal society happens by mistake, the address from Buckingham Palace had its own specific intentional symbolism. He spoke in front of an arrangement of sweet peas and rosemary intended to symbolize recollection in a room that his mother used for Christmas messaging. King Charles III Mentions Prince Harry, Meghan Markle In his first speech to Britain and the world as king, King Charles III mentioned Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and he extended an olive branch to them. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sensationally left their front-line royal duties and moved to California two years ago, throwing the monarchy into crisis during the last years of the Queen's reign. After boarding an early-morning BA aircraft, Prince Harry arrived at Heathrow this lunchtime when he consoled an airport employee by placing a comforting hand on her shoulder after she expressed her sympathies. Despite the brief visit, the Sussexes are not scheduled to return to California until after the state burial, which is now anticipated to be 10 days from now on Monday, September 19. Per Daily Mail, Prince Harry departed Balmoral after spending 12 hours grieving his grandmother with his father and brother. Last night, the Duke of Sussex was the last royal to arrive at the castle in Aberdeenshire, and he was the first to depart this morning. Although the duke has moved up from sixth to fifth in line to the throne, his titles have not altered, and he is still too far down the line of succession to ever be expected to be king. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's titles have also remained the same. Archie and Lilibet are now prince and princess since they are the grandchildren of a king. However, it is unknown if they will use the titles, as they were not born with such rights. Related Article: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet: Will Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Return to Royal Palace Now That Children Have HRH Titles? @YouTube @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Advertisement Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, National Geographic has released a stunning collection of rarely seen photos from its archives, depicting her across an extraordinary life. Capturing poignant occasions from across the Queen's seven-decade reign, the photos depict a range of everyday moments, Royal ceremonies, and state visits. As the UK enters a period of mourning and the world looks back on the Queen's legacy, these images capture what King Charles III described as a 'life of service'. In his first address as king on Friday, Charles said: 'Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never waivered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.' Queen Elizabeth drives to a Sunday church service at her beloved Windsor Castle in 1979 -- though she never had a driver's license. As sovereign, Elizabeth was the only person in Britain who could legally drive without a license or plates. But she was well-trained as a driver and mechanic with the Royal Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II, when she drove ambulances, trucks, and other large vehicles Queen Elizabeth II stands at the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral as the casket of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill leaves during his funeral in 1965. Churchill was the incumbent prime minister when Elizabeth became queen in 1952, and she went on to have at total of 15 PMs, including Liz Truss whom she appointed on Tuesday Queen Elizabeth II looks at her oldest son Charles during his Investiture ceremony as the Prince of Wales in Gwynedd, Wales on July 1, 1969. During the reading of the letters patent in Welsh, the Queen invested Charles with the ceremonial girdle, sword, coronet, ring, rod and kingly mantle. Prince Charles then declared: 'I, Charles, Prince of Wales, do become your liege man of life and limb and of earthly worship, and faith and truth I will bear unto thee, to live and die against all manner of folks' Queen Elizabeth II receives mementos from various personalities in Bryd Stadium during a Maryland vs. North Carolina football game at College Park, Maryland, on October 19, 1957. The Queen specifically requested to see an American football game during her first state visit to America. The Maryland Terrapins defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 21-7 Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, disembark from a wooden yacht in Suva, Fiji in December 1953, shortly after she became queen. They spent three days in Fiji, then a British colony, as part of a six-month tour of the Commonwealth, the longest Royal tour of her seven-decade reign. Fijian leaders greeted the Queen with silence, a mark of great respect there Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles wave from a balcony to the crowd at his 1969 Investiture as the Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle. For centuries, the title has been held by the heir apparent to the British throne, and following the Queen's death, King Charles III named Prince William the new Prince of Wales For additional photos from the archives and more on this story, visit National Geographic. The coast guard suspended his license for 9 months. He never returned to sea The spill killed wildlife and ecosystems coating 1,500 miles of the Alaskan coastline and spurred Oil Pollution Act 1990 The captain at the helm of one of America's worst environmental disasters, which saw close to 11 million gallons of crude oil spill into pristine Alaskan waters and cost about $1.85 billion to clean up, has died at age 75. Joseph Hazelwood has become synonymous with the Alaskan oil spill, which coated 1,500 miles of the Gulf of Alaska coastline in March 1989, killing wildlife and destroying ecosystems. The news of Hazelwood's passing was first reported by a trade publication in July but was not picked up by national outlets for six weeks. Hazelwood, a 75-year-old mariner who lived in Huntington, New York, on Long Island was struggling with COVID-19 and cancer at the time of his death, his nephew told the New York Times. Hazelwood was the captain of the Exxon Valdez when it ran aground on Alaska's Bligh Reef and had been found to be intoxicated at the time. Joseph Hazelwood (pictured in 2014), the captain of the tanker Exxon Valdez, which ran aground on an Alaskan reef in March 1989 has died age 75 Hazelwood was the captain of the Exxon Valdez (pictured right) when it ran aground on Alaska's Bligh Reef and had been found to be intoxicated at the time of the spill. The 75-year-old mariner (left) who lived in Huntington, New York, on Long Island was struggling with COVID-19 and cancer at the time of his death An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the probable cause of the grounding was the failure of the third mate to properly maneuver the vessel because of fatigue and excessive workload. Hazelwood had not been on the bridge at the time of the incident, but the investigation found that his failure to provide a proper navigation watch was due to alcohol impairment. The Exxon Shipping Company, an Exxon Corporation subsidiary, also failed to provide a fit captain and a rested and sufficient crew. The NTSB also found a lack of effective Vessel Traffic Service and pilotage services. Hazelwood was the captain of the Exxon Valdez when it ran aground on Alaska's Bligh Reef and had been found to be intoxicated at the time of the spill (pictured) The spill exterminated wildlife across the Gulf coastline and spread across 1,500 miles Thousands of people helped in the cleanup effort but it was still one of America's biggest environmental disasters to date The oil slick covered rich fishing areas and destroyed habitats spurring the Congress to pass the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 A jury acquitted Hazelwood of a felony charge of operating a vessel while intoxicated but convicted him of a misdemeanor charge for negligently discharging oil. Hazelwood was slapped with a $50,000 fine and had to conduct 1,000 hours of community service while the coast guard suspended his license for 9 months, but he never returned to the sea. Congress passed the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 due to the spill which streamlined and strengthened the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to prevent and respond to catastrophic oil spills. Thousands of workers and volunteers helped to clean up after the oil spill, but despite desperate efforts, the spill exterminated much of native wildlife, including salmon, herring, sea otters, bald eagles, and killer whales. In an interview with CNN in 2014, Hazelwood said he had requested permission to cross over the separation zone and that there had been ice in the lane. 'Two ships prior to me had done it,' he said. 'I went down to my office I had some paperwork to fill out and had to look at the latest weather, the turn was initiated it was just initiated late.' Talking to the New York Times in 1999 Hazelwood said while he felt remorse, the crime was the lowest you could get in Alaska. A jury acquitted Hazelwood of a felony charge of operating a vessel while intoxicated but convicted him of a misdemeanour charge for negligently discharging oil Hazelwood was fined $50,000 conducted 1,000 hours of community service after the spill (pictured) while the coast guard suspended his license for 9 months, but never returned to sea The native wildlife, including salmon, herring, sea otters, bald eagles and killer whales were affected The spill covered the coastline with a greasy oily residue which blackened the region 'As master of the vessel, I accept responsibility for the vessel and the actions of my subordinates,' he said. 'I've never tried to avoid that. I'm not some remorseless oaf. 'But the crime I was convicted of is a B misdemeanor. There's no lower crime in the state of Alaska. The judge had to come up with a sentence. I can understand it. I don't have to agree with it.' Hazelwood was born on September 24, 1946, in Hawkinsville, Georgia, and graduated from Huntington High School, and received a bachelor's degree in marine transportation from the State University of New York Maritime College in the Bronx in 1968. By age 32 he was the youngest captain working for Exxon. The maritime college hired Hazelwood as a teacher aboard the training ship Empire State V a year after the Exxon Valdez spill. While living on Long Island, he later worked as a paralegal and maritime consultant for Chalos & Brown, which had represented him in his legal cases. A Sudanese-Australian activist has been issued a deadly warning from a visiting Sudanese minister after she slammed the military regime as 'corrupt'. Nazik Osman, who fled from Sudan with her family in 2001, was told by Sudan's Minerals Minister that 'we would beat you until you begged us to stop' after she heckled his entourage as they attended a mining conference in Perth. Pictured: Sudanese-Australian actvist Nazik Osman, who fled from Sudan in 2001 Mohamed Bashir Abunammu was captured making the chilling remark during a live broadcast on Ms Osman's Facebook page earlier this month. 'Sudan regime is a criminal regime,' she repeats as they walk towards a building. She calls for the country's leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to be brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC) because he is 'corrupt' and a 'criminal'. The senior minister is captured turning to the activist and telling her: 'If you weren't here, we would beat you until you begged us to stop'. Ms Osman believes Mr Abunammu should be barred from re-entering Australia and said her right to feel safe and to protest should be protected. The former lawyer and activist has complained to both the Australian Federal Police and the Western Australia Police. Sudan's Minerals Minister Mohamed Bashir Abunammu (pictured right in the blue suit) was captured making the chilling remark during a live broadcast on Ms Osman's Facebook page 'I see [the threat] as a violation of the sovereignty of my country when a foreign official comes and threatens me as a citizen,' she told the ABC. 'He shouldn't be allowed to come to Australia. If he's not respecting the citizens, and if he's not respecting the values of this country, he shouldn't be allowed to enter.' Ms Osman believes Mr Abunammu (pictured) should be barred from re-entering Australia and said her right to feel safe and to protest should be protected Ms Osman said she had been protesting the 'exploitation of Sudanese gold and other minerals' and said ministerial deals were only lining the pockets of the militias. 'We know that these deals they make to buy weapons and to buy bullets to kill the Sudanese people,' she said. Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in 2019 and replaced with a 'transitional' coalition government formed by civilians and military figures. Last October, the military took complete control and threw Sudan into turmoil with revolutionary forces seen protesting across the country. Bashir remains in prison, serving a minimum two-year sentence after being convicted of money laundering and corruption in 2019. Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Tim Watts said he met 'briefly' with Mr Abunammu at the conference, adding the government would take seriously any threat made by a foreign official or representative towards an Australian citizen. Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in 2019 and replaced with a 'transitional' coalition government (pictured left is Sudanese Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim) 'Under Australian law, any threats could constitute an illegal offence and should be directed to the police,' he told the ABC. 'During a brief meeting with Minister Basheer Abdalla while in Perth, I emphasised the importance of a return to a civilian-led government in Sudan, which would bring much-needed stability.' Ms Osman said the threat had reminded her of other acts of violence or intimidation enacted by the Sudanese government on her family. She said her husband had been tortured by authorities and their house raided several times and that the couple still received threats 20 years later. The activist said she doesn't want other protestors of other backgrounds to feel afraid to speak out against 'corrupt' governments. A 21-year-old visiting New York City from St. Louis was hoodwinked and then raped by a man offering to help her in a New York City subway station at Times Square as crime continues to be a huge problem in the Big Apple. The woman was at the hub at the 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue station on September 1 at around 3 a.m. when her attacker showed up. The man initially struck up a conversation and said he was going to help show her around the station, which leads to several lines on the New York City subway. After riding with her to a few stations before stopping at an ending location, he brought her to the end of a platform near a tunnel and raped her, according to the NYPD. The 21-year-old victim was sent to Bellevue Hospital for treatment after the assault. Her condition is unclear. A 21-year-old visiting New York City from St. Louis was hoodwinked and then raped by a man offering to help her in a New York City subway station at Times Square as crime continues to be a huge problem in the Big Apple The woman was at the hub at the 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue station on September 1 at around 3 a.m. when her attacker showed up The man initially said he was going to help show her around the station, which leads to several lines on the New York City subway. After riding with her to a few stations before stopping at an ending location, he brought her to the end of a platform near a tunnel and raped her, according to the NYPD The alleged attacker was still at large as of Friday morning, police said. The NYPD put out an artist's sketch of him late Thursday, describing the unidentified man as dark-skinned, with facial hair and a forehead scar. He was last seen wearing burgundy and gold shorts, as well as black and white Crocs. This comes as crime continues to be a huge problem in the Big Apple under new Mayor Eric Adams, who ran on a promise to stop rising crime. Rapes are up 9.9 percent in New York City through September 4 compared to the already high rates in 2021. The NYPD put out an artist's sketch of him on late Thursday, describing the unidentified man as dark-skinned, with facial hair and a forehead scar This comes as crime continues to be a huge problem in the Big Apple under new Mayor Eric Adams, who ran on a promise to stop rising crime Subway crime has remained a big problem for the NYPD, Mayor Adams and the MTA to solve Overall crime is up over 35 percent from this point in 2021, with only murders and shootings down from last year. Subway crime has been a particular problem for New York City, the police and the MTA. Hammer attacks, feces smearing, fatal shovings and a smoke bomb-mass shooting have become risks for those traversing the trains in New York. On January 15, Deloitte executive Michelle Go was on the N/Q/R/W platform at West 42nd Street and Broadway - very close to the station where the 21-year-old was attacked - at around 9.40am on Saturday when Simon shoved her from behind with both hands while she looked down at her phone, authorities said. Go was struck by a train and pronounced dead at the scene by EMS personnel. Simon fled the scene and turned himself in to police soon after the attack. Made the journey to Buckingham Palace in a vintage Rolls-Royce, with huge crowds cheering their arrival King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla touched down at Northolt yesterday after leaving Balmoral Advertisement Thousands of mourners continued to gather at the gates of Buckingham Palace last night following the death of the Queen to pay their respects, leaving hundreds of bouquets, personal notes and candles in her honour. A huge mound of floral tributes has built up outside the gates, while Tower Bridge has been lit up in purple in honour of Britains longest-reigning monarch. It comes after the King wiped away tears yesterday and appeared to clutch his heart after the first royal walkaround of his reign at Buckingham Palace. Royal park staff begin closing area outside Buckingham Palace as thousands line up to pay tribute to the Queen Royal park staff last night began closing the area around the Victoria memorial outside Buckingham Palace. Metal railings were placed in front of the entrance to the memorial as staff asked members of the public to leave yesterday evening. Thousands of mourners remained outside Buckingham Palace last night. Advertisement The King was greeted by kisses and shouts of 'God Save the King' as he received a rapturous welcome from thousands of well-wishers. The King was heard saying, 'Thank you so much, it's so kind, it really is', 'God bless you' and 'I've really dreaded this day' during the 15-minute walkabout. One woman shouted to him, 'We love you King Charles and we loved your mum'. Huge crowds cheered as the visibly emotional sovereign arrived in a vintage Rolls-Royce alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort, before he got out and began shaking hands with countless members of the public waiting behind a barrier. In moving scenes less than 24 hours after the death of his mother the Queen, shouts of God Save the King broke out before an impromptu rendition of the National Anthem, with the words changed for the new monarch. As the sun shone on an otherwise dull, damp day, the Royal Standard was raised above Buckingham Palace for the first time of his reign. Onlookers shouted three cheers for Charles as one woman leaned over to kiss him on the hand and another asked 'Can I kiss you?' before pecking him on the cheek. Others reached out holding red roses for the King as the Queen Consort followed behind at a distance before joining her husband at his side to view the floral tributes left outside the gates. As a bugle sounded, Charles, dressed in mourning black suit and tie, walked side by side with Camilla - who seemed close to tears - through the main entrance of Buckingham Palace. Queen Camilla and the King proceeded to go through the Palace archway as Charles appeared to lift his hand to his heart and then face, in an apparent bid to wipe away a tear. Thousands of mourners continued to gather at the gates of Buckingham Palace last night following the death of the Queen to pay their respects, leaving hundreds of bouquets, personal notes and candles in her honour Tower Bridge is illuminated in royal purple to pay respect at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II Well-wishers gather in front of the Victoria Monument outside Buckingham Palace A huge mound of floral tributes has built up outside the gates, while Tower Bridge has been lit up in purple in honour of Britains longest-reigning monarch Tributes and flowers were left at the gates of Buckingham Palace as the nation mourned its great Queen, who led the country for 70 years Typical British weather didn't stop mourners paying their respects to the late monarch as evening drew in at Buckingham Palace People continue to gather in the evening to view flowers at the gates of Buckingham Palace Hundreds of flower bouquets line the fence and gates surrounding Buckingham Palace following the death of Her Majesty People continue to gather in the evening to view flowers at the gates of Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth II Flowers and messages for Queen Elizabeth II are seen at the gates outside Buckingham Palace Queen Elizabeth II was Britain's longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century Mourners place flowers and messages for Queen Elizabeth II at the gates outside Buckingham Palace A woman prays beside thousands of flowers in front of Buckingham Palace People gather outside Buckingham Palace, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth, in London A man brings flowers to the front gates of Buckingham Palace in London People look at flowers placed in front of Buckingham Palace Thousands of people bring flowers in front of Buckingham Palace Tower Bridge is illuminated in royal purple to pay respect at the passing of the Queen The Union flag at half mast at Edinburgh Waverley railway station in Edinburgh, Scotland Candles lit up the flowers laid by thousands of people in London last night at Buckingham Palace Thousands of people have paid their respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday aged 96 Huge crowds cheered the couple as they arrived at the palace before the King left his car. Several people kissed his hand as he passed Onlookers shouted three cheers for Charles as he spoke to countless onlookers who had gathered to mourn his mother Cheers rang out at Buckingham Palace as the King and Queen Consort arrived, along with shouts of 'God save the King' Many in the crowd were visibly emotional, while others held their phones aloft to try to catch at glimpse of the King It was the new King's first walkabout and encounter with the public since his historic accession and crowds lined up behind a barrier clamouring to greet him A visibly emotional Charles pauses to look at floral tributes to his mother that have been left outside the gates of Buckingham Palace Charles embraces Camilla as they look at the floral tributes before making their way through the palace's main gates The new king thanked people for their good wishes, shaking countless hands after stepping from his state Bentley Shouts of God Save the King went up, along with three cheers, for the new head of state, dressed in mourning black suit and tie, who smiled and waved at the mass of people The King waves to crowds outside Buckingham Palace, where he arrived with Camilla after they travelled from Balmoral Elizabeth II, Charles' mother and an icon instantly recognisable to billions of people around the world, died at her Scottish Highland retreat Charles - pictured with Camilla - met Prime Minister Liz Truss today before giving a speech to the nation The King must turn to his duties as monarch despite his grief, and has held his first in-person audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss at Buckingham Palace The King and Queen Consort view the flowers and messages left by members of the public outside Buckingham Palace The Queen Consort joined the King at his side to view the hundreds of floral tributes, notes and Union flags left outside the gates The new King gives a final wave as he and his wife walk into Buckingham Palace under the watchful eye of armed policemen As a bugler sounded, the couple - both dressed in black - walked side by side through the main entrance of Buckingham Palace King Charles III and the Queen Consort drive down the Mall followed by several 4x4s before they got out at the gates of Buckingham Palace Huge crowds cheered the couple as they arrived at the palace before the King left his car and began shaking hands with members of the public Huge crowds cheered the couple as they arrived at the palace in a state Rolls-Royce, with the King visibly emotional Charles and Camilla - now King and Queen Consort - wave to members of the public as they arrive at Buckingham Palace in a Rolls-Royce Camilla had joined Charles on the poignant journey from Balmoral, where the Queen died peacefully on Thursday at the age of 96, arriving at RAF Northolt in west London at around 1.35pm Tributes continue to be paid to the woman described by the Prime Minister as the 'rock on which modern Britain was built', with the Dalai Lama expressing his 'deep sadness' over the death of the Queen in a letter to the King God Save The King sung for first time at St Paul's The first official rendition of God Save The King has been sung at St Paul's Cathedral at the end of a memorial service for the Queen. The lyrics to the national anthem have changed from 'Queen' to 'King' and 'her victorious' to 'him victorious' to mark that King Charles III has now taken over as the new monarch. It comes after crowds spontaneously sang the version of the song outside of Buckingham Palace on Friday as the King arrived with the Queen Consort. The anthem is also expected to be sung at the Kia Oval on Saturday as the England v South Africa Third Test Match resumes. The match was paused on Friday following the Queen's death. Members of the royal family did not attend the 6pm service at St Paul's, in London, which was open to the public and was broadcast live by the BBC. However, an audio of the King's televised address to the nation was played inside the cathedral. Within the message, which was also broadcast on television, he paid tribute to his 'darling mama', and said: 'And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you. 'Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these year. 'May "flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest".' A total of 2,000 seats were allocated to the public on a first-come-first-served basis, with all of the wristbands for the evening service being distributed within three hours, a cathedral spokeswoman said. Ahead of the service, a hundreds-strong queue formed, winding from St Paul's to beyond the Tube station streets away. Attendees were dressed smartly in black suits and ties while others wore black mourning veils as they waited to take their seat inside the cathedral. They remained quiet throughout the service, with one woman using a handkerchief to wipe tears away from her eyes as she sat in the pews. New Prime Minister Liz Truss also attended the service, and remained solemn as she gave a Bible reading from Romans 14.7-12. Several politicians were also in attendance, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker. Deputy Prime Minister Therese Coffey, Leader of the Commons Penny Mordaunt and Welsh Secretary Robert Buckland were all seen standing together and singing along to a hymn during the service. Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, as Dean of the Chapels Royal, delivered the address, while Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby gave the blessing. Music included Behold O God Our Defender, Bring Us, O Lord God, At Our Last Awakening, and Nunc Dimittis from Evening Service in G. Hymns included All My Hope On God Is Founded, O Thou Who Camest From Above, and The Lord's My Shepherd. Advertisement Film director Raynald Leconte, 47, who is from New York, said he was lucky enough to speak to the King and Queen Consort. 'It was quite a moment,' he said. 'I said, 'condolences'. He said, ''really, really thank you very much''. And to his wife I wished her good luck and she said, ''thank you very much''. I think she said, ''I'll need it''.' Mother of three Stella Johnson said: 'I think he will be wonderful, and I just wanted to come here to see him. This is really a historic moment and I wanted to make sure I did not miss it.' Further back in the crowd, a former Guardsman, who asked not to be named, gave the crowd a running commentary as he was tall enough to see over the crowds and pick out Charles as he met mourners. He also talked them through the protocol of the Guards who had assembled in the Palace forecourt to salute the new King as he made his way into the Palace, where he has held his first audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss. Charles then gave a televised address to the nation at 6pm while a service of prayer and reflection took place at St Paul's Cathedral. Details of the King's historic Accession Council, which will be held on Saturday at 10am in St James's Palace, were announced by Buckingham Palace. It will be televised for the first time in its history, showing the King being formally proclaimed monarch and Charles making his declaration and oath. A Principal Proclamation will be read in public for the first time by the Garter King of Arms in the open air from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St James's an hour later at 11am. It will be followed by a flurry of proclamations around the country, with the second one in the City of London at the Royal Exchange at midday on Saturday, and further proclamations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales at midday on Sunday. One of the first to offer words of support to the new King was Laura Ohmona. She said after shaking hands with Charles: 'I said to him 'sorry for your loss' and he said 'thank-you'.' Also among the crowds at Buckingham Palace was retired Ammar Al-Baldawi, 64, from Hertfordshire, who said: 'It was impressive, touching, a good move to come out to the crowds. 'I think that's where the royal family needs to communicate with the people now. These are true loyalists here and it's nice to see him back in post, taking charge of the family and the Crown, which is reassuring.' Colin Hennessy, 52, said: 'It's great to see the King. You can see he's very emotional but he was very grateful to everybody here. He thanked as many people as he could as he walked by.' Joyce Curtis, 72, from Jersey, said: 'I just wanted to be here. It was great. I have respect for him. He walked all the way along to see the people and back to see the flowers. It is what the people wanted to see, which is great.' Emma Spreckley, 43, had travelled to Buckingham Palace with her friend Jacqueline Southwick, 55, from their homes in Mitcham, south London. She was sympathetic to the grieving King: 'He looked a bit shocked, I suppose he is as it's your mum at the end of the day, and now he's here shaking people's hands and trying to, I suppose, get through it as best he can.' In reference to the thousands who were at the palace to pay their respects to the late Queen, Ms Southwick added 'Seeing all this - he's got the support of the nation.' Meanwhile, John Hardy said he was confident Charles would be a calming influence on the country when he is finally crowned King. 'It does seem that he has been around for such a long time that we've all known him. No one will ever replace the Queen and the affection she has held for everyone in this country. 'But I think Charles has a lot of respect and people will support him.' The couple had landed at RAF Northolt just after 1.30pm after leaving Balmoral, where they had stayed overnight after racing up to be at the late Queen's bedside. Charles has already turned his hand to his duties as monarch despite his grief. He gave the order that a period of 'Royal Mourning' for the Queen will be observed from now until seven days after her funeral. Royal Mourning will be observed by members of the royal family, royal household staff and representatives of the royal Household on official duties, together with troops committed to ceremonial duties. The Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge is also travelling back to Windsor to be with his family ahead of the Accession Council, which William will attend. Service of Prayer and Reflection at St Paul's Cathedral, London, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday Charles and Camilla wave to crowds outside Buckingham Palace. The bollard in the background bears his mother's cypher Charles - wearing a black mourning suit - joins his wife to inspect the flowers and Union flags laid outside the palace Charles spent about 15 minutes greeting members of the public before joining his wife as they walked through the palace gates The new King places his arm around Camilla as they walk pass photographers towards the gates of the palace In a touching moment Charles put his hand around his wife who was visibly moved after meeting the well-wishers before the began to look at the letters, cards, bouquets and candles left in memory of the Queen A sentry stands guard by Buckingham Palace, where the Royal Standard had been hoisted for the first time in Charles' reign King Charles and Queen Camilla walk into Buckingham Palace, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth Yesterday, tributes continued to be paid to the woman described by the Prime Minister as the 'rock on which modern Britain was built', with the Dalai Lama expressing his 'deep sadness' over the death of the Queen in a letter to the King. He told Charles: 'Your mother lived a meaningful life with dignity, grace, a strong sense of service and a warm heart, qualities we all should treasure.' Charles has already turned his hand to his duties He gave the order that a period of 'Royal Mourning' for the Queen will be observed from now until seven days after her funeral. Royal Mourning will be observed by members of the royal family, royal household staff and representatives of the royal household on official duties, together with troops committed to ceremonial duties. Royal salutes were fired with one round for every year of the Queen's life on Friday at 1pm in Hyde Park by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery. Thousands of people stood in solemn silence for 16 minutes as the cannons boomed once every 10 seconds, sending smoke across the grounds with each round, applauding as the spectacle came to an end. The PM and senior ministers attended a public service of remembrance at St Paul's Cathedral in central London last night. King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, arrive at RAF Northolt in London yesterday afternoon Charles is welcomed by Station Commander Group Captain McPhaden after he and Camilla touched down at the RAF airbase The couple left the airport in a vintage Rolls-Royce for the journey to Buckingham Palace where thousands of people had gathered to greet them An emotional King Charles III leaving Balmoral on his way to Aberdeen Airport on the first leg of his journey to London Queen Consort Camilla also appeared to have teary eyes as she sat in the front seat en route to Aberdeen Airport King Charles III arrives at Aberdeen Airport after leaving Balmoral, following the death of his mother on Thursday night The monarch shook hands at the airport before boarding a flight to London, where he addressed the nation King Charles III at Aberdeen Airport as he travels to London with the Queen Consort following the death of his mother A vehicle carrying Britain's King Charles leaves Balmoral Castle, following the passing of Britain's Queen Elizabeth King Charles III and the Queen Consort leave Birkhall in Scotland as they travel to London following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday The King has also instructed a period of royal mourning from now until seven days after his mother's funeral - a date yet to be confirmed King Charles III and the Queen arrive at Aberdeen Airport as they travel to London following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday Members of the royal family had made the urgent dash to be with the frail monarch as her health failed. Prince William - now using the title of the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge - left Balmoral just before 1pm and is travelling back to Windsor to be with his family ahead of the Accession Council, Kensington Palace said. Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, still remain at the estate. 'During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.' Charles was by his mother's side for much of the day after catching the royal helicopter from Dumfries House in Ayrshire with his wife Camilla. Handout issued by Buckingham Palace of the notice for the Accession Council and Principal Proclamation of King Charles III Charles has released a statement about the death of Queen Elizabeth, describing her as a 'cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother' Charles III becomes first King Charles since 1600s Charles III is the first King Charles since the 1600s and shares the official name with monarchs who reigned during one of the most turbulent periods in British history. The new monarch chose to use his Christian name as his official name, as his mother did, breaking from royal tradition. The reigns of father and son Charles I and Charles II spanned from 1625 to 1685 and saw the overthrow and restoration of the monarchy, the Great Fire of London, and the plague. Charles I was the only British monarch to have been publicly tried and executed for treason, while Charles II - known as the Merry Monarch - spent many years in exile, fathering a dozen illegitimate children by numerous mistresses. Charles II's reign also featured the plague and the Great Fire of London. Although Charles is Charles III, Bonnie Prince Charlie - The Young Pretender - was known to his supporters as Charles III. Charles I was an unpopular king whose reign saw the temporary downfall of the monarchy and the establishment of an English republic before it was restored 11 years later. Born in November 1660, Charles I moved to England from Scotland when his father, King James VI of Scotland, inherited the English throne in 1603. He became heir apparent when his brother, Henry Frederick Prince of Wales, died at the age of 18 in 1612. Charles I married Bourbon Princess Henrietta Maria of France in 1625 angered protestant religious groups. He also argued with parliament, which wanted to curb his powers, while many subjects opposed his policies which included levying taxes without parliamentary consent. Attempts to force the church of Scotland to adopt Anglican practices also led to religious conflicts, which in turn resulted in the strengthening of English and Scottish parliaments, helping to pave the way for his eventual downfall. Charles I fought the armies of the English and Scottish parliaments but was defeated in 1645 and captured. After a brief period of escape, he was re-captured and executed in Whitehall in 1649 after being tried and convicted of high treason. His son, Charles II was proclaimed King of Scotland upon the execution and attempted to reclaim England but was defeated by Oliver Cromwell at the Battle of Worcester in 1651 before fleeing to mainland Europe where he spent nine years in exile. Following Oliver Cromwell's death in 1658 and the resignation of his son, Richard, the following year, parliament proclaimed Charles II king and invited him to the return to England in 1660. Five years later, Charles II fled London for Salisbury as the plague hit London, killing thousands. The following year, in 1666, Charles II and his brother James joined and directed the firefighting effort during the Great Fire of London. Charles had no legitimate children, but had 12 children by seven mistresses, leading to the nickname 'Old Rowley', the name of his favourite racehorse stallion. The present Dukes of Buccleuch, Richmond, Grafton and St Albans descend from Charles, while Diana, Princess of Wales, was a descendent of two of Charles's illegitimate sons - the Dukes of Grafton and Richmond. Diana's son, Prince William, Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge and heir to the British throne, could be the first British monarch descended from Charles II. Advertisement His younger sister Princess Anne was already at Balmoral after royal duties also took her to Scotland. They were joined by other senior members of the Royal Family including Her Majesty's other two children, Andrew and Edward, and Prince William. The family rushed to the Queen's Scottish residence after an unprecedented statement from her doctors revealed they were 'concerned' about her health and were keeping her under medical supervision. Charles is becoming monarch at 73 years old, nearly half a century older than the Queen was when she found herself in the same position. He is likely to launch a radical overhaul of the monarchy in the wake of his mother's death, having frequently spoken about a slimmed-down front-line. Royal watchers believe the former Prince of Wales is keen to ensure there are 'no hangers-on' in the Firm, with each member being expected to pull their weight in a new and more streamlined monarchy. The concept of the 'slimmed-down monarch' was clear to see during the Platinum Jubilee in June when the Queen restricted those appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony to working members of the Royal Family. But King Charles' original model, which reportedly involved a tight core of just seven people, including himself, has been thrown into doubt following a series of external events. The plan, put in motion before the Queen's death, originally included the long-reigning monarch along with Prince Philip, King Charles and Camilla, Prince William and Kate and Prince Harry. Philip died aged 99 in 2021, while Harry's future in the slimmed-down monarchy seems hugely doubtful following his decision to quit front line royal duties and move to America with his wife Meghan Markle. Meanwhile, Prince Andrew, who would likely have featured in a slimmed-down monarchy as a son of the Queen and King Charles' brother, has been outcast since his US sex assault lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre. But that has pushed Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, into the fray as 'key' parts of Prince Charles' future monarchy, according to royal watchers. As Charles becomes King, Prince William is to become the new Prince of Wales, with his wife Kate Middleton taking on the new title of the Princess of Wales. As the new King, Charles will be front-and-centre of the new-look monarchy. Alongside his reported desire to slim-down the size of the family, the biggest immediate change will be his residence. The former Prince of Wales's official residence has been Clarence House, on The Mall in the City of Westminster, since 2003. While the Queen's official residence has been Buckingham Palace, she spent much of her time at her favoured Windsor Castle following the death of her beloved Prince Philip. According to royal biographer Penny Junor in her book 'The Firm', the Queen wanted to remain living at Clarence House after her father's death, but was convinced by Winston Churchill to move to Buckingham Palace - because of its significance as the home of the monarch. It is believed Kings Charles will follow in his mother's footsteps and move into Buckingham Palace. One royal source told the Mail on Sunday in February 2022: 'There is no question about it. HRH's view is that you need a monarch at monarchy HQ. This has never been in doubt. 'The Prince of Wales will not move into Buckingham Palace before he is king. But when he is, he absolutely will. 'Just like the Queen, it will effectively be in the 'flat above the shop'. He feels it is right, just as the Queen does, to work out of Buckingham Palace. 'The Palace will still be a working and entertaining hub and will also still be open to visitors. It is a hugely important tourist attraction. Advertisement The Queen died aged 96 on Thursday and King Charles III is now the new monarch. Below is a graphic that details the day-by-day account of what is expected to happen next, leading up to the Queen's funeral planned for September 19. The day of death is traditionally D-Day or D+0, but since the announcement came late in the day - at 6.30pm - plans for the complex arrangements, known as Operation London Bridge, were shifted back a day, meaning today is D+1. Day 1 will see Charles proclaimed King at St James's Palace before he meets with Liz Truss and her Cabinet and holds his first Privy Council. Yesterday, King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla returned to London from the Queen's bedside in Balmoral, where Charles had an audience with the new prime minister, Liz Truss, and he addressed the nation for the first time as king. The nation will come to a halt in nine days' time as the Queen is laid to rest amid all the pomp and ceremony that Britain does best. Our longest-serving monarch will have the first state funeral for more than half a century at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19. As well as being the first since Winston Churchill's in 1965, it will also be the first at the abbey for any monarch since George II's way back in 1760. Since then such funerals have been held at St George's Chapel, Windsor. But the Queen, who played an active role in planning her final send-off, decided hers should be in the much larger abbey. Our longest-serving monarch will have the first state funeral for more than half a century at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19. The Queen is photographed on June 2, 1953 smiling after her Coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London It can hold a congregation of 2,000, compared with 800 at St George's Chapel and its central London location makes it a better spot for large crowds. The abbey is steeped in significance for the Queen because it is where she was crowned and married. The Queen Mother's funeral was also held there in 2002. The date has yet to be confirmed and details of the funeral have yet to be announced. Yesterday it was still not clear whether there would be a public holiday. But it is known that the funeral's planning began as long ago as in the 1960s. It is expected that after lying in state in Westminster Hall for five days, the Queen's coffin will be moved by a bearer party to a gun carriage outside. She will be buried in the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel, where her mother and father George VI were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Pictured is the Queen's father George VI lying in state at Windsor The original plans are for the coffin to be pulled to the abbey on the gun carriage by naval ratings sailors using ropes rather than horses. Senior members of the family are expected to follow behind as they did for the funeral of Princess Diana and the Duke of Edinburgh. The military will also join the procession. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey. One notable absence will be Vladimir Putin. The Russian leader has paid tribute to the Queen following her death, but the Kremlin has confirmed that he would not attend her funeral. The service will be televised, and a national two-minute silence is expected to be held. Afterwards, the Queen's coffin will be taken to St George's Chapel, the burial place for monarchs since the 19th century. She will be buried in the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel, where her mother and father George VI were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Mourners are expected to queue for hours, and overnight, to pay their respects to the Queen as she lies in state in Westminster Hall, expected to be from Wednesday. Former head of royalty protection Dai Davies yesterday said new commissioner of Scotland Yard Sir Mark Rowley will 'have to consider the risk of the funeral attracting a fixated individual, terrorists or those who simply don't like King Charles III and want to cause trouble.' Pictured are Charles and Camilla waving to crowds outside of Buckingham Palace yesterday With large crowds likely to continue gathering at Buckingham Palace to pay their respects, around 10,000 police officers could be on duty every day in London in the lead-up to the funeral. The Met will also need help from specialist officers from forces across the UK. Grenadiers flying from Iraq to take part Senior guardsmen will fly home from Iraq to take part in ceremonies marking the death of Her Majesty the Queen. The soldiers from Queens Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, have been guarding British diplomats in Baghdad. They will be brought back to Britain in recognition of the seniority of Queens Company and its relationship with Queen Elizabeth II. The company of 80 guardsmen was named after her and she was its honorary commander. She will remain so for the time being. Queens Company includes some of the Household Divisions tallest soldiers every guardsman must be at least six feet. The Daily Mail understands soldiers from Queens Company are likely to be chosen to bear Her Majestys coffin. Advertisement Former head of royalty protection Dai Davies yesterday said it would be a 'major test' for the new commissioner of Scotland Yard Sir Mark Rowley, who starts in the job on Monday. Mr Davies said: 'The Met are world leaders at securing ceremonies like the London 2012 Olympics and royal weddings, but this is a challenge like no other. It will be a huge operation which will cost millions. 'He will have to consider the risk of the funeral attracting a fixated individual, terrorists or those who simply don't like King Charles III and want to cause trouble.' The former Met divisional commander added: 'It isn't just the Met who will be involved. Specialist units from the SAS will also be brought in. It will be a hugely complex operation. They have to work with the intelligence services to risk-assess who is coming.' Former Met commander Bob Broadhurst, who led the policing operation for the London 2012 Olympics, said all leave and training was likely to be cancelled. Mr Broadhurst added: 'Unfortunately large numbers of people also bring in criminal opportunities, so you have to manage crime. You have to manage the basics like lost children, all the other stuff that goes with that. 'Clearly terrorism will be a factor, security is a big issue right from the outset. 'By the end of the week you start to click in to what will be, I would say almost certainly, the biggest security operation the country has seen. 'Practically every nation on earth is going to want to send their king, queen, prime minister or president.' A period of royal mourning will be observed until seven days after the Queen's funeral. Advertisement The whole of civilization is in mourning. The passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the enlightened monarch who reigned over the United Kingdom for 70 years, is a loss felt by billions around the world. This week, and in the weeks ahead, we especially grieve for the royal family we can only imagine their sorrow. And we express our solidarity with all the people of the United Kingdom and every realm of the Commonwealth she so loved. Few in history have more fully exemplified the traits of dignity, steadfastness, resolve, duty, and patriotic devotion. She counseled 15 Prime Ministers and 13 Presidents, and was the longest-serving monarch in the history of England and the United Kingdom. Spending time with Her Majesty was one of the most extraordinary honors of my life. I grew up in a household where Queen Elizabeth her grace, her charm, her nobility were deeply admired, especially by my mother, who came from Scotland. Writing exclusively for DailyMail.com, former President Donald Trump has paid a moving tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. Trump is pictured with the Queen and his wife Melania at a state banquet held at Buckingham Palace in June 2019 Trump is pictured with the Queen during commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Portsmouth in June 2019. He says he got along 'wonderfully' with the late monarch during his 2019 trip to the UK The times we spent with the Queen at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are memories Melania and I will cherish for the rest of our lives. Her Majesty had a sharp mind, missed nothing, and always knew exactly what to say. At our unforgettable State Dinner three years ago, we got along wonderfully, talking the whole evening. That same week, the 75th anniversary of D-Day, we sat side-by-side to honor the sacrifice of the British and American warriors who fought and bled together in the Second World War. I will forever be grateful for the privilege of getting to know this unparalleled leader. As monarch, Her Majesty the Queen was the personal embodiment of nearly a century of British history. Every Prime Minister from Winston Churchill onward served under her. When I asked her who was her favorite, she told me she liked them all. She saw her country through the Blitz of London, the Cold War, the Falklands conflict, the coal miners strikes, Brexit, COVID, and so much more. No matter what challenges came, she was always there for her peopleresolute and unflappable, stabilizing and reassuring by her very presence. In the face of all adversity, she embodied the uniquely British attribute of a firm and quiet resolve. The qualities that served Queen Elizabeth so well as monarch also endeared her to the hearts of countless people all over the world. Trump, pictured with Melania and the Queen at Buckingham Palace in June 2019, said that the Queen diplomatically refused to be drawn on her favorite president after he asked which US leader she enjoyed meeting best Queen Elizabeth and Donald Trump are pictured inspecting the Guard of Honor at Windsor Castle in July 2018. The former president said meeting the late monarch was one of the highlights of his time in office From Africa to Asia to the Americas, she was the United Kingdoms greatest emissary. Through her travels to well over 100 countries, she touched countless lives, spreading confidence, goodwill, and admiration for British values everywhere she went. Nowhere was this truer than in the United States. The treasured friendship and precious bond between America and the United Kingdom, which we call the Special Relationship, meant that Her Majesty the Queen was truly special to us as well. She was respected and beloved by the American People like few other figures in modern times. Above all, the Queen was great because Britain is great. In her person, the world witnessed the fullest expression of the British spirit. The virtues she epitomized were the virtues of the British people. Melania Trump, Queen Elizabeth and Donald Trump smile during a meeting at Windsor Castle in July 2018. Trump says he 'can only imagine the sorrow' the Queen's relatives must now be feeling Trump is seen fist-bumping Queen Elizabeth during a trip to London in June 2019. He says it 'will take time to fully absorb the extent of this loss' By her example, we saw what it means to be Britisha people who are strong and unwavering, wise and just, noble and majestic; a people who are serious, but good-humored; proud, but righteous; and indeed a people who are a blessing to the entire world. That was Queen Elizabeth, and that is the United Kingdom. She was Great Britain at its very best. It will take time for us to fully absorb the extent of this loss. She was indispensablea beloved Sovereign of her Kingdom, an icon to the world, a legend in her time. As we grieve, we are comforted that King Charles III will be a great and outstanding successor to his cherished mother. Melania and I were blessed to get to know him well when we visited England. He dearly loves the U.K. and its people. I know he will prove to be an inspiration to the British People, and that under Charless reign, they will continue to persevere through all challenges, and push relentlessly onward toward their great destiny in which Queen Elizabeth II so deeply believed. God bless the Queen. God bless her family. God bless the United Kingdom. Donald J. Trump was the 45th president of the United States. Police have launched a murder investigation after a 22-year-old man died at a property in west Wales. Cameron Lindley was fatally injured at a house in Treforis, Ammanford, Camarthenshire on Thursday evening following a disturbance. Dyfed Powys Police were called to the scene at 8:50pm where Mr Lindley was found with fatal injuries. Cameron Lindley (pictured) was fatally injured at a house in Treforis, Ammanford, Camarthenshire A 19-year-old man was arrested at the scene and remains in police custody. In a statement, police said: 'At 8:50pm on Thursday, 8th September 2022, officers were called to a home in Treforis, Ammanford, following the report of a disturbance. 'Officers have immediately attended and located the male with fatal injuries.' They added that specialist officers are supporting the victim's family. In a statement from his family, Mr Lindley was described as a 'dear grandson, son, brother and uncle.' 'We are devastated at the sudden loss of a dear grandson, son, brother and uncle,' the statement read. 'We would like to thank everyone for their support at this horrific time and respectfully request that we are left to grieve in peace at this time.' Parents are urged to be on red alert as pictures of young Australian girls are being taken from their social media sites and shared by predators discussing disgusting rape fantasies. In one post a girl believed to be only eight is pictured on a kitchen bench with her legs crossed, with the image sourced from a parent-run Instagram page from several years ago. The image was recently circulated on Twitter by an account which contained numerous posts of underaged girls. Despite a new Commonwealth law brought in last year designed to help protect Australians online, the Online Safety Act 2021, the post nor the comments were prohibited meaning the post was not removed by the government's eSafety commissioner who regulates online safety. A picture of an eight-year-old girl (pictured) on a kitchen bench with her legs crossed was taken from a parent-run Instagram page from several years ago and shared on Twitter where users discussed their rape and sexual fantasies The image is hash tagged with; cutgirls, suddenseduction and dreamgf. Comments on the picture are more vulgar. 'One of the sexiest girls I have ever seen,' one user commented. 'I wanna force those tiny little legs open [devil emoji],' another said. 'Dm lolita send me please,' wrote a third. Comments on the post of the eight-year-old were deeply disturbing. Despite a new law brought in last year - Online Safety Act 2021 - to help protect Australians online, the post nor the comments were prohibited The account is followed by more than 8,000 people and that account is hardly a unicorn, with many just like it all over various social media platforms. Lyn Swanson Kennedy who works for Collective Shout - a group who fights against the sexualisation of girls - said the eSafety body is failing young Australians Lyn Swanson Kennedy who works for Collective Shout - a group that fights against the sexualisation of girls - told The Daily Telegraph the eSafety body is failing Australia's youngest. 'According to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, the words 'I wanna force those tiny little legs open' made in response to a (likely stolen and shared without consent) image of an eight-year-old Australian girl is not prohibited under the new federal Online Safety Act,' Ms Swanson Kennedy said. 'We would like to know if the eSafety Commissioner endorses this response.' Ms Swanson said pictures of minors should be banned on social media as the children are unable to give consent for them to be used. A spokesman for the eSafety Commissioner said when the content doesn't meet the threshold for action, other methods may be used such as flagging the material with the social media platform it appears on as being in breach of their terms and conditions. The post of the eight-year-old girl has since been removed by Twitter due to complaints. In 2021, eSafety investigators took action on more than 12,000 URL's which accessed child sexual exploitation material. The content included explicit and violent content of sexual abuse and torture of children. Donald Trump's lawsuit against his 2016 Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton and former top FBI officials has been dismissed by a federal judge in Florida, rejecting the former president's claims that they conspired with others to create the Russia investigation that dogged much of his administration. In a stern order on Thursday, US District Judge Donald Middlebrooks stated that Trump's March lawsuit had "glaring structural deficiencies" and that many of the "characterizations of events are improbable." Judge Tosses Donald Trump's Russia Probe Lawsuit Per AP News, the judge rejected the notion that Trump had filed a lawsuit to address a real legal violation, stating that "this Court is not the right forum" and that instead, "he is attempting to flaunt a two-hundred-page political manifesto expressing his complaints against those that have opposed him." In addition to former FBI Director James Comey and other FBI employees engaged in the investigation into whether Trump's 2016 presidential campaign had cooperated with Russia to impact the election, the complaint had listed Clinton and some of her senior advisors as defendants. In a 108-page lawsuit filed in March, Trump accused Clinton, the 2016 Democratic nominee for president, and a number of other Democrats of "racketeering," "conspiracy to commit injurious falsehood," and other offenses. This lawsuit echoed the long list of complaints Trump frequently voiced during his four years as president after defeating Clinton, Daily Mail reported. He claimed he had spent more than $24 million on "defense expenditures, legal fees, and related expenses" and had demanded compensatory and punitive damages. Middlebrooks ruled that Trump had overstepped the legal deadline for filing his lawsuit and had failed to establish that any false statements had caused him injury. He further noted that several of the defendants' assertions were "plainly protected by the First Amendment" of the US Constitution. The defendants included former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele and Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, who oversaw one of the House of Representatives' impeachments of Donald Trump. Steele's dossier was distributed to the FBI and media outlets before to the 2016 election. Peter Strzok, one of the "FBI lovers," was also named in the case. Read Also: Steve Bannon To Face Indictment on Undisclosed Charge in New York; Former Trump Adviser Expected To Surrender to Prosecutors Trump To Appeal Dismissal In addition to former FBI Director James Comey and other FBI employees engaged in the investigation into whether Trump's 2016 presidential campaign had cooperated with Russia to impact the election, the complaint had listed Clinton and some of her senior advisors as defendants. The owners of a political research company that hired a former British spy to look into Trump's ties to Russia are also defendants, as is a well-connected Democratic lawyer who was recently cleared of lying to the FBI during a meeting in which he provided the agency with information it wanted to look into. However, none of the assertions, according to the court, provided evidence for Trump's allegations of a plot against him. Middlebrooks stated that the Amended Complaint "seeks to substitute length, hyperbole, and the settling of scores and grievances for what the Amended Complaint lacks in content and legal merit." A 2019 Justice Department inspector general report did point out some errors made by the FBI during the Russia investigation, but it did not discover any proof that the probe's inception was driven by political bias on the part of the bureau's leaders, who claimed the investigation was launched for a legitimate reason. A second investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller led to criminal charges being brought against almost thirty persons and organizations and revealed widespread Russian election influence, but it failed to prove a criminal conspiracy involving the Trump campaign. Trump's attorney, Alina Habba, announced on Friday that Trump will challenge the dismissal, as per PBS. Related Article: Donald Trump Gets Big Win Over 'Special Master' Request in Mar-a-Lago Raid Investigation | What Will Happen Now? @YouTube @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Advertisement King Charles 'told' Prince Harry not to bring wife Meghan Markle to Balmoral Castle as he and other senior royals rushed to the bedside of the dying Queen, it was reported last night. Amid the personal family tragedy on Thursday, when the Queen died at the age of 96, a small domestic drama was playing out involving the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It was a fortunate coincidence of sorts that Harry and Meghan were in the country when the prince's grandmother passed away, sparing him an emotional and undoubtedly traumatic transatlantic dash as the Queen's health failed. Despite the rancour of the past few years, no one would begrudge him the chance to mourn his beloved 'Granny', with whom he had always enjoyed a warm and fun-loving relationship. But as the royal households were consumed in concern for the ailing monarch, the Sussexes prompted an unprecedented flurry behind the scenes by announcing that Harry and Meghan would both be travelling to Balmoral. According to The Sun, Prince Harry was at Frogmore Cottage when he received a call from his father asking him not to bring Meghan. 'Charles told Harry that it wasn't right or appropriate for Meghan to be in Balmoral at such a deeply sad time,' a source told the newspaper. 'It was pointed out to him that Kate was not going and that the numbers really should be limited to the very closest family. 'Charles made it very, very clear Meghan would not be welcome.' Meanwhile The Telegraph reported that Harry was not initially summoned when senior royals made their way up to Balmoral, like his brother Prince William was, due to constitutional reasons. A royal insider also said that 'it's quite hard to spend too much time with someone you know is about to publish a tell-all book about you.' Another added: 'I think the general reaction to Harry and Meghan's behaviour has been one of incredulity to be honest.' King Charles 'told' Prince Harry not to bring Meghan Markle to Balmoral Castle as senior royals rushed to the bedside of the Queen, it has been reported. Pictured: Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex watch a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in 2018 Despite the rancour of the past few years, no one would begrudge Prince Harry (pictured yesterday returning to Windsor after the death of the Queen) the chance to mourn his beloved 'Granny', with whom he had always enjoyed a warm and fun-loving relationship According to The Sun, Prince Harry was at Frogmore Cottage when he received a call from his father (pictured outside Buckingham Palace yesterday) asking him not to bring Meghan Prince William drives Prince Andrew, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Prince Edward into Balmoral as millions pray for the Queen How senior royals rushed to be at the Queen's bedside: A timeline of how Thursday's events played out 12.35pm: A statement is released by Buckingham Palace, announcing that the Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became 'concerned for her health'. A Palace spokesperson says: 'Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.' 12.47pm: A statement is released by Clarence House, confirming that Prince Charles and his wife Camilla would travel to Balmoral. It says: 'The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have travelled to Balmoral'. 12.48pm: A minute later, Kensington Palace announces that Price William will be travelling to Balmoral. The statement reads: 'The Duke of Cambridge is also travelling to Balmoral.' 1.37pm: It is reported that Prince Andrew is travelling to Balmoral Castle in Scotland following news that doctors were concerned for The Queen's health. 1.38pm: Sources confirm to the Press Association (PA) that The Princess Royal is at Balmoral, and the Duke of York and the Earl and Countess of Wessex are on their way to the Queen's Scottish home. 1.55pm: A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirms that the couple will be 'travelling to Scotland'. While the initial statement mentions 'Scotland', it does not make directly make mention of Balmoral. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been due to attend the WellChild Awards ceremony in London on Thursday evening, but changed their plans to travel to see the Queen. 4.14pm: A news alert by the Press Association (PA) says that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are believed to be travelling to Balmoral 'separately' from other royals. 4.39pm: Less than 30 minutes later, PA issue another news alert, quoting an unnamed source, saying that the Duchess of Sussex will not travel to Balmoral with the Duke of Sussex. The source says that Prince Harry will make the trip by himself. A source says that the Duchess could potentially join Harry in Scotland at a later date, following what PA describes as a 'change of plan'. 4.44pm: Minutes later, Omid Scobie, a journalist considered 'friendly' towards the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and who often quotes unnamed sources close to the couple, writes a post on social media network, Twitter about the situation. He writes: 'A source has shared an update stating that only Prince Harry has made the trip up to Balmoral. Like the Duchess of Cambridge (who is in Windsor with their three children), the Duchess of Sussex is staying back in England (but still not attending tonight's WellChild Awards).' The post mentions Kate, who earlier in the day it was revealed would not travel to Balmoral. She remains in Windsor looking after George, Charlotte and Louis. 6.30pm: The Royal Family announces via social media site Twitter that Queen has died 'peacefully' at Balmoral at the age of 96. After 6.30pm: Prince Harry is believed to have arrived at Balmoral following the public announcement of the Queen's death. Advertisement News of their plans came via the small group of media the Sussexes deem it appropriate to deal with and tweeted out by journalists at 1.53pm. The statement read: 'From a spokesperson: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be travelling to Scotland.' This was, of course, news to the Palace and it did not go down well. Many behind royal walls, frankly, were incredulous. There was half an hour on Thursday following the Sussexes' initial announcement during which matters quickly came to a head. It is still unclear how much pressure was brought to bear by the Palace itself or whether senior royal were involved but a spokesman for the couple frantically began to 'clarify' their position, informing those same journalists that 'only the duke was travelling at the moment'. Exactly what happened is open to speculation. Some say that Harry and Meghan hadn't considered that William's wife wouldn't be there, with Kate staying in London instead, and when it was pointed out that she wouldn't be, they realised how bad it looked. Others believe Meghan was effectively banned, using the argument that Kate now the Princess of Wales was staying at home. Either way, their hurried announcement that only Harry would be making the trip north from the capital prompted a sigh of relief among aides. Putting aside the anguish of the past few years, the initial decision in itself, that both Sussexes would travel, was seen as wholly inappropriate, according to palace insiders, for one very simple reason: this was a private, family moment. Only the two oldest children of the elderly monarch Charles and Anne were present when the Queen passed away. Her other children, Andrew and Edward, arrived as soon as they could afterwards on a plane with Prince William, who is now first in line to the throne. Edward was accompanied by his wife, Sophie, but she is adored by the Queen, who views her as a second daughter, and is likely to have been there at her request. Although most have assumed that Kate stayed behind because it was her children's first day at school, which is in part true, she instinctively knew this was an occasion for the Queen's blood family. It is impossible to forget that events are taking place against a backdrop of unimaginable bitterness. So deep is the rift between the two brothers that even though Harry and William have been temporarily living just a few minutes' walk from each other at Windsor this week, there has been no attempt at contact from either party. Relations are little better with any other members of the family either King Charles, in particular, has been left bewildered and deeply hurt by his younger son's incessant attacks. While no one wants an all-out war, few are in a hurry to forgive or forget Meghan's series of laser-guided and deeply harmful accusations against family members, as well as the institution of the monarchy itself. It was noticeable that there was no invitation for Harry to join the family party that headed north on Thursday, taking off from RAF Northolt bound for Aberdeen. He made his own way to Balmoral by private jet and faced a lonely drive to the castle, finally arriving at 7.52pm an hour and a half after the palace's historic statement informing the nation of the death of Her Majesty. He was seen being driven out at 8.28am yesterday, little more than 12 hours later. During that time he would have had to kiss his father's hand, curtsey to his step-mother and break bread with those he has caused so much hurt. The brothers now face seeing a lot of each other as they prepare for the Queen's funeral. Prince William led the way off the plane (circled left) followed by Edward and Sophie (pictured centre) and finally Prince Andrew (pictured right) The Queen waits in the Drawing Room before receiving Liz Truss for an audience at Balmoral, Scotland on Tuesday. Today she is under the supervision of doctors amid concerns about her health Catherine, Duchess Of Cambridge, leaves Windsor Castle as she stayed behind in England where her three children are having their first day at school King Charles says he wants 'to express my love for Harry and Meghan' as he extends olive branch to the US-based prince and his wife King Charles III extended an olive branch to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in his first address to Britain and the world as monarch yesterday. The new Sovereign, who became King the moment that his mother Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday afternoon at Balmoral Castle aged 96, said he wished to 'express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas' - in a move likely to be regarded by royal commentators as a bid to finally draw a line under the tumult of recent years. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex plunged the monarchy into crisis during the twilight years of the Queen's reign after sensationally quitting frontline royal duties and moving to California two years ago - a saga which precipitated the rift between Harry and his brother William, allegations of racism against the royals and claims the Firm failed to help a suicidal Meghan. After their bombshell interview with US talk show host Oprah Winfrey, Harry appeared to suggest, in a mental health podcast, that his father and the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh had all failed as parents - while the family was still mourning Prince Philip's death last year. The Duke of Sussex had grief etched on his face as he was swept into the grounds of Windsor Castle this afternoon after losing a race against time to get to his grandmother's bedside before she died yesterday. King Charles III went to Buckingham Palace to meet fellow mourners this afternoon where he shook hands and accepted their condolences to cries of 'God save the King' and impromptu renditions of the national anthem. One woman kissed him on the cheek. He also inspected flowers and tributes left for his late mother at the gates before entering the palace. Harry landed at Heathrow yesterday lunchtime after jumping on an early morning BA flight where he comforted an airport worker with a reassuring hand on her shoulder after she gave him her condolences. He left Balmoral after 12 hours mourning his grandmother with his father and brother - but despite the brevity of the visit, the Sussexes are not expected to return to California until after the state funeral, currently expected to be ten days from now on Monday, September 19. The Duke of Sussex was the last royal to arrive at the Aberdeenshire castle on Thursday and the first to leave on Friday morning. Advertisement Harry made his way separately back to Windsor yesterday and there was no word last night as to whether the pair have any plans to meet although it seems Harry will remain at Frogmore Cottage until after the funeral on September 19. It is unclear whether Meghan is still in the country, but she has two young children back in the US and may well fly back to them, returning for the funeral. Grief is often said to bring a family together whether it does when it comes to Harry and the rest of the Windsor dynasty remains to be seen. It comes as Charles extended an olive branch to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in his first address to Britain and the world as monarch yesterday. The new Sovereign, who became King the moment that his mother Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday afternoon at Balmoral Castle aged 96, said he wished to 'express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas' - in a move likely to be regarded by royal commentators as a bid to finally draw a line under the tumult of recent years. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex plunged the monarchy into crisis during the twilight years of the Queen's reign after sensationally quitting frontline royal duties and moving to California two years ago - a saga which precipitated the rift between Harry and his brother William, allegations of racism against the royals and claims the Firm failed to help a suicidal Meghan. After their bombshell interview with US talk show host Oprah Winfrey, Harry appeared to suggest, in a mental health podcast, that his father and the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh had all failed as parents - while the family was still mourning Prince Philip's death last year. The Duke of Sussex had grief etched on his face as he was swept into the grounds of Windsor Castle this afternoon after losing a race against time to get to his grandmother's bedside before she died yesterday. King Charles III went to Buckingham Palace to meet fellow mourners this afternoon where he shook hands and accepted their condolences to cries of 'God save the King' and impromptu renditions of the national anthem. One woman kissed him on the cheek. He also inspected flowers and tributes left for his late mother at the gates before entering the palace. Harry landed at Heathrow yesterday lunchtime after jumping on an early morning BA flight where he comforted an airport worker with a reassuring hand on her shoulder after she gave him her condolences. He left Balmoral after 12 hours mourning his grandmother with his father and brother - but despite the brevity of the visit, the Sussexes are not expected to return to California until after the state funeral, currently expected to be ten days from now on Monday, September 19. The Duke of Sussex was the last royal to arrive at the Aberdeenshire castle on Thursday and the first to leave on Friday morning. Harry and Meghan's titles have not changed following the Queen's death, and, although the duke has moved up from sixth to fifth in line to the throne, he is still too far down the line of succession to ever be expected to be king. King Charles III extended an olive branch to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in his first address as monarch The Sussexes' children, Archie and Lili, are now, as the grandchildren of a monarch, a prince and a princess. But it is not known whether they will use the titles, which they were not entitled to when they were born. Following the death of the Queen, Harry and Meghan are left with Charles as King and head of The Firm, and William elevated to the key role of heir apparent. Charles III's speech in full 'I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen - my beloved Mother - was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example. 'Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today. 'Alongside the personal grief that all my family are feeling, we also share with so many of you in the United Kingdom, in all the countries where The Queen was Head of State, in the Commonwealth and across the world, a deep sense of gratitude for the more than 70 years in which my Mother, as Queen, served the people of so many nations. 'In 1947, on her 21st birthday, she pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life, whether it be short or long, to the service of her peoples. That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life. She made sacrifices for duty. 'Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never waivered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss. 'In her life of service we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which make us great as Nations. The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign. 'And, as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people. 'I pay tribute to my Mother's memory and I honour her life of service. I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of you and I share that sense of loss, beyond measure, with you all. 'When The Queen came to the throne, Britain and the world were still coping with the privations and aftermath of the Second World War, and still living by the conventions of earlier times. In the course of the last 70 years we have seen our society become one of many cultures and many faiths. 'The institutions of the State have changed in turn. But, through all changes and challenges, our nation and the wider family of Realms - of whose talents, traditions and achievements I am so inexpressibly proud - have prospered and flourished. Our values have remained, and must remain, constant. 'The role and the duties of Monarchy also remain, as does the Sovereign's particular relationship and responsibility towards the Church of England - the Church in which my own faith is so deeply rooted. 'In that faith, and the values it inspires, I have been brought up to cherish a sense of duty to others, and to hold in the greatest respect the precious traditions, freedoms and responsibilities of our unique history and our system of parliamentary government. 'As The Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation. 'And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the Realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life. My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities. 'It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others. 'This is also a time of change for my family. I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort. 'I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much. As my Heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me. 'He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades. Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. 'With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given. I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas. 'In a little over a week's time we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest. In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example. 'On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express. 'And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you. 'Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May 'flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest'.' Advertisement While Harry and Meghan appeared to have invested their time developing their bond with the Queen, their relationship with Charles and William has been greatly troubled. In April 2022, Harry, after meeting the Queen face to face for the first time in two years, told US network NBC he was making sure she was 'protected' and had the 'right people around her'. He sidestepped a question about whether he missed Charles and William, having met his father for just 15 minutes while briefly back in the UK. In the Oprah interview in 2021, Harry said he felt let down by Charles and that 'there's a lot of hurt that's happened', and said his father stopped taking his calls in the build-up to their Megxit announcement. In a move likely to have enraged William, Meghan accused the Duchess of Cambridge of making her cry in the run-up to her wedding, and the palace of failing to correct reports that it had been the other way round. In 2019 Harry laid bare his rift with William, telling an ITV documentary crew that he and William were on 'different paths' and had good and bad days. He went on to tell Oprah that he loved his brother but their relationship was 'space at the moment', adding 'time heals all things, hopefully'. The royals are also bracing themselves for Harry's memoirs, due out later in 2022, amid fears they could reopen old wounds and spark a new crisis. Harry travelled to Balmoral to join his father, brother and family at the Queen's bedside, but Meghan remained down south. Harry headed back to Meghan at 8.28am, where he was sat alone in the rear of a Range Rover as he was driven out of the Royal Family's Scottish home, where he had arrived at 7.52pm last night. He was swept into Aberdeen airport at 9.20am, led by five police outriders, and boarded a flight to London leaving at 10am. Harry wore a black suit and carried a shoulder bag as he walked towards the steps of the plane. An airport worker offered her sympathies as the Prince was about to walk up the steps of a British Airways aircraft. The woman, who was dressed in a high- visibility yellow jacket, addressed Prince Harry. The royal smiled and patted her gently in the shoulder before boarding the aircraft for London's Heathrow Airport. Grief was written on the duke's face after he landed in Scotland yesterday - 15 minutes after Her Majesty's death was announced to the world. He had his head bowed and partially covered his face as he was driven out of Aberdeen airport, arriving at Balmoral after dark. He left 12 hours later. Prince William had flown up on a RAF jet with Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie. But it is understood that they did not reach the estate before she passed. Initial reports had said his younger brother would also be on board. But instead Harry was in mid air when Buckingham Palace announced the death of his beloved grandmother. He flew by private jet from Luton Airport, arriving at Balmoral an hour and a half after the historic statement. Courtiers issued the declaration at 6.30pm - just over an hour after Prince William and other senior royals had arrived to join Prince Charles at the Queen's residence. Liz Truss was told at around 4.30pm, Downing Street said. But when the world was being told the saddest of news, Harry's Cessna was still in the air, making its approach to Aberdeen Airport. The Duke of Sussex's flight had been due to land at 6.29pm, a minute before the statement. But it was 20 minutes late taking off from London's Luton Airport - with flight data showing it departed at 5.35pm. It took one hour and 11 minutes to reach Aberdeen. By the time he landed, at 6.46pm, it was 16 minutes after the palace had made the announcement. Harry then faced a lonely drive to the castle, finally arriving at 7.52pm where he joined other members of the Royal Family in mourning the Queen's death. He looked ashen-faced on the back seat of the Range Rover as it swept into the Balmoral estate. As well as losing a beloved grandmother, he may have been reflecting on his future without her as monarch. She remained fond of him, in spite of recent challenges, and he was said to have retained an ability to make her laugh. By the time he arrived, his and Meghan's Archewell website homepage had been replaced with a respectful blackedout page with the words: 'In loving memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022.' Earlier in the day there had been confusion over whether Meghan was also on her way to Scotland. The duke, grieving for his grandmother, will be expected to attend the Queen's funeral, with Meghan also likely to join him. She missed Philip's funeral in 2021 while heavily pregnant with daughter Lili. An absentee duchess would be seen as a snub and disrespectful, but a public appearance with Harry alongside the rest of the royal family could prove immensely difficult. When King George VI died, his brother, the former Edward VIII, returned for the funeral, but his American wife, the Duchess of Windsor, formerly Wallis Simpson, for whom he gave up the throne, was absent. She remained in the United States, where they were living at the time. Former Suits actress Meghan was the first American divorcee to marry a senior royal since Mrs Simpson, and both she and Harry moved across the Atlantic to California after quitting as senior working royals in March 2020. Harry could seize the chance to reunite with his family amid their shared grief and heartache for the loss of the Queen. A lightning attack by Ukrainian forces has smashed Russian lines and punched deep into occupied territory, liberating more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region, President Zelensky announced. The assault caught the Russian lines by surprise at a vulnerable section of their front in an attack that threatens an important supply hub used by occupying Russian forces in the east. 'Our army, intelligence units and the security services are carrying out active engagements in several operational areas. They are doing so successfully,' the Ukrainian president said in a video address to the nation. 'We are gradually taking control over new settlements. We are returning the Ukrainian flag and protection for our citizens everywhere.' He added that Ukrainians should report any crimes committed by the occupying forces. Vitaly Ganchev, head of the Russian-backed administration in the Kharkiv region, virtually admitted that large tracts of its frontline had crumbled southeast of Ukraine's second-largest city Kharkiv. In light of the huge advances made by Ukrainian forces, CIA Director William Burns condemned Putin's invasion as 'already a failure'. He said the Russian dictator had erred initially in underestimating Ukrainian will and ability to resist his invasion, and he continues to fatally underestimate the resolve of the West to support Kyiv and wage economic war on Russia. A lightning attack by Ukrainian forces has smashed Russian lines and punched deep into occupied territory, liberating more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region, President Zelensky announced Friday A lightning attack by Ukrainian forces has smashed Russian lines and punched deep into occupied territory, liberating more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region A commanding officer of an anti-air unit of Ukraine's Armed Forces loads a rocket launcher in his SUV as they prepare to support infantry in liberating Balakliya in eastern Ukraine on Thursday, Sept 8 The assault caught the Russian lines by surprise at a vulnerable section of their front in an attack that threatens an important supply hub used by Russian forces in the east Ukrainian servicemen drive near Bakhmut, as Russia's attack in Ukraine continues, in Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, September 7 The Ukrainian high command has issued a media blackout and forbidden reporters from visiting the front line during its counteroffensive, leaving it to pro-Russian sources to admit their losses. 'The enemy is being delayed as much as possible, but several settlements have already come under the control of Ukrainian armed formations,' Ganchev said on state television. He had previously said his administration was trying to evacuate civilians from cities including Izium, Russia's main stronghold and logistics base in the province and one of the grand prizes of the Ukrainian offensive. Russian military bloggers and other sources have also confirmed that Ukrainian spearhead units have reached as far as the banks of the Oskil river at Senkove, barely five miles from the Luhansk oblast which fell to Russia in July. There have been unconfirmed reports of fierce fighting around the north of Izium as Ukrainian mechanised troops enter the city. The surprise assault began with a heavy artillery barrage against Russian lines on Tuesday September 6 in the region of the strategic town of Balakliya. Ukraine said it had mandated to capture the town on Thursday. 'We do not control Balakliya. Attempts are being made to dislodge the Ukrainian forces, but there are fierce battles, and our troops are being held back on the approaches,' Ganchev said. 'Now Russian reserves have been brought there, our troops are fighting back,' he added. Videos and pictures have emerged showing troops standing victoriously on top of Russian flags in the liberated city Balakliia, while others have been shown in footage discovering the burnt out wreckages of enemy tanks. In one moving video, weeping women - speaking Russian - are seen in footage running to hug Ukrainian troops as they advance through a town. 'How much we waited for you,' said one. A soldier answers back: 'It's all right.' A woman says to the Ukrainian liberator: 'We've been so much praying for your return. Thank you for coming back.' Left: Ukrainian soldiers - reportedly from the Kraken Special Branch - pose in with their weapons in front of a Ukrainian flag, standing or crouching on top of a Russian flag that has been pulled down. Right: A soldier poses on the steps of what appears to be a government building. Holding his weapon on the air, he is beaming from ear-to-ear. At his feet, a Russian tri-colour and red Soviet Union flag both lie in tatters while above him, the yellow and blue of a Ukrainian flag can be seen on the building The offensive took the defenders - reported to be mostly fighters from DNR puppet state - by surprise, with Ukrainian troops overrunning abandoned Russian camps in which there was still food cooking on the stove. Ukrainian armoured tank battalions succeeded in punching through the Russian lines and broke out towards the Russian-held town of Kupyansk, a vital transport hub for Russian forces in the Donbas. Were Izium and Kupyansk to fall to Ukrainian liberators, it would have strategic implications for Russian forces along the entire eastern front. Ukrainian officials released videos showing soldiers raising flags and posing in front of street signs in villages and towns across part of previously Russian-held territory. One image showed troops a highway welcome sign for Kupiansk, previously more than 50 km inside Russia's front line. The city is an important target as the junction of several of the main railway lines supplying troops at the front. Zelenskiy adviser Oleksiy Arestovych, in a video posted on YouTube, said the Russian defenders in Izium were almost encircled. Citing what he described as reports from the front line, Arestovych said hundreds of Russians had died so far and several hundred more had been taken prisoner. Ukrainian forces are moving so rapidly that reporting struggles to keep up with the latest advances. The greatest danger for the Ukrainians is that they over-extend themselves, and leave themselves vulnerable to a Russian counterattack. Pictured: A woman embraces a soldier as she cries in both joy and disbelief as Ukrainian soldiers reach her in Balakliia Pictured: Weeping women run out of a building to greet Ukrainian soldiers who have liberated the local town in this moving video. Ukraine is conducting two major attacks - the first in the south of the country, near Kherson, where some 30,000 Russian soldiers are thought to be pinned down. The second attack was launched east from Kharkiv yesterday, and smashed through the lightly-defended Russian frontline If the encirclement is completed, the Russian defenders of Izium will presumably be forced to surrender it what would become Russia's worst battlefield defeat since the Second World War. The dramatic reversal for Russian occupiers in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine has prompted talk of panic and maudlin navel-gazing by Russian TV propagandists. 'I just want to say, everyone who's a believer should pray for our guys. I'm praying. There just aren't words,' said Anton Anisimov, the host of 'political talk show' Today. The Ukrainians broke through in the east a week after Kyiv announced the start of a long-awaited counter-offensive hundreds of kilometres away at the other end of the front line, in the southern province of Kherson. Ukrainian officials said Russia moved thousands of troops south to respond to the Kherson fixing attack which they cannot ignore, leaving other parts of the front line exposed in what looks like a remarkable strategic deception. Ukraine then used new Western-supplied artillery and rockets to hit bridges over the Dnipro River in the south, with the aim of trapping thousands of Russian troops on the west bank of the wide river. Western military analysts said the advance could shut the supply lines Moscow has relied on to sustain its force in eastern Ukraine, and potentially leave thousands of Russian troops encircled. In this video, at least two tanks can be seen submerged under water - the Russian 'Z' symbol clearly marked on the side Two separate clips showed Ukrainian soldiers driving Humvees against Russian-occupied positions. In one of the clip (pictured), filmed with a camera on the soldier's helmet, he can be seen firing a heavy machine gun from the back of the military vehicle as it barrels towards a village at dusk CIA Director William Burns said it was 'hard to see Putin's record in the war as anything but a failure' Such rapid advances have largely been unheard of since Russia abandoned its assault on Kyiv in March, shifting the war mainly into a grind along entrenched front lines. 'We see success in Kherson now, we see some success in Kharkiv and so that is very, very encouraging,' U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told a news conference in Prague. In light of the incredible gains made by the Ukrainian counteroffensive, CIA Director William Burns declared that Putin's bloody and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is already a failure. Burns said that Putin had erred initially in underestimating Ukrainian will and ability to resist his invasion, and he continues to fatally underestimate the resolve of the West to support Kyiv and wage economic war on Russia. The outcome is that Putin has revealed that Russia - once thought to be the second military power in the world behind the US - to be a paper tiger whose economy will take decades to recover from the damage being wrought by sanctions. 'Putin's bet right now is that he is going to be tougher than the Ukrainians, the Europeans, the Americans I believe, and my colleagues at CIA believe, that Putin is as wrong about that bet as he was profoundly wrong in his assumptions going back to last February about Ukrainian will to resist,' the New York Times reports Burns as saying at a conference in Washington. 'Not only has the weakness of the Russian military been exposed but there is going to be long-term damage done to the Russian economy and to generations of Russians,' he said. While the war is still ongoing and the shape of ultimate victory yet to be seen, Mr. Burns said it was 'hard to see Putin's record in the war as anything but a failure.' Donald Trump's former White House aide Stephen Miller is among more than a dozen Trump associates who have been subpoenaed by the Justice Department as part of a widening probe into the former president, according to a new report. A federal grand jury issued the subpoenas this week to Miller, who was Trump's top presidential speechwriter, as well as Bryan Jack, the administration's final White House political director, among others, the New York Times reported on Friday. The subpoenas seek information about the inner workings of the Save America PAC, the fundraising behemoth Trump created days after the 2020 election, which has amassed a $100 million war chest through donation appeals centered on his unproven claim that the election was stolen. It indicates that the DOJ probe is widening in scope, as federal prosecutors had previously been focused on a scheme by Trump allies to elevate alternate electors in key battleground states won by Joe Biden as a way to subvert the vote. A federal grand jury issued the subpoenas this week to Stephen Miller (left), who was Trump's top presidential speechwriter, as well as Bryan Jack, Trump's White House political director The subpoenas seek information about the inner workings of the Save America PAC, the fundraising behemoth Trump created days after the 2020 election Junior and mid-level aides who worked in the Trump White House and on his presidential campaign also received subpoenas on Wednesday, according to the Times. Receiving a subpoena does not mean that a person is the target of a criminal investigation, but rather that investigators believe that they may have information that is relevant to the case. Miller and Jack declined to comment to the outlet, and Trump himself has not yet publicly addressed reports about the probe into the Save America PAC. The new subpoenas were made by a grand jury separate from the one probing a failed bid by Trump loyalists to submit slates of fake electors to overturn the 2020 election, though the two grand juries appear to be focusing on overlapping issues, the Times reported. The investigation into Save America PAC was first reported by ABC News. The new subpoenas seek information about communications with a range of people, some of them lawyers who were subpoenaed as part of the fake elector probe. Save America was launched two days after networks called the 2020 election for President Joe Biden and raised funds using Trump's election fraud lies But despite the overlap, it's unclear what prosecutors believe connects the alleged fake elector plot with Trump's Save America PAC. Founded days after the 2020 election, the Save America PAC has brought in more than $135 million, including more than $30 million transferred from Trump's campaign committee. The group has spent about $36 million, including about $3.1 million to various law firms for legal consulting, leaving it with a war chest of $99 million at the last reporting period in July. The PAC also paid about $8.7 million to Event Strategies Inc, the company that helped organize Trump's January 6, 2021 rally in DC, which immediately preceded the US Capitol riot. The Justice Department investigation is running parallel to a probe by a US House committee which has held several public hearings, including in prime time, about efforts by Trump and his allies to overturn his 2020 election loss. That House committee doesn't have the power to file criminal charges, but legal experts have said the testimony at the hearings gives prosecutors territory to explore. Former President Donald Trump's Save America PAC is being investigated as part of a federal grand jury's wider probe into the January 6 Capitol attack The new subpoenas are another sign of escalating law enforcement scrutiny of Trump. Last month, the FBI searched his Florida home as part of its investigation into whether he took classified records from the White House to Mar-a-Lago. He is also facing a civil investigation in New York over allegations that his company, the Trump Organization, misled banks and tax authorities about the value of his assets. Trump has previously slammed the FBI raid as 'prosecutorial misconduct' and political weaponization of the criminal justice system. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In the 246 years since the United States was founded, no former president has ever been charged with a crime. However, former presidents do not have blanket immunity from prosecution. The partner of a father-of-two who was allegedly killed after being hit by a car while on a jog has shared a heartbreaking tribute. Abbey Ginns has been left a widow after her partner Bryce Williams, 33, was killed along Nanango Brooklands Road in Nanango, near the Sunshine Coast, on Tuesday. Mr Williams was jogging along the side of the road when he was allegedly struck by a passing vehicle at 6.30pm. 'The pain in my heart is harrowing, this is incomprehensible. My beautiful, perfect person, how can you be gone...' Ms Ginns wrote on Instagram. The partner of a father-of-two who was allegedly killed after being hit by a car while on a jog has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her partner Abbey Ginns (left) has been left a widow after her partner Bryce Williams (right), 33, was killed along Nanango Brooklands Road in Nanango, near the Sunshine Coast, on Tuesday 'I'm struggling to find the words to do you justice, You touched more lives than somebody would in 100 lifetimes my darling. 'The safest, most hilarious, generous golden light in our lives. The epitome of the best guy on earth.' Ms Ginns is a social media influencer who co-founded furniture company Huski Studios with her partner in 2018. She is also the sister of Ryan Ginns who won Big Brother in 2014. Ms Ginns and her partner had only just returned from a family holiday in Vietnam when the father-of-two was killed. He leaves behind his children Woodi and Rome. 'Your heart is in mine, Woodi's and Rome's infinitely,' Ms Ginn wrote. 'I have no more words, only tears. You are my forever, you are my home. I love you.' The death has sparked an outpouring of grief from the community and prompted a GoFundMe page to be set up to help the family. Ms Ginns and her partner had only just returned from a family holiday in Vietnam when the father-of-two was killed More than $352,000 has already been raised in two days with one mystery donor giving $50,000 More than $352,000 has already been raised in two days with one mystery donor giving $50,000. 'Everyone who knows Bryce, whether its really well or not, has felt his loss tremendously,' organiser Samantha Servodio wrote. 'He was the funniest man we all knew, greatest dad, and a beyond loving partner. 'His heart was huge and completely full, where he always kept his friends and family, but most of all the three loves of his life, Abbey, Woodi and Rome.' Mr Williams was described as a hard worker who went above and beyond for his partner and two children. 'If we can all carry a little bit of grief for Abbey, Woodi and Rome, we hope their load will feel lighter and they can begin to heal somehow,' Ms Servodio wrote. 'Brycey will be so sadly missed everyday, by so many people.' A mother is filing a $50 million lawsuit against a Washington, DC, charter school after her nine-year-old boy was hit by a car as he left it, suffering paralysis and dying from his injuries six months later. Little Kaidyn Green ended up being paralyzed from the neck down after he was struck by a vehicle last December. The youngster's lungs were badly damaged in the accident and he was on life support for months afterward. In June of this year, Kaidyn passed away, with his mom Tiffani Green now saying tragedy could have been averted had staff followed their usual protocols. Kaidyn was allowed to walk out of school unaccompanied that day and was struck while doing so. His mom alleges that he was released from his classroom early. Tiffani says that had staff followed the usual rule of walking her son outside after notifying him that she was there, he would still be alive today. Mom, Tiffani Green is pictured with her son Kaidyn Green. Kaidyn was struck by a car in front of the KIPP DC Honor Academy in Southeast Washington last December Nine-year-old Kaidyn Green was left paralyzed and died about six months later after he was struck by a car Video surveillance clearly shows the boy walking through the corridors of his school on his own before making his way outside Tiffani Green is consoled by a family member as she sobs at a news conference on Friday 'Essentially we have a situation where a child died twice and he was brought back once,' said Green family attorney Keith Watters said at a press conference on Friday. 'For whatever reason, the security and or the school did not follow the normal protocol to get the child to the front desk,' Watters said describing it as 'gross negligence.' The accident occurred on the afternoon of December 10th when the fourth-grader had been told that his mother was to pick him up early from school. Although his mother was waiting in the school's front office, Kaidyn ended up leaving the building and crossed the road whereupon he was hit by a car. It was being driven by William Ward, also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Green insists her son looked both ways before crossing and says she heard the sound of him being struck. It is unclear if Ward faces any criminal charges, and he hasn't commented on the suit. The boy could then be seen walking across the street. He was ultimately struck by a car The youngster's lungs were badly damaged in the accident and was on life support for months afterwards Video surveillance clearly shows the boy walking through the corridors of his school on his own before making his way outside when tragedy struck. The surveillance footage has been included as part of the negligence lawsuit. 'This has been a life-changing experience for our entire family, and we don't want anyone to go through this again,' said Charisma Green, Kaidyn's aunt, to WUSA, describing her nephew as 'an energetic and fun-loving boy that loved school.' The Green family says they want to see safety changes made within schools so that others will not have to face the same tragedy. 'This has been a life-changing experience for our entire family, and we don't want anyone to go through this again,' said Charisma Green Kaidyn's aunt The family, including Kaidyn's mother, Tiffani, center, can be seen at a press conferences on Friday 'Our community continues to mourn Kaidyn's passing and our thoughts are with his family and the classmates that knew him so well,' KIPP DC school said in a statement. 'Given the pending legal matter, we're unable to say more at this time.' Kaidyn died one day after his family had brought him back home, almost six months after the accident. He still required medical supervision for up to 20 hours a day. The youngster died after a tracheostomy tube fell out and he was asphyxiated. For some reason, a supervising nurse who was supposed to be on-call left early leaving the child unattended. A little girl from regional Victoria has received one of the last letters ever sent by the Queen after she sent Her Majesty a series of adorable photos of herself dressed up as a Royal astride her beloved pony Lady. Olivia Akers, eight, who lives with her family on a dairy farm in Tallygaroopna in Victoria's north, received a reply from the Palace on Friday - the same day it was announced Queen Elizabeth II had died 'peacefully' at the age of 96. Her mother Natalie, the mastermind behind the adorable military-style costume, described the timing of the precious letter as 'very serendipitous'. The letter, signed by Lady-In-Waiting Annabelle Whitehead, thanked Olivia for her thoughtfulness in writing to Her Majesty (pictured, the eight-year-old and her pony Lady) Ms Akers decided to pass on the adorable photos to the Queen herself and included a handwritten note from her daughter (pictured, Olivia holding her letter to the Queen) She had initially planned for her daughter to debut the costume at a local horse show but had stumbled across a UK-based fancy dress competition online. Ms Akers decided to use the competition as inspiration to finish the costume and asked the organisers if they would take an international entrant. Olivia's costume, which was inspired by the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony, didn't end up winning the online competition. However, Ms Akers decided to pass on the adorable photos to the Queen herself and included a handwritten note from her daughter. 'Dear Queen Elizabeth, my name is Olivia Akers, I am eight-years-old and live in Tallygaroopna in Australia,' the letter begins. 'I really liked your video with Paddington Bear. Do you really eat marmalade sandwiches? I have included some photos from an online horse fancy dress competition that was for your Platinum Jubilee. 'I hope you like my photos? My side saddle came from England. My pony's name is Lady and she is an Australian pony. 'How many horses do you have? I hope you had a lovely Jubilee. Love Olivia.' Pictured is Olivia in her local post office in June, just moments before she sent the letter A little girl from regional Victoria has received one of the last letters ever sent by the Queen after she sent Her Majesty a series of photos of herself dressed up as a Royal on her pony Lady After posting the letter in June, Olivia waited patiently for several weeks before she received a reply, likely one of the last letters ever sent by the Queen. The letter from Balmoral Castle arrived in Tallygaroopna on Friday - the same day it was announced Britain's longest-reigning monarch had sadly died. Ms Akers said she had been expecting some parcels and had asked the clerk at the post office if they had received any. 'They said: "You don't have any parcels, but you do have a very, very special letter here",' she recalled, adding she rushed to Olivia's school to show her daughter. The eight-year-old said she had been 'excited' to open the letter and proudly read the Queen's response to her schoolmates. The letter from Balmoral Castle (pictured) arrived in Tallygaroopna on Friday, the same day it was announced Britain's longest-reigning monarch had passed away The letter, signed by Lady-In-Waiting Annabelle Whitehead, thanked Olivia for her thoughtfulness in writing to Her Majesty. 'The Queen was interested to see the photographs you enclosed in which you and your splendid Pony, Lady, are depicted in the costume you chose for the celebratory competition you entered,' the note read. 'Her Majesty was touched to know that you too enjoy horse riding, and I am to thank you again for your thoughtfulness in writing to the Queen as you did at this time.' 'The timing is quite remarkable,' Ms Akers said, adding Lady, who cooperated with the costume, was 'the best pony we have ever had'. 'Liv will treasure this memory for the rest of her life.' Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday, September 8, ending the longest reign of any British monarch Harris spoke of Queen Elizabeth 'extraordinary life' saying she joined the millions mourning her death After presenting Pierce with the bouquet Harris and Emhoff signed the official book of condolences before leaving the embassy Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff have shared their condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to the British Embassy in Washington DC. Following security detail into the building Harris was seen walking hand in hand with her husband, carrying a large bouquet of flowers. The pair were greeted by Dame Karen Pierce, the British Ambassador to the US, and Harris was seen speaking to embassy staff before taking a seat and writing her condolence letter. A table laid out with a royal blue tablecloth sat at the center of the room with a framed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and a vase of flowers with the official book of condolences sitting between. A tweet posted by the deputy communications director to Vice President Harris spoke of the Queen's 'extraordinary life of service' in her note. 'Queen Elizabeth II lived an extraordinary life of service, and we join the millions around the world who mourn this incredible loss,' Harris wrote. 'Through the trials and triumphs of the past seven decades, she led with strength, with wisdom, and with grace.' Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff were seen going to the British Embassy hand in hand carrying a large bouquet of flowers Harris (center) and Emhoff (left) were greeted by Dame Karen Pierce (right), the British Ambassador to the US, before writing her official condolence letter for the Queen Harris spoke of the Queen's 'extraordinary life of service' in her note After paying her respects, Emhoff was seen writing his own note, before the pair left the embassy together. The passing of Queen Elizabeth II plunged the world into deep mourning for the longest-serving British monarch. Her death was met with an outpouring of grief from family, royal fans, and foreign leaders. In the hours following the shocking news, King Charles III notably shared his raw feelings saying that the Queen was a 'much-loved mother.' Countless high-profile figures took to social media to pay their respects. including former US president Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and the current president, Joe Biden. 'Like so many of you, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty's dedicated leadership, and we are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service,' wrote Obama. 'Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time.' Former President Donald Trump, who met her twice during his time in office, said: 'Our thoughts and prayers will remain with the great people of the United Kingdom as you honor her most meaningful life and exceptional service to the people. 'May God bless the Queen, may she reign forever in our hearts.' Germany's foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, expressed sadness at the news 'Germany remains forever grateful that she stretched out her hand to us in reconciliation after the terror of World War II,' she tweeted. Britain's new prime minister, Liz Truss, said: 'Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. 'Britain is the great country it is today because of her.' Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the Queen as 'a constant presence in our lives'. 'Her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country's history,' he wrote. 'Queen Elizabeth II lived an extraordinary life of service, and we join the millions around the world who mourn this incredible loss' wrote Harris A table laid with a royal blue tablecloth sat at the center of the room with a framed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and a vase of flowers with the official book of condolences sitting between Upon hearing the news, Harris tweeted about the impact she believed Queen Elizabeth had on the globe, a sentiment she echoed officially on Friday (pictured) After paying her respects, Emhoff (left) was seen writing his own note, before the pair left the embassy together Upon hearing the news, Harris tweeted about the impact she believed Queen Elizabeth had on the globe, a sentiment she echoed officially on Friday. 'Queen Elizabeth II lived an incredible life of service and had a profound impact on countless lives and historic events,' she wrote. 'We send our condolences to the Royal Family and join the people of the United Kingdom and all those around the world who mourn her loss.' Just hours after the Queen's death was announced on Thursday, President Joe Biden and the first lady were seen visiting the British Embassy. 'We mourn for all of you,' said Biden after the signing, with first lady Jill Biden at his side. 'She was a great lady. We're so delighted to get to meet her.' The president ripped up his schedule after the death of the 96-year-old British head of state canceling a speech on COVID-19 vaccines and ordered flags to be put to half-mast and half-staff. Biden wore black and carried a bouquet of flowers and took out some notes as he sat down to write his entry. 'The American people mourn today with people in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth,' he wrote. 'She led with enduring strength and dignity.' After signing the book, the Bidens spoke briefly to British diplomatic staff. 'Our hearts are with you,' said the first lady. And the president could be heard to say: 'As my mother would say, God love you.' A woke Carnegie Mellon professor who sparked outrage after wishing the Queen an 'excruciatingly painful' death has now branded the monarch's reign 'violent' while doubling down on her slurs. Uju Anya made the remarks in an interview with NBC News' website on Thursday, saying: 'There are people literally around the world, rejoicing at this woman's death, not because they're vile or cold but because her reign and the reign of her monarchy by extension was violent Anya slammed those who'd condemned her tweets, adding: 'I take deep offense at the notion that the oppressed and survivors of violence have to somehow be deferential or respectful when their oppressors die.' Anya, 46, said that her mother was born in Trinidad and her father in Nigeria, eventually meeting in England in 1950s, having been sent there to go to school. She described herself as a 'child of colonization.' She added: 'In addition to the colonization on the side of Nigeria, there's also the human enslavement in the Caribbean. So there's a direct lineage that I have to not just people who were colonized, but also people who were enslaved by the British.' Among those who condemned Anya's initial tweet wishing a painful end for the Queen, who died Thursday, was Jeff Bezos. Carnegie Mellon released a statement distancing itself from Anya's words while saying it backed free speech, and that she was entitled to say them. The woke Carnegie Mellon professor who put out a tweet so acidic in response to the death of Queen Elizabeth II that Twitter took it down has continued to double down on her anti-monarchy statements Anya was backed up by Zoe Samudzi, a Zimbabwean American photography professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, who tweeted her own outrageous statement about the late royal. She said: 'As the first generation of my family not born in a British colony, I would dance on the graves of every member of the royal family if given the opportunity, especially hers.' The Nigerian-born professor also said that she takes 'deep offense at the notion that the oppressed and survivors of violence have to somehow be deferential or respectful when their oppressors die.' Though Queen Elizabeth II has ruled a post-colonial Britain, there have been calls from some to confront the monarchy's past and, as Anya puts it, their continued attempts to 'meddle in African affairs.' Anya was backed up by Zoe Samudzi, a Zimbabwean American photography professor at the Rhode Island School of Design Uju Anya is a teacher and associate professor at the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She tweeted the disgusting words following the news that the Queen was in ill health In her first controversial tweet - now deleted by the social media platform - the professor wrote: 'I heard the chief monarch of a thieving raping genocidal empire is finally dying. May her pain be excruciating.' 'That wretched woman and her bloodthirsty throne have f***** generations of my ancestors on both sides of the family, and she supervised a government that sponsored the genocide my parents and siblings survived. May she die in agony.' Twitter later removed the posts for violating their rules. Anya's appalling sentiment, shared as the Queen was in her final hours, has ignited a firestorm of anger, and cast a light on previous attempts by hundreds of people to get the outspoken academic fired from her teaching job for violent and racist words. Carnegie Mellon University responded that Anya's views do not represent their school but also refused to allow her to face consequences so far and have not fired her The university has so far refused to punish its professor, and said in a statement posted on Twitter on Thursday evening 'We do not condone the offensive and objectionable messages posted by Uju Anya today on her social media account.' 'Free expression is core to the mission of higher education,' they said, indicating Anya would not see consequences for her tweet. 'However, the views she shared absolutely do not represent the values of the institution, nor the standards of discourse we seek to foster,' they concluded. And during Friday's installment of ABC's The View, co-host Sunny Hostin said: 'If you really think about what the monarchy was built on, it was built on the backs of black and brown people.' She took particular issue with the Imperial State Crown and the Queen's scepter. 'She wore a crown with pillaged stones from India and Africa,' Hostin added. 'And now what you're seeing, at least in the black communities that I'm a part of, they want reparation. The Imperial State Crown, along with a sceptre, serves as the principal crown for the British monarch. The Queen was pictured at her coronation in 1953 with the sceptre and bejeweled crown The Koh-i-noor diamond from India sits atop the crown made for the Queen Mother in 1937 and the Great Star of Africa sits in the Queen's scepter. The Imperial State Crown, along with a scepter, serves as the principal crown for the British monarch, with the Koh-i-noor being part of the Treaty of Lahore. Many people have claimed ownership over the Great Star of Africa over the centuries including Mughal emperors, shahs of Iran, emirs of Afghanistan, and Sikh maharajas. Her Majesty died Thursday at the age of 96. She passed away surrounded by members of the Royal Family at Balmoral Castle, Scotland. Carnegie Mellon University has distanced itself from Anya, telling DailyMail.com that it does 'not condone the offensive and objectionable messages' Anya's vile words about the Queen were slammed by thousands online, including billionaire Bezos. Jeff Bezos said: 'This is someone supposedly working to make the world better? I don't think so. Wow.' Journalist Piers Morgan also added: 'You vile disgusting moron.' One horrified user said: 'Don't expect that of you but do expect common decency, respect for such a loss. If you cannot give that at this time, you are a disgraceful of a human being.' Another added: 'You are just so uncouth and manner-less. You speak of someone who just passed with such a vile and disdaining comment. Carnegie Mellon University has distanced itself from Anya, telling DailyMail.com that it does 'not condone the offensive and objectionable messages'. 'Free expression is core to the mission of higher education, however, the views she shared absolutely do not represent the values of the institution, nor the standards of discourse we seek to foster,' a spokesperson said. Hundreds of people slammed the crude professor for her comments about the Queen's final hours The 'anti racist' professor has faced allegations of racism in the past for the words she has used online - and in one instance, the Foundational Black American organization created a petition to get her removed from Carnegie Mellon University. Anya, who claims to be an expert in 'diversity, equity, and inclusion,' was called out for using an ethnic slur, which means 'cotton pickers' or 'wild animals.' The petition to get her fired garnered nearly 800 signatures. It read: 'Dr. Uju Anya can not be allowed to use the platform of Carnegie Mellon University Department of Modern Languages to further promote systemic racism through her blatant use of ethnic slurs on social media when referring to Foundational Black Americans. 'This is a step backward in our fight to destroy systemic racism and discrimination for all people if institutions allow professors to become comfortable with using language as a weapon against people of color by people of color. 'Society MUST hold all people accountable equally and we call on Carnegie Mellon University to take action against this type of egregious behavior to protect the reputation and integrity of the Higher Learning Institution.' One person who signed the petition said that the professor can't be trusted with children. They added: 'I'm concerned for the children. She can't be trusted with kids. I wouldn't want racist of any color teaching my children.' Another added: 'She needs to be fired. There's no way in hell she should be allowed to teach Black American students. She's a danger to any Black American she comes in contact with. FIRE HER NOW!' And a third person, who signed the petition for the university to drop her, said: 'She's a hypocrite and an ethnic bigot.' The vicious academic also found herself in hot water when he mocked the death of YouTuber Kevin Samuels in May 2022. Samuels, who had 1.42million YouTube subscribers and nearly as many Instagram followers, was best known for some of his controversial dating advice. He passed away earlier this year. But in the aftermath of his death she wrote: 'Kevin Samuels told men their worth was in their wallet. He died in a 1BR sublet with less than $1K to his name, no partner, friend, or offspring willing to claim him, only his poor mother begging and borrowing to bury his loathsome carcass.' Jeff Bezos was one of the many voices slamming the professor for her vile tweets Her Majesty, Queen of the United Kingdom, died on September 8, 2022 'There is no way you aren't a woman with so much of hate in your heart and we certainly don't need that in women who hold high positions in our society. Horrible!!' A third social media user, disgusted at the words, said: 'There's always someone looking for attention in the midst of a tragedy, which you might understand if the target was a hated public figure but these comments are disgusting, and from a verified blue tick account too. You should be ashamed of yourself.' As well as Anya and her vile words, a slew of people took to social media to attack and mock the Queen as news rolled in about her tragic death. Millions across the world are mourning the loss of Britain's longest-serving monarch. Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, an associate professor at the University of Michigan's School of Education, wrote: 'Telling the colonized how they should feel about their colonizer's health and wellness is like telling my people that we ought to worship the Confederacy. ''Respect the dead' when we're all writing these Tweets *in English.* How'd that happen, hm? We just chose this language?' Responding to her tweet and alluding to their happiness at the Queen's death, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's former aide said: 'I cannot imagine what my Irish grandparents would be feeling.' Political reporter for the Washington Post, Eugene Scott, also peddled the idea that speaking about the British Empire and its ramifications was the appropriate topic of conversation while the beloved Queen was on her deathbed. He wrote: 'Real question for the 'now is not the appropriate time to talk about the negative impact of colonialism' crowd: When is the appropriate time to talk about the negative impact of colonialism?' As did Jemele Hill, contributing writer for The Atlantic: 'Journalists are tasked with putting legacies into full context, so it is entirely appropriate to examine the queen and her role in the devastating impact of continued colonialism.' The vicious academic also found herself in hot water when he mocked the death of YouTuber Kevin Samuels in May 2022 YouTuber Kevin Samuels, 57, died in Atlanta earlier this year. But Anya came under fire after mocking his death in May 2022 On Thursday, the Queen's death was confirmed. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. 'The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow'. The Queen's death will see Britain and her Commonwealth realms enter into a ten-day period of mourning as millions of her subjects in the UK and abroad come to terms with her passing. And as her son King Charles accedes to the throne, there will also be a celebration of her historic 70-year reign that saw her reach her Platinum Jubilee this year - a landmark unlikely to be reached again by a British monarch. Charles, who became King on the death of his mother, said: 'We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. 'I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.' An Australian politician has recalled the day Queen Elizabeth invited him to an intimate lunch at Balmoral before helping to pack away the dishes. Former Victorian Premier John Brumby (pictured) said Her Majesty had made him feel like part of her family when he visited her Balmoral estate in October, 2009 Former Victorian Premier John Brumby said Her Majesty had quickly put him at ease when he visited her Balmoral Estate in the Scottish Highlands in late 2009. The premier said he and the Queen had discussed the Black Saturday bushfires that had killed 139 people and devastated large swathes of his state earlier that year. The hospitable monarch had then suggested he and his wife Rosemary join her for lunch at one of the cottages on her rambling Balmoral estate. The Queen personally drove the pair, and seven of her beloved corgis, to a cottage near the river where they were served cold beef, salmon and potato salad. 'So we finished the lunch, and we've all got to clean up, which was taking the dirty dishes, cutlery, glasses and leftovers back to the house,' he told the Herald Sun. 'And we all jump up and start stacking the plates and glasses, and then she jumps up and joins in.' However, the afternoon's surprises didn't end there. Mr Brumby said the Queen personally drove the pair, and seven of her beloved corgis, to a cottage near the river on her Balmoral Estate (pictured, the monarch with her dogs in 1980) An Australian politician has remembered how several of the Queen's corgis escaped following a lunch with Her Majesty at her Balmoral estate (pictured, the Queen strokes her corgi Candy) Several of the Queen's beloved corgis escaped down to the river after lunch, with the former Labor leader offering to round them up. He successfully returned the pets to Her Majesty, and said it had been the rescue mission that had ultimately 'endeared' him to the grateful monarch. The Labor politician said he had been impressed by the Queen's 'great care and affection' for the victims of the Black Saturday tragedy. The Royals made a significant donation to recovery efforts and asked for daily briefings from the Victorian Government on their progress. The Royals made a significant donation to recovery efforts following Victoria's devastating Black Saturday bushfires (pictured, the Queen receives flowers in Sydney in 2006) Mr Brumby served as Victoria's premier from 2007 to 2010, Victorian Treasurer from 2000 to 2007 and leader of the Victorian Opposition for six years. He resigned as Labor leader after the 2010 state election. The former premier is the latest in a string of high-profile Australians who have shared fond memories with the Queen. Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison told the Kyle and Jackie O show last week that it had been his 'greatest honour' as Australia's leader to meet with the monarch. 'It's a moment of terrible sadness for the whole world, not just Australians,' he said. 'There was a fondness for Her Majesty the world over because of the special person that she was. I'm grateful for her life of amazing service.' Scott Morrison has thanked God for the gift of Queen Elizabeth II in a heartfelt tribute to the monarch who has died at her castle in Balmoral at the age of 96 (pictured, their last meeting) He said while he had been advised he only had 20 minutes, the Queen had been up for a 'big chat' in which they discussed the drought and the mice plague. Mr Morrison said he and Jenny had gifted her a book about Winx, a champion Australian race horse, after former PM John Howard told him she loves racing. 'While she had familiarity with you, and she engaged with you, at the same time you always knew you were talking to the Queen,' he said. 'She always seemed to get that balance right, being a monarch and also being a compassionate person, and a very interested person.' Queen Elizabeth III died 'peacefully' at her castle in Balmoral in the Scottish Highlands on September 8 at the age of 96, ending her 70-year reign. Mark McGowan has stirred confusion after landmarks were illuminated to honour the Queen in the same colour used to celebrate Fremantle making it to the AFL finals. The premier announced on Thursday the city would be lit up purple until Saturday to commemorate Fremantle - West Australia's only AFL team playing in this year's finals series - playing Collingwood at the MCG on the weekend. Queen Elizabeth II then passed away at Balmoral in Scotland prompting Mr McGowan to announce buildings would be illuminated in the same colour on Friday. Purple is the club colour of Fremantle and also the colour of royalty. Mark McGowan has stirred confusion after landmarks were illuminated to honour the Queen in the same colour used to celebrate Fremantle making it to the AFL finals The premier announced on Thursday the city would be lit up purple until Saturday to commemorate Fremantle playing Collingwood at the MCG on the weekend Matagarup Bridge, Joondalup Drive Bridge, Northbridge Tunnel, Optus Stadium and RAC Arena were among the landmarks lit up in honour of the Queen. Mr McGowan took to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to post photos of the structures and pay tribute to the Queen. 'Perth landmarks illuminated royal purple in honour of Her Majesty The Queen,' he wrote. The post appears to have confused some residents who questioned if the buildings were lit up to honour the Queen or celebrate Fremantle. '4 hours ago we were told all major landmarks in Perth were lit up royal purple for the queen,' one person wrote. 'But apparently it's for the Fremantle Dockers!!' Another added: 'Haha love how we casually changed this from Dockers to the Queen. Iconic McGowan - Im here for it. The announcement appears to have confused some residents who questioned if the buildings were lit up to honour the Queen or celebrate Fremantle Mr McGowan took to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to post photos of the structures and pay tribute to the Queen Some suggested the shade had been changed to a royal purple to pay tribute to the Queen Some suggested the shade had been changed to a royal purple to pay tribute to the Queen. 'That is a beautiful gesture and also an omen for Freo supporters,' one wrote. 'We all loved the Queen. What an amazing and strong woman. Now we have a king!!!!' A second person wrote: 'Well done Mr McGowan a gesture of respect well earned by the lady'. Daily Mail Australia contacted City of Perth and Mr McGowan for comment. North Korea has officially enshrined the right to use pre-emptive nuclear strikes to protect the country after Kim Jong Un announced a new law that makes the nation's nuclear status "irreversible" and bars denuclearization talks. The United Nations secretary-general said that he was "deeply concerned" by the new law and reiterated calls for Pyongyang to return to denuclearization talks. The UN has long-standing sanctions on North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Furthermore, the United States once again said that it had no hostile intent toward North Korea and is willing to resume talks without preconditions. The announcement by Kim comes as observers say that North Korea appears to be preparing to resume nuclear testing for the first time since 2017. Historic summits with then-U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders in 2018 failed to persuade the North Korean leader to abandon his weapons development. The Supreme People's Assembly, the country's rubber-stamp parliament, passed the legislation on Thursday to replace a 2013 law that first outlined the nation's nuclear status, as per Reuters. Kim was quoted as telling the assembly that the utmost significance of legislating nuclear weapons policy is to draw an irretrievable line so that there can be no bargaining over nuclear weapons. One of the scenarios that could trigger a nuclear attack would be the threat of an imminent nuclear strike if the country's leaders, people, or existence were under threat, or to gain the upper hand during a war. Read Also: Lawmakers, Americans Urge President Joe Biden To Ban Iranian President in US Amid Looming UN Meeting In a statement, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre repeated past U.S. remarks that Washington has no hostile intent toward North Korea. The official said that the American government continues to seek diplomacy and is prepared to meet without preconditions. According to KCNAWatch, the nuclear forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) are a powerful means for defending the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and fundamental interests of the state, preventing a war on the Korean peninsula and in Northeast Asia and ensuring the strategic stability of the world. Deterrence for War The mission of North Korea's nuclear forces is said to be to deter war by making hostile forces have a clear understanding of the fact that the military confrontation with the DPRK brings about ruin and gives up their attempts at aggression and attack. Furthermore, the DPRK's nuclear forces shall carry out an operational mission for repulsing hostile forces' aggression and attack and achieving the decisive victory of the war in case war deterrence fails. The measure comes as Kim vowed to never part with the nuclear and missiles program it took his country several decades to build, making them more and more dangerous by the year. The North Korean leader said that the country will "never give up nuclear weapons and there is absolutely no denuclearization, and no negotiation, and no bargaining chip to trade in the process." Kim, similar to his father before him, is reluctant to part with his nuclear weapons because they help keep the regime in place. However, the thinking was Pyongyang would only use the weapons in the event of foreign nations first attacking North Korea, Politico reported. Related Article: North Korea Now a 'Nuclear Weapons State,' Kim Jong-un Says It's for National Defense @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani has come under fire for saying 9/11 was 'in some ways the greatest day of my life.' Giuliani, 78, made the remarks just days before the 21st anniversary of the terror attacks on New York City and Washington DC while speaking on Newsmax on Friday morning. 'The feelings are complex feelings. I guess the best way to describe it is, it was the worst day of my life and in some ways, you know, the greatest day of my life, in terms of my city, my country, my family. 'It was the worst foreign attack on this country since the war of 1812. It was a complete surprise. It was an attack on completely innocent people and I watched it first hand,' he added. Giuliani was Mayor of NYC at the time of the attacks, which killed close to 3,000 in the city, and was hailed as 'America's mayor' over his masterful handling of the crisis. His star has since fallen dramatically, and he faces an ongoing FBI probe over his activities in Ukraine in 2018 and 2019, although he hasn't been charged, and few details of the allegations against him have emerged. The former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani has come under fire for saying September 11, 2001, the day terrorists flew planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center was 'in some ways the greatest day of my life.' Giuliani made the remarks just days before the 21st anniversary of the attacks while speaking on Newsmax 'Full clip actually manages to be worse than the snippet,' tweeted New York Times White House Correspondent Maggie Haberman Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani reflects on 9/11: "It was the worst day of my life and in some ways, you know, the greatest day of my life." pic.twitter.com/rGOHl7LsVW The Recount (@therecount) September 9, 2022 His words were immediately met with sharp reaction on social media. 'Full clip actually manages to be worse than the snippet,' tweeted New York Times White House Correspondent Maggie Haberman. Other Twitter users did not hold back in their derision of Giuliani. 'Giuliani should never be allowed to speak on 9/11 ever again!!!! Like forever!!!! Disgusting opportunistic traitor!' tweeted one. 'Rudy, you just shredded the one thing you could have been admired for,' another wrote. New York Gov. George Pataki, left, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, center, and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton are pictured on September 12, 2001 - one day after the terror attacks Giuliani earned the nickname 'America's Mayor' following his leadership of New York City following the attacks. President Bush, center, Giuliani, left, and then-New York Governor George Pataki, second from left, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., second from right, and New York City Fire Commissioner Thomas Van Essen, right, look toward the fallen buildings Twitter users did not hold back in their derision of Giuliani for his comments 'Rudy Giuliani, for nearly 3,000 Americans including the employees at the Pentagon, 9/11 was not the greatest day of their lives. Especially their surviving family members and friends,' wrote Ken Gordon. Giuliani has spoken of 9/11 as the 'greatest day' previously and last year, on the 20th anniversary, he said similar. 'It was the worst day in the history of my city and it was the greatest day, a day of tremendous heroism.' Sunday marks the 21st anniversary of the attacks, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people, approximately 2,750 of whom were in New York. Two airliners were flown into the Twin Towers, which collapsed, with a third flown into the Pentagon, and a fourth bound for Washington DC seized by passengers before crashing in a Pennsylvania field. At one point Giuliani had been seen as a dominant figure in US politics. He is pictured in June At one point Giuliani had been seen as a dominant figure in US politics. He initially polled well in his bid to become president in 2016 before his campaign sputtered and he ultimately dropped out following the Florida Republican primary. Last year, Giuliani, who served as Donald Trump's personal lawyer during part of his presidency, had his law license temporarily suspended in New York and Washington D.C. following his fraudulent claims that Trump won the 2020 election. He peddled conspiracy theories about the election and also served to rile up the crowds outside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Next month a hearing will take place to determine whether he will be allowed to practice law in the city again. A former classmate of King Charles III has admitted to keeping locks of the Royal's hair inside an envelope for over 50 years. Richard Kumnick, who attended the prestigious Geelong Grammar School with Charles, said he had stolen the hair off a barbershop floor in Mansfield. While the hair had 'faded' a little after 50 years, Richard was sure the hair belonged to Charles because he had been the first to get his hair cut that day. He said the new King had been a 'prefect' during his two semesters at Timbertop and that his classmates had been instructed to call him 'Prince Charles'. Prince Charles pictured on a guided tour of Timbertop, the rural outpost campus of Geelong Grammar School during his stay at the establishment in Melbourne, Australia in February 1966 Mr Kumnick asked Channel Nine hosts Georgie Gardner and Tom Steinfort if they would like a glimpse of the Royal locks. 'I must say it's a different colour than the hair we see today,' Richard joked as he pulled long strands of dark hair out of an envelope. 'The King's DNA is currently being held in Geelong. Who knew?,' Steinfort said. Mr Kumnick said he had been 15 and the Prince had been 17 when they attended the prestigious school in regional Victoria over five decades ago. 'He would come with us on hikes. He dined with us. And he would come in and out of the three units he was the prefect for and see what we were up to, see that we were doing our prep or whatever,' he said. A man who went to school with King Charles when he attended Timbertop in Australia has admitted to keeping locks of the monarch's hair (pictured) stored in an envelope for over 50 years Prince Charles pictured observing a woodwork demonstration at Timbertop, the rural outpost campus of Geelong Grammar School in 1966 Charles has a long and storied relationship with Australia, having visited the country 16 times and gone to school in Victoria (pictured here with his wife Diana in Alice Springs, 1983) He recalled Charles looking 'homesick' during his first meal with the students. 'Well, I know he's reflected on it in later years, saying that he actually really loved it. I think he ended up staying longer than what was ultimately intended or initially intended, I should say,' he added. Mr Kumnick recalled the terrifying moment the Prince caught him smoking in the boiler room - a habit that was forbidden at the no-nonsense boarding school. 'It was a dark room on the side of our living quarters and I was having a Marlboro and he happened to pop into the boiler room,' he said. 'I don't know whether he called me Kumnick or not but he said, "I will have those thank you." 'I was pleased that that was as far as it went, because if it had gone any further I would have ended up in Mr Hanley's office.' The hosts asked Mr Kumnick if thought his classmate would make a good King. 'Oh, I think he will been in the same vain as his mother. He would be perfect. I'm a royalist big time. I didn't think the time would come,' he replied. 'I thought, maybe his son would... You know, Charles would be too old. I'm very happy. I'm very sad that the Queen's died but you know, happy moment.' It comes after King Charles paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth during his first address to the nation in which he thanked his 'darling wife Camilla' for her support. Diana and Prince Charles at their official welcome ceremony in Alice Springs, Australia, March 1983 The new monarch, holding back tears, hailed Her Majesty as an 'inspiration and an example to me and to all my family' as he spoke of his 'profound sorrow' at her death aged 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8. The new King Charles III has a long and storied relationship with Australia, having visited the country 16 times and spent two semesters at school in regional Victoria. In 1983, he was joined by then-wife Princess Diana and a 10-month-old William on a memorable visit that attracted huge crowds and media coverage. In between, he represented the Queen at state funerals, stole a kiss from an Aussie model and even enjoyed a dip at Bondi Beach. However, in recent years, he has been central to the argument of Australia becoming a republic, with a survey in May finding that 53 per cent of Aussies disapprove of him becoming king of the country. King Charles (pictured) has represented the Queen at state funerals, stole a kiss from an Aussie model and even enjoyed a dip at Bondi Beach In 1994, a 23-year-old man was arrested after firing a starter pistol at Charles as he prepared to hand out Australia Day awards in Sydney. David Kang stormed a stage and fired two blank shots at Charles. The incident proved to be something of a turning point for Charles in Australia, as his visits tailed off afterwards. The Australian Republic Movement wasted little time in renewing its calls for Australia to split from the crown following the Queen's death. It took just 24 minutes for the ARM to release a statement with the movement's chair, prominent author and columnist Peter FitzSimons, paying tribute to the 'significant contribution' she made to Australia throughout her 70-year reign. Prince Charles enjoys a swim in the sea at Bondi Beach during his tour of Australia on April 15, 1981 The ARM said the Queen backed the right of Australians to become 'a fully independent nation' at the previous republic referendum in 1998. In its statement released 19 minutes before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued his own, Mr FitzSimons said: 'Queen Elizabeth respected the self-determination of the Australian people. 'During her reign the Australia Act 1986 was passed eliminating many of the remaining opportunities for UK interference in Australian government. Appeals from Australian courts to British courts were abolished.' Republicans believe the Queen's passing will reignite a campaign to achieve Australia's constitutional independence, but monarchists maintain they have 'absolutely no hope'. Advertisement A new intimate behind-the-scenes video released by the royal family today has revealed how an emotional King Charles III readied himself as he prepared to give his first national address. The new King last night paid tribute to his 'darling Mama' the Queen and vowed to 'renew' her 'promise of a life of service' as he delivered a deeply revealing and personal address to the nation. He spoke from the Buckingham Palace Drawing Room - the same room where his mother made dozens of Christmas messages, in a nod to her impressive legacy. Now touching new video released by the palace shows King Charles in the moments before and after he gave his address as the cameras and lighting were organised around him. He appears to ask the camera crew: 'Am I done?' after the emotion-filled speech to the nation. The monarch, holding back tears, said, 'To my darling Mama, thank you, thank you', as he hailed Elizabeth II as an 'inspiration and an example to me and to all my family' following her death at Balmoral on Thursday aged 96. In a moving speech that was screened at a service of prayer and reflection at St Paul's Cathedral, the King spoke of a 'time of change for my family' while praising his 'darling wife Camilla' who becomes Queen Consort 'in recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago'. A photographer takes a photo of Charles in the moments after his first national address to the public as King Charles III During his speech, Charles was sat at an antique polished desk in Buckingham Palace's Blue Drawing Room, one of the grand state rooms, where the Queen would sometimes film her Christmas broadcasts. To the King's left was a framed photograph of his late mother the Queen, smiling broadly and wearing a vivid blue coat and matching hat decorated with a red flower King Charles' debut television appearance was filmed in the same room where the Queen's decades of Christmas broadcasts were filmed The Queen's final Christmas broadcast in 2022 saw her looking resplendent in red, next to a photograph of her and her husband The footage shows Charles sitting at the desk in Buckingham Palace while a royal photographer takes a photograph of the historic occasion. Broadcast cameras, a sound technician and large lamps can all be seen positioned around him. Charles III's speech in full 'I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen - my beloved Mother - was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example. 'Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today. 'Alongside the personal grief that all my family are feeling, we also share with so many of you in the United Kingdom, in all the countries where The Queen was Head of State, in the Commonwealth and across the world, a deep sense of gratitude for the more than 70 years in which my Mother, as Queen, served the people of so many nations. 'In 1947, on her 21st birthday, she pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life, whether it be short or long, to the service of her peoples. That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life. She made sacrifices for duty. 'Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never waivered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss. 'In her life of service we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which make us great as Nations. The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign. 'And, as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people. 'I pay tribute to my Mother's memory and I honour her life of service. I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of you and I share that sense of loss, beyond measure, with you all. 'When The Queen came to the throne, Britain and the world were still coping with the privations and aftermath of the Second World War, and still living by the conventions of earlier times. In the course of the last 70 years we have seen our society become one of many cultures and many faiths. 'The institutions of the State have changed in turn. But, through all changes and challenges, our nation and the wider family of Realms - of whose talents, traditions and achievements I am so inexpressibly proud - have prospered and flourished. Our values have remained, and must remain, constant. 'The role and the duties of Monarchy also remain, as does the Sovereign's particular relationship and responsibility towards the Church of England - the Church in which my own faith is so deeply rooted. 'In that faith, and the values it inspires, I have been brought up to cherish a sense of duty to others, and to hold in the greatest respect the precious traditions, freedoms and responsibilities of our unique history and our system of parliamentary government. 'As The Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation. 'And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the Realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life. My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities. 'It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others. 'This is also a time of change for my family. I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort. 'I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much. As my Heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me. 'He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades. Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. 'With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given. I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas. 'In a little over a week's time we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest. In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example. 'On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express. 'And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you. 'Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May 'flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest'.' Advertisement On Charles' left there is a photograph of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, dressed in pale blue. To his right, a small bouquet of flowers sits on the corner of the table. The King is seen in the suit and tie he wore for the address itself, complete with his black and white handkerchief. The new footage then shows the King taking an interest in the events around him, speaking with what can be assumed is the technical team. He looks to share a smile with the crew before getting up from his seat, turning to the camera and appearing grave and almost tearful as the power of the moment hits him. The video, posted on the royal family's YouTube channel, quickly amassed touching comments from members of the public. One viewer said: 'His eyes speak volumes of his great pain. God love and comfort him.' A second wrote: 'Still giving so much time to the world. A King and still a child. 'Mourning his mother and yet delivers a honest speech. 'A King, who is truly an example of integrity. Long live the King.' A third added: 'The grief in his eyes.. I'm praying for you. 'I dont have enough Kleenex man. I just keep bawling.' The video also revealed more details of the nods to the Queen in last night's address, from a vase decorated with corgis to rosemary for remembrance. Charles was sat at an antique polished desk in Buckingham Palace's Blue Drawing Room, one of the grand state rooms, where the Queen would sometimes film her Christmas broadcasts. To the King's left was a framed photograph of his late mother the Queen, smiling broadly and wearing a vivid blue coat and matching hat decorated with a red flower. And on the right, delicate white sweet peas set with sprigs of rosemary - the herb a traditional symbol of remembrance - were placed in memory of Elizabeth II. The posy stood in a small silver vase - at the base of which were several small silver playful-looking corgis. The ornament was used by the Queen when she used to sit at the very same desk. It was a touching nod to the monarch's love of her favourite dogs, who were a constant source of happiness during her long reign. The Blue Drawing Room, designed by John Nash, is decorated with pairs of scagliola columns, painted to resemble onyx in 1860. There are five cut-glass chandeliers, an assortment of settees, chairs and tables, and it is often used for royal receptions. The behind the scenes footage allows the public to get a glimpse of these heartfelt nods to his mother which made King Charles III's speech so moving. After the address last night, a royal source said: 'The new Princess of Wales appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path.' In his speech, the King said of his 'beloved mother' the late Elizabeth II: 'We owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example'. He added: 'To my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you. 'Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May 'flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest'.' The King pledged to dedicate his whole life to serving the nation just as the Queen did at her accession, saying: 'That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today'. Charles, 72, extended an olive branch to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, saying he wished to 'express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas'. The King also used his speech to announce that he had created his son William the Prince of Wales, with Kate the Princess of Wales - a role last held by Diana. The monarch pre-recorded the lengthy speech, which was just under 1,000 words and lasted around nine-and-a-half minutes in the Blue Drawing Room of the royal residence in central London, and it was played out at 6pm on Friday. The King, dressed in a sombre black suit, black tie and with a black and white checked handkerchief in his breast pocket, said: 'I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. 'Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen - my beloved Mother - was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example. 'Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.' Charles confirmed he will have to take a step back from his considerable charitable interests now he is king and 'issues' he has campaigned for - likely to be interpreted as an end to his lobbying of ministers with his famous 'black spider memos'. He said: 'My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities. It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others. 'This is also a time of change for my family. I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage seventeen years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort. 'I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much.' MPs applauded the King's address after they watched it in silence in the Commons chamber. Some could be seen wiping away tears during the speech. The Commons had been suspended for a short period to allow MPs to watch the speech on televisions in the chamber. There was also a thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral last night which was attended by 2,000 members of the public - who were handed tickets on a first-come-first-served basis. This was the first opportunity for many to see their new King. King Charles III, holding back tears, said, 'To my darling Mama, thank you, thank you', as he hailed Elizabeth II as an 'inspiration and an example to me and to all my family' following her death aged 96 at Balmoral Castle yesterday King Charles III looked tearful and heavy-hearted after his address, made just 24 hours after the death of his mother Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II taken at Buckingham Palace during the recording of her Christmas message in 1971 The Queen usually had a nod to her corgis on her desk (pictured in 1989) - while Charles placed a photograph of his late mother on his left hand side The Queen shows the public another side to the yellow Drawing Room in Buckingham Palace for her 2004 Christmas address King Charles III is expected to make his first broadcast Christmas address in December of this year Members of the congregation were tearful through the service as the choir sang. One woman was seen using a handkerchief to wipe her eyes as she sat in the pews at St Paul's, as a piper played Flowers of the Forest - a lament played only at funerals and memorials. Prime Minister Liz Truss looked solemn as she gave her Bible reading from Romans 14. 7-12. She said: 'We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. 'For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 'Why do you pass judgement on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgement seat of God. 'For it is written, 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.' So then, each of us will be accountable to God.' London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly were seen listening intently to her reading before standing for the hymn O Thou Who Camest From Above. In a separate area, the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker sat together while Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Nadhim Zahawi sat with Lord High Chancellor Brandon Lewis. Deputy Prime Minister Therese Coffey, Leader of the Commons Penny Mordaunt and Welsh Secretary Robert Buckland were seen standing together and singing along to a hymn during the service. Earlier today, huge crowds cheered the new monarch as he arrived at Buckingham Palace in a vintage Rolls-Royce alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort, before he got out and began shaking hands with countless well-wishers. In moving scenes, shouts of God Save the King broke out before an impromptu rendition of the National Anthem, with the words changed to reflect the new monarch. As the sun shone on an otherwise dull, damp day, the Royal Standard was raised above Buckingham Palace for the first time of his reign. Astonishing footage has captured the moment that Russian soldiers are thrown off a fleeing tank which is sent crashing into a tree as Ukraine's forces continue their 30-mile advance into Russian occupied areas. The fleeing tank is seen desperately retreating at a considerable speed near Izyum in the Kharkiv region with several soldiers on top of its hull. But moments after Russian troops are thrown from the tank, it is seen swerving off the road before smashing straight into a tree which falls on the remaining soldiers. The drone footage, released by Ukrainian armed forces, mocks the Russians over their vow: 'We do not abandon our people'. The video also highlights how the tank 'lost' its men. Although the number of casualties is unknown, reports say that Vladimir Putin is suffering catastrophic losses in the Kharkiv region. Ukraine's rapid territorial gains have caught Putin's men off guard at a vulnerable section of their front line in an attack that could be a major turning point in the war. A Russian tank was seen fleeing near Izyum, in the Kharkiv region, moments before soldiers were thrown off This is the moment that Russian troops were seen being thrown off the tank as Kyiv forces continue to make advancements Moments after the Russian soldiers are thrown off, those still in the hull are sent swerving into a tree After crashing, the tree falls on the remaining Russian soldiers that stayed in the tank Military analysts say that the attack threatens an important supply hub used by Russian forces in the east. More emerging footage has captured the moment that firing Russian troops are struck down in an explosion. Before firing off six rounds, Russian soldiers are caught off guard as their tank is blown up by Ukrainian forces, leaving a soldier severely wounded. The bloodied soldier who says that he cannot hear anything' is supported by a fellow Russian troop who replies, 'Hold on. If you start falling asleep let me know.' Russian troops were firing off rounds before being hit by a counter-blow which saw their tank blow up and left a man wounded and unable to hear It comes after significant gains made by Ukraine with President Zelensky claiming that his men have liberated more than 30 settlements as they punch through Putin's defences in the Kharkiv region. 'Our army, intelligence units and the security services are carrying out active engagements in several operational areas. They are doing so successfully,' the Ukrainian president said in a video address to the nation. 'We are gradually taking control over new settlements. We are returning the Ukrainian flag and protection for our citizens everywhere.' He added that Ukrainians should report any crimes committed by the occupying forces. There are claims that an encirclement of Russian troops means they will suffer their worst battlefield defeat since 1943 during the Second World War. More and more footage of Ukrainian advancement is emerging. One video showed the moment that a Russian tank was blown up and destroyed by a Ukrainian anti-tank guided missile. The video shows the moment that the missile - a UA ATGM - makes contact and completely decimates the Russian tank as it goes up in flames. Leading up to its destruction the tank can be seen firing itself before the guided missile destroys it and plumes of smoke can be seen rising from it. This is the moment that a Russian tank was blown into oblivion by an anti-tank missile leaving plumes of smoke rising from it The advances being made mean Putins main line of communication with its army group in Izyum is severed - which could trap thousands of his troops between the river and advancing Ukrainian forces. Were it to fall, Putin could lose an entire army group, treating its operations in the Donbas. Just yesterday, videos and pictures emerged showing troops standing victoriously on top of Russian flags in the liberated eastern Ukraine city Balakliia, while others have been shown in footage discovering the burnt out wreckages of enemy tanks. This morning, Kyiv soldiers were pictured with their own nation's flag as they claim to have retaken Kupyansk - something Russia disputes Ukrainian troops were being welcomed as heroes by gleeful residents who have lived under Russian occupation for months. This morning, Kyiv soldiers were pictured with their own nation's flag as they claim to have retaken Kupyansk - something Russia disputes. Putin's invaders have responded to the latest humiliating blow by releasing footage as they look to send in huge reinforcements to Kharkiv - but there is little sign they have been deployed let alone effective. Five people have died after a whale reportedly flipped their boat in icy waters while on a seabird-watching tour in New Zealand. The tragic accident happened at Goose Bay, near Kaikoura, on the east coast of the country's south island on Saturday morning. A group of 11 women aged over 50 were reportedly on a bird-watching trip, when the 8.5metre charter boat was overturned at about 10am local time. The other six passengers on board including the skipper were rescued and have been released from hospital after being assessed. One sustained minor injuries. Authorities are yet to confirm what caused the boat to capsize but said there was a collision. Humpback and sperm whales are known to frequent the area. Five people have died while on a seabird-watching tour after a whale reportedly flipped their boat in icy waters near Kaikoura, in New Zealand Harrowing photos show one passenger sitting on top of the upturned boat while waiting to be rescued The other six passengers on board including the skipper were rescued and have been released from hospital after being assessed A NZ police dive team arrived at the scene at about 2pm on Saturday as the bodies were retrieved from the 10C water and brought to shore. The boat has also been towed in. Harrowing photos show one passenger sitting on top of the upturned boat while waiting to be rescued. 'This is an unprecedented event that has occurred,' Kaikoura Police Sergeant Matt Boyce said. NZ Coastguard, Maritime New Zealand and Fire and Emergency NZ, tour operators including Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura, and a handful of local fishermen were involved in trying to save the victims. Two Westpac Rescue helicopters were also called to the scene. Half the passengers managed to clamber onto the upturned hull of the vessel where they waited for help Kaikoura mayor Craig Mackle broke down during a press briefing, describing the tragedy as 'a terrible circumstance', adding the conditions were 'really, really' good. 'This has been a tragic event that affects many lives, most of all family and loved ones,' Mr Mackle said. 'Out heartfelt sorrow and condolences to you all.' Mr Mackle told Associated Press the water was very calm and the assumption was that a whale had surfaced from beneath the boat and flipped it. He said there were some sperm whales in the area and also some humpback whales traveling through, although he did not know what type of whale might have collided with the boat. The mayor added that he had thought in the past about the possibility of a boat and whale colliding in the area. 'It always plays on your mind that it could happen,' he said, adding that he had not heard about any previous accidents. Coastguard New Zealand released a statement saying volunteers worked all day to 'help bring all involved home'. 'Coastguard would like to express our sincerest condolences to the whanau of the five people who lost their lives when the boat they were on capsized off Goose Bay in Kaikoura today.' Vanessa Chapman told Stuff she and a group of friends had watched the rescue efforts unfold from Goose Bay and could see a person sitting atop an overturned boat waving their arms. She said two rescue helicopters and a third local helicopter were circling before two divers jumped out. She said the person atop the boat was rescued and a second person appeared to have been pulled from the water. It's understood the conditions on the water were fine with very little swell at the time of the accident Kaikoura District Councillor Lisa Bond called the tragedy 'incredibly heartbreaking'. The waters off Kaikoura are known for whale movement but nobody had heard of a boat ever being hit. It's understood the conditions on the water were fine with very little swell and nothing to suggest danger besides the well-known presence of hump back and sperm whales off the coast. Police said they were still notifying the relatives of those who died and could not yet publicly name the victims. An investigation into the incident will be launched. It's understood the boat belonged to a local fishing charter business. An Australian woman who worked for the Royal Family has recalled the Queen's warmth with staff and 'ordinariness' in her evening routines - which included a glass of gin before dinner each night. Amber Kemp, from Adelaide, spent 14 months as a housemaid at several royal households including Buckingham Palace when she travelled to the UK for her gap year in 2005. Ms Kemp said she met all the royals, apart from Harry, and said the Queen was 'lovely and polite' and always made those around her feel 'comfortable'. An Australian woman who worked at Buckingham Palace has recalled the Queen's warmth and 'ordinariness' in her evening routines including enjoying a gin before dinner each night South Australian woman Amber Kemp (Pictured) spent 14 months working at several royal households including Buckingham Palace from 2005 and said the Queen was warm and made staff feel 'comfortable' 'When we had the opportunity to talk to her she was always happy to have a little joke and a little giggle she had a great sense of humour, she was really, really lovely,' Ms Kemp told The Today Show on Saturday. She said she loved 'the ordinariness' about the Queen, whom she said saw herself as 'serving the public and not the other way around'. 'Her voice is so iconic, every time we hear it we know exactly who it is, but hearing her talk about very ordinary things, like a crossword clue or something that's on a quiz show or something mundane that happened in the day was a pinch yourself moment, that's for sure,' she said. Ms Kemp also got to know Her Majesty's daily routines. 'Her routine was pretty standard every day, high tea at 5 o'clock then always had a tipple before dinner at 8.30pm,' she said. 'She did mix it up but gin and champagne [were her favourites) and a few other lovely drinks.' Ms Kemp said she met all the royals, apart from Harry, and said the Queen was 'lovely and polite' and always made those around her feel 'comfortable'. Ms Kemp worked at several major royal households including Balmoral, Sandringham and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Queen passed away at the age of 96 in Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Friday morning, Australian time, with Ms Kemp saying it was the place she loved the most. She recalled seeing the monarch walking her corgis and riding her horses daily at Balmoral during her stint with the royals, with the Queen then aged in her 80s. 'She just adored that place,' Ms Kemp said. Police are urgently searching for a man who they want to question after a woman was raped in a 'horrific attack' in her own home. Police were called to the woman's flat in Beckenham, south London, at 4.35am on August 20 after she reported that a man had entered her flat and raped her. Two pictures of a man the police would like to speak to have been released as the Met appeal to the public to help identify him in order to further their investigation. Police are urgently searching for a man who they would like to speak to in connection with the rape of a woman in her own home in Beckenham, south London The victim is receiving specialist support from police. Detective Constable Sue Windsor, from the Mets Public Protection Command, said: 'This was a horrific attack on a woman in her own home, a place where she should feel safe. 'We are doing everything we can to try and find the person responsible and would ask anyone who recognises the man in the photo to call us or Crimestoppers as soon as possible. Two pictures of a man the police would like to speak to have been released as the Met appeal to the public to help identify him 'Tackling all forms of violence against women is one of our top priorities in the Met and we take all reports of this nature extremely seriously.' Anyone with information is urged to call 101 and give reference number 1373/20AUG22. If callers want to be anonymous, they can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. A woman has been charged after she allegedly assaulted a man and set fire to the 40-foot long yacht she lives on. The boat was completely destroyed after it caught alight at 5.40pm on Friday while moored in Pioneer Bay, Airlie Beach on Queensland's Whitsundays. The 54-year-old New Zealand woman was the only one on board was forced to jump into the ocean to escape the flames. She was then rescued by police and taken to hospital with serious burns to her legs. A 64-year-old man who lives with the woman on the yacht was allegedly assaulted earlier that day and sustained minor injuries. A woman has been charged after she allegedly assaulted a man and set fire to the 40-foot long yacht she lives on in Airlie Beach, in the Whitsundays The Kiwi woman was on Saturday charged with one count of arson, a count of assault and contravening a domestic violence protection notice. She was also charged with two counts of assault causing bodily harm relating to earlier alleged incidents. She remains in police custody in hospital and was denied police bail. The 54-year-old will face court on Monday. The distressing boat blaze could be seen from suburbs away with emergency services spending several hours working to put out the blaze (pictured) Locals reported hearing an explosion as the boat burned on Friday evening The fire caused a gas bottle to explode on the vessel, with locals reporting hearing the loud bang ring out across the quiet resort town. Emergency services spent several hours trying to extinguish the blaze. Investigations will be carried out into the cause of the fire. History was made as the first new Scouts promised their 'duty to God and to the King' after the death of the Queen and Charles became the new monarch. Leader of the 32nd Chingford Group Lyndsey Nassim, 47, said witnessing her Scouts give the changed 'Scouts Promise' yesterday evening was 'history in the making'. Jakubas Zadruzniene, 11, Napo Mensah, 11, Molly Gilles, 11 and Thomas Poole, 10, were invested as Scouts into 32nd Chingford at Fairlop Waters high ropes park in Ilford, east London. Scouts must recite the Scout Association's 'Promise' at investiture ceremony as they join or go into a new level of the programme - Beavers, Cubs, Scouts or Explorers. This promise had for 70 years included pledging duty to the Queen, who was patron of the organisation. But the group on Friday were among the first to make their promise to King Charles III after the Queen's death on Thursday afternoon. The first of new Scout members to make their 'Promise' to the King after the death of the Queen. Pictured: Scout members from (left to right) Oliver Piper, 12, Jakubas Zadruzniene, 11, Napo Mensah, 11, Molly Gilles, 11, Thomas Poole, 10 and Jacob Poole, 13, with the 32nd Chingford Group at the Fairlop Waters high ropes park in Ilford, east London yesterday Scout leader Lyndsey Nassim, 47, said the investiture was 'history in the making' as new members pledged their 'duty to God and to the King' for the first time 'It's a very very special moment. We've been saying our promise to the Queen for decades,' the Scout leader explained. 'Our commitment and dedication to the Queen has been phenomenal and it will be to our King. 'To hear those Scouts making their promise to the King today is quite a special moment. It's a change for us.' Ms Nassim, who was once a Scout herself, said she was 'very very privileged' to have been in the late monarch's company several times and was awarded her Queen Scout award at Windsor Castle. Thomas' older brother Jacob, 13, led the historic investiture ceremony by reading out the words of the Promise, which the new Scouts repeated while all placing their left hand on a large flagpole. They said: 'On my honour, I promise that I will do my best to do my duty to God and to the King, to help other people and to keep the Scout Law.' The group then made the Scouts salute - holding up the three middle fingers on their right hand - and were applauded by their peers. They then started their activities for the evening, which included high ropes and rock climbing. Molly said she felt 'amazed' to be one of the first Scouts to make the Promise To The King. 'It's weird saying it because I'm used to saying 'queen' and now you say 'king',' she said. 'I think he's going to be a good person to take over the Queen.' Napo added that he was 'excited' to be one of the first to make the Promise to the King, but added: 'It feels unreal too.' On the Queen's death, he said: 'I feel really sad, may she rest in peace.' On being invested, she said: 'I'm happy I'm a Scout now. I've been a Beaver and a Cub and now it's my chance to be a scout and my sister goes and she's said really good things about Scouts and how Scouts are fun and you get to do loads of activities as Scouts.' The 32nd Chingford Scout Group start their high ropes activities after being invested The Scouts first activities after pledging duty to the new King included the traversing the high ropes New Scouts from the 32nd Chingford Group enjoying rock climbing after pledging their duty to 'God and to the King' 'What an aura,' she said. 'You always felt her presence, kindness, compassion and she always liked to be at Scout occasions as a patron of the Scout Association and you could feel that she was always very very happy to be at our events.' Chief Scout Bear Grylls said yesterday that the Queen 'lit up the most' during Scouting events. He said: 'I think it was one of the organisations she was most proud to represent.' Grylls said the Queen would have wanted everyone to look ahead rather than dwell on her passing, adding: 'The future is always brought to life in the faces and hearts and actions of young people. 'She would have wanted all of us to look to the future.' Advertisement King Charles III has made a personal declaration on the death of his beloved mother Queen Elizabeth II today and vowed to uphold 'constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world' - as Britain's new monarch was formally announced at St James's Palace in London today. Charles automatically became Sovereign on the death of his mother aged 96 at Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon, but the Accession Council - an ancient body of advisers that dates back as far as the time of the Norman Conquest - has formally announced his role as Head of State today. Broadcast cameras were allowed into the historic event giving the world a first glimpse of an ancient ceremony dating back centuries - and one of the first changes to convention instigated by the new King. At 11am, trumpets then sounded from the balcony of St James's Palace as the Principal Proclamation announcing the King was read out. Crowds gathered outside the palace as the King was officially proclaimed Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including Supreme Head of the Church of England and Commander-in-Chief of Britain's Armed Forces, as well as Head of State of the Commonwealth and British territories around the world. Gun salutes at Hyde Park, the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, Hillsborough Castle and Cardiff Castle were then fired before the National Anthem was performed by The Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. They were accompanied by the St James's Palace Detachment of The King's Guard made up of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards. The crowd of well-wishers joined the King's Guard gathered outside the palace in three cries of 'hip hip hooray' for the King. On a balcony above Friary Court in St James's, David White - an official known as the Garter King of Arms - read the proclamation. He ended by saying: 'Given at St James's Palace this 10th day of September in year of our Lord 2022.' In the moments after, 'God save the King' was shouted out. The Prince of Wales, the Queen, King Charles III and Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt during the Accession Council at St James's Palace King Charles III during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London King Charles III signs an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London The Accession Council in the throne room at St James's Palace in London as King Charles III is formally proclaimed King Charles III's declaration in full My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen. It is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved Mother, The Queen. I know how deeply you, the entire Nation - and I think I may say the whole world - sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered. It is the greatest consolation to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my Sister and Brothers and that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss. To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my Mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service. My Mother's reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me. In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these Islands and of the Commonwealth Realms and Territories throughout the world. In this purpose, I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose Sovereign I have been called upon to be, and that in the discharge of these duties I will be guided by the counsel of their elected parliaments. In all this, I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife. I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to My Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports My official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation. And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God. Advertisement Paying tribute to the Queen at the throne room of St James's before the assembled Accession Council shortly after 10.20am, the King also approved an order that the day of the Queen's funeral will be a bank holiday. Making his declaration, Charles III said: 'My lords, ladies and gentlemen, it is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved mother the Queen. I know how deeply you, the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we've all suffered. 'It is the greatest consolation to me to know the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers. And that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss.' Continuing the declaration, the King said: 'In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world. 'In this purpose, I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose Sovereign I have been called upon to be, and that in the discharge of these duties I will be guided by the counsel of their elected parliaments. 'In all this, I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife. I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to my Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports my official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation. 'And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God.' After his personal declaration about the death of his mother the King took the oath to preserve the Church of Scotland - because in Scotland there is a division of powers between the church and state. This oath is taken at the point of accession to the Crown, with Charles saying he was 'ready to do so at this first opportunity'. Buckingham Palace confirmed he had declared: 'I, Charles III, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of my other realms and territories, King, Defender of the Faith, do faithfully promise and swear that I shall inviolably maintain and preserve the settlement of the true protestant religion as established by the laws made in Scotland in prosecution of the Claim of Right, and particularly by an Act intituled 'An Act for securing the Protestant Religion and Presbyterian Church Government' and by the Acts passed in the Parliament of both Kingdoms for Union of the two Kingdoms, together with the Government, Worship, Discipline, Rights and Privileges of the Church of Scotland.' Prime Minister Liz Truss joined Camilla, Queen Consort, William, Prince of Wales and 250 other dignitaries including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the Prime Minister, the Lord Privy Seal, the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Earl Marshal and the Lord President to sign the proclamation at 10am. Former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major, Labour former Cabinet minister Harriet Harman, the Mother of the House, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and the high commissioners of the 14 Commonwealth countries where Charles III is Head of State, are also on the body of the Accession Council. The gun salute to mark the formal declaration of King Charles III as Britain's new monarch, at the Tower of London in London A gun salute is fired for King Charles III in Cardiff, Wales The National Anthem was performed by The Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. They were accompanied by the St James's Palace Detachment of The King's Guard made up of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards. The crowd of well-wishers joined the King's Guard gathered outside the palace in three cries of 'hip hip hooray' for the King David Vines White, Garter King of Arms (third left) reads the Principal Proclamation, from the balcony overlooking Friary Court after the accession council as King Charles III is proclaimed King, at St James's Palace King Charles III signing the Proclamation at St James's Palace in London this morning during the historic ceremony The Prince of Wales, the Queen, and King Charles III during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London The Queen signs and oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London, where King Charles III is formally proclaimed monarch King Charles III walking into the throne room in St James's Palace this morning. On the podium stand William, Prince of Wales - the heir apparent - and Charles' wife Camilla, Queen Consort During the event the Lord President - Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt - announced the death of the sovereign and called upon the Clerk of the Council to read aloud the text of the Accession Proclamation before the body signed the document. It includes Charles's chosen title as King, already known to be King Charles III. Union flags were flown at full-mast from the time of the Principal Proclamation at St James's Palace until one hour after the Proclamations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, after which flags returned to half-mast in mourning for the death of the late Queen. The ceremony is being staged a day later for King Charles III then normal practice because the announcement of the Queen's death did not come until early evening on Thursday, meaning there was not enough time to set the plans in motion for Friday morning. Opening proceedings at the Accession Council, the Lord President said: 'My lords, it is my sad duty to inform you that Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away on Thursday the 8th of September 2022, at Balmoral Castle. I propose that, when certain necessary business has been transacted, a deputation consisting of Her Majesty, His Royal Highness, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York, the Prime Minister, the clerk of the Council, and myself, shall wait on the King and inform him the Council is assembled.' The day of the Queen's funeral will be a bank holiday, King Charles declares The day of the Queen's funeral has been confirmed as a bank holiday after approval by the King. The date of the state funeral has not yet been announced but it is expected to take place on Monday September 19. The bank holiday confirmation came when the King approved an order during a meeting of the Accession Council where he was formally declared head of state. Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt, said: "Drafts of two proclamations. One - appointing the day of Her late Majesty's state funeral as a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. "Two - appointing the day of Her late Majesty's state funeral as a bank holiday in Scotland. "And of two orders in council, directing the Lord Chancellor to affix the great seal to the proclamations." Charles answered: "Approved." The funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in central London. The original plans are for the Queen's coffin to process on a gun carriage to the abbey, pulled by naval ratings - sailors - using ropes rather than horses. Senior members of the family are expected to follow behind - just like they did for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The military will line the streets and also join the procession. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000. The service will be televised, and a national two minutes' silence is expected to be held. The same day as the funeral, the Queen's coffin will be taken to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised committal service. Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family. The Queen's final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel - where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Philip's coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen's. Advertisement Reading the text of the proclamation, the clerk of the council said: 'Whereas it has pleased almighty God to call to his mercy our late Sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth II of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George. 'We, therefore, the lords spiritual and temporal of this realm, and members of the House of Commons, together with other members of Her late Majesty's Privy Council, and representatives of the realms and territories, aldermen, and citizens of London and others, do now hereby, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now, by the death of our late Sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege lord, Charles III, by the grace of God, of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and of his other realms and territories, King, head of the Commonwealth, defender of the faith, to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection, beseeching God, by whom kings and queens do reign, to bless His Majesty with long and happy years to reign over us.' He declared to the room 'God Save the King' and the packed room repeated the famous phrase. The historic event comes after Charles gave a landmark address to the nation on Friday and paid a poignant and moving tribute to his 'darling Mama' the Queen. The King pledged his whole life as service as the new sovereign just as the Queen did, saying: 'That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today'. And he used his speech to announce that he had created his son William the Prince of Wales, with Kate the Princess of Wales, and expressed his 'love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas', a symbol of his bid for reconciliation amid past troubles with the Sussexes. He also paid tribute to his 'darling wife' Camilla, calling her 'my Queen Consort', saying he can 'count on her loving help' and praising her by saying: 'I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much.' The King also set out his changing role, as he steps away from his considerable charity work which shaped his life as the heir to the throne. The Palace said: 'His Majesty The King will be proclaimed at the Accession Council at 10.00hrs (on Saturday) in the State Apartments of St James's Palace, London. The Accession Council, attended by Privy Councillors, is divided into two parts. In Part I, the Privy Council, without The King present, will proclaim the Sovereign, and formally approve various consequential Orders, including the arrangements for the Proclamation. 'Part II, is the holding by The King of His Majesty's first Privy Council. The King will make his Declaration and read and sign an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland and approve Orders in Council which facilitate continuity of government.' Mid-afternoon, members of Ms Truss' Cabinet will have their first meeting with the King just days after the Prime Minister formed her new Government. Senior ministers attending the Accession Council at St James's will travel to Buckingham Palace for an audience with the monarch. Ms Truss, who was invited to form a Government by the late Queen on Tuesday, had her initial audience with the King on Friday. Crowds gather outside St James's Palace in London, during the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace, London The King's Guard gathered outside St James's Palace in London shortly before the Principal Proclamation Guards march to attend the City Proclamation of King Charles III at the Royal Exchange in the City of London William, Prince of Wales signing the Proclamation formally announcing King Charles III at St James's Palace today The Accession Council in the throne room in St James's Palace where they await King Charles III Camilla, Queen Consort and William, Prince of Wales arrive at St James's Palace for the proclamation of the King Prime Minister Liz Truss signs the Accession Proclamation formally announcing King Charles III Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, former prime ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, David Cameron, Theresa May and John Major ahead of the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace The throne room in St James's Palace in London, where the Accession Council awaits King Charles III Conservative Prime Minister Penny Mordaunt, the Lord President, with William, Prince of Wales Left to right: Labour leader Keir Starmer, Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, David Cameron and Theresa May at St James's Palace, just before the meeting of the Accession Council to formally proclaim King Charles III this morning The Accession Council gathers at St James's Palace in London. The body is made up of advisers including former prime ministers, who formally pronounce the Queen's death before proclaiming Charles' accession to the throne Left to right: William, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Queen Consort and Prime Minister Liz Truss Prime Minister Liz Truss and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at St James's Palace in London at 10am A gun salute is fired for King Charles, following the passing of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, in Cardiff The Royal Salute is fired at Edinburgh Castle by 105th Regiment Royal Artillery The Company of Pikemen and Musketeers and the Band of the Honourable Artillery Company arrive at the Royal Exchange Members of the Coldstream Guards raise their Bearskin hats as they salute the new King Prime Minister Liz Truss leaves Number 10 Downing Street this early morning via the side door Police officers on guard at St James's Palace in London this morning ahead of the proclamation From left front row, Former British Prime Ministers Theresa May and John Major; Baroness Scotland, second row, Former British Prime Ministers Gordon Brown, Tony Blair, third row, Former British Prime Ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson, arriving for the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown ahead of the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace Guards of the Buckingham Palace leaving the palace in London Dignitaries arrive at St James's Palace in London for the formal proclamation of King Charles III Police officers stand on duty in Friary Court at St James's Palace in London People gather outside Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth II today King Charles III's proclamation: How today unfolded and what happens next D+1 - Saturday September 10 10am: Accession Council formally proclaims King Charles III King Charles III will be proclaimed at the Accession Council in the state apartments at St James's Palace in London. The event, attended by privy counsellors, is divided into two parts. In the first part, the Privy Council will proclaim the King and formally approve various consequential orders, including the arrangements for the Proclamation, without the King present. The second part is held by the King of His Majesty's first Privy Council. The King will make his declaration and read and sign an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland and approve orders in the council which facilitate continuity of the Government. The King will be accompanied by the Queen Consort and the Prince of Wales as they are both privy counsellors. 11am: Principal Proclamation is read from the balcony of St James's Palace The Principal Proclamation then follows. It will be read from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St James's Palace. The proclamation will be read by the Garter King of Arms, accompanied by the Earl Marshal, other Officers of Arms and the Serjeants at Arms. This will be the first public reading of the proclamation. Flags will also be flown at full-mast from 11am for about 24 hours, which will be until one hour after the proclamations are made in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. They will then return to half-mast in mourning for the Queen. Gun salutes will also take place at Hyde Park and the Tower of London. 12pm: Proclamations are read at the Royal Exchange in London A second proclamation will be read at the Royal Exchange in London. Further proclamations will be read in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales at 12pm the following day (Sunday). In mid-afternoon, the King will hold audiences with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Court mourning A period of royal mourning for members of the royal family and royal households will be observed until seven days after the Queen's funeral, the date of which is to be confirmed by Buckingham Palace. National mourning The Government is expected to confirm the length of national mourning, which is likely to be around 12 days, up to the day after the Queen's funeral. They are also expected to announce that the funeral day will be a public holiday in the form of a Day of National Mourning. D+2 - Sunday September 11 The Queen's coffin is expected to be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Proclamations will be read in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland devolved parliaments in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. D+3 - Monday September 12 Procession expected along the Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral. Service and the Vigil of the Princes by members of the royal family. The public may get the chance to file past the Queen's coffin at a mini lying in state in St Giles'. The House of Commons and the House of Lords are expected to come together in Westminster for a Motion of Condolence, which the King could attend. After leaving England and visiting Scotland, Charles will at some stage travel to the other countries of the UK - Wales and Northern Ireland - known as Operation Spring Tide. D+4 - Tuesday September 13 Coffin expected to be flown to London. Expected to be at rest at Buckingham Palace. A rehearsal for the procession of the coffin from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster takes place. D+5 - Wednesday September 14 The Queen's lying in state is expected to begin in Westminster Hall - Operation Marquee - following a ceremonial procession through London. It will last four full days. The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct a short service following the coffin's arrival. Hundreds of thousands of people will file past the coffin on its catafalque and pay their respects, just as they did for the Queen Mother's lying in state in 2002. The management of the queues outside is Operation Feather. During the Covid-19 crisis, plans included the possibility of the introduction of timed ticketing for those wanting to attend. Senior royals are also expected to pay their own moving tribute, standing guard at some stage around the coffin - the tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes. D+6 - Thursday September 15 Lying in state continues and a rehearsal is likely to take place for the state funeral procession. D+7 - Friday September 16 - Sunday September 18 Lying in state continues, ending on D+9. Heads of state begin to arrive for the funeral. D+10 - Monday September 19 The Queen's state funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in central London. The original plans are for the Queen's coffin to process on a gun carriage to the abbey, pulled by naval ratings - sailors - using ropes rather than horses. Senior members of the family are expected to follow behind - just like they did for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The military will line the streets and also join the procession. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000. The service will be televised, and a national two minutes' silence is expected to be held. The same day as the funeral, the Queen's coffin will be taken to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised committal service. Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family. The Queen's final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel - where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Philip's coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen's. Advertisement The Prime Minister curtsied as she was ushered in by a Palace aide for the first of what will be their regular weekly encounters. As she offered her condolences, the King shook her hand and thanked her, saying: 'You are very kind for coming - I know how busy you are.' He added: 'But it's been so touching this afternoon when we arrived here, all those people come to give their condolences.' Ms Truss again repeated: 'Your Majesty, my very greatest sympathies.' He replied: 'You are very kind. It was the moment I have been dreading, as I know a lot of people have. We'll try to keep everything going. Come, come have a seat.' Earlier, the Prime Minister had led tributes in the House of Commons to the Queen as she urged the country to support their new monarch. Those tributes will continue during rare Saturday sittings of both the Commons and the House of Lords. Proceedings in the lower chamber will begin at 1pm with a small number of senior MPs taking an oath of allegiance to the King, and are expect to continue to around 10pm. By 8am on Saturday, thousands had gathered outside Buckingham Palace to pay their respects to the Queen. Gun salutes rang out from stations including the Tower of London and Hyde Park both home and abroad on Saturday to mark the accession of the King. Sixty-two rounds were fired near Tower Bridge beside the River Thames by the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), and 41 rounds beside Park Lane by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery (RHA). The HAC, in ceremonial dress, were seen driving in liveried Pinzgauer vehicles through the City of London past a thousands-strong crowd of watchers. They travelled with police escort to the Thames riverbank, where guns were positioned facing HMS Belfast. At the Tower of London, a royal salute comprises the traditional 21 rounds, another 21 rounds signifies the loyalty of the City of London to the Crown, and a final 20 rounds were fired as the tower is a royal palace and fortress. Shouts of 'Long live the King' were heard as spectators lined up across Tower Bridge and along the Causeway inside the tower to watch the display. Salutes were also fired from Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Gibraltar, Colchester, York, Larkhill near Stonehenge, naval bases in Devonport and Portsmouth and a number of stations at sea. Reservists from 206 Battery 105 Regiment Royal Artillery fired the salute at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down watched by Steve Baker, minister of state for Northern Ireland. The salutes were timed to coincide with the Principal Proclamation of the King, which was read by Garter King of Arms at 11am from the balcony above Friary Court, St James' Palace. Coldstream Guards and the King's Guard will be present alongside eight state trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. The RHA is a British Army mounted ceremonial unit that fires royal salutes on royal anniversaries and state occasions, such as state visits and royal birthdays. The HAC dates its origins back to 1537, making it the oldest regiment in the British Army. It took over the role of firing gun salutes from the Tower of London in 1924. Gun salutes are customarily fired, both on land and at sea, as a sign of respect or welcome. They are now used to mark special occasions on certain days of the year, many of them with royal associations. Gun salutes occur on royal anniversaries including Accession Day, the monarch's birthday, Coronation Day, the monarch's official birthday, the State Opening of Parliament, royal births and when a visiting head of state meets the monarch in London, Windsor or Edinburgh. The Ministry of Defence said there are historical records of salutes taking place as early as the 14th century when guns and ammunition began to be adopted widely. Similar gun salutes were fired to mark the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 and Winston Churchill in 1965. Thousands of people have visited Windsor Castle on Saturday morning to pay their respects to the Queen. Flowers continued to pile up outside the gates of the royal residence, with notes and letters attached thanking the late monarch for her service. People of all ages were paying tribute and the local Rotary Club was giving children free flowers to lay down. Louise, 63, and Andrew Falconer, 62, travelled from Watford to pay their respects. Mrs Falconer said: 'You realise it has actually happened when you see all this.' Mr Falconer added: 'Initially I was shocked with how sudden it was. She was on her feet and two days later, she's gone.' They both believe that Charles will be a different monarch from his mother. Mr Falconer said: 'He'll have different attitudes, different ideas.' His wife added: 'I think he'll be a bit more modern. He might have to watch what he says sometimes. It'll be interesting. We're a modern society.' Nicholas Ewings, 54, from Farnborough, Hampshire, visited Windsor with his family. He said: 'We just wanted to come down, pay our respects and be part of the moment. We care and miss her forever.' His son Ethan, 19, said: 'I've only ever had one queen and now it's changing to a king. I was at work when I heard the news and I was upset.' Mr Ewings was optimistic about Charles III's reign: 'I think we'll hear from him more, which I think is a great thing. He's a top chap. He's our King and I stand behind him.' Jenny Woolford, 60, from Wokingham, was impressed by the King's first televised address on Friday night. She said: 'It was absolutely brilliant, very moving. I think he'll carry on in his mum's path as he's been trained to, but I also think he'll find his own way. 'You can't help but be impressed by him. He'll be a good king.' Mike Thompson, 69, from Staines, was born in Kenya just months before the Queen's coronation and saw the monarch in person when she visited his school. Mr Thompson said: 'She visited Runnymede to plant a tree and we marched out from our school just to line up in the reception area. 'A child in my class was waiting with some daffodils and the Queen stopped in front of the girl and took some flowers from her. It was quite a special moment for me.' Andy Bow, 57, from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, went to Buckingham Palace on Saturday. The armed forces veteran said: 'I'm just completely bereft really. I served the Queen while I was in the Army for 14 years. She just means so much to me, she's everything. 'She's the mother of our nation I think. I, along with the vast majority of everybody here, are a little bit lost and not sure what's going to happen so I just felt I had to come down and pay my respects for the last time.' Mina Parmar-shah, 34, from Harrow, north west London, brought flowers to lay outside the palace gates. Police officers march past Friary Court at St James's Palace in London Guards are seen at Buckingham Palace, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II Members off the public lay floral tributes for Queen Elizabeth II, as others look on, outside the gates of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire Floral tributes are laid outside the gates of Windsor Castle, where the Queen spent much of the last years of her life Well-wishers mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II as they lay floral tributes outside Windsor Castle Mourners including children leave tributes including illustrates cards and Union flags and hats outside Buckingham Palace King Charles III shakes hands with Prime Minister Liz Truss during their first audience at Buckingham Palace yesterday She said: 'I've followed the royal family my whole life so when the Queen died it was quite upsetting really, so I needed to come down and pay my respects. 'As a woman, she ruled for 70 years and that's a huge thing to have, especially because when she became Queen it was more of a man's world so that's a huge part of what she represents to me. 'I have always respected the Queen and had a love for the royal family.' Many Republican lawmakers are starting to back away from restrictive abortion bans amid widespread criticism from the nation's people after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. An aggressive push by GOP members to pass hard-line antiabortion measures is faltering in some state legislatures and on Capitol Hill. This is the latest indication that many Americans are balking at extreme restrictions being imposed. Republicans and Antiabortion Efforts Republicans in South Carolina failed to pass a near-total abortion ban during an extended legislative session on Thursday night. They were unable to agree on whether or not to include exceptions for rape and incest. In West Virginia, a recent special session over similar legislation for abortion ban ended in gridlock. At the same time, efforts aimed at advancing a strict nationwide ban in Congress have quietly fizzled. After lawmakers pushed for a national "heartbeat ban" on abortion in the spring, which would have outlawed the procedure as soon as cardiac activity is detected, which is around six weeks of pregnancy, Republicans and some antiabortion advocates have retreated from the idea, as per the Washington Post. Now, some legislators are pushing for a 15-week ban while others have abandoned any kind of national abortion legislation due to resistance. West Virginia state Sen. Tom Takubo, who refused to support a near-total ban without rape and incest exceptions, said that they were not elected as kings or dictators but rather, to serve the will of the people. Read Also: Lawmakers, Americans Urge President Joe Biden To Ban Iranian President in US Amid Looming UN Meeting The Republican said that even in the most rural and conservative parts of his state, he still believes that the majority thinks there should be exemptions for rape and incest. According to a March poll, 69% of Americans, including 56% of Republicans, said that abortion should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from rape. According to CNN, the situation comes after the South Carolina Republican-led Senate was unable to pass a bill on Thursday and instead amend the state's already restrictive abortion law. This was a result of some Republicans joining forces with Democrats to block the bill from being passed. Women's Rights South Carolina House bill 5399 passed the state House last month and garnered enough support from Senate Republicans to ban nearly all abortions in the state. However, a filibuster on Thursday from GOP state Sen. Tom Davis opposed it. GOP members did not have enough votes to overcome a filibuster and proceed to a vote on the bill, which requires a higher threshold of votes. On the Senate floor on Thursday night, Davis said, "I'm not going to let this (bill) come to a vote unless this body votes and sits me down." Republicans then chose to insert language to change the state's existing six-week ban on abortion. The ban has been blocked by the South Carolina Supreme Court from being enforced after taking effect shortly after Roe v. Wade was overturned. The state's 2016 law that bans abortions 20 weeks after conception is currently in effect as a state court continues to review the law. Davis said that he promised his daughters he would not vote to make South Carolina's current abortion ban stricter because women have rights too. He said, "The moment we become pregnant we lost all control over what goes on with our bodies. I'm here to tell you I'm not going to let it happen," CBS News reported. Related Article: North Dakota Judge Temporarily Blocks State's Trigger Abortion Ban a Day Before Implementation @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Industry insiders who knew the Queen say they have lost the sport's 'biggest ambassador' She has long held affections for horses and the sport of racing, and is often described as 'at her happiest' at the races Queen Elizabeth II was 'sharp as a tack' when she spoke with her horse trainer just two days before her tragic death. Her Majesty long held an affinity for horses and was often described as being 'at her happiest' at the races. Touching footage of the Queen looking elated as she celebrated her filly Estimate winning the 2013 Ascot Gold Cup surfaced in the wake of her death, highlighting how much joy the sport - and the animals - brought her. An hour before Boris Johnson arrived at her Balmoral estate to resign and hand the reigns of government over to Liz Truss on Tuesday, the monarch spoke at length with Clive Cox. Mr Cox is responsible for several of the Queen's 50 racehorses, including her filly Love Affairs, who won at Goodwood race track on September 6 and became the final winner of her long career as a racehorse owner. Members of the Royal family cheer after the Queen's horse crosses the line in first place during the 2013 Ascot The Queen was never happier than on a racecourse watching her horses. Pictured watching her filly Estimate win the 2013 Ascot Gold Cup Pictured: Horse trainer Clive Cox (left) celebrates with jockey Adam Kirby (right) after the Queen's horse, Love Affairs, won at the Goodwood race course on Tuesday, September 6 - two days before the Queen's death The Queen loved her horses. Pictured cantering at Ascot in June 1961 The late Queen herself reportedly still rode around Windsor Castle into her 90s - against the advice of her medical team. She spoke to Mr Cox on the morning of every race, he told The Times, adding that those conversations were 'the greatest privilege of [his] life'. 'When I called on Tuesday I was told that the Queen was quite busy, which was understandable. But at 10 o'clock the phone rang and it was Her Majesty on the line,' he said. 'We talked about the filly, how the race might pan out, how another horse of hers was doing in my stable, and about a couple of other things. She was as sharp as a tack.' An hour before Boris Johnson arrived at her Balmoral estate to resign and hand the reigns of government over to Liz Truss on Tuesday, the monarch spoke at length with Clive Cox (pictured together). Mr Cox is responsible for several of the Queen's 50 racehorses The Queen gallops on a black horse along the course at Ascot Races back in 1960 Willie Carson, who was one of many jockeys who raced for the Queen, told the Racing Post the sport has lost its biggest ambassador. 'Winning a race obviously gave her great pleasure, but her biggest pleasure was the horse. She loved the horse and loved the turf and we have just lost somebody who can never be replaced,' he said. John Warren, her racing adviser, once said: If the Queen wasnt the Queen, she would have made a wonderful trainer. She has such an affinity with her horses and is so perceptive. The only days ring-fenced in her diary every year were Derby day and Royal Ascot. The Racing Post, the sports dedicated daily newspaper, was regular morning reading. It's understood the new King will inherit the Queen's stables and ownership of Royal Ascot, but Queen Consort Camilla will likely take on the patronage of the sport. She is said to be 'absolutely besotted by racing' and received a glowing reference by Mr Warren. Vladimir Putin's disgraced invasion of Ukraine could hinge on Russia's inability to gain access to high-tech electrical components due to the sanctions inflicted on them. Russian troops are now increasingly reliant on Soviet-era stocks of ammunition, having fired off more firepower than many could have anticipated - including themselves. The fightback from Ukraine, which has seen them make significant advances in recent days, has further frustrated Russian troops who are losing control of areas they had previously occupied. But Putin and his men could soon be running on empty. Fuelling the war any further might come down to whether or not Russia can regain access to high-tech chips. Ukraine has issued international warnings that the Kremlin has a 'shopping list' of semiconductors, connectors, transformers, insulators and more - with most made by the US, Taiwan, the UK, Japan and Germany among others. Russia has been heavily reliant on these countries in previous years but with the sanctions in play, it should not be as easy for them to get hold of the critical technology. It is believed desperate Russians are even resorting to taking chips out of household appliances including dishwashers and fridges, according to U.S Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Vladimir Putin's (pictured) disgraced invasion of Ukraine could hinge on Russia's inability to gain access to high-tech electrical components due to the sanctions inflicted on them Russia's invasion could be halted in the future by their inability to access microchips. Ukrainian forces are fighting back already and have made significant dents in Russian occupied territory. Pictured: Ukrainian soldiers claim Kupyansk has been liberated The shopping list seen by Politico is split into three priority categories from most critical to least, and even includes the price Russia wants to pay. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal believes that the future of the war could be based off the nature of technology. Putin announced an array of new hypersonic weapons in 2018 in one of his most bellicose speeches in years, saying they could hit almost any point in the world and evade a U.S.-built missile shield. But Mr Shymyhal told Politico that Russians have just 'four dozen' hypersonic missiles left and have already spent 'almost' half of their arsenal. 'These are the ones that have precision and accuracy due to the microchips that they have,' he said about the missiles. 'But because of sanctions imposed on Russia, the deliveries of this high-tech microchip equipment ... have stopped and they have no way of replenishing these stocks.' Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal believes that due to sanctions, Russia are unable to replenish their accurate hypersonic missiles. Pictured: A Zircon hypersonic cruise missile There is however concern that China could be a key player in bailing Russia out if they were to buy technologies and sell it on. While the EU, US and Japan hit Russia with sanctions, China have not - and Beijing have had previous of supplying drones and vehicles to the invaders. While many items that Russia is after can be found online, others have been wiped out by the global microchip shortage. The overwhelming demand for chips, teamed with the lack of supply has caused the shortage. The pandemic played a major role in the decline of semiconductors and chips as demand for work-from-home technology rose as well as car companies deciding to cancel orders. Despite the shortage, Russia seeks more fuel for their war effort to continue. According to the list that was seen, their most critically important components are AirBorn connectors which are based in the US. Microchips by a host of companies including Altera, intel, Broadcom, Holt and Cypress also make up a considerable proportion of the Kremlin shopping list. Less critical components included capacitators, resistors and inductors from the US, Taiwan, parts of the EU and Japan. Russia, like others, are facing the global shortage of electrical components. But on top of that, it has sanctions preventing it from buying chips that are available. Pictured: The most expensive item on Russia's shopping list is a gate array which costs 66,815.77 rubles (937) each. Before the global shortage, it would have been closer to the 18 mark. The most expensive item on the list is an Intel gate array which costs 66,815.77 rubles (937) each. Before the global shortage, it would have been closer to the 18 mark. The cheapest is a Marvell ethernet transciever at a much lower 430.83 rubles (6). Researchers fear that supply of goods to Russian military are often unregulated which allows them to bypass the sanctions and EU regulations which are meant to strictly control chips sales. If Russia can be stopped from gaining access to chips, it will heavily work in Ukraine's favour - who are already on the counter-offensive. But many fear that despite the Kremlin running low on ammunition, Western governments may not have the ability to prevent Russian 'friends' like China helping them out, and further fuelling the war. Prime Minister Liz Truss is also at the ceremony along with members of the Royal Family and the Cabinet The country's former Prime Ministers and leaders of the opposition are all in attendance at the palace The Accession Council is gathered at St James's Palace to proclaim Britain's new King, Charles III Advertisement All of Britain's past and present political leaders are gathered together in one place in a historic moment as Charles III is officially proclaimed King. The country's six former Prime Ministers and leaders of the opposition are at the Accession Council at St James's Palace today to confirm the new King following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. Former Prime Ministers John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson stood in the front row of the ceremony. They were joined by former leader of the opposition Ed Miliband who led the Labour Party from 2010 to 2015 and Neil Kinnock, who did the same between 1983 and 1992. Former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg also joined the Council this morning. Members of The Royal Family and new Prime Minister Liz Truss are also in attendance, as is current Labour Party leader Keir Starmer. The country's political leaders, old and new, joined in chorus of 'God Save The King' to show their support for the new monarch. Britain's political leaders past and present: 1. Neil Kinnock (Labour Party leader and leader of the opposition 1983-1992) 2. Ed Miliband (Labour Party leader and leader of the opposition 2010-2015) 3. Keir Starmer (Current Labour Party leader and leader of the opposition) 4. Tony Blair (Labour Prime Minister 1997-2007) 5. Gordon Brown (Labour Prime Minister 2007-2010) 6. Boris Johnson (Conservative Prime Minister 2019-2022) 7. David Cameron (Conservative Prime Minister 2010-2016) 8. Theresa May (Conservative Prime Minister 2016-2019) 9. John Major (Conservative Prime Minister 1990-1997) All six former Prime Ministers are in attendance at St James's Palace in a historic moment as Charles III ascends to the throne The past and present political leaders attended the Accession Council this morning to proclaim the new King, Charles III The political leaders, old and new, joined in chorus of 'God Save The King' to show their support for the new monarch Former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Boris Johnson, who resigned as Prime Minister earlier this week, were seen chatting enthusiastically in the front row as they waited for the ceremony to begin. Tony Blair could also be seen speaking to Keir Starmer ahead of the proclamation, while Theresa May could be seen speaking to her predecessor David Cameron. Charles automatically became Britain's new monarch on the death of his mother aged 96 at Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon, but the Accession Council - a body of advisers that dates back to the time of the Norman kings - is formally announcing his role today, in a ceremony being televised for the first time. Camilla, Queen Consort, William, Prince of Wales and 250 other dignitaries including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the Prime Minister, the Lord Privy Seal, the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Earl Marshal and the Lord President to signed the proclamation. Britain's six former Prime Ministers arrived at the ceremony together this morning, alongside Baroness Scotland (front right) A royal expert has slammed the 'inappropriate and opportunistic' comments made by American professors who said they had 'nothing but disdain' for Queen Elizabeth II following her death. Uju Anya, an associate professor at Carnegie Mellon University, branded Her Majesty's reign, 'violent' after coming under fire over a tweet wishing the Queen an 'excruciatingly painful' death. The linguistic professor was backed by Zoe Samudzi, a Zimbabwean American photography professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, who issued her own outrageous statement on Twitter saying she would 'dance on the graves of every member of the royal family.' Robert Jobson, author of 'William at 40: The Making of a Modern Monarch,' criticised the academics, telling MailOnline on Saturday: 'This is inappropriate and opportunistic at this time of national mourning.' His sentiment echoes that of several social media users who felt their remarks were 'vile' and contradicted their alleged efforts to 'better the world.' The woke Carnegie Mellon professor who put out a tweet so acidic in response to the death of Queen Elizabeth II that Twitter took it down has continued to double down on her anti-monarchy statements Ms Anya, 46, made her controversial remarks in an interview with NBC News' website on Thursday, saying: 'There are people literally around the world, rejoicing at this woman's death, not because they're vile or cold but because her reign and the reign of her monarchy by extension was violent. The linguistics professor slammed those who'd condemned her tweets, adding: 'I take deep offense at the notion that the oppressed and survivors of violence have to somehow be deferential or respectful when their oppressors die.' She described herself as a 'child of colonization,' recalling how her mother was born in Trinidad and her father in Nigeria. The pair eventually met in England in 1950s, having been sent there to go to school. She added: 'In addition to the colonization on the side of Nigeria, there's also the human enslavement in the Caribbean. So there's a direct lineage that I have to not just people who were colonized, but also people who were enslaved by the British.' In her first controversial tweet - now deleted by the social media platform - the professor wrote: 'I heard the chief monarch of a thieving raping genocidal empire is finally dying. May her pain be excruciating.' 'That wretched woman and her bloodthirsty throne have f***** generations of my ancestors on both sides of the family, and she supervised a government that sponsored the genocide my parents and siblings survived. May she die in agony.' Twitter later removed the posts for violating their rules. Uju Anya is a teacher and associate professor at the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She tweeted the disgusting words following the news that the Queen was in ill health Carnegie Mellon released a statement distancing itself from Ms Anya's words while saying it backed free speech, and that she was entitled to say them. The university has so far refused to punish its professor, and said in a statement posted on Twitter on Thursday evening 'We do not condone the offensive and objectionable messages posted by Uju Anya today on her social media account.' 'Free expression is core to the mission of higher education,' they said, indicating Ms Anya would not see consequences for her tweet. 'However, the views she shared absolutely do not represent the values of the institution, nor the standards of discourse we seek to foster,' they concluded. Carnegie Mellon University responded that Anya's views do not represent their school but also refused to allow her to face consequences so far and have not fired her Samudzi also responded to Mail Online's article, saying: 'I said what I said, and I'd say it any day of the year' Ms Anya's tweet was met with support from Ms Samudzi, who mad her own outrageous statement about the late royal. She said: 'As the first generation of my family not born in a British colony, I would dance on the graves of every member of the royal family if given the opportunity, especially hers.' Robert Jobson (pictured), author of 'William at 40: The Making of a Modern Monarch,' criticised the academics, telling Mail Online on Saturday: 'This is inappropriate and opportunistic at this time of national mourning' The Nigerian-born professor also said that she takes 'deep offense at the notion that the oppressed and survivors of violence have to somehow be deferential or respectful when their oppressors die.' Ms Samudzi also responded to Mail Online's article, saying: 'I said what I said, and I'd say it any day of the year.' Though Queen Elizabeth II has ruled a post-colonial Britain, there have been calls from some to confront the monarchy's past and, as Ms Anya puts it, their continued attempts to 'meddle in African affairs.' And during Friday's installment of ABC's The View, co-host Sunny Hostin said: 'If you really think about what the monarchy was built on, it was built on the backs of black and brown people.' She took particular issue with the Imperial State Crown and the Queen's scepter. 'She wore a crown with pillaged stones from India and Africa,' Ms Hostin added. 'And now what you're seeing, at least in the black communities that I'm a part of, they want reparation. The Imperial State Crown, along with a sceptre, serves as the principal crown for the British monarch. The Queen was pictured at her coronation in 1953 with the sceptre and bejewelled crown Carnegie Mellon University has distanced itself from Anya, telling DailyMail.com that it does 'not condone the offensive and objectionable messages' Ms Anya's appalling sentiment, shared as the Queen was in her final hours, has ignited a firestorm of anger, and cast a light on previous attempts by hundreds of people to get the outspoken academic fired from her teaching job for violent and racist words. Among those who condemned Ms Anya's initial tweet wishing a painful end for the Queen, who died Thursday, was billionaire Jeff Bezos. Mr Bezos said: 'This is someone supposedly working to make the world better? I don't think so. Wow.' Journalist Piers Morgan also added: 'You vile disgusting moron.' One horrified user said: 'Don't expect that of you but do expect common decency, respect for such a loss. If you cannot give that at this time, you are a disgraceful of a human being.' Another added: 'You are just so uncouth and manner-less. You speak of someone who just passed with such a vile and disdaining comment. Carnegie Mellon University has distanced itself from Ms Anya, telling DailyMail.com that it does 'not condone the offensive and objectionable messages'. 'Free expression is core to the mission of higher education, however, the views she shared absolutely do not represent the values of the institution, nor the standards of discourse we seek to foster,' a spokesperson said. The 'anti racist' professor has faced allegations of racism in the past for the words she has used online - and in one instance, the Foundational Black American lineage created a petition to get her removed from Carnegie Mellon University. Ms Anya, who claims to be an expert in 'diversity, equity, and inclusion,' was called out for using an ethnic slur, which means 'cotton pickers' or 'wild animals.' The petition to get her fired garnered nearly 800 signatures. It read: 'Dr. Uju Anya can not be allowed to use the platform of Carnegie Mellon University Department of Modern Languages to further promote systemic racism through her blatant use of ethnic slurs on social media when referring to Foundational Black Americans. 'This is a step backward in our fight to destroy systemic racism and discrimination for all people if institutions allow professors to become comfortable with using language as a weapon against people of color by people of color. 'Society MUST hold all people accountable equally and we call on Carnegie Mellon University to take action against this type of egregious behavior to protect the reputation and integrity of the Higher Learning Institution.' One person who signed the petition said that the professor can't be trusted with children. They added: 'I'm concerned for the children. She can't be trusted with kids. I wouldn't want racist of any color teaching my children.' Another added: 'She needs to be fired. There's no way in hell she should be allowed to teach Black American students. She's a danger to any Black American she comes in contact with. FIRE HER NOW!' And a third person, who signed the petition for the university to drop her, said: 'She's a hypocrite and an ethnic bigot.' The vicious academic also found herself in hot water when he mocked the death of YouTuber Kevin Samuels in May 2022. Mr Samuels, who had 1.42million YouTube subscribers and nearly as many Instagram followers, was best known for some of his controversial dating advice. He passed away earlier this year. But in the aftermath of his death she wrote: 'Kevin Samuels told men their worth was in their wallet. He died in a 1BR sublet with less than $1K to his name, no partner, friend, or offspring willing to claim him, only his poor mother begging and borrowing to bury his loathsome carcass.' Jeff Bezos was one of the many voices slamming the professor for her vile tweets Her Majesty, Queen of the United Kingdom, died on September 8, 2022 'There is no way you aren't a woman with so much of hate in your heart and we certainly don't need that in women who hold high positions in our society. Horrible!!' A third social media user, disgusted at the words, said: 'There's always someone looking for attention in the midst of a tragedy, which you might understand if the target was a hated public figure but these comments are disgusting, and from a verified blue tick account too. You should be ashamed of yourself.' As well as Ms Anya and her vile words, a slew of people took to social media to attack and mock the Queen as news rolled in about her tragic death. Millions across the world are mourning the loss of Britain's longest-serving monarch. Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, an associate professor at the University of Michigan's School of Education, wrote: 'Telling the colonized how they should feel about their colonizer's health and wellness is like telling my people that we ought to worship the Confederacy. ''Respect the dead' when we're all writing these Tweets *in English.* How'd that happen, hm? We just chose this language?' Responding to her tweet and alluding to their happiness at the Queen's death, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's former aide said: 'I cannot imagine what my Irish grandparents would be feeling.' Political reporter for the Washington Post, Eugene Scott, also peddled the idea that speaking about the British Empire and its ramifications was the appropriate topic of conversation while the beloved Queen was on her deathbed. He wrote: 'Real question for the 'now is not the appropriate time to talk about the negative impact of colonialism' crowd: When is the appropriate time to talk about the negative impact of colonialism?' As did Jemele Hill, contributing writer for The Atlantic: 'Journalists are tasked with putting legacies into full context, so it is entirely appropriate to examine the queen and her role in the devastating impact of continued colonialism.' The vicious academic also found herself in hot water when he mocked the death of YouTuber Kevin Samuels in May 2022 YouTuber Kevin Samuels, 57, died in Atlanta earlier this year. But Anya came under fire after mocking his death in May 2022 On Thursday, the Queen's death was confirmed. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. 'The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow'. The Queen's death will see Britain and her Commonwealth realms enter into a ten-day period of mourning as millions of her subjects in the UK and abroad come to terms with her passing. And as her son King Charles accedes to the throne, there will also be a celebration of her historic 70-year reign that saw her reach her Platinum Jubilee this year - a landmark unlikely to be reached again by a British monarch. Charles, who became King on the death of his mother, said: 'We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. 'I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.' Book is widely anticipated to showcase the breakdown of his parents' marriage All-tell memoir to be released in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays Royal expert Phil Dampier said it would ruin any chance of family reconciliation Prince Harry releasing a sensational memoir so soon after the death of the Queen would be 'tasteless', 'inappropriate' and would ruin any chance of a family reconciliation, royal experts have said. Harry, who is now fifth in line to the throne, is due to be releasing the hotly anticipated book in time for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. But after the death of Her Majesty on Thursday, the future of the memoir has been thrown into disarray, with royal experts saying it would be a very bad look for him to publish anything controversial at this time. Meanwhile, publishing sources have suggested that it may be pushed back to 2023 to allow Prince Harry time to write additional chapters on the passing of the Queen. Royal expert Phil Dampier has suggested that despite Charles's olive branch, the rift between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal family is 'as raw as ever'. And Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said he never thought the book should have been written but for it to be published now, even with an additional chapter discussing the late Queen, would be ill-advised. He said: 'It is not a matter of a re-write, it's a matter of a re-think. 'Were it to be published, if it had anything sensational it would be tasteless. 'It is a matter for him how he wants to be perceived. With a new reign it is natural that his loyalty is to his father who is very fond of him. What better way to show his loyalty than by postponing, even permanently, the memoir which never should have been linked to the Queens jubilee year. Prince Harry (pictured returning to Windsor after the death of his grandmother) should demonstrate his loyalty to the new King by scrapping the memoir that he'd planned to bring out this year, a royal expert has said 'I think its a very interesting situation now because we have got the King who sent love to them in his address so it is now up to the Sussexes to respond. 'I think the King handled it very well because they got a mention and a very fond mention at that.' Mr Fitzwilliams said the damage to Prince Harry's reputation would naturally depend on what the book discusses, which is still a mystery. 'But it would be inappropriate for him to publish anything that had any controversial content especially at this time,' he said. Mr Dampier said publishing the memoir would ruin any chance of a family reconciliation, adding: 'If Harry makes things worse there is no way back for him. That would be a line crossed and Charles and William would find it hard to forgive him.' But Mr Dampier said he has his doubts about whether the book will be dropped as Harry seems 'very determined'. He also suggested that the Queen's death could actually boost sales as it is increasing interest in the Royal Family around the world. It is thought that the Duke of Sussex will discuss his feelings about his father's relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles, now the Queen Consort. But it seems that not even the King knows what could be revealed if the memoir was to be published. Sources allege neither King Charles nor Prince William, or their attorneys and advisers, have been given the opportunity to preview any parts of the manuscript. Richard Fitzwilliams said it is now up to the Sussexes to respond after King Charles sent his 'love' to them in his address to the nation last night (pictured) The family has also received no specific information about the expected release date of the book, which is being published by Penguin Random House. It was revealed in July that Harry and ghostwriter JR Moehringer had finished the book and the final manuscript had been signed off by lawyers. But now there might be a frantic re-write if the Prince does still intend to release the memoir this year. According to Radar, a publishing expert has said that the book will be delayed to allow Harry time to write additional chapters to talk about the passing of the Queen. 'They dont want the book to be out of date before its even published,' the source added. 'It will also give Harry a chance to reflect on his thoughts about his father.' Even before the Queen's death, Page Six reported that publishers had been querying the immanency of the book's release as it was still not available on Amazon or elsewhere for very important pre-sales. One source told the website: 'I have heard that Harry has some truth bombs in his book that he is debating on whether to include or not.' It is unclear whether publication of Harry's memoir will go ahead in light of the Queen's death on Thursday. Pictured: Prince Harry with his grandmother the Queen in 2019 Penguin Random House has described the book as 'a heartfelt memoir from one of the most fascinating and influential global figures of our time'. The publisher's website says: 'Prince Harry will share, for the very first time, the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him. 'Covering his lifetime in the public eye from childhood to the present day, including his dedication to service, the military duty that twice took him to the frontlines of Afghanistan, and the joy he has found in being a husband and father, Prince Harry will offer an honest and captivating personal portrait, one that shows readers that behind everything they think they know lies an inspiring, courageous, and uplifting human story.' Prince Harry, who will be donating any proceeds to charity, said he hopes his story will 'help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think'. Penguin Random House has not yet released a statement on whether the explosive release will be delayed in light of Queen Elizabeth's death. MailOnline has contacted the publisher for comment. This is the touching moment Prince William offers his stepmother Camilla, the Queen Consort, a guiding hand before she signed her husband's declaration. It marks a new era for the Prince of Wales and the Queen Consort after years of a difficult relationship while his mother Princess Diana split from Charles in 1992, and later divorce in 1996. The hugely public breakdown of Charles and Diana's marriage also displayed the frosty relationship between the now-Queen Consort and her stepson. While William and Camilla's relationship was not easy at first or for a number of years after her marriage to his father, he is closer with his stepmother and now especially so after the loss of Queen Elizabeth II. Today Prince William and Queen Camilla attended the historic ceremony at St James's Palace where King Charles III met with the Accession Council. And as they walked into the hall where they were met with the Archbishop of Canterbury and several senior government officials, the Prince of Wales kindly put his arm out as he walked behind his stepmother, the Queen Consort. This is the touching moment Prince William offers his stepmother Camilla, the Queen Consort, a guiding hand before she signed her husband's declaration The heartwarming gesture showed the pair having moved into a warmed stage in their relationship after years of difficult familial issues that the heir has slowly moved past. They stood behind the King as he made his personal declaration on Saturday morning, showing a strong front despite years of heartache for Prince William who struggled with the loss of his mother and acceptance of his new stepmother. Although Charles and Diana separated in 1992, their relationship 'irretrievably broke down' in 1986, with the new King having begun an affair that same year with Camilla. The public image of both Charles and Camilla was tainted while William's mother Diana was held in high regard - leaving the young prince to put up a wall with his stepmother, which he has only recently begun to break down. King Charles III made a personal declaration on the death of his beloved mother Queen Elizabeth II as Britain's new monarch was formally announced. Paying tribute to the Queen at the Accession Council, the King said: 'Her reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life.' Making his declaration, Charles III said: 'My lords, ladies and gentlemen, it is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved mother the Queen. I know how deeply you, the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we've all suffered. It marks a new era for the Prince of Wales and the Queen Consort after years of a difficult relationship while his mother Princess Diana split from Charles in 1992, and later divorce in 1996. The two are pictured walking into the ceremony at St James's Palace today While William and Camilla's relationship was not easy at first or for a number of years after her marriage to his father, he is closer with his stepmother and now especially so after the loss of Queen Elizabeth II (pictured today as King Charles was formally proclaimed monarch) 'It is the greatest consolation to me to know the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers. And that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss.' A source told the Daily Mail the Prince of Wales' relationship with his father is 'better than it ever has been', they said in February, after the Queen announced Camilla's title when Prince Charles, now King Charles III, was to become sovereign. Broadcast cameras were allowed into the historic event giving the world a first glimpse of an ancient ceremony dating back centuries - and one of the first changes to convention instigated by the new King. Prime Minister Liz Truss joined Camilla, Queen Consort, William, Prince of Wales and 250 other dignitaries including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the Prime Minister, the Lord Privy Seal, the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Earl Marshal and the Lord President to sign the proclamation at 10am. They stood behind the King (pictured at St James's Palace as he made his personal declaration on Saturday morning, showing a strong front despite years of heartache for Prince William who struggled with the loss of his mother and acceptance of his new stepmother Former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major, Labour former Cabinet minister Harriet Harman, the Mother of the House, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and the high commissioners of the 14 Commonwealth countries where Charles III is Head of State, are also on the body of the Accession Council. During the event the Lord President - Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt, appointed by Ms Truss - announced the death of the sovereign and called upon the Clerk of the Council to read aloud the text of the Accession Proclamation before the body signed the document. It includes Charles's chosen title as King, already known to be King Charles III. Charles III is expected to then enter for the second part of the council at 10.20am, attended only by privy counsellors and makes a personal declaration about the death of the Queen. He will take an oath to preserve the Church of Scotland and signs two documents to record it, with his wife Camilla and his son Prince William among those witnessing his signature. At 11am a Principal Proclamation will be read in public for the first time by the Garter King of Arms in the open air from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St James's. It will be followed by a flurry of Proclamations around the country, with the second one at City of London at the Royal Exchange at midday on Saturday, and further Proclamations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales at midday on Sunday. In recognition of the new Sovereign, union flags will be flown at full-mast from the time of the Principal Proclamation at St James's Palace until one hour after the Proclamations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, after which flags will return to half-mast in mourning for the death of the late Queen. The ceremony is being staged a day later for King Charles III then normal practice because the announcement of the Queen's death did not come until early evening on Thursday, meaning there was not enough time to set the plans in motion for Friday morning. Advertisement The Queen's youngest subjects have been leaving charming tributes to Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace and across the country since her death on Thursday. Paddington Bear teddies and colourful drawings have piled up among the bunches of flowers left around the Palace and at nearby Hyde Park and Green Park. A huge number of cards left by children had the same, simple message: 'You were the best Queen'. 'You're the best queen ever!' The Queen's youngest subjects have left charming tributes to Her Majesty, leaving Union Jack flags, flowers and notes at Buckingham Palace Poignant illustrations of the Queen, flanked by one of her corgis and accompanied by Paddington, have also been left around the Royal Palaces One little girl looked visibly upset as she clung to her father and a small bouquet outside Buckingham Palace on Saturday A stuffed Paddington Bear has been left among the sea of flowers at Balmoral, in reference to the Queen's sketch with the character as part of her Jubilee celebrations Two little girls' heartfelt messages which they left with bouquets at Buckingham Palace. Both read: 'I hope you are now with your family in Heaven. You were the best queen.' Two-year-old Theodore has brought along his Paddington Bear toy as his parents lay flowers at Windsor Castle following the death of Queen Elizabeth on Thursday Even a marmalade sandwich, with 'for later' written on it - the phrase the Queen used when she plucked one out of her bag in a comedy sketch with beloved cartoon bear Paddington - was left by one mourner Young people smile as they read tributes to the Queen and lay their own bouquets of flowers outside Buckingham Palace Flowers and tributes outside Buckingham Palace, London, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II People look at floral tributes near Buckingham Palace A sea of floral tributes to the Queen grows in front of Buckingham Palace this evening Police have cleared crowds in front of Buckingham Palace tonight as thousands of floral tributes have been moved to St James Park **Has your child left a tribute to the Queen?** Send your pictures and stories to tips@dailymail.com Advertisement One child looked visibly upset as she sat on her father's shoulders outside Buckingham Palace today, clutching a small bouquet with a drawing of the Queen attached. Another little girl's heartfelt message read: 'I really miss you. I hope you are now with your family in Heaven. You were the best queen. Love, Faith.' Another from a little girl called Hope had a similar message and addressed 'our Queen'. Meanwhile another beautiful message read 'you were my grandmother's idol'. A group tribute was paid by primary school students from Northampton, who left illustrated letters which read 'thank you our Queen'. Beautiful drawings of the monarch line the gates of Buckingham Palace and nearby parks, as well as Windsor Castle and Balmoral. Another little girl at Buckingham Palace donned a Union Jack hat which had 'RIP HM Queen Elizabeth' written on it. Other youngsters left colouring in sheets depicting the Queen which read 'Thinking of you at this sad time', 'sorry for your loss' and 'our thoughts are with you'. One little girl donned a Union Jack hat which had 'RIP HM Queen Elizabeth' written on it as she left flags and a bouquet at the Palace Another Paddington Bear is accompanied by a hand-sketched portrait of the Queen, as children show their love for the late monarch Youngsters left colouring in sheets depicting the Queen which read 'thinking of you at this sad time', 'sorry for your loss' and 'our thoughts are with you' Another sweet little girl wearing Pudsey bear ears clutched two bouquets of sunflowers and a Union Jack flag as she paid her own special tribute to the late monarch. She attended Buckingham Palace with her family on Saturday morning to leave the floral tributes. Another beautiful shot shows a tiny girl sitting atop her father's shoulders outside the Palace with a bouquet of red roses for the Queen. A sweet little girl wearing Pudsey bear ears clutched two bouquets of sunflowers and a Union Jack flag as she paid her own special tribute to the late monarch One little girl attended Buckingham Palace with her family on Saturday morning to pay tribute, leaving two bouquets and a Union Jack flag A tiny girl sits on her father's shoulders outside Buckingham Palace with a bouquet of red roses for the Queen Paddington Bear teddies have also been left at the Royal residences and at British Embassies around the world. Paddington has become symbolic of the Queen's sense of humour, after she delighted millions of viewers in a comic sketch with the cartoon bear during the Party in The Palace Jubilee Concert on Saturday, June 4. Even a marmalade sandwich, with 'for later' written on it - the phrase she used when she plucked one out of her bag in the sketch - was left by one mourner. A baby's Paddington comforter pokes out of a bouquet of flowers left outside of Windsor Castle Another bear, with a note tied around its neck, pokes out of the gates outside Buckingham Palace in London today In a simple, yet heartwarming tribute posted on Twitter, Paddington Bear said: 'Thank you Ma'am, for everything.' Poignant illustrations of the Queen, flanked by one of her corgis and accompanied by Paddington, have also been left around the Royal Palaces and have circulated online. On Twitter on Thursday, Paddington's account said simply: Thank you Maam, for everything. The tribute came shortly after the Royal Family's announcement at 6.30pm on Thursday that the Queen had died peacefully at Balmoral at the age of 96. Members of the public have continued to gather at the Palace gates since with tens thousands of bouquets, personal notes and candles left in her honour. Penny Mordaunt was today lauded for her 'superb' job of officially announcing the Queen's death and proclaiming Charles as Britain's new King. The conservative MP, who is the first woman to proclaim a new monarch, was applauded online for doing an 'outstanding job' during Saturday morning's 'moving and sombre' ceremony. Twitter users pointed out that Ms Mordaunt, who was appointed to her new role by Prime Minister Liz Truss, had little time to prepare for the Accession Proclamation but still managed to be 'very polished' and spoke with 'authority.' Several suggested she was a better public speaker than Ms Truss and noted how they wished she had become the PM instead. However, many poked fun at how Ms Mordaunt has become the first-ever ITV Splash! contestant to preside over the accession of a monarch. They jokingly asked if she aspired to be 'Lord President of the Council one day' while competing on the diving programme. The conservative MP, who is the first woman to proclaim a new monarch, was applauded online for doing an 'outstanding job' during the 'moving and sombre' ceremony Many poked fun at how Ms Mordaunt has become the first-ever ITV Splash! contestant to preside over the accession of a monarch Opening proceedings at the Accession Council, Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt, formally announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II and called upon the Clerk of the Council to read aloud the text of the Accession Proclamation before the body signed the document. The document includes Charles's chosen title as King, already known to be King Charles III. Ms Mordaunt's behaviour during the ceremony was 'resplendent,' many who watched the televised ceremony have proclaimed. 'Penny Mordaunt doing a splendid job in a very moving an sombre unique occasion,' Chris Varley tweeted. 'Unique never before done with an audience.' 'Penny Mordaunt delivered her duty superbly,' echoed Cheshire resident Dawn. 'Four days since Liz Truss became the new PM. What a baptism of fire. Most of us have never seen these scenes before, a new Monarch, and may never see them again.' User @Lizziedl added: 'Penny Mordaunt is doing an outstanding job. Esp considering the time to prepare.' Writer Piers Torday said: 'I could listen to the King saying Approved to Penny Mordaunt all day - might make it my new ring tone.' Penny Mordaunt was today lauded for her 'superb' job of officially announcing the Queen's death and proclaiming Charles as Britain's new King Some pointed out how the former reality show contestant likely didn't expect to become the first woman to proclaim a new monarch. 'I wonder if Penny Mordaunt was thinking when she was on Splash Im going to be Lord President of the Council one day and manage the proclamation of the new King,' questioned @terry61201, before adding: 'Btw, I thought she was very good.' User @Nina_Rotor joked: 'Now in honour of the new king's leap into the monarchy's new era Penny Mordaunt will re-enact her 10-metre bellyflop from Tom Daley's 2014 "Splash!" into the privy council's compost-powered jacuzzi-spa.' 'It is weird that Penny Mordaunt went on that Splash! programme and now has a role in swearing in the King,' echoed Scott Rogers-Wolfson. Others suggested it must be a 'bizarre month' for Ms Mordaunt and that she likely was not 'expecting to be doing this when she started her new job earlier this week.' David Chipakupaku added: 'What a bizarre month for Penny Mordaunt.' Many complimented her 'resplendent' demeanour and argued she should have been the UK's new Prime Minister Others said it was a 'shame' that Ms Mordaunt is not the nation's prime minister. 'God I wish Penny Mordaunt was prime minister,' penned Manchester resident George Lumley. 'Penny Mordaunt. The conservative party should be ashamed they never elected her to lead the country,' wrote user @sixtimes. Der Petemann added: 'Penny Mordaunt is stunning. What a shame she's not our PM.' Ms Mordaunt was appointed Lord President of the Council, and Leader of the House of Commons, on September 6 in Ms Truss's new Cabinet, in place of Mark Spencer, with the Queen officially approving the appointment. She is yet to be 'declared' Lord President at a Privy Council meeting because the event was postponed on Wednesday when the Queen was urged to rest. Ms Mordaunt has been a member of Parliament since 2010. Most recently she was Minister of State at the Department for International Trade. Ms Mordaunt was appointed Lord President of the Council, and Leader of the House of Commons, on September 6. She is pictured on Saturday signing the Proclamation of Accession of King Charles III The Prince of Wales, the Queen Consort, Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt and Prime Minister Liz Truss are pictured during the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace on Saturday morning The appointment came after Ms Mordaunt came close to blocking Ms Truss's run for power. The new Prime Minister appointed her to the role after Sir Iain Duncan Smith reportedly turned it down. He told BBC Radio 4 earlier this week: 'I have been offered and said I won't be taking it up. I'm going back to the backbenches again.' In her new role, Ms Mordaunt will be responsible for delivering the governments legislative programme. Her position involves managing the business of the House of Commons and acting as the government's representative in the House. She will also chair the Parliamentary Business and Legislation Cabinet Committee and the Members Estimate Committee. As Lord President of the Council she will presides at Privy Council meetings, make recommendations to the King and deal with Ministerial correspondence and Parliamentary Questions relating to Privy Council Business. Students from two more of Sydney's most prestigious high schools are being investigated over links to a vile online chat room where teenagers discussed rape and made racist comments. Knox Grammar, in the city's north shore, is at the centre of the scandal when it was revealed 20 students from the elite private school sent the horrific messages in the private group chat. Email addresses from other users in the chat on the social media platform Discord have now been linked to students from James Ruse Agricultural High School and North Sydney Boys High. The NSW Department of Education confirmed they were aware emails from the two selective schools were used to access the chatroom. 'The Department has recently been made aware that student emails from two schools were used to access the Discord channel,' a spokesperson said. Teenagers at Knox Grammar, a private boys school on Sydney's North Shore, used a encrypted app to post vile content, a further two schools' students are believed to have been involved 'Currently we haven't been able to identify the students and will be contacting Knox Grammar School for any additional information.' Teens from two other selective high schools in Sydney and an elite school in Victoria were also allegedly in the chat, the Daily Telegraph reported. The contents of the chat were shocking, with students sharing abhorrent rape fantasies, anti-semitic and homophobic slurs and other abusive, racist and sexist comments. Parents pay up to $35,000 a year to send their children to Knox. A police review found it contained no child abuse material. Users in the chat room used aliases like 'n*****removalservice' and 'Fa**othater3000'. 'I hate fems I hate gays, jews, people who don't play fortnite, furries, n*****s, I love titties, feet abortion, rape, drugs,' one of the disturbing messages read. Knox Grammar conducted an internal review and principal Scott James told parents he'd identified 74 handles used in the chat room on Tuesday. Knox Grammar has suspended several students for their participation in the group and have launched an internal investigation (pictured, a mock-up of some of the Discord messages) In a letter sent home to parents (pictured), Knox Headmaster Scott James said the students involved posted 'inappropriate messages and engaged in offensive commentary in private chat rooms' The messages are a mixture of sexist, racist and anti-Semitic sentiments coupled with several extreme anti-abortion statements (pictured, a mock-up of the Discord messages) Mr Scott earlier revealed that 20 students faced disciplinary action with some suspended and expelled. New South Wales Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said there'd be no tolerance for those involved in the chatroom. 'I was shocked and appalled to learn of the activities within these chat groups,' she said. 'This is far from the behaviour we expect from students in NSW. I have asked NSW Education Standards Authority to closely monitor the situation at Knox and follow appropriate procedures.' One message saw a student feigning support for Adolf Hitler, and another claiming to be a 'maniacal pedophile who rapes babes for a living'. 'Why was I not invited to the gang rape party,' read another. 'If I get a girl pregnant and I wore a condom I'm f***ing reaching my hand in her stomach,' read another disturbing message. Students from James Ruse Agricultural High School are believed to have been involved in the group chat as well A teacher claiming to be from Knox while anonymously answering questions about the scandal on Reddit blamed 'North Shore mentality' - a reference to the privileged circumstances in which some children are raised in the area the school is located. 'I feel like some students have a 'North Shore' thinking attitude whereby they are quite close minded about the world,' the teacher wrote. 'However, this does not represent every student and some students in the school are indeed humble and respectful. 'The school is doing all it can to prevent young men from having these thoughts. It's difficult though as some students still have the "North Shore mentality".' The family of a model killed after being repeatedly run over outside her home have paid tribute to a 'much-loved' mother and daughter after a man was charged with manslaughter. Caragh Eaton, 28, was fatally injured in a hit-and-run after a car ploughed into just yards from her front door in Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire, on Tuesday, September 6. Emergency services rushed to the scene on Field Edge Drive at 4.40pm but the part-time model and photographer was pronounced dead a short time later. Officers found an abandoned black Land Rover nearby and arrested Ian Curson, 42, on suspicion of murder several hours later. Leicestershire Police revealed yesterday evening he had since been charged with manslaughter and will appear before Leicester Magistrates' Court this morning. Curson, of Fairhaven Road, Leicester, remains remanded in custody and is also charged with possession of an offensive weapon. Caragh Eaton, 28, pictured, died after being mowed down just yards from her front door in Barrow upon Soar, northern Leicestershire on Tuesday afternoon Flowers left in tribute at the property just meters from the scene of the hit and run on Field Edge Drive, Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire where Ms Eaton was hit by a car right outside her front door (pictured) Ms Eaton's heartbroken family have since released a tribute to her in a statement issued via police. They said: 'We have been devastated by the loss of Caragh, our much-loved daughter, sister and mother. 'We are struggling to come to terms with our loss and the circumstances of her death. 'We would like to thank everyone for their messages of condolence. They are giving us much comfort and we feel greatly supported. 'The family ask for understanding in order to deal with our grief in private at this difficult time.' Detective Inspector Mark Parish, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit major crime team said previously: 'A team of detectives are working around the clock to piece together the events of, and leading up to, Caragh's death. 'Anyone in the community who hasn't yet spoken to police and who may have information, please contact us. 'There are officers in the area carrying out enquiries - approach them, or send information online. 'Dash cam footage or doorbell footage may provide us with some vital information. Please look and contact us.' 'We have been devastated by the loss of Caragh, our much-loved daughter, sister and mother,' said Ms Eaton's devastated family. Pictured: Floral tributes been laid at the scene Emergency services rushed to the scene in Field Edge Drive (pictured, forensics team at the scene) at 4.45pm on Tuesday but Ms Eaton was pronounced dead a short time later Tributes also flooded in on social media to the 'beautiful and kind' young lady who ran a Facebook page for car enthusiasts after her death was announced. Craig Gibson wrote: 'Rip Caragh Eaton, such sad news to hear, u was a beautiful young lady who wouldn't hurt a fly, so sad to hear what's happened to her, what a twisted world we live in.' Katie Malin added: 'I'd just like to put a post out and say we are shocked and saddened to hear about the news of Caragh Eaton she founded this group along side myself with a hope of bringing the car community together. 'Such a lovely, kind lady that I am sure will leave a hole in the hearts of those she touched.' (KKE) was once again at the side of the striking workers of Malamatina, a large wine production company in Thessaloniki, who continue their multi-day struggle. The delegation of the KKE conveyed the message that the KKE will continue to support their just struggle with all its might. Communist Party of Greece (KKE) was once again at the side of the striking workers of Malamatina, a large wine production company in Thessaloniki, who continue their multi-day struggle. The delegation of the KKE conveyed the message that the KKE will continue to support their just struggle with all its might. The strikers demand the revocation of 15 dismissals and the signing of a Collective Labour Agreement. The cadres of the KKE held a discussion with the strikers and highlighted that their just struggle must be embraced and become a centre of coordination and solidarity at a local, sectoral, and national level. G. Protoulis, member of the Political Bureau of the CC of the KKE, made a statement after the meeting. Among other things, he noted that The struggle of the workers in Malamatina is a just struggle; it must be justified, the workers must win, the dismissed workers must return to work. It is a struggle that must be supported by the entire working class, because the issues faced by the workers at Malamatina are issues faced by the entire working class. It is a struggle that can set an example, a struggle that takes the baton from the dozens of mobilizations that were held in the past months and years. That is the way out, that is the path that workers must continue on." Giannis Frangidis, president of the Workers Union in the enterprise, expressed the thanks of the workers of Malamatina to the KKE, which has expressed its solidarity with their struggle from the very first moment. Students: Get the police out of universities - We struggle for education and free studies! On 8/9, a mass student rally took place in the centre of Athens, with the participation of students, professors, and university workers. Through their struggle, the students denounced the intensification of repression in higher education institutions, which is aimed at serving the operation of universities as enterprises, and asserted their rights to studies and life. Commenting on the developments, the Press Office of the CC of the KNE noted that The government, like a thief in the night, is sneaking the University Police, which has been condemned by the majority of students, into campuses. Students and their associations have already opposed to that and immediately found themselves at the gates of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the National Technical University of Athens, demanding that the University Police retreat immediately! The 50 million provided by the government for the establishment of University Police should be used to cover the real needs of the students. They should be used for mass recruitment of professors, student residences, modern infrastructure, and student care. We call on students, on young men and women, to struggle to put up a wall against the governments repressive and authoritarian plans. inter.kke.gr Advertisement An emotional and pensive King Charles III smiled through his tears and waved at the crowd of well-wishers gathered outside the gates of Buckingham Palace after his proclamation today - as mourners continue to leave floral tributes in memory of his beloved 'mama' Queen Elizabeth II after her death. Well-wishers waited hours for a glimpse of the monarch, who automatically became King on the death of his mother the Queen on Thursday but was formally proclaimed by the Accession Council at St James's Palace earlier today, as he was driven to Buckingham Palace in his state Rolls-Royce. His wife Camilla, Queen Consort arrived at the palace after her husband around 90 minutes later, smiling and waving at the crowd as she was greeted by cheers. It was initially believed that the King and Queen Consort would go on a walkabout to inspect the tributes and greet mourners at 12.15pm. However, Charles III had not left the Palace by 1pm, and this afternoon he will hold a series of audiences with Prime Minister Liz Truss, her senior Cabinet ministers, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and Archbishop of Canterbury and the Dean of Westminster. At 10am this morning, the Accession Council - an ancient body of advisers that dates back as far as the time of the Norman Conquest - formally announced his role as Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including Supreme Head of the Church of England and Commander-in-Chief of Britain's Armed Forces, as well as Head of State of Commonwealth countries and British territories around the world. Broadcast cameras were allowed into the historic event giving the world a first glimpse of a ceremony dating back centuries - and one of the first changes to convention instigated by the new King. At 11am, trumpets then sounded from the balcony of St James's Palace as the Principal Proclamation announcing the King was read out. Crowds gathered outside the palace as the King was officially proclaimed. Gun salutes at Hyde Park, the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, Hillsborough Castle and Cardiff Castle were then fired before the National Anthem was performed by The Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. They were accompanied by the St James's Palace Detachment of The King's Guard made up of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards. The crowd of well-wishers joined the King's Guard gathered outside the palace in three cries of 'hip hip hooray' for the King. At St James's shortly after 10.20am, Charles III made a personal declaration on the death of his beloved mother Queen Elizabeth II today and vowed to uphold 'constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world'. King Charles III is driven to Buckingham Palace in his state Rolls-Royce after his proclamation at St James's Palace King Charles III waving to well-wishers gathered from his state Rolls-Royce outside Buckingham Palace today The tearful King was driven to Buckingham Palace after his proclamation at St James's Palace The King appeared to be touched by the public outpouring of support from well-wishers outside the Palace King Charles III waving as his convoy enters Buckingham Palace in London Camilla, Queen Consort smiles and waves at the crowd of well-wishers gathered outside Buckingham Palace People gather near floral tributes placed outside Buckingham Palace in London A girl with flowers and a Union Jack looks on outside Buckingham Palace Members of the public gather outside Buckingham palace to lay flowers following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II Members of the public gather outside Buckingham palace to lay flowers following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II The Prince of Wales, the Queen, King Charles III and Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt during the Accession Council at St James's Palace King Charles III during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London King Charles III signs an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London The Accession Council in the throne room at St James's Palace in London as King Charles III is formally proclaimed King Charles III's declaration in full My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen. It is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved Mother, The Queen. I know how deeply you, the entire Nation - and I think I may say the whole world - sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered. It is the greatest consolation to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my Sister and Brothers and that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss. To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my Mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service. My Mother's reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me. In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these Islands and of the Commonwealth Realms and Territories throughout the world. In this purpose, I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose Sovereign I have been called upon to be, and that in the discharge of these duties I will be guided by the counsel of their elected parliaments. In all this, I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife. I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to My Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports My official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation. And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God. Advertisement Paying tribute to the Queen at the throne room of St James's before the assembled Accession Council shortly after 10.20am, the King also approved an order that the day of the Queen's funeral will be a bank holiday. Making his declaration, Charles III said: 'My lords, ladies and gentlemen, it is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved mother the Queen. I know how deeply you, the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we've all suffered. 'It is the greatest consolation to me to know the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers. And that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss.' Continuing the declaration, the King said: 'In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world. 'In this purpose, I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose Sovereign I have been called upon to be, and that in the discharge of these duties I will be guided by the counsel of their elected parliaments. 'In all this, I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife. I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to my Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports my official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation. 'And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God.' After his personal declaration about the death of his mother the King took the oath to preserve the Church of Scotland - because in Scotland there is a division of powers between the church and state. This oath is taken at the point of accession to the Crown, with Charles saying he was 'ready to do so at this first opportunity'. Buckingham Palace confirmed he had declared: 'I, Charles III, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of my other realms and territories, King, Defender of the Faith, do faithfully promise and swear that I shall inviolably maintain and preserve the settlement of the true protestant religion as established by the laws made in Scotland in prosecution of the Claim of Right, and particularly by an Act intituled 'An Act for securing the Protestant Religion and Presbyterian Church Government' and by the Acts passed in the Parliament of both Kingdoms for Union of the two Kingdoms, together with the Government, Worship, Discipline, Rights and Privileges of the Church of Scotland.' Prime Minister Liz Truss joined Camilla, Queen Consort, William, Prince of Wales and 250 other dignitaries including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the Prime Minister, the Lord Privy Seal, the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Earl Marshal and the Lord President to sign the proclamation at 10am. Former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major, Labour former Cabinet minister Harriet Harman, the Mother of the House, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and the high commissioners of the 14 Commonwealth countries where Charles III is Head of State, are also on the body of the Accession Council. The gun salute to mark the formal declaration of King Charles III as Britain's new monarch, at the Tower of London in London A gun salute is fired for King Charles III in Cardiff, Wales The National Anthem was performed by The Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. They were accompanied by the St James's Palace Detachment of The King's Guard made up of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards. The crowd of well-wishers joined the King's Guard gathered outside the palace in three cries of 'hip hip hooray' for the King David Vines White, Garter King of Arms (third left) reads the Principal Proclamation, from the balcony overlooking Friary Court after the accession council as King Charles III is proclaimed King, at St James's Palace King Charles III signing the Proclamation at St James's Palace in London this morning during the historic ceremony The Prince of Wales, the Queen, and King Charles III during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London The Queen signs and oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London, where King Charles III is formally proclaimed monarch King Charles III walking into the throne room in St James's Palace this morning. On the podium stand William, Prince of Wales - the heir apparent - and Charles' wife Camilla, Queen Consort During the event the Lord President - Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt - announced the death of the sovereign and called upon the Clerk of the Council to read aloud the text of the Accession Proclamation before the body signed the document. It includes Charles's chosen title as King, already known to be King Charles III. Union flags were flown at full-mast from the time of the Principal Proclamation at St James's Palace until one hour after the Proclamations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, after which flags returned to half-mast in mourning for the death of the late Queen. The ceremony is being staged a day later for King Charles III then normal practice because the announcement of the Queen's death did not come until early evening on Thursday, meaning there was not enough time to set the plans in motion for Friday morning. Opening proceedings at the Accession Council, the Lord President said: 'My lords, it is my sad duty to inform you that Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away on Thursday the 8th of September 2022, at Balmoral Castle. I propose that, when certain necessary business has been transacted, a deputation consisting of Her Majesty, His Royal Highness, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York, the Prime Minister, the clerk of the Council, and myself, shall wait on the King and inform him the Council is assembled.' The day of the Queen's funeral will be a bank holiday, King Charles declares The day of the Queen's funeral has been confirmed as a bank holiday after approval by the King. The date of the state funeral has not yet been announced but it is expected to take place on Monday September 19. The bank holiday confirmation came when the King approved an order during a meeting of the Accession Council where he was formally declared head of state. Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt, said: 'Drafts of two proclamations. One - appointing the day of Her late Majesty's state funeral as a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 'Two - appointing the day of Her late Majesty's state funeral as a bank holiday in Scotland. 'And of two orders in council, directing the Lord Chancellor to affix the great seal to the proclamations.' Charles answered: 'Approved.' The funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in central London. The original plans are for the Queen's coffin to process on a gun carriage to the abbey, pulled by naval ratings - sailors - using ropes rather than horses. Senior members of the family are expected to follow behind - just like they did for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The military will line the streets and also join the procession. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000. The service will be televised, and a national two minutes' silence is expected to be held. The same day as the funeral, the Queen's coffin will be taken to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised committal service. Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family. The Queen's final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel - where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Philip's coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen's. Advertisement Reading the text of the proclamation, the clerk of the council said: 'Whereas it has pleased almighty God to call to his mercy our late Sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth II of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George. 'We, therefore, the lords spiritual and temporal of this realm, and members of the House of Commons, together with other members of Her late Majesty's Privy Council, and representatives of the realms and territories, aldermen, and citizens of London and others, do now hereby, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now, by the death of our late Sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege lord, Charles III, by the grace of God, of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and of his other realms and territories, King, head of the Commonwealth, defender of the faith, to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection, beseeching God, by whom kings and queens do reign, to bless His Majesty with long and happy years to reign over us.' He declared to the room 'God Save the King' and the packed room repeated the famous phrase. The historic event comes after Charles gave a landmark address to the nation on Friday and paid a poignant and moving tribute to his 'darling Mama' the Queen. The King pledged his whole life as service as the new sovereign just as the Queen did, saying: 'That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today'. And he used his speech to announce that he had created his son William the Prince of Wales, with Kate the Princess of Wales, and expressed his 'love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas', a symbol of his bid for reconciliation amid past troubles with the Sussexes. He also paid tribute to his 'darling wife' Camilla, calling her 'my Queen Consort', saying he can 'count on her loving help' and praising her by saying: 'I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much.' The King also set out his changing role, as he steps away from his considerable charity work which shaped his life as the heir to the throne. The Palace said: 'His Majesty The King will be proclaimed at the Accession Council at 10.00hrs (on Saturday) in the State Apartments of St James's Palace, London. The Accession Council, attended by Privy Councillors, is divided into two parts. In Part I, the Privy Council, without The King present, will proclaim the Sovereign, and formally approve various consequential Orders, including the arrangements for the Proclamation. 'Part II, is the holding by The King of His Majesty's first Privy Council. The King will make his Declaration and read and sign an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland and approve Orders in Council which facilitate continuity of government.' Mid-afternoon, members of Ms Truss' Cabinet will have their first meeting with the King just days after the Prime Minister formed her new Government. Senior ministers attending the Accession Council at St James's will travel to Buckingham Palace for an audience with the monarch. Ms Truss, who was invited to form a Government by the late Queen on Tuesday, had her initial audience with the King on Friday. Crowds gather outside St James's Palace in London, during the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace, London The King's Guard gathered outside St James's Palace in London shortly before the Principal Proclamation William, Prince of Wales signing the Proclamation formally announcing King Charles III at St James's Palace today The Accession Council in the throne room in St James's Palace where they await King Charles III Camilla, Queen Consort and William, Prince of Wales arrive at St James's Palace for the proclamation of the King Prime Minister Liz Truss signs the Accession Proclamation formally announcing King Charles III Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, former prime ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, David Cameron, Theresa May and John Major ahead of the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace The throne room in St James's Palace in London, where the Accession Council awaits King Charles III Conservative Prime Minister Penny Mordaunt, the Lord President, with William, Prince of Wales Left to right: Labour leader Keir Starmer, Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, David Cameron and Theresa May at St James's Palace, just before the meeting of the Accession Council to formally proclaim King Charles III this morning The Accession Council gathers at St James's Palace in London. The body is made up of advisers including former prime ministers, who formally pronounce the Queen's death before proclaiming Charles' accession to the throne Left to right: William, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Queen Consort and Prime Minister Liz Truss Prime Minister Liz Truss and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at St James's Palace in London at 10am A gun salute is fired for King Charles, following the passing of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, in Cardiff The Royal Salute is fired at Edinburgh Castle by 105th Regiment Royal Artillery The Company of Pikemen and Musketeers and the Band of the Honourable Artillery Company arrive at the Royal Exchange A military band plays outside the Royal Exchange in the City of London, before the reading of the Proclamation of Accession of King Charles III Members of the Coldstream Guards raise their Bearskin hats as they salute the new King Prime Minister Liz Truss leaves Number 10 Downing Street this early morning via the side door Police officers on guard at St James's Palace in London this morning ahead of the proclamation From left front row, Former British Prime Ministers Theresa May and John Major; Baroness Scotland, second row, Former British Prime Ministers Gordon Brown, Tony Blair, third row, Former British Prime Ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson, arriving for the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown ahead of the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace Guards of the Buckingham Palace leaving the palace in London Dignitaries arrive at St James's Palace in London for the formal proclamation of King Charles III Police officers stand on duty in Friary Court at St James's Palace in London People gather outside Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth II today King Charles III's proclamation: How today unfolded and what happens next D+1 - Saturday September 10 10am: Accession Council formally proclaims King Charles III King Charles III will be proclaimed at the Accession Council in the state apartments at St James's Palace in London. The event, attended by privy counsellors, is divided into two parts. In the first part, the Privy Council will proclaim the King and formally approve various consequential orders, including the arrangements for the Proclamation, without the King present. The second part is held by the King of His Majesty's first Privy Council. The King will make his declaration and read and sign an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland and approve orders in the council which facilitate continuity of the Government. The King will be accompanied by the Queen Consort and the Prince of Wales as they are both privy counsellors. 11am: Principal Proclamation is read from the balcony of St James's Palace The Principal Proclamation then follows. It will be read from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St James's Palace. The proclamation will be read by the Garter King of Arms, accompanied by the Earl Marshal, other Officers of Arms and the Serjeants at Arms. This will be the first public reading of the proclamation. Flags will also be flown at full-mast from 11am for about 24 hours, which will be until one hour after the proclamations are made in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. They will then return to half-mast in mourning for the Queen. Gun salutes will also take place at Hyde Park and the Tower of London. 12pm: Proclamations are read at the Royal Exchange in London A second proclamation will be read at the Royal Exchange in London. Further proclamations will be read in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales at 12pm the following day (Sunday). In mid-afternoon, the King will hold audiences with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Court mourning A period of royal mourning for members of the royal family and royal households will be observed until seven days after the Queen's funeral, the date of which is to be confirmed by Buckingham Palace. National mourning The Government is expected to confirm the length of national mourning, which is likely to be around 12 days, up to the day after the Queen's funeral. They are also expected to announce that the funeral day will be a public holiday in the form of a Day of National Mourning. D+2 - Sunday September 11 The Queen's coffin is expected to be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Proclamations will be read in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland devolved parliaments in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. D+3 - Monday September 12 Procession expected along the Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral. Service and the Vigil of the Princes by members of the royal family. The public may get the chance to file past the Queen's coffin at a mini lying in state in St Giles'. The House of Commons and the House of Lords are expected to come together in Westminster for a Motion of Condolence, which the King could attend. After leaving England and visiting Scotland, Charles will at some stage travel to the other countries of the UK - Wales and Northern Ireland - known as Operation Spring Tide. D+4 - Tuesday September 13 Coffin expected to be flown to London. Expected to be at rest at Buckingham Palace. A rehearsal for the procession of the coffin from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster takes place. D+5 - Wednesday September 14 The Queen's lying in state is expected to begin in Westminster Hall - Operation Marquee - following a ceremonial procession through London. It will last four full days. The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct a short service following the coffin's arrival. Hundreds of thousands of people will file past the coffin on its catafalque and pay their respects, just as they did for the Queen Mother's lying in state in 2002. The management of the queues outside is Operation Feather. During the Covid-19 crisis, plans included the possibility of the introduction of timed ticketing for those wanting to attend. Senior royals are also expected to pay their own moving tribute, standing guard at some stage around the coffin - the tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes. D+6 - Thursday September 15 Lying in state continues and a rehearsal is likely to take place for the state funeral procession. D+7 - Friday September 16 - Sunday September 18 Lying in state continues, ending on D+9. Heads of state begin to arrive for the funeral. D+10 - Monday September 19 The Queen's state funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in central London. The original plans are for the Queen's coffin to process on a gun carriage to the abbey, pulled by naval ratings - sailors - using ropes rather than horses. Senior members of the family are expected to follow behind - just like they did for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The military will line the streets and also join the procession. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000. The service will be televised, and a national two minutes' silence is expected to be held. The same day as the funeral, the Queen's coffin will be taken to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised committal service. Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family. The Queen's final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel - where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Philip's coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen's. Advertisement The Prime Minister curtsied as she was ushered in by a Palace aide for the first of what will be their regular weekly encounters. As she offered her condolences, the King shook her hand and thanked her, saying: 'You are very kind for coming - I know how busy you are.' He added: 'But it's been so touching this afternoon when we arrived here, all those people come to give their condolences.' Ms Truss again repeated: 'Your Majesty, my very greatest sympathies.' He replied: 'You are very kind. It was the moment I have been dreading, as I know a lot of people have. We'll try to keep everything going. Come, come have a seat.' Earlier, the Prime Minister had led tributes in the House of Commons to the Queen as she urged the country to support their new monarch. Those tributes will continue during rare Saturday sittings of both the Commons and the House of Lords. Proceedings in the lower chamber will begin at 1pm with a small number of senior MPs taking an oath of allegiance to the King, and are expect to continue to around 10pm. By 8am on Saturday, thousands had gathered outside Buckingham Palace to pay their respects to the Queen. Gun salutes rang out from stations including the Tower of London and Hyde Park both home and abroad on Saturday to mark the accession of the King. Sixty-two rounds were fired near Tower Bridge beside the River Thames by the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), and 41 rounds beside Park Lane by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery (RHA). The HAC, in ceremonial dress, were seen driving in liveried Pinzgauer vehicles through the City of London past a thousands-strong crowd of watchers. They travelled with police escort to the Thames riverbank, where guns were positioned facing HMS Belfast. At the Tower of London, a royal salute comprises the traditional 21 rounds, another 21 rounds signifies the loyalty of the City of London to the Crown, and a final 20 rounds were fired as the tower is a royal palace and fortress. Shouts of 'Long live the King' were heard as spectators lined up across Tower Bridge and along the Causeway inside the tower to watch the display. Salutes were also fired from Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Gibraltar, Colchester, York, Larkhill near Stonehenge, naval bases in Devonport and Portsmouth and a number of stations at sea. Reservists from 206 Battery 105 Regiment Royal Artillery fired the salute at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down watched by Steve Baker, minister of state for Northern Ireland. The salutes were timed to coincide with the Principal Proclamation of the King, which was read by Garter King of Arms at 11am from the balcony above Friary Court, St James' Palace. Coldstream Guards and the King's Guard will be present alongside eight state trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. The RHA is a British Army mounted ceremonial unit that fires royal salutes on royal anniversaries and state occasions, such as state visits and royal birthdays. The HAC dates its origins back to 1537, making it the oldest regiment in the British Army. It took over the role of firing gun salutes from the Tower of London in 1924. Gun salutes are customarily fired, both on land and at sea, as a sign of respect or welcome. They are now used to mark special occasions on certain days of the year, many of them with royal associations. Gun salutes occur on royal anniversaries including Accession Day, the monarch's birthday, Coronation Day, the monarch's official birthday, the State Opening of Parliament, royal births and when a visiting head of state meets the monarch in London, Windsor or Edinburgh. The Ministry of Defence said there are historical records of salutes taking place as early as the 14th century when guns and ammunition began to be adopted widely. Similar gun salutes were fired to mark the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 and Winston Churchill in 1965. Thousands of people have visited Windsor Castle on Saturday morning to pay their respects to the Queen. Flowers continued to pile up outside the gates of the royal residence, with notes and letters attached thanking the late monarch for her service. People of all ages were paying tribute and the local Rotary Club was giving children free flowers to lay down. Louise, 63, and Andrew Falconer, 62, travelled from Watford to pay their respects. Mrs Falconer said: 'You realise it has actually happened when you see all this.' Mr Falconer added: 'Initially I was shocked with how sudden it was. She was on her feet and two days later, she's gone.' They both believe that Charles will be a different monarch from his mother. Mr Falconer said: 'He'll have different attitudes, different ideas.' His wife added: 'I think he'll be a bit more modern. He might have to watch what he says sometimes. It'll be interesting. We're a modern society.' Nicholas Ewings, 54, from Farnborough, Hampshire, visited Windsor with his family. He said: 'We just wanted to come down, pay our respects and be part of the moment. We care and miss her forever.' His son Ethan, 19, said: 'I've only ever had one queen and now it's changing to a king. I was at work when I heard the news and I was upset.' Mr Ewings was optimistic about Charles III's reign: 'I think we'll hear from him more, which I think is a great thing. He's a top chap. He's our King and I stand behind him.' Jenny Woolford, 60, from Wokingham, was impressed by the King's first televised address on Friday night. She said: 'It was absolutely brilliant, very moving. I think he'll carry on in his mum's path as he's been trained to, but I also think he'll find his own way. 'You can't help but be impressed by him. He'll be a good king.' Mike Thompson, 69, from Staines, was born in Kenya just months before the Queen's coronation and saw the monarch in person when she visited his school. Mr Thompson said: 'She visited Runnymede to plant a tree and we marched out from our school just to line up in the reception area. 'A child in my class was waiting with some daffodils and the Queen stopped in front of the girl and took some flowers from her. It was quite a special moment for me.' Andy Bow, 57, from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, went to Buckingham Palace on Saturday. The armed forces veteran said: 'I'm just completely bereft really. I served the Queen while I was in the Army for 14 years. She just means so much to me, she's everything. 'She's the mother of our nation I think. I, along with the vast majority of everybody here, are a little bit lost and not sure what's going to happen so I just felt I had to come down and pay my respects for the last time.' Mina Parmar-shah, 34, from Harrow, north west London, brought flowers to lay outside the palace gates. Police officers march past Friary Court at St James's Palace in London Guards are seen at Buckingham Palace, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II Members off the public lay floral tributes for Queen Elizabeth II, as others look on, outside the gates of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire Floral tributes are laid outside the gates of Windsor Castle, where the Queen spent much of the last years of her life Well-wishers mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II as they lay floral tributes outside Windsor Castle Mourners including children leave tributes including illustrates cards and Union flags and hats outside Buckingham Palace King Charles III shakes hands with Prime Minister Liz Truss during their first audience at Buckingham Palace yesterday She said: 'I've followed the royal family my whole life so when the Queen died it was quite upsetting really, so I needed to come down and pay my respects. 'As a woman, she ruled for 70 years and that's a huge thing to have, especially because when she became Queen it was more of a man's world so that's a huge part of what she represents to me. 'I have always respected the Queen and had a love for the royal family.' A 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel. Merseyside Police said the man from West Derby in Liverpool was arrested on Friday night on suspicion of assisting an offender. He is now being questioned by detectives following the police's 11th arrest over Olivia's murder. A spokesman for the force said: 'The investigation into Olivia's murder is ongoing and we continue to appeal for people with information to come forward to assist us in bringing those responsible to justice.' It comes after an 18-year-old man and a 29-year-old man were both arrested on Thursday when police carried out warrants on three properties in the West Derby area. They were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender in connection with the young girl's murder. The 18-year-old, from West Derby, is in custody where he will be questioned by detectives. He had been the tenth person arrested in connection with the case, while the 29-year-old remains in custody. Olivia was shot in her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, on August 22 when a gunman chased convicted burglar Joseph Nee inside at about 10pm. A 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel (pictured) Olivia was shot in her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, on August 22 when a gunman chased convicted burglar Joseph Nee inside at about 10pm The investigation into Olivia's tragic murder is ongoing and police said they still need to build up a strong evidential picture so they can bring those responsible to justice. The update comes after Olivia's mother Cheryl, who was injured in the shooting, paid tribute to her 'little shadow' in an emotional video filmed and released by Merseyside Police, where she called for those responsible for her daughter's death to 'own up'. She broke down in tears as she described how her daughter would never stop talking and said: 'That's what I miss the most, because I can't hear her talk.' The investigation into Olivia's tragic murder is ongoing and police said they still need to build up a strong evidential picture Olivia's mother Cheryl (pictured) told her daughter's killer: 'You know you've done wrong, so you need to own up.' Father John Francis Pratt (pictured) said her 'death cannot be in vain' and they want people to feel safe Joseph Nee (pictured), 35, forced his way into Olivia's home in Liverpool in an effort to flee the gunman pursuing him after her mother opened the door to see what the noises outside were In the video appeal, Ms Korbel told her daughter's killer: 'You know you've done wrong, so you need to own up. Like I taught my kids, you do something wrong, you own up to it. 'If anyone is hiding these guns they need to speak up because they need to be off the streets. No one, no one at all should have to go through this.' Wearing a cast on her wrist after being injured during the shooting, Ms Korbel said the family had been planning days out and a trip to buy Olivia's new school uniform before she died. On Tuesday, the nine-year-old's John Francis Pratt released a heartbreaking video of the youngster enjoying the rides at a Christmas market, and said his daughter had been, 'cruelly snatched away'. As the family released a video of Olivia with her father at a Christmas market in Liverpool city centre, they said 'those responsible need to know what they have done.' Balmoral staff are paying their final respects to the Queen before she is transported to Edinburgh tomorrow, as it is revealed that she will travel through Aberdeen on the four-hour trip. The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in her Aberdeenshire residence on Thursday, is due to arrive at the Palace of Holyroodhouse tomorrow before a service at St Giles Cathedral on Monday. She will then lie in state for 24 hours before being transported, likely by plane, to London on Tuesday. It is thought that the late monarch will leave Balmoral at 10am tomorrow in a car that will take her through Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, with thousands of people expected to try and catch a glimpse of the cortege. After leaving Balmoral at around 10am tomorrow, the Queen's coffin will travel to Aberdeen before being taken to the Scottish capital Staff at Balmoral (pictured) are paying their final respects to the Queen, who died at her beloved Scottish residence on Thursday Travelling through her beloved Aberdeenshire countryside, the car will pass along the banks of the River Dee and Crathie Kirk, where the Queen worshipped while staying in Scotland, before reaching Ballater where it might stop for a short ceremony, according to the Press and Journal. The village has strong connections to the Royals, with the family visiting frequently since the time of Queen Victoria. From there she will be driven through Aboyne, Kincardine O'Neil, Banchory, Crathes and Peterculter before heading on into Aberdeen, where yellow no waiting cones are already being lined up along the streets. As the cortege travels south out of the city on the Great Southern Road she will make one final trip over the King VI bridge, named after her beloved father. The bridge, which crosses the River Dee, was opened by the Queen Mother in the presence of her husband King George VI on December 10 1941. En route to the capital the car will also pass through the cities of Dundee and Perth before travelling through Fife and across the Firth of Forth. The Queen spent her final months at her Scottish residence Balmoral. Her coffin will travel through her beloved Aberdeenshire countryside as it is taken to Edinburgh When her coffin arrives in Edinburgh it will be taken to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen in Scotland, before a service is held at St Giles' Cathedral on Tuesday The car will cross the water on either the Queensferry Crossing, which Queen Elizabeth opened on September 4 2017, or the adjacent Forth Road Bridge, which she opened fifty-three years before to the day. As she arrives in Edinburgh, her coffin will be taken to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen in Scotland. On Monday a procession will march up the Royal Mile to St Giles Cathedral, where a Vigil of the Princes is expected to take place with members of the Royal family. The public may get the opportunity to file past her coffin and pay their respects while she lies in state and on Tuesday she will travel to Buckingham Palace for her state funeral. Under the Operation Unicorn plan, the Queen is to travel from Balmoral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse by road A former Victoria's Secret model has revealed how her high school music teacher sent her 'inappropriate' messages when she was a teen after the man had his teaching licence suspended. Bridget Malcolm, 30, was a student at the prestigious all-girls Methodist Ladies' College in Perth, where she was taught by Bobby Gallo, 53. Mr Gallo had his teaching licence suspended for three years last month by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia due to 'serious misconduct' against a student. In an emotional video shared to Instagram on Saturday, the model revealed she was the schoolgirl Mr Gallo's 'misconduct' had been directed at. @bridgetmalcolm Link in bio for the public notice around my case. original sound - Bridget Malcolm Former Victoria's Secret model Bridget Malcolm, 30, was a student at the prestigious all-girls Methodist Ladies' College in Perth, and was taught by Bobby Gallo, 53, who has now lost his teaching licence Malcolm revealed she was the student Mr Gallo had been found to have had 'serious misconduct' towards in an emotional video 'I've gone back and forth on whether or not to waive my right to anonymity because I was a minor when it all happened,' Malcolm said. 'But you know I'm not a minor anymore. 'I'm still in shock, I'm still processing and I've definitely had a lot of feelings today.' Ms Malcolm received an outpouring of support on social media for her 'courage and bravery', with the model saying she'd speak more on the matter at a later date. The Board first received an email about inappropriate behaviour from Mr Gallo in March last year and the complaint was then investigated. Malcolm received an outpouring of support on social media for her 'courage and bravery', with the model saying she'd speak more on the matter at a later date In a document published by the Board detailing the decision to suspend Mr Gallo's licence, it found the music teacher had engaged in 'grooming-like behaviour'. He had 'fostered a friendship' with Malcolm while she was in her final years of school in 2007 and 2008, and after she graduated, by sending her emails, texts and photographs. Mr Gallo also gave her a personal graduation gift of a silver charm in 2008. The Board found the pair had initially emailed about school matters but the conversation changed overtime. In the early months of 2009 Mr Gallo had emailed Malcolm asking for photographs and whether she was going to visit him on her return to Western Australia, with the model having moved overseas after school. He is also seen asking her why she wouldn't add him on the video chat platform Skype. One email from Mr Gallo to Malcolm in February 2009 - after she had graduated - read: 'Thought you may like a photo to remember me by. Hope you like it! I do.' Malcolm was a teenage student at Perth's Methodist Ladies' College (pictured) when Mr Gallo fostered a friendship with her Malcolm waked the runway for Victoria's Secret in 2015 and 2016 The day after he wrote: 'Thought I would go first seeing that you still not have sent me any pictures yet! 'I must say it was a little hard the other day to walk by the spot where you would put your music stuff ... it was sad to see it empty!' the message continued. He then said it was 'exciting' that Malcolm may be coming home to WA in March of that year. 'I might be lucky enough to see you or even better DINNER. But I must not get my hopes up,' he wrote. 'I must say it will be hard not seeing you in my office and missing our regular chats. Remember when things get hard hold on to the special charm I gave you ... I know it will give you strength,' he wrote in another email. The model received texts and emails from her teacher during her final school years and after she graduated Mr Gallo often signed off with 'luv always' and repeatedly asked Ms Malcolm if she would visit him when she returned. In another email in March, 2009, which Mr Gallo wrote in Italian, the translated message showed him telling Malcolm 'it seems very difficult at times to say what I want'. The Board found Mr Gallo's actions 'constitutes serious misconduct rendering him unfit to be a registered teacher'. It also found he 'breached professional boundaries in his inappropriate interactions with the student'. The model said it had been an emotional day after learning her high school music teacher had his teaching licence suspended The 30-year-old had been sent 'inappropriate' messages by the teacher via email and text Mr Gallo admitted to the 'serious misconduct' and accepted it was 'inappropriate'. He denies grooming Ms Malcolm, and has shown 'insight and remorse' into his behaviour, the Board found. 'The actions of the teacher were out of character and do not reflect his performance or conduct over the course of his career,' the document said. Ms Malcolm, who is now a mental health advocate, was discovered by modelling scouts on the streets of Perth at the age of 14. She went on to walk the runway for Victoria's Secret in 2015 and 2016 but has since spoken out about the toxic culture in the fashion industry which saw her develop an eating disorder. The model, who has walked for Ralph Lauren and Stella McCartney, now works with brands that make her feel good about herself. Mr Gallo had been the director of music at MLC. The school's principal, Dr Marie Perry, said the school learnt of the 'deeply upsetting' complaint in March last year. Dr Perry said support has been provided to Malcolm and that none of the inappropriate behaviour was known until the complaint was made. 'This is a deeply upsetting situation and the College sincerely regrets that one of its students was subjected to such behaviour by a then member of the College staff,' she told Wa Today. A New Jersey speech therapist says she's recently seen a wave of infants and toddlers 'unable to communicate' after being born during the pandemic - one of several now-surfacing consequences of school and day care closures seen over the past few years. The phenomenon, speech pathologist Nancy Polow says, is part of a concerning trend in kids born during or shortly before the pandemic, who are 'falling behind' on key milestones due to a lack of social interaction during that time span. Compounding the crisis, when parents sought help, they were often met with lockdown-related roadblocks, such as masking restrictions, the challenge of tele-health appointments for toddlers, and fear of in-person therapy. Now that restrictions have lessened, Polow says, parents are scrambling to address these failures, signing up for pricey speech therapy sessions to repair the damage done to their young - shelling out as much as $1,000 a month in the process. A growing body of academic research also supports Polow's claims of children born over the past three or so years possessing weaker verbal skills - with many staying silent well past their first birthdays and in some cases, even their second. 'We call these children COVID babies,' Polow, a pathologist with more than 45 years experience, told NJ.com in a recent interview where she and several other speech experts warned of the rapidly emerging crisis. New Jersey speech therapist Nancy Polow says she's recently seen a wave of infants and toddlers 'unable to communicate' after being born during the pandemic - one of several now-surfacing consequences of school and day care closures seen over the past few years 'I have never seen such an influx of infants and toddlers unable to communicate,' Polow told the outlet Friday, for a feature story titled 'A Troubling Silence.' 'There's not anything else wrong,' she said of the kids who are pouring into her speech center in Milburn, New Jersey, 'other than they lost out on the socialization.' Speech is only one area where children are lagging since the pandemic, Polow says, with several other studies showing that 'Covid'-era kids are also seeing delays in other activities such as crawling and walking. Verbal delays, however, are often the first sign of broader developmental issues, the expert warned - one of several now-surfacing repercussions of the restrictions. Many families have turned to private therapy practices such as Polow's - which can cost more than $1,000 a month and are not commonly covered by insurance. Those sessions, Polow says, in many cases turned out unfruitful, due to issues such as masking restrictions, tele-health challenges for toddlers, and a lack of doctors willing to see patients in person. Experts believe the speech delays are a direct result of fewer interactions with adults and other children during the pandemic. The phenomenon, Polow says, is part of an concerning trend in kids born during or shortly before the pandemic, who are 'falling behind' on key milestones due a lack of social interaction Now Polow says she and her staff are working with countless kids and parents to regain those losses over the next few months, and get the 'Covid babies' back on track. 'If we get them young enough, then they become age appropriate,' Polow said. 'Then they reach their milestones.' Meanwhile, she and other experts warn that many other children amid the furor over the sudden coronavirus outbreak had slipped through the cracks, not only with speech delays but with developmental issues such as autism. Janice Prontnicki, director of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, said this was also due to babies spending less time around family and child care providers, who might have noticed a delay or confirmed a parents fears. 'We were missing kids that should have been picked up sooner,' Prontnicki told NJ.com. Polow says therapists like her are now working with countless kids and parents to regain these losses over the next few months, and get the 'Covid babies' back on track. Pictured, a speech therapist works with a 10-year-old child Meanwhile, Polow says her speech center is still seeing 'lots and lots' of COVID babies. Its also seen an increase in what she called 'COVID children' - kids who missed two years of preschool or spent their entire kindergarten year in virtual learning. 'Parents do feel guilty, and I think their biggest question that they are asking is, "Should I have come sooner?"' she said, adding that the damage can always be undone with the proper treatment. That treatment, however, may not be easily accessible for lower-income families, said Ediza Lahoz Valentino, a social worker at the Jane H. Booker Family Health Center in Neptune, New Jersey. The reason for speech delays, experts say, is fewer interactions with adults and other children during the pandemic. A kindergarten student attends class wearing a face shield and a mask at the Resurrection Catholic School in Los Angeles, California, in February 2021 'Some of them dont have access to a computer or a tablet or a smartphone to be able to access therapy virtually,' Lahoz Valentino said. 'That in itself was challenging.' Speech problems are also cropping up in preschoolers whose early social needs were put on the back burner during the chaos and fear generated by COVID-19, speech and health experts said. Scientists including Dr Dana Suskind, a surgeon at Chicago University, suggest a lack of social contact with family and relatives due to restrictions is behind the shift. The long-term impact of the pandemic on children is not yet clear, but experts have warned keeping children away from their peers for so long with lockdowns is bound to have harmed their development. A growing body of academic research supports these claims. Children born during the Covid pandemic are behind on key developmental steps compared to their peers, it has been revealed (stock image) Speaking to USA Today, Spencer explained that normally babies begin to walk and become more physically active during the spring and summer months. But since Covid hit, she has not seen this occurring as often. She said: 'They're still growing, because they always grow, but it's at a slower pace.' Dr Dana Suskind, a surgeon at Chicago University, also suggested a lack of social contact in early years could have affected youngster's development Further evidence of slower development in the youngest children were revealed by Emily Levitt, the vice president of one of America's largest tutoring networks called Sylvan learning. She said that recently they had been inundated with requests for lessons from parents with children less than three years old. 'We often get this question of, "Is this child pandemic behind or are they actually behind?",' she explained. 'And getting to the correct answer for each child is not always easy.' Mother left in shock after being told 18-month-old daughter lagging behind pre-pandemic children A mother has told of her shock after it was revealed her 18-month-old toddler was lagging behind pre-pandemic children. Anissa Perra-Grooms, who lives in Kansas City, Montana, had her daughter Elvira in February 2020 just as the virus was starting to spread around the world. She kept her at home for as long as possible, saying it was the safest and most convenient option. But at Elvira's 18-month appointment she got a shock, after finding her daughter was lagging behind in language development. She was able to say just a dozen words or so, whereas children at her age are normally able to say at least 50. She said: 'Every parent thinks their child is the smartest child ever, and I firmly believe that she's super intelligent.' But the finding left her 'totally clueless' feeling both worried and then guilty. Elvira has now caught up with other children after being signed up to an early childhood education program, which sees her mix with others her own age. Advertisement Scientific evidence on how 'Covid' children's development is behind the curve is piling up. A paper published in the prestigious research journal JAMA in January this year that looked at 225 children born in 2020 revealed babies were less likely to be crawling and smiling at themselves in a mirror within six months. It also showed they had reduced social and problem solving skills. And a UK-based survey of teachers released last month found those teaching children in the early grades were now seeing more biting and hitting in the classroom than previously. After reviewing more than 280 educational settings, British-based charity Ofsted has also suggested in a report that children are struggling with basic skills such as writing and speaking in the wake of the pandemic. They said some teachers even said they had seen youngsters lack confidence in group activities, and struggle to share and take turns. Similarly, Brown University scientists, who assessed 1,000 children, found there was a 23 percent dive in 'pandemic' babies scores in three cognitive tests. Suskind suggests the changes may be down to keeping children away from family and relatives for too long due to Covid. She explained: 'Learning doesn't start on the first day of school, but the first day of life.' Every social interaction the child has gives instructions to their brain on how to communicate developing social skills, she said. But if a child's brain is kept away from social settings, it is going to wire itself on the assumption that the environment will always be like that. More than a million neural connections are formed every day up to the age five, she claimed, when the brain completes at least 85 percent of its development. To conserve energy the brain will then also begin to shave off brain cells that are rarely used which could include some linked to socializing. Schools across America closed in-person learning when Covid arrived, as officials scrambled to respond to the outbreak. Many classrooms remained shuttered into 2021, despite warnings that it could harm the youngest in society. There have also been warnings that orders to wear face masks in schools are negatively impacting learning. Other scientists have suggested that wearing face masks could be to blame for the slowdown in the development of social skills in children. New York City Mayor Eric Adams ended the citys mask mandate for schools and child care centers in March, but the city's Education Department still 'strongly' recommends they be worn indoors. Dr Ashley Ruba, a researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Child Emotion Lab, previously told CNN: 'There are sensitive periods in early childhood development in which language development and emotional development are really rapidly developing for the first few years of life.' She added that developing children need to see others' subtle verbal or facial cues to accurately discern how someone is feeling. Also affected during this time was children's mental health, studies show, with an international report by the UN agency this summer finding that two years of restrictions have led to 'significant mental health consequences' for young people. The study, conducted in June, estimated that more than a billion people around the world are living with a mental health disorder as a result - a quarter more than pre-Covid. However, that rise was even more concentrated among children, 'potentially reflecting the deep impact of school closures.' Curbs imposed to control Covid led to feelings of 'social isolation, disconnectedness and uncertainty about the future,' the report added. The admission comes despite the WHO hailing China's lockdowns at the start of the pandemic and warning that lifting measures too early in Britain may cause a 'deadly resurgence' in 2020. Schools were closed nationally at least twice over the course of the pandemic, with students also forced to learn from home because of individual closures. More than 100 countries also shut down schools during the peak of the first wave. A Brown University study also found children born during the pandemic had weaker verbal skills. A Brown University study also found children born during the pandemic had weaker verbal skills. It found that social distancing measures including face masks are suspected of causing young children's development to have dropped by at least 23 percent during the pandemic Brown University scientists Sean CL Deoni, Jennifer Beauchemin, Alexandra Volpe, and Viren DSa, penned the review, in conjunction with the global consulting firm Resonance, collecting data from 1,600 children - and their caregivers - who have been enrolled in the study between the ages of 0 and 5 on a rolling basis. The probe analyzed the cognitive development of the youngsters through infancy, childhood and adolescence, and looked at how average development scores in three key areas had been affected during the COVID era. It found that social distancing measures including face masks are suspected of causing young children's development to have drop by up to 23 percent during the COVID pandemic. A mob of homeless drug addicts were seen brawling on a San Francisco street amid trash and squalid conditions, as city officials make an open call for 'ideas' to fix its open air drug market problem. The wild scene was captured on video by a man identified as J. Terrell, who was on an evening walk in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood. 'On my evening walk. SOMA isn't safe. Just happened,' he wrote in part. 'Love the smell of crack and poop. Beautiful San Francisco,' he wrote on Twitter. The attached footage shows two homeless men - one shirtless - on the ground fighting as a third man is seen whacking the shirtless addict with a broom as the bystanders stand around watching the fracas unfazed by the chaotic event. The viral video has now garnered more than 2.4 million views. During the anarchy, a dog is barking incessantly at the pair wrestling on the ground as another person is seen snagging a pair of sneakers and placing them in a plastic bag before walking away. 'Hey cops. Cops,' someone is heard yelling in the background. The frenzy was disrupted once a man on an electric scooter came racing by pulling up to the pandemonium as the fighting ends. Each of the men fighting get back on their feet acting as if nothing had happened moments before. A mob of homeless drug addicts are seen brawling on a San Francisco street amid trash and squalid conditions as city officials call for blue sky 'ideas' to fix it open air drug market problem The footage shows two homeless men - one shirtless - on the ground fighting as a third man is seen whacking the shirtless addict with a broom as the bystanders stand around watching the fracas unfazed by the chaotic event London Breed, mayor of San Francisco, in an interview with a reporter at her office in City Hall on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 in San Francisco, CA. Mayor Breed is the 45th mayor of the City and County of San Francisco Allen also called out former District Supervisor Matt Haney. 'I've written to your office and you failed to take action' he wrote. 'Why??? 'Is it [not] worth your time?' San Francisco officials on Tuesday unveiled what they said was a deliberately 'soft touch' scheme to deal with the city's relentless drug crisis - insisting that under their plan 'nobody's going to jail,' but remaining vague on how to end the problem. With nearly 1,700 fatal overdoses since the start of 2020, San Francisco's drug crisis has resulted in almost double the death toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. In June, the city's mayor, London Breed, announced that their notorious taxpayer-funded open-air drugs market will close at the end of the year. Tuesday's plan, named 'San Francisco Recovers,' appeared to be a return to the open-air market system, however. Their plan promoted 'supervised consumption sites where drug users can safely use substances under medical supervision to prevent accidental overdose deaths.' They featured a range of other requests for handling the crisis, but instead of mapping a way to achieve them requested the 21 city departments and six city commissions come up with ideas for them within 90 days. Matt Dorsey, a supervisor, said that the goals were deliberately 'soft touch.' A homeless man injects fentanyl into his friend's armpit, due to a lack of usable veins, as people walk by near San Francisco's City Hall on Saturday A homeless man injects fentanyl into his arm in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco Business owners in San Francisco's Castro District are calling on city leaders to provide more beds for the unhoused community, and are threatening civil disobedience, including withholding taxes, if the city doesn't address the growing issues in front of their storefronts They include electronically-tagging users and having police officers track them down and confiscate their drugs if they wander into known drug-dealing areas. San Francisco's supervisors want job placement and training instead of imprisonment for those who agree to stop drug dealing, and 'right to recovery' zones near treatment centers, with zero tolerance for possession or dealing. In addition, they called for supervised drug consumption sites. 'This is a way that nobody's going to jail but we're doing an effective job of interrupting the drug market and drug scenes,' Dorsey said, according to The San Francisco Standard. Tenderloin Supervisor Dean Preston has called for a hearing to address drug overdose deaths to be held on September 29. 'We are determined to make sure health experts, not politicians, lead the creation and implementation of a long overdue overdose prevention plan,' Preston said. Their outline came three months after the current scheme, known as the Linkage Center, was denied further funding. A homeless drug addict shows bruises and scars on his swollen legs from drug use in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco San Francisco has become a drug-abusing Wild West with syringes littering pavements and drug dealers, selling heroin or the deadly opioid fentanyl, easily recognizable dressed in black with matching backpacks. Above: a person in a wheelchair shoots up, just outside the Linkage Center on January 22 A homeless drug addict is passed out on the street as people walk by near City Hall in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco A homeless drug addict is passed out on the street in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco, California Homeless drug addicts lay out used clothes for sale to try to make money in front of closed businesses in the Tenderloin District on Friday It emerged in June that the facility said to have cost $19m in taxpayer cash, treated just one in every 1,000 users and failed to cut fatal overdose numbers. The Linkage Center in the Tenderloin, at the heart of San Francisco's civic center, opened in January and was intended to help the city's large population of homeless people and drug addicts to find help. But critics say the site, rented at a cost of $75,000 a month, has failed to curtail the problem in the crime-ridden city, which recently recalled its woke DA Chesa Boudin amid a spike in crimes blamed for a sharp decline in locals' quality of life. They note that only 0.1 percent of those using the site were directed to treatment in the first five months, despite the estimated $19 million spent in running costs. Between January and April, just 18 of the 23,367 drug users who visited the site were referred for treatment. Furthermore, the rate of fatal overdoses has not declined in a meaningful way: in January the office of the chief medical examiner reported 49 deaths, and last month there were 45. And the center even went on to quietly drop the word 'linkage' from its title, because so few of the drug abusers who visited were being linked to any meaningful form of help Animal Rebellion vegan activists are gloating that they have emptied supermarket shelves of milk across north London after blocking a key dairy site on Thursday. The activists, who have announced a pause to their protests following the Queen's death, claim they immobilised up to 50 trucks at a depot belonging to dairy producer Arla in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. And 48 hours on, they say they are seeing and hearing reports of empty milk shelves across different London supermarkets. Animal Rebellion, which campaigns for a plant-based future, released a photograph showing no cartons of milk at a Sainsbury's in Hornsey, north London. They also released another image of a depleted milk shelf at a Tesco in Harlesden, north-west London but the supermarket giant denied that they faced any issues. A spokesperson for the group also told MailOnline that they have heard reports of a milk shortage at Sainsbury's in Stamford Hill and Wood Green - also in the north London area. The Stamford Hill store was said to be half empty by midday while the Wood Green Sainsbury's was half empty by 1pm. The activists said the shortages of fresh milk in north London were due to actions targeting Arla's depot in Hatfield. In a statement, a spokesperson for Arla said: 'We're extremely disappointed that protesters have caused criminal damage to some of our vehicles at our Hatfield site. Animal Rebellion vegan activists are gloating that they have emptied supermarket shelves of milk across north London after blocking a key dairy site on Thursday. Pictured: Sainbury's in Hornsey at 8.30 am this morning The activists also released another image of a depleted milk shelf at a Tesco in Harlesden, north-west London, reportedly taken at around 2.30pm The activists said the shortages of fresh milk in north London were due to actions targeting Arla's depot in Hatfield on Thursday Animal Rebellion's five-day protest September 4: Arla's depot in Aylesbury and three Muller sites in Droitwich, Severnside and Bridgwater are targeted. The protests at Muller caused 80,000 worth of damage. September 5: Arla Aylesbury, Muller sites in Bridgwater and Droitwich are all disrupted again. A planned roadblock in Central London takes place between Westminster Abbey and Queen Elizabeth II Centre to disrupt new PM Liz Truss's speech. September 6: Muller's distribution centres in Droitwich and Willenhall are hit while they also target Freshways in Acton. At all 3 facilities, the groups drilled through tyres to immobilise milk trucks September 7: Nine campaigners blocked the junction at Parliament Street as milk was poured over the road and the Elizabeth Tower was sprayed with white paint using modified fire extinguishers September 8: Protesters immobilise up to 50 lorries and drill holes in tyres at the Arla depot in Hatfield. They now claim it has created a milk shortage in north London. Some also glued themselves to the ground and chained themselves to fences at the Droitwich Muller site. Advertisement 'All protesters have been removed from site by local police, however due to the damage caused some deliveries will be slightly delayed. 'The site is now fully operational, and we are working as quickly and safely as we can to continue delivering nutritious dairy around the country.' Animal Rebellion wants to see farmers supported to make the switch from meat and dairy production to a plant-based food system, to free up land for rewilding that can draw down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through new forests and plants, helping curb the climate crisis and protecting nature. Co-founder of the group Dan Kidby, said: 'We paused our non-violent campaign out of respect for the British people following the news of Queen Elizabeth's death, but the disruption we caused is still being felt across the dairy supply chain. 'We fully stand by our actions and are demanding Government action to transition to a plant-based food system which is the key solution to the climate crisis.' The protest at Arla Hatfield took place at approximately 10am on Thursday but they say the impact is only being seen 24 to 48 hours on. A Sainsbury's spokesperson told MailOnline: 'A small number of stores may be running low on some lines of milk but alternatives are available and stores continue to receive deliveries.' The latest protest comes after the group took action every day from September 4 to September 8, claiming they disrupted seven different dairy distribution facilities. Animal Rebellion caused significant disruption to Muller, Freshways and Arla for five days where they say they have been drilling tyres of trucks, occuping silos and getting on top of company milk trucks. On Tuesday climate activists caused misery for drivers by super-gluing themselves to the top of empty lorries outside the Muller dairy in Droitwich On Wednesday, nine campaigners blocked the junction at Parliament Street at around 10.45am as milk was poured over the road and the Elizabeth Tower was sprayed with white paint using modified fire extinguishers Police arrested a protester as Animal Rebellion activists covered the wall outside Parliament with white paint, symbolising milk on Wednesday The initial protest at Muller, which they targeted multiple times in the week, caused 80,000 worth of damage. Superintendent Sue Jameson of Hertfordshire police said: 'My officers were on the scene within minutes of receiving the call, and were presented with a number of protestors causing criminal damage to the transport vehicles on site. 'A number of trailers were damaged to the point that they were not driveable. The right to protest does not include the right to cause criminal damage, or cause disorder. 'There is protesting, and then there is showing complete disregard for the law and committing a criminal offence. They are two entirely different things. This behaviour is completely unacceptable.' On Wednesday, nine campaigners blocked the junction at Parliament Street at around 10.45am as milk was poured over the road and the Elizabeth Tower was sprayed with white paint using modified fire extinguishers. Other protesters glued themselves to the pavement outside the parliamentary estate. Vegan activists sat down in the road with a banner reading 'plant-based future' and chanted about dairy distribution sites in the UK at today's demonstration. The climate and animal campaign group said that they had 'targeted Liz Truss ahead of her first PMQs, in a bid to force her into negotiation for their demands'. It is not yet clear when Animal Rebellion will resume protesting following their break in respect of the Queen's death. Nathan McGovern, spokesperson for Animal Rebellion, told MailOnline that the group have not publicly announced when they plan to restart. A large crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters shouted 'police are murderers' as they marched down Whitehall to Scotland Yard as the Met Police investigate the 'murder' of an unarmed rapper. Father-to-be Chris Kaba, 24, was shot dead by armed police on Monday night following a car chase in south London. Mr Kaba's heartbroken mother, Helen Nkama, led Saturday's peaceful protest that was attended by an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 demonstrators. MP Diane Abbott, whose constituency includes Hackney North and Stoke Newington, and rapper Stormzy were also in attendance. The hip-hop star encouraged the crowd to 'strive for stamina' and called for responsibility in Mr Kaba's death. The march came as Mr Kaba's family have demanded the officer who fired the shot is 'immediately suspended' from his job while the incident is investigated. It also comes as those mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II were moved back from the gates of Buckingham Palace and The Mall was closed to visitors. It is unclear if the protest played a role in the decision to close down the area. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the officer for homicide. A large crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters shouted 'police are murderers' as they marched down Whitehall to Scotland Yard as Met Police investigate the 'murder' of an unarmed rapper Chris Kaba, 24, was shot dead by armed police on Monday night following a car chase Mr Kaba's heartbroken mother, Helen Nkama, led Saturday's peaceful protest that was attended by an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 demonstrators MP Diane Abbott, whose constituency includes Hackney North and Stoke Newington, was also in attendance The protest came as Mr Kaba's family have demanded the officer who fired the shot is 'immediately suspended' from his job while the incident is investigated The crowds marching to Scotland Yard paid tribute to Mr Kaba, who was due to become a father in months. Signs reading 'Black Lives Matter', 'Justice for Chris Kaba' and 'Abolish the Met' were held up as speakers using a megaphone led chants of 'no justice, no peace' and 'police are the murderers.' There was a limited police presence as demonstrators assembled on Parliament Square and made their way through Whitehall. Mr Kaba's family were leading the march, Channel 4 reporter Ria Chatterjee reported. The group took regular stops as the family needed breaks. 'We will go at the pace of grief,' one of the announcers reportedly said. Stormzy, addressing the protesters, echoed the Kaba family's call for accountability. 'I encourage everyone to strive for stamina. Nobody should be able to go on like this,' he said. 'They were responsible for the death of someone. 'That is [possibly] murder. It could have been either a brother or a nephew.' Fellow Wretch 32, another British rapper, was also present for the rally. He was part of a small group standing on a raised platform, passing around a microphone and leading chants. He stated: 'Why is our law superior to the law? Without justice, there is no peace.' 'I encourage everyone to strive for stamina. Nobody should be able to go on like this,' rapper Stormzy (pictured) told the crowd. 'They were responsible for the death of someone' Thousands of Black Lives Matter protesters stage a protest in central London demanding justice for 24 year old black man, Chris Kaba, who was shot dead by the police last week Demonstrators march through London with a sign baring Mr Kaba's image that reads: 'Justice for Chris Kaba' The crowds marching to Scotland Yard paid tribute to Mr Kaba, who was due to become a father in months Police stand guard as demonstrators march from Whitehall to Scotland Yard on Saturday A protester holds a sign that reads: 'The Met are Murderers' A surgeon who attended Saturday's march has said that the event, alongside the death of other young black males, feels like a 'small-scale genocide'. 'I have to say that this indicates quite a strong sense of feeling, and that this march really reflects strong concern from us black Londoners,' Samantha Harding, an eye surgeon based in London, stated. She noted how that many people in attendance had brought homemade protest signs. Hers read: 'How and why did Chris Kaba die?' Ms Harding added: 'I am very worried about young black people in London at the moment. It's impossible, you can just be driving a car and find yourself dead. Is this where we've come to? 'The poor guy who was tasered on Chelsea Bridge, he's another concerning case. What's happening with young black males in the capital? 'It's like a small-scale genocide. We've got to get to the bottom of it - we've got to stop it.' An estimated 4,000 to 5,000 demonstrators turned up to the peaceful protest on Saturday to offer their support for Mr Kaba Nathaniel Martin, 30, a researcher from London, who is part of protesters marching to New Scotland Yard, London in a protest over the death of the rapper, Chris Kaba One protester has said that the event, alongside the death of other young black males, feels like a 'small-scale genocide' Signs reading 'Black Lives Matter', 'Justice for Chris Kaba' and 'Abolish the Met' were held up as speakers using a megaphone led chants of 'no justice, no peace' and 'police are the murderers' Morgan Williams, 21, said she was attending the Lambeth shooting protest because young black people should be able to live their lives without feeling threatened. Ms Williams, a student from London, said she feels unsafe in the wake of Mr Kaba's death. 'I feel like in 2022 we shouldn't be having these problems. As young black people we should be able to coexist alongside other communities without being threatened. 'Of course I feel unsafe. I feel like there hasn't been an answer, nor has anyone taken responsibility.' Asked about the homicide investigation into the shooting of Mr Kaba, she said: 'I think (a charging decision should be made) quicker than in months and I think people should be brought to justice very quickly. 'I feel like if it was a white person there would be a lot more being answered for but because it's a black person it doesn't seem to be as important. 'Being someone who is half white and half black is hard for me - I feel like half of my identity is still traumatised on a daily basis by the other half of my heritage.' Protesters carrying a sign reading 'Disband the police!' are pictured during Saturday's march Officers are seen outside New Scotland Yard where BLM demonstrators are holding a protest One demonstrator said she was attending the shooting protest because young black people should be able to live their lives without feeling threatened Many people in attendance Saturday had brought homemade protest signs. One demonstrator is pictured holding a sign that reads: 'Justice for Chris Kaba' Demonstrators march through London on Saturday in protest of the death of Chris Kaba Mr Kaba was unarmed when he died following a car chase in South London on Monday evening. It is understood that the only firearm recovered from the scene was the one involved in the shooting. The rapper was hemmed in by two police cars on a residential street in Streatham Hill - a single round was fired which proved fatal. Officers performed CPR on Mr Kaba and he was rushed to hospital, but died later that night. Now, the 24-year-old's family have demanded the officer involved in the fatal shooting be suspended from the force. The IOPC has launched a homicide investigation into the incident involving the Met Police in Streatham Hill, but the family said they were 'shocked' the decision to do so was only made on Friday. In a statement issued on their behalf, Daniel Machover, head of civil litigation at solicitors Hickman & Rose, said: 'Following a police stop in Streatham, south-west London, shortly after 10pm on Monday September 5, a firearms officer employed by the MPS fired a fatal shot at Chris Kaba while he was seated, unarmed, in a car. 'On being notified of the death of Chris Kaba, the IOPC should have immediately opened a homicide and disciplinary investigation. The family was shocked to learn on Wednesday, September 7, that the IOPC had still not done so and demanded a change of heart without delay. 'The family therefore welcome the IOPC's decisions on Friday, September 9, to open homicide and disciplinary investigations against that firearms officer, however belatedly. 'The family now await the outcome of that investigation, but seek a charging decision in this case in weeks or a few months, not years. 'Public confidence in the police and our justice system requires the IOPC and CPS to find a way to make decisions in this case on a timescale that delivers justice to all concerned. Avoidable delay is unacceptable. 'In the meantime, the family demand that the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis immediately suspend the firearms officer, pending the outcome of the investigation.' Mr Kaba was unarmed when he died following a car chase in South London on Monday evening. The rapper was hemmed in by two police cars on a residential street in Streatham Hill - a single round was fired which proved fatal Police performed CPR on Mr Kaba and he was rushed to hospital but he died shortly after The officer is believed that have been taken off 'operational' duties and confined to working from a desk. However, the Metropolitan Police confirmed last week no officer involved in the incident has been suspended or is under restricted duties. The IOPC is investigating the officer for homicide. The agency earlier confirmed there was no gun found in Mr Kaba's car after his death. A spokesman from the Met Police told the Mail Online: 'All the officers are being treated as witnesses by the IOPC at this stage. 'They are currently not on operational duties due to the post incident process but no officer is subject to formal restricted duties or suspended. 'The work status of the officers will be regularly reviewed as the IOPC investigation progresses and the IOPC will be consulted before any decisions are made.' The force could not confirm how many officers were involved in the incident. The spokesman added: 'We await confirmation, as further officers attended the scene to provide first aid and other assistance including with the formal post incident process.' The man was handcuffed and walked through crowd, who cheered for the police Onlooker tackled by police after jumping a barrier before King Charles was due to arrive An onlooker at King Charles' Accession ceremony was tackled to the ground and arrested after jumping a barrier and attempting to run in front of the monarch's oncoming car. Video of the incident showed five police officers swiftly take action, chasing the man through The Mall toward Buckingham Palace and immobilising him within seconds. The man was promptly hand-cuffed and searched by police before he was led through the crowd and toward a waiting police van. Dressed in a plain black t-shirt and skinny jeans, the man scanned the crowd as one officer marched him past thousands of jeering onlookers. The man was promptly hand-cuffed and searched by police before he was led through the crowd and toward a waiting police van King Charles III waving as his convoy enters Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday afternoon, just hours after his Accession ceremony A spokesperson from Met Police told MailOnline: 'An arrest has been made after a man ran onto the Mall, breaching the barrier in place. 'The incident was contained immediately by officers and the man is in police custody.' The officers received a rapturous applause and cheers from the crowd for moving quickly to stop the man, which allowed the procession for King Charles to continue without another hitch. Footage of the incident was quickly shared to social media and received a mixed response from the public. One user who claimed to also be among the crowd said the man was likely trying to cross the street, noting it was a 'nightmare' to leave due to the crowds. A spokesperson from Met Police told MailOnline: 'An arrest has been made after a man ran onto the Mall, breaching the barrier in place' The man was marched through the crowds and taken into a waiting police van on Saturday afternoon Five officers rushed toward the man and tackled him to the ground within seconds of him breaching the barrier King Charles III signing the Proclamation at St James's Palace in London this morning during the historic ceremony But others argued regardless of the man's intentions, police on the scene 'could not take any risks' when it came to Charles III and his safety. The King received a warm reception as he made his way through the crowd toward Buckingham Palace on Saturday afternoon. He was seen smiling through tears as he waved at the crowd of thousands from the back seat of state Rolls-Royce. Well-wishers waited hours for a glimpse of the monarch, who automatically became King on the death of his mother the Queen on Thursday but was formally proclaimed by the Accession Council at St James's Palace earlier today. At 10am this morning, the Accession Council - an ancient body of advisers that dates back as far as the time of the Norman Conquest - formally announced his role as Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including Supreme Head of the Church of England and Commander-in-Chief of Britain's Armed Forces, as well as Head of State of Commonwealth countries and British territories around the world. Dressed in a plain black t-shirt and skinny jeans, the man scanned the crowd as one officer marched him past thousands of jeering onlookers The Prince of Wales, the Queen, King Charles III and Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt during the Accession Council at St James's Palace Broadcast cameras were invited inside the historic event for the first time in its centuries-old history - one of the first changes to convention instigated by the new King. Shortly after 10.20am, Charles III made a personal declaration on the death of his beloved mother Queen Elizabeth II. He vowed to uphold 'constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world'. The King also approved an order that the day of the Queen's funeral be a bank holiday. An elderly widow whose 'fortune disappeared' after her son allegedly fleeced her out of 270,000 would never have approved of his purchase of a Porsche because it is German, a court has heard. It has been alleged that Jonathan Feld, 62, helped himself to large sums of cash belonging to his mother Hannah Feld, 89, over the course of four years. The prosecutor said that Mrs Feld, who is Jewish, would 'never have purchased a German product' following the trauma she and her husband experienced during World War II. Her son withdrew her cash from ATMs and used her credit cards for shopping sprees in London between 2014 and 2018, Southwark Crown Court has heard. It has been alleged that Jonathan Feld, 62, helped himself to large sums of cash belonging to his mother Hannah Feld, 89, over the course of four years Mrs Feld, who retired to Tel Aviv with her late husband Monty in 1988, was suffering from 'significant cognitive decline' at the time of the alleged thefts. The prosecution allege the number of cash withdrawals from ATMs 'increased substantially' whenever Mr Feld visited his mother in Tel Aviv. He is standing trial after a private prosecution was brought by his sister Louise Radley. Earlier this week he was cleared of stealing 1.3m from a joint Swiss bank account in his and Mrs Feld's names between May 2015 and November 2017 at the end of the prosecution case. Judge Gregory Perrins directed the jury to clear him of one charge of theft after ruling a person cannot 'effectively steal from yourself.' Mr Feld, a therapist, denies a further charge of theft of almost 270,000 from his mother's Israeli Bank Leumi account. Mr Feld used his mother's credit card at shops and restaurants including Yo Sushi, Boots, The Kooples, The Ladbroke Arms and Superdry but claims the widow knew all about it. In his closing speech, Adam Gersch, prosecuting, said: 'He purchased a brand-new Porsche. 'He said "my mother knew all about it, she was happy about it."' Mr Gersch claimed it was unlikely Mrs Feld or her husband would have allowed the purchases. 'Following the trauma they experienced during the Second World War, they would never purchase a German product,' he said. 'The defendant accepted in his evidence that his actions might arouse suspicion. 'He said "It was my mother's wish to use up all her wealth and have the time of her life"'. 'Mr Feld suggested that every other member of the family was dangerous. 'That, you might think, is further evidence of his controlling and alienating behaviour. Mr Feld, a therapist, denies a charge of theft of almost 270,000 from his mother's Israeli Bank Leumi account 'If his conduct looks dishonest, smells dishonest, sounds dishonest, perhaps it is dishonest. 'Questioning him was like nailing a jellyfish to the wall. When questioned he was slippery and evasive. 'This defendant is not telling the truth. 'You might think he is highly manipulative and controlling.' The prosector said of Mrs Feld: 'This was not a well woman and the defendant knew that. 'In 2010, Hannah had a substantial fortune. In 2018 it had gone. If the money had gone to someone else, why didn't the defendant say it has gone to someone else. 'Look at the evidence, and don't let the defendant take you for a ride. 'There were impossible amounts of cash withdrawn when the defendant was in Israel and in England. 'As with all witnesses, you are entitled to assess defendant's demeanour and the manner in which he gave evidence. He is standing trial at Southwark Crown Court (pictured) after a private prosecution was brought by his sister Louise Radley 'Hannah's fortune disappeared, and the defendant benefited significantly. 'His parents preserved their money and were cautious. The defendant did the exact opposite.' James Fletcher, defending, said in his closing speech Feld has no previous convictions and was 'well regarded' by those who knew him. Mr Fletcher read from a character reference from a friend Simon Lee who said he 'couldn't imagine this was a person who would steal from his mother.' 'He wasn't shy about saying that on occasion he took money out of his mother's bank account,' said Mr Fletcher. 'He never took advantage of her.' Mr Fletcher added: 'The prosecution has not heard any evidence from Hannah herself to say that Jonathan had done anything wrong. 'Because Hannah Feld was not a witness we had to discover her through other means. He said the jury might think of the widow as wheelchair bound with a cane, but showed them a picture of her at a social event with friends. 'She was enjoying being out with Jonathan and his family. 'This is not a decrepit old lady who has lost her marbles. 'She was a vivacious lady who had friends and enjoyed socialising.' In his closing speech, Adam Gersch, prosecuting, said Mr Feld had purchased a brand-new Porsche with his mother's money. (stock image) He referred to the evidence of forensic accountant, Claire Berrington, who suggested that she would not expect a woman of her age to wear the skinny jeans bought on her card. 'That is not for a forensic accountant to say,' said Mr Fletcher. 'She's a funky, cool, fashionable old lady. 'Jonathan Feld made clear that she was someone who was generous, someone who had killer spending habits. No doubt because she came from a wealthy family. 'She may have been 80, but she behaved like 21-year-old. 'Given the loving relationship between mother and son, we would say it is unlikely he would steal from his mother. 'The love between the two of them was very strong. 'Jonathan was always part of the care and well-being of his mother.' The barrister also criticised Louise Radley. 'Louise Radley said she was not aware of her mother's condition until 2016,' he said. 'If she truly cared for her mother's well-being, she would have been well aware before 2016. 'There's a contrast there isn't there? 'The prosecution emphasised that all the money went to Jonathan and not Louise. Maybe that was because one of them had a much stronger bond.' Mr Feld, of Kilburn, north west London, denies one charge of theft. The trial continues. SpaceX launches 51 new Starlink satellites into orbit, marking the space company's 40th launch this year. SpaceX's 40th Launch of 2022 On Sunday, 51 Starlink internet satellites were launched into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Florida's east coast, according to a news story by Space.com. Aside from the Starlink internet satellites, the rocket also carried a tug from another spaceflight company. The publication also mentioned that Sherpa-LTC2, a space tug provided by the Seattle-based company Spaceflight, was also on board with Starlink Group 4-20. The Varuna Technology Demonstration Mission (Varuna-TDM) by Boeing, whose payload is being transported by the tug, "aims to test V-band communications for a proposed constellation of 147 non-geostationary broadband satellites." Deployment of 51 Starlink satellites confirmed, completing SpaceXs 40th mission so far this year! SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 5, 2022 Landing on Atlantic Ocean According to Sunday's flight plan, SpaceX intended to return the first stage of its Falcon 9 rocket to the planet and softly land it on the droneship Just Read the Instructions, which was located in the Atlantic. About 8.5 minutes after launch, the seventh landing of this specific booster took place as expected. Read More: NASA Seals Extended $1.4-Billion Deal With SpaceX for 5 More Crewed Missions to ISS Until 2030 Starlink Satellites For those who are unfamiliar, Starlink's goal is to bring connectivity to isolated or underserved regions. Starlink is an internet service that uses satellites to deliver broadband connectivity to consumers who have the necessary receiving devices. SpaceX's Starlink is a large constellation of broadband satellites. More than 3,000 Starlink spacecraft have already been launched by the company into low Earth orbit, and many more are anticipated to follow soon. According to Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, Starlink may earn up to $50 billion a year if it can take even a small share of the worldwide telecommunications market. As in September 2021, customers would be able to purchase its goods and services from different countries. According to a recent SpaceX announcement, 35 nations will have access to Starlink's broadband satellites. Since the Starlink service was released from beta testing at the end of 2021, SpaceX has been continuously improving it. This expansion project is expected to be finished by the end of 2022. Currently, SpaceX is permitted to launch 12,000 Starlink satellites, and it has also requested permission to launch additional 30,000 more. Starlink Starts to Make Deals With other Big Companies In order to provide internet connection onboard, Royal Caribbean Cruises had partnered with SpaceX. The operator of Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises announced on 30 Aug. that it is giving its cruise ships Starlink satellite network-powered onboard internet connectivity. The company claimed they are looking to completely deploy the Starlink internet service across their fleet by the first quarter of 2023, and that it has already given SpaceX's Starlink internet service a test run aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships over the summer. According to the cruise company, the partnership aims to enhance internet access while at sea. Related Article: SpaceX Announces that Starlink Can Now be Accessed in Southern Regions of Norway Advertisement The late Queen's close family publicly grieved over the death of the elderly monarch at a private church service in Balmoral this afternoon - as Prince Andrew consoled his weeping daughters Eugenie and Beatrice, before making a touching tribute about his mother and thanking well-wishers who laid floral tributes outside the gates of the Aberdeenshire estate. Dressed smartly in a suit, white shirt and black tie, the Queen's second son - who was exiled from public life after his car-crash Newsnight interview about his friendship with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein - said: 'We've been allowed one day, now we start the process of handing her on.' Cameras also captured the moment that the Duke of York wrapped his arms around his family including his brother and sister-in-law Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex shortly after getting out of a cavalcade of Range Rovers - before waving to a crowd of mourners at the Aberdeenshire estate who applauded the senior royals. Three of the Queen's four children - the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and Earl of Wessex - joined the Countess of Wessex, Anne's husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Queen's grandchildren Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and Lady Louise Windsor for a walkabout after attending a prayer service at Crathie Kirk. The family spent just under 10 minutes intently reading the tributes and admiring the flowers before they returned inside Balmoral Castle. Edward, accompanied by his wife who was holding hands with their daughter Lady Louise, thanked well-wishers lining the route back to Balmoral Castle. Hearing one group had come from Glasgow to show their support, he said: 'Thank you very much for coming all that way, we appreciate it.' It comes as royal courtiers announced that the Queen's funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday September 19 at 11am. Senior palace officials revealed that Her Majesty's oak coffin, which is lying in the Ballroom at Balmoral Castle, will be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Sunday September 11, on a six-hour journey by hearse. The Queen will then lie in state for 'four clear days' in Westminster Hall from Wednesday September 14 before the state funeral. Thousands of people will be able to file past to see the late monarch's coffin - and further details of how the public can attend will be announced in the coming days. A spokesman for the King said the monarch's main focus will be leading the royal family and nation in mourning over the coming days. 'Whilst, in the next few days, the King will carry out all the necessary state duties, his main focus will be leading the Royal Family, the nation, the Realms and the Commonwealth in mourning Her Majesty The Queen. This will include meeting members of the public, to share in their grief,' the spokesman said. Earlier, King Charles III paid tribute to the reign of the late Queen, 'unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion', as he was formally declared the nation's new monarch during a poignant and sombre meeting of the Accession Council at St James's Palace in London. People are still leaving flowers and other tributes at both Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, and at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh - where one visitor left a copy of Michael Bond's book Paddington At The Rainbow's End. A note written on it said simply: 'One last story Ma'am. X' - a reference to Her Majesty's skit with the beloved children's character for the Platinum Jubilee. Left to right: Princess Eugenie, Peter Phillips, Lady Louise Windsor, Zara Tindall, Sophie Countess of Wessex, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence wave to the members of the public after looking at the floral tributes for Queen Elizabeth II, as others look on, outside the gates of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire Senior royals including Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex were seen embracing each other as they attend a private church service at the Balmoral estate for Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday aged 96 Princess Eugenie wept as senior royals attended a private church service for the Queen at Balmoral Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, looks on outside Balmoral Castle, following the passing of her mother Queen Elizabeth II Zara Tindall weeps as she and the Princess Royal, Andrew and Edward attended a private church service in Balmoral today Princess Beatrice, Peter Phillips, Lady Louise Windsor, Zara Tindall, Sophie Countess of Wessex and Prince Andrew gesture to the members of the public after looking at the floral tributes for Queen Elizabeth II Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice are consoled by their father Prince Andrew as they look at the floral tributes for Queen Elizabeth II outside the gates of Balmoral Castle Prince Andrew, Princess Anne and Prince Edward view floral tributes outside Balmoral Castle Prince Andrew looking sombre as he leaves Balmoral Castle in Scotland today for a private church service Prince Andrew and Prince Edward inspect the floral tributes at Balmoral laid for their mother the Queen Senior members of the royal family including The Princess Royal and the Wessexes wave to well-wishers at Balmoral Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice attending a private church service in Balmoral this afternoon From right to left: Prince Andrew, Duke of York stands with his daughters Princess Eugenie of York and Princess Beatrice of York, along with Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence and Peter Phillips, as they look at the flowers placed outside Balmoral Castle The Duke of York, the Earl of Wessex, Lady Louise Windsor and the Countess of Wessex on a walkabout to thank members of the public Balmoral in Scotland The Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence walk to meet and thank members of the public at Balmoral in Scotland With many heading for Balmoral in Aberdeenshire, where the Queen died on Thursday, the authorities there urged people not to drive to the castle. Aberdeenshire Council issued a reminder that there is 'no vehicle access to Balmoral for leaving floral tributes', saying people should instead use park and ride services from the nearby villages of Ballater and Braemar. 'Please note services are expected to be very busy, so please allow plenty of time for your journey,' the statement added. Meanwhile in Edinburgh, outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a table was set up where two security guards were cutting the plastic off bunches of flowers so that people can lay them on the ground. Stewards and police officers told the PA news agency the plastic is being removed for environmental reasons and to make it easier to replant the flowers later on. Prince Andrew tells crowds 'we've been allowed a day, now we start the process of handing her on' Prince Andrew comforted his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie and waved to crowds in an emotional display at Balmoral this afternoon. The Duke of York, who is now eighth in line to the throne, led the senior royals as they attended a private ceremony for the Queen. He put his arm around his younger daughter as the family looked at the sea of flowers left outside Scottish residence, where Her Majesty died on Thursday afternoon. Said to have been the Queen's favourite child, Prince Andrew clasped his hands together before waving and bowing in thanks to those who had gathered outside the castle. The gesture was welcomed by the crowd who waved back before breaking into a spontaneous round of applause. Advertisement Families with young children waited patiently to pay their respects to the beloved monarch. Among them was Euan Masson, his wife Emma and their children Ethan, 10 and Ellie, nine. Mr Masson, 38, from nearby Inverurie, said: 'We've come to pay our respects to a wonderful woman and thank her for her 76 years of service.' Nicola Williams, 41, drove north from Fife with her husband Jeff, 43, and their daughters Emily, six, and Holly, four. She said: 'The Queen has been a constant in all our lives for such a long time. So we've come here to pay our respects to someone who was always there for us. She was a great example to all women. And so I want my daughters to be able to remember her by coming here today.' William Bottomley, his wife Karen and his mother Philippa brought his three young children to Balmoral. Grandmother Philippa said: 'We have come to pay our respects to a wonderful woman. It is something we had to do.' Jackie McIntosh, 69, travelled from Aberdeen with partner John Coutts, 49, and sister Aileen Mitchell, 66, to pay their respects to the Queen at Balmoral. As the senior royals walked along greeting the crowds, Andrew asked her: 'Where have you come from? How long have you been waiting?' Airport worker Jackie said: 'It is very sad to see them, they are a family at the end of the day. Prince Andrew asked how long we had waited, it was great to see them all together.' Partner John added: 'It's only been a couple of days since they lost their mother, like the rest of us they are human, no one expected this. It was decent of them to speak with us.' It comes as King Charles III smiled through his tears and waved at the crowd of well-wishers gathered outside the gates of Buckingham Palace after his proclamation earlier today - as mourners continue to leave floral tributes in memory of his beloved 'mama' Queen Elizabeth II after her death. Well-wishers waited hours for a glimpse of the monarch, who automatically became King on the death of his mother the Queen on Thursday but was formally proclaimed by the Accession Council at St James's Palace earlier today, as he was driven to Buckingham Palace in his state Rolls-Royce. The Duke of York, Eugenie and Beatrice view the messages and floral tributes left by members of the public Balmoral The Duke of York meets well-wishers outside Balmoral in Scotland following the death of Queen Elizabeth II Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise and Sophie, Countess of Wessex looking at flowers at Balmoral Sophie, Countess of Wessex, views tributes outside Balmoral Castle Princess Beatrice, Peter Phillips, Lady Louise Windsor, Sophie Countess of Wessex, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence wave to the members of the public at Balmoral Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne, Princess Royal talk as they gather with Peter Phillips, Zara Phillips and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence looking at the flowers placed outside Balmoral Castle Lady Louise Windsor (left) and Princess Eugenie (right) attending a service at Crathie Kirk Andrew, Edward, Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor, Sophie and Eugenie at Balmoral Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Prince Andrew view tributes outside Balmoral Castle Lady Louise Windsor attends a service at Crathie Kirk, Balmoral His wife Camilla, Queen Consort arrived at the palace after her husband around 90 minutes later, smiling and waving at the crowd. It was initially believed that the King and Queen Consort would go on a walkabout to inspect the tributes and greet mourners at 12.15pm. However, Charles III had not left the Palace by 1pm, and this afternoon he will hold a series of audiences with Prime Minister Liz Truss, her senior Cabinet ministers, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and Archbishop of Canterbury and the Dean of Westminster. At 10am this morning, the Accession Council - an ancient body of advisers that dates back as far as the time of the Norman Conquest - formally announced his role as Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including Supreme Head of the Church of England and Commander-in-Chief of Britain's Armed Forces, as well as Head of State of Commonwealth countries and British territories around the world. Broadcast cameras were allowed into the historic event giving the world a first glimpse of a ceremony dating back centuries - and one of the first changes to convention instigated by the new King. At 11am, trumpets then sounded from the balcony of St James's Palace as the Principal Proclamation announcing the King was read out. Crowds gathered outside the palace as the King was officially proclaimed. Gun salutes at Hyde Park, the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, Hillsborough Castle and Cardiff Castle were then fired before the National Anthem was performed by The Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. They were accompanied by the St James's Palace Detachment of The King's Guard made up of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards. The crowd of well-wishers joined the King's Guard gathered outside the palace in three cries of 'hip hip hooray' for the King. At St James's shortly after 10.20am, Charles III made a personal declaration on the death of his beloved mother Queen Elizabeth II today and vowed to uphold 'constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world'. King Charles III is driven to Buckingham Palace in his state Rolls-Royce after his proclamation at St James's Palace King Charles III waving to well-wishers gathered from his state Rolls-Royce outside Buckingham Palace today The tearful King was driven to Buckingham Palace after his proclamation at St James's Palace The King appeared to be touched by the public outpouring of support from well-wishers outside the Palace King Charles III waving as his convoy enters Buckingham Palace in London Camilla, Queen Consort smiles and waves at the crowd of well-wishers gathered outside Buckingham Palace People gather near floral tributes placed outside Buckingham Palace in London A girl with flowers and a Union Jack looks on outside Buckingham Palace Members of the public gather outside Buckingham palace to lay flowers following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II Members of the public gather outside Buckingham palace to lay flowers following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II The Prince of Wales, the Queen, King Charles III and Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt during the Accession Council at St James's Palace King Charles III during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London King Charles III signs an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London The Accession Council in the throne room at St James's Palace in London as King Charles III is formally proclaimed King Charles III's declaration in full My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen. It is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved Mother, The Queen. I know how deeply you, the entire Nation - and I think I may say the whole world - sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered. It is the greatest consolation to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my Sister and Brothers and that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss. To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my Mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service. My Mother's reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me. In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these Islands and of the Commonwealth Realms and Territories throughout the world. In this purpose, I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose Sovereign I have been called upon to be, and that in the discharge of these duties I will be guided by the counsel of their elected parliaments. In all this, I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife. I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to My Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports My official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation. And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God. Advertisement Paying tribute to the Queen at the throne room of St James's before the assembled Accession Council shortly after 10.20am, the King also approved an order that the day of the Queen's funeral will be a bank holiday. Making his declaration, Charles III said: 'My lords, ladies and gentlemen, it is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved mother the Queen. I know how deeply you, the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we've all suffered. 'It is the greatest consolation to me to know the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers. And that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss.' Continuing the declaration, the King said: 'In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world. 'In this purpose, I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose Sovereign I have been called upon to be, and that in the discharge of these duties I will be guided by the counsel of their elected parliaments. 'In all this, I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife. I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to my Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports my official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation. 'And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God.' After his personal declaration about the death of his mother the King took the oath to preserve the Church of Scotland - because in Scotland there is a division of powers between the church and state. This oath is taken at the point of accession to the Crown, with Charles saying he was 'ready to do so at this first opportunity'. Buckingham Palace confirmed he had declared: 'I, Charles III, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of my other realms and territories, King, Defender of the Faith, do faithfully promise and swear that I shall inviolably maintain and preserve the settlement of the true protestant religion as established by the laws made in Scotland in prosecution of the Claim of Right, and particularly by an Act intituled 'An Act for securing the Protestant Religion and Presbyterian Church Government' and by the Acts passed in the Parliament of both Kingdoms for Union of the two Kingdoms, together with the Government, Worship, Discipline, Rights and Privileges of the Church of Scotland.' Prime Minister Liz Truss joined Camilla, Queen Consort, William, Prince of Wales and 250 other dignitaries including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the Prime Minister, the Lord Privy Seal, the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Earl Marshal and the Lord President to sign the proclamation at 10am. Former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major, Labour former Cabinet minister Harriet Harman, the Mother of the House, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and the high commissioners of the 14 Commonwealth countries where Charles III is Head of State, are also on the body of the Accession Council. The gun salute to mark the formal declaration of King Charles III as Britain's new monarch, at the Tower of London in London A gun salute is fired for King Charles III in Cardiff, Wales The National Anthem was performed by The Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. They were accompanied by the St James's Palace Detachment of The King's Guard made up of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards. The crowd of well-wishers joined the King's Guard gathered outside the palace in three cries of 'hip hip hooray' for the King David Vines White, Garter King of Arms (third left) reads the Principal Proclamation, from the balcony overlooking Friary Court after the accession council as King Charles III is proclaimed King, at St James's Palace King Charles III signing the Proclamation at St James's Palace in London this morning during the historic ceremony The Prince of Wales, the Queen, and King Charles III during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London The Queen signs and oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London, where King Charles III is formally proclaimed monarch King Charles III walking into the throne room in St James's Palace this morning. On the podium stand William, Prince of Wales - the heir apparent - and Charles' wife Camilla, Queen Consort The day of the Queen's funeral will be a bank holiday, King Charles declares The day of the Queen's funeral has been confirmed as a bank holiday after approval by the King. The date of the state funeral has not yet been announced but it is expected to take place on Monday September 19. The bank holiday confirmation came when the King approved an order during a meeting of the Accession Council where he was formally declared head of state. Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt, said: 'Drafts of two proclamations. One - appointing the day of Her late Majesty's state funeral as a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 'Two - appointing the day of Her late Majesty's state funeral as a bank holiday in Scotland. 'And of two orders in council, directing the Lord Chancellor to affix the great seal to the proclamations.' Charles answered: 'Approved.' The funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in central London. The original plans are for the Queen's coffin to process on a gun carriage to the abbey, pulled by naval ratings - sailors - using ropes rather than horses. Senior members of the family are expected to follow behind - just like they did for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The military will line the streets and also join the procession. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000. The service will be televised, and a national two minutes' silence is expected to be held. The same day as the funeral, the Queen's coffin will be taken to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised committal service. Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family. The Queen's final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel - where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Philip's coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen's. Advertisement During the event the Lord President - Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt - announced the death of the sovereign and called upon the Clerk of the Council to read aloud the text of the Accession Proclamation before the body signed the document. It includes Charles's chosen title as King, already known to be King Charles III. Union flags were flown at full-mast from the time of the Principal Proclamation at St James's Palace until one hour after the Proclamations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, after which flags returned to half-mast in mourning for the death of the late Queen. The ceremony is being staged a day later for King Charles III then normal practice because the announcement of the Queen's death did not come until early evening on Thursday, meaning there was not enough time to set the plans in motion for Friday morning. Opening proceedings at the Accession Council, the Lord President said: 'My lords, it is my sad duty to inform you that Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away on Thursday the 8th of September 2022, at Balmoral Castle. I propose that, when certain necessary business has been transacted, a deputation consisting of Her Majesty, His Royal Highness, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York, the Prime Minister, the clerk of the Council, and myself, shall wait on the King and inform him the Council is assembled.' Reading the text of the proclamation, the clerk of the council said: 'Whereas it has pleased almighty God to call to his mercy our late Sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth II of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George. 'We, therefore, the lords spiritual and temporal of this realm, and members of the House of Commons, together with other members of Her late Majesty's Privy Council, and representatives of the realms and territories, aldermen, and citizens of London and others, do now hereby, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now, by the death of our late Sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege lord, Charles III, by the grace of God, of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and of his other realms and territories, King, head of the Commonwealth, defender of the faith, to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection, beseeching God, by whom kings and queens do reign, to bless His Majesty with long and happy years to reign over us.' He declared to the room 'God Save the King' and the packed room repeated the famous phrase. The historic event comes after Charles gave a landmark address to the nation on Friday and paid a poignant and moving tribute to his 'darling Mama' the Queen. The King pledged his whole life as service as the new sovereign just as the Queen did, saying: 'That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today'. And he used his speech to announce that he had created his son William the Prince of Wales, with Kate the Princess of Wales, and expressed his 'love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas', a symbol of his bid for reconciliation amid past troubles with the Sussexes. He also paid tribute to his 'darling wife' Camilla, calling her 'my Queen Consort', saying he can 'count on her loving help' and praising her by saying: 'I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much.' The King also set out his changing role, as he steps away from his considerable charity work which shaped his life as the heir to the throne. The Palace said: 'His Majesty The King will be proclaimed at the Accession Council at 10.00hrs (on Saturday) in the State Apartments of St James's Palace, London. The Accession Council, attended by Privy Councillors, is divided into two parts. In Part I, the Privy Council, without The King present, will proclaim the Sovereign, and formally approve various consequential Orders, including the arrangements for the Proclamation. 'Part II, is the holding by The King of His Majesty's first Privy Council. The King will make his Declaration and read and sign an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland and approve Orders in Council which facilitate continuity of government.' Mid-afternoon, members of Ms Truss' Cabinet will have their first meeting with the King just days after the Prime Minister formed her new Government. Senior ministers attending the Accession Council at St James's will travel to Buckingham Palace for an audience with the monarch. Ms Truss, who was invited to form a Government by the late Queen on Tuesday, had her initial audience with the King on Friday. Crowds gather outside St James's Palace in London, during the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace, London The King's Guard gathered outside St James's Palace in London shortly before the Principal Proclamation The Accession Council in the throne room in St James's Palace where they await King Charles III Camilla, Queen Consort and William, Prince of Wales arrive at St James's Palace for the proclamation of the King Prime Minister Liz Truss signs the Accession Proclamation formally announcing King Charles III Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, former prime ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, David Cameron, Theresa May and John Major ahead of the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace Conservative Prime Minister Penny Mordaunt, the Lord President, with William, Prince of Wales Left to right: Labour leader Keir Starmer, Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, David Cameron and Theresa May at St James's Palace, just before the meeting of the Accession Council to formally proclaim King Charles III this morning Left to right: William, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Queen Consort and Prime Minister Liz Truss A gun salute is fired for King Charles, following the passing of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, in Cardiff The Royal Salute is fired at Edinburgh Castle by 105th Regiment Royal Artillery The Company of Pikemen and Musketeers and the Band of the Honourable Artillery Company arrive at the Royal Exchange A military band plays outside the Royal Exchange in the City of London, before the reading of the Proclamation of Accession of King Charles III Members of the Coldstream Guards raise their Bearskin hats as they salute the new King Prime Minister Liz Truss leaves Number 10 Downing Street this early morning via the side door Police officers on guard at St James's Palace in London this morning ahead of the proclamation From left front row, Former British Prime Ministers Theresa May and John Major; Baroness Scotland, second row, Former British Prime Ministers Gordon Brown, Tony Blair, third row, Former British Prime Ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson, arriving for the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown ahead of the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace Guards of the Buckingham Palace leaving the palace in London King Charles III's proclamation: How today unfolded and what happens next D+1 - Saturday September 10 10am: Accession Council formally proclaims King Charles III King Charles III will be proclaimed at the Accession Council in the state apartments at St James's Palace in London. The event, attended by privy counsellors, is divided into two parts. In the first part, the Privy Council will proclaim the King and formally approve various consequential orders, including the arrangements for the Proclamation, without the King present. The second part is held by the King of His Majesty's first Privy Council. The King will make his declaration and read and sign an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland and approve orders in the council which facilitate continuity of the Government. The King will be accompanied by the Queen Consort and the Prince of Wales as they are both privy counsellors. 11am: Principal Proclamation is read from the balcony of St James's Palace The Principal Proclamation then follows. It will be read from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St James's Palace. The proclamation will be read by the Garter King of Arms, accompanied by the Earl Marshal, other Officers of Arms and the Serjeants at Arms. This will be the first public reading of the proclamation. Flags will also be flown at full-mast from 11am for about 24 hours, which will be until one hour after the proclamations are made in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. They will then return to half-mast in mourning for the Queen. Gun salutes will also take place at Hyde Park and the Tower of London. 12pm: Proclamations are read at the Royal Exchange in London A second proclamation will be read at the Royal Exchange in London. Further proclamations will be read in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales at 12pm the following day (Sunday). In mid-afternoon, the King will hold audiences with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Court mourning A period of royal mourning for members of the royal family and royal households will be observed until seven days after the Queen's funeral, the date of which is to be confirmed by Buckingham Palace. National mourning The Government is expected to confirm the length of national mourning, which is likely to be around 12 days, up to the day after the Queen's funeral. They are also expected to announce that the funeral day will be a public holiday in the form of a Day of National Mourning. D+2 - Sunday September 11 The Queen's coffin is expected to be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Proclamations will be read in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland devolved parliaments in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. D+3 - Monday September 12 Procession expected along the Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral. Service and the Vigil of the Princes by members of the royal family. The public may get the chance to file past the Queen's coffin at a mini lying in state in St Giles'. The House of Commons and the House of Lords are expected to come together in Westminster for a Motion of Condolence, which the King could attend. After leaving England and visiting Scotland, Charles will at some stage travel to the other countries of the UK - Wales and Northern Ireland - known as Operation Spring Tide. D+4 - Tuesday September 13 Coffin expected to be flown to London. Expected to be at rest at Buckingham Palace. A rehearsal for the procession of the coffin from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster takes place. D+5 - Wednesday September 14 The Queen's lying in state is expected to begin in Westminster Hall - Operation Marquee - following a ceremonial procession through London. It will last four full days. The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct a short service following the coffin's arrival. Hundreds of thousands of people will file past the coffin on its catafalque and pay their respects, just as they did for the Queen Mother's lying in state in 2002. The management of the queues outside is Operation Feather. During the Covid-19 crisis, plans included the possibility of the introduction of timed ticketing for those wanting to attend. Senior royals are also expected to pay their own moving tribute, standing guard at some stage around the coffin - the tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes. D+6 - Thursday September 15 Lying in state continues and a rehearsal is likely to take place for the state funeral procession. D+7 - Friday September 16 - Sunday September 18 Lying in state continues, ending on D+9. Heads of state begin to arrive for the funeral. D+10 - Monday September 19 The Queen's state funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in central London. The original plans are for the Queen's coffin to process on a gun carriage to the abbey, pulled by naval ratings - sailors - using ropes rather than horses. Senior members of the family are expected to follow behind - just like they did for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The military will line the streets and also join the procession. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000. The service will be televised, and a national two minutes' silence is expected to be held. The same day as the funeral, the Queen's coffin will be taken to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised committal service. Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family. The Queen's final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel - where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Philip's coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen's. Advertisement The Prime Minister curtsied as she was ushered in by a Palace aide for the first of what will be their regular weekly encounters. As she offered her condolences, the King shook her hand and thanked her, saying: 'You are very kind for coming - I know how busy you are.' He added: 'But it's been so touching this afternoon when we arrived here, all those people come to give their condolences.' Ms Truss again repeated: 'Your Majesty, my very greatest sympathies.' He replied: 'You are very kind. It was the moment I have been dreading, as I know a lot of people have. We'll try to keep everything going. Come, come have a seat.' Earlier, the Prime Minister had led tributes in the House of Commons to the Queen as she urged the country to support their new monarch. Those tributes will continue during rare Saturday sittings of both the Commons and the House of Lords. Proceedings in the lower chamber will begin at 1pm with a small number of senior MPs taking an oath of allegiance to the King, and are expect to continue to around 10pm. By 8am on Saturday, thousands had gathered outside Buckingham Palace to pay their respects to the Queen. Gun salutes rang out from stations including the Tower of London and Hyde Park both home and abroad on Saturday to mark the accession of the King. Sixty-two rounds were fired near Tower Bridge beside the River Thames by the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), and 41 rounds beside Park Lane by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery (RHA). The HAC, in ceremonial dress, were seen driving in liveried Pinzgauer vehicles through the City of London past a thousands-strong crowd of watchers. They travelled with police escort to the Thames riverbank, where guns were positioned facing HMS Belfast. At the Tower of London, a royal salute comprises the traditional 21 rounds, another 21 rounds signifies the loyalty of the City of London to the Crown, and a final 20 rounds were fired as the tower is a royal palace and fortress. Shouts of 'Long live the King' were heard as spectators lined up across Tower Bridge and along the Causeway inside the tower to watch the display. Salutes were also fired from Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Gibraltar, Colchester, York, Larkhill near Stonehenge, naval bases in Devonport and Portsmouth and a number of stations at sea. Reservists from 206 Battery 105 Regiment Royal Artillery fired the salute at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down watched by Steve Baker, minister of state for Northern Ireland. The salutes were timed to coincide with the Principal Proclamation of the King, which was read by Garter King of Arms at 11am from the balcony above Friary Court, St James' Palace. Coldstream Guards and the King's Guard will be present alongside eight state trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. The RHA is a British Army mounted ceremonial unit that fires royal salutes on royal anniversaries and state occasions, such as state visits and royal birthdays. The HAC dates its origins back to 1537, making it the oldest regiment in the British Army. It took over the role of firing gun salutes from the Tower of London in 1924. Gun salutes are customarily fired, both on land and at sea, as a sign of respect or welcome. They are now used to mark special occasions on certain days of the year, many of them with royal associations. Gun salutes occur on royal anniversaries including Accession Day, the monarch's birthday, Coronation Day, the monarch's official birthday, the State Opening of Parliament, royal births and when a visiting head of state meets the monarch in London, Windsor or Edinburgh. The Ministry of Defence said there are historical records of salutes taking place as early as the 14th century when guns and ammunition began to be adopted widely. Similar gun salutes were fired to mark the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 and Winston Churchill in 1965. Thousands of people have visited Windsor Castle on Saturday morning to pay their respects to the Queen. Flowers continued to pile up outside the gates of the royal residence, with notes and letters attached thanking the late monarch for her service. People of all ages were paying tribute and the local Rotary Club was giving children free flowers to lay down. Louise, 63, and Andrew Falconer, 62, travelled from Watford to pay their respects. Mrs Falconer said: 'You realise it has actually happened when you see all this.' Mr Falconer added: 'Initially I was shocked with how sudden it was. She was on her feet and two days later, she's gone.' They both believe that Charles will be a different monarch from his mother. Mr Falconer said: 'He'll have different attitudes, different ideas.' His wife added: 'I think he'll be a bit more modern. He might have to watch what he says sometimes. It'll be interesting. We're a modern society.' Nicholas Ewings, 54, from Farnborough, Hampshire, visited Windsor with his family. He said: 'We just wanted to come down, pay our respects and be part of the moment. We care and miss her forever.' His son Ethan, 19, said: 'I've only ever had one queen and now it's changing to a king. I was at work when I heard the news and I was upset.' Mr Ewings was optimistic about Charles III's reign: 'I think we'll hear from him more, which I think is a great thing. He's a top chap. He's our King and I stand behind him.' Jenny Woolford, 60, from Wokingham, was impressed by the King's first televised address on Friday night. She said: 'It was absolutely brilliant, very moving. I think he'll carry on in his mum's path as he's been trained to, but I also think he'll find his own way. 'You can't help but be impressed by him. He'll be a good king.' Mike Thompson, 69, from Staines, was born in Kenya just months before the Queen's coronation and saw the monarch in person when she visited his school. Mr Thompson said: 'She visited Runnymede to plant a tree and we marched out from our school just to line up in the reception area. 'A child in my class was waiting with some daffodils and the Queen stopped in front of the girl and took some flowers from her. It was quite a special moment for me.' Andy Bow, 57, from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, went to Buckingham Palace on Saturday. The armed forces veteran said: 'I'm just completely bereft really. I served the Queen while I was in the Army for 14 years. She just means so much to me, she's everything. 'She's the mother of our nation I think. I, along with the vast majority of everybody here, are a little bit lost and not sure what's going to happen so I just felt I had to come down and pay my respects for the last time.' Mina Parmar-shah, 34, from Harrow, north west London, brought flowers to lay outside the palace gates. Police officers march past Friary Court at St James's Palace in London Guards are seen at Buckingham Palace, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II Members off the public lay floral tributes for Queen Elizabeth II, as others look on, outside the gates of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire Floral tributes are laid outside the gates of Windsor Castle, where the Queen spent much of the last years of her life Well-wishers mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II as they lay floral tributes outside Windsor Castle Mourners including children leave tributes including illustrates cards and Union flags and hats outside Buckingham Palace King Charles III shakes hands with Prime Minister Liz Truss during their first audience at Buckingham Palace yesterday She said: 'I've followed the royal family my whole life so when the Queen died it was quite upsetting really, so I needed to come down and pay my respects. 'As a woman, she ruled for 70 years and that's a huge thing to have, especially because when she became Queen it was more of a man's world so that's a huge part of what she represents to me. 'I have always respected the Queen and had a love for the royal family.' Down to work! King Charles III meets Liz Truss, her Cabinet and the Archbishop of Canterbury on his first day in office after officially taking the throne King Charles III has had a busy first working day following his official accession to the throne this morning. The newly-proclaimed King has met with government and church leaders in his first official engagements as monarch, less than 48 hours after the Queen's death was announced. The new King held a meeting with Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of the Cabinet in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace. He also held audiences with opposition leaders and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England. King Charles during an audience with British Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of her Cabinet in the 1844 Room The UK's recently elected Prime Minister Liz Truss stands next to the King, who officially acceded to the throne this morning. They are pictured speaking to Foreign Secretary James Cleverly (centre left) and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (left) King Charles III during an audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of her Cabinet in the 1844 Room, at Buckingham Palace The King's meetings with the Prime Minister and senior politicians are famously discreet, with former PMs recalling only the scantest details in their tributes to the Queen in parliament yesterday. The King's schedule for today shows he had meetings with the Archbishop of Canterbury at 2pm, with Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of her new cabinet at 2.30pm, and with members of the opposition and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at 3pm. The meetings came at half an hour intervals, with the King's last audience in the released schedule at 4pm with the Dean of Westminster. King Charles shook hands with members of the cabinet including the Deputy Prime Minister Therese Coffey and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer was pictured shaking hands with the new monarch and expressing his sympathies for the passing of the Queen Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer also had an audience with the King this afternoon Ms Truss only formed her new cabinet four days ago, with Therese Coffey taking the role of Health Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, Kwasi Kwarteng becoming Chancellor, James Cleverly becoming Foreign Secretay and Suella Braverman Home Secretary. Opposition leaders also had an audience with the King this afternoon. Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer was pictured shaking hands with the new monarch and expressing his sympathies for the passing of the Queen. The BBC's political editor Chris Mason said he expects the King's meetings with leading politicians will be 'more informal than you might expect'. The Archbishop of Canterbury (right) is the leader of the Church of England, and King Charles is now its Supreme Governor, taking over the role from his late mother King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, also met with the Archbishop of Canterbury (right), the Most Reverend Justin Welby in the 1844 Room He added that even for people used to being in the limelight, 'the history of the moment' is not lost on the politicians who met the King today. Earlier in the day King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, also met with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby in the 1844 Room. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the leader of the Church of England, and King Charles is now its Supreme Governor, taking over the role from his late mother. The meetings came at half an hour intervals, with the King's last audience in the released schedule at 4pm with the Dean of Westminster The Archbishop, whose last meeting with the Queen was in June, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Friday: 'I came away thinking there is someone who has no fear of death, has hope in the future, knows the rock on which she stands and that gives her strength.' 'You felt that history was in front of you, but it was history with those piercingly blue eyes twinkling, that extraordinary smile and the relishing of a quick dry comment.' While the UK continues to reel from the death of Queen Elizabeth II, woke liberals have renewed their attack on the monarch. A University of Michigan education professor even compared the monarchy to the Confederacy in the United States. 'Telling the colonized how they should feel about their colonizer's health and wellness is like telling my people that we ought to worship the Confederacy,' Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, an associate professor of education, tweeted on Thursday. '"Respect the dead" when we're all writing these tweets *in English*,' she continued. 'How did that happen, hm? We just chose this language?' Following backlash for the tweet, she later added: 'You don't see me dancing on anyone's grave because my ancestors' enslaver removed us in the 18th Century. You also don't see me policing other people's emotions.' Meanwhile, Eugene Scott, a national politics reporter for the Washington Post asked: 'Real question for the "now is not the appropriate time to talk about the negative impact of colonialism" crowd: When is the appropriate time to talk about the negative impact of colonialism?' And American filmmaker Boots Riley tweeted about the Queen's death on Thursday, writing: 'The matriarch of a royal family legacy of slave-trading, imperialism, colonialism, theft, symbol of opulence and mascot for the ruling class is dead. 'The media will now parade the queen's zombie ass in front of u while telling u that overthrowing capitalism is not what we need.' Their tweets come after a woke Carnegie Mellon professor sparked outrage by wishing the Queen an 'excruciatingly painful' death, only to later rebrand the monarch's reign as 'violent.' A University of Michigan associate professor, Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, right, and Eugene Scott, a national politics reporter for the Washington Post, left, are among the woke liberals who have spoken out against the Queen after her death American filmmaker Boots Riley tweeted about the Queen's death on Thursday, writing: 'The matriarch of a royal family legacy of slave-trading, imperialism, colonialism, theft, symbol of opulence and mascot for the ruling class is dead' Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, a University of Michigan associate education professor, compared the monarchy to the Confederacy in the United States Scott asked when the 'appropriate time' would be to talk about the 'negative impact of colonialism' following the Queen's death Riley wrote that 'The media will now parade the queen's zombie ass in front of u while telling u that overthrowing capitalism is not what we need' Uju Anya made the remarks in an interview with NBC News' website on Thursday, saying: 'There are people literally around the world, rejoicing at this woman's death, not because they're vile or cold, but because her reign and the reign of her monarchy by extension was violent. She went on to slam those who'd condemned her tweets, adding: 'I take deep offense at the notion that the oppressed and survivors of violence have to somehow be deferential or respectful when their oppressors die.' Anya, 46, explained that her mother was born in Trinidad and her father in Nigeria, eventually meeting in England in 1950s, having been sent there to go to school. She described herself as a 'child of colonization.' She added: 'In addition to the colonization on the side of Nigeria, there's also the human enslavement in the Caribbean. So there's a direct lineage that I have to not just people who were colonized, but also people who were enslaved by the British.' Among those who condemned Anya's initial tweet wishing a painful end for the Queen, who died Thursday, was Jeff Bezos. Carnegie Mellon, meanwhile, released a statement distancing itself from Anya's words while saying it backed free speech, and that she was entitled to say them. The woke Carnegie Mellon professor who put out a tweet so acidic in response to the death of Queen Elizabeth II that Twitter took it down has continued to double down on her anti-monarchy statements Anya was backed up by Zoe Samudzi, a Zimbabwean American photography professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, who tweeted her own outrageous statement about the late royal. She said: 'As the first generation of my family not born in a British colony, I would dance on the graves of every member of the royal family if given the opportunity, especially hers.' The Nigerian-born professor also said that she takes 'deep offense at the notion that the oppressed and survivors of violence have to somehow be deferential or respectful when their oppressors die.' Though Queen Elizabeth II has ruled a post-colonial Britain, there have been calls from some to confront the monarchy's past and, as Anya puts it, their continued attempts to 'meddle in African affairs.' Anya was backed up by Zoe Samudzi, a Zimbabwean American photography professor at the Rhode Island School of Design Uju Anya is a teacher and associate professor at the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She tweeted the disgusting words following the news that the Queen was in ill health In her first controversial tweet - now deleted by the social media platform - the professor wrote: 'I heard the chief monarch of a thieving raping genocidal empire is finally dying. May her pain be excruciating.' 'That wretched woman and her bloodthirsty throne have f***** generations of my ancestors on both sides of the family, and she supervised a government that sponsored the genocide my parents and siblings survived. May she die in agony.' Twitter later removed the posts for violating their rules. Anya's appalling sentiment, shared as the Queen was in her final hours, has ignited a firestorm of anger, and cast a light on previous attempts by hundreds of people to get the outspoken academic fired from her teaching job for violent and racist words. Carnegie Mellon University responded that Anya's views do not represent their school but also refused to allow her to face consequences so far and have not fired her The university has so far refused to punish its professor, and said in a statement posted on Twitter on Thursday evening 'We do not condone the offensive and objectionable messages posted by Uju Anya today on her social media account.' 'Free expression is core to the mission of higher education,' they said, indicating Anya would not see consequences for her tweet. 'However, the views she shared absolutely do not represent the values of the institution, nor the standards of discourse we seek to foster,' they concluded. Meanwhile, during Friday's installment of ABC's The View, co-host Sunny Hostin said: 'If you really think about what the monarchy was built on, it was built on the backs of black and brown people.' She took particular issue with the Imperial State Crown and the Queen's scepter. 'She wore a crown with pillaged stones from India and Africa,' Hostin added. 'And now what you're seeing, at least in the black communities that I'm a part of, they want reparation. The Imperial State Crown, along with a sceptre, serves as the principal crown for the British monarch. The Queen was pictured at her coronation in 1953 with the sceptre and bejeweled crown The Koh-i-noor diamond from India sits atop the crown made for the Queen Mother in 1937 and the Great Star of Africa sits in the Queen's scepter. The Imperial State Crown, along with a scepter, serves as the principal crown for the British monarch, with the Koh-i-noor being part of the Treaty of Lahore. Many people have claimed ownership over the Great Star of Africa over the centuries including Mughal emperors, shahs of Iran, emirs of Afghanistan, and Sikh maharajas. Her Majesty died Thursday at the age of 96. She passed away surrounded by members of the Royal Family at Balmoral Castle, Scotland. Carnegie Mellon University has distanced itself from Anya, telling DailyMail.com that it does 'not condone the offensive and objectionable messages' Anya's vile words about the Queen were slammed by thousands online, including billionaire Bezos, who said: 'This is someone supposedly working to make the world better? I don't think so. Wow.' Journalist Piers Morgan also added: 'You vile disgusting moron.' One horrified user said: 'Don't expect that of you but do expect common decency, respect for such a loss. If you cannot give that at this time, you are a disgraceful of a human being.' Another added: 'You are just so uncouth and manner-less. You speak of someone who just passed with such a vile and disdaining comment. Carnegie Mellon University has distanced itself from Anya, telling DailyMail.com that it does 'not condone the offensive and objectionable messages'. 'Free expression is core to the mission of higher education, however, the views she shared absolutely do not represent the values of the institution, nor the standards of discourse we seek to foster,' a spokesperson said. Hundreds of people slammed the crude professor for her comments about the Queen's final hours The 'anti racist' professor has faced allegations of racism in the past for the words she has used online - and in one instance, the Foundational Black American organization created a petition to get her removed from Carnegie Mellon University. Anya, who claims to be an expert in 'diversity, equity, and inclusion,' was called out for using an ethnic slur, which means 'cotton pickers' or 'wild animals.' The petition to get her fired garnered nearly 800 signatures. It read: 'Dr. Uju Anya can not be allowed to use the platform of Carnegie Mellon University Department of Modern Languages to further promote systemic racism through her blatant use of ethnic slurs on social media when referring to Foundational Black Americans. 'This is a step backward in our fight to destroy systemic racism and discrimination for all people if institutions allow professors to become comfortable with using language as a weapon against people of color by people of color. 'Society MUST hold all people accountable equally and we call on Carnegie Mellon University to take action against this type of egregious behavior to protect the reputation and integrity of the Higher Learning Institution.' One person who signed the petition said that the professor can't be trusted with children. They added: 'I'm concerned for the children. She can't be trusted with kids. I wouldn't want racist of any color teaching my children.' Another added: 'She needs to be fired. There's no way in hell she should be allowed to teach Black American students. She's a danger to any Black American she comes in contact with. FIRE HER NOW!' And a third person, who signed the petition for the university to drop her, said: 'She's a hypocrite and an ethnic bigot.' The vicious academic also found herself in hot water when he mocked the death of YouTuber Kevin Samuels in May 2022. Samuels, who had 1.42million YouTube subscribers and nearly as many Instagram followers, was best known for some of his controversial dating advice. He passed away earlier this year. But in the aftermath of his death she wrote: 'Kevin Samuels told men their worth was in their wallet. He died in a 1BR sublet with less than $1K to his name, no partner, friend, or offspring willing to claim him, only his poor mother begging and borrowing to bury his loathsome carcass.' Jeff Bezos was one of the many voices slamming the professor for her vile tweets Her Majesty, Queen of the United Kingdom, died on September 8, 2022 'There is no way you aren't a woman with so much of hate in your heart and we certainly don't need that in women who hold high positions in our society. Horrible!!' A third social media user, disgusted at the words, said: 'There's always someone looking for attention in the midst of a tragedy, which you might understand if the target was a hated public figure but these comments are disgusting, and from a verified blue tick account too. You should be ashamed of yourself.' As well as Anya and her vile words, a slew of people took to social media to attack and mock the Queen as news rolled in about her tragic death. Millions across the world are mourning the loss of Britain's longest-serving monarch. Responding to her tweet and alluding to their happiness at the Queen's death, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's former aide said: 'I cannot imagine what my Irish grandparents would be feeling.' Jemele Hill, contributing writer for The Atlantic, also tweeted: 'Journalists are tasked with putting legacies into full context, so it is entirely appropriate to examine the queen and her role in the devastating impact of continued colonialism.' The vicious academic also found herself in hot water when he mocked the death of YouTuber Kevin Samuels in May 2022 YouTuber Kevin Samuels, 57, died in Atlanta earlier this year. But Anya came under fire after mocking his death in May 2022 On Thursday, the Queen's death was confirmed. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. 'The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow'. The Queen's death will see Britain and her Commonwealth realms enter into a ten-day period of mourning as millions of her subjects in the UK and abroad come to terms with her passing. And as her son King Charles accedes to the throne, there will also be a celebration of her historic 70-year reign that saw her reach her Platinum Jubilee this year - a landmark unlikely to be reached again by a British monarch. Charles, who became King on the death of his mother, said: 'We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. 'I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.' Three men aged 26, 46, and 49 have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 22-year-old woman was found dead in a Liverpool hotel. Merseyside Police were called to Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool's city centre at 6.37am on Saturday morning after 'concerns' were raised for a woman's safety - only to find the 22-year-old's body in a hotel room. Officers have since arrested a 26-year-old man from Seacombe, a 46-year-old man from Liverpool and a 49-year-old man from Widnes, all on suspicion of murder with the incident. Guests staying at the Adelphi Hotel were woken up to the sounds of police 'banging' on their doors after the 22-year-old's body was found. As the ambulance and police cars stood guard outside the doors, guests were allowed to come and go freely. Three men aged 26, 46, and 49 have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 22-year-old woman was found dead in the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool's city centre (pictured) Many stood outside talking amongst themselves as they tried to piece together the events of the night before, while others were shocked by their rude awaking and being confronted by a host of ambulances and scientific support vehicles. Hotel guest Jennifer, from York, told the Liverpool Echo: 'I came yesterday evening and I woke up this morning and there have been police and ambulances here for God knows how long. 'Police have been banging on everybody's doors asking what we have seen. 'We have woken up and up to now we don't know what is going on it could be anything. 'The person who did this could have come into my room and that is what worries me and it is terrifying to think it happened while I was asleep.' At 10.30am three police officers escorted a man from the building in handcuffs. One guest also said that he saw another man being helped into the back of an ambulance with a 'bruised face and a limp' at around 9am. One man from Birmingham who had been visiting Liverpool for a 'big night out' said that after coming back to the hotel in the early hours of this morning he was awoken at 7am by a police officer outside his hotel room door. He said: 'It was about 7am and they asked if I had heard a disturbance in the night. 'They told me something had happened on my floor at around 3am this morning and someone has just told me that there was a cordon in the corridor. Merseyside Police (pictured at the scene) were called to Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool's city centre at 6.37am on Saturday morning after 'concerns' were raised for a woman's safety - only to find the 22-year-old's body in a hotel room 'It's just a bit mad. I was not expecting to wake up to this and I have a hangover.' Detectives added that they are 'keeping an open mind' with the investigation into the woman's death. Police are in the process of identifying the woman's next of kin while enquiries are ongoing. Detective Chief Inspector Lynsay Armbruster, said: 'We are in the very early stages of the investigation, and are trying to determine the circumstances around the young woman's death. I would appeal to anyone who was in the hotel in the early hours of this morning who may have seen or heard anything, at all to come forward. 'CCTV inquiries are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with any information to please get in touch.' Detective Chief Inspector for Merseyside Police, Lynsay Armbuster, said: 'We are in the very early stages of the investigation, and are trying to determine the circumstances around the young woman's death. 'I would appeal to anyone who was in the hotel in the early hours of this morning who may have seen, or heard anything, at all to come forward. CCTV enquiries are ongoing and Merseyside Police are appealing to anyone with any information, encouraging them to get in touch. You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 0229 of 10 September, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Police Scotland are 'urgently' looking for a nine-year-old boy and conducting door-to-door enquiries as his worried family have not seen him since yesterday. Austin McGovern was last seen around 7.05pm yesterday, near Rowan Street, Dunbar, East Lothian. The force is seeking the assistance of the public in trying to locate the schoolboy, whose disappearance is 'totally out of character'. Austin is around 4ft 4 inches in height, with a stocky build and light brown hair. He was wearing a red t-shirt and black trousers when he was last seen. Austin McGovern, pictured, was last seen around 7.05pm on Friday, 9 September, 2022, near Rowan Street, Dunbar. When last seen, he was wearing a red t-shirt and black trousers He was due to return home yesterday evening, but when he failed to show up, the police were notified. Extensive enquiries have been carried out overnight, however, Austin has still not been traced and concern for him is growing. Officers have asked members of the public to check any sheds or other outbuildings Austin may have sought shelter in last night. They said that door-to-door enquiries are continuing today and they are speaking to his family and friends. CCTV footage will also be gathered to be reviewed by officers for any information which could assist them in locating him. Inspector Caroline Herbert said: 'A number of specialist resources are being used in our search for Austin, we are also liaising with partner agencies. 'Austin is only nine years old and it is totally out of character for him to go missing. 'His family is, understandably, very worried and just want to know he is safe and well. 'I am appealing to anyone who may have seen Austin or have any knowledge as to his whereabouts to contact us as a matter of urgency.' Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 4077. A Georgia Southern University graduate who was left paralyzed from a routine neck adjustment at a chiropractor is now able to move both sides of her body as she makes a slow but miraculous recovery. Caitlin Jensen, 28, was hospitalized on June 16 after an appointment with Dr. TJ Harpham, 42, left her with four ruptured arteries that led to a stroke and three heart attacks. After being moved to Atlanta's Shepherd Center this week to begin her physical therapy, her family says Jensen has made remarkable improvement. Darlene Jensen said although her daughter still needs a speaking valve and glasses to correct her double vision, she can now move both sides of her body as he maintains a positive attitude through days of rigorous physical therapy. 'I'm proud that even though she has been dealt some hard blows, she wakes up every day with a beautiful smile on her face, and love in her heart,' Darlene wrote on Frider on her Facebook page documenting her daughter's recovery. Caitlin Jensen, 28, is now able to move both sides of her body after being left paralyzed in June following a routine neck adjustment with a chiropractor Jensen's mother, Darlene, shared video of her daughter taking her first steps with the help of a walking harness on Friday, which only provides 20 percent support Darlene credits her daughter's positive attitude and resilience for her miraculous recovery After being hospitalized in June, Jensen could only communicate with her eyes and portions of the left side of her body Jensen (pictured before the incident) had seen the same chiropractor on several occasions to address neck stiffness she was experiencing from 'sitting at her desk for months working on her last classes' at Georgia Southern Get it girl! Posted by Darlene Jensen on Thursday, September 8, 2022 Jensen continues to battle pneumonia, and ranks the diffulties of daily life as a 10 - on a scale of one to 10, according to mother Darelene. But, she remains strictly committed to her routine at the Shepherd Center, which specializes in treatment for spinal cord and brain injuries. Detailing her latest work on Friday, Darlene said her daughter was able to complete an hour of speech therapy using a speaking valve to help her. The 28-year-old has been practicing to say 'Bro,' to surprise her brother after being able to successfully say 'Mom,' for the first time at the end of August. Jensen was also able to complete sitting practices on Friday without assistance and took her first steps with a walking harness that provided only 20 percent assistance. She then went on to take pottery classes where she could move her hands to paint a vase, and took part in a meeting about mobility solutions. Pictured: Jensen resting happily with three service dogs on top of her Following hard physical therapy on Friday, Jensen went to a pottery class to paint a vase From a scale between one and 10, Jensen ranked her daily life's difficulty at a 10, but she remains committed to completing her physical therapy routine *** EDIT: I guess the video didnt post earlier - its up now - rejoice with us!!*** Im not crying, youre crying!! My baby girl said mom with her speaking valve during speech therapy today. Shes working SO HARD. Sounds are still few and far between, but she is working really hard on building a strong foundation. Im incredibly proud of her!! I told her that this means more than her first words when she was a baby, because I know how much it means to her. Every milestone is a major victory!! #teamcaitlin Posted by Darlene Jensen on Friday, August 26, 2022 Dr. TJ Harpham, the chiropractor who treated Jensen, has repeatedly declined to comment about what happened to his patient Darlene said Jensen would continue the new routine on Saturday and for the days to come until she recovers further. 'I credit her a great deal for her attitude. I think that her positive spirit and attitude has really helped a lot,' Jensen told WJCL. She also thanked the thousands of people who have raised more than $107,000 for her daughter's medical expenses on GoFundMe. 'We've been blown away by the support and very appreciative because we do have a very long road ahead of us,' Jensen added. 'It helps to know those funds are there for her needs, because we don't even know what all of her needs are going to be yet.' Darlene previously told DailyMail.com that her daughter had been to Harpham on several occasions to address neck stiffness she was experiencing from 'sitting at her desk for months working on her last classes,' but had never undergone a neck adjustment. 'You don't think that a 28-year-old healthy woman is going to be having such an emergency and having a stroke,' she said. Working on BRO (for Caleb) in speech therapy! Posted by Darlene Jensen on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Thousands of people have raised more than $107,000 for her Jensen's medical expenses on GoFundMe, where Darlene posts regular updates about her daughter Darlene previously recalled the shocking call she received from Harpham on her daughter's phone. 'I just thought maybe she was dizzy,' Darlene said. 'It didn't ever occur to me that it was a serious event. I just thought maybe she stood up too fast or she was slightly dizzy and they were being over cautious.' Harpham has repeatedly declined to comment on the incident. Darlene said she was by her daughter's side when her heart stopped for 10 minutes. Harpham has repeatedly declined to comment on the incident. Police have charged the man accused of the kidnapping and murder of billionaire heiress Eliza Fletcher in another unrelated kidnapping that took place a year prior, according to court records released on Friday. Cleotha Abston, 38, was handed down a second indictment during a Thursday hearing that saw a judge deny him bail for his prospective part in Fletcher's death. The new charges appeared in the Shelby County criminal justice portal the next day. Abston was arrested on Tuesday - less than a day after detectives found Fletcher's body - but was rebooked on Friday on new charges of aggravated rape, especially aggravated kidnapping and unlawful carrying of a weapon. Police say the unrelated abduction occurred in 2021 and saw the suspect rape a woman. Abston is a career criminal who served 20 years in prison for yet another kidnapping, in that case a man. Memphis police confirmed the new charges Saturday, without providing any additional information on the 2021 case in question - other than confirmation that the new counts arent tied to the Fletcher case. He had been charged with first degree murder and especially aggravated kidnaping of Fletcher, a 34-year-old kindergarten teacher who had been on her routine morning jog Friday September 5 in Memphis, Tennessee, when she was caught on camera being forced into a black SUV. A 38-year-old career criminal who served 20 years in prison for kidnapping, Cleotha Abston had been charged with first degree murder and especially aggravated kidnaping of Fletcher, the 34-year-old heiress to the $3billion Orgill Hardware company Memphis mom of two Eliza Fletcher, 34, (pictured with her husband and two young sons) was kidnapped after being forced into a black SUV on Friday. Cleotha Abston, 38, has been charged with her kidnap and murder after her body was found in long grass against an abandoned house Abston appeared in court in Memphis on Thursday, where he was charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and tampering with evidence - with the judge again refusing him bail ahead of another hearing on September 19. Jennifer Case, his public defender, initially argued that there was a conflict of interest in her representing him as her office had worked with him in a previous criminal matter in the early 2000s. However the matter was dismissed by the judge, Louis Montesi Jr, despite him agreeing to hear her arguments regarding a gag order at a later hearing. Case argued that certain aspects of the case should not be made public after Memphis Police Chief C.J. David called Abston a 'dangerous predator.' Tennessee is a state with the death penalty, and prosecutors on Thursday said that they were not ruling it out if he is convicted. Abston wore a green prison-issued uniform and a mask and only spoke to his public defender during the short hearing. Fletcher was last seen about 4.20am on Friday, when she was jogging (right) in Memphis and a man approached her and forced her into an SUV after a brief struggle, police said Fletcher pictured with her husband Richie and their two children. The family described her as a 'special' woman who was taken away from them in a 'senseless' manner Abston has been known to law enforcement since he was 11-years-old. Now 38, he was just 11 when he first appeared in Shelby County Juvenile Court, charged with theft of property $500 or less. Court documents reveal that he was then convicted of raping a man when he was a teenager, and was placed in the custody of Shelby Countys Youth Services Bureau. He was detained 16 times from October 1995 to May 2000 for rape, aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon. According to Action News 5 his first charges were filed against him in June 1995, and that he was part of the LMG gang which stands for Lemoyne Gardens Gangstas.' Two weeks after he was released from the youth services bureau to his mothers care, he was transferred to adult court for the 2000 kidnapping lawyer Kemper Durand - who worked in the same law firm as Fletcher's uncle Michael Keeney. Abston has been known to law enforcement since he was 11-years-old. Now 38, he was just 11 when he first appeared in Shelby County Juvenile Court, charged with theft of property $500 or less. He was then convicted of raping a man when he was a teenager, as well as kidnapping another man who survived to tell the tale Abston was only 16-years-old when he and an accomplice kidnapped Durand, threw him into his own trunk, and tried to force him to withdraw money at a gas station ATM. In his victim impact statement, Durand, who died in 2013, said he feared for his life during his kidnapping, where he was rescued by a nearby Memphis Housing Authority guard who heard his scream for help, the Commercial Appeal reported. 'It is quite likely that I would have been killed had I not escaped,' Durand wrote. Abston was sentenced to 22 years in prison for the offence, but was released early in 2020, before kidnapping again just two years later. Ex-FBI officer Jennifer Coffindaffer told NewsNation that she condemned the decision to release Abston two-years early, saying that keeping him in prison would have prevented Fletcher's death. 'Any time someone is let out early and the goes on to commit another violent crime, yes, I think societys let down,' she said. 'I think we are all let down by his early release.' Coffindaffer also said that Durand's connection to Fletcher's uncle is a 'very significant clue.' 'I'm sure certainly that the FBI, that the US Marshals, and that the TBI is looking closely at this relationship," she said. Sexual misconduct claims at top law firms have been soaring after a watchdog warning four years ago advised alleged victims against signing non-disclosure agreements. Complaints have risen more than eightfold since 2018, highlighting the increase in alleged victims coming forward. Since 2018, there have been 251 reports of alleged sexual harassment or assaults by lawyers registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This compares to just 30 sexual misconduct complaints in the previous five years. The watchdog did mention that they have 117 ongoing investigations as well. One of the recurring themes in many of the sexual misconduct cases was how far a solicitor's regulatory obligations apply to both their professional and private lives. It comes after the Ryan Beckwith - a former partner at one of the magic circle law firms in London, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer - had a fine overturned. Mr Beckwith, a pina colada-loving lawyer nicknamed Del Boy, was fined 35,000 during a tribunal after having sex whilst drunk with a junior employee in her 20s. But two high court judges ruled Mr Beckwith, 41, did not abuse his position but had instead acted 'inappropriately'. Ryan Beckwith (pictured), 41, had a fine overturned after a tribunal rejected the idea that he had abused his position of power when a junior colleague in her 20s alleged that he had drunken sex with her A tribunal in January found he had acted without integrity and brought the profession into disrepute over the incident in July 2016. He brought an appeal against the SRA arguing that the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) was wrong to have concluded his conduct had breached principles set out in an official standards handbook for the profession. The judges ruled that the tribunal's order for Mr Beckwith to pay a fine of 35,000 should be quashed. It also overturned an order that Mr Beckwith should pay costs of 200,000. The tribunal rejected an allegation that he had acted in abuse of his position of seniority or authority but 'found instead that by engaging in sexual activity with Person A, he had acted 'inappropriately'.' The new guidance set out by the SRA now says that solicitors that alleged misconduct will be assessed on a case by case basis. The new guidance states: 'At all times individuals must make sure that their conduct preserves and justifies clients' and colleagues' trust in them, as well as the public's trust in the profession. 'That trust is undermined by the exploitation of a professional position for sexual purposes.' The watchdog's warning in 2018 brought about a spike in sexual misconduct at law firms with the common theme being that there was an alcohol-fuelled working culture behind the behaviour, the Times reports. Gary Senior, the former head of the London office for US law firm Baker McKenzie, was one of the most well-known claims. He allegedly paid off a woman who claimed he had sexually assaulted her. Gary Senior, the former head of the London office for US law firm Baker McKenzie, allegedly paid off a woman who claimed he had sexually assaulted her. The SRA has warned against alleged victims signing non-disclosure agreements Senior was alleged to have kissed a junior colleague's neck in his hotel room and had behaved in an 'inappropriate' manner on the night. Pictured: Baker McKenzie offices in London He was alleged to have kissed a junior colleague's neck in his hotel room and had behaved in an 'inappropriate' manner on the night, his tribunal heard. The SRA referred Senior to the tribunal accusing him of behaving in an 'inappropriate manner' and seeking to 'initiate intimate activity' with the woman without her consent. The woman alleged that he sexually assaulted her and pressured her into signing a non-disclosure agreement before she accepted a payout. He was ordered to pay 55,000 after being found guilty of professional misconduct. Firms were later encouraged to reports allegations of potential harassment and heavily warned against non-disclosure agreements. Speaking about the new guidance, SRA head Paul Philip said: 'We take reports of sexual misconduct seriously. These can be sensitive and difficult issues and we want to be clear about our expectations, not least for firms, as people often come to us because they are dissatisfied with the way their firm has dealt with their concerns.' Advertisement King Charles III has had a busy first working day following his official accession to the throne this morning. The newly-proclaimed King has met with government and church leaders in his first official engagements as monarch, less than 48 hours after the Queen's death was announced. The new King held a meeting with Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of the Cabinet in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace. He also held audiences with opposition leaders and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England. King Charles during an audience with British Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of her Cabinet in the 1844 Room The UK's recently elected Prime Minister Liz Truss stands next to the King, who officially acceded to the throne this morning. They are pictured speaking to Foreign Secretary James Cleverly (centre left) and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (left) King Charles III during an audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of her Cabinet in the 1844 Room, at Buckingham Palace The Queen Consort speaks to Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, during King Charles III's audience with the Prime Minister and Cabinet members The King's meetings with the Prime Minister and senior politicians are famously discreet, with former PMs recalling only the scantest, mainly amusing details in their tributes to the Queen in parliament yesterday. The King's schedule for today shows he had meetings with the Archbishop of Canterbury at 2pm, with Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of her new cabinet at 2.30pm, and with opposition leaders including Labour's Sir Keir Starmer at 3pm. The meetings came at half an hour intervals, with the King's last audience in the released schedule at 4pm with the Dean of Westminster. King Charles shook hands with members of the cabinet including the Deputy Prime Minister Therese Coffey and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. King Charles III speaks with Labour leader Keir Starmer, Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey, and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford, during an audience with opposition leaders in the 1844 Room Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer was pictured shaking hands with the new monarch and expressing his sympathies for the passing of the Queen The King and Sir Keir Starmer shared a warm moment and a laugh during a meeting today King Charles III speaks to SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford during a meeting independent of the other opposition leaders King Charles III speaks with Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey, watched by Labour leader Keir Starmer Ms Truss only formed her new cabinet four days ago, with Therese Coffey taking the role of Health Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, Kwasi Kwarteng becoming Chancellor, James Cleverly becoming Foreign Secretay and Suella Braverman Home Secretary. Opposition leaders also had an audience with the King this afternoon. His Majesty met with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey, and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford. Sir Keir Starmer was pictured shaking hands with the new monarch and expressing his sympathies for the passing of the Queen. The pair also appeared to share a warm moment and a laugh together during the meeting. The Archbishop of Canterbury (right) is the leader of the Church of England, and King Charles is now its Supreme Governor, taking over the role from his late mother King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, also met with the Archbishop of Canterbury (right), the Most Reverend Justin Welby in the 1844 Room The King also spoke to the other opposition leaders on an individual basis. The BBC's political editor Chris Mason said he expects the King's meetings with leading politicians will be 'more informal than you might expect'. He added that even for people used to being in the limelight, 'the history of the moment' is not lost on the politicians who met the King today. Earlier in the day King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, also met with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby in the 1844 Room. The meetings came at half an hour intervals, with the King's last audience in the released schedule at 4pm with the Dean of Westminster The Archbishop of Canterbury is the leader of the Church of England, and King Charles is now its Supreme Governor, taking over the role from his late mother. The Archbishop, whose last meeting with the Queen was in June, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Friday: 'I came away thinking there is someone who has no fear of death, has hope in the future, knows the rock on which she stands and that gives her strength.' The Archbishop of Canterbury also dryly remarked on his 'fortitude' as he recounted in the Lords the experience of a winter barbecue with the Royal Family at Sandringham. 'You felt that history was in front of you, but it was history with those piercingly blue eyes twinkling, that extraordinary smile and the relishing of a quick dry comment.' In the House of Lords this week The Archbishop of Canterbury paid tribute to the monarch, who died on Thursday. He dryly remarked on his 'fortitude' as he recounted in the Lords the experience of a winter barbecue with the Royal Family at Sandringham. He also remarked on her 'dry sense of humour', adding: 'The Church of England was very capable of giving her material.' Advertisement Family and friends and members of the Memphis community gathered on Saturday morning to bid farewell to Tennessee teacher and billionaire heiress Eliza Fletcher, who was kidnapped and murdered during her early morning jog last week. Fletcher, 34, a mother-of-two, was running near the University of Memphis on September 2 when she was targeted by suspect Cleotha Henderson, a violent criminal who has been charged with her murder. The funeral service was held at the Second Presbyterian Church, in Memphis, where Fletcher first met her husband of eight years, Richard, and where they also married. Outside the funeral home, Fletcher's mother, Lucy, could be seen sobbing and hugging family and friends offering their condolences to her and Richard, who was accompanied by one of his young sons. Eliza Fletcher's mother, Lucy (in white), could be seen crying and hugging family and friends outside the funeral for her daughter. Eliza's husband, Richard, stood on her right with their older son The distraught family greeted those attending the funeral of Fletcher, 34, a mother-of-two and billionaire heiress who was kidnapped and murdered while jogging last week in Memphis Pictured: Eliza's body being lifted from the herse on Saturday morning during her funeral services The flowers and the coffin were led into the church overseen by Senior Pastor George Robertson (left) Loved ones were seen breaking down as they stepped outside the church following the service Fletcher's family praised her strong faith, writing in her obituary, 'She truly walked and modeled the Christian life and trusted in her unwavering faith.' She was the mother of two boys A choir opened the services with the song, 'This Little Light of Mine,' which was one of Fletcher's favorites songs that she sang for her kindergarten students A choir opened the services with the song, 'This Little Light of Mine,' which was one of Fletcher's favorites songs that she sang for her kindergarten students. Senior Pastor George Robertson delivered the opening remarks celebrating the life of Fletcher, calling her a woman of faith who worked hard her entire life to become a teacher. Robertson said that although tragically cut short, Fletcher's life moved the nation. 'It is right for us to grieve, but let us grieve with hope,' Roberston said. 'Let's carry on the legacy of our dear sister.' Fletcher's obituary stated: 'She loved her family fiercely and unconditionally. Together as a family, they enjoyed outdoor adventures including boating, water sports, hiking, running, and biking. She was deeply admired by her family and friends for her passionate dedication to motherhood.' The family also praised her strong faith, writing, 'She truly walked and modeled the Christian life and trusted in her unwavering faith.' Fletcher was last seen about 4.20am on Friday, when she was jogging (right) in Memphis and a man approached her and forced her into an SUV after a brief struggle, police said Mourners were seen hugging and comforting one another over the death of the beloved kindergarten teacher It began to rain in Memphis following the funeral cermony on Saturday morning Pictured: a trove of flowers were seen being brought into the funeral home early in the morning Pictured: Mourners gathering outside the funeral home as they prepared to go in for the service A crowd was spotted among the last group to enter the church for the funeral service Senior Pastor George Robertson (above) delivered the opening remarks celebrating the life of Fletcher Robertson said that although tragically cut short, Fletcher's life moved the nation. The reverend led the procession outside The funeral service is being held at the Second Presbyterian Church (pictured), in Memphis Eliza Fletcher is seen on her March 2014 wedding day, with her new husband Richard. The pair met at Second Presbyterian Church and were also married there 'Liza was a light to all who knew her. Her contagious smile and laughter could brighten any room. Liza was pure of heart and innocent in ways that made her see the very best in everyone she met. To know her was to love her and to be loved by her.' 'Her impact is extraordinary, as is witnessed in the prayer groups, vigils held at the homes of friends and family, church and school gatherings, and memorial runs and walks held in her honor,' they wrote. The family are requesting that anyone wishing to contribute make a donation to a fund set up in her memory at St Mary's Episcopal school, where she taught, or at the church which played such a large part in her life. Cleotha Abston, 38, appeared in court charged with the first-degree murder of Fletcher and could face the death penalty. He has not yet entered any pleas to the charges against him, but his public defender is considering a gag order Fletcher's disappearance triggered a four-day hunt for her and her kidnapper, which ended on Tuesday On Thursday Abston appeared at court in Memphis, charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and tampering with evidence - with the judge again refusing him bail ahead of another hearing on September 19. Jennifer Case, his public defender, initially argued that there was a conflict of interest in her representing him as her office had worked with him in a previous criminal matter in the early 2000. However the matter was dismissed by the judge, Louis Montesi Jr, despite him agreeing to hear her arguments regarding a gag order at a later hearing. Case argued that certain aspects of the case should not be made public after Memphis Police Chief C.J. David called Abston a 'dangerous predator'. Tennessee is a state with the death penalty, and prosecutors on Thursday said that they were not ruling it out if he is convicted. Abston wore a green prison-issued uniform and a mask and only spoke to his public defender during the short hearing. He was also handed down a second indictment on Thursday - the kidnapping and rape of another woman in 2021. Memphis police confirmed the new charges Saturday, without providing any additional information on the 2021 case in question - other than confirmation that the new counts arent tied to the Fletcher case. Abston is a career criminal who served 20 years in prison for yet another kidnapping, in that case a man. Vladimir Putin was the first world leader to congratulate King Charles III after his Accession Ceremony on Saturday. The Russian President and the new King have had a particularly frosty relationship over the years, beginning in 2014 when Charles likened Putin to Adolf Hitler. The then-prince made the withering assessment to Jewish museum volunteer Marienne Ferguson after she told him how her family had fled from Hitler. Tensions flared again in early 2022 when the King became the first member of the Royal family to publicly condemn Putin's invasion of Ukraine. He described the war as an 'an attack on democracy' and expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian public. The Russian President and the new King have had a particularly frosty relationship over the years, beginning in 2014 when Charles likened Putin to Adolf Hitler Vladimir Putin was the first world leader to congratulate King Charles III after his Accession Ceremony on Saturday King Charles is pictured with Putin in 1994 paying respects to the victims of the Leningrad siege But Putin appeared to put all differences aside this week after Queen Elizabeth II's tragic death on Thursday. He released a statement via the Russian Embassy, UK, Twitter account which read: 'Please accept my sincere congratulations on your accession to the throne. 'I wish Your Majesty success, good health and all the best.' Putin also issued a statement on Thursday, after Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming the death of the Queen. He said: 'The most important events in the recent history of the United Kingdom are inextricably linked with the name of Her Majesty. 'For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of all her subjects, as well as stature in the international arena.' Putin also issued a statement on Thursday, after Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming the death of the Queen. Pictured: The two men together in 2003, which was the last time Putin and his wife visited the Queen Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Friday the Russian leader would not attend the Queen's funeral. Pictured during Putin's trip to London in 2003 To the King, he said: 'I wish you courage and perseverance in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss.' Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Friday the Russian leader would not attend the Queen's funeral. A Russian representative will be chosen in the coming days to attend on behalf of him. The Queen last hosted Putin and his wife at Buckingham Palace in 2003. It's unclear whether Putin and King Charles III will mend fences any time soon amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Following the Hitler comparison, Putin issued a statement describing Charles' statement as 'unacceptable' and 'wrong'. 'Give my words to Prince Charles. He has been to our country more than once. If he made such a comparison it is unacceptable and I am sure he understands that as a man of manners,' he said at the time. The Russian Embassy also pointed out at the time that the King's great uncle, Edward VIII, 'was a personal friend of Hitler'. The Prince of Wales, the Queen, King Charles III and Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt during the Accession Council at St James's Palace King Charles III signing the Proclamation at St James's Palace in London this morning during the historic ceremony Here is a glimpse at the many vehicles the Queen Majesty owned throughout her 96-year lifetime. A day after Queen Elizabeth II had passed, the world mourns and fondly remembers the great, longest reigning monarch with fondness. Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year long reign was defined by her uncle, King Edward VIII's shocking abdication, paving the way for her father, King George VI to be king. Queen Elizabeth II became queen upon his passing at the age of 25. For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth would lead with grace and strength that she exuded well in her younger years. In fact, the young queen was only 13 years old when World War II broke out, sparking in her a sense of patriotism. When she was 19, she was finally allowed to join the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), where she underwent a six week long training as an auto mechanic, Grunge reported. Queen Elizabeth II's love for automobiles was visible throughout the years of her reign. Aside from her many accomplishments and contributions to the Commonwealth, the queen was also known for her collection of cars. The Drive reported that Queen Elizabeth II had a preference for British off-roaders, including the Austin K2/Y and Land Rover Defenders. Here's a closer look at some of the wheels she has driven in her 96 year lifetime. Read Also: NASA, ESA, Other Space Agencies Mourn the Passing of Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II's Collection of Cars 1. Bentley Bentayga Queen Elizabeth II had long been fond of Bentleys even before 2015, when the company presented her with the luxury 4X4. The queen was known to be chauffeured around in a Bentley State Limousine that was reportedly the second most expensive car in the world with its $11 million price tag, Slashgear reported. Meanwhile, the very first Bentayga unit, which was gifted to the queen, was presented as one of the most powerful and fastest SUVs in the world at the time of its release. 2. Land Rovers Queen Elizabeth owned several Land Rovers in different variations and is believed to own up to 30 of them throughout her 70-year reign. The late queen had a Series I and the popular Defender. But her favorite was a 2002 Defender 110, which was powered by a TD5 diesel engine and featured a raised suspension and heated seats. 3. Range Rover Her Majesty liked her cars big and powerful, which is why it comes as no surprise that she loved the Range Rover as well. According to The Sunday Times Driving, the queen owned a Range Rover LWB Landaulet with an open top that would be used during parades and a newer model that was seen during her travels in Ireland earlier this year. 4. Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Back in 1978, the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI was presented to Queen Elizabeth II for her Silver Jubilee by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It was sighted during the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton. This British luxury car is the last Rolls-Royce to be produced with a separate chassis and featured a 6.75-litre V8 and paired with a four-speed automatic gearbox. 5. Vauxhall Cresta Estate Last but certainly not the least is Queen Elizabeth II's Vauxhall Cresta Estate, which proved that she liked a regular trusty car just like normal folks. Vauxhall Motors is a British car company that was founded back in 1857 and is now headquartered in Chalton, England. It is also now a subsidiary of Stellantis. Related Article: World Leaders Take to Twitter to Express Their Condolences Following Queen Elizabeth II's Death Advertisement Queen Elizabeth II's funeral will be held on Monday, September 19 at Westminster Abbey at 11am - which King Charles today declared would be a bank holiday. The service at Westminster Abbey will be the culmination of ten days of official mourning, details of which were revealed for the first time by the Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk, who is charged with organising the huge event. The Queen will lie in state for 'four clear days' in Westminster Hall from Wednesday September 14 before the funeral, a senior palace official said. Buckingham Palace said devoted daughter Princess Anne will accompany the late monarch's body to London ahead of the funeral, the only one from the Royal Family to do so. On the day of the funeral at 10.44am the coffin will be taken in procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey where the state funeral service will take place. Queen Elizabeth II 's funeral will be held on Monday, September 19 at Westminster Abbey at 11am - which King Charles today declared would be a bank holiday. Pictured: the final picture of the Queen as she waited to meet new Conservative Party leader Liz Truss on Tuesday, September 6 Devoted daughter Princess Anne (pictured today looking at tributes to her mother at Balmoral) will accompany the late monarch's body to London ahead of the funeral, Buckingham Palace confirmed Following the funeral, the coffin will be taken again in procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch, and from there to Windsor by road, where the Queen will be laid to rest in St George's Chapel, alongside her late husband the Duke of Edinburgh. The Queen's coffin which is lying in the ballroom at Balmoral Castle will be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Sunday September 11, on a six-hour journey by hearse, covering 175 miles. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the 'poignant' journey would give the public a chance to come together to 'mark our country's shared loss'. Wellwishers are expected to gather along the route and Ms Sturgeon and other party leaders in Scotland are expected to watch the coffin as it goes past the Scottish Parliament. On Monday the coffin will be taken to St Giles' Cathedral where it will lie in rest until Tuesday. After lying in state for 24 hours, the coffin will be flown to RAF Northolt on Tuesday and taken by road to Buckingham Palace. It will be taken to Westminster Hall on Wednesday for lying-in-state until the morning of the funeral on September 19. Members of the public will be able to see the coffin as it lies in state. The Queen's coffin which is lying in the Ballroom at Balmoral Castle will be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Sunday September 11, on a six-hour journey by hearse The Princess Royal looked at floral tributes today by the gates of Balmoral Estate after attending a private family service in memory of the Queen at Crathie Kirk church near Balmoral When her coffin arrives in Edinburgh it will be taken to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen in Scotland, before a service is held at St Giles' Cathedral on Tuesday King Charles will lead the nation in mourning on Monday as he walks at the head of a procession of the Queen's coffin through the streets of Edinburgh. He will be at the front of the royal party heading from the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and up the Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral, it has been announced. The King and Queen Consort will fly to Edinburgh with Prince William and other members of the Royal Family to lead the procession. Some members of the family will follow in cars, with others walking. King Charles will be at the front of the royal party heading from the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and up the Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral After the ceremonies in Edinburgh, the coffin will be flown to RAF Northolt and from there will be taken by road to Buckingham Palace She will then lie in state for 24 hours before being transported by plane to RAF Northolt and from there will be taken by road to Buckingham Palace. Members of the public will be able to see the monarch lying in state at St Giles and later in London at Westminster Hall. Thousands of people will be able to file past to see the late monarch's coffin - and further details of how the public can attend will be announced in the coming days. A spokesman for the King said the monarch's main focus will be leading the royal family and nation in mourning over the coming days. 'Whilst, in the next few days, the King will carry out all the necessary state duties, his main focus will be leading the Royal Family, the nation, the Realms and the Commonwealth in mourning Her Majesty The Queen. This will include meeting members of the public, to share in their grief,' the spokesman said. The man in charge of the huge funeral operation, the Earl Marshall the Duke of Norfolk has confirmed for the first time that the funeral will take place on Monday September 19 at 11am in Westminster Abbey. The Queen will lie in state in St Giles in Edinburgh and then in Westminster Hall in London for 'four clear days'. Pictured: the late King George VI lies in state in the chapel in Windsor The Duke of Norfolk said he and other staff were carrying out their task 'with a heavy heart'. He said: 'As the person with overall responsibility for delivering the funeral, let me end by saying that, together with so many colleagues from within The Royal Household, the Armed Forces, the Police, and other institutions of Church and State, we will carry out our duty over the coming days with the heaviest of hearts. 'But also, with the firmest of resolve to ensure a fitting farewell to one of the defining figures of our times; a monarch whom we were truly privileged to have had as the Head of State of our country and the Realms, and Head of the wider Commonwealth. 'While His Majesty The King was speaking about his family, I think it applies to us all when he said in his broadcast yesterday that: 'We owe her the most heartfelt debt.' I think we can, in some way, repay that debt by carrying out her last wishes in delivering Her Majesty The Queen's Funeral.' Staff at Balmoral (pictured) are paying their final respects to the Queen, who died at her beloved Scottish residence on Thursday The Queen's body is currently lying in the ballroom of Balmoral Castle, her Highland home, the coffin cloaked in the Royal Standard of Scotland with a wreath of flowers. Details of the committal ceremony when the Queen will be buried in Windsor The committal ceremony will take place in St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle after the funeral on Monday, September 19. The Queen will be laid to rest alongside her late husband the Duke of Edinburgh. It is expected large crowds will come to the town in the days leading up to the ceremony. People are advised to lay tributes at Cambridge Gate in the Long Walk. Thames Valley Police said to expect a larger police presence and road closures will be communicated in due course. Advertisement Tomorrow at 10am, a bearer party formed of six gamekeepers from the estate will carry the coffin into a hearse and it will begin the six-hour, 175-mile journey to Edinburgh, with mourners paying their last respects at many points along the way. On arrival at Holyrood, a Guard of Honour formed from The Royal Regiment of Scotland will be positioned in the Forecourt where the coffin will be received with a Royal Salute. A military Bearer Party from The Royal Regiment of Scotland will carry the coffin into the Palace to the Throne Room where it will remain for nearly 24 hours until the afternoon of Monday September 12, allowing the the staff of Holyroodhouse to pay their final respects. On Monday, the coffin will be taken from the Palace of Holyroodhouse at 2.35pm in procession to St Giles's Cathedral. The King and The Queen Consort will travel to Edinburgh from London to join the procession which will set off from the forecourt of the palace to the cathedral. At 2.55pm the Coffin will be carried into St Giles's Cathedral, where The Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, Hereditary Keeper of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, will place the Crown of Scotland onto the Coffin. Following the service, the coffin will rest at St Giles' Cathedral for a period of 24 hours to enable the people of Scotland to pay their last respects. Continuous vigils will be mounted on the coffin, including one by the King and Members of the Royal Family, known as the Vigil of the Princes, at 7.20 pm. On Tuesday at 5.00pm, following prayers conducted by the Minister, the coffin will be taken by Hearse from St Giles' to Edinburgh Airport from where it will depart in a Royal Air Force aircraft for RAF Northolt. A Guard of Honour, found by the Royal Company of Archers, will give a Royal Salute as the Coffin departs the Cathedral. Under the Operation Unicorn plan, the Queen is to travel from Balmoral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse by road The Hearse will move directly to Edinburgh Airport and a bearer, Princess Anne and Professor David Fergusson, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland will accompany it to London, arriving at Northolt at 6.55pm. On arrival at Northolt, the hearse will then depart for Buckingham Palace and will be taken to the Bow Room where it will be placed on trestles in the centre of the room. The poignant moment will be witnessed by The King and Queen Consort along with other Members of the Royal Family. On Wednesday the coffin will be adorned with the Imperial State Crown, along with a wreath of flowers. Prayers will be said by the Dean of the Chapels Royal in the presence of The King, The Queen Consort and other Royals. At 2.22 p.m. the coffin will be moved from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall for lying-in-State which will end the following Monday, the morning of the State Funeral. The will be taken in Procession on a Gun Carriage of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, recalling memories of the State Funeral of King George VI in 1952. The route will take in Queen's Gardens, The Mall, Horse Guards and Horse Guards Arch, Whitehall, Parliament Street, Parliament Square and New Palace Yard. The procession on foot will include the King and members of the Royal Family, senior staff of both The Queen's and The King's Households, all positioned to the rear of the gun carriage. Close personal staff, supported by the military found by the Household Division, will follow behind. The procession will be an intimate, dignified affair, simply walking in silence without music, by contrast to the full-scale State ceremonial procession at the funeral itself on Monday. On the day of the funeral, Monday September 19, at 10.44am, the coffin will be taken in procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey where the State Funeral Service will take place. Following the Funeral, the coffin will be taken again in procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch, and from there to Windsor by road, where the Queen will be laid to rest in St George's Chapel, alongside her late husband the Duke of Edinburgh. Full details of how the public can attend the Lying in State Ceremonies will be announced by government colleagues in the coming days. 'One last story Ma'am': Mourner leaves a copy of Paddington At The Rainbow's End amongst tributes to the late Queen in Scotland Scots mourning the late Elizabeth II have continued to pay tribute to her, two days after her death. People are still leaving flowers and other tributes at both Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire and at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh - where one visitor left a copy of Michael Bond's book Paddington At The Rainbow's End. A note written on it said simply: 'One last story Ma'am. X' A film issued as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations earlier this year had featured the late monarch taking tea with the famous bear. Aberdeenshire Council issued a reminder that there is 'no vehicle access to Balmoral for leaving floral tributes', saying people should instead use park and ride services from the nearby villages of Ballater and Braemar. 'Please note services are expected to be very busy, so please allow plenty of time for your journey,' the statement added. Meanwhile in Edinburgh, outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a table was set up where two security guards were cutting the plastic off bunches of flowers so that people can lay them on the ground. Stewards and police officers said the plastic is being removed for environmental reasons and to make it easier to replant the flowers later on. Advertisement How Britain mourned loss of its last monarch: The Queen's father King George VI's funeral was held at St George's Chapel after his death in 1952, which prompted 300,000 people to file past his coffin as it lay in state in Westminster Hall By Harry Howard, History Correspondent for MailOnline It was when she was aged just 25 that the then Princess Elizabeth received the worst possible news. She and her husband Prince Philip were in Kenya, staying at the Sagana game-viewing Lodge, when they were told on February 6, 1952, that her father, King George VI, had died. He had been suffering from lung cancer. The couple had been married for just five years, and their lives were now changed irrevocably. The official announcement from Sandringham, where he died, read: 'The King, who retired to rest last night in his usual health, passed peacefully away in his sleep early this morning.' The royal couple arrived home on February 7 and were photographed being greeted at what was then the London Airport by the Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Queen Mary was first to pay formal homage, kissing her granddaughter's hand that afternoon. The next day, February 8, Princess Elizabeth was formally proclaimed Queen. Preparations quickly began for his funeral. The King's coffin was taken by train from Sandringham to London on February 11, and was met by the Queen, the Queen Mother and Queen Mary, the King's mother, who had traveled by car. In just three days of the coffin lying in Westminster Hall, more than 300,000 mourners came to pay their respects to the monarch who had led Britain through the Second World War. BBC presenter Richard Dimbleby said during the broadcast of the Westminster Hall proceedings, said: 'Never safer, better guarded, lay a sleeping king than this, with a golden candlelight to warm his resting place, and the muffled footsteps of his devoted subjects to keep him company.' On the day of the funeral, February 15, George's coffin was draped in the royal standard, with a crown, orb and sceptre lain on top. It then made its way in a formal televised procession to Paddington Station. It was carried on a gun carriage that was hauled by Royal Navy seamen as the Queen, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret were among those who followed. As it made it way through London, the bells of Big Ben rang out 56 times, with each chime representing a year of the late King's life. Once at Paddington, the coffin was taken to Windsor, where a simple service was held for the King in St George's Chapel, where successive monarchs have been buried for centuries. When the funeral got underway at 2pm, the nation fell silent, with even passengers on a transatlantic flight to New York rising from their seats to bow their heads. The service, in which television cameras were banned, was presided over by the then Archbishop of Canterbury Geoffrey Fisher and the Archbishop of York Cyril Garbett. Once the service was over, George was buried in the Royal Vault of St George's Chapel. Elizabeth's final tribute to her father was to drop a handful of earth that she had collected from Frogmore at Windsor on his coffin. King George VI's funeral was held in St George's Chapel at Windsor on February 15, 1952. Above: The new Queen stands by after her father's coffin has been lowered into the royal vault In just three days of the coffin lying in Westminster Hall, more than 300,000 mourners came to pay their respects in scenes that were televised on the BBC The queue to file past the coffin stretched for miles. Above: Part of the enormous queue of people is seen on London's Embankment The King had been on the throne since December 1936 and had only become King when his brother, Edward VIII, abdicated so he could marry divorcee Wallis Simpson. Above: The King in 1937 (left) and May 1951, eight months before his death Princess Elizabeth and Philip's visit to Kenya was part of a long-planned international tour that had been supposed to be carried out by the King. Because he was too ill to travel, the young couple went on his behalf. The King had been on the throne since December 1936 and had only become King when his brother, Edward VIII, abdicated so he could marry divorcee Wallis Simpson. The couple had been staying at Sagana Lodge after it was gifted to them as a wedding present by the people of Kenya. The day before the King's death, they had been staying at the the Treetops Hotel, in Aberdare Forest. Back in the UK, the King was discovered by his valet at around 7.30am, with news of his death conveyed to Buckingham Palace by phone, using the code name 'Hyde Park Corner'. Due to their remote location, it took some time for the news to reach the princess. It was first recounted by a senior courtier to the princess's private secretary, Martin Charteris. He then phoned Prince Philip's aide, and then Philip told Elizabeth. As he heard the news of the King's death, Philip looked as if 'you'd dropped half the world on him', according to one close aide. But Elizabeth was composed even at a time of such grief. Lord Charteris, her then private secretary, recalled seeing the new Queen seated at her desk in the Lodge shortly after being told the news. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, but there were no tears. She was ready to fulfil the role for which she had been carefully prepared. The Queen arrived home from Kenya on February 7 and was photographed looking crestfallen as she walked down the steps of her plane at London Airport. Once on the tarmac, she was greeted by Prime Minister Winston Churchill Queen Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, widow of King George VI, and Queen Mary at London King's Cross railway station for the arrival of the special train bringing the coffin of King George VI from Sandringham, February 11, 1952 The King's body lies in state in Westminster Hall, guarded by beefeaters and horse guards. The coffin lay there for three days Her Majesty was named as the new monarch by the Accession Council before Elizabeth had arrived back in London. After returning home the following day, Princess Elizabeth formally proclaimed herself Queen and Head of the Commonwealth and Defender of the Faith on at St James's Palace. Her official proclamation read: ' By the sudden death of my dear father I am called to assume the duties and responsibilities of sovereignty. 'My heart is too full for me to say more to you today than I shall always work, as my father did throughout his reign, to advance the happiness and prosperity of my peoples, spread as they are all the world over.' The King's funeral procession from Westminster Hall was televised by the BBC, although there were only around 1.5million television sets in a population of around 50million. Most people who were not able to line the streets in person would have listened to the proceedings on the radio. A total of 305,806 people filed past his coffin in Westminster Hall. The queues for people to pay their respects stretched for miles. On the day of his funeral, the Royal Family gathered in Westminster Hall, while millions waited on the streets outside. The gun carriage that carried his body had also held his father, King George V, on the day of his funeral. The King's coffin was taken by train from Sandringham to London on February 11, and was met by the Queen, the Queen Mother and Queen Mary, the King's mother Duke of Edinburgh, Duke of Gloucester, Duke of Windsor, and the Duke of Kent in the procession as the King's coffin moves from the Palace Yard, Westminster, on its way to Paddington station Guns are seen being fired in tribute to the King on February 7. A salute of 56 guns were fired, the number of guns to the number of years he lived The Coffin of his Majesty seen on the gun carriage as it passed through the streets of Windsor, to its last resting place. On the coffin are the Queen Mother's wreath, the Imperial state Crown and the Sceptre and Orb, symbols of Majesty The body of King George VI (1895 - 1952) lying in state in Westminster Hall, London, before being taken to St George's Chapel, Windsor, for burial. The coffin is guarded by beefeaters and horse guards Thousands of mourners are seen standing solemnly as the King's coffin makes its way through London to Paddington station Hundreds of mourners line the streets as the King's funeral procession nears Paddington station, where it made the journey to Windsor The coffin of King George VI passes through Marble Arch as it is flanked by dozens of sailors. The Queen followed the procession as it made it way to Paddington Thousands are seen lining the streets as the King's funeral procession passes by after lying in state in Westminster Hall The funeral procession turns into Edgward Road, near Marble Arch. Thousands of mourners stand in silence Queen Elizabeth II leaving the funeral train after its arrival at Kings Cross Station from Sandringham he funeral cortege of King George VI makes its way through Parliament Square, London. The king's coffin is carried on a gun carriage, on top of which rests the Crown on the Royal Standard Members of the Royal Family entering St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle in the company of the King's Company Grenadier Guards The Queen was then among the royals and courtiers who followed the procession as it made its way to Paddington. The Daily Mail reported at the time: 'The mile-long procession wound along Whitehall and across the Horse Guards Parade. 'There were sadness and pomp in plenty - the measured tread of the Guards, the mournful lament of the pipers, the ultimate pity and loneliness of the coffin with its single white wreath. 'Many wept as the Queen came by, a pale face shrouded by black veils.' The final service at St George's Chapel was also described in intricate detail by the paper. It read: 'One moment it seemed that the King was with us, and the next that he had gone. Slowly his draped coffin sank upon its purple-shrouded bier beneath the chancel floor of St George's Chapel, Windsor. 'Slowly, almost imperceptibly, it faded from our sight. The Daily Mail's coverage of the King's death was delved into intricate detail of the monarch's final journey from Westminster Hall to Windsor's St George's Chapel, via Paddington station 'But a moment before and our new Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth, had taken the Colour of the King's Company, the Grenadier Guards, and had placed it on the end of the coffin. 'Then, as all that is mortal of her father sank into its purple sepulchre,, she stepped forward and sprinkled earth on to the coffin.' It added: 'In that moment it seemed that this slim slight figure who has borne the intense nervous strains of the past ten days with magnificent composure was dedicated and set apart. 'In that moment the young Queen, bidding mute farewell to her father and predecessor on the Throne, had taken her place in the long and glorious roll of those who have worn the Crown.' After the funeral at Windsor, around 2,000 people were allowed in to see the wreaths which covered the lawns. Advertisement The King ordered his warring sons to set aside their ongoing feud ahead of the Queen's funeral, leading the pair to reunite in public for the first time in more than a year, it was last night revealed. Royal sources say Prince William attempted to bury the hatchet by extending an '11th-hour olive branch' to his younger brother Prince Harry, by asking him to join him on a walkabout outside Windsor Castle following a phone call with his father Charles. In a scene that clearly delighted royal fans, who had come in their hundreds to the gates of the Windsor estate to mourn the Queen's death, William and Harry walked out side-by-side with wives Kate and Meghan. The two couples went on an 40-minute walkabout inspecting the sea of floral tributes laid outside the gates of the royal estate in honour of the much-loved monarch. Experts predict the moment could provide a turning point in the frayed relationship between newly-titled Waleses, and the Sussexes, who have been at odds following a series of damaging interviews by Harry and Meghan. The Montecito-based Sussexes were consequently in the UK on a pseudo royal tour when the Queen's health suddenly deteriorated on Thursday. It is believed the Sussexes had not previously made any plans to meet with the Waleses, despite staying in Frogmore Cottage, just 700 yards from William and Kate's Adelaide Cottage. However both William and Harry raced to Balmoral on Thursday after it became clear the Queen's health was faltering. A Kensington Palace spokesperson said that the Prince of Wales had invited the Sussexes to join him and the Princess of Wales during yesterday evening's walkabout. However, according to The Times, the camps required extended negotiations beforehand which delayed their arrival by 45 minutes. A senior Palace source said: 'The Prince of Wales invited the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier. 'The Prince of Wales thought it was an important show of unity for the Queen at an incredibly difficult time for the family.' The Sussexes' friend and preferred journalist Omid Scobie later claimed on Twitter that the invitation was made at the '11th hour'. However, hinting that William is prepared to extend Harry an olive branch and work towards melting the ice between them, he declared: 'It is, without a doubt, a significant moment in the history of the relationship between the two brothers'. Yesterday's surprise appearance is thought to be the first time that the two couples have all been in public together since Commonwealth Day on March 9, 2020. And it is the first time William and Harry have been seen together in public since they joined for the opening of the memorial in honour of their mother, Princess Diana. Harry and Meghan, who sensationally quit frontline duties two years ago to strike out on their own in California and then levied a series of bombshell allegations against The Firm, held hands as they looked at the tributes, with Harry at one point affectionately putting his hand on Meghan's back. They were seen pointing at different tributes and discussing them as members of the crowd waved at them. At one moment, a small Paddington Bear toy was given to William, which he passed on to an aide. He was seen lightly touching Kate's back at one poignant moment. At one point Kate crouched down and began speaking to a child who had started to cry. The child stopped crying when Kate approached her. One well-wisher said Kate 'welled up' as she told children that her youngest son Louis - who stole the hearts of the nation during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations - consoled her by telling her: 'At least Grannie is with great grandpa now.' Another royal fan who spoke to Harry and Meghan told MailOnline: 'It's lovely to see them both together. Maybe they can get back to a proper relationship. Lovely ripple went through the crowd as they approached. Hopefully the healing between Harry and his brother can start now. I'm just so excited to have seen them both together. It's lovely.' Another added: 'It might build some bridges. It might have been the Queen's wish.' And one girl, who hugged Meghan during the walkabout, said she was pleased to see the Waleses and the Sussexes back together again. Just moments earlier, the Prince of Wales paid an emotional tribute to his late 'Grannie', describing the beloved monarch as an 'extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute' and admitting it would be 'some time' before her loss 'will truly feel real'. Yesterday, on another historic day: Royal courtiers announced that the Queen's funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday September 19 at 11am; Senior palace officials revealed that Her Majesty's oak coffin, which is lying in the Ballroom at Balmoral Castle, will be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Sunday September 11, on a six-hour journey by hearse. The Queen will then lie in state for 'four clear days' in Westminster Hall from Wednesday September 14 before the state funeral; The Duke of York wrapped his arms around his family including his brother and sister-in-law Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex shortly after getting out of a cavalcade of Range Rovers before waving to a crowd of mourners at the Aberdeenshire estate en route to a private church service; Prince Andrew consoled his weeping daughters Eugenie and Beatrice, before making a touching tribute about his mother; King Charles III was formally proclaimed in a historic ceremony at St James's Palace in London. He made a personal tribute to his 'dear mama' before vowing to uphold the British constitution. Later he was driven to Buckingham Palace, where he held audiences with Prime Minister Liz Truss, senior members of her Cabinet, and the Archbishop of Canterbury; Upon leaving the palace for Clarence House, the King and Queen Consort Camilla greeted well-wishers on Stable Yard, off The Mall. Cheers and applause rang out as they shook hands with and accepted bouquets of flowers from people who had waited for hours. Shouts of 'God save the King' were heard along with a chorus of the national anthem. Royal sources say Prince William extended an '11th-hour olive branch' to his young brother Prince Harry by asking him to join him on a walkabout (pictured) outside Windsor Castle following a phone call with his father Charles Experts predict the moment could prove a turning point in the frayed relationship between newly-titled Waleses and the Sussexes (pictured here together in 2020), who have been at odds following a number of damaging interviews by Harry and Meghan about the royals In a scene which delighted royal fans, who had come to the gates of the Windsor estate mourn the Queen's death, William and Harry walked out side-by-side wives Kate and Meghan (pictured) King Charles III greets members of the public outside Clarence House, London, after he was formally proclaimed monarch by the Privy Council, and held audiences at Buckingham Palace Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on the long Walk at Windsor Castle to greet well-wishers The Prince and Princess of Wales view the tributes left after the Death of Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle The new Prince and Princess of Wales look sombre as they prepare to face the public and look upon the enormous floral tribute laid out in tribute to Her Majesty the Queen Meghan is seen gazing at Kate as the four admire the floral tributes King Charles III's sons Harry and William inspecting floral tributes at Windsor Castle yesterday evening William and Harry are seen conversing as they reunite to mourn their grandmother, the Queen The Duke and Duchess of Sussex view the tributes left at Windsor Castle after the death of Queen Elizabeth II The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex outside the gates of Windsor Castle William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince Harry and Meghan walk outside Windsor Castle Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex view the floral tributes for the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Windsor Castle The Prince and Princess of Wales view the tributes left after the Death of Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle The two royal couples inspect the floral tributes left outside the gates of Windsor Castle yesterday evening The Sussexes stopped to shake hands and speak with the large crowd of mourners gathered A mindful security guard stands watch as the Sussexes shake hands and exchange pleasantries with members of the public One excited little girl gets special attention from the Duchess of Sussex she kneels down to clasp hands and share a kind smile The couple landed back in the UK last weekend intending to attend charity events when the Queen died at Balmoral The Prince of Wales yesterday paid tribute to his late 'Grannie' Queen Elizabeth II, describing the beloved monarch as an 'extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute'. In a heartbreaking statement, Prince William revealed how Her Majesty - who died at Balmoral Castle on Thursday aged 96 - had provided him and his wife Kate Middleton 'wisdom and reassurance' and their children 'memories that will last them a lifetime' King Charles III greets members of the public outside Clarence House, London King Charles III meeting well-wishers as he returns to Clarence House from Buckingham Palace Girl, 14, who hugged Meghan said she felt 'it was the right thing to do' A teenager who hugged Meghan Markle as she, Prince Harry, Prince William and wife Kate greeted royal fans outside Windsor Castle yesterday said: 'I felt it was the right thing to do'. The 14-year-old girl spoke to American news channel CNN after she was filmed hugging the Duchess of Sussex. She said: 'We were waiting for them to come and she came in and asked my name and how long I was waiting and I asked if she can have a hug, and she hugged me back. It was an amazing moment, I'm still shaking now. Asked why she felt like she wanted to hug her, she said: 'Everyone was kind of cheering me on and I guess I felt like I needed to in the way, because I look up to her in someway and it felt like the right thing to do. Asked if she felt sorry for her, she replied: 'Because of the Queen died, but also because of everything (with the Royal Family) but I thought it was quite nice to see William and Kate and Meghan and Harry together. I just wanted to show that she was welcome here (in the UK).' Advertisement At Windsor, a member of the crowd was seen telling the Prince of Wales that they 'loved him' during the visit. One person was seen saying to William: 'I love you William' while others called out his name. 'Hi, hi, hello, everyone', he replied to those saying hello, and said: 'Thank you, thank you so much' to others while shaking their hands. Another member of the crowd was seen giving William a bottle with flowers inside, which the Prince of Wales remarked was 'well adapted'. William appeared to be in good spirits while he met well-wishers, at some points laughing and joking with members of the crowd. In other moments he was seen being more sombre while having candid conversations with the public. Meanwhile, the Duchess of Sussex was seen being given a close hug by a young girl in the crowd at Windsor Castle. Meghan walked over to a section of the crowd and approached a teenager, who was seen putting her hand over her mouth in shock. The pair spoke briefly for a few moments and Meghan could be seen assuring her by putting her hand on her shoulder. The girl then said: 'Can I have a hug?' and Meghan was seen nodding, before leaning in and giving her a big hug. The touching moment was filmed by other members in the crowd. The 14-year-old later spoke to American news channel, CNN. She said: 'We were waiting for them to come and she came in and asked my name and how long I was waiting and I asked if she can have a hug, and she hugged me back. It was an amazing moment, I'm still shaking now. Asked why she felt like she wanted to hug her, she said: 'Everyone was kind of cheering me on and I guess I felt like I needed to in the way, because I look up to her in someway and it felt like the right thing to do. Asked if she felt sorry for her, she replied: 'Because of the Queen died, but also because of everything (with the Royal Family) but I thought it was quite nice to see William and Kate and Meghan and Harry together. I just wanted to show that she was welcome here (in the UK).' One mourner said: 'We couldn't believe it when the gates opened, and we saw William and Harry walk down with Meghan and Kate. Princess of Wales reveals son Prince Louiss sweet tribute A 'tearful' Princess of Wales has revealed Prince Louiss sweet tribute to his great-grandmother the Queen. Prince William and Harry, along with their wives Kate and Meghan Markle, went on a 40-minute walkabout at Windsor Castle inspecting the sea of floral tributes this evening. Among the crowd on the Long Walk, Banita Ranow, 28, said she heard Kate tell children next to her about what her youngest son Louis had said about the Queen's death. She said Kate told the children: 'Louis said at least Grannie is with great grandpa now.' Ms Ranow said Kate was 'welling up' as she spoke to the children. Advertisement 'I'll be honest there was a little bit of a groan when Harry and Meghan came down our side, but I passed him a bunch of flowers and he was happy to take them. 'I'm pleased that they came out together and as a family I'm delighted that they all took the time to come and say hello to the crowds. 'Sad things like funerals bring families together so I hope that when they get back to California they think long and hard about everything that's happened.' Scott and Penny Dunn, who live locally with their daughters Olivia and Ruby, 13 and 10, were also among the many well-wishers. Mrs Dunn, 42, told The Telegraph: 'They asked our daughters what flowers they bought, we brought roses because the Queen was very special. 'I said it was lovely to see both of the boys together. She said "at times like this you've got to come together", which I thought was really nice. It's nice to see them together.' Mr Dunn, 46, added: 'It was a real privilege. She asked the girls how old they were and where they've come from. It was amazing.' Winnie Davidge, 13, from Godalming, Surrey asked Harry: 'Are you missing the Queen?' He replied: 'The castle feels so quiet. You can feel her presence in every room.' Jacqui Carbery, 48, of Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, who spoke to William, said: 'I told him I was so sorry for his familys loss. 'I told him his grandmother was such a remarkable woman. He said to me, "Its difficult to put into words how much she meant to me and to everyone",' according to The Sun. While the Prince of Wales was greeting the public, sensei Amie Benton also offered Prince William karate lessons. She told him he could call her if he needed her help and was 'only round the corner'. William added he needed to get fitter. The royals looks happy and enchanted by their encounters with the British public as they wave to the crowds William, Prince of Wales, greeting people outside Windsor Castle, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II An animated Prince Harry greets people and interacts with the public as he walks outside Windsor Castle Catherine, Princess of Wales, warmly greets people and shakes hands and exchanges words with well-wishers outside Windsor Castle Meghan stopped to chat to the mourners gathered The Princess of Wales, the Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex meeting members of the public at Windsor Castle in Berkshire following the death of Queen Elizabeth II Harry paid special attention to possibly the youngest among the crowd as he greeted well-wishers outside the gates of Windsor Castle yesterday evening William greets a child in the crowd outside the gates of Windsor Castle during the walkabout William and Kate greet well-wishers gathered outside Windsor Castle yesterday evening, with William diligently looking over a card drawn up by a young royal fan One Meghan super-fan managed to get a hug from the Duchess of Sussex during last night's walkabout Harry takes the hand of a well-wisher and gets in close to have a personal moment William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, look at floral tributes as they walk outside Windsor Castle The Prince and Princess of Wales view the tributes left at Windsor Castle after the death of Queen Elizabeth II The Princess of Wales meeting members of the public at Windsor Castle in Berkshire Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, meets members of the public on the long Walk at Windsor Castle after viewing flowers and tributes to HM Queen Elizabeth The Duchess of Sussex shakes the hand of a little girl perched on top of her father's shoulders at Windsor Castle The Princess of Wales hugs a man over the barriers at Windsor Castle in Berkshire following the death of Queen Elizabeth II How royal fans who met the Waleses and Sussexes reacted as they visited Windsor together Colin Newton, from Liverpool, was among those that met William and Kate, and shared with them he was celebrating his 85th birthday. He said: 'I told them it was my birthday and how old I was and he said 'Happy Birthday' which was great and I won't forget it in a hurry. William said thank you for coming and I said I was sorry for his loss and Kate was also grateful we had come. 'It was all very warm and people were clapping them. There was no hostility or animosity and I just hope the brothers get back together and patch their differences up.' Harry and Meghan worked one side of the crowd while his brother and Kate greeted well wishers on the opposite side before they switched over. Chauffeur Jason Kilmartin, 42, told MailOnline: 'I was really lucky and I got to meet all four of them and I'm so excited. I've met Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz but meeting William, Kate, Harry and Meghan all in one go tops all that. I spoke to William more than the others and he said that reading all the messages from children on the flowers had really got to him. 'He said it had really impacted him and Kate because their children had just started school as well and he seemed quite emotional about it. 'Kate was also saying it was good their children were at school and she thanked us for coming and then they moved off and Harry and Meghan came over. 'We shook hands and I said I was sorry for their loss and they thanked us for coming before they moved on.' Jason's father in law, Micheal Wood, 72, who was with him, said: 'Harry and Meghan said thanks for coming, the family appreciate it and it was good to see both brothers together. 'The crowd were cheering them and clapping them and there were no boos. I think there was genuine appreciation from people that both brothers and their wives had come out.' Kevin Hart, 56, and his wife Maxine, 58, had travelled from nearby Reading to pay their respects and were delighted to see William, Harry and both their wives. Kevin said: 'With all that's gone on between then it was quite soothing to see them all together and there was real genuine warmth in the crowd for Meghan although to be fair I think most people wanted to meet Kate. 'There was no animosity from people towards Harry and Meghan and he and William seemed to be getting on OK but who really knows what's going on behind closed doors.' Maxine said: 'It was great to both William and Harry together because it was a sense of unity and that's what's important. 'I think fact Charles said the other night he wished them both well has helped maybe smooth things over with the public's feelings towards Harry and Meghan. 'Harry didn't seem on edge at all like he usually does and I think he was genuinely appreciative of people coming out here to offer their condolences.' Advertisement And a family of Manchester United fans bonded with the Duke of Sussex outside Windsor Castle. Angela Fleming, 35, Jenson Fleming, six, Jacob Fleming, nine, Jamie Thomas, nine, Mason Thomas, 16, Jo Brown, 38, and Debbie Brown, 60, from Windsor and Bracknell, Berkshire, had been waiting for over an hour when the duke and duchess approached them. Harry clearly noticed Jacob, Jamie and Jenson's Manchester United shirts as he said: 'You all support Manchester United?' When they confirmed that they did, the duke shook Jacob, Jamie and Jenson's hands and said: 'How very convenient. I'm just glad you're supporting the same team, how long have you been here for?' Ms Brown said: 'About an hour and a half but it was worth it.' Harry replied: 'Thank you for that. At least it's not raining.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex plunged the monarchy into crisis during the twilight years of the Queen's reign after sensationally quitting frontline royal duties and moving to California two years ago - a saga which precipitated the rift between Harry and his brother William, allegations of racism against the royals and claims the Firm failed to help a suicidal Meghan. After their bombshell interview with US talk show host Oprah Winfrey, Harry appeared to suggest, in a mental health podcast, that his father and the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh had all failed as parents - while the family was still mourning Prince Philip's death last year. The Duke of Sussex had grief etched on his face as he was swept into the grounds of Windsor Castle yesterday afternoon after losing a race against time to get to his grandmother's bedside before she died on Thursday. King Charles III went to Buckingham Palace to meet fellow mourners this afternoon where he shook hands and accepted their condolences to cries of 'God save the King' and impromptu renditions of the national anthem. One woman kissed him on the cheek. He also inspected flowers and tributes left for his late mother at the gates before entering the palace. Harry landed at Heathrow this lunchtime after jumping on an early morning BA flight where he comforted an airport worker with a reassuring hand on her shoulder after she gave him her condolences. He left Balmoral after 12 hours mourning his grandmother with his father and brother - but despite the brevity of the visit, the Sussexes are not expected to return to California until after the state funeral, currently expected to be ten days from now on Monday, September 19. The Duke of Sussex was the last royal to arrive at the Aberdeenshire castle and the first to leave. Harry and Meghan's titles have not changed, and, although the duke has moved up from sixth to fifth in line to the throne, he is still too far down the line of succession to ever be expected to be king. The Sussexes' children, Archie and Lili, are now, as the grandchildren of a monarch, a prince and a princess. But it is not known whether they will use the titles, which they were not entitled to when they were born. Following the death of the Queen, Harry and Meghan are left with Charles as King and head of The Firm, and William elevated to the key role of heir apparent. While Harry and Meghan appeared to have invested their time developing their bond with the Queen, their relationship with Charles and William has been greatly troubled. In April 2022, Harry, after meeting the Queen face to face for the first time in two years, told US network NBC he was making sure she was 'protected' and had the 'right people around her'. He sidestepped a question about whether he missed Charles and William, having met his father for just 15 minutes while briefly back in the UK. In the Oprah interview in 2021, Harry said he felt let down by Charles and that 'there's a lot of hurt that's happened', and said his father stopped taking his calls in the build-up to their Megxit announcement. In a move likely to have enraged William, Meghan accused the Duchess of Cambridge of making her cry in the run-up to her wedding, and the palace of failing to correct reports that it had been the other way round. In 2019 Harry laid bare his rift with William, telling an ITV documentary crew that he and William were on 'different paths' and had good and bad days. He went on to tell Oprah that he loved his brother but their relationship was 'space at the moment', adding 'time heals all things, hopefully'. The royals are also bracing themselves for Harry's memoirs, due out later in 2022, amid fears they could reopen old wounds and spark a new crisis. William waving at the crowd of well-wishers while Kate and Harry smile and Meghan looks on Harry and Meghan and Kate and will greet well-wishers at Windsor Castle as they pay tribute to the late Queen Prince Harry playfully interacts with well-wishers outside Windsor Castle yesterday evening A police officer lays flowers, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, in Windsor Well-wishers laid floral tributes outside the gates of Windsor Castle ahead of the royal walkabout Members of the public queue to pay their respects at Windsor Castle in Berkshire Down to work! King Charles III meets Liz Truss, her Cabinet and the Archbishop of Canterbury on his first day in office after officially taking the throne King Charles III has had a busy first working day following his official accession to the throne. The newly-proclaimed King has met with government and church leaders in his first official engagements as monarch, less than 48 hours after the Queen's death was announced. The new King held a meeting with Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of the Cabinet in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace. He also held audiences with opposition leaders and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England. The King's meetings with the Prime Minister and senior politicians are famously discreet, with former PMs recalling only the scantest, mainly amusing details in their tributes to the Queen in parliament yesterday. The King's schedule yesterday shows he had meetings with the Archbishop of Canterbury at 2pm, with Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of her new cabinet at 2.30pm, and with opposition leaders including Labour's Sir Keir Starmer at 3pm. The meetings came at half an hour intervals, with the King's last audience in the released schedule at 4pm with the Dean of Westminster. Advertisement Harry travelled to Balmoral to join his father, brother and family at the Queen's bedside, but Meghan remained down south. Harry headed back to Meghan at 8.28am, where he was sat alone in the rear of a Range Rover as he was driven out of the Royal Family's Scottish home, where he had arrived at 7.52pm last night. He was swept into Aberdeen airport at 9.20am, led by five police outriders, and boarded a flight to London leaving at 10am. Harry wore a black suit and carried a shoulder bag as he walked towards the steps of the plane. An airport worker offered her sympathies as the Prince was about to walk up the steps of a British Airways aircraft. The woman, who was dressed in a high- visibility yellow jacket, addressed Prince Harry. The royal smiled and patted her gently in the shoulder before boarding the aircraft for London's Heathrow Airport. Grief was written on the duke's face after he landed in Scotland yesterday - 15 minutes after Her Majesty's death was announced to the world. He had his head bowed and partially covered his face as he was driven out of Aberdeen airport, arriving at Balmoral after dark. He left 12 hours later. Prince William had flown up on a RAF jet with Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie. But it is understood that they did not reach the estate before she passed. Initial reports had said his younger brother would also be on board. But instead Harry was in mid air when Buckingham Palace announced the death of his beloved grandmother. He flew by private jet from Luton Airport, arriving at Balmoral an hour and a half after the historic statement. Courtiers issued the declaration at 6.30pm - just over an hour after Prince William and other senior royals had arrived to join Prince Charles at the Queen's residence. Liz Truss was told at around 4.30pm, Downing Street said. But when the world was being told the saddest of news, Harry's Cessna was still in the air, making its approach to Aberdeen Airport. The Duke of Sussex's flight had been due to land at 6.29pm, a minute before the statement. But it was 20 minutes late taking off from London's Luton Airport - with flight data showing it departed at 5.35pm. It took one hour and 11 minutes to reach Aberdeen. By the time he landed, at 6.46pm, it was 16 minutes after the palace had made the announcement. Harry then faced a lonely drive to the castle, finally arriving at 7.52pm where he joined other members of the Royal Family in mourning the Queen's death. Left to right: Princess Eugenie, Peter Phillips, Lady Louise Windsor, Zara Tindall, Sophie Countess of Wessex, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence wave to the members of the public after looking at the floral tributes for Queen Elizabeth II, as others look on, outside the gates of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire Senior royals including Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex were seen embracing each other as they attend a private church service at the Balmoral estate for Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday aged 96 Princess Eugenie wept as senior royals attended a private church service for the Queen at Balmoral Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, looks on outside Balmoral Castle, following the passing of her mother Queen Elizabeth II He looked ashen-faced on the back seat of the Range Rover as it swept into the Balmoral estate. As well as losing a beloved grandmother, he may have been reflecting on his future without her as monarch. She remained fond of him, in spite of recent challenges, and he was said to have retained an ability to make her laugh. Royal expert says grief of Queens death could bring William and Harry together again Ingrid Seward told The Sun: 'It was the most incredible reunion I have ever seen. The warring brothers appeared united in grief. 'It is quite possible that emotions will be running so high the brothers could become friends again. 'One can imagine hugs all round, and lots of tears, as they decide to bury their differences for their grandmother. 'It may not be a fantasy, as grief does bring families together. 'William has offered an olive branch. His father has offered an olive branch. It is now Harrys turn.' Advertisement By the time he arrived, his and Meghan's Archewell website homepage had been replaced with a respectful blackedout page with the words: 'In loving memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022.' Earlier in the day there had been confusion over whether Meghan was also on her way to Scotland. The duke, grieving for his grandmother, will be expected to attend the Queen's funeral, with Meghan also likely to join him. She missed Philip's funeral in 2021 while heavily pregnant with daughter Lili. An absentee duchess would be seen as a snub and disrespectful, but a public appearance with Harry alongside the rest of the royal family could prove immensely difficult. When King George VI died, his brother, the former Edward VIII, returned for the funeral, but his American wife, the Duchess of Windsor, formerly Wallis Simpson, for whom he gave up the throne, was absent. She remained in the United States, where they were living at the time. Former Suits actress Meghan was the first American divorcee to marry a senior royal since Mrs Simpson, and both she and Harry moved across the Atlantic to California after quitting as senior working royals in March 2020. William revealed how Her Majesty - who sadly passed away at Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon aged 96 - had provided him and his wife Kate 'wisdom and reassurance' and their children 'memories that will last their whole lives'. The Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge, as William will now known after his father King Charles III acceded to the throne, said: 'On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute. So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign. 'I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen's wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had 20 years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives. Zara Tindall weeps as she and the Princess Royal, Andrew and Edward attended a private church service in Balmoral yesterday Princess Beatrice, Peter Phillips, Lady Louise Windsor, Zara Tindall, Sophie Countess of Wessex and Prince Andrew gesture to the members of the public after looking at the floral tributes for Queen Elizabeth II Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice are consoled by their father Prince Andrew as they look at the floral tributes for Queen Elizabeth II outside the gates of Balmoral Castle Prince Andrew, Princess Anne and Prince Edward view floral tributes outside Balmoral Castle Prince Andrew looking sombre as he leaves Balmoral Castle in Scotland yesterday for a private church service Prince Andrew and Prince Edward inspect the floral tributes at Balmoral laid for their mother the Queen Senior members of the royal family including The Princess Royal and the Wessexes wave to well-wishers at Balmoral Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice attending a private church service in Balmoral yesterday afternoon 'She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real. 'I thank her for the kindness she showed my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all. 'My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen. I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can.' In Balmoral, dressed smartly in a suit, white shirt and black tie, the Duke of York - who was exiled from public life after his car-crash Newsnight interview about his friendship with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein - said: 'We've been allowed one day, now we start the process of handing her on.' Cameras also captured the moment that the Duke of York wrapped his arms around his family including his brother and sister-in-law Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex shortly after getting out of a cavalcade of Range Rovers - before waving to a crowd of mourners at the Aberdeenshire estate who applauded the senior royals. Three of the Queen's four children - the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and Earl of Wessex - joined the Countess of Wessex, Anne's husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Queen's grandchildren Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and Lady Louise Windsor for a walkabout after attending a prayer service at Crathie Kirk. The family spent just under 10 minutes intently reading the tributes and admiring the flowers before they returned inside Balmoral Castle. Edward, accompanied by his wife who was holding hands with their daughter Lady Louise, thanked well-wishers lining the route back to Balmoral Castle. Hearing one group had come from Glasgow to show their support, he said: 'Thank you very much for coming all that way, we appreciate it.' People are still leaving flowers and other tributes at both Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, and at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh - where one visitor left a copy of Michael Bond's book Paddington At The Rainbow's End. A note written on it said simply: 'One last story Ma'am. X' - a reference to Her Majesty's skit with the beloved children's character for the Platinum Jubilee. From right to left: Prince Andrew, Duke of York stands with his daughters Princess Eugenie of York and Princess Beatrice of York, along with Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence and Peter Phillips, as they look at the flowers placed outside Balmoral Castle The Duke of York, the Earl of Wessex, Lady Louise Windsor and the Countess of Wessex on a walkabout to thank members of the public Balmoral in Scotland The Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence walk to meet and thank members of the public at Balmoral in Scotland With many heading for Balmoral in Aberdeenshire, where the Queen died on Thursday, the authorities there urged people not to drive to the castle. Aberdeenshire Council issued a reminder that there is 'no vehicle access to Balmoral for leaving floral tributes', saying people should instead use park and ride services from the nearby villages of Ballater and Braemar. 'Please note services are expected to be very busy, so please allow plenty of time for your journey,' the statement added. Meanwhile in Edinburgh, outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a table was set up where two security guards were cutting the plastic off bunches of flowers so that people can lay them on the ground. Stewards and police officers told the PA news agency the plastic is being removed for environmental reasons and to make it easier to replant the flowers later on. Families with young children waited patiently to pay their respects to the beloved monarch. Among them was Euan Masson, his wife Emma and their children Ethan, 10 and Ellie, nine. Mr Masson, 38, from nearby Inverurie, said: 'We've come to pay our respects to a wonderful woman and thank her for her 76 years of service.' Nicola Williams, 41, drove north from Fife with her husband Jeff, 43, and their daughters Emily, six, and Holly, four. She said: 'The Queen has been a constant in all our lives for such a long time. So we've come here to pay our respects to someone who was always there for us. She was a great example to all women. And so I want my daughters to be able to remember her by coming here today.' The Duke of York, Eugenie and Beatrice view the messages and floral tributes left by members of the public Balmoral The Duke of York meets well-wishers outside Balmoral in Scotland following the death of Queen Elizabeth II Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise and Sophie, Countess of Wessex looking at flowers at Balmoral Sophie, Countess of Wessex, views tributes outside Balmoral Castle Princess Beatrice, Peter Phillips, Lady Louise Windsor, Sophie Countess of Wessex, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence wave to the members of the public at Balmoral Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne, Princess Royal talk as they gather with Peter Phillips, Zara Phillips and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence looking at the flowers placed outside Balmoral Castle Lady Louise Windsor (left) and Princess Eugenie (right) attending a service at Crathie Kirk Andrew, Edward, Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor, Sophie and Eugenie at Balmoral Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Prince Andrew view tributes outside Balmoral Castle Lady Louise Windsor attends a service at Crathie Kirk, Balmoral William Bottomley, his wife Karen and his mother Philippa brought his three young children to Balmoral. Grandmother Philippa said: 'We have come to pay our respects to a wonderful woman. It is something we had to do.' Jackie McIntosh, 69, travelled from Aberdeen with partner John Coutts, 49, and sister Aileen Mitchell, 66, to pay their respects to the Queen at Balmoral. As the senior royals walked along greeting the crowds, Andrew asked her: 'Where have you come from? How long have you been waiting?' Airport worker Jackie said: 'It is very sad to see them, they are a family at the end of the day. Prince Andrew asked how long we had waited, it was great to see them all together.' Partner John added: 'It's only been a couple of days since they lost their mother, like the rest of us they are human, no one expected this. It was decent of them to speak with us.' It comes as King Charles III smiled through his tears and waved at the crowd of well-wishers gathered outside the gates of Buckingham Palace after his proclamation - as mourners continue to leave floral tributes in memory of his beloved 'mama' Queen Elizabeth II after her death. Well-wishers waited hours for a glimpse of the monarch, who automatically became King on the death of his mother the Queen on Thursday but was formally proclaimed by the Accession Council at St James's Palace yesterday, as he was driven to Buckingham Palace in his state Rolls-Royce. His wife Camilla, Queen Consort arrived at the palace after her husband around 90 minutes later, smiling and waving at the crowd. It was initially believed that the King and Queen Consort would go on a walkabout to inspect the tributes and greet mourners at 12.15pm. However, Charles III had not left the Palace by 1pm, and this afternoon he will hold a series of audiences with Prime Minister Liz Truss, her senior Cabinet ministers, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and Archbishop of Canterbury and the Dean of Westminster. At 10am yesterday morning, the Accession Council - an ancient body of advisers that dates back as far as the time of the Norman Conquest - formally announced his role as Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including Supreme Head of the Church of England and Commander-in-Chief of Britain's Armed Forces, as well as Head of State of Commonwealth countries and British territories around the world. Broadcast cameras were allowed into the historic event giving the world a first glimpse of a ceremony dating back centuries - and one of the first changes to convention instigated by the new King. King Charles III is driven to Buckingham Palace in his state Rolls-Royce after his proclamation at St James's Palace The tearful King was driven to Buckingham Palace after his proclamation at St James's Palace The King appeared to be touched by the public outpouring of support from well-wishers outside the Palace King Charles III waving as his convoy enters Buckingham Palace in London Camilla, Queen Consort smiles and waves at the crowd of well-wishers gathered outside Buckingham Palace People gather near floral tributes placed outside Buckingham Palace in London A girl with flowers and a Union Jack looks on outside Buckingham Palace Members of the public gather outside Buckingham palace to lay flowers following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II Members of the public gather outside Buckingham palace to lay flowers following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II The Prince of Wales, the Queen, King Charles III and Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt during the Accession Council at St James's Palace King Charles III during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London King Charles III signs an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London The Accession Council in the throne room at St James's Palace in London as King Charles III is formally proclaimed King Charles III's declaration in full My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen. It is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved Mother, The Queen. I know how deeply you, the entire Nation - and I think I may say the whole world - sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered. It is the greatest consolation to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my Sister and Brothers and that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss. To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my Mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service. My Mother's reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me. In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these Islands and of the Commonwealth Realms and Territories throughout the world. In this purpose, I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose Sovereign I have been called upon to be, and that in the discharge of these duties I will be guided by the counsel of their elected parliaments. In all this, I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife. I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to My Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports My official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation. And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God. Advertisement At 11am, trumpets then sounded from the balcony of St James's Palace as the Principal Proclamation announcing the King was read out. Crowds gathered outside the palace as the King was officially proclaimed. Gun salutes at Hyde Park, the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, Hillsborough Castle and Cardiff Castle were then fired before the National Anthem was performed by The Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. They were accompanied by the St James's Palace Detachment of The King's Guard made up of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards. The crowd of well-wishers joined the King's Guard gathered outside the palace in three cries of 'hip hip hooray' for the King. At St James's shortly after 10.20am, Charles III made a personal declaration on the death of his beloved mother Queen Elizabeth II and vowed to uphold 'constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world'. Paying tribute to the Queen at the throne room of St James's before the assembled Accession Council shortly after 10.20am, the King also approved an order that the day of the Queen's funeral will be a bank holiday. Making his declaration, Charles III said: 'My lords, ladies and gentlemen, it is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved mother the Queen. I know how deeply you, the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we've all suffered. 'It is the greatest consolation to me to know the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers. And that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss.' Continuing the declaration, the King said: 'In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world. 'In this purpose, I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose Sovereign I have been called upon to be, and that in the discharge of these duties I will be guided by the counsel of their elected parliaments. 'In all this, I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife. I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to my Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports my official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation. 'And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God.' After his personal declaration about the death of his mother the King took the oath to preserve the Church of Scotland - because in Scotland there is a division of powers between the church and state. This oath is taken at the point of accession to the Crown, with Charles saying he was 'ready to do so at this first opportunity'. Buckingham Palace confirmed he had declared: 'I, Charles III, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of my other realms and territories, King, Defender of the Faith, do faithfully promise and swear that I shall inviolably maintain and preserve the settlement of the true protestant religion as established by the laws made in Scotland in prosecution of the Claim of Right, and particularly by an Act intituled 'An Act for securing the Protestant Religion and Presbyterian Church Government' and by the Acts passed in the Parliament of both Kingdoms for Union of the two Kingdoms, together with the Government, Worship, Discipline, Rights and Privileges of the Church of Scotland.' Prime Minister Liz Truss joined Camilla, Queen Consort, William, Prince of Wales and 250 other dignitaries including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the Prime Minister, the Lord Privy Seal, the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Earl Marshal and the Lord President to sign the proclamation at 10am. Former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major, Labour former Cabinet minister Harriet Harman, the Mother of the House, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and the high commissioners of the 14 Commonwealth countries where Charles III is Head of State, are also on the body of the Accession Council. The gun salute to mark the formal declaration of King Charles III as Britain's new monarch, at the Tower of London in London A gun salute is fired for King Charles III in Cardiff, Wales The National Anthem was performed by The Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. They were accompanied by the St James's Palace Detachment of The King's Guard made up of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards. The crowd of well-wishers joined the King's Guard gathered outside the palace in three cries of 'hip hip hooray' for the King David Vines White, Garter King of Arms (third left) reads the Principal Proclamation, from the balcony overlooking Friary Court after the accession council as King Charles III is proclaimed King, at St James's Palace King Charles III signing the Proclamation at St James's Palace in London yesterday morning during the historic ceremony The Prince of Wales, the Queen, and King Charles III during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London The Queen signs and oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London, where King Charles III is formally proclaimed monarch King Charles III walking into the throne room in St James's Palace yesterday morning. On the podium stand William, Prince of Wales - the heir apparent - and Charles' wife Camilla, Queen Consort The day of the Queen's funeral will be a bank holiday, King Charles declares The day of the Queen's funeral has been confirmed as a bank holiday after approval by the King. The date of the state funeral has not yet been announced but it is expected to take place on Monday September 19. The bank holiday confirmation came when the King approved an order during a meeting of the Accession Council where he was formally declared head of state. Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt, said: 'Drafts of two proclamations. One - appointing the day of Her late Majesty's state funeral as a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 'Two - appointing the day of Her late Majesty's state funeral as a bank holiday in Scotland. 'And of two orders in council, directing the Lord Chancellor to affix the great seal to the proclamations.' Charles answered: 'Approved.' The funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in central London. The original plans are for the Queen's coffin to process on a gun carriage to the abbey, pulled by naval ratings - sailors - using ropes rather than horses. Senior members of the family are expected to follow behind - just like they did for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The military will line the streets and also join the procession. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000. The service will be televised, and a national two minutes' silence is expected to be held. The same day as the funeral, the Queen's coffin will be taken to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised committal service. Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family. The Queen's final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel - where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Philip's coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen's. Advertisement During the event the Lord President - Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt - announced the death of the sovereign and called upon the Clerk of the Council to read aloud the text of the Accession Proclamation before the body signed the document. It includes Charles's chosen title as King, already known to be King Charles III. Union flags were flown at full-mast from the time of the Principal Proclamation at St James's Palace until one hour after the Proclamations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, after which flags returned to half-mast in mourning for the death of the late Queen. The ceremony is being staged a day later for King Charles III then normal practice because the announcement of the Queen's death did not come until early evening on Thursday, meaning there was not enough time to set the plans in motion for Friday morning. Opening proceedings at the Accession Council, the Lord President said: 'My lords, it is my sad duty to inform you that Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away on Thursday the 8th of September 2022, at Balmoral Castle. I propose that, when certain necessary business has been transacted, a deputation consisting of Her Majesty, His Royal Highness, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York, the Prime Minister, the clerk of the Council, and myself, shall wait on the King and inform him the Council is assembled.' Reading the text of the proclamation, the clerk of the council said: 'Whereas it has pleased almighty God to call to his mercy our late Sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth II of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George. 'We, therefore, the lords spiritual and temporal of this realm, and members of the House of Commons, together with other members of Her late Majesty's Privy Council, and representatives of the realms and territories, aldermen, and citizens of London and others, do now hereby, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now, by the death of our late Sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege lord, Charles III, by the grace of God, of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and of his other realms and territories, King, head of the Commonwealth, defender of the faith, to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection, beseeching God, by whom kings and queens do reign, to bless His Majesty with long and happy years to reign over us.' He declared to the room 'God Save the King' and the packed room repeated the famous phrase. The historic event comes after Charles gave a landmark address to the nation on Friday and paid a poignant and moving tribute to his 'darling Mama' the Queen. The King pledged his whole life as service as the new sovereign just as the Queen did, saying: 'That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today'. And he used his speech to announce that he had created his son William the Prince of Wales, with Kate the Princess of Wales, and expressed his 'love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas', a symbol of his bid for reconciliation amid past troubles with the Sussexes. He also paid tribute to his 'darling wife' Camilla, calling her 'my Queen Consort', saying he can 'count on her loving help' and praising her by saying: 'I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much.' The King also set out his changing role, as he steps away from his considerable charity work which shaped his life as the heir to the throne. The Palace said: 'His Majesty The King will be proclaimed at the Accession Council at 10.00hrs (on Saturday) in the State Apartments of St James's Palace, London. The Accession Council, attended by Privy Councillors, is divided into two parts. In Part I, the Privy Council, without The King present, will proclaim the Sovereign, and formally approve various consequential Orders, including the arrangements for the Proclamation. 'Part II, is the holding by The King of His Majesty's first Privy Council. The King will make his Declaration and read and sign an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland and approve Orders in Council which facilitate continuity of government.' Mid-afternoon, members of Ms Truss' Cabinet will have their first meeting with the King just days after the Prime Minister formed her new Government. Senior ministers attending the Accession Council at St James's will travel to Buckingham Palace for an audience with the monarch. Ms Truss, who was invited to form a Government by the late Queen on Tuesday, had her initial audience with the King on Friday. Crowds gather outside St James's Palace in London, during the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace, London The King's Guard gathered outside St James's Palace in London shortly before the Principal Proclamation The Accession Council in the throne room in St James's Palace where they await King Charles III Camilla, Queen Consort and William, Prince of Wales arrive at St James's Palace for the proclamation of the King Prime Minister Liz Truss signs the Accession Proclamation formally announcing King Charles III Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, former prime ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, David Cameron, Theresa May and John Major ahead of the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace Conservative Prime Minister Penny Mordaunt, the Lord President, with William, Prince of Wales Left to right: Labour leader Keir Starmer, Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, David Cameron and Theresa May at St James's Palace, just before the meeting of the Accession Council to formally proclaim King Charles III yesterday morning Left to right: William, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Queen Consort and Prime Minister Liz Truss A gun salute is fired for King Charles, following the passing of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, in Cardiff The Royal Salute is fired at Edinburgh Castle by 105th Regiment Royal Artillery The Company of Pikemen and Musketeers and the Band of the Honourable Artillery Company arrive at the Royal Exchange A military band plays outside the Royal Exchange in the City of London, before the reading of the Proclamation of Accession of King Charles III Members of the Coldstream Guards raise their Bearskin hats as they salute the new King Prime Minister Liz Truss leaves Number 10 Downing Street this early morning via the side door Police officers on guard at St James's Palace in London yesterday morning ahead of the proclamation From left front row, Former British Prime Ministers Theresa May and John Major; Baroness Scotland, second row, Former British Prime Ministers Gordon Brown, Tony Blair, third row, Former British Prime Ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson, arriving for the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown ahead of the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace Guards of the Buckingham Palace leaving the palace in London King Charles III's proclamation: How yesterday unfolded and what happens next D+1 - Saturday September 10 10am: Accession Council formally proclaims King Charles III King Charles III will be proclaimed at the Accession Council in the state apartments at St James's Palace in London. The event, attended by privy counsellors, is divided into two parts. In the first part, the Privy Council will proclaim the King and formally approve various consequential orders, including the arrangements for the Proclamation, without the King present. The second part is held by the King of His Majesty's first Privy Council. The King will make his declaration and read and sign an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland and approve orders in the council which facilitate continuity of the Government. The King will be accompanied by the Queen Consort and the Prince of Wales as they are both privy counsellors. 11am: Principal Proclamation is read from the balcony of St James's Palace The Principal Proclamation then follows. It will be read from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St James's Palace. The proclamation will be read by the Garter King of Arms, accompanied by the Earl Marshal, other Officers of Arms and the Serjeants at Arms. This will be the first public reading of the proclamation. Flags will also be flown at full-mast from 11am for about 24 hours, which will be until one hour after the proclamations are made in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. They will then return to half-mast in mourning for the Queen. Gun salutes will also take place at Hyde Park and the Tower of London. 12pm: Proclamations are read at the Royal Exchange in London A second proclamation will be read at the Royal Exchange in London. Further proclamations will be read in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales at 12pm the following day (Sunday). In mid-afternoon, the King will hold audiences with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Court mourning A period of royal mourning for members of the royal family and royal households will be observed until seven days after the Queen's funeral, the date of which is to be confirmed by Buckingham Palace. National mourning The Government is expected to confirm the length of national mourning, which is likely to be around 12 days, up to the day after the Queen's funeral. They are also expected to announce that the funeral day will be a public holiday in the form of a Day of National Mourning. D+2 - Sunday September 11 The Queen's coffin is expected to be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Proclamations will be read in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland devolved parliaments in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. D+3 - Monday September 12 Procession expected along the Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral. Service and the Vigil of the Princes by members of the royal family. The public may get the chance to file past the Queen's coffin at a mini lying in state in St Giles'. The House of Commons and the House of Lords are expected to come together in Westminster for a Motion of Condolence, which the King could attend. After leaving England and visiting Scotland, Charles will at some stage travel to the other countries of the UK - Wales and Northern Ireland - known as Operation Spring Tide. D+4 - Tuesday September 13 Coffin expected to be flown to London. Expected to be at rest at Buckingham Palace. A rehearsal for the procession of the coffin from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster takes place. D+5 - Wednesday September 14 The Queen's lying in state is expected to begin in Westminster Hall - Operation Marquee - following a ceremonial procession through London. It will last four full days. The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct a short service following the coffin's arrival. Hundreds of thousands of people will file past the coffin on its catafalque and pay their respects, just as they did for the Queen Mother's lying in state in 2002. The management of the queues outside is Operation Feather. During the Covid-19 crisis, plans included the possibility of the introduction of timed ticketing for those wanting to attend. Senior royals are also expected to pay their own moving tribute, standing guard at some stage around the coffin - the tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes. D+6 - Thursday September 15 Lying in state continues and a rehearsal is likely to take place for the state funeral procession. D+7 - Friday September 16 - Sunday September 18 Lying in state continues, ending on D+9. Heads of state begin to arrive for the funeral. D+10 - Monday September 19 The Queen's state funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in central London. The original plans are for the Queen's coffin to process on a gun carriage to the abbey, pulled by naval ratings - sailors - using ropes rather than horses. Senior members of the family are expected to follow behind - just like they did for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The military will line the streets and also join the procession. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000. The service will be televised, and a national two minutes' silence is expected to be held. The same day as the funeral, the Queen's coffin will be taken to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised committal service. Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family. The Queen's final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel - where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Philip's coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen's. Advertisement The Prime Minister curtsied as she was ushered in by a Palace aide for the first of what will be their regular weekly encounters. As she offered her condolences, the King shook her hand and thanked her, saying: 'You are very kind for coming - I know how busy you are.' He added: 'But it's been so touching this afternoon when we arrived here, all those people come to give their condolences.' Ms Truss again repeated: 'Your Majesty, my very greatest sympathies.' He replied: 'You are very kind. It was the moment I have been dreading, as I know a lot of people have. We'll try to keep everything going. Come, come have a seat.' Earlier, the Prime Minister had led tributes in the House of Commons to the Queen as she urged the country to support their new monarch. Those tributes will continue during rare Saturday sittings of both the Commons and the House of Lords. Proceedings in the lower chamber will begin at 1pm with a small number of senior MPs taking an oath of allegiance to the King, and are expect to continue to around 10pm. By 8am on Saturday, thousands had gathered outside Buckingham Palace to pay their respects to the Queen. Gun salutes rang out from stations including the Tower of London and Hyde Park both home and abroad on Saturday to mark the accession of the King. Sixty-two rounds were fired near Tower Bridge beside the River Thames by the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), and 41 rounds beside Park Lane by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery (RHA). The HAC, in ceremonial dress, were seen driving in liveried Pinzgauer vehicles through the City of London past a thousands-strong crowd of watchers. They travelled with police escort to the Thames riverbank, where guns were positioned facing HMS Belfast. At the Tower of London, a royal salute comprises the traditional 21 rounds, another 21 rounds signifies the loyalty of the City of London to the Crown, and a final 20 rounds were fired as the tower is a royal palace and fortress. Shouts of 'Long live the King' were heard as spectators lined up across Tower Bridge and along the Causeway inside the tower to watch the display. Salutes were also fired from Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Gibraltar, Colchester, York, Larkhill near Stonehenge, naval bases in Devonport and Portsmouth and a number of stations at sea. Reservists from 206 Battery 105 Regiment Royal Artillery fired the salute at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down watched by Steve Baker, minister of state for Northern Ireland. The salutes were timed to coincide with the Principal Proclamation of the King, which was read by Garter King of Arms at 11am from the balcony above Friary Court, St James' Palace. Coldstream Guards and the King's Guard will be present alongside eight state trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. The RHA is a British Army mounted ceremonial unit that fires royal salutes on royal anniversaries and state occasions, such as state visits and royal birthdays. The HAC dates its origins back to 1537, making it the oldest regiment in the British Army. It took over the role of firing gun salutes from the Tower of London in 1924. Gun salutes are customarily fired, both on land and at sea, as a sign of respect or welcome. They are now used to mark special occasions on certain days of the year, many of them with royal associations. Gun salutes occur on royal anniversaries including Accession Day, the monarch's birthday, Coronation Day, the monarch's official birthday, the State Opening of Parliament, royal births and when a visiting head of state meets the monarch in London, Windsor or Edinburgh. The Ministry of Defence said there are historical records of salutes taking place as early as the 14th century when guns and ammunition began to be adopted widely. Similar gun salutes were fired to mark the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 and Winston Churchill in 1965. Thousands of people have visited Windsor Castle on Saturday morning to pay their respects to the Queen. Flowers continued to pile up outside the gates of the royal residence, with notes and letters attached thanking the late monarch for her service. People of all ages were paying tribute and the local Rotary Club was giving children free flowers to lay down. Louise, 63, and Andrew Falconer, 62, travelled from Watford to pay their respects. Mrs Falconer said: 'You realise it has actually happened when you see all this.' Mr Falconer added: 'Initially I was shocked with how sudden it was. She was on her feet and two days later, she's gone.' They both believe that Charles will be a different monarch from his mother. Mr Falconer said: 'He'll have different attitudes, different ideas.' His wife added: 'I think he'll be a bit more modern. He might have to watch what he says sometimes. It'll be interesting. We're a modern society.' Nicholas Ewings, 54, from Farnborough, Hampshire, visited Windsor with his family. He said: 'We just wanted to come down, pay our respects and be part of the moment. We care and miss her forever.' His son Ethan, 19, said: 'I've only ever had one queen and now it's changing to a king. I was at work when I heard the news and I was upset.' Mr Ewings was optimistic about Charles III's reign: 'I think we'll hear from him more, which I think is a great thing. He's a top chap. He's our King and I stand behind him.' Jenny Woolford, 60, from Wokingham, was impressed by the King's first televised address on Friday night. She said: 'It was absolutely brilliant, very moving. I think he'll carry on in his mum's path as he's been trained to, but I also think he'll find his own way. 'You can't help but be impressed by him. He'll be a good king.' Mike Thompson, 69, from Staines, was born in Kenya just months before the Queen's coronation and saw the monarch in person when she visited his school. Mr Thompson said: 'She visited Runnymede to plant a tree and we marched out from our school just to line up in the reception area. 'A child in my class was waiting with some daffodils and the Queen stopped in front of the girl and took some flowers from her. It was quite a special moment for me.' Andy Bow, 57, from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, went to Buckingham Palace on Saturday. The armed forces veteran said: 'I'm just completely bereft really. I served the Queen while I was in the Army for 14 years. She just means so much to me, she's everything. 'She's the mother of our nation I think. I, along with the vast majority of everybody here, are a little bit lost and not sure what's going to happen so I just felt I had to come down and pay my respects for the last time.' Mina Parmar-shah, 34, from Harrow, north west London, brought flowers to lay outside the palace gates. Police officers march past Friary Court at St James's Palace in London Guards are seen at Buckingham Palace, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II Members off the public lay floral tributes for Queen Elizabeth II, as others look on, outside the gates of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire Floral tributes are laid outside the gates of Windsor Castle, where the Queen spent much of the last years of her life Well-wishers mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II as they lay floral tributes outside Windsor Castle Mourners including children leave tributes including illustrates cards and Union flags and hats outside Buckingham Palace King Charles III shakes hands with Prime Minister Liz Truss during their first audience at Buckingham Palace She said: 'I've followed the royal family my whole life so when the Queen died it was quite upsetting really, so I needed to come down and pay my respects. 'As a woman, she ruled for 70 years and that's a huge thing to have, especially because when she became Queen it was more of a man's world so that's a huge part of what she represents to me. 'I have always respected the Queen and had a love for the royal family.' Scotland Yard's new boss must prove to the public that 'every single act of crime' matters and stamp out wokery in the force, a former Commissioner warned yesterday (Fri). Lord Stevens, who led Britain's biggest force from 2000 to 2005, has called for low-level crime and disorder which blights lives to be taken seriously, telling officers to stop ignoring prolific shoplifters, anti-social neighbours and aggressive beggars. In a foreword for a major policing report co-written by Bill Bratton, former chief of both the New York and Los Angeles police departments, Lord Stevens recommends an 'urgent and major turnaround of the Met', telling incoming leader Sir Mark Rowley there must be a reversal of the 'hollowing out' of neighbourhood policing: 'The Commissioner will need to prove to the people of London that under his leadership every single act of crime or disorder matters, every individual matters, and every neighbourhood matters.' Lord Stevens (pictured), who led Britain's biggest force from 2000 to 2005, has called for low-level crime and disorder which blights lives to be taken seriously Incoming leader Sir Mark Rowley (pictured) will start his new role in the force next Monday The new Commissioner, who starts on Monday following the departure of Cressida Dick, must 'tackle head-on the elements of the Met's culture that permits criminality, serious misconduct or incompetence' with a zero-tolerance attitude to bad behaviour, he argues. In the Policy Exchange report, Lord Stevens urges Sir Mark to stamp out woke gestures and impartiality saying: 'The only way different communities can have faith that the police are doing so fairly is if the public are confident that police officers are acting with unimpeachable impartiality, and humanity. 'Even a perception that an officer's decision making might be influenced by a partisan political view could be damaging to the public's confidence that policing is being done fairly. 'That recent polling in the UK found that, 'the public were almost twice as likely to agree than disagree with the statement that 'the police are more interested in being woke than solving crimes' should concern us all.' The report entitled 'Policing can win' written by former senior officer David Spencer recommends an action plan for the Commissioner's first 100 days including a clear out of top officers within the force, axing at least a quarter of the current top 40 chief police officers. The recommendation comes after a survey, published last October, found that just 39 per cent of Met officers have confidence in senior leaders. Former Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick (pictured) stepped down from the role recently 'There should be a reduction in the number of chief officers across the Met,' the report read. 'The Met's current situation strongly suggests that having more senior leaders does not necessarily equate to better organisational leadership.' It goes on to recommend the number of commanders in the force should be reduced from 19 to 'no more than 11', while the deputy assistant commissioner roles should be cut from ten to 'no more than six'. Mr Spencer also suggests an overhaul of the police vetting process with random drugs tests and re-vetting on annual basis which would include scrutinising officers' social media. The report also suggests bringing in 'new blood' from outside of the force to fill some senior positions, and plans to attract former officers back to the Met. This could include introducing fast track promotions for some junior officers, allowing them to move straight into senior management. David Spencer, the author of the report said: 'The Met has been in a permanent crisis over recent years. 'A programme of radical reform is required. Everything needs to be on the table, even changes previously dismissed as being too radical. Every Londoner is counting on Sir Mark and his team to succeed.' Conservative analyst and author Candace Owens claims staff at a Tennessee hospital attempted to hold her and her newborn daughter hostage after she gave birth earlier this summer - telling her she was not allowed to leave until they drew blood from the hours-old, perfectly healthy child. Speaking exclusively with DailyMail.com, the 32-year-old slammed staff at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, while recounting the '24 hours of torture' she says she suffered after giving birth to her second child Louise on July 13. The mother-of-two, who launches the new DailyWire+ podcast, Candace Owens, on Monday, said the alleged mistreatment started after she declined antibiotics and contraction-inducing drugs while going into labor. She added that it culminated in staffers threatening to call child services on the right-wing commentator. Owens - who married British Oxford grad George Farmer in 2019 - further accused staffers of engaging in a concerted effort to empty her wallet, by keeping her for over 48 hours so her stay was not covered by insurance. When she refused, Owens says that a hospital pediatrician approached her and her husband as they tried to leave, callously telling the couple 'that she watched a baby die in the 47th hour because her parents refused to stay.' The pair ignored the staffer, Owens says - despite the workers' false assertions that her insurance would likely not cover the visit if she went against medical advice and left. When Owens responded that she didn't care, a social worker employed by the hospital asked the couple to sign a document that said they were aware that The Department of Children's Services (DCS) could pay them a visit for leaving against doctor's orders, according to Owens. The mother of two said she and her husband wanted to leave so badly because they 'just wanted to sleep.' Owens - pictured here with husband George Farmer and first child - further accused staffers of engaging in a concerted effort to rinse the right-ring commentator dry, by keeping her for over 48 hours so her stay was not covered by insurance Speaking exclusively with DailyMail.com, the 32-year-old mom-of-two aired her grievances while recounting the '24 hours of torture' she says she suffered after giving birth to second child Louise (pictured) on July 13 Owens - who welcomed her first child in January 2021 - began the begrudged account Saturday by recalling how she declined both antibiotics and the contraction-inducing drug Pitocin while going into labor for the second time last July. 'I had been very vocal about not wanting to be loaded up with unnecessary drugs during labor,' the Republican firebrand shared, adding that both times she had given birth, not a single complication arose. 'The doctor wanted me to take antibiotics, and I declined,' Owens said. 'Because I declined, they wanted me to stay in the hospital for 48 hours - and big coincidence, that's the maximum amount that insurance will cover.' That provided 'incentive', Owens said, saw several staffers level a series of reasons and potential repressions against the coupe - even after Owens successfully delivered a perfectly healthy, 7 pound, 3 ounce bundle of joy. Owens said she was subjected to the threats and mistreatment by staff at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville (pictured) Owens recalled how the hospital's head nurse warned her that 'if [she left] before, [she would] be charged with a misdemeanor.' That's when the true torture really began, revealed Owens - describing how workers, whom she referred to as 'the hospital mafia,' harassed her in her room as she and the baby attempted to rest, repeatedly knocking on the door and doing 'check-ins' through all hours of the night. One such check-in, Owens said, saw a staffer barge into the commentator's room as she slept at 4 am, and 'unclothe' her sleeping baby 'to weigh her naked on a cold scale.' 'That's what they do,' Owens chided, adding that she had 'wanted to leave after 24 hours' but was told '"you can't leave until you take this test, until you get the antibiotics."' She went on: 'As a result, when we asked to leave after 24 hours of torture in the form of relentless knocks - the hospital mafia descended.' That provided 'incentive,' Owens said, saw several staffers level a series of reasons and potential repressions against the coupe - even after Owens successfully delivered a perfectly healthy, 7 pound, 3 ounce bundle of joy After being hit with the misdemeanor threat, Owens - who has said she isnt vaccinated against COVID-19 and asserts that individuals, not health professionals, should have the 'freedom to choose' - conceded and gave her newborn's blood. However, with that said, Owens asserts that the experience has changed her outlook on the American hospital system, which she says she will strive to change using her platform as a political influencer and analyst, and on her new daily program for the Daily Wire, 'Candace Owens.' 'We need to start to realize what the medical industry is and what it has become - a wire discussion in the era of Covid,' Owens said. 'So many parents and woman go through that, not in control of their child, feeling threatened. Doing that show will allow me to continue that discussion.' She said that through her influence, as well as her connections with Congress, she will strive to change such laws so that 'the state no longer has power over our own children.' She added: 'We can't even decide if masking them is right.' Moreover, Owens calls the doctors' and nurses repeated assertions that they 'know what is best for our children,' as well as their veiled threats that if 'you leave against medical advice, insurance might not cover stay' and that 'they how can also send CPS to your house,' unconstitutional, and even 'criminal.' 'All can be done in a pediatrician's office they just want money,' she said. 'Guaranteed dollars hearing test, blood test, getting temperature taken when you get your bill thats why.' Owens, who faced backlash last year for comments making light of the pandemic, continued: 'In the post Covid era, parents are apprehensive about how much control we have ceded to the state. 'These are the discussions we need to have the burden will be on the children. People shouldn't have to be scared CPS will take their newborn kids away.' 'It's a peer pressure campaign,' Owens said. 'You're no longer able to make a decision about your child, about yourself.' She added that 'if this can happen in Tennessee, it can happen anywhere. We have more big pharma lobbyists in DC than we have elected congressmen' - who she declared were 'all profit motivated.' In the end, Owens said, after her and her family left, insurance did cover the stay and no charges were filed In the end, Owens said, insurance did cover the stay and no charges were filed. She says through her new show and media presence, she will now fight to call attention to how hospitals and other groups are neglecting parent's wishes concerning their parenting methods. 'I feel that burden since becoming a mother,' Owens said. 'I am a mother with a platform, I am a position where I can affect change, think about this other woman who can't for that 24 hours, we just want to sleep, and rest.' She further fumed that 'it is crazy that we do not have autonomy over newborn bodies' - something she described as 'so wrong, [and] so backwards.' But in regard to the occurrence, she said she was 'glad it happened,' as 'now it will affect change.' Owens currently lives in Tennessee with her husband and two kids. She works for The Daily Wire as a political commentator and on-air personality, and recently began filming a new show for the outlet eponymously titled 'Candace Owens.' The show airs days a week and covers recurring topics 'in society and pop culture,' Owens said. Owens had previously welcomed her first child in January 2021 which she said further impassioned her conservative views. 'In a way, pregnancy has better focused me many of these debates are no longer just political for methey're personal,' Owens told The Daily Wire. 'The stakes seem much higher when you are starting a family. You realize that whatever decisions we land upon as a society will have real implications for your childs future. 'Will my child grow up in the same America that I grew up in, with the same opportunities? I have a lot of anxiety about the answer to that question, which is being determined now.' Owens married British husband George Farmer at Trump Winery in August 2019 Owens gave birth to her first born, a son, in January 2021, almost a year before she announced the pregnancy of her second child She also recalled how her stance on abortion had changed over the years, even describing the time she heard her son's first heartbeat. 'I transformed my programmed stance on abortion years ago when I learned the truth about the abortion industry, the abortion process, and most importantly when I learned the truth about an infants development in the womb,' she said. 'I'll never forget the moment I heard my babys heartbeat on the monitor for the first time at 11 weeks. It instantly brought tears to my eyes. 'It was just this sudden realization that I was carrying life and I would do anything and everything to protect that life. 'The technology of an ultrasound is so advanced that at 11 weeks there were little arms and little legs swimming on the monitor. 'In a profound moment like that, all of the political rhetoric and debate just fades away. 'I can only describe it as a moment of inexorable truth. It's powerful and transformative.' Owens poses with husband Farmer and former US President Donald Trump Owens and Farmer got married eight months after they met at the launch of Turning Point UK, a right-wing student group in the UK. The two reportedly got engaged over a FaceTime call after just two-and-a-half weeks of dating. They tied the knot in front of a host of fellow conservatives, including actor Jon Voight, radio host Larry Elder, Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage and Charlie Kirk, who founded right-wing Turning Point USA. In some images from their wedding day posted to social media, the couple thanked Eric Trump for the 'incredible venue and sunset' in the captions, and revealed their simple white wedding cake was topped with a red 'Make Weddings Great Again' hat, which guests also wore later in the evening. Eric Trump is the president of the winery, and oversees the company's winemaking, marketing and global distribution, according to the Trump Winery website. Pictures from their wedding show Owens in a traditional lace, floor length white gown with sleeves. Her hair was tied back in a loose half up, half down style and she wore a long veil. After the ceremony she donned a red 'MAGA' hat and her new husband wore a light blue Brexit Party cap and smoked a huge cigar. Both Owens and Farmer are controversial figures. In the UK hes a vocal opponent of the EU and in the US Owens has come under fire for her comments on several political issues. The Russian lines in the east of Ukraine are crumbling as Ukrainian forces make stunning gains to liberate their homeland, with the Russia Ministry of Defence admitting the scale of the collapse. The offensive south of Kharkiv, which began on Tuesday, took the thinly defended Russian lines by surprise, leading to reports of mass retreats, mass surrenders and mass casualties that the Russian MoD has dressed up as a 're-grouping.' Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Saturday that troops would be regrouped from the Balakliya and Izyum areas to Ukraine's occupied Donetsk region. Izyim was a major base for Russian forces in the Kharkiv region and earlier this week social media videos showed residents of Balakliya joyfully cheering as Ukrainian troops moved in. Konashenkov said the Russian move is being made 'in order to achieve the stated goals of the special military operation to liberate Donbas,' one of the eastern Ukraine regions that Russia has declared sovereign. Ukrainian soldiers hold a flag at a rooftop in Kupiansk as their lightning offensive causes Russian lines to collapse Ukrainian service members pose for in the recently liberated settlement of Vasylenkove in the Kharkiv region Ukrainian solders pose for a photo beneath the sign of Izium, a key logistics hub and prize capture Ukrainian servicemen raises his fist aloft in victory as his unit drives near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region The blue patch represents almost a thousand square miles of territory liberated by Ukraine, and shows the counteroffensive taking aim at Liman and Lysychansk The claim of pullback to concentrate on Donetsk is similar to the justification Russia gave for pulling back its forces from the Kyiv region earlier this year when they failed to take the Ukrainian capital. The news is confirmation of stunning battlefield successes for the Ukrainian armed forces, having liberated almost a thousand square miles of Russian-held territory, according to the Washington DC-based think tank the Institute for the Study of War. The territory includes the key strategic and logistical hubs in Izium and the town of Kupiansk that will in reality imperil Russia's entire position in the Donbas. Ukrainian officials earlier Saturday claimed major gains in a counteroffensive against Russian forces in the Kharkiv region, saying Ukrainian troops had cut off vital supplies to Izyum. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko also said that Ukrainian troops had retaken Kupiansk, a town along the main supply route to Izyum, long a focus on the Russian front line and the site of heavy artillery and other fighting. Nikolenko tweeted a photo showing soldiers in front of what he said was a government building in Kupiansk, 45 miles north of Izyum. The latest reports indicate fighting around the town of Liman, just 25 miles from the twin cities of Lysychnask and Severodonetsk that fell to Russian forces at the start of July after a long, grinding battle. Denis Pushilin, the head of the separatist Donestk People's Republic, reported on the fighting amid rumours that he had fled Donetsk. The situation in Liman 'remains quite difficult,' he said in a video post from a moving car. 'Just like a number of other locations in the north of the republic.' And Serhiy Haidai, the Russia-installed governor of the Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian units had even reached the outskirts of Lysychansk itself. 'Lysychnask, a great Ukrainian city. There will be a lot of reconstruction work,' he said in a cryptic message. A commanding officer of an anti-air unit of Ukraine's Armed Forces loads a rocket launcher in his SUV as they prepare to support infantry in liberating Balakliya in eastern Ukraine on Thursday, Sept 8 A captured Russian tank near Balakliya, Kharkiv region, after Russian forces ran away and abandoned their weapons and equipment This morning, Kyiv soldiers were pictured with their own nation's flag as they claim to have retaken Kupyansk - something Russia disputes A Russian tank destroyed by Ukrainian forces as they moved to recapture Balakliya earlier in the week Why has Ukraine's offensive been so successful? After seven months of repelling Russian offensives to a stalemate, what explains Ukraine's sudden, tumultuous success on the attack? It appears to be the product of a brilliant strategy concocted by Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who organised the defence of Kyiv. The first phase was to lure Russian troops to the southern Kherson region by announcing a forthcoming counteroffensive to recapture the regional capital. '[It] was a big special disinformation operation,' said Taras Berezovets, press officer for the Bohun brigade of Ukraine's special forces. 'Meanwhile [our] guys in Kharkiv were given the best of western weapons, mostly American,' he said. Among these were US-supplied HARM missiles, which were designed to take out Russian air defence radars, paving the way for Ukrainian air support. Once the Russians had massed around 30,000 troops around Kherson to ward off the counterattack, precision missiles took out the fixed bridges along the Russians' rear over the Dnipro River, leaving them effectively stranded. This left Russian lines in the Kharkiv region poorly defended and without many strategic reserves to plug any holes if the Ukrainians broke through, which they did. The Ukrainians amassed tanks in the Kharkiv region, which Russian commanders took no notice of, and then launched a classic lightning attack to smash through Russian lines. But to really explain why the Russian lines collapsed so spectacularly, one has to look at the quality of the troops manning them. It is reported that the lines around Kharkiv were defended by 'slave soldiers' forcibly conscripted within the breakaway DPR with very little will to fight. These solders reportedly abandoned their posts and their equipment to flee, some apparently disguising themselves as civilians and the Ukrainian offensive becoming more of a manhunt. There are reports of hundreds killed and thousands taken prisoner by the Ukrainians. And finally, the Russian army has long been hollowed out by corruption at every level, which leaves its equipment unmaintained, its troops poorly equipped and morale at rock bottom. Advertisement There are even unconfirmed reports of Ukrainian forces entering Donetsk international airport, the subject of two separate battles between Ukrainian and pro-Moscow forces in 2014 and 2015. Earlier Saturday, the British Ministry of Defence told reporters that Russian forces were likely taken by surprise by the speed, scale and ferocity of the Ukrainian assault. 'The sector was only lightly held and Ukrainian units have captured or surrounded several towns,' the British military said, adding that the loss of Kupiansk would greatly affect Russian supply lines. The Institute for the Study of War said it appeared that 'disorganised Russian forces (were) caught in the rapid Ukrainian advance.' They cited social media images of apparent Russian prisoners seized in the advance around Izyum and surrounding towns. The same report, now seemingly out of date, said Ukrainian forces 'may collapse Russian positions around Izyum if they sever Russian ground lines of communication' north and south of the town. Vladislav Sokolov, head of the Russian-appointed local administration, said on social media that authorities in Izyum have started evacuating residents to Russia. The fighting in eastern Ukraine comes amid an ongoing offensive around Kherson in the south. Analysts suggest Russia may have taken soldiers from the east to reinforce around Kherson, offering the Ukrainians the opportunity to strike a weakened front line. Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov told the television channel Ukraina that the Russians had no food or fuel for their troops in the area as Kyiv had cut off their supply lines. 'It will be like an avalanche,' he said, predicting a Russian fallback. 'One line of defence will shake and it will fall.' The Ukrainian military was more circumspect about the reported gains, claiming Saturday to have taken 'more than 1,000 square kilometres' (386 square miles) from pro-Kremlin forces this week. It said 'in some areas, units of the Defence Forces have penetrated the enemy's defences to a depth of 50 kilometres,' matching the British assessment, but did not disclose geographical details. Officials in Kyiv have for weeks been tight-lipped about plans for a counteroffensive to retake territory overrun by Russia early in the war, urging residents to refrain from sharing information on social media. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that Ukrainian troops had reclaimed more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region since the start of the counteroffensive. 'We are gradually taking control over more settlements, returning the Ukrainian flag and protection for our people,' Zelenskyy said. He spoke after the Ukrainian governor of Kharkiv reported that the national flag had been raised over Balakliia, a town recaptured by Ukrainian troops on Thursday following six months of Russian occupation. 'Balakliia is Ukraine! Today, together with the military, led by the commander of the Ground Forces Oleksandr Syrskyy, we raised the Ukrainian flag,' governor Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. Elsewhere, Ukrainian emergency services reported that a 62-year-old woman was killed in a Russian missile strike in the Kharkiv region when her home was flattened overnight. Syniehubov also accused Moscow of pummelling settlements retaken by Kyiv. He said in a Telegram post that five civilians were hospitalised in the Izyum district, while nine others suffered injuries elsewhere in the region. In the embattled Donbas region south of Kharkiv, the Ukrainian governor said civilians were killed and wounded overnight by Russian shelling near the city of Bakhmut, a key target of the stalled Russian offensive there. Pavlo Kyrylenko said on Telegram that two people died and two more suffered injuries in Bakhmut and the neighboring village of Yahidne. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit Saturday, saying that Europe would not tire of helping Ukraine despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to raise the pressure by withholding energy supplies from European Union nations. Baerbock said Germany will assist Ukraine in finding and removing mines and other unexploded ordnance left by Russian troops in areas where they have been pushed back by Ukrainian forces. Despite the gains made by Ukraine's armed forces, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the head of NATO warned Friday that Ukraine's fight against Russia appears set to drag on for months. Blinken said the war was entering a critical period and urged Ukraine's Western backers to keep up their support through what could be a difficult winter. A daughter is suing a Jewish funeral home after they buried her mother in the wrong cemetery - next to a complete stranger - and dressed in another women's clothes. The shocking discovery was made during the service on October 5, 2020 at Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels located in Ocean Township, New Jersey, which left mourners absolutely horrified with one woman in her 90s nearly fainting. Janet Kay passed away on October 3, 2020 at the age of 82 after suffering a long illness. Her daughter, Robin Kay Lord, is now suing the funeral home for the botched job, that she told DailyMail.com has left her traumatized. 'It is intolerable. It is recklessness and a total disregard for the dead,' Lord said. She waited nearly two years to file the suit hoping that the funeral home would take accountability, but she said the family's requests went ignored. 'We tried many times to have reasonable discussions with them but they would never respond' she said. The one time their lawyer did get through to someone at Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels they responded: 'We paid for a luncheon ... now what else do you want us to do?' That was the last straw for Lord, who decided to go ahead and file the civil suit. According to Lord, who is also a criminal defense attorney, in New Jersey it is up to the jury to assess how much money is owed the complainant, and said that she hopes that happens sooner than later. 'I want them to be accountable so another family doesn't have to go through this,' she told DailyMail.com. Janet Kay, 82, passed away on October 3, 2020 after suffering a long illness. Robin Kay Lord, the deceased woman's daughter, is now suing the funeral home for the botched job, that she told DailyMail.com has left her traumatized Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels in Manalapan, New Jersey, is a funeral home within the Dignity Memorial network of funeral and cemetery service providers. The funeral home claims on their website that 'when you choose us for your funeral needs, you not only receive the compassionate care you expect from a locally operated establishment, but also the value you deserve' Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Funeral Chapel in Manalapan, New Jersey, is a member of the Dignity Memorial network of funeral and cemetery service providers. According to its website, all of its services are 'designed to help you through one of the most personal and challenging stages of life.' 'We are dedicated to working with you one-on-one to plan your loved one's memorial in accordance with the funeral and burial customs that are important to you.' The funeral chapel did not return a request for comment from DailyMail.com. According to Lord, when her mother died an employee from the funeral home came to her New Jersey home to pick up her mother's body and the clothes she had asked them to dress her in before she was laid to rest. Lord said that she gave the person a purple pant suit and long gold necklace her mother always wore. She said that she also gave them a Sharpie to write her mother's name on the outside of the bag that held her personal belongings. 'I remember specifically telling them to make sure that she is wearing the clothes I gave them because if we opened the coffin and she was wearing someone else's clothes then it would be a complete nightmare.' Lord said the employee 'reassured' her that they would 'treat my mother with dignity and that the clothes would be placed on her after the traditional 'tahara' [an ancient Jewish ritual of washing the body of a deceased person before they are buried]. A Jewish funeral usually takes place within one day following the date of death, according to traditions. Lord had expected the funeral home to follow the custom, but instead the funeral home told her that they would not be able to bury her mother until two days later, the date was October 5. On that day, the family held a gravesite burial for Kay and about sixty people gathered to say their final goodbyes. As they waited for the service to begin Lord grew concerned when her mother's body did not arrive, She said the mourners and the Rabbi waited at the cemetery for the coffin for nearly a half hour. When she called the funeral home asking them where her mother was that was when she learned the horrific news. 'They were stuttering and stammering,' she recalled. 'I told them to 'cut the s**t and to tell me where my mother is.' She said the funeral home Facetimed her and that is when she saw a strange woman in a coffin wearing her mother's purple suit, the long gold chain she always wore, and her mother's wedding band. Lord was besides herself and said she nearly fell to the ground. 'I was screaming: 'What did you do to her? Where is my mother?' she asked them. 'Then they told me they had no idea where she was.' Lord said that she didn't have to announce what happened to her mother because all the mourners that were there for the burial 'heard her screams.' She said the Rabbi continued the service but the service was held without her mother's body. Later that day, she learned that her mother had been buried in a different Jewish cemetery in North Jersey in a grave that was next to a complete stranger during a Jewish holy holiday. She also learned the shocking news that her mother was wearing another person's clothes and someone else's wedding ring. The grieving daughter later learned that the bodies were mixed up because her mother died on the same day as another woman who was prepared for burial at the same time. 'They did the washing together and that is when their bodies were switched,' she said. 'Mind-boggling, just inconceivable.' Lord told DailyMail.com that the funeral home had lied to her telling her that her mother could not be buried on October 4th the day after her death. But, on October 4, she was buried in the wrong grave and at the wrong cemetary. In order to correct the bungled situation, Kay's body had to be exhumed and her daughter had to ID her decomposing body. 'My mother's body was not properly handled.' Lord added that her mother would never leave the house without lipstick on and was devastated when she saw her mother's lipstick 'all over the mouth,' while viewing the body. 'It looked like a five-year-old had put it on,' she said. Lord, who is still grieving the profound loss, said she put her faith and confidence in the funeral home to 'do the right thing' and take good care of he loved one and they didn't.' On October 8, the family held a private ceremony, and Lord's mother was placed in a mausoleum at a cometary in Marlboro, New Jersey, which was now her final resting place. Advertisement King Charles III waved to well-wishers as he made an impromptu stop on The Mall after getting out of his car near St Jamess Palace. Moments after the King left Buckingham Palace, his car stopped on The Mall and he was seen getting out of the vehicle. The King was accompanied by his aides as he left his Rolls-Royce. The King and Queen Consort then greeted royal fans outside Clarence House on Stable Yard, off The Mall. Cheers and applause rang out as they shook hands with and accepted bouquets of flowers from people who had waited for hours. Shouts of 'God save the King' were heard along with a chorus of the national anthem. It comes after an emotional and pensive King Charles smiled through his tears and waved at the crowd of well-wishers gathered outside the gates of the Palace after his proclamation today - as mourners continue to leave floral tributes in memory of his beloved 'mama' Queen Elizabeth II after her death. Well-wishers waited hours for a glimpse of the monarch, who automatically became King on the death of his mother the Queen on Thursday but was formally proclaimed by the Accession Council at St James's Palace earlier today, as he was driven to Buckingham Palace in his state Rolls-Royce. His wife Camilla, Queen Consort arrived at the palace after her husband around 90 minutes later, smiling and waving at the crowd as she was greeted by cheers. It was initially believed that the King and Queen Consort would go on a walkabout to inspect the tributes and greet mourners at 12.15pm. However, Charles III had not left the Palace by 1pm, and this afternoon he will hold a series of audiences with Prime Minister Liz Truss, her senior Cabinet ministers, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and Archbishop of Canterbury and the Dean of Westminster. At 10am this morning, the Accession Council - an ancient body of advisers that dates back as far as the time of the Norman Conquest - formally announced his role as Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including Supreme Head of the Church of England and Commander-in-Chief of Britain's Armed Forces, as well as Head of State of Commonwealth countries and British territories around the world. Broadcast cameras were allowed into the historic event giving the world a first glimpse of a ceremony dating back centuries - and one of the first changes to convention instigated by the new King. King Charles III waved to royal fans as he made an impromptu stop on The Mall after getting out of his car near St Jamess Palace Moments after the King left Buckingham Palace, his car stopped on The Mall and he was seen getting out of the vehicle. The King was accompanied by his aides as he left his Rolls-Royce The King and Queen then greeted well-wishers outside Clarence House on Stable Yard, off The Mall Cheers and applause rang out as they shook hands with and accepted bouquets of flowers from people who had waited for hours Shouts of 'God save the King' were heard along with a chorus of the national anthem The Queen greets members of the public outside Clarence House King Charles III meeting well-wishers as he returns to Clarence House from Buckingham Palace It comes after Charles gave a landmark address to the nation on Friday and paid a poignant and moving tribute to his 'darling Mama' the Queen The Queen speaks to well-wishers as she returns to Clarence House At 11am, trumpets then sounded from the balcony of St James's Palace as the Principal Proclamation announcing the King was read out. Crowds gathered outside the palace as the King was officially proclaimed. Gun salutes at Hyde Park, the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, Hillsborough Castle and Cardiff Castle were then fired before the National Anthem was performed by The Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. They were accompanied by the St James's Palace Detachment of The King's Guard made up of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards. The crowd of well-wishers joined the King's Guard gathered outside the palace in three cries of 'hip hip hooray' for the King. At St James's shortly after 10.20am, Charles III made a personal declaration on the death of his beloved mother Queen Elizabeth II today and vowed to uphold 'constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world'. Paying tribute to the Queen at the throne room of St James's before the assembled Accession Council shortly after 10.20am, the King also approved an order that the day of the Queen's funeral will be a bank holiday. Making his declaration, Charles III said: 'My lords, ladies and gentlemen, it is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved mother the Queen. I know how deeply you, the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we've all suffered. King Charles III is driven to Buckingham Palace in his state Rolls-Royce after his proclamation at St James's Palace King Charles III waving to well-wishers gathered from his state Rolls-Royce outside Buckingham Palace today The tearful King was driven to Buckingham Palace after his proclamation at St James's Palace The King appeared to be touched by the public outpouring of support from well-wishers outside the Palace King Charles III waving as his convoy enters Buckingham Palace in London Camilla, Queen Consort smiles and waves at the crowd of well-wishers gathered outside Buckingham Palace People gather near floral tributes placed outside Buckingham Palace in London A girl with flowers and a Union Jack looks on outside Buckingham Palace Members of the public gather outside Buckingham palace to lay flowers following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II Members of the public gather outside Buckingham palace to lay flowers following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II The Prince of Wales, the Queen, King Charles III and Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt during the Accession Council at St James's Palace King Charles III during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London King Charles III signs an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London The Accession Council in the throne room at St James's Palace in London as King Charles III is formally proclaimed King Charles III's declaration in full My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen. It is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved Mother, The Queen. I know how deeply you, the entire Nation - and I think I may say the whole world - sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered. It is the greatest consolation to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my Sister and Brothers and that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss. To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my Mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service. My Mother's reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me. In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these Islands and of the Commonwealth Realms and Territories throughout the world. In this purpose, I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose Sovereign I have been called upon to be, and that in the discharge of these duties I will be guided by the counsel of their elected parliaments. In all this, I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife. I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to My Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports My official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation. And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God. Advertisement 'It is the greatest consolation to me to know the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers. And that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss.' Continuing the declaration, the King said: 'In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world. 'In this purpose, I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose Sovereign I have been called upon to be, and that in the discharge of these duties I will be guided by the counsel of their elected parliaments. 'In all this, I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife. I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to my Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports my official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation. 'And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God.' After his personal declaration about the death of his mother the King took the oath to preserve the Church of Scotland - because in Scotland there is a division of powers between the church and state. This oath is taken at the point of accession to the Crown, with Charles saying he was 'ready to do so at this first opportunity'. Buckingham Palace confirmed he had declared: 'I, Charles III, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of my other realms and territories, King, Defender of the Faith, do faithfully promise and swear that I shall inviolably maintain and preserve the settlement of the true protestant religion as established by the laws made in Scotland in prosecution of the Claim of Right, and particularly by an Act intituled 'An Act for securing the Protestant Religion and Presbyterian Church Government' and by the Acts passed in the Parliament of both Kingdoms for Union of the two Kingdoms, together with the Government, Worship, Discipline, Rights and Privileges of the Church of Scotland.' Prime Minister Liz Truss joined Camilla, Queen Consort, William, Prince of Wales and 250 other dignitaries including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the Prime Minister, the Lord Privy Seal, the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Earl Marshal and the Lord President to sign the proclamation at 10am. Former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major, Labour former Cabinet minister Harriet Harman, the Mother of the House, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and the high commissioners of the 14 Commonwealth countries where Charles III is Head of State, are also on the body of the Accession Council. The gun salute to mark the formal declaration of King Charles III as Britain's new monarch, at the Tower of London in London A gun salute is fired for King Charles III in Cardiff, Wales The National Anthem was performed by The Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. They were accompanied by the St James's Palace Detachment of The King's Guard made up of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards. The crowd of well-wishers joined the King's Guard gathered outside the palace in three cries of 'hip hip hooray' for the King David Vines White, Garter King of Arms (third left) reads the Principal Proclamation, from the balcony overlooking Friary Court after the accession council as King Charles III is proclaimed King, at St James's Palace King Charles III signing the Proclamation at St James's Palace in London this morning during the historic ceremony The Prince of Wales, the Queen, and King Charles III during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London The Queen signs and oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London, where King Charles III is formally proclaimed monarch King Charles III walking into the throne room in St James's Palace this morning. On the podium stand William, Prince of Wales - the heir apparent - and Charles' wife Camilla, Queen Consort During the event the Lord President - Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt - announced the death of the sovereign and called upon the Clerk of the Council to read aloud the text of the Accession Proclamation before the body signed the document. It includes Charles's chosen title as King, already known to be King Charles III. Union flags were flown at full-mast from the time of the Principal Proclamation at St James's Palace until one hour after the Proclamations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, after which flags returned to half-mast in mourning for the death of the late Queen. The ceremony is being staged a day later for King Charles III then normal practice because the announcement of the Queen's death did not come until early evening on Thursday, meaning there was not enough time to set the plans in motion for Friday morning. Opening proceedings at the Accession Council, the Lord President said: 'My lords, it is my sad duty to inform you that Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away on Thursday the 8th of September 2022, at Balmoral Castle. I propose that, when certain necessary business has been transacted, a deputation consisting of Her Majesty, His Royal Highness, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York, the Prime Minister, the clerk of the Council, and myself, shall wait on the King and inform him the Council is assembled.' The day of the Queen's funeral will be a bank holiday, King Charles declares The day of the Queen's funeral has been confirmed as a bank holiday after approval by the King. The date of the state funeral has not yet been announced but it is expected to take place on Monday September 19. The bank holiday confirmation came when the King approved an order during a meeting of the Accession Council where he was formally declared head of state. Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt, said: 'Drafts of two proclamations. One - appointing the day of Her late Majesty's state funeral as a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 'Two - appointing the day of Her late Majesty's state funeral as a bank holiday in Scotland. 'And of two orders in council, directing the Lord Chancellor to affix the great seal to the proclamations.' Charles answered: 'Approved.' The funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in central London. The original plans are for the Queen's coffin to process on a gun carriage to the abbey, pulled by naval ratings - sailors - using ropes rather than horses. Senior members of the family are expected to follow behind - just like they did for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The military will line the streets and also join the procession. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000. The service will be televised, and a national two minutes' silence is expected to be held. The same day as the funeral, the Queen's coffin will be taken to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised committal service. Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family. The Queen's final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel - where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Philip's coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen's. Advertisement Reading the text of the proclamation, the clerk of the council said: 'Whereas it has pleased almighty God to call to his mercy our late Sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth II of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George. 'We, therefore, the lords spiritual and temporal of this realm, and members of the House of Commons, together with other members of Her late Majesty's Privy Council, and representatives of the realms and territories, aldermen, and citizens of London and others, do now hereby, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now, by the death of our late Sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege lord, Charles III, by the grace of God, of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and of his other realms and territories, King, head of the Commonwealth, defender of the faith, to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection, beseeching God, by whom kings and queens do reign, to bless His Majesty with long and happy years to reign over us.' He declared to the room 'God Save the King' and the packed room repeated the famous phrase. The historic event comes after Charles gave a landmark address to the nation on Friday and paid a poignant and moving tribute to his 'darling Mama' the Queen. The King pledged his whole life as service as the new sovereign just as the Queen did, saying: 'That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today'. And he used his speech to announce that he had created his son William the Prince of Wales, with Kate the Princess of Wales, and expressed his 'love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas', a symbol of his bid for reconciliation amid past troubles with the Sussexes. He also paid tribute to his 'darling wife' Camilla, calling her 'my Queen Consort', saying he can 'count on her loving help' and praising her by saying: 'I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much.' The King also set out his changing role, as he steps away from his considerable charity work which shaped his life as the heir to the throne. The Palace said: 'His Majesty The King will be proclaimed at the Accession Council at 10.00hrs (on Saturday) in the State Apartments of St James's Palace, London. The Accession Council, attended by Privy Councillors, is divided into two parts. In Part I, the Privy Council, without The King present, will proclaim the Sovereign, and formally approve various consequential Orders, including the arrangements for the Proclamation. 'Part II, is the holding by The King of His Majesty's first Privy Council. The King will make his Declaration and read and sign an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland and approve Orders in Council which facilitate continuity of government.' Mid-afternoon, members of Ms Truss' Cabinet will have their first meeting with the King just days after the Prime Minister formed her new Government. Senior ministers attending the Accession Council at St James's will travel to Buckingham Palace for an audience with the monarch. Ms Truss, who was invited to form a Government by the late Queen on Tuesday, had her initial audience with the King on Friday. Crowds gather outside St James's Palace in London, during the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace, London The King's Guard gathered outside St James's Palace in London shortly before the Principal Proclamation William, Prince of Wales signing the Proclamation formally announcing King Charles III at St James's Palace today The Accession Council in the throne room in St James's Palace where they await King Charles III Camilla, Queen Consort and William, Prince of Wales arrive at St James's Palace for the proclamation of the King Prime Minister Liz Truss signs the Accession Proclamation formally announcing King Charles III Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, former prime ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, David Cameron, Theresa May and John Major ahead of the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace The throne room in St James's Palace in London, where the Accession Council awaits King Charles III Conservative Prime Minister Penny Mordaunt, the Lord President, with William, Prince of Wales Left to right: Labour leader Keir Starmer, Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, David Cameron and Theresa May at St James's Palace, just before the meeting of the Accession Council to formally proclaim King Charles III this morning The Accession Council gathers at St James's Palace in London. The body is made up of advisers including former prime ministers, who formally pronounce the Queen's death before proclaiming Charles' accession to the throne Left to right: William, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Queen Consort and Prime Minister Liz Truss Prime Minister Liz Truss and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at St James's Palace in London at 10am A gun salute is fired for King Charles, following the passing of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, in Cardiff The Royal Salute is fired at Edinburgh Castle by 105th Regiment Royal Artillery The Company of Pikemen and Musketeers and the Band of the Honourable Artillery Company arrive at the Royal Exchange A military band plays outside the Royal Exchange in the City of London, before the reading of the Proclamation of Accession of King Charles III Members of the Coldstream Guards raise their Bearskin hats as they salute the new King Prime Minister Liz Truss leaves Number 10 Downing Street this early morning via the side door Police officers on guard at St James's Palace in London this morning ahead of the proclamation From left front row, Former British Prime Ministers Theresa May and John Major; Baroness Scotland, second row, Former British Prime Ministers Gordon Brown, Tony Blair, third row, Former British Prime Ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson, arriving for the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown ahead of the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace Guards of the Buckingham Palace leaving the palace in London Dignitaries arrive at St James's Palace in London for the formal proclamation of King Charles III Police officers stand on duty in Friary Court at St James's Palace in London People gather outside Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth II today King Charles III's proclamation: How today unfolded and what happens next D+1 - Saturday September 10 10am: Accession Council formally proclaims King Charles III King Charles III will be proclaimed at the Accession Council in the state apartments at St James's Palace in London. The event, attended by privy counsellors, is divided into two parts. In the first part, the Privy Council will proclaim the King and formally approve various consequential orders, including the arrangements for the Proclamation, without the King present. The second part is held by the King of His Majesty's first Privy Council. The King will make his declaration and read and sign an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland and approve orders in the council which facilitate continuity of the Government. The King will be accompanied by the Queen Consort and the Prince of Wales as they are both privy counsellors. 11am: Principal Proclamation is read from the balcony of St James's Palace The Principal Proclamation then follows. It will be read from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St James's Palace. The proclamation will be read by the Garter King of Arms, accompanied by the Earl Marshal, other Officers of Arms and the Serjeants at Arms. This will be the first public reading of the proclamation. Flags will also be flown at full-mast from 11am for about 24 hours, which will be until one hour after the proclamations are made in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. They will then return to half-mast in mourning for the Queen. Gun salutes will also take place at Hyde Park and the Tower of London. 12pm: Proclamations are read at the Royal Exchange in London A second proclamation will be read at the Royal Exchange in London. Further proclamations will be read in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales at 12pm the following day (Sunday). In mid-afternoon, the King will hold audiences with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Court mourning A period of royal mourning for members of the royal family and royal households will be observed until seven days after the Queen's funeral, the date of which is to be confirmed by Buckingham Palace. National mourning The Government is expected to confirm the length of national mourning, which is likely to be around 12 days, up to the day after the Queen's funeral. They are also expected to announce that the funeral day will be a public holiday in the form of a Day of National Mourning. D+2 - Sunday September 11 The Queen's coffin is expected to be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Proclamations will be read in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland devolved parliaments in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. D+3 - Monday September 12 Procession expected along the Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral. Service and the Vigil of the Princes by members of the royal family. The public may get the chance to file past the Queen's coffin at a mini lying in state in St Giles'. The House of Commons and the House of Lords are expected to come together in Westminster for a Motion of Condolence, which the King could attend. After leaving England and visiting Scotland, Charles will at some stage travel to the other countries of the UK - Wales and Northern Ireland - known as Operation Spring Tide. D+4 - Tuesday September 13 Coffin expected to be flown to London. Expected to be at rest at Buckingham Palace. A rehearsal for the procession of the coffin from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster takes place. D+5 - Wednesday September 14 The Queen's lying in state is expected to begin in Westminster Hall - Operation Marquee - following a ceremonial procession through London. It will last four full days. The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct a short service following the coffin's arrival. Hundreds of thousands of people will file past the coffin on its catafalque and pay their respects, just as they did for the Queen Mother's lying in state in 2002. The management of the queues outside is Operation Feather. During the Covid-19 crisis, plans included the possibility of the introduction of timed ticketing for those wanting to attend. Senior royals are also expected to pay their own moving tribute, standing guard at some stage around the coffin - the tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes. D+6 - Thursday September 15 Lying in state continues and a rehearsal is likely to take place for the state funeral procession. D+7 - Friday September 16 - Sunday September 18 Lying in state continues, ending on D+9. Heads of state begin to arrive for the funeral. D+10 - Monday September 19 The Queen's state funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in central London. The original plans are for the Queen's coffin to process on a gun carriage to the abbey, pulled by naval ratings - sailors - using ropes rather than horses. Senior members of the family are expected to follow behind - just like they did for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The military will line the streets and also join the procession. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000. The service will be televised, and a national two minutes' silence is expected to be held. The same day as the funeral, the Queen's coffin will be taken to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised committal service. Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family. The Queen's final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel - where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Philip's coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen's. Advertisement The Prime Minister curtsied as she was ushered in by a Palace aide for the first of what will be their regular weekly encounters. As she offered her condolences, the King shook her hand and thanked her, saying: 'You are very kind for coming - I know how busy you are.' He added: 'But it's been so touching this afternoon when we arrived here, all those people come to give their condolences.' Ms Truss again repeated: 'Your Majesty, my very greatest sympathies.' He replied: 'You are very kind. It was the moment I have been dreading, as I know a lot of people have. We'll try to keep everything going. Come, come have a seat.' Earlier, the Prime Minister had led tributes in the House of Commons to the Queen as she urged the country to support their new monarch. Those tributes will continue during rare Saturday sittings of both the Commons and the House of Lords. Proceedings in the lower chamber will begin at 1pm with a small number of senior MPs taking an oath of allegiance to the King, and are expect to continue to around 10pm. By 8am on Saturday, thousands had gathered outside Buckingham Palace to pay their respects to the Queen. Gun salutes rang out from stations including the Tower of London and Hyde Park both home and abroad on Saturday to mark the accession of the King. Sixty-two rounds were fired near Tower Bridge beside the River Thames by the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), and 41 rounds beside Park Lane by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery (RHA). The HAC, in ceremonial dress, were seen driving in liveried Pinzgauer vehicles through the City of London past a thousands-strong crowd of watchers. They travelled with police escort to the Thames riverbank, where guns were positioned facing HMS Belfast. At the Tower of London, a royal salute comprises the traditional 21 rounds, another 21 rounds signifies the loyalty of the City of London to the Crown, and a final 20 rounds were fired as the tower is a royal palace and fortress. Shouts of 'Long live the King' were heard as spectators lined up across Tower Bridge and along the Causeway inside the tower to watch the display. Salutes were also fired from Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Gibraltar, Colchester, York, Larkhill near Stonehenge, naval bases in Devonport and Portsmouth and a number of stations at sea. Reservists from 206 Battery 105 Regiment Royal Artillery fired the salute at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down watched by Steve Baker, minister of state for Northern Ireland. The salutes were timed to coincide with the Principal Proclamation of the King, which was read by Garter King of Arms at 11am from the balcony above Friary Court, St James' Palace. Coldstream Guards and the King's Guard will be present alongside eight state trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. The RHA is a British Army mounted ceremonial unit that fires royal salutes on royal anniversaries and state occasions, such as state visits and royal birthdays. The HAC dates its origins back to 1537, making it the oldest regiment in the British Army. It took over the role of firing gun salutes from the Tower of London in 1924. Gun salutes are customarily fired, both on land and at sea, as a sign of respect or welcome. They are now used to mark special occasions on certain days of the year, many of them with royal associations. Gun salutes occur on royal anniversaries including Accession Day, the monarch's birthday, Coronation Day, the monarch's official birthday, the State Opening of Parliament, royal births and when a visiting head of state meets the monarch in London, Windsor or Edinburgh. The Ministry of Defence said there are historical records of salutes taking place as early as the 14th century when guns and ammunition began to be adopted widely. Similar gun salutes were fired to mark the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 and Winston Churchill in 1965. Thousands of people have visited Windsor Castle on Saturday morning to pay their respects to the Queen. Flowers continued to pile up outside the gates of the royal residence, with notes and letters attached thanking the late monarch for her service. People of all ages were paying tribute and the local Rotary Club was giving children free flowers to lay down. Louise, 63, and Andrew Falconer, 62, travelled from Watford to pay their respects. Mrs Falconer said: 'You realise it has actually happened when you see all this.' Mr Falconer added: 'Initially I was shocked with how sudden it was. She was on her feet and two days later, she's gone.' They both believe that Charles will be a different monarch from his mother. Mr Falconer said: 'He'll have different attitudes, different ideas.' His wife added: 'I think he'll be a bit more modern. He might have to watch what he says sometimes. It'll be interesting. We're a modern society.' Nicholas Ewings, 54, from Farnborough, Hampshire, visited Windsor with his family. He said: 'We just wanted to come down, pay our respects and be part of the moment. We care and miss her forever.' His son Ethan, 19, said: 'I've only ever had one queen and now it's changing to a king. I was at work when I heard the news and I was upset.' Mr Ewings was optimistic about Charles III's reign: 'I think we'll hear from him more, which I think is a great thing. He's a top chap. He's our King and I stand behind him.' Jenny Woolford, 60, from Wokingham, was impressed by the King's first televised address on Friday night. She said: 'It was absolutely brilliant, very moving. I think he'll carry on in his mum's path as he's been trained to, but I also think he'll find his own way. 'You can't help but be impressed by him. He'll be a good king.' Mike Thompson, 69, from Staines, was born in Kenya just months before the Queen's coronation and saw the monarch in person when she visited his school. Mr Thompson said: 'She visited Runnymede to plant a tree and we marched out from our school just to line up in the reception area. 'A child in my class was waiting with some daffodils and the Queen stopped in front of the girl and took some flowers from her. It was quite a special moment for me.' Andy Bow, 57, from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, went to Buckingham Palace on Saturday. The armed forces veteran said: 'I'm just completely bereft really. I served the Queen while I was in the Army for 14 years. She just means so much to me, she's everything. 'She's the mother of our nation I think. I, along with the vast majority of everybody here, are a little bit lost and not sure what's going to happen so I just felt I had to come down and pay my respects for the last time.' Mina Parmar-shah, 34, from Harrow, north west London, brought flowers to lay outside the palace gates. Police officers march past Friary Court at St James's Palace in London Guards are seen at Buckingham Palace, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II Members off the public lay floral tributes for Queen Elizabeth II, as others look on, outside the gates of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire Floral tributes are laid outside the gates of Windsor Castle, where the Queen spent much of the last years of her life Well-wishers mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II as they lay floral tributes outside Windsor Castle Mourners including children leave tributes including illustrates cards and Union flags and hats outside Buckingham Palace King Charles III shakes hands with Prime Minister Liz Truss during their first audience at Buckingham Palace yesterday She said: 'I've followed the royal family my whole life so when the Queen died it was quite upsetting really, so I needed to come down and pay my respects. 'As a woman, she ruled for 70 years and that's a huge thing to have, especially because when she became Queen it was more of a man's world so that's a huge part of what she represents to me. 'I have always respected the Queen and had a love for the royal family.' A British historian slammed woke MSNBC host Ali Velshi on live TV on Saturday for only 'concentrating on the negatives' after he began a special on the Queen's legacy by condemning the history of the royal family. Velshi began his special on the Queen's legacy Saturday talking about her long reign and saying she 'was a constant for the British people. 'She endeared herself to the public, and her popularity is unmatched by any other member of the royal family,' Velshi, a Canadian-American, mused. But, he then added: 'As beloved as Elizabeth was, she also represented an institution that had a long and ugly history of brutal colonialism, violence, theft and slavery. 'For many centuries, the British robbed other nations of their wealth and power, and exploited their people,' he continued. 'Even as Queen Elizabeth's reign largely marked the beginning of the post colonial era, the horrors that her long line of ancestors inflicted upon many generations of people across the globe continues to be the source of pain. Following those remarks, Velshi shared a clip of King Charles III speech upon taking the throne, before introducing his guest, NBC British Historian Andrew Roberts, who disputed much of what the MSNBC host said. Velshi asked him about the idea that 'there are many people who are Queenists; they're not monarchists,' people who liked Elizabeth, but do not necessarily like the institution. But Roberts responded that Velshi's assertion is simply not true. 'I think when you look at all the opinion polls, we're about 80 to 85 percent in favor of having a constitutional monarchy whoever's on the throne,' he began. 'So I think this is extremely overdone, frankly. 'Rather, I'm afraid to say, as your introduction was, if we had given so much pain to people throughout history, why was Prince Charles chosen by every single Commonwealth country many of which are former imperial countries?' The comments seemed to make Velshi irate, telling Roberts to 'hold on a second. 'Are you really denying what I just said about British colonialism?' an exasperated Velshi asked his guest. 'Andrew, are you really doing that?' NBC British Historian Andrew Roberts, right, slammed MSNBC hot Ali Velshi on live TV Saturday after the host began a special remembering the Queen by condemning the history of the royal family He said that despite Velshi's claims, a majority of Britons support the constitutional monarchy MSNBC's Ali Velshi's full monolugue where praises Queen Elizabeth's long reign - before slamming her for representing an institution that had an 'ugly history of brutal colonialism, violence, theft and slavery' '[Queen Elizabeth] was true to her words, serving the British people for 70 years - far longer than any other monarch in British history. Shorter only than Louis XIV in the history of all European monarchy. Fifteen prime ministers have assumed their role in her reign, she met 14 American presidents and five popes in her lifetime. And far more often than not, she was the only woman and most powerful woman, into any room into which she stepped foot. Much has changed over the past seven decades. The world has undergone a radical transformation that has seen the industrial age evolve to the digital age - and through it all, the Queen was a constant and steady presence for the British people. Queen Elizabeth was an even-tempered monarch who was never quick to react or show her emotions, or reveal much about her private life. In that way, she endeared herself to the public, and her popularity is unmatched by any other member of the royal family. Though for that same reason, her popularity and the institution she represented took a major hit after the death of Diana who is pretty much the opposite of the stoic, reserved Queen. And as beloved as Elizabeth was, she also represented an institution that had a long and ugly history of brutal colonialism, violence, theft and slavery. For many centuries, the British robbed other nations of their wealth and power, and exploited their people. Even as Queen Elizabeth's reign largely marked the beginning of the post colonial era, the horrors that her long line of ancestors inflicted upon many generations of people across the globe continues to be the source of pain. That's now the legacy that her eldest son, King Charles III inherits as the head of state and the head of the British Commonwealth - which is know known as the Commonwealth of Nations. He's got a massive task ahead of him as the country and his family face an uncertain without the matriarch whose been their guiding star for so long.' Advertisement As Roberts continues to say the UK abolished slavery more than 30 years before the United States did, Velshi seems to become more upset telling him: 'Andrew this is not a propaganda show,' and 'Andrew I need you to stop! 'I need you to stop for a second,' he interrupts his guest. 'Are you really taking issue with the horrors of colonialism?' he asks, to which Roberts replies: 'I'm taking issue with your remarks about slavery, which we abolished 32 years before you did. 'We didn't have to kill 600,000 people in a civil war over it,' he added. But Velshi was not giving up. 'So you think that that's fine, that there are people all over the world who are born in colonial countries?' he asked. 'Because when I was born, the British Empire still existed. 'And that's OK for everybody to say.' Roberts, though, asked Velshi which country he was born in, and when Velshi said he was born in Kenya, Roberts noted that 'the Kenyans not only supported the appointment of Prince Charles, now King Charles, as the head of the Commonwealth, we've [also] just had a fantastic statement from the president of Kenya saying what a wonderful thing ' Velshi then interrupted to note that President Biden is also going to the Queen's funeral, to which Roberts asked: 'Then why on Earth do you want to concentrate on the only negative things of an institution, which is 100 years ago now?' At that point, Velshi claimed he didn't concentrate on just the negative aspects of the monarchy, asserting: 'I said there are many people in the world, many millions of people in the world I don't know if you have social media, but you should check it out who don't think we should be celebrating the British monarch right now. 'And many in Britain by the way, many in Britain,' Velshi asserted. 'No, not many in Britain where are these people in Britain?' Roberts shot back. 'You know, as I said, between 10 and 15 percent of the people don't want a monarch.' Velshi then accused Roberts of 'dismissing' the view points of those 10 to 15 percent of the British population, but Roberts said: 'I think if 80 or 85 percent of people believe anything you'll far more likely and far more right to concentrate on them rather than the tiny minority.' He went on to compare the minority of people who do not support the monarchy to people who believe in 'zoastrianism,' an ancient Iranian religion. At that point, Velshi seemed to decide it was time to agree to disagree, saying: 'So I actually think one of the failings of our history is that we don't concentrate on minorities or the views of minority. So you and I will differ in that. 'I actually think that when there are minorities who don't see things the same way as everyone else, we should actually shine a light on them.' Velshi tried to stop Andrews from speaking at several points during the interview Still, Roberts doubled down, as he began: 'On a great national occasion like this, I really think to concentrate on hat 10 percent of people rather than what 80 to 85 percent of people say But Velshi then once again interrupted him, claiming: 'There's a lot more people in the world who don't see it the same way, who grew up under the yoke of colonialism and the British Empire.' Yet, as Roberts noted, 'leaders of the entire world are writing to, even evil monsters like Putin, are writing to King Charles and saying what a great thing his mother's reign was' as Velshi had began his opening. 'In your intro, you had to talk about the great imperial family to which we all belong,' Roberts said, 'You know, the idea that this is in some way an attack on our past is further negative.' Rather than hear the rest of what Roberts was going to say, though, Velshi once again cut him off, saying: 'Well, it's nice to be able to whitewash that sort of thing, Andrew. 'And I'm glad you closed off with the idea that even Vladimir Putin had nice things to say about the Queen that sort of steals the conversation for us.' Velshi had described the Queen is his opening as 'a constant for the British people' whose 'popularity is unmatched by any other member of the royal family' The MSNBC host seemed intent to bring up the idea of colonialism when remembering the Queen, later prompting Birmingham City University professor Kehinde Andrews to speak about the role it played. He asked the black Social Sciences professor: 'How do you express colonialism? What; the short term of the effect of colonialism today? Was it bad.' Velshi then quickly added: 'I draw the conclusion, that yes it was bad.' 'Of course colonialism's bad. It was terrible,' Andrews responded. 'And if you jut look at the map of the world by GDP per capita, the poorest countries today are in so-called Sub-Saharan Africa, where the black people live and the richest countries are the west, where the white people live. 'We literally have a world which is in the image of white supremacy,' he said, blaming the monarchy by saying it 'came from the colonial era, and the Royal Family unfortunately, and the Queen in particular symbolizes that system. 'That's one of the reasons she's so popular, is 'cause she is a throwback to those colonial times when Britain was great and Britain dominated the world,' he asserted. 'And you cannot separate that history from the poverty that we see around the world today.' Later on in the segment, Velshi asked the British professor to comment on whether you can 'like the Queen, you can honor the fact that someone has passed,' while also thinking 'she didn't forsake the institution that was responsible for colonialism.' At that point, Andrews revealed he did not, actually, have to reconcile the two thoughts because he is not found on the Queen. 'I don't have any affection for the Queen, and that's nothing personal against her,' he said. 'I don't know her, none of us know her, right? And it's sad that someone's passed away, but that affection doesn't exist for many of us.' Andrews went on to explain how his grandmother grew up in 'colonial Jamaica' and was 'taught to revere the Queen. 'She had a picture of the Queen on her wall until she died,' he said. 'Bu we grew up very different. We understand what the Queen was' he claimed, adding: 'Royalists and the monarchy represents the racism that my generation faced.' Then, addressing Velshi's original question, Andrews explained: 'There is no conflict. We don't, we never have seen the Queen as someone who represents us, s someone who should represent us. 'And she has died, and it's sad, but there is literally no conflict. 'This is somebody who represented white supremacy and colonialism, and as you said, didn't give reparations, didn't give up her wealth, didn't give up her power. She reveled in it. 'And I'm not sure why I should be sad today, and millions of us in this country have exactly the same feeling as me, I would say.' Velshi seemed intent to bring up the idea of colonialism at every point he got during his special on Saturday He asked Birmingham City University professor Kehinde Andrews to speak about the role colonialism played and whether it was 'bad' Velshi's apparent vendetta comes amid a woke brigade seeking to attack the monarch, with a University of Michigan education professor even comparing the monarchy to the Confederacy in the United States. 'Telling the colonized how they should feel about their colonizer's health and wellness is like telling my people that we ought to worship the Confederacy,' Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, an associate professor of education, tweeted on Thursday. '"Respect the dead" when we're all writing these tweets *in English*,' she continued. 'How did that happen, hm? We just chose this language?' Following backlash for the tweet, she later added: 'You don't see me dancing on anyone's grave because my ancestors' enslaver removed us in the 18th Century. You also don't see me policing other people's emotions.' Meanwhile, Eugene Scott, a national politics reporter for the Washington Post asked: 'Real question for the "now is not the appropriate time to talk about the negative impact of colonialism" crowd: When is the appropriate time to talk about the negative impact of colonialism?' And American filmmaker Boots Riley tweeted about the Queen's death on Thursday, writing: 'The matriarch of a royal family legacy of slave-trading, imperialism, colonialism, theft, symbol of opulence and mascot for the ruling class is dead. 'The media will now parade the queen's zombie ass in front of u while telling u that overthrowing capitalism is not what we need.' A slew of others have also taken to social media to attack and mock the Queen as news rolled in about her tragic death. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's former aide, for example, wrote: 'I cannot imagine what my Irish grandparents would be feeling' and Jemele Hill, a contributing writer for The Atlantic tweeted: 'Journalists are tasked with putting legacies into full context, so it is entirely appropriate to examine the queen and her role in the devastating impact of continued colonialism.' A University of Michigan associate professor, Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, right, and Eugene Scott, a national politics reporter for the Washington Post, left, are among the woke liberals who have spoken out against the Queen after her death American filmmaker Boots Riley tweeted about the Queen's death on Thursday, writing: 'The matriarch of a royal family legacy of slave-trading, imperialism, colonialism, theft, symbol of opulence and mascot for the ruling class is dead' Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, a University of Michigan associate education professor, compared the monarchy to the Confederacy in the United States Scott asked when the 'appropriate time' would be to talk about the 'negative impact of colonialism' following the Queen's death Riley wrote that 'The media will now parade the queen's zombie ass in front of u while telling u that overthrowing capitalism is not what we need' Meanwhile, during Friday's installment of ABC's The View, co-host Sunny Hostin also said: 'If you really think about what the monarchy was built on, it was built on the backs of black and brown people.' She took particular issue with the Imperial State Crown and the Queen's scepter. 'She wore a crown with pillaged stones from India and Africa,' Hostin added. 'And now what you're seeing, at least in the black communities that I'm a part of, they want reparation. The Koh-i-noor diamond from India sits atop the crown made for the Queen Mother in 1937 and the Great Star of Africa sits in the Queen's scepter. The Imperial State Crown, along with a scepter, serves as the principal crown for the British monarch, with the Koh-i-noor being part of the Treaty of Lahore. Many people have claimed ownership over the Great Star of Africa over the centuries including Mughal emperors, shahs of Iran, emirs of Afghanistan, and Sikh maharajas. The Imperial State Crown, along with a sceptre, serves as the principal crown for the British monarch. The Queen was pictured at her coronation in 1953 with the sceptre and bejeweled crown One Carnegie Mellon professor has also sparked outrage by wishing the Queen an 'excruciatingly painful' death, only to later rebrand the monarch's reign as 'violent.' Uju Anya made the remarks in an interview with NBC News' website on Thursday, saying: 'There are people literally around the world, rejoicing at this woman's death, not because they're vile or cold, but because her reign and the reign of her monarchy by extension was violent. She went on to slam those who'd condemned her tweets, adding: 'I take deep offense at the notion that the oppressed and survivors of violence have to somehow be deferential or respectful when their oppressors die.' Anya, 46, explained that her mother was born in Trinidad and her father in Nigeria, eventually meeting in England in 1950s, having been sent there to go to school. She described herself as a 'child of colonization.' She added: 'In addition to the colonization on the side of Nigeria, there's also the human enslavement in the Caribbean. So there's a direct lineage that I have to not just people who were colonized, but also people who were enslaved by the British.' The woke Carnegie Mellon professor who put out a tweet so acidic in response to the death of Queen Elizabeth II that Twitter took it down has continued to double down on her anti-monarchy statements Anya was backed up by Zoe Samudzi, a Zimbabwean American photography professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, who tweeted her own outrageous statement about the late royal. She said: 'As the first generation of my family not born in a British colony, I would dance on the graves of every member of the royal family if given the opportunity, especially hers.' The Nigerian-born professor also said that she takes 'deep offense at the notion that the oppressed and survivors of violence have to somehow be deferential or respectful when their oppressors die.' Though Queen Elizabeth II has ruled a post-colonial Britain, there have been calls from some to confront the monarchy's past and, as Anya puts it, their continued attempts to 'meddle in African affairs.' Anya was backed up by Zoe Samudzi, a Zimbabwean American photography professor at the Rhode Island School of Design Uju Anya is a teacher and associate professor at the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She tweeted the disgusting words following the news that the Queen was in ill health In her first controversial tweet - now deleted by the social media platform - the professor wrote: 'I heard the chief monarch of a thieving raping genocidal empire is finally dying. May her pain be excruciating.' 'That wretched woman and her bloodthirsty throne have f***** generations of my ancestors on both sides of the family, and she supervised a government that sponsored the genocide my parents and siblings survived. May she die in agony.' Twitter later removed the posts for violating their rules. Anya's appalling sentiment, shared as the Queen was in her final hours, has ignited a firestorm of anger, and cast a light on previous attempts by hundreds of people to get the outspoken academic fired from her teaching job for violent and racist words. Carnegie Mellon University responded that Anya's views do not represent their school but also refused to allow her to face consequences so far and have not fired her Anya's vile words about the Queen were slammed by thousands online, including billionaire Jeff Bezos, who said: 'This is someone supposedly working to make the world better? I don't think so. Wow.' Journalist Piers Morgan also added: 'You vile disgusting moron.' One horrified user said: 'Don't expect that of you but do expect common decency, respect for such a loss. If you cannot give that at this time, you are a disgraceful of a human being.' Another added: 'You are just so uncouth and manner-less. You speak of someone who just passed with such a vile and disdaining comment. Carnegie Mellon University has distanced itself from Anya, telling DailyMail.com that it does 'not condone the offensive and objectionable messages'. 'Free expression is core to the mission of higher education, however, the views she shared absolutely do not represent the values of the institution, nor the standards of discourse we seek to foster,' a spokesperson said. Jeff Bezos was one of the many voices slamming the professor for her vile tweets Still, the university has so far refused to punish its professor, and said in a statement posted on Twitter on Thursday evening 'We do not condone the offensive and objectionable messages posted by Uju Anya today on her social media account.' 'Free expression is core to the mission of higher education,' they said, indicating Anya would not see consequences for her tweet. 'However, the views she shared absolutely do not represent the values of the institution, nor the standards of discourse we seek to foster,' they concluded. Carnegie Mellon University has distanced itself from Anya, telling DailyMail.com that it does 'not condone the offensive and objectionable messages' The 'anti racist' professor has faced allegations of racism in the past for the words she has used online - and in one instance, the Foundational Black American organization created a petition to get her removed from Carnegie Mellon University. Anya, who claims to be an expert in 'diversity, equity, and inclusion,' was called out for using an ethnic slur, which means 'cotton pickers' or 'wild animals.' The petition to get her fired garnered nearly 800 signatures. It read: 'Dr. Uju Anya can not be allowed to use the platform of Carnegie Mellon University Department of Modern Languages to further promote systemic racism through her blatant use of ethnic slurs on social media when referring to Foundational Black Americans. 'This is a step backward in our fight to destroy systemic racism and discrimination for all people if institutions allow professors to become comfortable with using language as a weapon against people of color by people of color. 'Society MUST hold all people accountable equally and we call on Carnegie Mellon University to take action against this type of egregious behavior to protect the reputation and integrity of the Higher Learning Institution.' One person who signed the petition said that the professor can't be trusted with children. They added: 'I'm concerned for the children. She can't be trusted with kids. I wouldn't want racist of any color teaching my children.' Another added: 'She needs to be fired. There's no way in hell she should be allowed to teach Black American students. She's a danger to any Black American she comes in contact with. FIRE HER NOW!' And a third person, who signed the petition for the university to drop her, said: 'She's a hypocrite and an ethnic bigot.' The vicious academic also found herself in hot water when he mocked the death of YouTuber Kevin Samuels in May 2022 YouTuber Kevin Samuels, 57, died in Atlanta earlier this year. But Anya came under fire after mocking his death in May 2022 The vicious academic also found herself in hot water when he mocked the death of YouTuber Kevin Samuels in May 2022. Samuels, who had 1.42million YouTube subscribers and nearly as many Instagram followers, was best known for some of his controversial dating advice. He passed away earlier this year. But in the aftermath of his death she wrote: 'Kevin Samuels told men their worth was in their wallet. He died in a 1BR sublet with less than $1K to his name, no partner, friend, or offspring willing to claim him, only his poor mother begging and borrowing to bury his loathsome carcass.' 'There is no way you aren't a woman with so much of hate in your heart and we certainly don't need that in women who hold high positions in our society. Horrible!!' A third social media user, disgusted at the words, said: 'There's always someone looking for attention in the midst of a tragedy, which you might understand if the target was a hated public figure but these comments are disgusting, and from a verified blue tick account too. You should be ashamed of yourself. 'There is no way you aren't a woman with so much of hate in your heart and we certainly don't need that in women who hold high positions in our society. Horrible!!' A third social media user, disgusted at the words, said: 'There's always someone looking for attention in the midst of a tragedy, which you might understand if the target was a hated public figure but these comments are disgusting, and from a verified blue tick account too. You should be ashamed of yourself.' The Queen's death was confirmed on Thursday, after dying 'peacefully at Balmoral' On Thursday, the Queen's death was confirmed. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. 'The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow'. The Queen's death will see Britain and her Commonwealth realms enter into a ten-day period of mourning as millions of her subjects in the UK and abroad come to terms with her passing. And as her son King Charles accedes to the throne, there will also be a celebration of her historic 70-year reign that saw her reach her Platinum Jubilee this year - a landmark unlikely to be reached again by a British monarch. Charles, who became King on the death of his mother, said: 'We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. 'I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.' When the Queen was nearing her 60th birthday, her then Press Secretary rang her from the intercom on his desk at Buckingham Palace and told her Queen Juliana of the Netherlands had just abdicated. Juliana was 71 and had been on the throne for 32 years. Typical Dutch, said the Queen disparagingly and hung up on him. No one was ever brave enough to make any comment of that nature again. Her faith in God was deep. She believed that He appointed her and the Crown was a symbol of that calling. She believed she had a duty to discharge with her life and she never wavered in that sense of duty. The Queen grew up in the happiest and securest of families. Her parents adored her and, although they employed nannies to take care of her, they devoted a surprising amount of their time to the young Elizabeth, known as Lilibet (right), and her sister Margaret, four years her junior (front) pictured with her cousin Margaret Rhodes Because of the extraordinary woman she was, and the way she conducted herself, her influence was greater, arguably, than that of any other woman alive. By her commitment, poise, courage and diplomacy she made the British monarchy the envy of much of the world. The Queen grew up in the happiest and securest of families. Her parents adored her and, although they employed nannies to take care of her, they devoted a surprising amount of their time to the young Elizabeth, known as Lilibet, and her sister Margaret, four years her junior. Her father, Bertie, Duke of York, was second in line to the throne but his public duties were far lighter than they would be today and her mother did very little charity work. Their home, at 145 Piccadilly, and his young family were Berties refuge from the world. He adored Elizabeth and brought her copies of AA Milnes books and they would endlessly recite her favourite poem together, Changing The Guard At Buckingham Palace. It was her doting grandfather, George V, who decided that Lilibet should be Elizabeths nickname within the family, so tickled was he by her attempt as a small child to pronounce her name. She called him Grandpa England, and at his insistence would sit next to him at family meals. Most people were frightened of George V, but not Lilibet, although she knew better than to turn her back on him. Even as a very small child she would curtsey to him and, after wishing him goodnight, would toddle backwards out of the room. On Sunday afternoons at Sandringham, he would take her to see his racehorses at the Royal stud. It was this grandfather who fostered her life-long passion for horses and for racing. According to the historian Kate Williams, he would even play her favourite game of horsey with her. The Archbishop of Canterbury once found him on all fours pretending to be a horse, shuffling on hands and knees along the floor, while the little Princess led him by the beard. She had a collection of 30 or so toy horses, each a foot high on wheels, and each with bridles and saddles that she polished. At night, she took off their tack, fed and watered them and lined them up in neat rows outside the nursery. Dogs were her other passion and she grew up surrounded by them. It was her intention as a child to marry a farmer, so she could have lots of cows, horses and dogs. This happy and carefree life came to an abrupt end in 1936, when Elizabeth was just ten years old and all thoughts of marrying a farmer evaporated. On the afternoon of December 10, she and Margaret were at home when she became aware of noisy crowds gathering outside the front door calling for her father and shouting God Save The King. Her uncle, Berties brother David, King Edward VIII, had abdicated so he could marry the American divorcee, Wallis Simpson. That afternoon, her father, ill equipped as he was, became King George VI, and with no boys in the family, she became heir to the throne. Her destiny was now, one day, to be sovereign. Her great good fortune was in meeting and falling in love with Prince Philip. He was a controversial choice of husband, but she knew her own mind and was not to be put off. Her great good fortune was in meeting and falling in love with Prince Philip. He was a controversial choice of husband, but she knew her own mind and was not to be put off. And he turned out to be the very best of consorts. A close family friend once said of them: There are some people who dont need many friends and those two, theyre just a real love story, taking tea together every day, talking about everything. He might take out a letter and read it to her or crack a joke. They just adore each other. Lord Charteris, who worked for the Queen for 27 years, summed up the success of the union: Prince Philip is the only man in the world who treats the Queen simply as another human being. Strange as it may seem, I believe she values that. Behind the public face, the Queen had a wicked sense of humour. Very many years ago, she and Princess Anne were being driven down The Mall from Buckingham Palace in her official car, when a very young and inexperienced police officer pulled over the driver and asked to see his licence. The young man had presumably seen the car had no number plate but clearly not noticed the Royal insignia on its roof. Wanting to spare the policeman embarrassment, the drive motioned over his shoulder in an attempt to point out he had someone rather special in the back. The hint was lost on the policeman who blundered on. Equally keen to spare anyone embarrassment, the Queen slid down on to the floor of the car so she was out of sight, and told Anne to do the same. The driver continued to gesticulate until finally the penny dropped. Not many people saw that playful side of the Queen. She presented such a neutral and professional front to the world that only those who knew her well were aware of just what a delightful sense of humour she had. It was deliberate. She knew that what made her famous was the crown she wore on her head, not her sense of humour, her gift for mimicry or her talent on a horse. She was never tempted to confuse things. She was never on an ego trip. She never exploited her position, never pulled rank, never felt superior. She had surprising humility for someone who was waited on hand and foot and was the centre of attention for almost her entire life. She knew, instinctively, that she had to be all things to all men, that monarchy needs to be a unifying force in the country and that big personalities are divisive. Some years ago, Richard Chartres, then Bishop of London, explained it perfectly: The Queen is a canvas on whom people project, as well as someone who stands for things. She appeals to those things which are beyond controversy; the basic values, she enunciates them. The whole raison detre [of the monarchy] is social cohesion pointing beyond the argy-bargy of politics to some of the deep laws, the abiding themes of all human life, love and loss, values that we all basically share. And in presenting that blank canvas, nothing got in the way, which is why her appeal was so universal, not just in Britain and the Commonwealth but in other countries she visited around the world. So it was only her family and friends, and a few others, who knew the real Elizabeth and knew she was anything but bland. She had a very quick wit, a good sense of humour and a great sense of fun. You suddenly found yourself having conversations with the Queen, says one former Minister, that you couldnt believe you were hearing. She was extraordinarily indiscreet and very funny. Not all that often, but you realised there was another person there who was fascinating and enchanting and girlish. Every now and again I had to pinch myself to believe what she was saying and the questions she was asking me. She was no culture vulture, never a great fan of opera, ballet or classical music. So it was only her family and friends, and a few others, who knew the real Elizabeth and knew she was anything but bland. She had a very quick wit, a good sense of humour and a great sense of fun (pictured in 2012 with Prince Charles). What she liked best, according to her cousin, Lady Elizabeth Anson, was the theatre and musicals like Show Boat, Oklahoma! and Annie Get Your Gun. These were tunes that remained in ones head and were very danceable to. Speaking in a 2016 documentary, she said: The Queen is a fantastic dancer. Shes got great rhythm. She also loved singing. We did a lot of singing at Kensington Palace, said Lady Elizabeth. Nobody thought it was odd after dinner if we put on a record and all sang The Lambeth Walk, so music has always been part of her life. Among her ten favourite songs were The White Cliffs Of Dover by Vera Lynn and Cheek To Cheek by Fred Astaire. A more recent favourite was Gary Barlows Sing, performed by the Commonwealth Band and the Military Wives, which was co-written by Andrew Lloyd Webber. She loved photography and was good at it, something she passed on to her second son, and she was an avid listener to the Sunday omnibus edition of Radio 4s long-running series, The Archers, and its precursor on the BBCs Light Programme that became Radio 2, Mrs Dales Diary. Among her ten favourite songs were The White Cliffs Of Dover by Vera Lynn and Cheek To Cheek by Fred Astaire. A more recent favourite was Gary Barlows Sing, performed by the Commonwealth Band and the Military Wives, which was co-written by Andrew Lloyd Webber. (The Queen pictured in 2012 with Gary Barlow awarding him his OBE) She was also said to have loved period dramas such as Downton Abbey and took great delight in spotting historical errors in the show. As the years passed and her childrens marital problems and other exploits became the subject of pub quizzes, the Queen drew in her horns and became ever more enigmatic. The closest she came to revealing her anguish was in 1992, when she marked the 40th anniversary of her accession and admitted that the year had been an annus horribilis. That was the year when Princess Anne and Mark Phillips divorced, the Prince of Wales and Diana separated, Prince Andrew and Fergie separated, and Windsor Castle was partially destroyed by fire. A life spent on the world stage did not come naturally to her. She was fundamentally very shy and very modest, and had she been born into different circumstances she would never have chosen so public a role for herself. She would have almost certainly lived in the countryside and pursued traditional country sports. She was famous for her lifelong love of corgis, but what was less well known was her knowledge about the breeding and training of gun dogs. She had kennels at Sandringham, where she continued her fathers breeding programme and produced a great many field trial champions. It was a passion, as was horse racing. But not just as a spectator or even a dilettante owner. She was a genuine expert. My father, the late Sir John Junor, long-time editor of the Sunday Express, was once invited, as most editors of national newspapers were, to a private lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace. He was one of ten guests and found himself seated in pride of place on the Queens left-hand side at the table. For the first two courses, the Queen ignored him and spoke exclusively to a High Court judge on her right. He could see that across the table from him, the then Tory MP for Dorking, sitting on the Duke of Edinburghs left-hand side, was also being ignored and the two looked at each other and shrugged. When the pudding arrived, both the Queen and the Duke turned in unison to their left, and my father and the MP both had their hosts full attention for the remainder of the lunch. My father was utterly enchanted and amazed by how different the private woman was to the one he had met on more formal occasions. Her eyes danced, she laughed readily and they chatted as if they were old friends. The secret to his success, he was always convinced, was horse racing. On the way to the Palace his office driver, who was a keen racing punter, had said: Ask her if her horse Height Of Fashion is going to win the Oaks. My father scarcely knew one end of a horse from the other, but he slipped it into the conversation and her face suddenly lit up. She explained animatedly that the horses legs were possibly too long for the Epsom course but that its chances would be decided by whether the horse ran well at Goodwood. They were off. Horse racing was her one serious indulgence the only interest on which she spent serious amounts of money. A racing expert I spoke to in 2005 guessed her overall expenditure then would have been between 500,000 to 750,000 a year. She was one of the most knowledgeable bloodstock owners in the country and over the years her horses had won most of the major British races. The one that eluded her was the Derby. By all accounts, if she hadnt been Queen she could have been a very successful bloodstock breeder. There are many people who knew the Queen well who would have said that if her children had had four legs and either barked or neighed, she would have been very much closer to them. She no doubt loved them all but she was not a demonstrative or a tactile mother, and not overtly maternal. But as is so often true in families, her relationship with her grandchildren was very much easier than it was with her children. It was certainly true of her relationship with her first-born, Prince Charles, and his sons, William and Harry. But as is so often true in families, her relationship with her grandchildren was very much easier than it was with her children. It was certainly true of her relationship with her first-born, Prince Charles, and his sons, William and Harry. She had the most enchanting relationship with all of her grandchildren, and indeed great-grandchildren, and was hugely fond of them all, but there was a special place in her heart for William and Harry. When Harry became engaged to Meghan Markle in 2017, she abandoned the old protocols about only married couples being allowed, and invited Meghan to spend Christmas with them all at Sandringham. It must have been a great sadness to her when, just two years after their joyous wedding at Windsor, the couple, controversially, left the Royal fold and moved to California. Their children, Archie and Lilibet, were strangers to her, and despite having been given the Queens childhood nickname, she only met Lilibet very briefly during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. But what must have upset the Queen even more than the geographical divide would have been the bitter rift between the brothers. She had seen their family torn apart during the bitter years of the War of the Waleses, and she had been with them at Balmoral on that terrible day when the news came through that their mother had died in a car crash in Paris. She had chosen to stay with them in Scotland all that week while the country, via the media, implored her to return to London, to put a face to the nations grief, and to show that she cared about the death of the Princess of Wales. It was not often that she put family before duty, and it was a tense time. But she felt that it was important to be there for her grieving grandsons. As a young mother, she had been less mindful of children being parted from their mothers. Charles was just a year old, in 1949, when Prince Philip was posted to Malta. Elizabeth flew out to be with him for a five-week holiday but rather than taking Charles with her, she left him at home with a nanny. When she came back, he and the nanny were at Sandringham with her parents, but rather than dashing to see her baby as most mothers would she stayed at Clarence House for four days attending to paperwork, then spent a day at Hurst Park racecourse, where her horse, Monaveen won at 10-1. She missed the excitement of Charless first step and his first word. She and the Duke went off on long foreign tours together without him, sometimes for as long as six months, and I suspect that, ultimately, those separations were responsible for the emotional distance between them. There was a further complication. Like all Royal babies, Charles was brought up in the nursery by a nanny, and for the first few years of his life this was a rather terrifying woman called Helen Lightbody. She ruled her domain and her charges with a rod of iron, and as a young and inexperienced mother, Elizabeth was frightened of her and kept away from the nursery. She waited for Charles to be brought downstairs for their allotted time together, an hour in the morning and an hour between tea and bath time. By the time her second batch of children was born Andrew and Edward in the 1960s a new, friendlier nanny was in post and, as a result, the Queens relationship with her younger sons was altogether different and very much closer. Charles had a rough deal all round. While concentrating on the job, the Queen left the decisions about family life and which schools the children should go to to the Duke. Charles was a sensitive child, which Philip found as puzzling as it was disappointing. Charles never felt he was good enough for Philip and, even as an adult with children of his own, he was still desperately trying, and failing, to please him. Neither the Queen nor the Duke was good at offering praise, or support. When the Prince of Waless marriage was falling apart in such a spectacularly public way, the Queen kept her distance. Only when the slanging match between Charles and Diana looked as though it might permanently damage the Monarchy did she intervene and insist they divorce. The focus of Dianas anger had been Camilla Parker Bowles who, five years into his failing marriage, had effectively rescued Charles from the depths of despair. The Queen insisted that Charles must give Camilla up, even after his divorce from Diana, by which time Camilla was divorced from her husband, Andrew. Even after Dianas death she was insistent that the mistress must go. For the first time in his life, Charles went against his mother. He declared that Camilla was a non-negotiable part of his life and I have always believed it was a good thing for the monarchy that he did, because we would be looking at a very different future today had he listened to his mother. Eventually, the Queen came round to their relationship, and Charles and Camilla married with her blessing in 2005. It was odd that she should have been so opposed to the one person who made her son happy. Particularly given that she knew and liked Camilla. She had known her for years, throughout her marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles, and they had a love of horses and dogs in common. But as a grandmother the Queen excelled. She had eight grandchildren, in order of age: Peter and Zara Phillips; Prince William and Prince Harry; Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie; and Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn. And 12 greatgrandchildren. The grandchildren all called her Granny, and all had fond memories of Christmases at Sandringham and long holidays at Balmoral. She loved them all but she was particularly close to William, who would follow in her footsteps. During his years at Eton, he would cross the bridge to Windsor for tea with his grandmother most weeks and their conversations were a source of comfort and inspiration to William, especially after his mothers death. And it is the Queen, rather than his parents, that William has modelled himself on in his public life. When William was planning his marriage to Kate Middleton in 2011, the first thing his office did was speak to the Lord Chamberlain about protocol. Back came a list of 777 names ambassadors, lord lieutenants, chancellors of universities a host of people William neither knew nor cared about, who, they were told, would need to be invited. William was horrified. Westminster Abbey, their chosen venue, would be full of strangers. So he rang his grandmother who told him to tear up the list. Start with your friends and then go from there, she said. She made the point, he explained, that there are certain times when you have to strike the right balance [between personal and duty]. And its advice like that, which is really key, when you know that shes seen and done it before. In the run-up to the wedding, William saw his grandmother for about half an hour every week, and if they couldnt arrange a meeting they spoke at length on the phone often on her mobile. Those who knew the Queen had seldom seen her so happy as she was on the day itself. She was literally skipping along the corridors of Buckingham Palace, where she hosted a lunch and an evening party for the newlyweds. After all the years of anxiety over Charles, whose bitter divorce caused such harm to the Monarchy, the fact that William had found in Kate someone he genuinely loved, as she had genuinely loved Prince Philip, must have been a huge relief to the Queen. Since then, she saw Kate support William in the way that Philip supported her all those years, and their children will ensure the succession into a third generation. She could rest assured the institution which she had safeguarded so dutifully would be in safe hands for the foreseeable future. True to her word, Elizabeth never did retire but she did finally relax. Google moved away from its usual colorful company logo, and adopted a muted gray one to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning English Monarch. Queen Elizabeth passed away today, September 8, at the age of 96. Thus, to mourn the passing of the Queen, the search engine changed its color to faded gray on its home page. Google Pays Tribute to the Queen When you visit Google and hover your mouse over the logo, the words "Queen Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022" will appear. Google is not the only one who is mourning the passing away of Queen Elizabeth II. Other newspaper websites have also adopted black or grayscale tone in their recent publications to pay tribute to the Queen, as WalesOnline. Condolences to the royal family, and the people of the UK have been pouring from all over the world, and Google choose a "subtle" way of paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. Meanwhile, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai expressed his own condolences to Her Majesty on Twitter. "Sending our deepest condolences to the people of the UK and around the world mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Her steadfast leadership and public service have been a constant through many of our lifetimes. She will be missed," Pichai tweeted. According to 9to5Google, this is not the first time that the traditional colorful Google homepage logo has been turned to grayscale. On several occasions in the past, the company also paid subtle tributes. One example is Memorial Day, when the company pay tribute to those who passed away already. Since it is a sad news, Google does not include animated elements or other changes. Read Also: World Leaders Take to Twitter to Express Their Condolences Following Queen Elizabeth II's Death World Leaders Mourn the Passing of Her Majesty The Google logo has now completely turned gray across devices, even on the Discover feed viewable on selected Android smartphones. 9to5Google believes that Google will have a bigger tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. This, according to the new site, will likely arrive in "traditional Google Doodle." As of writing, it is unknown how long the gray Google logo will appear. However, most likely, it is going to be a temporary change in most regions. Meanwhile, world leaders across the world also paid tribute to the Queen. One of those who expressed his condolences to the royal family is Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Xi Jinping said that Queen was the first UK monarch to visit China in 1986, and stated that "Her death is a great loss to the British people." Likewise, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern mourned the passing of the Queen, saying "The last days of the Queen's life captures who she was in so many ways - working until the very end on behalf of the people she loved." To express his condolences, US President Joe Biden signed the condolence book at the British Embassy in Washington, as per WalesOnline. Another leader, French President Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute to the Queen, hailing her "immutable moral authority." Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said everyone in the city-state is mourning the passing of the Queen. Meanwhile, to pay tribute to the Her Majesty, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro decreed "three days of mourning." Related Article: Apple Pays Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on its Website's Homepage Legendary Mail on Sunday cartoonist Mac has been sketching the Royal Family for decades, below are some of his most memorable, including one loved by the Queen herself of her corgis... February 1996: The Queen once told Mail cartoonist Mac she loved seeing her corgis in his sketches. She liked this one, about precautions after an anthrax scare, so much she acquired the original 'I feel sorry for the corgis.' 27 February 1996 November 2000: A photographer caught the Queen wringing an injured pheasants neck with her bare hands at a shoot in Sandringham to end its suffering but activists called it cruel 'Don't worry! You've got five seconds' start and if it's not a clean shot my wife wrings your neck' November 2001: The Queen and Prince Philip visit the set of BBC soap EastEnders, popping into the Queen Vic. Perhaps some Cockney slang rubbed off on to the old Runner Bean "Stone me. Benskin. We've been goin' round the bleedin' T.V. studios all day and we're knackered. Pour us a couple of pints and 'ave one yourself." April 2003: After Harry Potter author J. K. Rowlings 280 million fortune put her above the Queen on the Sunday Times Rich List, Mac imagines the Monarch having a wizard idea to catch up ".... Aha. Cried Harry Windsor, Stubbing out his fag and climbing on to his chauffer driven broomstick ...." May 2004: After a man got into Windsor Castle by disguising himself as a senior Scotland Yard officer, what other lengths might would-be intruders go to in order to hound Her Majesty? 'Have a word with security, Phillip. On Monday somebody got within yards of me pretending to be a policeman.' April 2006: The Royal Mail was overwhelmed with royal mail when the Queen received more than 20,000 cards for her 80th birthday. The thousands of emails would have been easier to deal with 'If that's the post, Philip dear; will you see if there are any cards for me?' June 2010: The Queens bid for an increase to her Civil List funding from the Government is rejected by Chancellor George Osborne, requiring some drastic measures to balance the royal finances 'Mrs Figgis. I wonder if you could spare a few pounds until the end of next week?' December 2010: After two engagements in the family Zara Phillips to Mike Tindall, and Prince William to Kate the Queen would be forgiven for wanting a quieter social life 'Two's enough for one year. I hope no one else is going to spring any surprises.' October 2014: Helen Mirren who won an Oscar for playing the Queen is named as the new face of LOreal. But in signing the actress, could the cosmetics giant also bag a regal understudy? 'Helen Mirren has got a chill. Are you free for a photo shoot session tomorrow?' August 2017: Buckingham Palace had confirmed that, at 95, the Duke of Edinburgh would be retiring from royal engagements, giving him much more free time to do the things he loved 'Of course, Kate. Now that he's retired completely I'm sure he'd love to babysit a few days a week. I'll ask him.' November 2017: Mac imagines some confusion as Prince Harry announces his engagement to Meghan Markle although, with hindsight, maybe Prince Philip did hear the name correctly... 'MARKLE, Philip, dear. MEGHAN MARKLE! Harry's not marrying Angela Merkel!' June 2022: The Queens surprise appearance in a heart-warming TV sketch with Paddington Bear was a highlight of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, overshadowing some loyal companions A 'tearful' Princess of Wales has revealed Prince Louiss sweet tribute to his great-grandmother the Queen. Prince William and Harry, along with their wives Kate and Meghan Markle, went on a 40-minute walkabout at Windsor Castle inspecting the sea of floral tributes this evening. Among the crowd on the Long Walk, Banita Ranow, 28, said she heard Kate tell children next to her about what her youngest son Louis had said about the Queen's death. She said Kate told the children: 'Louis said at least Grannie is with great grandpa now.' Ms Ranow said Kate was 'welling up' as she spoke to the children. The well-wisher from west London also spoke of her surprise at seeing the two brothers and their wives together, adding: 'It was really nice.' Prince William and Harry, along with their wives Kate and Meghan Markle, went on a 40-minute walkabout at Windsor Castle inspecting the sea of floral tributes this evening Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Louis look out on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade The Princess of Wales meeting members of the public at Windsor Castle in Berkshire Her mother Baljinder Ranow, 64, said it was 'fabulous', adding: 'It was so beautiful to see.' She said: 'I felt so emotional and I felt the Queen would have loved it. I just hope in the future they remain like that and that the brothers come together, and the families.' The prince delighted royal fans by stealing the show on the balcony during the Platinum Jubilee after Trooping the Colour. He let out a howl and covered his ears during the flypast, and his 'Gan Gan' the Queen sweetly interacted with her great-grandson, leaning down to chat to him and point out the planes. It comes as the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted by applause as they walked along the gates of Windsor Castle together as they honoured the legacy of Her Majesty - temporarily putting aside the differences sparked by Megxit which have fractured the Royal Family and plunged the monarchy into one of its most severe ever crises. A Kensington Palace source said that the Prince of Wales invited the Sussexes to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier today. Among the crowd on the Long Walk, Banita Ranow, 28, said she heard Kate tell children next to her about what her youngest son Louis had said about the Queen's death The well-wisher from west London also spoke of her surprise at seeing the two brothers and their wives together, adding: 'It was really nice' Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on the long Walk at Windsor Castle to greet well-wishers The new Prince and Princess of Wales look sombre as they prepare to face the public and look upon the enormous floral tribute laid out in tribute to Her Majesty the Queen The Sussexes' friend and preferred journalist Omid Scobie later claimed on Twitter that the invitation was made at the '11th hour'. However, hinting that William is prepared to extend Harry an olive branch and work towards melting the ice between them, he declared: 'It is, without a doubt, a significant moment in the history of the relationship between the two brothers'. Tonight's surprise appearance is thought to be the first time that the two couples have all been in public together since Commonwealth Day on March 9, 2020. Harry and Meghan, who sensationally quit frontline duties two years ago to strike out on their own in California and then levied a series of bombshell allegations against The Firm, held hands as they looked at the tributes, with Harry at one point affectionately putting his hand on Meghan's back. They were seen pointing at different tributes and discussing them as members of the crowd waved at them. At one moment, a small Paddington Bear toy was given to William, which he passed on to an aide. He was seen lightly touching Kate's back at one poignant moment. At one point Kate crouched down and began speaking to a child who had started to cry. The child stopped crying when Kate approached her. When Liz Truss rose to her feet to address the Commons at 11.40am on Thursday, she had known for more than two hours that the Queen was unlikely to survive the day. The new Prime Minister had been thrashing out the final details of her 150 billion energy bailout with close aides when she was told by Cabinet Secretary Simon Case that the monarch was gravely ill and it was a matter of hours, not days. As she tried to absorb the enormity of the news, Ms Truss realised that she would have to mask her anguish until Buckingham Palace had formally told the nation after she had delivered her Commons statement. When Liz Truss rose to her feet to address the Commons at 11.40am on Thursday, she had known for more than two hours that the Queen was unlikely to survive the day As aides located black clothing and cancelled an evening phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, the PM who was barely into her second day in Downing Street was driven the short distance to Parliament, where she gave no hint of the unfolding drama as she announced that the Government would cap household annual energy bills at 2,500 until 2024. When she said extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, MPs had no idea quite how extraordinary her first week in office was becoming. The news about the Queens health only started to susurrate around the Commons after the Prime Minister had finished speaking. When Cabinet Minister Nadhim Zahawi passed a message to her in the chamber at 12.15pm, it just confirmed what she already knew. Fifteen minutes later the Palace shocked the world by announcing that the Queens doctors are concerned for Her Majestys health. After MPs had finished debating her energy plans, Ms Truss met advisers in the No 10 flat to plan a speech paying tribute to Her Majesty: it was in that flat, in the late afternoon, that she received the dreaded call from the Palace saying the Queen had died. After the news was officially announced at 6.30pm, the Prime Minister delivered her tribute in Downing Street. The mood was one of shock, immense sadness and incredulity, said a source. We started the day by preparing one of the biggest economic interventions in British history and ended it by marking the accession of a new King. The news about the Queens health only started to susurrate around the Commons after the Prime Minister had finished speaking The news of the Queen's condition spread throughout the House of Commons As soon as the seriousness of the Queens condition had become clear, the Rolls-Royce machinery of the British Establishment started purring into action. The Prime Ministers aides praised the superb performance of Mr Case, who holds the rare advantage of high-level experience in both the political and royal worlds: before taking up his role as Boris Johnsons most senior civil servant, he worked as Prince Williams Private Secretary. Along with Nick Catasaras, Ms Trusss Principal Private Secretary, and Sir Edward Young, the Private Secretary to the Queen, Mr Case is part of the so-called golden triangle of officials who manage the interface between Whitehall and Buckingham Palace. Mr Catasaras was seen entering the Commons with Ms Truss on Thursday morning, which meant she could be kept updated on the developing situation at all times. The week was meant to have been defined by the fact that Ms Truss had finally taken hold of the reins of power after the long summer leadership contest and moved to ease anxiety about soaring energy bills by announcing a massive package of Government help. Ms Truss and her team were working on the details late into the night on Tuesday, the day she succeeded Mr Johnson, with the Prime Minister grilling officials in the Cabinet room, where she has established her office. Tributes to the late Queen have been pouring in from MPs in the House of Commons Thousands have been to Buckingham Palace and other royal residences to lay floral tributes The final package was only cleared at 10.30pm on Wednesday. On Friday afternoon, Mark Fullbrook, Ms Trusss Chief of Staff, summoned No 10 staff to a meeting and encouraged them to take time this weekend to mourn and celebrate the life of the Queen. He praised them for their work, led applause for those involved in the key moments of the week and with characteristic political pragmatism advised them to take advantage of the political truce which will hold during the period of national mourning by taking some rest. But difficult decisions remain, including whether to cancel the annual party conferences which are due to start at the end of the month a move which could cost millions of pounds. Despite the Commons being suspended from today until after the funeral, party managers will also have to find the Parliamentary time to pass the energy measures before the price cap rises in October, and for an emergency Budget to allow Ms Truss to axe Aprils rise in National Insurance. A source said: The energy package has put down a clear marker for the type of PM that Liz will be: someone who takes decisive and bold action and knows her own mind. Her job now is to help guide the country through this extraordinary period over the next ten days and beyond. In a ceremony dating back a thousand years, Charles III was formally proclaimed King yesterday. The Accession Council, which traces its origins to Anglo-Saxon times, lamented the loss of one Sovereign and pledged allegiance to the next. Signatories to the proclamation document included Lords Spiritual and Temporal, former Prime Ministers and leading members of the current Government and Opposition. It was a scene laden with symbolism. To some, it must have seemed arcane and largely ritualistic. It was far more than that. In a ceremony dating back a thousand years, Charles III was formally proclaimed King yesterday. The Accession Council, which traces its origins to Anglo-Saxon times, lamented the loss of one Sovereign and pledged allegiance to the next. To some, it must have seemed arcane and largely ritualistic. It was far more than that. This was an affirmation that the British Sovereign rules by the consent of the people a living demonstration of the continuity and legal authority that underpin our constitutional Monarchy. Since 1688, that system has presided over an unprecedented epoch of personal freedom and political stability. While other nations have succumbed to extremism, revolution and tyranny, the United Kingdom has been a beacon of democracy and remains so today. This being the 21st Century, of course, the ancient in yesterdays proceedings was rightly tempered with the modern. The event was televised for the first time and was attended by the new Queen Consort, accompanied by the new Prince of Wales. And inevitably, it prompted a tsunami of social media comment ranging as ever from the positive to the deranged reminding us that the age of unspoken deference is past. Along with the gun salutes and shouts of Long Live The King, the ceremony also brought home the sad truth that Queen Elizabeth II is really gone. Along with the gun salutes and shouts of Long Live The King, the ceremony also brought home the sad truth that Queen Elizabeth II is really gone. She had been a presence of maternal reassurance for so long that many of us have found it hard to believe she is no longer here. Despite our profound sense of loss however, all the indications are that this most consummate of Monarchs has tutored her eldest son well. Sometimes aloof and rather prickly as a younger man, Charles has developed over the years into a far more rounded and empathic character. During his walkabout outside Buckingham Palace on Friday, he displayed much of his mothers easy charm. And the crowds adored him for it. The outpouring of public affection was palpable. That evening, his address to the nation was a masterpiece of eloquence, and charged with emotion. Bidding a poignant farewell to his darling Mama and promising to carry on her legacy of public service, his words brought a lump to a million throats. He also paid moving tribute to Camilla, his wife, confidante and touchstone. After his mother, she has helped more than anyone to prepare him for this moment. Having been less than popular following the death of Diana, Camilla has won the public round and earned her own special place in our affections. Significantly, Charles also stressed how honoured he feels to be taking over as head of the Church of England and inheriting the title Fidei Defensor Defender of the Faith. Some years ago, he was criticised for undermining the established church after saying he would rather be known as the more generic defender of faith, to reflect Britains religious diversity. In Fridays statement, there was no such equivocation. While respecting and engaging with all other religions, he was a committed Anglican and would rule as an Anglican king. Meanwhile, the Queens death will no doubt stir the republican movement from its slumbers. During his walkabout outside Buckingham Palace on Friday, Charles displayed much of his mothers easy charm. And the crowds adored him for it. So universally loved and respected was she that the vast majority of anti-Royalists have been keeping their powder dry. They will soon be back at the barricades, questioning why we should be ruled by those who owe their position and palaces purely to an accident of birth. Yesterdays ceremony was the perfect antidote to these stale arguments. Charles III may be a hereditary monarch but he rules by common consent. Through the Accession Council, he has been legitimised by the people. Those who seek to break up the United Kingdom will also be invigorated by the Queens passing. They will paint this as a moment to re-evaluate the future. But if anything, the Union and the Monarchys place at the head of it has been strengthened by the succession. It is deeply symbolic that Elizabeth II died at her beloved Balmoral. The granddaughter of a Scottish peer through her mothers line and a descendant of the Stuart kings through her fathers, she was arguably as Scottish as she was English. Several Royals were educated in Scotland and Princess Annes son Peter even represented Scotland schools at rugby. From Balmoral, the Queens body will be conveyed to Edinburghs historic Holyrood Palace, once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Thousands are expected to cram the Royal Mile as the coffinprocesses to St Giles Cathedral, where a memorial service will be held, with the new King in attendance. This all emphasises the fact that the Royal connection with Scotland is as deep as it is ancient. While some nationalists may sneer at the institution, the mass of the people cherish it. Wales, too, has a new first family and one with considerable star quality. Anglesey was Williams first home as a married man, showing his love for the country of which he now becomes Prince. It is an honour conferred on heirs to the throne since 1301 and traces its origins even further back to Glyndwr and the great Llywelyn. The historic link is rock-solid. To complete the United Kingdom circle, King Charles will visit Northern Ireland to receive a message of condolence at Hillsborough Castle and attend a thanksgiving service at St Annes Cathedral, Belfast, for his mothers life. Few can doubt his commitment and devotion to the Union or the Unions overwhelming support for him. Those who hope to destroy it should not count their chickens. he Royal Family? It goes without saying that he has a uniquely hard act to follow. But the Monarchy has already come a long way from its nadir following the untimely death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Though Andrew, Harry and Meghan have done their best to drag it down, it has modernised and progressed and is forging a new relevance in modern Britain. Through the Princes Trust, Charles has shown real concern and given enormous practical help to the less fortunate. His views on the environment and architecture, once seen as crankish, are now mainstream. Camilla, too, has demonstrated her passion for charitable work. In William and Kate, the family has its golden couple. With their young family and open, engaging style, they are an incalculable asset. One feels that when their time comes, the Monarchy will be safe in their hands. In William and Kate, the family has its golden couple. With their young family and open, engaging style, they are an incalculable asset. One feels that when their time comes, the Monarchy will be safe in their hands. But while its undoubtedly a good thing that the Royal Family has been slimmed down, the King must be careful not to allow it to become diminished. The Monarchy is the glue that binds this country together. Water it down too much and it can no longer serve that purpose. These are considerations for the future, however. First we mourn and reflect on the remarkable life of our lost matriarch Elizabeth the Great, as she was aptly dubbed by Boris Johnson. As the nation comes to terms with her passing, we can take comfort from her own consoling words for those who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks, referenced yesterday by Prince William: Grief is the price we pay for love. It was doubtless intended as a touching gesture to ease the new Kings grief. But it has sparked a debate on whether the Prime Minister had inadvertently breached Royal protocol. On Friday, in her first audience with King Charles, Liz Truss was seen to hold the Monarchs left arm tightly as they spoke. The close encounter at Buckingham Palace appeared to come as Ms Truss expressed her very, very sincere condolences and the King confided that his mothers death had been the moment Ive been dreading. On Friday, in her first audience with King Charles, Liz Truss was seen to hold the Monarchs arm and shake his hand It also came after a prolonged handshake between the King and the PM, who had curtsied to the new Sovereign as she was formally announced. But whatever her good intentions in holding the Kings arm, Royal biographer and historian Hugo Vickers said last night that, strictly speaking, the new PM had indeed overstepped the mark. However, Mr Vickers said he was sure that King Charles wouldnt have minded in the least. He told the Mail on Sunday: On a very strict interpretation of Royal protocol rules, the PM should not have held the Kings arm in this way. The rules are that you leave it to the King to do the arm touching. The Royal Family is supposed to initiate the contact. You dont do anything you keep yourself to yourself. However, Mr Vickers whose books include Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and We Want The Queen, about the 1977 Silver Jubilee said he was certain the PMs tight hold would not have disturbed King Charles. He said: On this occasion, I would give her [Ms Truss] the benefit of the doubt and being sympathetic to the King at this very emotional moment. The close encounter at Buckingham Palace appeared to come as Ms Truss expressed her very, very sincere condolences and the King confided that his mothers death had been the moment Ive been dreading It was probably the point where King Charles said that he had been dreading this moment. He certainly wouldnt have minded in the least and thats what it comes down to. The apparent protocol breach will appear minor compared to the furore that occurred in Australia in 1992 when the then Australian prime minister Paul Keating was dubbed the Lizard of Oz. He had put his arm round Queen Elizabeth during a Royal visit Down Under. In 2009, Michelle Obama wife of then US President Barack Obama raised eyebrows on a State Visit by reaching in for a hug with Her Majesty while at Buckingham Palace. The former First Lady reflected on the moment in her 2018 memoirs, writing: If I hadnt done the proper thing at Buckingham Palace, I had at least done the human thing. She also revealed how, in 2016, the Queen herself called the protocol rules rubbish after asking the First Lady to defy convention and sit next to her in the car. Last night, a Number 10 source explained the PMs gesture, saying: It was a very human moment Liz wanted to express her deepest condolences to a son who had lost his mother. CNN's Jake Tapper suggested on his show 'The Lead' Friday that it would be 'clever' for President Biden to invite his predecessor Donald Trump to Queen Elizabeth II's funeral - as many wonder if the once-woke network is 'pulling to the political right.' The statement from the network's chief DC correspondent came less than a day after Biden revealed he would be attending the queen's funeral. Buckingham Palace announced her passing at 96 years of age on Thursday. Tapper made the remarks as part of a roundtable discussion on Biden's precarious position on whether to bring Trump to the somber ceremony, scheduled for September 19. While it's not unusual for ex-presidents to attend the same event, Biden and Trump have been engaged in a bitter feud since the current president's electoral triumph over his Republican rival. Both men have accused the other of being a threat to the Constitution. The assertion from the network's prominent news show host follows a recent pattern of previously progressive CNN stalwarts expressing increasingly conservative opinions. The news network has been focused on purging itself of its woke reputation since Chris Licht, the new CEO, took the reigns in February and pledged to make CNN reliable again by halting the slander of Republicans. CNN's Jake Tapper (center) suggested on his show 'The Lead' Friday that it would be 'clever' for President Biden to invite his predecessor Donald Trump to Queen Elizabeth II's funeral - as many wonder if the once-woke network is 'pulling to the political right' CNN is currently doing a panel discussion about if Biden should invite Trump to the Queen's funeral. Jake Tapper says it would be "clever" for Biden to do it. pic.twitter.com/PB6vQK9FpL Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 9, 2022 Speaking to his fellow panelists Friday on The Lead with Jake Tapper, the progressive talking head - who famously said he and his colleagues 'survived' the 2020 presidential election following Biden's win in a since deleted tweet - bizarrely labeled the ongoing situation between the two heads of state as 'fascinating.' 'I mean, the U.K. has made it very clear, that's up to the president. He's invited. He can bring whatever delegation,' Tapper said, noting that the U.K. has essentially left it up to Biden to decide who to include in the delegation to the royal service. He went on to posit that invites to former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter are already 'no-brainers.' However, when it came to Trump, he posed a seemingly optimistic query to his fellow panelists. 'So obviously, Obama, you know, Carter, Bush, no-brainers,' Tapper, 53, said, before adding, 'What about Trump? Will he invite Trump?' Jeff Zeleny, CNN's national affairs correspondent, was the first - and only - to respond to Tapper's query. He observed that presidents inviting predecessors to other leaders' funerals was not out of the ordinary - with Obama inviting Bush, Clinton, and Carter to the funeral of South African President Nelson Mandela in 2013. 'So there is protocol for having U.S. presidents invite other presidents,' Zeleny said. 'Who knows? Maybe in the spirit of forgiving and giving, President Biden will invite Donald Trump on the Air Force One. I doubt that'll happen. But I do expect some type of a bipartisan delegation.' The statement concerning Trump's potential presence at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral came less than a day Biden announced he would be attending the queen's funeral after Buckingham Palace announced her passing Thursday. Here the pair are pictured in Portsmouth in 2019 Tapper went on to offer his somewhat surprising input on the situation. 'I think that the clever move is to invite him and see if he goes,' Tapper said. 'I don't think former President Trump would want to be subordinate on Air Force One, and I think probably he prefers his own plane anyway.' All four living former presidents released statements of condolences within hours of the announcement of the Queen's passing. Trump released his statement Thursday, saying he'll 'never forget Her Majesty's generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor. 'What a grand and beautiful lady she was,' the embattled ex president's statement read, 'there was nobody like her!' Former President Obama issued a lengthy remembrance just hours after her death was made public. 'Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us,' the former head of state wrote. He went on to highlight his own personal experience with Elizabeth during a 2009 visit to England, during which he said he was graced with her 'extraordinary generosity.' 'Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity,' Obama said. While it's not unusual for ex-presidents to attend the same event, both Biden and Trump have been engaged in a bitter feud since the current president's electoral triumph over his Republican rival, with each accusing the other of being a threat to the Constitution 'Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance.' Obama hailed the UK's longest-reigning monarch for her 'dedicated leadership,' saying he and his wife 'are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service.' Former President George W. Bush, meanwhile, recalled how he and his wife spent time at Buckingham Palace in the 2000s, writing in a statement that 'having tea with Her Majesty and her Corgis is among our fondest memories of the presidency.' 'Our world benefitted from her steady resolve, and we are grateful for her decades of service as sovereign,' he said. All four living former presidents released statements of condolences within hours of the announcement of her passing Former President Bill Clinton wrote that he and his wife, ex secretary of State Hillary Clinton, were among the millions of people 'all around the world' who were 'giving thanks for [Elizabeth's] life.' Calling the queen a 'source of stability, serenity and strength,' Clinton added that he was thankful 'for the kindness she showed us through the years, particularly during our visits to Buckingham Palace in 1995 and 2000.' Also mourning was ninety-seven-year-old ex President Jimmy Carter, who was born two years before Elizabeth. He wrote that he and wife Rosalynn extended their condolences to the royal family as well as the people of the UK. 'Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration,' Carter said of Elizabeth in a statement, 'and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader.' Meanwhile, as CNN continues to undergo an anti-woke makeover, some speculate the news network might be 'pulling to the political right' and becoming more critical of Joe Biden as staffers try to save their jobs. News anchor Brianna Keilar slammed the White House after they used US Marines and a red backdrop for Biden's speech against former President Donald Trump and the GOP on September 1. Former President George W. Bush, meanwhile, recalled how he and his wife spent time at Buckingham Palace in the 2000s, writing in a statement that 'having tea with Her Majesty and her Corgis is among our fondest memories of the presidency' Former President Bill Clinton wrote that he and his wife, ex secretary of State Hillary Clinton, were among the millions of people 'all around the world' who were 'giving thanks for [Elizabeth's] life.' 'Whatever you think of this speech the military is supposed to be apolitical,' Keiler wrote on Twitter. 'Positioning Marines in uniform behind President Biden for a political speech flies in the face of that. It's wrong when Democrats do it. It's wrong when Republicans do it.' Keiler has previously criticized Trump, and her comments about Biden apparently 'angered' White House staff, according to The Hill. Some speculate Keiler's comment about Biden is in response to CNN recently letting go of White House correspondent John Harwood, who was an outspoken critic of Trump and called him 'mentally unwell.' The news network has been focused on purging itself of the reputation of being a woke media source since Chris Licht, the new CEO, has pledged to make CNN reliable to the public again by halting the slander of Republicans. News anchor Brianna Keilar critiqued President Joe Biden on Twitter after he used US Marines and a red backdrop during a speech to slam former President Trump and the GOP Keilar said that Biden's speech was not divisive and his use of Marines as a backdrop was not politicizing the military CNN staffers are afraid of a network-wide purge of woke talent following the sudden firings of White House correspondent John Harwood in September 'There will be more changes, and you might not understand it or like it,' CNN head Chris Licht (pictured) told staffers following the removal of Brian Stelter Former chief media correspondent Brian Stelter was also fired from CNN in August upon the removal of his show 'Reliable Sources.' He had three more years left in his contract. Stelter's removal was a result of Licht's vow to clean up the network and move away from opinion broadcasting. 'I want to acknowledge that this is a time of significant change, and I know that many of you are unsettled,' Licht told his staff, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter. 'There will be more changes, and you might not understand it or like it.' Some staff members expressed their concerns about Stelter's departure from the company as an indicator for the removal of other anchors. 'I think people are legitimately sad that Brian is leaving,' someone familiar with the situation told Hollywood Reporter. 'He was a big presence at the network, but (we) understand that Chris has to put his stamp on the network.' Despite large profile journalists leaving CNN, the news network denies they are shifting to the right, but suggested they are focusing on objective journalism. 'CNN is not shifting from left to right or pursuing a centrist position,' a CNN spokesperson told The Hill. 'We are entirely focused on our core strength and mission - objective journalism presented in a fair and compelling way. 'We will continue to acknowledge different worldviews and experiences. We will always stand up for democracy and call out lies - regardless of their origin. That is not centrism, that is journalism.' Blessed with dashing good looks, he is the Scottish Army officer who is equerry for the new King and is thought of as something of a braw darling hunk in Scottish slang by Royal watchers. Major Jonathan Thompson of the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland was once the Queens most senior bodyguard. Known to friends as Johnny, in recent days he has found himself front-and-centre of historic Royal events as the equerry of King Charles III, having served in the role when he was Prince of Wales. On Friday, Major Thompson watched over Charless first public walkabout as Monarch. Later that day the officer escorted Prime Minister Liz Truss to meet the King at Buckingham Palace. Yesterday, he was seen standing behind the King as he signed the proclamations at St Jamess Palace. Major Jonathan Thompson of the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, known to friends as 'Johnny', has caught the eye of a number of Royal watchers. Major Thompson (right) was pictured on Thursday with Prime Minister Elizabeth Truss (left) Major Thompson always wears a thick tartan kilt and large fur sporran, which had him sweltering during Charles and Camillas Royal tour of Canada in May. The moment the Major who is married and Prime Minister looked into each others eyes yesterday caused some amusement among observers of the historic occasion. A body language expert joked: This is how most Mexican telenovelas [soap operas] begin. One Twitter user posted: PM Truss is the envy of the world. A weekly meeting with Johnny I mean, King Charles? Another tweeted: Well be seeing a lot of him now. As my dear husband said, Oh look heres your Major (in my dreams). Major Thompson (pictured right) had previously accompanied Queen Elizabeth II upon her arrival at Balmoral earlier this summer, prior to her death But another Twitter user empathised with Major Thompson, who was known to be close to the Queen, saying: I think he looks very sad, hes really devoted to the Royal Family, bless him. Earlier this year he was present at Julys Service of Thanksgiving for the Queens Platinum Jubilee at St Pauls Cathedral, sitting behind the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. His positioning was seized upon for speculation that he was acting as Charless eyes and ears to observe Harry and Meghan. One of the Queen's most trusted confidantes is set to be allowed to stay on in her grace-and-favour home at Windsor thanks to the Queen herself. Angela Kelly, a docker's daughter from Liverpool, began work as an Assistant Dresser at the Royal Household before becoming indispensable to the Monarch. Her reward was a grace-and-favour home a short walk from Windsor Castle. Staff who work for the Queen typically would have only a month's notice after the end of her reign before they would either be redeployed to another Royal household or look for alternative employment. But now it seems that the Queen had given her authority for Ms Kelly to stay in her grace-and-favour home after her death. Angela Kelly, a close confidante of the Queen, is set to be allowed to stay on in her grace-and-favour home at Windsor thanks to the Queen herself. Pictured receiving her RVO in 2012 So favoured was she by the late Monarch that Ms Kelly was also granted extraordinary permission to secure a three-book deal. Two of those memoirs have been published and another is set to be released. An insider said: 'The Queen was very clear that she was close to Angela and wanted to look after her people.' Ms Kelly who is said to want to spend some time in America now the Queen has died, was originally hired for her fashion expertise. But she soon developed a close bond with the Monarch. As the Queen's mobility failed, Palace sources say that Ms Kelly could often be found sitting with the Queen, making her laugh and filling Her Majesty in on the latest plot twists of television soap operas. Latterly, as the Queen's number of public appearances decreased in line with her ability to move around in comfort, it was Ms Kelly who sat with the Queen at Windsor. One source says: 'The Prince of Wales came in one day to see his mother and was surprised that Angela had her own rooms there where she would watch the television rather loudly.' As time went on, Ms Kelly took on more of a lady-in-waiting role, sources say. She would fetch and carry and even advise. The influence of the down-to-earth Liverpudlian could even be seen in some of the Queen's public appearances far beyond what the Monarch chose to wear. It was Ms Kelly who encouraged the Queen to visit the set of Coronation Street in Manchester when the ITV studio marked its 60th anniversary in July last year. And what did the Queen choose to wear? An Angela Kelly outfit in a bold teal with a matching hat. The anecdote was revealed in Ms Kelly's second memoir, The Other Side Of The Coin. The trip went ahead with Ms Kelly recalling: 'She doesn't watch Coronation Street, but I filled her in.' She adds: 'I was thrilled that the Queen chose my outfit and my hat to wear for the event.' As the Queen's mobility failed, Palace sources say that Ms Kelly could often be found sitting with the Queen, making her laugh and filling Her Majesty in on the latest plot twists of television soap operas. Left to right is Caroline Rush, the Queen, Anna Wintour and Angela Kelly in 2018 When she was chosen to accompany the Queen on the day, Ms Kelly recalled: 'I was so giddy you'd think I was walking on hot sand.' The book also tells of how, during lockdown, Ms Kelly and a team of staff formed HMS Bubble a Covid-free ring around the Queen designed to keep her safe while continuing to look after her comfort. While the courtiers sacrificed time with their families to avoid catching the virus and passing it on to the Queen, there was also fun to be had during lockdown. Ms Kelly, who started working in the Royal Household in 1994, reveals that the staff took part in the 'Bubble Olympics', a series of activities including a rounders tournament, sprint relay and a game with balloons filled with water. To the astonishment of staff, Ms Kelly said the Queen herself emerged one day. After watching out of sight, she came from behind the bushes to award the winners with trophies. Ms Kelly also shared her insight into the difficult period when the Queen returned to Windsor Castle after Prince Philip's funeral. 'I helped her off with her coat and hat and no words were spoken. The Queen then walked to her sitting room, closed the door behind her, and she was alone with her own thoughts,' Kelly writes of the moments after the funeral in an extract published by Hello! magazine. Writing on the day the Duke of Edinburgh died, Kelly said the atmosphere among staff staying in Windsor was 'sombre,' and that only a few members of staff were told the news, after the members of the royal family were told first. Ms Kelly also shared her insight into the difficult period when the Queen returned to Windsor Castle after Prince Philip's funeral On the day of the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral in Windsor, members of staff were allowed to stand outside the Augusta Tower door, opposite St George's Hall. 'The Queen's dressers, pages, chefs, housemaids, footmen and Castle attendants all stood to attention as The Duke of Edinburgh's coffin was carefully placed onto the Land Rover that he had specially designed for the day,' Angela recalls. She added that staff members were visibly grief-stricken and that there thoughts must have been with the Queen as she said goodbye to her husband of 73 years. Ms Kelly also added that fellow members of staff felt the pain of the valet walking behind the Duke's coffin during the funeral procession, because it was 'it was hard to watch our own friends saying goodbye to their amazing boss.' When the Queen's health failed, her loyal servant remained by her side. In lockdown she opened 'Kelly's Salon' making herself indispensable as the Queen's hairdresser as well as her dresser and aide. The reward for such loyalty will now be the promise of a comfortable retirement. Advertisement How happy it must have made our dear departed Queen, sitting up there on her cloud, to see the scene unfolding beneath her at Windsor Castle. Her grandchildren, William and Harry, and their respective wives, Catherine and Meghan, reunited for the first time since 2020. The Fab Four, back in all their glory. How sad, also, that it took such a tragic event as the death of her late Majesty to make it happen. If only they could have managed it during her lifetime. But no matter. Her Majesty was nothing if not a pragmatist: better late than never. Now perhaps she can, from her lofty perch, even look forward to the cousins finally getting to know each other properly. Imagine that; Archie and baby Lilibet alongside George, Charlotte and Louis, playing together in the grounds of her old home. Wonderful. King Charles, too, must be delighted. The Queen would be happy to see William and Harry, and their respective wives, Catherine and Meghan, reunited for the first time since 2020. The Fab Four, back in all their glory Meghan is seen gazing at Kate as the four admire the floral tributes to the Queen. If only they could have managed to reunite during her lifetime. But no matter. Her Majesty was nothing if not a pragmatist: better late than never The crowds were expecting to see just Kate and William, but the Crown Prince gallantly offered an olive branch to his younger brother by inviting he and Meghan to join them on their tour The warring princes are comforted by their respective wives as they gaze down at the floral offerings left by the multitudes of well-wishers Queen Elizabeth II beams at her great-grandson Prince Louis on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 2, 2022. Her Majesty would be delighted to think that her great-grandchildren might grow up and play together King Charles III's sons Harry and William inspecting floral tributes at Windsor Castle this evening The two royal couples inspect the floral tributes left outside the gates of Windsor Castle this evening Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex view the floral tributes for the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Windsor Castle After all, he has felt the rift between his boys acutely, and the anger and stinging accusations of his youngest son have cut him to the quick. Nevertheless, like his mother, he has never wavered in his support for Harry and Meghan, never ceased to profess his love for them. Indeed, perhaps it was his short but heartfelt message, delivered towards the end of his highly personal first speech as King, that paved the way for yesterday's reunion. 'Today, I also want to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas,' he said. Only a brief mention, a few simple words, but immensely significant. By choosing to include their names in such an historic speech, one which will be pored over and remembered for decades to come, the new King left no doubt as to the special place his youngest son and his wife hold in his heart. It was more than just an expression of paternal love. It was an open invitation, extended in front of the entire nation from a new King: time to bury the hatchet. Time to come together, if not for his sake, then for the memory of the Queen, for granny and the institution to which she dedicated her existence. Did he hold out much hope? Who knows. What's clear, though, is that something seems to have dislodged the shard of ice in the brothers' hearts. King Charles III greets members of the public outside Clarence House, London King Charles III meeting well-wishers as he returns to Clarence House from Buckingham Palace The couple landed back in the UK last weekend intending to attend charity events when the Queen died at Balmoral The new Prince and Princess of Wales look sombre as they prepare to face the public and look upon the enormous floral tribute laid out in tribute to Her Majesty the Queen Catherine, Princess of Wales, warmly greets people and shakes hands and exchanges words with well-wishers outside Windsor Castle Meghan stopped to chat to the mourners gathered William greets a child in the crowd outside the gates of Windsor Castle during the walkabout Because yesterday afternoon, less than 24 hours after his speech, the Fab Four appeared together on The Long Walk leading up to Windsor Castle to greet members of the public and witness the sea of tributes at the gates. It was a moment as surprising as it was welcome. Meghan, clutching her husband's hand, no doubt a tiny bit fearful of the reception she might receive. She need not have worried: the crowd reacted with generous relief, just happy to see them not at each other's throats. Characteristically, it was William who made the first move, in perhaps his first act of duty as Prince of Wales towards his King: to help mend the broken family. We are told that at some point on Saturday morning, he extended the hand of friendship to Prince Harry by asking him and Meghan to join them on the walkabout. The act of not just a brother, but a dutiful senior royal. Mercifully, the Sussexes accepted. The resulting reunion will have gladdened the hearts of millions, especially those who have watched with mounting sadness the widening abyss between Harry and his family. It's a pleasant stroll between Frogmore and Adelaide cottages on the Windsor estate. A few short steps for two couples one giant leap for the Royal Family. Will it last? We must pray it does. It's hard, looking at the pictures of the two brothers in black, not to be reminded of similar images from a quarter of a century ago, when the young Princes mourned the untimely death of their mother, Princess Diana. They turned to each other for support then, just as they turn to each other now, as grown men with families of their own. They have much in common, and there is much history between them. William and Harry are seen conversing as they reunite to mourn their grandmother, the Queen The Duke and Duchess of Sussex view the tributes left after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle The Prince and Princess of Wales view the tributes left after the Death of Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle Death is a great leveller. It puts everything in perspective, makes us see how silly and petty so many of the things that preoccupy us in life can be. It reminds us of the bigger picture, shows us our place in the universe and, in the case of someone as loved and revered as our late Queen, unites people in grief. For the Prince and Princess of Wales, and also for the new King, there is much to forgive Harry and Meghan. It was perhaps no coincidence that the Royal Family did not wait for Prince Harry to join them all at Balmoral, where they had assembled throughout the course of Thursday, to announce the Queen's death. His behaviour in recent months has been, to put it mildly, challenging. And it can't have been easy for the late Queen to witness Harry's transformation from adored and, let's face it, adorable grandson into a scowling, petulant princeling, apparently hell-bent on bringing down his own family. How hard it must have been for her that the last month of Prince Philip's long life, before he died in April last year, was dominated by coverage of their spiteful interview with Oprah Winfrey. Or that thanks to their accusations of racism, resentment has been stirred up across her precious Commonwealth of nations, threatening to undermine so much of the good work the Queen did in her lifetime. The Sussexes even declined Charles's open invitation to stay with him at his holiday cottage on the Balmoral Estate this summer, thus denying the Queen an opportunity to get to know her namesake, her great-granddaughter Lilibet. Instead, she met the tot just once before she passed away. William, Prince of Wales, greeting people outside Windsor Castle, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II Harry takes the hand of a well-wisher and gets in close to have a personal moment And barely a fortnight ago, Meghan used an interview to aim a series of thinly veiled threats at the Monarchy, even as the Queen's health was fading. But none of that matters now. It is time now for forgiveness, to put all those things to one side and find a way forward together. Yesterday's show of unity is the first step in what we all must hope will be a more harmonious chapter for the Royal Family. There remains just one more thing: Prince Harry's plans to publish a tell-all memoir, the details of which still remain unclear but which, given previous accusations of racism and other slights real or perceived still hangs like a Sword of Damocles over the Royal Family. That must surely now be shelved. For those of us who believe in such things, there could have been no greater message from the Queen at her moment of passing than the sight of two glorious rainbows, one double over Buckingham Palace, another over Windsor. A message to us all of love and compassion. A message that, miraculously, now appears to be coming true. How the new King urged his warring sons to reunite for the sake of their late grandmother: After 'a chat' with Charles, William blinked first to extend an olive branch to Harry in a bid to 'show unity at an incredibly difficult time' By Kate Mansey, Assistant Editor Warring Princes William and Harry and their wives were reunited for a Royal walkabout yesterday amid extraordinary scenes at Windsor Castle. To the astonishment of crowds who were expecting only William and Kate, both couples emerged from a black Audi late in the afternoon to gasps, then murmurs of approval followed by cheers. The quartet once dubbed the Fab Four then spent 40 minutes inspecting the floral tributes and shaking hands with well-wishers. Afterwards William drove them away, his wife next to him, the Sussexes in the back, in the direction of Frogmore Cottage where Harry and Meghan are staying. Whether this represented a reconciliation or was a hiatus in hostilities was anyone's guess. On arrival the brothers had appeared to exchange a few words, though Kate and Meghan stood silently apart. All four, dressed in black, then moved separately along the crowds, the Sussexes on one side, the new Prince and Princess of Wales on the other. Warring Princes William and Harry and their wives were reunited for a Royal walkabout yesterday amid extraordinary scenes at Windsor Castle Afterwards William drove them away, his wife next to him, the Sussexes in the back, in the direction of Frogmore Cottage where Harry and Meghan are staying A Palace source said William had extended the olive branch to Harry after a chat with the King. The call went out to the Sussexes earlier in the day: would they join Kate and William on a walkabout? Harry and Meghan accepted. For William it was said to be important that the family convened in a show of unity at an incredibly difficult time. The walkabout was due to start around 4.30pm but was delayed until 5.15pm to ensure the Sussexes had time to get ready. 'Harry looked slightly tense,' noted body language expert Judi James. 'He was using a 'barrier gesture' one that he uses to show anxiety where he has his hand clutching his jacket in front of him. 'But William looks a lot more relaxed. He looks to be the one instigating the display of unity to honour his grandmother's memory.' The reunion came after the King made his peace offering to Harry and Meghan during his first address to the nation as Monarch. The King said: 'I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.' The King, 73, has never abandoned hope of rekindling his relationship with his youngest son, despite Harry and Meghan moving to the US and publicly attacking the Royals. Harry alleged wrongly that his father had 'cut them off' financially and Meghan made an unsubstantiated claim that a Royal made a racist remark before Archie was born. William was said to have been avoiding all contact with Harry in case their exchanges ended up in his forthcoming memoir. As they walked around floral tributes, Harry placed a tender hand on Meghan's back. There were repeated shouts of 'Harry' and 'Meghan' and well-wishers passed the couples bouquets and single red roses. The King, 73, has never abandoned hope of rekindling his relationship with his youngest son, despite Harry and Meghan moving to the US and publicly attacking the Royals Beatrice Grant, of Inverness, said Kate revealed her four-year-old Louis had said to her, 'Never mind, great-grandma's with great-grandpa'. Ms Grant added: 'She said how she was upset and she had tears in her eyes.' Cheryl Young, 38, a mum from Preston, said of seeing the Fab Four: 'It is very surprising but you know what, it is also lovely and hopefully that can continue.' Michael Clerk, 37, a teacher from Alton, Hampshire, met Harry and Meghan with his daughters Isobel, ten and Sophie, six. 'I shook his hand and told him I was so sorry for his loss. It's a privilege to meet Royalty but also a sad time. I wasn't surprised to see them as a family should be together to grieve.' His wife Lauren said Harry was 'really sweet with the children' adding: 'You can tell he has his own.' Nicola Hodgson, a teacher from Windsor, said: 'I told Harry I was sorry for his loss. I could feel myself going. It was very emotional. He was taking time to speak to everyone. It was very special.' Grandmother Joan Whelan, from Twickenham, South West London, said: 'He asked how I was and I said, 'It's lovely to see you back.' I asked him for a hug and he said of course. I felt terrific getting a hug from him.' Reshma, from Pinner, North London, told William she had lost her parents recently. 'I asked him how his children were coping and he said they were well. I told him his parents would now be looking down on them all.' Additional reporting: Abul Taher and Charlie Moloney The Liberal Democrats have cancelled their autumn conference as a mark of respect after the death of the Queen. Nick da Costa, who chairs the party's federal conference committee, said the Lib Dems 'want and need to show our respect to the Queen and the period of national mourning'. He added the party considered other options - including delaying it by a few weeks - but decided to cancel the event, noting they will take a 'substantial financial hit' and 'coping with this will not be easy'. The conference in Brighton was due to begin on September 17 and run until September 20, with the Queen's funeral scheduled for September 19. Mr da Costa, in an email update, said: 'The sad news of the last few days has touched our nation deeply. And we now know that the Queen's funeral will take place on the Monday of our conference. King Charles III speaks with Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey during an audience with opposition leaders in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace A Lib Dem spokesperson said: 'As we mourn the loss of the Queen, we send our condolences to the King and the royal family' Queen Elizabeth II stands on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the Platinum Pageant on June 5 'After very careful consideration - and taking soundings from as many people as we can - the conference committee and federal board have together regretfully decided to cancel our autumn conference and postpone major debates until spring.' Mr da Costa said the party considered extending the conference, delaying by a few weeks or moving it online but has opted to cancel it, adding: 'Conference is a major part of our budget and we stand to lose hundreds of thousands of pounds through this cancellation in lost income. (Event insurance policies do not cover the death of a monarch.) 'At this point many of our supplier contracts are unavoidable. This means that our party will take a substantial financial hit as a result of cancelling the conference. Our finances are already very stretched and so coping with this will not be easy.' A Lib Dem spokesperson said: 'As we mourn the loss of the Queen, we send our condolences to the King and the royal family. Sir Ed Davey as he joins the Speaker and selected MPs to take the oath and swear allegiance to the Crown, His Majesty King Charles III, in the House of Commons Chamber 'Given the date of the funeral and period of national mourning, we have decided to cancel our autumn conference. We look forward to welcoming members to our next conference.' The Labour Party conference is scheduled to run from September 25-28 in Liverpool, while the Conservatives are due in Birmingham from October 2-5. The Trades Union Congress also said it had postponed its four-day annual conference due to have begun Sunday. 'The UK's trade union movement sends our condolences to the Royal Family on the death of the Queen, and recognises her many years of dedicated service to the country,' the TUC added in a statement. Rail union baron Mick Lynch similarly called off strikes planned for next week in a show of respect after the death of the Queen. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch (centre) has suspended rail strikes next week on September 15 and 17 The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union boss said the walkout of rail workers was 'suspended' as the union joins 'the whole nation in paying its respects'. Last week, the RMT announced members would take strike action next Thursday and Saturday, causing rail chaos in a long-running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions. However, in a show of respect to Queen Elizabeth II RMT general secretary Mr Lynch said: 'RMT joins the whole nation in paying its respects to Queen Elizabeth. 'The planned railway strike action on 15 and 17 September is suspended. 'We express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and the country.' The sanctions were issued on Friday, just days after Albana severed diplomatic ties with Iran. The US government has imposed new sanctions on Iran's intelligence ministry and its minister following a massive cyberattack on the Albanian government in July. Albania, a NATO ally of the US, this week cut diplomatic ties with Iran over the attack and ordered Iranian diplomats and embassy workers to leave within 24 hours. According to Bleeping Computer, the US Department of Treasury announced sanctions against Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) and Minister of Intelligence head Esmail Khatib for their involvement in several networks of cyber threat actors who carried out "increasingly aggressive cyber activities," Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson said. As part of Iran's government, MOIS is an intelligence agency that deals with intelligence and counterintelligence efforts and covert actions that support the Islamic regime's objectives internationally. The US Treasury Department said that they were involved in cyber espionage and ransomware attacks. US Treasury Department Finds 'Malicious Cyber Operations' Carried out by Iranian Agency The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) revealed that since 2007, the MOIS and its cyber actor proxies had been engaged in several malicious cyber operations that target governments and other private-sector organizations all over the world. In July, these very same cyber threat actors sponsored by the Iranian government and MOIS carried out an attack on Albania's government computer systems, causing massive disruption and shutdown of services. US Treasury Department Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said on Friday that the Albania cyberattack carried out by Iran "disregards norms of responsible peacetime State behavior in cyberspace" that requires anyone not to target "critical infrastructure" that provides public services. He warned that the US would not tolerate such cyberattacks against the country or its allies. Read Also: Albania Severs Diplomatic Ties with Iran Following July Cyberattack as US Seeks Accountability Investigation Finds Ties to Iranian Intelligence Group The investigation into the Albania cyberattack was conducted with help from a cybersecurity research team from Microsoft, who revealed that the Iranian cyber operation carried out several digital espionage techniques such as data wiping malware and online information operations, Reuters reported. The hackers' goal appeared to be to embarrass government officials in Albania. The US government's issuance of fresh sanctions against Iran comes as the two countries struggle to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, Al Jazeera reported. Meanwhile, Albania, a NATO ally, had welcomed an Iranian opposition group called Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK), which Iran believes is a "terrorist" organization that wishes to overthrow their government, causing friction between themselves and Albania. The US sanctions against Iran come just a day after it imposed penalties against a number of Iranian companies for their involvement in the production and supply of drones to Russia for their attack on Ukraine. The sanctions seek to freeze the assets of the individuals and entities involved and prohibit American citizens from doing business with them. Nelson said the US is "holding accountable Iran and those supporting Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine." Related Article: Cyberattack on InterContinental Hotels Group Disrupts Bookings, Tech Systems Liz Truss will accompany the King as he visits the four corners of the United Kingdom to lead the nation in mourning. The Prime Minister will be by His Majestys side as he attends services in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales next week ahead of his mothers funeral. While she is not required to be present, she believes it is important to be present. Her official spokesman told reporters: In terms of the Prime Ministers involvement, she will join the King as he leads the national mourning across the United Kingdom, attending services of reflection in Scotland on Monday afternoon, in Northern Ireland on Tuesday and Wales on Friday. Liz Truss with King Charles III during his first audience with the Prime Minister on Friday He said it would not be a formal or constitutional role but had been agreed by Downing Street and the Palace. Its not a requirement but the Prime Minister believes its important to be present for what is a significant moment of national mourning around the United Kingdom. The spokesman also said that the scale of planning the Queens funeral was equivalent to the Olympics but would need to be done in just ten days. This is a significant event on a massive scale equivalent to the Olympics that needs to be arranged in around ten days so whilst a lot of pre-planning has already taken place, there is a great deal to achieve in a short period of time. Ms Truss led senior MPs in swearing an oath of allegiance to the new king in a special sitting in Parliament yesterday. It came after members of the Cabinet had their first meeting with the King at Buckingham Palace just days after Ms Truss formed her new Government. Liz Truss seen taking the oath and swearing allegiance to King Charles III on Saturday Leaders of the main opposition parties Sir Keir Starmer for Labour, Sir Ed Davey for the Liberal Democrats and SNP Westminster Leader Ian Blackford also met the King. Senior Ministers attended the Accession Council at St Jamess Palace where Charles was formally proclaimed Sovereign. Ms Truss, who was invited to form a government by the late Queen on Tuesday, had her initial audience with the King on Friday. The Prime Minister curtsied as she was ushered in by a Palace aide for the first of what will be their regular weekly encounters. As she offered her condolences, the King shook her hand and thanked her, saying: You are very kind for coming I know how busy you are. He added: But its been so touching this afternoon when we arrived here, all those people come to give their condolences. Ms Truss repeated: Your Majesty, my very greatest sympathies. He replied: You are very kind. It was the moment I have been dreading, as I know a lot of people have. Well try to keep everything going. Come, come have a seat. Earlier, the Prime Minister had led tributes to the Queen in the House of Commons as she urged the country to support their new Monarch. Prime Minister Truss signed the Proclamation of Accession of King Charles III on Saturday Meanwhile, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: The Prime Minister spoke to President Macron of France this afternoon. President Macron expressed his deepest condolences on the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The leaders agreed on the profound mark Her Majesty The Queen made not just on the UK but the world, and the Prime Minister thanked him for his words. Tomorrow the King will attend Parliament for the Presentation of Addresses. The Prime Minister will have no formal role but will join him as he leads the mourning. He will then attend the Scottish Parliament for the first time as Monarch. Warring Princes William and Harry and their wives were reunited for a Royal walkabout yesterday amid extraordinary scenes at Windsor Castle. To the astonishment of crowds who were expecting only William and Kate, both couples emerged from a black Audi late in the afternoon to gasps, then murmurs of approval followed by cheers. The quartet once dubbed the Fab Four then spent 40 minutes inspecting the floral tributes and shaking hands with well-wishers. Afterwards William drove them away, his wife next to him, the Sussexes in the back, in the direction of Frogmore Cottage where Harry and Meghan are staying. Whether this represented a reconciliation or was a hiatus in hostilities was anyone's guess. On arrival the brothers had appeared to exchange a few words, though Kate and Meghan stood silently apart. All four, dressed in black, then moved separately along the crowds, the Sussexes on one side, the new Prince and Princess of Wales on the other. Warring Princes William and Harry and their wives were reunited for a Royal walkabout yesterday amid extraordinary scenes at Windsor Castle The crowds were expecting to see just Kate and William, but the Crown Prince gallantly offered an olive branch to his younger brother by inviting he and Meghan to join them on their tour Meghan is seen gazing at Kate as the four admire the floral tributes to the Queen. If only they could have managed to reunite during her lifetime The warring princes are comforted by their respective wives as they gaze down at the floral offerings left by the multitudes of well-wishers Afterwards William drove them away, his wife next to him, the Sussexes in the back, in the direction of Frogmore Cottage where Harry and Meghan are staying A Palace source said William had extended the olive branch to Harry after a chat with the King. The call went out to the Sussexes earlier in the day: would they join Kate and William on a walkabout? Harry and Meghan accepted. For William it was said to be important that the family convened in a show of unity at an incredibly difficult time. The walkabout was due to start around 4.30pm but was delayed until 5.15pm to ensure the Sussexes had time to get ready. 'Harry looked slightly tense,' noted body language expert Judi James. 'He was using a 'barrier gesture' one that he uses to show anxiety where he has his hand clutching his jacket in front of him. 'But William looks a lot more relaxed. He looks to be the one instigating the display of unity to honour his grandmother's memory.' The reunion came after the King made his peace offering to Harry and Meghan during his first address to the nation as Monarch. The King said: 'I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.' The King, 73, has never abandoned hope of rekindling his relationship with his youngest son, despite Harry and Meghan moving to the US and publicly attacking the Royals. Harry alleged wrongly that his father had 'cut them off' financially and Meghan made an unsubstantiated claim that a Royal made a racist remark before Archie was born. William was said to have been avoiding all contact with Harry in case their exchanges ended up in his forthcoming memoir. As they walked around floral tributes, Harry placed a tender hand on Meghan's back. There were repeated shouts of 'Harry' and 'Meghan' and well-wishers passed the couples bouquets and single red roses. The King, 73, has never abandoned hope of rekindling his relationship with his youngest son, despite Harry and Meghan moving to the US and publicly attacking the Royals Beatrice Grant, of Inverness, said Kate revealed her four-year-old Louis had said to her, 'Never mind, great-grandma's with great-grandpa'. Ms Grant added: 'She said how she was upset and she had tears in her eyes.' Cheryl Young, 38, a mum from Preston, said of seeing the Fab Four: 'It is very surprising but you know what, it is also lovely and hopefully that can continue.' Michael Clerk, 37, a teacher from Alton, Hampshire, met Harry and Meghan with his daughters Isobel, ten and Sophie, six. 'I shook his hand and told him I was so sorry for his loss. It's a privilege to meet Royalty but also a sad time. I wasn't surprised to see them as a family should be together to grieve.' His wife Lauren said Harry was 'really sweet with the children' adding: 'You can tell he has his own.' Nicola Hodgson, a teacher from Windsor, said: 'I told Harry I was sorry for his loss. I could feel myself going. It was very emotional. He was taking time to speak to everyone. It was very special.' Grandmother Joan Whelan, from Twickenham, South West London, said: 'He asked how I was and I said, 'It's lovely to see you back.' I asked him for a hug and he said of course. I felt terrific getting a hug from him.' Reshma, from Pinner, North London, told William she had lost her parents recently. 'I asked him how his children were coping and he said they were well. I told him his parents would now be looking down on them all.' Additional reporting: Abul Taher and Charlie Moloney Harry and Meghan's children are not listed as a prince and princess on the updated order of succession published by Buckingham Palace following the Queen's death. As grandchildren of the reigning Monarch, the children of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are technically entitled to the titles. But in an updated order of succession under King Charles III - listed on the Royal website - Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, three, and his sister Lilibet, one, are listed as Master and Miss. During the explosive Oprah Winfrey interview, Meghan claimed officials had denied Archie the title of prince and denied him 24/7 security before suggesting the decision was due to him being mixed race. The Sussexes indicated in the interview that they had expected Archie would become a prince but that they had been told that protocols would be changed in line with Charless wish for a slimmed-down monarchy. The Royal Family website published an updated order of succession yesterday. While it shows that Archie and Lilibet have risen up the order of succession and are sixth and seventh in line to the Throne, it does not list them as prince and princess. The Sussexes' friend and preferred journalist Omid Scobie wrote on Twitter: 'As son of the King, Harrys children have the right to become HRH Prince Archie and HRH Princess Lilibet. Right now, however, the two are listed with their original stylings.' The Royal Familys website yesterday published an updated list of the order of succession. While it shows that Archie and Lilibet have risen up the order of succession and are sixth and seventh in line to the Throne, they will not be known as Prince and Princess. The first picture of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's daughter Lilibet released in a Christmas card on December 23, 2021 The new line of succession to the throne of the United Kingdom following the Queen's death According to rules set out by King George V in 1917, Archie and Lili - as the children of a son of a sovereign - would have an HRH style if they choose to use it. The King's spokesman said the monarch had announced William and Kate's titles as the Prince and Princess of Wales, and expressed his love for Harry and Meghan in his address to the nation on Friday. 'While the website was updated for the Waleses, clearly updating love on a website doesn't quite work so we've not quite done that but clearly he does love them. We will be working through updating the website as and when we get information,' he said on Saturday. The question of titles was first raised publicly by Meghan in her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. She said that when she was pregnant with Archie: They were saying they didnt want him to be a prince or a princess not knowing what the gender would be which would be different from protocol. Meghan described her 'pain' as she claimed officials had denied Archie the title of prince and accused Buckingham Palace of failing to protect him by denying him 24/7 security. When asked if it was 'important' for Meghan that Archie be called a prince, she said she doesn't have any attachment to the 'grandeur' of official titles. But she said it was about 'the idea of our son not being safe, and also the idea of the first member of colour in this family not being titled in the same way that other grandchildren would be.' King Charles III greets members of the public outside Clarence House, London, after he was formally proclaimed monarch by the Privy Council During the explosive Oprah Winfrey interview, Meghan described her 'pain' that officials had denied Archie the title of prince and accused Buckingham Palace of failing to protect him by denying him 24/7 security In 2021, it was suggested Charles - in a bid to limit the number of key royals - intended, when he became monarch, to prevent Archie becoming a prince. To do so, he would have to issue a Letters Patent amending Archie's right to be a prince and Lili's right to be a princess. When Archie was born seventh in line to the throne in May 2019, he was too far down the line of succession. Although he was a great-grandchild of the monarch, he was not a first-born son of a future king, so was not automatically a prince. He could have previously used the courtesy title Earl of Dumbarton, or been Lord Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. But Buckingham Palace said the duke and duchess made a personal decision that he should be plain Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor instead. The Sussexes stopped using their own HRH styles after stepping down as senior working royals for a life in Los Angeles, and there were later calls for their duke and duchess titles to be removed. Queen Consort Camilla has been welcomed to her new public role by MPs and legal experts, who praised her work in campaigning for victims of domestic abuse. The wife of the new King has campaigned about violence against women and girls for years and previously revealed her new role would not mean she gives up 'mid-channel'. Labour MP Jess Phillips has joined in the chorus of praise of the Queen Consort's work, writing on Twitter: 'Had I not had a time limit in the Commons today, I had planned to say this. 'Queen Consort Camilla is a real champion in the fight against men's violence against women.' She followed Nazir Afzal, a former Chief Crown Prosecutor, who also praised the Royal. He tweeted: 'Lots known about King Charles's interest in green issues, less about Queen Consort Camilla's passion for tackling violence against women and girls. Queen Consort Camilla has been welcomed to her new public role by MPs and legal experts, who praised her work in campaigning for victims of domestic abuse. Pictured on September 10 greeting people outside Buckingham Palace, two days after the death of the Queen 'With little fanfare, she has been educating herself and working with NGOs to ensure awareness is raised and action taken. A true champion.' Earlier this year, Camilla spoke of her work on domestic violence alongside Diana Parkes, whose daughter Joanna Simpson was bludgeoned to death by her husband in 2010. She is said to have been inspired to campaign on the issue after meeting Ms Parkes. In 2016, Camilla broke down in tears after meeting Ms Parkes and she pledged to do 'anything I can' to raise the issue of domestic violence. She told Ms Parkes, then 76, that she was an 'incredibly brave lady'. The wife of the new King has campaigned about violence against women and girls for years. In May this year she visited the photography exhibition 'I Am', a collection of portraits of domestic abuse survivors (pictured) Camilla said recently: 'Of course it's a great honour [to one day become Queen Consort], it couldn't be anything else. But... I'm going to keep up with these causes. 'You know, if I start something like this, I'm not going to give up mid-channel, I'm just going to keep going to try and help the likes of people like Diana... I hope I should be doing it for a lifetime.' She has said on the issue of domestic violence: 'We have got to go back to the beginnings and... just build up this idea that you have to have respect for human beings. Camilla said she wouldn't give up on her campaigning 'mid-channel' and will continue her efforts for domestic abuse survivors in her new role. Pictured on September 10 signing the oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland 'It's treating women like chattels and people thinking they can get away with it. I'm sure a lot of people do it and think that there's nothing wrong.' Last year, Camilla spoke at a women's refuge in Reading and revealed she personally knew victims of domestic violence. She said: 'I've certainly known people who have suffered... suffered from it.' The Queen helped Terry Waite overcome his five-year ordeal as a Beirut hostage by arranging for him to stay in a cottage on the Balmoral estate, he revealed yesterday. She gave him access to the house, normally used by Princess Anne, for as long as he and his family needed it, he said, describing her action as 'a real example of her personal care'. Mr Waite, now 83, was taken hostage in 1987. Speaking to BBC Radio 4, he said that after his return, 'I was told that the Queen had invited us all all the family to Balmoral. The Queen helped Terry Waite (pictured in 2021) overcome his five-year ordeal as a Beirut hostage by arranging for him to stay in a cottage on the Balmoral estate, he revealed yesterday She gave him access to the house, normally used by Princess Anne, for as long as he and his family needed it, he said. Pictured is the Queen meeting Terry Waite at a Commonwealth Day reception in London in 1992 'She said, "Stay as long as you like." 'She recognised the fact that we needed privacy and this was where we could get it.' The fridge was 'totally stocked', and he was given use of a Land Rover, 'so everything was laid on'. Mr Waite added he had kept in touch with Prince Philip, with whom he had 'quite a number of good conversations at Balmoral'. He described the Queen as 'a wonderful, warm, kind, generous, compassionate person'. Tottenham winger Lucas Moura has revealed he is a right-wing conservative ahead of the Brazilian election in October. As Latin America's largest democracy heads for its deeply divisive election next month, far-right president Jair Bolsonaro has continually alleged that Brazil's voting system is fraudulent, finding himself behind to leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the most recent polls. During his presidency, ex-army captain Bolsonaro has fervently sought the military's support and employed over 6,000 retired or active army members into his administration. Spurs star Lucas Moura revealed he is a right wing conservative ahead of the Brazil election As a result, there are fears that Bolsonaro could seek an armed intervention and incite an uprising if he loses, perhaps pre-empting his expected defeat on October 2. During an interview with Cara a Tapa via So Foot, Moura implied he would be voting to support Bolsonaro in the upcoming election, despite admitting that there is no 'perfect candidate'. 'I have no problem giving my opinion on this,' he said. 'I am a right-wing conservative, I follow Christian and family principles. The 30-year-old admitted that his views line up 'closest' with that of President Jair Bolsonaro Bolsonaro is currently trailing in the polls to left-wing candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva 'I don't see a perfect presidential candidate but I can't deny that Bolsonaro is the closest to what I believe.' Meanwhile, the 30-year-old did not hold back in his scathing criticism of Lula's left-wing stance, revealing it would be 'almost impossible' to back the 76-year-old, who was president between 2003 and 2010. 'Lula supports everything I am against,' he added. 'Left-wing ideology, socialism and even Communism which is nothing but Nazism. Supporting Lula is almost impossible.' Gogglebox fans have praised the show for bringing a 'sense of normality' in the wake of the Queen's death as it returned for a new series on Friday. The Channel 4 show was one of the only programmes to air as normal as the nation continues to mourn the beloved monarch. Other channels have instead showed back to back new coverage and tributes, but fans were relieved to see their favourite armchair commentators with one saying it was 'the comfort we all need'. Glad it's back: Gogglebox fans have praised the show for bringing a 'sense of normality' in the wake of the Queen's death as it returned for a new series on Friday (Pete and Sophie pictured on the show) Taking to Twitter one viewer wrote: 'Really grateful to Channel 4 for broadcasting Gogglebox tonight. As sad as the new is, this is the comfort viewing we all need tonight'. While another added: ' Love love love Gogglebox, what a welcome relief after a bad day' and another said of the show 'We need something to cheer us up'. More wrote: 'Glad for a bit of normality, been looking forward to this all week' and 'I'm so glad Gogglebox is back just for some escapism'. RIP: The Channel 4 show was one of the only programmes to air as normal as the nation continued to mourn the beloved monarch Before: The episode was filmed before the Queen's sad passing as fans praised it for 'the comfort we all need' (Jenny and Lee pictured on the show) Another said: 'I'm so glad Channel 4 decided to still show #Gogglebox tonight. A welcome break. A brief distraction. I understand the need for rolling news coverage on other channels. And I've been watching a lot of it. But it's nice to also have the option of something lighter to watch'. And another commented: 'Good, we need a little lift today' with another agreeing: 'Thank goodness for that'. Channel Four released a statement explaining their decision to air the show that was filmed before Her Majesty's passing. 'Channel 4 exists to offer viewers an alternative and that is particularly important at times like this'. Relief: Other channels have instead showed back to back new coverage and tributes, but fans were relieved Channel 4 decided otherwise with one viewer calling it 'the comfort we all need' 'Gogglebox is a much loved national institution and it will air as planned tonight bringing a valuable sense of continuity for many of our viewers. It comes as Britain is today mourning the death of its beloved Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. After a remarkable 70 years on the throne, the country's longest-reigning royal yesterday died 'peacefully', aged 96, at Balmoral in Scotland. Her death sparked an immediate and huge outpouring of emotion, with thousands of heartbroken mourners gathering outside the gates of Buckingham Palace and other royal buildings yesterday evening. Normality: More wrote: 'Glad for a bit of normality, been looking forward to this all week' and 'I'm so glad Gogglebox is back just for some escapism' Statement: Channel Four released a statement explaining their decision to air the show saying: 'Channel 4 exists to offer viewers an alternative and that is particularly important at times like this At one point, a rendition of 'God Save The Queen' rang out among the mourners, followed by cheers of 'Long Live The King'. Others laid flowers outside Windsor Castle - where The Queen had spent much of her time following the death of her beloved husband, Prince Philip, in April last year. And in a sign of the Queen's considerable worldwide influence and appeal, royal fans laid flowers outside British embassies including in Washington, Berlin and Oslo. Senior royals dashed to be at the Queen's bedside on Thursday, but did not reach Balmoral in time before she passed, it is believed. Couple: It comes as Britain is today mourning the death of its beloved Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II (pictured with Prince Phillip in 2011) Rest in peace: After a remarkable 70 years on the throne, the country's longest-reigning royal yesterday died 'peacefully', aged 96, at Balmoral in Scotland Only her eldest children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, who were already in Scotland at the time of the Monarch's sudden turn for the worse, were able to make it to the royal estate before her death, sources said. Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, his wife Sophie, and Prince William all flew in from Berkshire via private jet to Aberdeen on Thursday as they dashed to Balmoral to see her. But it is understood that they did not reach the estate before she passed. Prince Harry, who was due to attend a charity event with wife Meghan in London on Thursday, also attempted to reach Balmoral in time. But he arrived at 8pm, nearly an hour-and-a-half after the public were informed of the Queen's death. The Queen's son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, is now King Charles III, while Prince William has inherited his father's title and is now, along with his wife, styled The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. William is also now the 'heir apparent' to the British throne. Tragedy: Her death sparked an immediate and huge outpouring of emotion, with thousands of mourners gathering outside the gates of Buckingham Palace on Thursday evening (pictured) Advertisement Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner stunned as they walked the runway for Proenza Schouler's fashion show during New York Fashion Week on Friday. Bella, 25, hit the runway braless in a sheer gold mess top and matching skirt, revealing black underwear beneath. Meanwhile, Kendall, 26, wore a white fringed crop top with a mesh skirt as walked the show for the high-fashion label. Wow: Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner stunned as they walked the runway for Proenza Schouler's fashion show during New York Fashion Week on Friday Bella took the runway by storm in a sheer gold mesh skirt that revealed black boy short underwear beneath; the skirt featured a fringed accent along the hem. The brunette beauty wore the bottoms with a matching gold sleeveless mesh top with no bra beneath, revealing her cleavage. Bella wore black mesh sandals while rocking matching black painted toes, with her dark hair styled pulled back and damp looking. She wore minimal makeup but had bleached brows for a dramatic touch. Fashion: She wore minimal makeup but had bleached brows for a dramatic touch Stunner: Bella took the runway by storm in a sheer gold mesh skirt that revealed black boy short underwear beneath; the skirt featured a fringed accent along the hem Incredible: The brunette beauty wore the bottoms with a matching gold sleeveless mesh top with no bra beneath, revealing her cleavage Kendall donned a low-cut white crop top featuring a fringed detail along the neckline; she wore it with a matching mesh maxi skirt and white underwear beneath. Her hair was also slicked back with brown eye shadow on her eyelids with nude lipstick on her full pout to round out her runway look. The collection featured a lot of dimension, including fringe, mesh and glittery accents in stark tones. The minimalist collection highlights a woman's silhouette with the perfectly placed cut-out details or necklines for a feminine but classic pieces. Runway: Kendall donned a low-cut white crop top featuring a fringed detail along the neckline; she wore it with a matching mesh maxi skirt and white underwear beneath Eye-catching: Her hair was also slicked back with brown eye shadow on her eyelids with nude lipstick on her full pout to round out her runway look Runway: The collection featured a lot of dimension, including fringe, mesh and glittery accents in stark tones Close up: Kendall seen hitting the runway in her fringed look Emily Ratajkowski attended the Proenza Schouler rocking a white blazer coat and matching trousers. The stunning brunette, 31, opted for a long-sleeved white blazer coat that featured one black button and grazed her ankles. She wore it with coordinating trousers, pointed nude heels and a large black handbag. Emily kept her makeup to a minimum with her hair pulled back, with two pieces of her hair pulled out to frame her face. Flawless: Emily Ratajkowski attended the Proenza Schouler rocking a white blazer coat and matching trousers Pose: The stunning brunette, 31, opted for a long-sleeved white blazer coat that featured one black button and grazed her ankles; seen posing with Karen Elson (L) and Karlie Kloss (R) Karen Elson, 43, chose a black cut-out black dress with long sleeves; she wore her red tresses center parted and loose around her. Karlie Kloss, 30, chose a striped bodysuit with cream colored trousers and a matching cropped jacket. Also attending the runway show was Selling Sunset's Christine Quinn; she looked elegant in a long black dress and statement earrings. A vision: Karen Elson, 43, chose a black cut-out black dress with long sleeves; she wore her red tresses center parted and loose around her Casual: Karlie Kloss, 30, cohse a striped bodysuit with cream colored trousers and a matching cropped jacket Chic: Also attending the runway show was Selling Sunset's Christine Quinn; she looked elegant in a long black dress and statement earrings Front row: The stars applauded the show following the presentation Ana De Armas exuded elegance as she stepped out to a screening of Blonde at the 48th Deauville Film Festival in France on Friday. The Spanish actress, 34, looked sensational in the graceful floor length number with long chiffon sleeves. Blonde is based on the iconic star Marilyn Monroe's life and see's Ana take on the leading role in the biographical psychological drama. Stunning: Ana De Armas, 34, exuded elegance as she stepped out to a screening of Blonde at the 48th Deauville Film Festival in France on Friday Ana boosted her height with a pair of gold strappy sandals as she walked the red carpet at the event. She styled her brunette locks into a chic low bun and opted for a feline flick of black eyeliner to top off her look. The actress later took to the stage at the event where she was seen applauding the crowd. Glowing: She styled her brunette locks into a chic low bun and opted for a feline flick of black eyeliner to top off her look It comes after Ana broke down in tears as Blonde received a 14-minute standing ovation at its world premiere at Venice Film Festival earlier this week. The actress, who plays Marilyn Monroe in the movie, attended Blonde's debut on Thursday night, where it received rave reviews from critics while viewers were left equally impressed. The screening of Blonde was reportedly met by a 14-minute standing ovation - the longest of any film at this year's Festival, which is known for its long applauses. The incredible response brought lead actress Ana and her co-star Adrien Brody - who plays Arthur Miller in Blonde - to tears, according to reports. Elegant: The Spanish actress looked sensational in the graceful floor length number with long chiffon sleeves All-star cast: Blonde is based on the iconic star Marilyn Monroe's life and see's Ana take on the leading role in the biographical psychological drama (pictured Ana and Adrien in Blonde) Ana stars as Marilyn/Norma Jeane Baker in Andrew's Dominik adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates novel, which reimagines the life of the tragic Hollywood star and is a fictionalised take on her story. Blonde, produced by Brad Pitt, has received rave reviews from critics, with Ana's performance being described as 'extraordinary' by gushing critics. The Telegraph's critic Robbie Collin heaped praise on the fictionalised take on Marilyn's life as he awarded the Netflix film a four-star review. Beaming: The actress later took to the stage at the event where she was seen applauding the crowd Addressed criticism that Spanish star Ana would be using her natural accent in the role, he praised the actress for capturing Marilyn with 'extraordinary psychological precision and real depth of feeling'. 'Not only does she look the part, she understands that the part is a dismantling of the look,' he said. 'Blonde is severe and serious-minded almost to a fault: you rather wonder how many viewers at home will soldier on to the end when it lands on Netflix after a limited theatrical release. 'In the cinema, though, it swallows you up like an uneasy dream, at once all too familiar and pricklingly unreal.' Praise: It comes after Ana broke down in tears as Blonde received a 14-minute standing ovation at its world premiere at Venice Film Festival earlier this week Lead: Blonde, produced by Brad Pitt, has received rave reviews from critics, with Ana's performance being described as 'extraordinary' by gushing critics But The Guardian's Leslie Felperin gave a more conservative three-star review as it criticised the film for not giving Marilyn 'much agency in her story'. 'The psychological framework is very old-school Hollywood Freudian, which doesn't give Monroe herself much agency in her story,' the review said. However, the film critic could not fault Ana's performance, penning: 'De Armas's intense and ultimately persuasive performance goes a long way towards bringing the goddess down to earth, but will that be enough?' Deadline described Ana as Dominik's 'muse' as they addressed the 'astonishing' way Marilyn's story was retold - through the lens of a fictionalised book, rather than autobiographical material. AFLW star Moana Hope shared a sweet encounter with her newborn baby and sister Vinny. On Wednesday, the 34-year-old posted a video of Vinny playing with her son Ahi, who Moana shares with wife Isabella Carlstrom. In the video, baby Ahi giggles as Vinny waves and hold his legs while saying 'hello', while Isabella pulls him back and forward. AFLW star Moana Hope shared a sweet encounter with her newborn baby and sister Vinny 'So Ahi finds Vinny very funny. His first full giggle. So bloody sweet,' Moana captioned the video. Friends and fans were quick to comment on the adorable video. 'Oh Im going to watch this a billion times. Something so magical about a babies laugh. The look of love between them both is so adorable,' one user wrote. 'Ahi growing up soooo quickly. Gorgeous,' another commented. 'So Ahi finds Vinny very funny. His first full giggle. So bloody sweet,' Moana captioned the video Moana welcomed baby son Ahi (pictured) in June with wife Isabella Carlstrom Moana is the sole carer for Lavinia, or Vinny, who lives with a rare neurological condition called Moebius syndrome. It comes after Moana candidly spoke out about the horrific trolling she endured during the height of her sporting career. 'You'd be in a shopping centre and [have] people abusing you,' she recently told The Project. 'They're swearing at you and they're yelling things to you... Getting messages on social media being told to "get back in the kitchen where you belong."' Moana is the sole carer for Lavinia, or Vinny, who lives with a rare neurological condition called Moebius syndrome Moana (right), 34, says she and her sister Lavinia (left) would get death threats during the peak of her AFLW career In addition to receiving death threats and sexist abuse, Moana revealed that social media trolls would also target her disabled sister Lavinia. 'I got death threats, Vinny got death threats,' she continued. 'We got the police involved many times.' As for the pressure she faced on the field, Moana told The Project she would often leave training 'in tears'. The 34-year-old also revealed that people would approach her in public places and hurl sexist abuse at her 'One time, my mum had a mini-stroke type thing,' she recalled. 'And I was taking my mum to hospital because I take care of my mum. And I was told, "If you don't come to training, you are not playing."' Moana said despite the pressures being a female playing footy, it's not stopping her from wearing the jersey again. 'I would love to play footy again. That's my goal - to run through a banner with my kids and actually play footy the way I wanted to play footy,' she said. Moana is the sole carer for Lavinia, nicknamed Vinny, who lives with a rare neurological condition called Moebius syndrome Moana said despite the pressures being a female playing footy, it's not stopping her from wearing the jersey again Moana and her wife Isabella Carlstrom welcomed their second child, son Ahi, in June. It was the first child Moana had carried - with Isabella earlier giving birth to their daughter Svea, one. In the same interview, she told The Project that she had always dreamed of giving birth - but the experience was a tough one. Moana and Isabella welcomed their second child in June. It was the first child Moana had carried - with Isabella earlier giving birth to their daughter Svea, one. All pictured 'I've always wanted my whole life to carry a child. I think if you can and you want to I think it's the most amazing experience and I wanted to experience that' she said. However when Ahi was born, the tot was not breathing at first. 'I went from screaming and crying, from wanting to strangle the guy giving me the epidural to what's the score of the Melbourne game,' she explained. However when Ahi was born, the tot was not breathing at first. Pictured with wife Isabella 'So she put the footy on and I was watching that and it turned very quick. He was born and he wasn't breathing when he first came out which was really scary and for me I didn't know what was going on.' Luckily Ahi made a quick recovery and the couple have settled into life as a family of four. 'Footy is too easy compared to giving birth. The biggest challenge of my life easily, mentally and physically' Moana added. The athlete and her model wife announced the birth of their son and second child Ahi in June. Luckily Ahi made a quick recovery and the couple have settled into life as a family of four 'We are proud parents of this beautiful little baby boy. His name is Ahi Joseph Carlstrom 24.6,' Moana wrote on Instagram alongside images of him at the time. 'Coming in at almost 4kgs, we endured 24 hours of labour that was the hardest and most challenging thing I've ever done in my life both physically and emotionally. 'It brought us to the most beautiful little boy. You my little guy are perfect and your Mums love you.' Meanwhile, Isabella gushed over Moana, writing: 'Ahi Joseph Carlstrom born 24.06. Moana Hope you are incredible, I'm so unbelievably proud of you. Moana and Isabella, who tied the knot in 2019, went through IVF to conceive their daughter Svea and their newborn son using the same donor 'You went to hell and back to get our beautiful boy safely to us. I don't have words to describe what it feels like to share this experience with you and understand each other on such a deep level. You're so strong and I love you very much.' 'You're such a natural and Svea and Ahi are so lucky to have you as their Mum. Ahi, we all love you so much everything and shines a little brighter now that you're earth side.' Moana and Isabella, who tied the knot in 2019, went through IVF to conceive their daughter Svea and their newborn son using the same donor. Isabella gave birth to Svea in November 2020 and Moana carried their second child. Coinbase funds a lawsuit against the sanctions received by Tornado Cash. Coinbase recently announced that it is funding and supporting a lawsuit filed by six individuals against the unjust sanctions imposed by the United States Treasury Department on Tornado Cash. The lawsuit will ask the court to remove the technology from the sanction list of the U.S. Tornado Cash is a fully decentralized and open source software that operates on the blockchain of Ethereum. It protects users' privacy by enabling them to deposit assets from one cryptocurrency address and withdraw them using another cryptocurrency address. It is a cryptocurrency mixer platform that is widely used by numerous people to protect their privacy. However, the sanctions imposed by the Treasury Department appear to be targeting an open source technology that helps people rather than the threat actors that committed the crime. Coinbase Supports Tornado Cash Coinbase is not just funding the lawsuit but also supporting it to protect further open-source projects and innovations. Tornado Cash was sanctioned by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on August 8. This decision comes after the software has been abused by numerous bad actors who use the platform to mix their cryptocurrency assets acquired through malicious activities. The sanction was also imposed due to the recent hacking incident committed by the North Korean hacking group Lazarus, which is believed to have stolen more than $600 million in Axie Infinity by also using the platform. However, the blockchain community did not respond positively to the sanctions that were imposed on Tornado Cash. This is because a large number of people were utilizing Tornado to increase the privacy and confidentiality of their Ethereum transactions. Users usually use the platform to get a layer of privacy in their transactions, protect their security, and make donations anonymously without the eyes of threat actors. According to BleepingComputer, Tornado Cash is a decentralized non-custodial software that provides a data protection solution that was built on the Ethereum blockchain. Given that it is an open-source project, this technology is maintained by a large number of volunteer developers from all over the world. Tornado serves as a vital supplement to preserve users' need for privacy, and it does this by acting as an intermediary between the blockchain and the user. Read Also: Tiffany & Co is Turning CryptoPunk NFTs into Pendants, to Go on Sale on August 5 - How Much Will It Cost you? Coinbase Believes in Defending the Privacy in Crypto Coinbase believes that Treasury went much further and took the unprecedented step of sanctioning an entire technology instead of specific individuals. The company sees two problems with the sanction. First, according to Coinbase CEO, Brian Armstrong, "there are legitimate applications for this type of technology and as a result of these sanctions, many innocent users now have their funds trapped and have lost access to a critical privacy tool." Second, the cryptocurrency company believes the Treasury went even further and took the extreme step of sanctioning an entire technology rather than just the actors involved who committed the crime. Another reason why the company is funding the lawsuit is to protect privacy in crypto. Lastly, Armstrong stated that sanctioning open-source code technology has a negative impact on innovation. Developers might soon be discouraged from creating any open-source technology for fear that they might be sanctioned for things that are beyond their control. If these types of sanctions continuously occur, it may hamper innovation. As stated by Armstrong, "one of the largest companies in crypto, we have a responsibility to defend the crypto industry against actions that go too far and treat crypto on an uneven playing field." Related Article: Fake Coinbase Job Offers are Used by North Korean Hackers to Target Fintech Employees Patrick Dempsey was nearly unrecognizable while appearing at the 2022 Disney Legends Awards during Disney's D23 Expo in Anaheim on Friday. Instead of his signature salt-and-pepper coif, the 56-year-old actor debuted a head of bleach blond hair as he addressed convention attendees. The Grey's Anatomy hunk looked sharp in a beige blazer and matching slacks. Woah! Patrick Dempsey was nearly unrecognizable while appearing at the 2022 Disney Legends Awards during Disney's D23 Expo in Anaheim on Friday. Instead of his signature salt-and-pepper coif, the 56-year-old actor debuted a head of bleach blond hair as he addressed convention attendees His jacket was worn over a white button-down shirt with pink pinstripes. With his new look on full display, Dempsey took to the stage during the ceremony to accept his own Disney Legend trophy. Disney Legend is a Hall of Fame for individuals who have made huge contributions to The Walt Disney Company, by Disney's CEO Bob Chapek. The Maine native's Grey's Anatomy co-star Ellen Pompeo, black-ish stars Anthony Anderon and Tracee Ellis Ross, Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman and Frozen stars Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad were also awarded the status among others. Classy: The Grey's Anatomy hunk looked sharp in a beige blazer and matching slacks Legend: With his new look on full display, Dempsey took to the stage during the ceremony to accept his own Disney Legend trophy Honor: Disney Legend is a Hall of Fame for individuals who have made huge contributions to The Walt Disney Company, by Disney's CEO Bob Chapek (seen with Dempsey) While Dempsey might be best known for his work on ABC's hit medical drama Grey's Anatomy, he's also reprising his role from a beloved Disney film. Dempsey will take to the screen alongside Amy Adams as their popular characters from Disney's Enchanted in the film's sequel, Disenchanted. The first trailer for the film, set for release in November on Disney+, was revealed Friday during D23 Expo. Iconic Disney role: While Dempsey might be best known for his work on Grey's Anatomy, he's also reprising his role from a beloved Disney film Round two! While Dempsey might be best known for his work on ABC's hit medical drama Grey's Anatomy, he's also reprising his role from a beloved Disney film Disenchanted will follow Giselle (Adams), the animated princess who fell in love in New York City in the first movie, as she and Robert (Dempsey) move to the suburbs. James Marsden and Idina Menzel are also reprising their roles for the fantasy film. 'To work with everybody again after 14 years is just really exciting,' Dempsey told Variety in April 2021. 'We need some escapism right now. We need those romantic comedies and those musicals to get people out of the doldrums that we're in.' FIRST LOOK: Dempsey will take to the screen alongside Amy Adams as their popular characters from Disney's Enchanted in the film's sequel, Disenchanted. The first trailer for the film, set for release in November on Disney+, was revealed Friday during D23 Expo While the beginning of the trailer shows Giselle and Robert ready to make a leap and move, the tone quickly sours. The house they move into is dilapidated, with electrical problems and other issues. Saturday Night Live alum Maya Rudolph plays a condescending neighbor in the trailer. Frustrated with her circumstances, Giselle wishes for a fairytale life though it doesn't seem to be everything she hoped it would be. Adam Shankman, the director of Hairspray, Bedtime Stories and Rock of Ages helmed the film. Big move: Disenchanted will follow Giselle (Adams), the animated princess who fell in love in New York City in the first movie, as she and Robert (Dempsey) move to the suburbs Advertisement The Sanderson Sisters looked ready to cause chaos in Salem in the official trailer for Hocus Pocus 2, which debuted during Disney's annual D23 Expo in Anaheim, California on Friday. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy make their return as the three witches, who are resurrected by two teenagers in the highly-anticipated sequel to the 1993 film Hocus Pocus. The film will premiere on Disney+ September 30. The latest: The Sanderson Sisters looked ready to cause chaos in Salem in the official trailer for Hocus Pocus 2, which debuted during Disney's annual D23 Expo in Anaheim, California on Friday Hocus Pocus 2's new trailer begins with the Sandersons being banished from Salem, Massachusetts in the 17th century. A raven flies toward them and unfurls its wings, becoming an older witch (played by Hannah Waddingham). She hands them a book of spells. 'They were right to fear thee,' she says to the trio. 'Magic has a way of uniting. Happy 16th birthday child.' The trailer then cuts to 370 years later when Gilbert (Sam Richardson) tells two teenagers in his shop that he has a gift for his 'favorite customers.' He gives them an old candle and explains an old legend that witches receive their powers on their 16th birthday. Triumvirate: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy make their return as the three witches, who are resurrected by two teenagers in the highly-anticipated sequel to the 1993 film Hocus Pocus Banished: Hocus Pocus 2's new trailer begins with the Sandersons being banished from Salem, Massachusetts in the 17th century Mentor: A raven flies toward them and unfurls its wings, becoming an older witch (played by Hannah Waddingham). She hands them a book of spells Time jump: The trailer then cuts to 370 years later when Gilbert (Sam Richardson) tells two teenagers in his shop that he has a gift for his 'favorite customers' The girls light the candle and bring The Sanderson sisters back from the grave. 'Lock up your children,' Midler's Winifred Sanderson yells out. 'Yes, Salem, we're back.' The teenagers then run back to Gilbert and find Winifred's copy of The Manual of Witchcraft and Alchemy, a book made of human skin and written in blood, has awoken with its eye peering out at them. The Sandersons reveal they must steal the souls of children to live past the following sunrise. They take to the skies on their enchanted brooms. At a local store, the teenagers pick up salt and create a barrier to protect themselves from the witches. Resurrection: The girls light the candle and bring The Sanderson sisters back from the grave Coming after kids: 'Lock up your children,' Midler's Winifred Sanderson yells out. 'Yes, Salem, we're back' Awake: The teenagers then run back to Gilbert and find Winifred's copy of The Manual of Witchcraft and Alchemy, a book made of human skin and written in blood, has awoken with its eye peering out at them Taking to the skies: The Sandersons reveal they must steal the souls of children to live past the following sunrise. They take to the skies on their enchanted brooms Protecting themselves :At a local store, the teenagers pick up salt and create a barrier to protect themselves from the witches Digging up a grave: The trailer ends on a humorous note with Gilbert digging up Billy Butcherson, played by Doug Jones, an ex-lover of Winifred's who she turned into a zombie A spell Winifred throws bounces off an invisible barrier and narrowly misses hitting her on the return. The trailer ends on a humorous note with Gilbert digging up Billy Butcherson, played by Doug Jones, an ex-lover of Winifred's who she turned into a zombie. While Gilbert runs away screaming, Butcherson yells after him, 'Stop! I am a good zombie.' Funny moment: While Gilbert runs away screaming, Butcherson yells after him, 'Stop! I am a good zombie.' Elsewhere on Friday night stars like Kendall Jenner and Kate Beckinsale attended separate runway events in NYC Advertisement Kim Kardashian showcased her blonde locks and her famous hourglass curves in a sheer sequin dress for the Fendi show in the Big Apple for New York Fashion Week on Friday night. The 41-year-old businesswoman flashed her cleavage and gorgeous figure in the skintight sheer paneled number as she headed inside the venue for the show which was also attended by stars like Karlie Kloss and Kate Moss. The show marked Fendi's 25th anniversary of the baguette [bag], with special guests hitting the runway, including supermodel Linda Evangelista and Bella Hadid. Stars: Kim Kardashian (left) showcased her blonde locks and her famous hourglass curves in a sheer sequin dress for the Fendi show in the Big Apple for New York Fashion Week on Friday night which was also attended by Kate Moss (centre) and Karlie Kloss (right) Kim highlighted her incredible hourglass form in the clingy number, which was made of mesh and sequins in different colors. The frock had a patchwork style and gazed her feet with long-sleeves that completely covered her entire hands for a more dramatic effect. The cream, white and blue mesh dress showcased her backside, as well as her flat midriff and ample cleavage. Kim wore the turtleneck dress with a matching sequin Fendi bag and glittery heels for even more sparkle. Wow: The 41-year-old businesswoman flashed her cleavage and her gorgeous figure in the skintight sheer paneled number as she headed inside the venue for the show Beauty: Kim highlighted her incredible hourglass form in the clingy number, which was made of mesh and sequins in different colors Stunning: Kim grinned and waved inside the venue for the show Breathtaking: The cream, white and blue mesh dress showcased her backside, as well as her flat midriff and ample cleavage Kim wore her platinum blonde hair pulled back center parted into a bun with the ends of her loose for a futuristic look. She sported glossy pink lipstick with glittery eye makeup. Bella Hadid walked the runway in a teal jumpsuit with the zip down near her midriff, showcasing her cleavage; she wore a bandanna and a Fendi mini bag necklace. The look: Kim wore her platinum blonde hair pulled back center parted into a bun with the ends of her loose for a futuristic look Pals: La La Anthony and Kim then left together later in the evening Slightly sheer: The nearly-sheer dress showed off Kardashian's impressive frame Closing out the show was supermodel Linda Evangelista, who wowed in a teal number; the 57-year-old icon last walked a runway in 2007 for Christian Dior's 60th anniversary fashion show. Sarah Jessica Parker looked chic in a gray blouse with a green and cream skirt, adding aqua heels and a purple handbag. Also attending the Fendi show was supermodel Kate Moss; the 48-year-old wowed in a sheer patterned dress that grazed her knees, adding black boots. The icon added carried a black clutch with two necklaces layered with delicate earrings, opting for combed back tresses. Minimal: Karlie Kloss chose a burnt orange suit wearing a silver bikini top-style crop top, highlighting her flat midriff Glowing: She had on a radiant covering of makeup and beamed for the cameras Chic: Also attending the Fendi show was supermodel Kate Moss; the 48-year-old wowed in a sheer patterned dress that grazed her knees, adding black boots Youthful: She highlighted her slim frame in the strappy dress and toted a black Fendi bag Accessories: She wore an array of delicate necklaces and wore a radiant slick of makeup Together: LaLa Anthony, Kim Kardashian, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Naomi Watts all posed at the event Pals: Kim and Winnie posed together on the runway ahead of the show Glamour: Bella Hadid walked the runway in a teal jumpsuit with the zip down near her midriff, showcasing her cleavage Working it: She stormed the runway in her very daring ensemble Detail: She wore a bandanna and a Fendi mini bag necklace Radiant: She had on a plunging jumpsuit and wore her brunette tresses in loose waves over her shoulders Bronzed: She showed off a deep tan and flashed her ample assets Cool: She also sported a backwards cap in the same blue shade Busy gal: She's already left her mark on the runway upon kickoff of star-studded New York Fashion Week. But Kendall Jenner made time for her personal life on Friday night as she attended bestie Fai Khadra's birthday party with her on/off beau Devin Booker Sweet: Jenner made a point of holding hands with beau Booker as they made they way to the function Strut: Kate Beckinsale, 49, flaunted her incredible figure as she hit the runway during New York Fashion Week on Friday Pose: The actress showcased her trim figure in an extrovert metallic gown by Naeem Khan as she closed his show at the city's Sony Hall Model credentials: The ensemble featured a cropped bodice and matching skirt which were embellished with silver in an art deco design Standing ovation: Closing out the show was supermodel Linda Evangelista, who wowed in a teal number; the 57-year-old icon last walked a runway in 2007 for Christian Dior's 60th anniversary fashion show. Pictured with Delfina Delettrez Fendi, Silvia Fendi, Linda Evangelista, Marc Jacobs, and Kim Jones Incredible: She wore an elaborate blue dress Front row: Winnie Harlow, Kim Kardashian, Sarah Jessica Parker and Naomi Watts Star: Sarah Jessica Parker looked chic in a gray blouse with a green and cream skirt, adding aqua heels and a purple handbag A look: Naomi Watts looked unrecognizable in a grey and white dress with black gloves and heels, adding eye glasses and red lipstick Naomi Watts looked unrecognizable in a grey and white dress with black gloves and heels, adding eye glasses and red lipstick. Karlie Kloss chose a burnt orange suit wearing a silver bikini top-style crop top, highlighting her flat midriff. Olivia Culpo, sisters Iris and Maude Apatow and Winnie Harlow all opted for looks featuring the color teal. The Fendi collection features different textures and bold hues, as well as sequins and graphic patterns; The youthful collection also had a lot of dramatic elements, with full skirts or patchwork pieces. Fancy: Olivia Culpo, sisters Iris and Maude Apatow and Winnie Harlow all opted for looks featuring the color teal Neutrals: Amber Valletta (L), Lily Allen (C) and Chloe Bailey (R) opted for cream and earthy tones Fendi: Lori Harvey (L) and Christy Turlington (R) wore graphic looks Elegant: Shay Mitchell(L), Jocelyn Wildenstein (C) and Shalom Harlow (R) chose classic black outfits Legend: Grace Jones chose a black blazer with black trousers, futuristic boots and a Fendi baguette bag Denim: Rahel Brosnahan (L) and Adwoa Aboah (R) both opted for jean looks Vibes: The Fendi collection features different textures and bold hues, as well as sequins and graphic patterns; The youthful collection also had a lot of dramatic elements, with full skirts or patchwork pieces Fashion week: The show also featured white pieces, including corsets, maxi skirts and furry hats Collection: Linda seen closing out the show for Fendi Mod moment: The 26-year-old fashion industry personality slipped into a curve-clinging dress boasting a circular pattern throughout, reminiscent of 1960s style icons like Twiggy and Goldie Hawn Casual-cool: Booker, 25, opted to wear an oversized black shirt and a matching baseball cap as he accompanied his girlfriend Simplicity: The entrepreneur kept a small purse slung over her right shoulder and accessorized with a pair of sparkling earrings Chris Hemsworth shared a cheeky fist bump with an airport employee after touching down in Sydney on Saturday. The Hollywood actor, 39, arrived by private jet alongside his brother-in-law, Cristian Prieto Medianu. Chris dressed comfortably for the short flight, wearing a baggy black crewneck jumper and black trousers. Chris Hemsworth, 39, arrived in Sydney by private jet alongside his brother-in-law, Cristian Prieto Medianu He accesorised with aviator sunglasses and wore his backpack firmly on both shoulders. The Marvel star raised a friendly fist to the airport worker, offering a fist bump as he exited the tarmac. Meanwhile, Cristian - who is Chris' wife Elsa Patay's brother - followed along closely behind. Chris was later seen exiting the airport and jumping into a black Audi vehicle. The Hollywood actor shared a cheeky fist bump with an airport employee after he exited the plane The airport worker returned the gesture as Cristian followed along closely behind It comes after the Thor: Love and Thunder star and his wife Elsa's plans to build a second home on a massive 35-hectare site in Byron Bay, New South Wales, got approved. The Hollywood couple were given the green light in August to build a 'celebrity guesthouse' next to their own $30million mansion, which disgruntled neighbours compared to a Westfield shopping centre due to its size and monolithic design. Hemsworth bought the land for $4.25million in 2019 and proposed $4.4million worth of works, bringing the finished property to $8.6million, reports the Daily Telegraph. Chris was later seen exiting the airport and jumping into a black Audi vehicle Chris sported an all black ensemble, wearing comfy clothing for the short flight. He accessorised with flashy aviator sunglasses Detailed plans show the home will have two dwellings with a total of seven bedrooms; the primary mini-mansion will include five bedrooms while the second home will have two, each with its own ensuite bathroom. The sprawling residence will have four levels, as well as a butler's pantry and swimming pool. A second building will sit next to a pond, which already has a cabana and firepit. Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky's (pictured) plans to build a second home on a massive 35-hectare site in Byron Bay, NSW, have been approved Plans (seen here) for a new four-level home on Hemsworth's property were lodged for final approval last year. Hemsworth and Pataky were given the green light in August Last year, Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed the Hemsworths were hoping to build another mansion less than a kilometre from the mansion they currently call home A garage will comfortably hold three Ferraris for the Hemsworths or their Hollywood mates, who are expected to bunker down at the new pad. Last year, Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed the Hemsworths were hoping to build another mansion less than a kilometre from the mansion they currently call home. The proposed buildings have been designed by award-winning Byron Bay-based firm Harley Graham Architects. Development plans were first lodged in March 2021, with a final draft being submitted with Byron Bay Shire Council in July. Detailed plans (pictured) show the home will have two dwellings with a total of seven bedrooms; the primary mini-mansion will include five bedrooms while the second home will have two, each with its own ensuite bathroom The sprawling residence will have four levels, as well as a butler's pantry and swimming pool Coincidentally, the final plans were delivered at the same time news emerged the Hemsworths were considering selling their existing Byron Bay mansion. Those rumours turned out to be incorrect as the Hollywood superstar continued his scheme to expand the family's real-estate empire in Australia's hottest beachside community. The new dwelling is about a kilometre as the crow flies from his current mansion, which sits on a relatively modest four hectares on New South Wales' north coast. Sources told Daily Mail Australia Hemsworth will likely use the property to house his A-lister mates while they are filming Down Under. A garage will comfortably hold three Ferraris for the Hemsworths or their Hollywood mates The new dwelling is about a kilometre as the crow flies from his current mansion, which sits on a relatively modest four hectares on New South Wales' north coast Hemsworth's latest film Thor: Love and Thunder brought a star-studded cast to Australia, including Matt Damon and Natalie Portman. 'I guess when you are a superhero, one McMansion in Byron is not nearly enough,' a source said. 'You need three for all your Hollywood mates to come and stay and privately quarantine while the rest of us have to stay in crappy hotels for two weeks.' Daily Mail Australia further revealed Hemsworth came under fire for building a large stable complex on his existing property, knocking the top off a hill to create an enormous horse ring complete with jumping fences. Here is the final draft of a four-story dwelling Hemsworth is set to build on land he owns near his existing mansion in Byron Bay The source claimed Hemsworth did not seek council approval to build the structure. 'Apparently his mates call it "El Caballo Blanco", named after a large equine Andalusian theme park that operated in western Sydney in the 70s, 80s and 90s,' the source said. It is understood the equine facilities were constructed by Hemsworth to keep his wife Pataky from riding through private property and along Byron Bay's environmentally protected beaches. One of the Hemsworths' development neighbours, Steve Duchen, told Daily Mail Australia he was angry at the proposal given the actor's vocal opposition to an eco-resort that his company Linnaeus Estate was developing along the beach. In May, 2021, Hemsworth hit Instagram to slam the development, which he claimed was on land sacred to Indigenous Australians. Mr Duchen said Hemsworth had some nerve proposing a new mega-mansion given his opposition to his company's 'minor' development. Hemsworth and Pataky have reportedly spent $17million on property in the Byron Bay area over the past five years He also claimed Pataky would ride her prized equines through the disputed property in order to get to the beach. 'In fact she had previously just taken the liberty of riding her horses across our property without our permission. Their property sits behind ours and has no beach access,' he said at the time. 'He's now going for a massive development having entered into our property for his wife's horses.' Last year, Daily Mail Australia revealed the Hemsworths' beloved Groodle 'Sunny' had been impounded after being found wandering alone on the same patch of sacred land his master had defended on Instagram. Elsa Pataky has been accused of guiding her horses through Linnaeus Estate (pictured), which blocks access to the beach from the Hemsworth properties 'I stand shoulder to shoulder, in solidarity with Aunty Lois Cook in opposition to the tourism development at Seven Mile Beach,' Hemsworth said in a video shared with his 48.6 million Instagram followers at the time. 'I fully support traditional custodians to be able to comfortably tell their people's stories, to preserve and protect their homelands,' he added. 'This proposed development would have a direct impact on these sacred and significant Indigenous sites.' He also shared a video of activist Lois Cook, a traditional custodian of Ngangbul Country in the Bundjalung Nation of eastern Australia who is backing the Friends of Seven Mile cause. His dog had been found by the manager of the very development company Hemsworth had slammed, Linnaeus Estate. Mr Duchen slammed the Hemsworths at the time amid claims of double standards. 'It has happened before. We're in a very delicate, natural environment and in fact in Byron you're not allowed to have dogs on the beaches or even in this particular area because it's a marine park,' he said. Hemsworth's beloved dog was taken to the pound after being found on an area of beach deemed to be sacred land in May The development of Hemsworth's existing home divided opinion in their hometown upon its construction. Hemsworth and his family began construction on his current Byron Bay mansion, named Kooeloah, in late 2017. The fortress-like property, which sits high above Seven Mile Beach, boasts a gymnasium, butler's pantry, fire pit, change rooms, an outdoor play area for the three Hemsworth children, and walk-in wardrobes. A 50-metre pool helps the family keep cool and stay fit and comes with a stunning view over the idyllic Broken Head Nature Reserve. The Hemsworths first purchased the property in 2014 for $7million and spent years building their dream mansion. Hemsworth and Pataky have reportedly spent $17million on property in the Byron Bay area over the past five years. Angry neighbours were quick to say the rebuild reminded them of a suburban shopping centre, a refurbished RSL club or a regional airport terminal. Others compared it to a multi-storey car park. Originally estimated at $20million, property experts said in January the LA-style compound was now worth about $30million. Nicolas Cage looked suave in a patterned navy tuxedo jacket as he arrived to the premiere of his latest project during the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday. The 58-year-old actor strolled the red carpet for Butcher's Crossing, along with the likes of Julia Stiles and Rachel Keller. The actor's appearance comes just days after his 27-year-old wife Riko Shibata gave birth to the couple's first child, a baby girl named August Francesca. Suave: Nicolas Cage looked suave in a patterned navy tuxedo jacket as he arrived to the premiere of his latest project during the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday For the big premiere, Cage styled his tuxedo jacket with black slacks and a white button-down shirt. He added a pair of shiny black loafers to the ensemble, and he accessorized with a white pocket square. His dark hair was cut short and slicked back, and he flashed a brilliant white smile. The California native donned a fancy watch with a brown leather band and a gold face. Cage said he headed up to TIFF for the screening of his new movie Butcher's Crossing right after welcoming his daughter. 'I would not have been here, but I kept my word, and I'm here honoring my commitment but I'm looking forward to getting back to my wife and my daughter,' Cage told People at the event. He also told the publication that he 'literally just left the hospital and got on a plane, and came here. The deal was: "Look, if my daughter has not arrived yet, then I'm not going, but tell them I most likely will go."' Star-studded: The 58-year-old actor strolled the red carpet for Butcher's Crossing, along with the likes of Julia Stiles and Rachel Keller Congrats! The actor's appearance comes just days after his 27-year-old wife Riko Shibata gave birth to the couple's first child, a baby girl named August Francesca; the couple seen in 2021 Cage added, 'I want to make some movies that will bring a smile to her face and some laughter, absolutely. Some more animated movies perhaps show her some Croods 1, Croods 2.' Riko gave birth to the couple's baby daughter, full name August Francesca Coppola Cage, at a hospital in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 7. A rep for the actor confirmed the news to PEOPLE and reassured fans that 'Mother and daughter are doing fine.' This is Riko's first child and Nicolas' third. The Leaving Las Vegas actor has son Weston Coppola Cage, 31, with ex Christina Fulton and son Kal-El, 16, with ex-wife Alice Kim. Committed: Cage said he headed up to TIFF for the screening of his new movie Butcher's Crossing right after welcoming his daughter. 'I would not have been here, but I kept my word, and I'm here honoring my commitment but I'm looking forward to getting back to my wife and my daughter,' Cage told People at the event; Riko and Cage seen in March Print: Julia Stiles donned a leopard print blazer over a low-cut black gown Nicolas and Riko met in Japan in 2020 when he was filming Sion Sono's Prisoners Of Ghostland. She landed a role in the movie playing one of the four Mannequin Women. Several of Cage's Butcher's Crossing co-stars also attended the event. Julia Stiles donned a leopard print blazer over a low-cut black gown. She stood on black high heels, and she let her long blonde locks fall down to the middle of her back. Long gown: Tokyo Vice star Rachel Keller donned a long white dress with a ruffled skirt, and she pulled her hair back in a tight ponytail Classy: Fred Hechinger of Fear Street fame donned a classy black jacket and slacks with shiny loafers Tokyo Vice star Rachel Keller donned a long white dress with a ruffled skirt, and she pulled her hair back in a tight ponytail. Fred Hechinger of Fear Street fame donned a classy black jacket and slacks with shiny loafers. He combed his auburn bangs off to the side, and his long red beard extended out several inches from his strong jawline. Mosaic actor Jeremy Bobb wore green-gray jacket over a light blue button-down shirt and black slacks. Casual: Mosaic actor Jeremy Bobb wore green-gray jacket over a light blue button-down shirt and black slacks Sparkles: Sounds of Metal star Paul Raci wore a sparkly silver blazer to the event Ink: He soon removed his blazer to show off his numerous arm tattoos Group photo: Many members of the show's creative team posed together at the star-studded event Sounds of Metal star Paul Raci wore a sparkly silver blazer to the event though he soon removed it to show off his numerous arm tattoos. Butcher's Crossing is an American western based on the 1960 book of the same name. The story follows a man who goes on a buffalo hunting expedition outside of Butcher's Crossing Kansas in the 1870s. Starring role: Butcher's Crossing is an American western based on the 1960 book of the same name Karlie Kloss was the picture of style as she arrived at Fendi's New York Fashion Week show in the Big Apple on Friday night. The 30-year-old supermodel sizzled in a chic monochrome look that featured a cropped jacket that showed off her enviably taut tummy. The fashion industry personality is no stranger to Fashion Week as she has stormed runways across the globe over the span of her impressive modeling career. Style icon: Karlie Kloss was the picture of style as she arrived at Fendi's New York Fashion Week show in the Big Apple on Friday night Kloss wore a dark orange jacket that remained unbuttoned at its top, which revealed a sparkling gold bra during Fendi's show. The fashion industry personality also rocked a matching pair of slim-fitting pants, and she added elements of darkness to her look with a set of black high-heeled shoes. The former Victoria's Secret Angel carried a multicolored purse while posing for a snap, and she gave her outfit a bit of shine with a set of sparkling earrings. Her gorgeous dark blonde hair was tied into a ponytail that fell onto her back. Monochrome moment: The 30-year-old supermodel sizzled in a chic monochrome look that featured a cropped jacket that showed off her enviably taut tummy New York Fashion Week, which kicked off on Friday, is currently set to run until Wednesday of next week. Over 140 designers will be showcasing their work at numerous locations all around the Big Apple. W Magazine's fashion director, Nora Milich, spoke to Reuters and expressed that Fendi was planning on putting on a particularly special event. 'Fendi and Marni are coming to New York, which is super exciting. Fendi is doing a special 25th anniversary show to celebrate their baguette bag,' she said. Experienced: The fashion industry personality is no stranger to Fashion Week as she has stormed runways across the globe over the span of her impressive modeling career; Kloss seen in 2020 NYFW: New York Fashion Week, which kicked off on Friday, is currently set to run until Wednesday of next week; Kloss seen in 2020 The fashion industry figure also spoke about how many luxury brands had opted not to participate in this year's Fashion Week. 'They either have kind of moved to and started showing in Paris or they show off calendar,' she stated. However, Milich expressed that the lack of big brands at the annual event created opportunities for up-and-coming fashion industry figures to showcase their work. She stated that the absence of major companies inadvertently 'created a lot more room for excitement and energy around the younger brands, the younger designers.' Lori Harvey bared her long legs in a Fendi trench coat as she arrived at the luxury label's star-studded runway show during New York Fashion Week on Friday. The 25-year-old model and socialite sizzled in the off-the-shoulder look, which belted at the waist and featured Fendi's iconic moniker on the lapels and tail. A bright yellow purse was worn on her hip and she stood on tall, hot pink high heels. Leggy: Lori Harvey bared her long legs in a Fendi trench coat as she arrived at the luxury label's star-studded runway show during New York Fashion Week on Friday Her trench coat ended near her knees, but it was also slit in the front revealing her thigh and calf. She put a pair of small diamond studs in her ears and wore a thin necklace as well. A shiny substance made her chest and legs glisten underneath the lights. Iconic: The 25-year-old model and socialite sizzled in the off-the-shoulder look, which belted at the waist and featured Fendi's iconic moniker on the lapels and tail FENDI show: 'Fendi and Marni are coming to New York, which is super exciting,' said fashion director Nora Milch at W Magazine. 'Fendi is doing a special 25th anniversary show to celebrate their baguette bag' 'Fendi and Marni are coming to New York, which is super exciting,' said fashion director Nora Milch at W Magazine. 'Fendi is doing a special 25th anniversary show to celebrate their baguette bag, and Marni's is bringing their spring/summer show... from Milan to New York.' New York Fashion Week takes place twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. This iteration of the event began on Friday, September 9, and will end on Wednesday, September 14 with 140 shows taking place throughout Manhattan. Two times a year: New York Fashion Week takes place twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall; Delfina Delettrez Fendi, Silvia Fendi, Linda Evangelista, Marc Jacobs, and Kim Jones pictured A number of the biggest names in the fashion world present collections at the event for upcoming seasons. Tom Ford, for example, will close out the week of shows next week, and Marni is another big name which will have an event over the weekend. Fendi is an Italian luxury fashion house founded in Rome in 1925. Kim Kardashian's brand SKIMS and Rihanna have both collaborated with the brand. Viola Davis is more than proud of her latest film project titled, The Woman King, which made its grand premiere during the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival earlier on Friday. The Academy Award winner, 57, turned heads in an eye-catching floor-length gown as she posed for photos on the star-studded red carpet. The historical epic is based on true events from the Kingdom of Dahomey, which was the 'most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries,' according to the official synopsis on IMDB. Breathtaking: Viola Davis, 57, turned heads in a custom Greta Constantine gown as she attended the screening of The Woman King at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier on Friday The talented actress opted for a colorful ensemble as she attended the premiere of her latest historical drama. Viola slipped into a hot pink, floor-length custom Greta Constantine gown with orange, floral fabric lined at the top of the dress for an extra pop of color and differing texture. During a past interview with InStyle, The Help star opened up about her fashion inspiration. 'In general, I would say my style is still bleeding over from who I was in New York, which was, I always I just wanted to be different.' Glamorous: The award-winning star was dressed to impress as she celebrated the premiere of her latest film project To coincide with the glamorous, strapless gown, Viola slipped into a pair of hot pink, high heels that shone in the light. In order to not take away from the vibrancy of the dress, she opted to not add any pieces of jewelry. Her makeup was elegant and chic, which included black eyeliner, shimmering eyeshadow and a pink lipstick. While on the red carpet, Viola was seen posing with fellow cast members and other creative artists involved on the film project. She was also seen walking hand-in-hand with her husband, Julius Tennon, and their adoptive daughter, Genesis Tennon. The talented beauty appeared to be in good spirits as she celebrated the premiere of The Woman King. She expressed before the screening during the film festival that the historical epic hold a special place in her heart. Big smile: The star appeared to be in high spirits as she attended the screening of The Woman King in Toronto earlier on Friday Celebrating: Viola was pictured with director, Gina Prince-Bythewood and fellow actress in the movie, Thuso Mbedu 'You know what? I feel like my entire life, Ive allowed myself to be defined by a culture, Ive allowed myself to be defined by the naysayers. Ive been dropped in a profession thats defined by depravation,' she explained, reported Deadline. Viola then expressed that she finally has now come to know who she is, and her latest project helped her on that path. 'And so, a lot of times, you just allow other people to define you. At 57 years old, Ive come to the realization that I can define myself.' The talented actress revealed that she believed deep down that The Woman King was her, 'magnum opus,' adding, 'But its my magnum opus because its everything I ever dreamed it could be.' A magnum opus is an important, creative work of art, or is also known as the most important work created by an artist. New project: The Woman King not only stars the Oscar-winning actress, but was also produced by the star Group photo: Viola was seen excitedly smiling with fellow stars involved in the film such as Sheila Atim, Julius Tennon, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Thuso Mbedu, Cathy Schulman, and Nicole Brown Her magnum opus: The star explained during her passionate speech that the film was her 'magnum opus' Viola brought up how she has become an inspiration to her younger self. 'But its for my 6-year old self that sort of left prostrate on the ground in Central Falls, Rhode Island, the little girl who was traumatized, the little girl who was called ugly, the little girl who wasnt seen, who was left invisible.' 'I see you Viola. I see every chocolate girl who is like you. Im telling you to stop running. This is my gift to you.' 'And I believe when we open this gift tonight, it will be to all your enjoyment,' she stated at the conclusion of her speech, which was followed by a round of cheering and applause. Happy family: The How To Get Away With Murder alum was pictured holding hands with husband, Julius Tennon and daughter, Genesis Tennon on the red carpet Big day: Viola was seen posing with her fellow co-star on the film The Woman King, John Boyega The Woman King not only stars Viola, but also Hero Fiennes Tiffin from the After franchise, Lashana Lynch, John Boyega, Thuso Mbedu, and Sheila Atim. Following its special screening during the film festival, the historical drama is set to release in theaters on September 16. Viola plays the character of Nanisca, who trains and leads an all-female warrior unit to help protect their Kingdom of Dahomey. During a recent interview with Vanity Fair, the actress opened up about diving into her character. Talented: The Oscar winning actress took a photo with some of her co-stars, Sheila Atim, Thuso Mbedu, and John Boyega Proud: Viola expressed that she was proud to be a part of the project and stated that film was 'transformative' Star: John wore a purple suit Pals: He posed with Viola at the event In good spirits: He put on an animated display Glam: Thuso Mbedu and Masali Baduza attended also Red carpet: John Boyega and Adrienne Warren posed for snaps Busy: Aside from The Woman King, the actress was cast to play the role of Amanda Waller in the DC film, Black Adam, and will also star in The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes Wow! Sheila Atim flashed her abs in a daring gown Bright: Adrienne Warren stood out in yellow Amazing: South African actress Masali Baduza turned heads in a puffy pink dress New: 'Ive never had a role like this before. Its transformative. And to be a producer on it, and to know that I had a hand in bringing it to fruition,' she stated 'Ive never had a role like this before. Its transformative. And to be a producer on it, and to know that I had a hand in bringing it to fruition,' she stated. Aside from The Woman King, the actress was cast to play the role of Amanda Waller in the DC film, Black Adam, and will also star in The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes. She has also been cast to be a part of a film currently titled, Nike, from Ben Affleck and longtime friend, Matt Damon. Happy! Makgotso M and Thuso Mbedu looked in great spirits Stunning: Thuso made sure all eyes were on her Crew: The cast all posed for a group shot together too Grinning: John looked in great spirits Gals: They looked like they were having a great time on the red carpet Leggy: Makgosto flashed her toned pins in the dress Advertisement Christina Ricci, Laverne Cox and Connie Britton led celebrities down the red carpet at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards Performers Nominee Reception in Los Angeles. Ricci, 42, cut a stylishly preppy figure as she modeled a brown striped button-down sweater and a black mini skirt. The actress, who earned a nomination n the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category for her show Yellowjackets, stood in black boots. Famous faces: Christina Ricci, Laverne Cox and Connie Britton led celebrities down the red carpet at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards Performers Nominee Reception in Los Angeles Cox, 50, sizzled in a skimpy black gown with cutouts all over the torso, accentuating her ample cleavage. Her entire left leg was uncovered in the dress and her long light brown locks cascaded down her chest in the red carpet snaps. She added sheer black opera gloves for a dramatic effect. Wow! Laverne Cox, 50, sizzled in a skimpy black gown with cutouts all over the torso, accentuating her ample cleavage Casual: Sebastian Stan, 40, looked casual at the event in a black and blue sweater and matching sweatpants The Alabama native seemed to enjoy herself at the event though she is not nominated for an Emmy Award. She was previously nominated four times for her work on Orange Is The New Black. Britton, 55, donned a chic, sleeveless black jumpsuit and paraded around the star-studded affair in classic black high heels. The Nashville star let her wavy blonde locks fall down the sides of her face, framing her wide smile. She's up for the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Emmy for her role in the HBO show The White Lotus. Skintight: Abbott Elementary actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, 65, wore a tight dress. The fabric on her arms and upper chest was white and the rest of the gown was a pale blue Classic: Jason Ritter, who boasts two previous Emmy nominations, wore a simple black suit with a navy blue tie Sebastian Stan, 40, looked casual at the event in a black and blue sweater and matching sweatpants. The Romanian-actor, who is up for the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie award for his work on Pam & Tommy, also donned a clean white t-shirt and matching sneakers. Abbott Elementary actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, 65, wore a tight dress. The fabric on her arms and upper chest was white and the rest of the gown was a pale blue. The Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series nominee wore her dark hair in one long braid. Jason Ritter, who boasts two previous Emmy nominations, wore a simple black suit with a navy blue tie. More stars: Quinta Brunson of Abbot Elementary fame and Yellowjackets star Melanie Lynskey both attended the event Hollywood couple: Ed Begley Jr. and his wife of more than 20 years Rachelle Carson-Begley were also in attendance at the event Quinta Brunson of Abbot Elementary fame donned a silk gown that stopped just above her knees. The white dress was dotted with black and purple and boasted a long train as well. Brunson is up for two Emmys this year, Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on Abbot Elementary. Melanie Lynskey wore a maxi-length brown dress with ruffled sleeves. The gown was covered in flowery images. She held a silver bag in her right hand. Big silver necklaces hung down from her ears and her dark brown hair was swept off to the left in the front. Lynskey is nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her show Yellowjackets. Ed Begley Jr. and his wife of more than 20 years Rachelle Carson-Begley were also in attendance at the event. Fun evening: Ricci gave her millions of social media followers an inside look at her evening with a pair of selfies showing off her cute ensemble Cute outfit! The star modeled her cut ensemble before heading to the event Lots of love: Her final photo was a selfie with her husband Mark Hampton, who she tied the knot with last year Ricci gave her millions of social media followers an inside look at her evening with a pair of selfies showing off her cute ensemble. Another photo showed the star in a parking garage, throwing up a 'peace' sign for the camera. The caption on the image read, 'gang gang.' Her final photo was a selfie with her husband Mark Hampton, who she tied the knot with last year. Primetime Emmy Awards Performers Nominee Reception is an annual ceremony honoring all of the people who were nominated for the prestigious television award. Succession led the way with 25 nods this year. The Emmys will take place on Monday, September 12, at 5 p.m. in Los Angeles. Channel Nine may be forced to shelve plans for a Married At First Sight spin-off web series hosted by Domenica Calarco after her former co-stars refused to take part. Multiple cast members have declined to be interviewed by Domenica, 29, for the proposed show, which was set to launch next month on 9Now and Nine.com.au and run until the premiere of season 10 of MAFS in early 2023. The format for the series would have seen her FaceTime her fellow MAFS alumni to 'check in' on them and see how they're coping after the show. Channel Nine may be forced to shelve plans for a Married At First Sight spin-off web series hosted by Domenica Calarco (pictured) after her former co-stars refused to take part But many former MAFS participants have flat-out refused to take part, citing Domenica's alleged mistreatment of them both during filming and on social media. Some also feel that Dom received an unfairly glowing edit at the expense of her season nine castmates and don't want to reward her with more opportunities at the Nine Network. The network sent an email to cast members inviting them to appear on the online series, but one former star told Yahoo Lifestyle 'no one' wanted to be involved. Multiple cast members have declined to be interviewed by Domenica (right, with Jack Millar) for the proposed show, which was set to launch next month on 9Now and Nine.com.au 'I'm good friends with eight of the cast, and no one I'm friends with is doing the "chat",' the source said. 'Honestly, as if in reality we would update her on our lives, it's so ridiculous. Plus, the show was highly edited so I don't think anyone would be stupid enough to believe it's going to be a "light-hearted" chat was stated in the email.' Domenica's on-screen rival Olivia Frazer also spoke out against the proposed interview series during an Instagram Live on Friday, saying it was 'kind of bulls**t'. 'I'm pretty sure I was the only cast member that wasn't emailed about it,' she said. Many former MAFS stars have refused to take part, citing Domenica's mistreatment of them both during filming and on social media. Some also feel that Dom received an unfairly glowing edit at the expense of her castmates and don't want to reward her with more TV opportunities 'I know lots of my other castmates emailed back to Channel Nine telling them to "get f**ked" and that if they were going to do a series like that they probably should have chosen somebody who's a little bit more neutral, like Al [Perkins] or Selina [Chhaur]. 'Maybe not somebody that a lot of cast members won't speak to. Like, they wouldn't choose me to do it because two cast members definitely wouldn't speak to me.' According to another ex-participant, the email from a Nine producer inviting former cast members to appear on Dom's web series went down like a lead balloon. The email was shared to a WhatsApp group chat for ex-MAFS stars, who felt giving Domenica the job was a slap in the face after she trashed them in the media. Domenica's on-screen rival Olivia Frazer (pictured) also spoke out against the proposed interview series during an Instagram Live on Friday, saying it was 'kind of bulls**t' 'Look we're happy to be involved but she [Domenica] has been nothing but a wench to most of the cast. Nobody but Ella [Ding] wants anything to do with her,' they told Daily Mail Australia. 'It would make better sense to mix it up and maybe have someone more official and unbiased,' they continued. Nine planned to release a weekly episode featuring a different bride or groom from next month until the new season of MAFS premieres early next year. The upcoming season will feature some of the hottest and most scandalous brides and grooms to date. (Pictured: Adam Seed and Janelle Han who will appear on the show in 2023) Meanwhile, the upcoming season of MAFS will feature some of the hottest and most scandalous brides and grooms to date. Season 10 will feature a diverse mix of cast who include a dental hygienist, a baker, a beautician and a construction worker who works as a part-time male stripper. One bride is no stranger to controversy, having already made headlines for trashing a nightclub bathroom almost a decade ago. 'She completely trashed a bathroom at a bar and has been banned from the venue ever since. I guarantee she's going to cause a riot on the show,' a source said. Another bride has been dubbed 'Olivia Frazer 2.0' after entering the experiment all sweet and innocent only to unleash her mean streak later on. 'Alarm bells have already gone off. She's not as innocent as she led producers to believe... we're thinking she's going to be the next Olivia, for sure,' said the insider. TEHRAN, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- A top Iranian military commander said on Friday the country will carry out the final test of its upgraded homegrown missile defense system, dubbed Bavar (Belief) 373, in the coming days, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. Alireza Sabahi-Fard, commander of the Iranian Army's Air Defense Force, said in a televised interview that the system has successfully completed all its initial tests. He stressed that all Iranian air defense systems have been equipped with cutting-edge technologies, with Bavar 373 being the army's flagship. Bavar 373, which was unveiled in August 2019, is a mobile missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy incoming hostile targets. Employing missiles that have a maximum range of 300 kilometers, the system is capable of detecting and targeting the enemies' aircraft beyond the Iranian borders, as well as simultaneously detecting up to 300 targets, tracking 60 targets and engaging six targets. Bavar 373 has two search and intercept radars, which can resist electronic warfare and electromagnetic bombs. In addition, the radars are capable of detecting anti-radiation missiles that are used to confront air defenses. NASA's Ingenuity helicopter has completed its 31st flight over Mars, successfully making a short 56-second hop on the Red Planet that brought it closer to an ancient river delta on the planet's terrain. In its latest mission on Mars which happened Tuesday, September 6, the Ingenuity copter hovered for about 56 seconds and traversed around 318 feet (97 meters) of horizontal terrain, the mission fight log said. The Ingenuity hopped to an altitude of 10 meters, cruising at a speed of 4.75 meters per second. Ingenuity then flew over the ancient river delta that NASA's Perseverance rover explored in the last five months. Read Also: NASA's Ingenuity Helicopter Delivers Incredible Photos of Perseverance Landing Gear Second Ingenuity Flight Since Mars Winter Shutdown The flight is Ingenuity's second after the mission team decided to shut it down for two months during the winter season since the helicopter's solar panels were receiving less amount of sunlight which caused lower power supply than the required amount. NASA said tha Mars is experiencing the peak of the winter season, and because of this, the air on the red planet is much denser, that could make the flight relatively easier. The temperature at Ingenuity's site in the Jezero crater plunged to as low as minus 86 degrees Celsius during the night. The Ingenuity copter reached Mars while attached to the Perseverance rover when it landed in the Jezero crater last February. Ingenuity's most recent flight prior to Tuesday's sortie was a simple one similar to the helicopter's second flight, which took place on April 22 this year, when it made its first sideways movement in the Martian terrain of about 13 feet (4 meters) before it made ita landing. During the recent flight, the helicopter had been airborne for 33 seconds, rose to an altitude of 16.5 feet (5 meters), and navigated about 6.5 feet (2 meters) with the goal of providing data on its ability to make an accurate landing. The mission team based at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, said in a report last month that the Ingenuity flight path will continue "toward the river delta in the coming weeks while the environment continues to improve." The mission team aso carried out a software update on Ingenuity to improve its navigation. The four-pound flying machine has outlived its foreseen lifespan and has overcome technical glitches, as conditions have made it difficult to charge the copter's solar-powered batteries enough to make its flight. But, despite these, Ingenuity still flies. Two-Helicopter Martian Rock Sample Return Mission Set NASA is set to redesign a future mission to Mars. The U.S. space agency announced that a pair of Ingenuity-inspired rotorcraft would be a key component of a future mission to transport pristine Martian rock samples from the Jezero Crater back to Earth. The original Mars Sample Return project plan involved a rover that would fetch the samples, but this would require its own lander. The change in the plan to instead use helicopters was reached when the mission reached the conceptual design phase. Related Article: Ingenuity Helicopter Cleared to Fly in Mars Through September by NASA Advertisement Kate Moss and Christy Turlington both exuded glamour as they arrived at Fendi's star-studded runway show during New York Fashion Week on Friday. The dynamic duo - who are part of the 'Big Six' in the 1990s - repped the luxury label on the red carpet, where they were joined by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Karlie Kloss. Moss, 48, showed off her fashion sense in a gray-patterned minidress that came complete with a plunging neckline and black lining along the bottom. Supermodels: Kate Moss and Christy Turlington both exuded glamour as they arrived at Fendi's star-studded runway show during New York Fashion Week on Friday The model aded height to her frame with a pair of knee-high black leather boots while she also carried a matching handbag. For the event, the London native styled her blonde locks back off her face while it cascaded down her back. Turlington, who was often photographed alongside Moss during the heyday of the supermodel era, also showed off a few of her old moves in front of the camera while clutching onto her Fendi Baguette. The Oakland, California native, 53, showed off her fab figure in a black-patterned dress that hugged her curves and had a stylish opening just above her chest and neck region. Homage: Moss carried a classic Fendi Baguette when she struck a number of poses for the cameras Glowing: Turlington also showcased a classic black Fendi Baguette while flashing her trademark infectious smile Rounding out her ensemble, Turlington stepped out in black heels with a thin strap around her ankles, and her dark brown tresses pulled back off her face and behind her ears while long in the back. Both Moss and Turlington saw the heights of their careers during a heralded time where a choice few models did their part to be elevated to supermodel status in the late 1980s and into the 1990s. They seemed to be a perfect fit for the image of the anniversary event since the Baguette, a small compact handbag, was designed in 1997. NYFW, often a mix of the familiar names and designers with the arrivals on the scene, kicked off on Friday, September 9. Fendi is among the more than 140 designers that will ascend on Manhattan over the course of the next six days, through Wednesday, September 14, with new collections. Founded in Rome in 1925, the iconic Italian luxury fashion house is celebrating its Baguette bag with a special 25th anniversary show. Event: Turlington and Moss also struck a pose alongside friends and colleagues Amber Valletta, 48, and Shalom Harlow, 48 Icons: Moss (left in 1992) was a sensation in the industry in the 1990s, as part of the heroin chic trend; Meanwhile, Turlington (right in 1993) made a huge splash with her Calvin Klein Eternity campaign, beginning in 1989 90s theme: In keeping with a 1990s theme, the Italian fashion house used supermodel Linda Evangelista for the promotion photo on Instagram Aligning with the classics of the 90s theme, the Fendi fashion house used fellow supermodel of that era, Linda Evangelista, for the promotional photo for the special anniversary show at NYFW. 'Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Legendary #FendiBaguette: join the special fashion show going live today, September 9 at 8:00pm EST from New York City,' it read in the caption. Popularized on the hit HBO series Sex And The City in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Baguette is often heralded as the first 'it' bag. New York Fashion Week, held in February and September each year, is a semi-annual series of events when international fashion collections are shown to buyers, the press and the general public. Along with Paris, London and Milan, it is one of four major fashion weeks in the world, collectively known as the 'Big 4' Many Australian stars have paid tribute to the Queen after her death aged 96 - with stories emerging about Her Majesty's time Down Under. Many of the country's A-listers have also paid tribute to Elizabeth II as Australia mourns the royal. Footage has also resurfaced of Cate Blanchett revealing she met the late Queen and Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace, only to be asked how to fix their DVD player. Footage has resurfaced of Cate Blanchett (left) revealing her time with the royal family, revealing her met the late Queen and Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace, only to be asked how to fix their DVD player Appearing on ITV's The Jonathan Ross show in 2018, the star revealed she'd wondered if the Queen wanted to ask her about playing her Oscar-winning role as her namesake, Queen Elizabeth I when she received the invite. 'There were 12 of us, and I couldn't work out for the life of me why I'd been invited,' she recalled. 'Playing Queen Elizabeth and sitting next to her, I thought, 'Maybe she's seen the movie and wants to ask me about my interpretation.' Referring to the Duke of Edinburgh, Cate, 53, said: 'I sat next to him and he said, "I hear you're an actor? Well, I was given a DVD player for Christmas and I can't work out whether I put the green cord in or the red cord". Appearing on ITV's The Jonathan Ross show in 2018, the star revealed she'd wondered if the Queen wanted to ask her about playing her Oscar-winning role as her namesake, Queen Elizabeth I when she received the invite And I said "Sir, it's really not my expertise". I thought, "He's invited me to lunch to tell me about his DVD player".' It comes as footage resurfaced of the precious moment a group of excited A-List Australian celebrities met the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2011 ahead of her royal tour Down Under. Hugh Jackman, Elle Macpherson and Neighbours star Jason Donovan were among other Aussie 'royalty' who enjoyed a reception with Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip. Hugh, Jason and Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood all sported smart black suits and ties for the lavish event. Footage has also resurfaced of the precious moment a group of excited A-List Australian celebrities, including Hugh Jackson, Elle Macpherson and Neighbours star Jason Donovan met the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2011 ahead of her royal tour Down Under Meanwhile Elle looked giddy as she chatted to other guests as they stood in anticipation ahead of the meeting. The supermodel was dressed stylishly in a beige frill dress teamed with a matching handbag. In the footage, Her Majesty is seen giving the large group a look over before joking: 'I didn't realise there was such a lot of Australians.' Marvel action star Hugh laughed at the Queen's quip and responded 'oh yeah, we're everywhere'. Hugh Jackman and Elle Macpherson (pictured) looked giddy as they waited in anticipation to meet the Queen He then told the Queen he hoped her upcoming royal visit to Australia would be 'fantastic'. Hugh was later named in the Queen's birthday honours list in 2019 for 'eminent service to performing arts and the global community, as an advocate for poverty eradication'. Britain is a country in mourning following the death of beloved Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. After a remarkable 70 years on the throne, the country's longest-reigning royal today died 'peacefully', aged 96, at the Balmoral Estate - surrounded by her family. Vicky Pattison has criticised people on social media who she feels have not been respectful of Queen Elizabeth II's death. The TV personality, 34, shared a length post on Instagram where she said the monarch 'deserves our respect' following her passing aged 96. Vicky shared snaps of King Charles III and his mother and said many will now be feeling 'scared and anxious' about what lies ahead. Speaking out: Vicky Pattison has criticised people on social media who she feels have not been respectful of Queen Elizabeth II's death She wrote: 'I'm just going to leave this here because I feel like over the last couple of days some people on social media have forgotten how to behave. 'You might not be British, or a royalist, or particularly patriotic... But before the queen was absolutely anything else, she was a mother, a grandmother and a great grandmother... and I can't believe people don't think she deserves our respect. 'And furthermore, regardless of your feelings about Charles, whatever they may be - he is still a man who lost his mother and is now not only expected to take on the biggest role of his life he's also expected to step into her massive shoes... all within a year of losing his father?? 'Queen Elizabeth is all most of us have ever known, and I think without any of us truly being aware, in a world that brought us so much uncertainty and chaos her stoic resilience and unwavering bravery provided us with something constant and that brought us comfort - now that she is gone we feel scared and anxious about what lies ahead - for the commonwealth, Great Britain and everything she made people have faith in.' Heartbreaking: The TV personality, 34, shared a length post on Instagram where she said the monarch 'deserves our respect' following her passing aged 96 The former Geordie Shore star encouraged people to 'throw their respect' behind Charles as he assumes the throne. She wrote: 'Instead of allowing that fear to breed, throw your respect and your faith behind this man - who despite losing his mother yesterday got up and did his job today and delivered an impassioned and sensitive speech today. 'Because I haven't done anything remotely that difficult or impressive in my life and leaves me thinking: have the people who are criticising him??! 'Above all else grow up. Keep your sentiments dignified and respectful. These people are human beings and regardless of their status deserve your condolences and kindness at this time. 'And as far as I'm concerned... Long Live the King.' 'Respectful': The former Geordie Shore star encouraged people to 'throw their respect' behind Charles as he assumes the throne All Her Majesty's children had rushed to Balmoral on Thursday after doctors became 'concerned' for her health. Hours later she died, surrounded by her family. At 6.30pm Thursday her death was confirmed. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow'. The Queen's death will see Britain and her Commonwealth realms enter into a ten-day period of mourning as millions of her subjects in the UK and abroad come to terms with her passing. Heartbreaking: All Her Majesty's children had rushed to Balmoral on Thursday after doctors became 'concerned' for her health. Hours later she died (pictured with the Prince and Princess of Wales) There will also be a celebration of her historic 70-year reign that saw her reach her Platinum Jubilee this year - a landmark unlikely to be reached again by a British monarch. Charles, the King, said: 'The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. 'We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world. 'During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.' She never puts a foot wrong when it comes to fashion. And Winnie Harlow looked effortlessly chic on Friday as she attended the Fendi runway show during New York fashion week. The model, 28, wowed in a belted checked grey blazer worn over a mint green slip dress as she joined a host of names at the event, which was also a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Fendi Baguette bag. Style Queen: Winnie Harlow looked effortlessly chic on Friday as she attended the Fendi runway show during New York fashion week Winnie oozed confidence as she posed for the camera while modelling her stylish blazer and dress combo, which she teamed with a sparkly blue handbag. Boosting her height, Winnie tottered around on gravity-defying white heels, while she further accessorised with diamond drop earrings and a simple necklace. The beauty's raven tresses were swept up into an elegant up 'do, while she upped the glam with a sleek palette of make-up. Winnie was in good company at the event as she also posed alongside the likes of Kyle Kuzma and Kim Kardashian. Strike a pose: The model, 28, wowed in a belted checked grey blazer worn over a mint green slip dress as she joined a host of names at the event NYFW, often a mix of the familiar names and designers with the arrivals on the scene, kicked off on Friday 9 September. Fendi is among the more than 140 designers that will ascend on Manhattan over the course of the next six days, through Wednesday 14 September, with new collections. Founded in Rome in 1925, the iconic Italian luxury fashion house is celebrating its Baguette bag with a special 25th anniversary show. Fellow Italian fashion house Marni will also be gracing New York Fashion Week, as they showcase their spring/summer show. While Tom Ford will close the week of shows after having missed the last season due to Covid restrictions. Wow: Winnie oozed confidence as she posed for the camera while modelling her stylish blazer and dress combo, which she teamed with a blue handbag (pictured with Kim Kardashian) What a duo: Winnie put n a stylish display as she sat next to Kim Kardashian, who dazzled in an embellished metallic dress Winnie rose to fame and became one of the fashion industry's top models following her appearance on America's Next Top Model in 2014. She became part of the modeling competition show's 21st cycle after being discovered on Instagram by supermodel Tyra Banks, who served as a judge, host and executive producer on the show. The 18 & Over actress gave a TEDx talk in 2014 called How I Define Beauty. The video has been viewed more than a million times. Since then, Winnie has appeared in runway shows for lingerie giant Victoria's Secret, as well as for luxury fashion designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Cowan. Now a household name and a fashion fixture, Winnie made the shift into the beauty space by launching Cay Skin earlier this year. Amy Childs has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II with a photo of herself meeting the monarch as a child. The TOWIE star, 32, took to Instagram on Friday and shared a snap meeting the Queen alongside other school students. Amy looked almost unrecognisable in the photo where she sported strawberry blonde hair and a burgundy blazer. 'RIP': Amy Childs has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II with a photo of herself meeting the monarch as a child Alongside the post, she wrote: 'What a very sad day RIP our beautiful queen'. Amy isn't the only reality star to share their meeting with the Queen as Charlotte Dawson also paid tribute to her following her death aged 96. The former Ex On The Beach star shared a photo of herself as a child presenting flowers to the Queen during her Golden Jubilee visit to Preston in 2002. She wrote: 'I have the proper picture in storage with all my dad's memorabilia I need to dig it out as I need to frame it & tell Noah how wonderful her majesty Our Queen Elizabeth II was. Memories: The TOWIE star, 32, took to Instagram on Friday and shared a snap meeting the Queen alongside other school students 'I feel so honoured & proud that I was able to give her flowers I was so nervous and my mum tried to make me take my braid out my hair but I said no I think the queen will like it. She was so lovely made me feel instantly calm This is such a great loss to our country really won't be the same.' All Her Majesty's children had rushed to Balmoral on Thursday after doctors became 'concerned' for her health. Hours later she died, surrounded by her family. Heartwarming: Meanwhile, Charlotte Dawson shared a photo of herself as a child presenting flowers to the Queen during her Golden Jubilee visit to Preston in 2002 At 6.30pm Thursday her death was confirmed. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. 'The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow'. The Queen's death will see Britain and her Commonwealth realms enter into a ten-day period of mourning as millions of her subjects in the UK and abroad come to terms with her passing. Heartbreaking: All Her Majesty's children had rushed to Balmoral on Thursday after doctors became 'concerned' for her health. Hours later she died (pictured with the Prince and Princess of Wales) There will also be a celebration of her historic 70-year reign that saw her reach her Platinum Jubilee this year - a landmark unlikely to be reached again by a British monarch. Charles, the King, said: 'The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. 'We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world. 'During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.' Sarah Jessica Parker cut a typically stylish figure as she attended the Fendi show during New York Fashion Week on Friday. The actress, 57, looked radiant at the star-studded event where she sat in the front row alongside Kim Kardashian and Naomi Watts. Sarah Jessica donned a grey houndstooth blazer for the event which she paired with a light grey skirt. Looking good: Sarah Jessica Parker cut a typically stylish figure as she attended the Fendi show during New York Fashion Week on Friday The Sex And The City star added height to her frame with a pair of teal heels while she also carried a lavender handbag. Letting her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders, Sarah Jessica completed her look with an eye-catching necklace. Kim opted for a silver and beige long-sleeved dress with a sequinned detail while Naomi sported a grey plaid mini dress. New York Fashion Week, held in February and September each year, is a semi-annual series of events when international fashion collections are shown to buyers, the press and the general public. Front row: The actress, 57, looked radiant at the star-studded event where she sat in the front row alongside Kim Kardashian and Naomi Watts (pictured with LaLa Anthony, left) Style: Sarah Jessica donned a grey houndstooth blazer for the event which she paired with a light grey skirt Along with Paris, London and Milan, it is one of four major fashion weeks in the world, collectively known as the 'Big 4' The outing comes after Sarah Jessica recently opened up about showing off her natural grey hair and said she took issue with people calling her 'brave.' Speaking to Allure magazine, she said: 'It became months and months of conversation about how brave I am for having gray hair. 'I was like, please please applaud someone else's courage on something!' Outfit: Kim opted for a silver and beige long-sleeved dress with a sequinned detail while Naomi sported a grey plaid mini dress Sarah Jessica is married to fellow actor Matthew Broderick, with the couple parents to son James Wilkie, 19, and twin daughters Marion and Tabitha, 13. The star spoke with Peoplew in February of 2018 about her marriage, saying a key factor to a happy marriage is adapting to a partner's evolving needs. She said: 'Your needs are shifting. You and your partner are going to change. It seems so silly, but I think you're very lucky if you like the person. 'I still just really like him. I'm sure I annoy him and he annoys me, but I literally learn about him every day. I'm like, 'You're doing what? You're reading what?'' Dean Wells lashed out at Abbie Chatfield on Saturday for sharing her views of the 'colonialist monarchy' following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The Married At First Sight groom, 44, ranted to his followers about the up-and-coming radio presenter, 27, and anyone else who agreed with her. He made a lengthy post to his Instagram telling everyone who shared Abbie's views to 'STFU [shut the f**k up] and go back to living in the bush'. Dean Wells, 44, (pictured) lashed out at Abbie Chatfield, 27, on Saturday for sharing her views of the 'colonialist monarchy' following the death of Queen Elizabeth II 'To all the people whinging about "colonialism" from their iPhones, powered by electricity, using a written language, from inside a building that has constant running water, plumbing, air con and all other modern conveniences that western civilisation has provided for us all to live the most comfortable, prosperous, safe, privileged lives of any humans in all of history... Please kindly STFU of go back to living in the bush,' he wrote. Dean then shared a picture of The Bachelorette star with a caption over her face which read: 'That includes this absolute POS [piece of s**t]. 'The lack of awareness of the most basic historical facts is astonishing.' The Married At First Sight groom ranted to his followers about the up-and-coming radio presenter and anyone else who agreed with her The former executive creative director did not follow up with facts which opposed Abbie's statement. Abbie shared her thoughts on Her Majesty's death in an Instagram video recorded in her bed on Friday morning, shortly after waking up to the news. She began by saying The Queen's passing was 'obviously sad' for the Royal Family before speaking out against colonialism and the monarchy. He made a lengthy post to his Instagram telling everyone who shared Abbie's views to 'STFU [shut the f**k up] and go back to living in the bush' Abbie, a former Bachelor contestant whose sudden rise to fame has seen her land lucrative contracts with the Hit Network and Channel 10, then expressed her alarm at the Prince of Wales becoming King Charles III. She said The Queen's eldest son was not 'competent' or 'kind' enough for the role - and physically retched at the idea of Britain and the Commonwealth having a king in modern society. Australia has joined much of the world in mourning Queen Elizabeth II, as her death prompts the first change in head of state in more than seven decades. Dean then shared a picture of The Bachelorette star with a caption over her face which read: 'That includes this absolute POS [piece of s**t]. The lack of awareness of the most basic historical facts is astonishing' A statement from Buckingham Palace early on Friday (AEST) confirmed the 96-year-old's death. 'The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,' Buckingham Palace said. 'The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.' Disney are set to revive an old classic as the live-action remake of Haunted House hits screens in 2023 - exactly 20 years after the original. And revealing some more details on the film, director Justin Simien has reportedly teased cameos from stars such as Winona Ryder and Dan Levy. Appearing at Disney's D23 fan exhibition on Friday, the filmmaker revealed further details on the spooky release - taking to the stage alongside confirmed character Jamie Lee Curtis. Cast member: Disney's live-action remake of Haunted Mansion is reportedly set to include a cameo from Winona Ryder (Winona pictured in May) Haunted Mansion is inspired by the Disney's famous theme park ride of the same name, and is the second edition after it's 2003 original - which featured Eddie Murphy. And according to Deadline, Simien confirmed that Stranger Things star and Hollywood legend Winona Ryder would be making a cameo in the film - alongside Schitt's Creek star Dan. They will join the main cast, which features Jamie Lee Curtis as the character of Madame Leota, alongside Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, House Of Gucci's Jared Leto and Owen Wilson. Original: Haunted Mansion is inspired by the Disney's famous theme park ride of the same name, and is the second edition after it's 2003 version - which featured Eddie Murphy (pictured in the 2003 release) Grand entrance: Jamie Lee Curtis is also set to star in the film, appearing on stage with director Justin Simien during Friday's D23 exhibition Actress Jamie appeared on stage with director Simeon during the Disney event, arriving in one of the famous 'Doom Buggy' from the ride. The D23 exhibition, which began on Friday and will run until Sunday, features a slew of new panels, announcements, previews, and trailers for upcoming Disney productions for the next few years. Haunted Mansion's story will follow a character named Tiffany Haddish and a priest (Owen Wilson) as they move into a mansion and explore hidden areas of the historic building - finding a room that had 'not been touched in centuries.' In style: Actress Jamie arrived on stage in one of the famous 'Doom Buggy' from the Disney ride Star-studded: Schitt's Creek Dan Levy (left) is set to make a cameo in the new film, with Jared Leto (right) also gearing up to join the cast While Simeon, who used to work at Disneyland himself, shared his reason for taking on the project. He shared: 'For me, there was something about that ride I felt was there in the script. 'It was funny and full of interesting characters, but with a dark edge to it. I just related to it. It felt I knew how to make it. I love New Orleans and I felt I had a responsibility here to make sure all the little Easter eggs are there,' continued Simeon, according to Deadline. Haunted Mansion is set to hit cinemas in March 2023. Laura Whitmore has hit back at criticism over her short '10-minute' stints of air time on Love Island - after quitting show last month. The TV presenter, 37, spoke out about her 'frustration' in a new interview, fuming: 'Do you have any idea how many hours that takes to film' - in reference to her brief pre-recorded appearances. She made the shock announcement that she had quit her presenting role on Love Island last month and has since blamed the 'parameters of the show' for her decision to leave. Having her say: Laura Whitmore has hit back at criticism over her short '10-minute' stints of air time on Love Island - after quitting show last month Speaking to the Independent on Saturday she said: 'I just felt like there was only so much that you can do in a show like that. 'And also the frustration, I guess, when someone's like, 'Oh, you do 10 minutes on a show' and I'm like, 'Do you have any idea how many hours that takes (to film)?!' 'I think now with twice a year, it kind of will take up your whole life. Your whole life to watch it. Can you imagine working on it!' Candid: The TV presenter, 37, spoke out about her 'frustration' in a new interview, fuming: 'Do you have any idea how many hours that takes to film' - in reference to her brief pre-recorded appearances She also opened up about the criticism she has received on the show, saying: 'The more successful you are, you get it more'. It comes after last week Laura made a dig at the programme blaming the 'parameters of the show' for her decision to leave. The star added that she didn't like how you couldn't 'talk about certain things' with the role that she had on the ITV dating series. She told The Evening Standard: 'Love Island is a show that I love to watch, and I always want to work on shows that I enjoy. Tough: She also opened up about the criticism she has received on the show, saying: 'The more successful you are, you get it more' 'But there's nothing more that I can do with it. There are parameters. 'When you work on the show, you can't really talk about certain things. But I'm really proud of what I did, and proud to leave on what I think has been a brilliant series, with great winners.' Laura shocked fans when she announced she'd be stepping down as host. In her statement, Laura said she was only planning to fill in for Caroline Flack for one series, emotionally saying that she hope she did her late friend 'proud'. Leaving: Last month the star took to her Instagram to confirm that she would be leaving the show, saying she has found flying back and forth from the villa 'very difficult' The TV presenter's stint on the ITV2 dating show received mixed reviews this season; some viewers praised her handling of sensitive topics, while others criticised her for 'encouraging slut-shaming' in a segment which sparked 427 Ofcom complaints. Taking to Instagram, Laura said: 'Some news! I won't be hosting the next series of Love island. 'There are certain elements of the show I've found very difficult that cannot be changed some due to the format, including the flying back and forth to South Africa along with my new conflicting projects. 'I wish it was still possible but know you'll be in safe hands. I was only planning to fill in for Caroline for a series and it turned into 3 series. 'I hope I did you proud Caroline.' Speaking of Laura's exit, an ITV spokesperson said: 'Laura has been a fantastic host across the last three series of the show. 'We are so grateful for everything she has brought to the programme but understand and respect her decision, and we look forward to working with her on upcoming ITV projects.' Tribute: Laura said she was only planning to fill in for former host Caroline Flack - who took her own life in February 2020 - for one series, saying she hope she did her late friend 'proud' ITV have not announced who will be replacing Laura as the show's host for the upcoming winter series of Love Island at the start of 2023. Laura - who shares daughter Stevie Re with Love Island narrator husband Iain Stirling - took over as Love Island host for the 2020 winter series in South Africa. She has since hosted series seven and eight of the ITV2 dating show, with the latest series seeing Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Davide Sanclimenti crowned as winners last month. The presenter previously hosted I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! NOW! for five series starting in 2011 while she was also a Eurovision commentator in 2014. Laura also competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, but was the fifth celebrity to be voted out. The model is making a change in her career as she is set to make her West End debut as Jenny in 2:22 A Ghost Story in September. Lily Allen, Tom Felton, Mandip Gill and Giovanna Fletcher have previously starred in the popular theatre production, with Laura set to perform alongside Felix Scott, Tamsin Carroll and Matt Willis. Maya Jama, Emily Atack and Vick Hope are the front runners tipped to take over from Laura as the new Love Island host next January. Sylvia Jeffreys has left behind the conservative outfits that she often wears live on Today Extra. The television host stuns in a sultry new photo shoot for Stellar Magazine, out on Saturday. The 36-year-old looks absolutely gorgeous in the images, posing in a slinky black dress as well as a form-fitting white ensemble. Sylvia Jeffreys (pictured) has left behind the conservative outfits that she often wears live on Today Extra. The television host stuns in a sultry new photo shoot for Stellar Magazine Opting for a glamourous makeup look, the breakfast television star works her angels with the finesse of a high fashion model. In the accompanying interview, Sylvia reveals the simple secret behind her happy marriage with fellow journalist Peter Stefanovic, 40. Sylvia explained that Peter helps her discipline herself - and believes in the old adage 'happy wife, happy life'. The 36-year-old looks absolutely gorgeous in the images, posing in a slinky black dress as well as a form-fitting white ensemble Opting for a glamourous makeup look, the breakfast television star works her angels with the finesse of a high fashion model Sylvia often dresses in a more plain fashion on television 'He's lights out by 8pm without fail, whereas I'd still be scrolling through my phone at 9-9.30pm, looking for one more story to read' she said. 'He's much better at those hours than I was. I'm a horrible wife We're best mates and a really strong team, and there's an equal level of respect on both sides. 'He lets me order the pizza that I want. And that's crucial to the success of our marriage' she added. In the accompanying interview, Sylvia reveals the simple secret behind her happy marriage with fellow journalist Peter Stefanovic (left). Sylvia explained that Peter helps her discipline herself - and believes in the old adage 'happy wife, happy life' 'He lets me order the pizza that I want. And that's crucial to the success of our marriage' she said. They share sons Henry, 15 months, and Oscar, two, and celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary last year The couple tied the knot at the Ooralba Estate in Kangaroo Valley on April 1, 2017 Sylvia and Peter began dating in 2013 after meeting at Nine and were engaged in 2016 while on holiday in France. The couple tied the knot at the Ooralba Estate in Kangaroo Valley on April 1, 2017. They share sons Henry, 15 months, and Oscar, two, and celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary last year. The live-action of Ezra Bridger will be debuting in "Star Wars: Ahsoka," and Disney+ just found the perfect actor for the series, as per Gizmodo. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Eman Esfandi was cast to play Ezra Bridger in "Ahsoka" Disney+ series. Esfandi Will Play Ezra Bridger Esfandi's was known to star in Robert Rodriguez horror film "Red 11." The said film was shown at Cannes in 2019. The new Bridger also had a small role in "King Richard." Likewise, he also landed a role in an upcoming gay military drama "The Inspection." According to The Hollywood Reporter, "The Inspection" is garnering "strong early reviews" after its premier in the Toronto Film Festival this week. Rosario Dawson will play the titular role of Jedi Ahsoka Tano. Her character debuted in live action in season two of "The Mandalorian." Likewise, the character also made an appearance in "The Book of Boba Fett." Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ukrainian actress Ivanna Sakhno and Australian thespian Natasha Liu Bordizzo are also part of the Disney+ series. Meanwhile, reprising his role as the iconic Jedi Anakin Skywalker is Hayden Christensen. Additionally, Ray Stevenson will play a role of a mystery villain. As of writing, the story of the series is not yet known. However, what is known so far is Ahsoka will take a long journey in the galaxy to look for Grand Admiral Thrawn, a former commander in the Empire, as per The Hollywood Reporter. It can be recalled that both Thrawn and Bridger disappeared into space in the end of "Star Wars Rebels." "Star Wars Rebels" co-creator Dave Filoni conceptualized "Ahsoka." Filoni is writing the series, and together with Jon Favreau, he will also executive produce "Ahsoka." Reportedly, Peter Ramsey, the co-director of "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," is steering at least one episode of "Ahsoka." The casting was announced a day prior to Saturday's D23 panel. Read Also: Disney+ Will Be Expanding in More Than 60 Countries, Including West Asia, Africa, and Europe Audiences Speculate that 'Ahsoka' Would Pick Up From 'Rebels' Finale In "Star Wars Rebels," the wing of the Ghost crew has taken Bridger. Kanan Jarrus had observed Bridger's connection to the Force. Thus, he tried to teach him the ways of the Jedi. Throughout the four seasons of the series, Bridger underwent several important missions. During the series finale, he sacrificed himself in order put an end to the deadly Imperial Grand Admiral Thrawn. While the series ended with his fatal sacrifice and disappearance, in the "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi," Ahsoka and Sabine decided to search the galaxy for Bridger, believing that he is alive. Considering the timeline of "The Mandalorian" and "Ahsoka," plus the mention of Thrawn, there are speculations that the new series would revolve on the "Rebel's" finale. Rahul Kohli of "The Haunting of Bly Manor" teased fans in 2020 that he was trying to land in the role of Bridger. Because of his social media remarks, his fans ended up campaigning for him to get the role. Last year, Aladdin star Mena Massoud was also rumored to play the role of "Ahsoka." He put an end on the rumor via Twitter on Friday. Related Also: Disney+ Releases New Trailer for Live-Action 'Pinocchio' Selina Chhaur will open up to Stellar magazine on Sunday about her brutal breakup with Married At First Sight 'groom' Cody Bromley. The hairstylist, 32, said she tried to make things work with the fitness trainer, 30, after filming ended despite their 'racist storyline', only for him to dump her. 'We were doing long distance. We shared Christmas together, he came to Adelaide... To this day, I can't tell you why [we split]. I haven't been given closure,' she said. Selina Chhaur, 32, (pictured) will open up to Stellar magazine on Sunday about her brutal breakup with Married At First Sight 'groom' Cody Bromley, 30 The split happened in the car after the MAFS reunion in January, during which she told her co-stars she would be relocating from Adelaide to Sydney for Cody. 'I felt like he was being a bit weird [in the car afterwards],' Selina said. 'I thought, "Oh, now he's shutting off again." 'I put my hand on top of his, to which he had this knee-jerk reaction and shook my hand off. He's like, "You know what, I'm going to call it." That's how he ended it.' The hairstylist said she tried to make things work with the fitness trainer after filming ended despite their 'racist storyline', only for him to dump her The split happened in the car after the MAFS reunion in January, during which she told her co-stars she would be relocating from Adelaide to Sydney for Cody Despite Selina's confidence being 'annihilated' on the controversial reality show, she said she knew her value enough to let go of the relationship in that moment. The Nine Network series descended into chaos after Cody admitted he didn't find his wife Selina attractive because she's Asian. Viewers were quick to blast the franchise for airing such a divisive storyline, with some even saying MAFS should be axed. 'I put my hand on top of his, to which he had this knee-jerk reaction and shook my hand off. He's like, "You know what, I'm going to call it." That's how he ended it' she said. Pictured alongside Cody on the show As part of the experiment's 'honesty week', the couple were tasked with a hard-hitting challenge in which they had to answer questions as honestly as possible. He began by asking Selina, 'Could you see yourself moving to Sydney?' to which she responded: 'Yes, 100 per cent. For love? I would do it.' Selina then admitted they'd been struggling to get affectionate since their wedding. The Nine Network series descended into chaos after Cody admitted he didn't find his wife Selina attractive because she's Asian. Viewers were quick to blast the franchise for airing such a divisive storyline, with some even saying MAFS should be axed 'Is the lack of interest, attraction and affection due to my nationality and look?' she asked with a nervous smile on her face. 'I think it did honestly have something to play on it initially,' he bluntly responded. 'I'm not racist by any means but it's not something I'm familiar with. To be honest the short answer is it probably did.' Selina, whose parents are Chinese and Cambodian, admitted in a piece-to-camera interview she was surprised by Cody's confession and didn't know what to say. He's gearing up to take part in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix. And Lewis Hamilton looked effortlessly stylish as he headed to Autodromo Nazionale Monza on Saturday to prepare for the competition. The Formula 1 ace, 37, sported a navy varsity jacket from Valentino, which retails for 2,450 from the fashion house. Trendy: Lewis Hamilton, 37, looked effortlessly stylish in a Valentino varsity jacket on Saturday as he arrived at Monza racetrack to prepare for the Italian Grand Prix He paired the navy and white piece with complementing cargo trousers and a white T-shirt. Keeping comfortable, Lewis opted for a pair of white Valentino trainers - shielding his eyes with dark sunglasses. The sportsman, who hails from Hertfordshire, added a collection of silver rings and chain necklaces, alongside metal cross drop earrings. Keeping cool: Layering the jacket over a white T-shirt, he shielded his eyes with dark sunglasses Utility: The sportsman added complementing cargo trousers to his navy ensemble Smile! Fans surrounded Lewis as he headed to the racecourse, attempting to grab selfies The Mercedes driver was met with a swarm of adoring fans on arrival, as he stopped to sign autographs. Day one preparations for the Italian Grand Prix kicked off on Friday, with Lewis getting in some practice for Sunday's race. And ahead of the practice, the British driver, alongside fellow brits George Russell and Lando Norris, led a minute of silence in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II. Finishing the look: Adding some accessories, Lewis opted for a pair of cross drop earrings with a chunky chain necklace Adoring: The Formula 1 ace stopped to sign autographs as fans waited for him Couture: Keeping comfortable, he opted to wear a pair of Valentino trainers Respectful: Ahead of the Grand Prix's first practice, the British driver, alongside fellow brits George Russell and Lando Norris, led a minute of silence in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II Her Majesty died on Thursday afternoon at Balmoral Castle, Scotland. And paying their respects, all drivers and race officials wore black armbands during the tribute to Her Majesty in the pitlane on Friday afternoon. The race is still scheduled to go ahead, but there is set to be another grid-based tribute before the start of Sunday's race at 2pm, although details of this are still to be announced. While Formula 1 frenzy will take over Marina Bay in Singapore on October 2 as the Singapore Grand Prix is the next to kick off. Getting ready: The race is still scheduled to go ahead, but there is set to be another grid-based tribute before the start of Sunday's race at 2pm Next up: While Formula 1 frenzy will take over Marina Bay in Singapore on October 2 as the Singapore Grand Prix is the next to kick off She is thought to be earning 30,000 a day from her successful acting and modelling careers. But those with detailed knowledge of Cara Delevingne's commercial activities have taken unexpected action to protect their interests, lest her business, Cara & Co, should suffer a sudden reversal of fortune. Her bankers, HSBC, registered a charge against the company in April this year despite the fact that it has assets of 41.4 million. Trouble? People with knowledge of Cara Delevingne's commercial activities have taken unexpected action to protect their interests, lest her business, Cara & Co, should suffer a sudden reversal of fortune A source told The Daily Mail's Eden Confidential: 'It's unexpected for a company with that much money in it to have charges of this kind against it. 'It's very unlikely to go bust, but if you have a secured charge you become the first one in the queue to be repaid what you're owed.' Cara signed with Storm Management after leaving school in 2009 and quickly became a successful model before beginning an acting career. She most recently starred in season two of the show Only Murders In The Building opposite Selena Gomez, Martin Short and Steve Martin. Dishevelled: Cara was seen looking jittery when she dismebarked a plane in Los Angeles on Wednesday MailOnline has contacted representatives of Cara Delevingne for comment. Last week, the property developer's daughter was seen sitting alone in a parked car in Los Angeles, where she took drops of liquid from a pipette and smoked from what appeared to be a pipe. Her legs appeared to be bruised. Cara was still more dishevelled this week after attending the Burning Man Festival in Nevada. She arrived at an airport looking jittery. Cara's spokesman did not respond to a request for comment. According to DailyMail.com sources, the cover girl appeared unable to control her body movements at certain points as she was seen on the phone, bending over, dropping her phone, and walking around looking very jittery and as if she was unable to stop moving. Cara arrived at the airport alongside her assistant around noon local time. She was wearing a Britney Spears t-shirt, black joggers with green, yellow and red strips, yellow socks, and no shoes. Finances: Cara's bankers, HSBC, registered a charge against the company in April this year despite the fact that it has assets of 41.4 million A source said that Cara was on the plane for around 45 minutes before she disembarked. It's not clear if the London native was asked to leave the plane or not. Back on the tarmac, Cara was seen on the phone while smoking, appearing jittery for the entire time. A member of the model's party spoke with staff at the airport. Eventually, Delevingne's bags were removed from the plane and put back in the SUV that she arrived in. She then left the airport in a similar manner to how she arrived. Recently, Cara was known to spend some time at the Burning Man festival. Sources told DailyMail.com at that time the she didn't eat or shower while at the event. The source said: 'She had just spent days in the desert, not eating all that much and she looked disheveled because she hadn't had time to scrub up yet.' A source told the Daily Mail's Eden Confidential: 'It's unexpected for a company with that much money in it to have charges of this kind against it' He went on: 'Her friends are worried about her generally after some erratic behavior, but she has a good group around her. Her sister was at the festival with her. She wasn't alone and she has her back.' The source continued: 'Burning Man isn't lined with burger vans like other festivals. You chuck everything you need in an RV and that's what you have to live on while you're there. Everything works on a swapping system.' Just a few weeks before these photos emerged, the model celebrated her 30th birthday in a hedonistic whirl with friends, including on a yacht, Cara's life now looks rather less than glossy. Her tanned limbs are sprinkled with bruises, and psoriasis she suffers from at times of stress has flared up again. A friend who saw her in Ibiza observes: 'She was more messy out there than she had been in a while but says she is OK, fine about turning 30 and having a great time. 'She will think that the pictures are funny she doesn't think there's anything wrong with the way she is living her life and says she is absolutely fine.' Yazmin Oukhellou shared a hopeful mesage with her social media followers while on a 'healing holiday' in Marrakech. The TOWIE star, 28, shared a photo of herself in the Budha Bar in the city and shared a quote following the death of her boyfriend Jake McLean. It read: 'Life has many chapters, dont let one bad chapter end the book.' 'Life has many chapters': Yazmin Oukhellou shared a hopeful mesage with her social media followers while on a 'healing holiday' in Marrakech Yazmin looked sensational in the snap as she donned a figure-hugging light blue midi dress. Also carrying a beige handbag, the reality star added height to her frame with a par of clear heels. Styling her brunette locks into loose waves, Yazmin completed her look for the outing with a silver necklace. Safiyya Vorajee, the ex-partner of Ashley Cain, commented on the snap, writing: 'Many chapters but you grow and learn from everything life teaches us, growth & elevation through the pain we find our purpose so much love'. Tragic: Yazmin jetted to Marrakech following Jake's funeral on August 16 with her parents after she was left with serious injuries in the horror car crash Yazmin jetted to Marrakech following Jake's funeral on August 16 for a 'healing holiday' with her parents after she was left with serious injuries in the horror car crash. Businessman Jake, 33, was killed instantly on July 3 when his blue Mercedes E class saloon plunged down from a mountainous road down a ravine in Bodrum, Turkey. In a recent social media update Yazmin posed by a pool in the sunshine and showed off her toned figure as she leaned up to the sun and topped up her tan. She penned in the caption: 'I am so grateful & blessed to be here in Marrakech with my mum and dad. Since my accident and realising how my life could've been taken I now want to spend as much time as I possibly can with my loved ones. Support: Safiyya Vorajee, the ex-partner of Ashley Cain, told Yazmin 'you grow and learn from everything life teaches us' 'I urge all of you to do the same. Even if it's just for a cup of coffee a few times a week. Make the time. Time is one thing we don't get back. Love Yaz!' Yazmin was left with serious injuries after she had to break her own arm to escape the wreckage as Jake was in the driving seat unconscious. The crash took place at around 4.30am and investigators have established that the car hurtled around 70 feet over a left turn bend and landed in a ravine almost 30 feet below. Jake was pronounced dead at the scene while Yazmin was rushed to hospital, where she underwent treatment for her injured arm. Tough times: Yazmin said that she is 'so grateful to be here' and that her 'life could have been taken' as she reflected after the fatal crash that killed Jake After the crash, she clambered through thick, thorny bushes to stop a passing motorist for help. She has told of how she is still coping with post traumatic stress following her return to the UK. It has been claimed the couple had a blazing row at a nightclub shortly before the crash, something which Jake's mum Anita Walsh told Turkish authorities she believed could have played a role in her son's death. This led to a bitter fallout between Yazmin and Anita, who banned the reality star from Jake's funeral in Essex last month. Struggles: In another recent Instagram post, shared on Wednesday, Yazmin has reflected on feeling 'so low' after the crash and said she is trying to appreciate her 'second chance' at life Jake's secret girlfriend Chloe Hennessey, 27, a beauty therapist, was invited to the funeral and posted a series of touching photos on Instagram of the couple, paying tribute to the man she will 'love forever'. Writing on Instagram post sharing a photo of her and Jake, Chloe said: 'What a beautiful day for a beautiful soul. So happy everyone important that should've been there showed up. 'So many laughs, cries, and happy memories with all his closest loved ones. Hope you can fully rest in peace now fly high Jakey. Love you forever always in our hearts.' On the day of Jake's funeral, Yazmin broke her social media silence, writing: 'I have been taking some time away from social media to fully focus on my mental and physical recovery. Crash: In the horror car crash, Yazmin was left with serious injuries after she had to break her own arm to escape the wreckage as Jake was in the driving seat unconscious 'I needed this time away to work on healing and processing everything as best I can. 'This has taught me that life is so short and we must cherish our loved ones as much as possible. 'I am so grateful for our memories and the special time that Jake and I shared. I've not stopped thinking about him and I'll miss him always. He will forever hold a special place in my heart.' If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org. Elsa Hosk wowed in a leather dress as she stepped out to the closing ceremony of Venice International Film Festival on Saturday. The Victoria's Secret Angel, 33, looked sensational in the racy number that clung to her lithe frame. She gave a glimpse of her endless legs with a thigh-high back split and boosted her height with a pair of black stiletto heels. Stunning: Elsa Hosk, 33, wowed in a leather dress as she stepped out to the closing ceremony of Venice International Film Festival on Saturday Elsa accessorised her all-black ensemble with some chunky gold necklaces and a brown belt. Her bright blonde locks were cut into a blunt bob and styled in tousled waves whilst she chose to enhance her eyes with some dramatic eyeliner. Also in attendance was Downton Abbey actress, Jessica Brown Findlay, 32, who donned a structured black gown with shimmering details. Edgy: Her bright blonde locks were cut into a blunt bob and styled in tousled waves whilst she chose to enhance her eyes with some dramatic eyeliner Red carpet ready: The model boosted her height with a pair of black stiletto heels and gave a glimpse of her endless legs with a thigh-high back split She added an edgy pair of PVC gloves and accessorised her look with a glitzy silver choker. The Venice Film Festival is the world's oldest and was first founded in 1932, celebrating filmmaking from around the world. Attracting the biggest stars it's held annually on the island of the Lido in the Venice Lagoon. Bold: Elsa accessorised her all-black ensemble with some chunky gold necklaces Stunning: Also in attendance was Downton Abbey actress, Jessica Brown Findlay, 32 Glamourous: She donned a structured black gown with shimmering details Movie screenings are taking place in the historic Palazzo del Cinema on the Lungomare Marconi. This year's line up will see Blonde, starring Ana De Armas as Marilyn Monroe, battle it out for the competition's top accolade. Brendan Fraser's moving drama The Whale, where he plays an obese professor, will also compete alongside films starring Cate Blanchett, Hugh Jackman and Colin Farrell. Speaking about the line-up director of the event Alberto Barbera said: 'The program is more varied than usual, placing affirmed filmmakers alongside directors in search of confirmation and, above all, talented newcomers aspiring for international recognition. 'But what still prevails is the feeling that Cinema still wants to try to explore ways of thinking, big themes and big questions, the profound relationships that tie people to one another, the power of feelings and memory and the ability to push one's gaze beyond the horizon of the present.' Sensational: The actress added an edgy pair of PVC gloves to complete her look Advertisement Cate Blanchett was among the stars wearing a black gown to the closing ceremony of Venice International Film Festival on Saturday as actors marked their respect to Queen Elizabeth II following her death. The Australian actress, 53, looked elegant in her one-shoulder ensemble as she joined Julianne Moore, 61, and pregnant Jessica Brown Findlay, 32, in wearing the mourning colour on the final day of the event. The closing ceremony, also served as the premiere for the upcoming noir thriller, The Hanging Sun, in which Jessica stars as one of the lead characters. Tribute: Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore and Jessica Brown Findlay wore black gowns to the closing ceremony of Venice Film Festival as the stars showed their respects to Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday Cate showed off her tiny waist in the fitted number that fell to the floor with a flowing A-line skirt and was completed with a chiffon cape. She wore her blonde locks in a chic updo and chose to accessories her look with an array of chunky silver jewellery. Julianne opted for a voluminous ruched number that featured an off-the-shoulder neckline, with her red hair pulled back into a sleek low bun. Radiant: Cate wore her blonde locks in a chic updo and chose to accessories her look with an array of chunky silver jewellery Glamourous: Cate showed off her tiny waist in the fitted number that fell to the floor with a flowing A-line skirt Meanwhile, Jessica display her blossoming baby bump in a structured strapless black gown with shimmering details and matching heels as she graced the red carpet. The actress, who played Lady Sybil in Downton Abbey, cradled her baby bump as she attended the closing ceremony and announced the news that she is expecting with her husband Ziggy Heath. She wore her brunette locks in a straight style and opted for a slick of bright red lipstick to add a pop of colour to her look, whilst topping her outfit off with long PVC gloves. Glowing: Julianne opted for a voluminous ruched number that featured an off-the-shoulder neckline Chic: The actress wore her red hair pulled back into a sleek low bun Glowing: Julianne was beaming as she stepped out to the event, adding a sweep on smokey eyeshadow to complete her look Elsewhere, American actress Tessa Thompson wore a quirky white mini dress with knee-high stockings and a voluminous asymmetric train. The Venice Film Festival is the world's oldest and was first founded in 1932, celebrating filmmaking from around the world. Attracting the biggest stars it's held annually on the island of the Lido in the Venice Lagoon. Sensational: Meanwhile, Jessica display her blossoming baby bump in a structured strapless black gown with shimmering details Congratulations: The actress, who played Lady Sybil in Downton Abbey, cradled her baby bump as she attended the closing ceremony and announced the news that she is expecting with her husband Ziggy Heath Mourning: During the final day of the festival attendees wore black as they mourned Queen Elizabeth II after she died 'peacefully' at Balmoral on Thursday aged 96 During the final day of the festival attendees wore black as they mourned Queen Elizabeth II after she died 'peacefully' at Balmoral on Thursday aged 96. All Her Majesty's children had rushed to Balmoral after doctors became 'concerned' for her health. Hours later she died, surrounded by her family. At 6.30pm Thursday her death was confirmed. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.' Couple: Cate was later joined by her husband Andrew Upton, who opted for a smart navy suit with a cream trilby hat Sweet: The duo shared a laugh as they graced the red carpet Alternative: Elsewhere, American actress Tessa Thompson wore a quirky white mini dress with knee-high stockings and a voluminous asymmetric train Stylish: Swedish model Elsa Hosk also opted for all-black as she donned an edgy leather dress 'The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow'. The Queen's death will see Britain and her Commonwealth realms enter into a ten-day period of mourning as millions of her subjects in the UK and abroad come to terms with her passing. There will also be a celebration of her historic 70-year reign that saw her reach her Platinum Jubilee this year - a landmark unlikely to be reached again by a British monarch. Graceful: Cate looked sensational as she posed for photos at the event Beautiful: Cate showcased her incredible complexion that she enhance with a very subtle makeup look Charles, the King, said: 'The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. 'We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world. 'During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.' Adorable: Italian actor Alessandro Borghi, who takes on the lead role in The Hanging Sun, caught the eye in a floral suit as he put on a loved-up display with Irene Forti They tied the knot in a stunning Mallorca ceremony in September last year. And Jess Wright and William Lee-Kemp looked more loved-up than ever on Friday as the couple set off to Paris on the Eurostar to mark their one-year anniversary. The former TOWIE star, 36, took to her Instagram Stories as they walked through King's Cross St. Pancras station for her 'anniversary surprise'. Cheers: Jess Wright and her husband William Lee-Kemp looked more loved-up than ever on Friday as the couple set off to Paris on the Eurostar to mark their one-year anniversary. Brunette beauty Jess shared a stunning selfie of the smitten pair on the train as they toasted the special day with some drinks. Appearing radiant and wearing a dewy palette of make-up - Jess beamed as she as she included a sticker of 'Paris' on the Story. Opting for a comfy look for the two hour journey, Jess wore her locks sleek and straight and donned a khaki denim shirt on the day. William also appeared in great form, looking smart in a navy shirt and white trousers. 'Anniversary surprise': Before setting off - former popstar Jess had shared several stories before boarding their 12.31 train to the capital All aboard: The former TOWIE star, 36, took to her Instagram Stories as they made their way through King's Cross St. Pancras station Before setting off - former popstar Jess had shared several Stories before boarding their 12.31am train to the capital. It's the couple's first trip away since welcoming their son Presley in May. Last month Jess shared a gallery of adorable photos to her social media as she enjoyed her first family getaway as a three to Portugal. The TV star looked radiant as she cradled her baby boy while donning a cream and black spotted maxi dress. 'Baby boys first holiday': Jess shared a gallery of adorable snaps last month of herself, husband William Lee-Kemp and their son Presley as they enjoyed a getaway to Portugal The reality star posed with Presley, who looked adorable in a blue romper, as she donned a pair of sunglasses and a glamorous palette of makeup. Jess sleeked her dark tresses back in a chic high bun revealing a large pair of gold hoop earrings. In another snap the influencer posed alongside her husband while holding her son as they all coordinated in cream and white outfits. Mother and son: Taking to Instagram the former popstar looked radiant as she cradled her baby boy while donning a cream and black spotted maxi dress Jess opted for a ribbed dress over a white bikini as she hid behind a dark pair of designer glasses. While William cut a casual figure in a T-shirt and matching shorts. The new parents made sure to keep their son cool as he sported a large khaki sun hat. So cute: The TV personality uploaded a number of sweet snaps of her newborn as he slept Jess shared several snaps of the newborn who was seen laughing at the camera in one picture and fast to sleep in another. The beauty also uploaded a stunning selfie in a white V-neck ensemble as she soaked up the sun in a beach restaurant. The couple were joined on the lavish holiday by her parents Carol and Mark Sr. who also posed for a snap with their new grandson. Jess captured the series of photos: 'Baby boys first holiday'. Laughing: Presley was seen beaming as he lay in his pram rapped in a personalised towel Demi Rose took to Instagram to post some some snaps of her Egyptian queen-inspired costume at the Burning Man festival in Nevada this week. The model, 27, posted snaps of herself from the star-studded festival in a gold metal bodysuit with a structured corset-style waist. Demi teamed the look with an elaborate gold headdress, giving her a regal look for her outing at the sun-soaked event. Bold: Demi Rose took to Instagram to post some some snaps of her Egyptian queen-inspired costume at the Burning Man festival in Nevada this week In typical racy fashion, the outfit revealed Demi's very peachy behind as she turned to show the camera the back of her ensemble. Demi wore her long brunette locks in soft waves and braided the front of her hair, while she opted for a Cleopatra style winged liner. Demi recently said Burning Man is her 'favourite place in the world' as it finally returned to Nevada after a three-year break due to Covid regulations. Pose: The model, 27, posted snaps of herself from the star-studded festival in a gold metal bodysuit with a structured corset-style waist Wow! In typical racy fashion, the outfit revealed Demi's very peachy behind as she turned to show the camera the back of her ensemble Demi certainly embraced the nine-day event as she opted for an eye-catching revealing red ensemble as she posed for snaps at Burning Man. In earlier snaps, the star took to social media to flaunt her killer curves in an extreme plunging jewelled red bodysuit. She teamed the number with a pair of black fishnet tights which donned large cut out sections on her thighs. Wow: Demi recently said Burning Man is her 'favourite place in the world' as it finally returned to Nevada after a three-year break due to Covid regulations Demi styled her dark tresses in braids as she added a long chain of Chinese lanterns woven into them. The OnlyFans star wore a large black crown on her head and accessorised with fingerless matching gloves. Demi opted for a bold palette of makeup including a bright red eyeliner and gold shimmering eyeshadow. Posing up a storm: Demi styled her dark tresses in braids as she added a long chain of Chinese lanterns woven into them Dazzling: The OnlyFans star left little to the imagination in the extreme plunging jewelled red bodysuit The beauty posed up a storm for her 19.9million followers as she held a red and black umbrella above her head. Demi certainly pulled out all the stops for the occasion with her ensemble, as she shared three incredible snaps. Flaunting her jaw-dropping figure from behind, she showed off the backless bodysuit as she looked over her shoulder. Incredible: The day previously, Demi wowed in a pearl-embellished semi-sheer nude bodysuit, which she teamed with a bright green wig and a furry white hood She penned to the post: 'We are not the same, I am a Martian'. The event, traditionally an annual affair held in northwestern Nevada's remote Black Rock desert, celebrated a return to normality after and its subsequent social guidelines led to a series of cancellations. The day previously, Demi wowed in a pearl-embellished semi-sheer nude bodysuit, which she teamed with a bright green wig and a furry white hood. After nine days of celebrations, the 80,000 people who travelled to Black Rock desert in northern Nevada were leaving the temporary city on Monday, and enduring lengthy lines to leave. Leading up to Labor Day, people traveled from across the globe in the thousands to the festival - dressed in eccentric and outlandish outfits to party the week away. Before the mass exodos, festival goers danced throughout the night in front of flaming sculptures at the stunning light show, and staged a massive Mad Max-inspired cinematic fight as the celebrations drew to a close. Emily Ratajkowski showed off her incredible figure in a vintage Jean-Paul Gaultier minidress, featuring an allover newspaper print and plunging neckline on Saturday. The morning after attending Harper's BAZAAR Icons x Bloomingdales 150th annual party, the 31-year-old model shared sexy footage of herself in her thigh-skimming frock as she laid on a navy blue velvet couch. In the recording, she can be seen smoldering at the camera, which films her looking relaxed despite news that she officially filed for divorce just 24 hours prior. Unfazed: Emily Ratajkowski showed off her incredible figure in a vintage Jean-Paul Gaultier minidress, featuring an allover newspaper print and plunging neckline on Saturday The mother-of-one reportedly put an end to her four-year marriage after allegations surfaced that her estranged spouse cheated on her. PageSix reported on Friday that the best-selling author filed the day before in Manhattan Supreme Court. The outlet, which claims to have seen the documents, added that the divorce is being contested, which means there are issues to be litigated. Bombshell: The morning after attending Harper's BAZAAR Icons x Bloomingdales 150th annual party, the 31-year-old model shared sexy footage of herself in her thigh-skimming frock as she laid on a navy blue velvet couch Making headlines: In the recording, she can be seen smoldering at the camera, which films her looking relaxed despite news that she officially filed for divorce just 24 hours prior The couple first split in July amid accusations that Sebastian was a 'serial cheater.' The model reportedly made the decision to leave her film producer husband following the claims of his infidelity, but is said to be coping well. A source close to the star first confirmed the shocking split to People magazine in July, explaining that Emily is focused on parenting the couple's son Sylvester, 16 months. Parting ways: The mother-of-one reportedly put an end to her four-year marriage after allegations surfaced that her estranged spouse cheated on her 'They split recently. It was Em's decision. She is doing OK,' the insider revealed. 'She is strong and focused on her son. She loves being a mom.' Emily and Sebastian were first linked on Valentine's Day in February 2018. At the time, the pair was spotted packing on the PDA in Los Angeles, California. They are seen in March 2018 The news came just days after someone close to the pair told Page Six that Sebastian was a 'serial cheater,' with the insider stating: 'It's gross. He's a dog.' Comedian and social media influencer Claudia Oshry also spoke out about the situation during an episode of The Morning Toast podcast at the time, in which she claimed Sebastian's infidelity was an open secret in the industry. 'It's, like, known that her husband has cheated on her and they're filing for divorce,' she said, adding that when the couple officially confirms their separation, it will not come as a surprise to anyone. Neither Emily nor Sebastian have made any public comments in regards to the status of their marriage as of yet. DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for them both for comment. Emily and Sebastian were last spotted together in mid-June while on vacation in Italy, and appeared in good spirits as they relaxed on Porto Ercole beach together. The couple was also among the many celebrity guests at Ari Emanuel's wedding to Sarah Staudinger in St. Tropez in late May. She first sparked breakup rumors in July, when she was seen going for a stroll in New York with the couple's son, and was not wearing her wedding ring. The model was pictured moving her stuff out of the New York City apartment that she previously shared with Sebastian last month. Just days after their first spotting, news hit the web that they had tied the knot in a New York City courthouse on February 23, 2018. They are seen at the courthouse As movers removed her furniture, artwork, clothing, and other belongings from the home, Emily was seen carrying out a plant. Emily and Sebastian, who is best known for producing movies Uncut Gems, Good Time, and Funny Pages, were first linked on Valentine's Day in February 2018 - one month after news had hit the web that she had split from her boyfriend Jeff Magid after three years together. At the time, the pair was spotted packing on the PDA in Los Angeles, California. It's unclear how they met, but an insider told Us Weekly at the time that they had known each other 'for years.' They made their red carpet debut in March of that year, while attending the 33rd Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards together (seen above) Just days after their first spotting, news hit the web that they had tied the knot in a New York City courthouse on February 23, 2018. Emily then confirmed the news via Instagram, writing, 'Sooo, I have a surprise, I got married today.' She later told Jimmy Fallon on his show, The Tonight Show, that she only took '30 seconds' to decide she wanted to marry the producer. 'I thought about it for about 30 seconds,' she joked. 'It was a city hall courthouse wedding. I guess I didnt know what I always wanted to do, which is maybe why it was so untraditional.' They made their red carpet debut in March of that year, while attending the 33rd Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards together, and the two looked like the epitome of marital bliss at the event In October 2020, the pair announced that they were expecting their first child together. Emily is seen during the pregnancy 'Emily looked so in love with her husband. She kept staring at him, smiling and was touching his face a lot,' an onlooker told E! News. 'Emily rested her head on his shoulder and looked truly happy.' Their four-year romance was plagued with scandal and controversy, starting with the fact that they had wed after only a few days together. The pair received a lot of backlash online for the whirlwind romance, and Emily later defended their decision to get married so quickly, explaining during an appearance on Busy Tonight that their relationship had been building for a long time before they started dating. 'We knew each other for a long time before,' she explained. 'He likes to joke, "Yeah everyone thinks we got married quickly, but you vetted me for two years."' In October 2020, the pair announced that they were expecting their first child together. And while they were excited to share in the experience together, Emily opened up about feeling alone during the pregnancy. Sylvester Apollo Bear was born on March 8, 2021, with Emily calling it the most 'surreal, beautiful, and love-filled' experience of her life on Instagram 'Its something a woman does by herself, inside her body, no matter what her circumstances may be,' she wrote during a Vogue essay. 'Despite having a loving partner and many female friends ready to share the gritty details of their pregnancies, I am ultimately alone with my body in this experience. 'There is no one to feel it with me - the sharp muscular aches in my lower abdomen that come out of nowhere while Im watching a movie or the painful heaviness of my breasts that now greets me first thing every morning. 'My husband has no physical symptoms in "our" pregnancy, another reminder of how different a woman and mans experience of life can be.' Sylvester Apollo Bear was born on March 8, 2021, with Emily calling it the most 'surreal, beautiful, and love-filled' experience of her life on Instagram. Lori Harvey gave her fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse at New York Fashion week on Saturday as she stepped out to the Fendi runway show with Kate Moss. Model and socialite Lori, 25, took to Instagram to post some pictures of herself on the red carpet, where she sizzled in an off-the-shoulder Fendi trench coat, which belted at the waist and featured the label's iconic moniker on the lapels and tail. The businesswoman shared some snaps of supermodel Kate, 48, and stylist Elly Karamoh as they larked about backstage, including some images of herself and Elly getting IV vitamin drips. Out on the town: Lori Harvey gave her fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse at New York Fashion week on Saturday as she stepped out to the Fendi runway show with Kate Moss Lori was in good spirits as she greeted Kate at the show, kissing her on the cheek as she spotted her. Fashionista Lori wore a bright yellow purse was on her hip and she stood on tall, hot pink high heels. Her trench coat ended near her knees, but it was also slit in the front revealing her thigh and calf. Snap happy: The businesswoman shared some snaps of supermodel Kate, 48, and stylist Elly Karamoh (pictured) Friends in high places: Lori was in good spirits as she greeted Kate at the show, kissing her on the cheek as she spotted her She put a pair of small diamond studs in her ears and wore a thin necklace as well. Kate exuded glamour as she arrived at Fendi's star-studded runway show, showing off her impeccable fashion sense in a grey-patterned dress that came complete with a plunging neckline and black lining along the bottom. The model added height to her frame with a pair of knee-high black leather boots while she also carried a matching handbag. Keeping up: Lori shared some images of herself and getting IV vitamin drips backstage at the event In style: Lori wore an off-the-shoulder Fendi trench coat, which belted at the waist and featured the label 's iconic moniker on the lapels and tail The London native styled her blonde locks back off her face while it cascaded down her back. She looked delighted to be in the company of Lori at the event. New York Fashion Week takes place twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. This iteration of the event began on Friday, September 9, and will end on Wednesday, September 14 with 140 shows taking place throughout Manhattan. Fashion focus: Fashionista Lori wore a bright yellow purse was on her hip and she stood on tall, hot pink high heels A number of the biggest names in the fashion world present collections at the event for upcoming seasons. Tom Ford, for example, will close out the week of shows next week, and Marni is another big name which will have an event over the weekend. Fendi is an Italian luxury fashion house founded in Rome in 1925. Kim Kardashian's brand SKIMS and Rihanna have both collaborated with the brand. President Yoon Suk-yeol on Saturday visited an Army unit in Seoul to encourage soldiers working on the Chuseok holiday, his office said. Yoon met with some 40 enlisted soldiers and officers of an air defense company of the Seoul-based Capital Defense Command over lunch, according to the presidential office. The president said he was grateful for the soldiers devoting themselves to protect the skies of Seoul while being unable to spend time with family and parents on Chuseok. Yoon also thanked them for their service, noting he is "able to tend to state affairs with a peaceful mind" thanks to their work. The president later held impromptu video calls with several parents of the soldiers. In one of the calls, Yoon said the government will "spare no effort" to improve working conditions of soldiers. All able-bodied Korean men are to serve in the military for around two years in a country that constantly faces North Korea's military threats. Yoon later held separate video calls with soldiers serving in overseas South Korean military units in South Sudan, Lebanon, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, according to his office. The president highlighted that South Korea is the sole nation in the world to successfully transform into an international aid provider from an aid receiver and said the country's military personnel across the world are the "driving force" behind such efforts. Yoon also shared a Facebook post thanking military service people on duty during the holiday. He praised their community support in the country's post-typhoon recovery efforts as having served greatly in returning the lives of people affected by the storm to normalcy. (Yonhap) Kendall Jenner is keeping busy during New York Fashion Week. The 26-year-old was spotted leaving a photo shoot Saturday on the fabled Pier 59, sporting a business casual look reminiscent of the 1930s. The model stepped out in a grey tank top over a white crew neck t-shirt. Catwalk queen: Kendall Jenner was spotted leaving a photo shoot Saturday on the fabled Pier 59, sporting a business casual look reminiscent of the 1930s The 818 Tequila founder paired those with a pair of high waist beige pants from Forward and The Row. She tied the look together with a black belt, shoes, oversized purse and sunglasses. The fashionista's dark, long locks were brushed straight and the wore natural looking makeup with a pale pink lip. Model life: The model stepped out in a grey tank top over a white crew neck t-shirt, paired with high waist beige pants from Forward and The Row On Friday, the popular cover model strutted her stuff on the catwalk at the Proenza Schouler show, wearing a daring flapper style white crochet dress. She left the show in a brown and white floral maxi halter dress which focused on her toned arms. She completed the look by styling her hair in a chignon and brown boots. Date night: The reality star has also been spotted spending time in the Big Apple with her on-again/off-again boyfriend, Devin Booker, 25; seen on Friday night The reality star has also been spotted spending time in the Big Apple with her on-again/off-again boyfriend, Devin Booker, 25. They were seen holding hands as they left a friend's birthday party Friday night. The pair were spotted together while on vacation in the Hamptons in July, although both kept their interactions low-key. 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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America 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 Modern Korean society has created a unique series of existential, psychological and economic pressures. Courtesy of Anthony Tran Modern Korean society has created a unique series of existential, psychological and economic pressures. They are unique because although it is easy to see many commonalities in popular culture between Korea and the West, the differences that do exist are important. The 1900s in Korea were marked by extreme tragedy and then great success at the bookends of the century. The ravages of imperialism and the forced introduction of external systems of social, political and economic control tore at the fabric of the traditional society and intensified otherwise dormant feelings of ethnic-nationalism, collective grief and unity through language and culture. Ultimately, a Korean identity was formed at this time through adversity. Likewise, as the country created an economic middle class, its newly-minted citizens then demanded the removal of military generals, curfews and cultural repression. This fight for democracy and success in creating a new socio-political order also fostered a togetherness among the people. Whatever differences they might have had, they achieved a common goal through unity and struggle. In the 21st century, however, Korea now has no national tragedy or national success. And this is not said disrespectfully. While politicians and sensationalists might point to the grave existential threat posed by China, Japan, North Korea, or America depending on the public mood and their need for support to bolster their own political ends, the reality is that South Korea's military and national defense is not the undertrained and underfunded institution it was when North Korea last invaded 72 years ago. Conversely, while BLACKPINK, and Squid Game are paraded across social media as a sign of the country's undoubtedly growing cultural impact, particularly in the West, considering the money spent and the stature of the nation, it is surely only right that Korea achieved such successes. It would be strange if the world's 12th biggest economy didn't occasionally do so. With no tragedy or goal to unite the people, it is not necessarily a sense of division that is most problematic. Rather it is the downing ocean of existentialism in which people are told to be themselves and express their true thoughts while simultaneously being reminded we live in a post-truth era full of fake news and hyperbolic media. The two contradict each other alarmingly. Speak your truth yet remember nothing is real. Be who you are but observe that all previously followed standards of family, community and religion are social constructions in the secular age. South Korean people are perhaps fortunate in that they do not yet have to contend too seriously with issues of gender and sexuality on top of this. While international students contact me with various pronouns, names, and genders they wish to be referred to as in pursuit of their own identity, a pursuit I naturally respect, such conversations have not entered the mainstream university classrooms here in Seoul yet. Everyone has their own individual goals, of course, whether it be to promote more gender equality, expand class consciousness, champion the flourishing of the arts, or simply get a flash car to drive around Seocho. But what is the national goal? The idea of unification and peace with Pyongyang so passionately focused on by ex-President Moon Jae-in certainly had its supporters but many did not feel an affinity with the ruling class in Pyongyang or their values of control and order. The youth, in particular, are more interested in cosmopolitanism and multiculturalism than a shared 5000-year ethnic-nationalist history in which all Koreans are one blood, unified by the patriarchal "Dangun" (the legendary founder and god-king of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom). Daeri manjok is a term you'll hear and see everywhere in Korea. It refers to getting satisfaction from other people doing things. It's most common manifestation is the "mukbang" trend where people watch videos and live streams of others eating. Korea Times file With no national goal to work towards, and as it remains so terribly uncomfortable to look inside oneself for answers, a somewhat simple solution has been found in "vicarious satisfaction." "Daeri manjok" is a term you'll hear and see everywhere in Korea. It refers to getting satisfaction from other people doing things. It's most common manifestation is the "mukbang" trend through which people find comfort and solace in watching videos and live streams of others eating. It's not only found in Korea and it's not restricted to eating: there's also video games, opening boxes, listening to music and much more. Scholars suggest that people favor these indirect experiences of eating and playing because it's more efficient than doing it directly. South Korean citizens suffer from burnout syndrome in a society characterized by intense heavy competition for jobs, money, and status. Thus, daeri manjok is quicker and cheaper than doing things yourself. It also comes in hyper-stylized slick V-logs. The latest of these vlogs to provide the Korean youth some daeri manjok is the "e-byul" vlog. This translates to, the break-up vlog, and consists of people documenting their break-ups with their partners. Rather than actually go through the heartbreak, the passion, the confusion and the weirdness of dating, young people in Korea can now save their time, money, and more importantly their mental anguish. For the most part, these videos don't show the break-up itself but instead present the emotional fallout in super high-definition clarity, with tears, mood lighting and a lo-fi soundtrack. The popular YouTuber Umjirella uploaded an e-byul vlog a week ago and quickly received nearly 300,000 views. But she is not alone. Pages of hugely popular videos, mostly featuring young women in their 20s, document the same romantic heartbreak. Many use the following template: The completely authentic waking-up intro shot with no make-up (honestly!), the determination to overcome the situation, the dressing-up, the going out, the release, the catharsis, and the newly-created individual, free from her partner and much richer from having earned YouTube revenue by selling emotions to those otherwise deprived of them. Obviously, the cynic in me believes most of these break-up videos are not genuine. Instead, they are simply content creators following a cultural trend and capitalizing on people's feelings. Influencers are selling people tears and empathy in exchange for paid promotions and cultural capital. Some in Korea, however, insist they are real. Moreover, they are fun, enjoyable, and something worth watching. Whether this new cultural phenomenon will have any impact on the world's lowest fertility rate or gender issues remains to be seen. Worryingly, it also seems to be atomizing people more and more and denying them those experiences which create a meaningful life, shaped by wisdom and connection with others. However, that's my opinion. The South Korean youth seem to love what's happening. And it's their lives to daeri manjok however they please. Dr. David A. Tizzard (datizzard@swu.ac.kr) has a Ph.D. in Korean Studies and lectures at Seoul Women's University and Hanyang University. He is a social/cultural commentator and musician who has lived in Korea for nearly two decades. He is also the host of the Korea Deconstructed podcast, which can be found online. The views expressed in the article are the author's own and do not reflect the editorial direction of The Korea Times. Babuji, on hearing this song, Rukmini came out fearlessly and worshipped Raghunandan by offering water, flower and sandalwood paste at his feet. Everyone was stupefied. More conservative sanyasins of the akhra were angry. The Mohanta said, we have to inform the members of our other ashramsNirbani, Niranjani, Atal, Ananda and others. We would take appropriate action after consulting all of them. "But it was no longer necessary. Raghu absconded that night "Rukmini was distraught, but calm. Two months passed away in this tension. Then suddenly, Rukminis husband visited the ashram along with a group of people, some of them armed. They had come to take Rukmini away. Their charge against the ashram authorities was that she had been detained there by force. It was a huge scandal. The reputation of the ashram was at stake "Babuji, I would not lie to you. Rukminis departure pained me. And why should it not? After all, Rukmini was the leela-consort of my beloved Raghu. In the path of sadhana, a consort was only a spiritual process But in the case of Raghunandan, Rukmini had acted as a key to open the door between his heart and knowledge" Mahavir got up to go. I pleaded with him, "Before leaving, please tell me what happened to Rukmini?" He replied, "I cant say what exactly happened to her. But within a year, we heard that she had become the glamourous Muniabai of Lucknow." I asked, "How did that happen?" He said, "I wont know. What I heard was that her husband was a timid person. He could not save her. On the way, the very ruffians who had accompanied him, took her to a hidden place and gang-raped her for days. "Finally, Rukmini escaped from the clutches of the goons. She did not go to the police or seek anybodys help. I dont know who helped her to the world of the courtesans in Lucknow. But soon, her reputation as a captivating beauty grew. "But suddenly, she left everything in the prime of her glory and re-emerged in the new avatar of Ramjidasi She is now the talk of the entire Uttar Pradesh. Even the sanyasins in the akhras discuss her. Today, you saw her with your own eyes. She is still the dazzling flame. I dont know what pralay, catastrophe, will happen again around her. As far as I hear, she is now always in an ecstasy of naam-kirtan. People say she met Raghunandan in Lucknow. After that, she has undertaken this journey" Mahavir stopped. I implored him to go ahead. He continued, "It may be a rumour. The person who was playing the sarod is believed to be totally devoted to her. He was an ordinary clerk in Lucknow. It is said that every evening, he volunteered to play sarod with Muniabais dance. Now, he is her constant companion. He does not talk much. Not even with Ramjidasi. But the tune of his sarod speaks. Without the tune of his sarod, Ramjidasis feet do not find the right step to dance, nor the right voice to sing." Mahavir folded his palms on his forehead and took leave by saying, "Namastey, Babuji," then rapidly walked away towards the eastern side of the Kumbh-mela I found a lot of people still roaming around. It was quite cold by then. Everyone was moving towards his or her respective tent. The moon had climbed almost up to the mid-sky. Suddenly, I was jolted back to attention by the sound of the lashing of a whip. A tonga was entering the sand-bed. Its wheels were digging into the sand [I] was about to turn back when someone came and stood in front of me. He bared his large teeth in the semblance of a smile and stared at me with his big round eyes. Before I could ask anything, he enquired in a hushed but excited tone, "Have you got something?" I was totally flummoxed. The man spoke in chaste Hindi. His whole body was covered in an expensive shawl. It was impossible to guess his age, but there was a conspiratorial look on his face. I was sure he had mistaken me to be someone else. I asked, "Are you speaking to me?" Totally unfazed, the man replied, "Why, havent you been talking to the sadhuji for the last two hours? And that too in a low tone. Ive noticed everything. Maharaj, you are lucky. Not everyone gets such a break. But please tell me, thodabahut." I did not know whether to laugh or cry. How full of surprises was this congregation of lakhs of people! "What do you think I might have got?" The man laughed with his head bent on one side and said, "My God, if I knew that, I would not be standing here. Brother, Ive turned my hair grey by observing all this. You cannot hoodwink me." What a blackguard! I started walking. He also walked side by side. After a while, he asked, "Have you seen the huge precious stone shop on the bank, just at the entrance of the mela?" I said, "No, I didnt." He laughed intriguingly with dancing eyebrows and said, "Then you have missed a lot. That man is now a millionaire, you know. But once he used to beg on the streets of Lucknow. Then I noticed in one Kumbh-mela, he was tagging along constantly with a sadhu. After some time, I found that he had opened a small shop in a dark and narrow shed at the town. He started selling small stone icons of Shiva-linga. By the next Kumbh-mela, he became a full-fledged businessman, dealing in stone icons of various types. How did it all happen? Because of that companionship with the sadhu. I know all this, brother. You cannot dupe me." I was dumbfounded. This man was also a seeker, but seeker of what? Millions? At Kumbh-mela? On this sand-band? Just by running after a sadhu? Good God, I could not even imagine it. This time I firmly said, "Ive not got anything. You are wasting your time." Excerpted with permission from In Search of the Pitcher of Nectar (Niyogi Books) In Search of the Pitcher of Nectar By Samaresh Basu (as Kalkut) Translated by Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee Niyogi Books pp. 288, Rs 450 HYDERABAD: Thousands of devotees immersed Ganesh idols at various designated locations across the twin cities on Friday, amid fanfare, rain, and tight security. The annual ritual, which has now grown into a massive event, saw an estimated 75,000 idols of various sizes immersed in various waterbodies. The 50-foot clay idol of Khairatabad was immersed at Crane No 4 at 7.07 pm, while the Balapur idol, which had travelled approximately 20 kilometres to the Hussainsagar, was immersed at Crane No 6 at 10.32 pm. The immersion of other idols is expected to last until Saturday morning. Over 50,000 officials from various departments, including the GHMC, the HMDA, the HMBW&SB, the Hyderabad and Cyberabad police, the fire brigade, and the SRPF (State Reserve Police Force) collaborated to ensure a peaceful immersion. Despite some violations, such as granting permission for DJs after four years and allowing Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols into teh Hussainsagar despite Supreme Court orders, the immersion went on peacefully. The showers welcomed the crowds, who joyfully celebrated the immersion process. The most rain fell in the old city. On Friday, Rajendernagar received 86 mm of rain, Shivarampally received 65 mm, and Golconda 49.8 mm. Over 2,000 police officers had been deployed to ensure a smooth immersion procession, while the water board had set up 196 camps at immersion sites. The roads and building department's electrical wing deployed 75 generators at various locations to ensure proper lighting, HMDA deployed 1,000 workers to remove idol remains immediately after immersion, and the entire Tank Bund, Necklace Road, NTR Marg, and all other immersion spots were decked out with 34,926 temporary lights arranged by the electricity department. To deal with any emergency situation, two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 38 fire tenders, 12 boats, and 10 swimmers were deployed. A total of 35,000 police officers have been deployed within the jurisdictions of three police commissionerates: Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda. From state police headquarters, Director General of Police Mahendar Reddy closely monitored and reviewed the procession in Hyderabad and other parts of the state. Monitoring was carried out across the state using 10 lakh CCTV cameras. In addition to the CCTV network, 739 cameras have been installed along Hyderabad's main procession route. The massive monitoring system includes ten drones, four camera-mounted vehicles, and two mobile command control centres. Earlier in the day, ministers Talasani Srinivas Yadav and Mohammad Mahmood Ali, along with the DGP and city police commissioner C.V. Anand, conducted an aerial survey. Idols were immersed in 35 major water bonds including, Kapra Cheruvu, Saroornagar Lake, Rajanna Bavi, Mir Alam Tank, Palle Cheruvu, Pattikunta Cheruvu, Durgam Cheruvu, Malkam Cheruvu, Gopinagar Cheruvu, Pedda Cheruvu, Gangaram, Gurunatham Cheruvu, JP Nagar, Kaidamma Kunta in Hafizpet, Erla Cheruvu, Manjeera Road, Vinayaka Nagar Rayasamudram Lake, RC Puram, Sakicheruvu, Patancheruvu, IDL Tank, Pragathinagar Cheruvu, Hasmathpet Cheruvu, Sunnam Cheruvu, Pariki Cheruvu, Venellagadda Cheruvu, Suraram Cheruvu, Kotha Cheruvu (Alwal lake) and Safilguda lake and 74 baby ponds. HYDERABAD: BJP state president Bandi Sanjay Kumars Praja Sangrama Yatra, starting on Monday will, in its fourth phase of 10 days, will focus on problems, especially civic issues, faced by people living in the GHMC limits. The padayatra will cut a swathe through eight Assembly constituencies in the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency that is represented by TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy. Sanjay will start the walkathon at Chittaramma temple in Quthbullapur Assembly constituency and end it at Pedda Amberpet after traversing through Kukatpally, Cantonment, Malkajgiri, Medchal, Uppal, LB Nagar and Ibrahimpatnam Assembly constituencies. The conclusion will be marked by a public meeting to be addressed by party general secretary Sunil Bansal at Ram Leela Maidan. Taking into consideration the Navaratri celebrations, the padayatra has been restricted to 10 days, party sources said. Sources said Sanjay would highlight the non-completion of the 2BHK houses. The state government has failed to hand over houses that have been completed. Another issue would be the police challaning motorists. Among other issues, damaged roads, pollution, dumping yards, overflowing drainages, flyovers, skyovers, and encroachments of water tanks will be highlighted during the padayatra. Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, state general secretary Dugyala Pradeep Kumar, Praja Sangrama Yatra in-charge G. Manohar Reddy, and others said that Sanjay could successfully complete the third phase of the padayatra despite the hurdles created by the state government. However, police have not given permission for the padayatra. We have submitted a route map and Praja Sangrama Yatra schedule to three police commissionerates, they said. If the state government tries to create hurdles, we will approach the High Court for permission, they said. NEW DELHI: The intelligence agencies have warned that the global terror outfit Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) will attempt to disturb the communal harmony in the state and disrupt the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections by executing incidents of rioting and attacks on the right-wing leaders. According to the intelligence inputs, the ISKP has directed its cadres in India to use the Gujarat riots as the trigger point for the recruitment of radicalised youths and the issue of the release of the Bilkis Bano case convicts to disrupt the communal harmony in the state ahead of the Assembly election. The intelligence assessment also suggests that the incidents of rioting and physical attacks on right-wing organisations, religious leaders and security forces may be attempted by these radicalised youths in the coming weeks. The ISKP is a front of the dreaded terror group Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) and its operatives based in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region are coordinating with India-based associates to carry out attacks in India through various means. The sources in the security grid said that this was not the first occasion wherein the ISKP wanted to execute terror acts in India. It has been trying to spread its footprint in the country ever since the Taliban took over control of Afghanistan on August 15 last year. They try to create their own cadre here with the help of the terror networks of other outfits like Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Tayyaba. However, the sources in the security agencies have said that adequate security measures will be taken to ensure the maintenance of communal harmony in the poll-bound state and all necessary security drills will be exercised soon to counter these threats. In late 2021, the intelligence agencies had shared inputs with the stakeholders comprising the paramilitary forces and police administration to take preventive and precautionary measures to thwart these nefarious designs of the jihadis. The security alert inputs and disclosures made by the ISIS operatives arrested from Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka last year had indicated continued intent on the part of the Islamic State (IS) terrorists to carry out attacks in India. The inputs further indicated that the IS operatives based in the Af-Pak region have been coordinating with their cohorts based here to further their nefarious anti-India agenda and, to some extent, Pakistans intelligence agency ISI has also been aiding them for terror purposes. The global terror outfits operatives have also assured their Indian associates funds for procuring Kalashnikov assault rifles, small arms, the making of IEDs and preparations for attacks as part of the Islamist terror agenda. The Islamic State Wilayah Hind (ISHP), an offshoot of ISIS, has in its propaganda magazine "Voice of Hind" had earlier hinted that its cadres should find out the vulnerabilities of the road and railway networks. The terror propaganda magazine also outlined in detail the possibility of attacks on the Indian road and railway network. Similar indications that the Pakistan-based remnants of the Indian Mujahideen may have been in contact with IS operatives in India and the Af-Pak region were also revealed soon after the busting of the Voice of Hind network of the ISIS in Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka, the sources further said. The inputs have come just weeks after the Russian Federal Security Service detained a suicide bomber, a member of the ISIS, who was plotting a terrorist attack against the Indian leader to avenge the alleged insult to Prophet Muhammad. The intelligence agencies in India have also been extracting information from their Russian counterparts about the detailed plans of the attacks by the arrested terrorist too. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gives a statement regarding the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth after a cabinet retreat in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Sept. 8. Reuters-Yonhap Leaders from across the globe on Friday united in homage to Queen Elizabeth II after the world's longest-serving monarch died at her Scottish home at age 96. The tributes came from all over from countries she had ruled over to those Britain had been at war with, from tiny territories to the mightiest governments on the planet, and from centuries-old institutions to nations born during her reign. Here are some of the tributes to Queen Elizabeth, who reigned since 1952 and was also head of state in 14 Commonwealth countries. 'Timeless decency' Global tributes were led by the Commonwealth, the association of countries that were previously part of the British empire, as well as its remaining overseas territories. South Asia, where Britain was the colonial power until just before Elizabeth's reign began, paved the way. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "pained" by her death. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described how he and the queen had reminisced together about Nelson Mandela, who had been on rare first-name terms with the queen, according to the late anti-apartheid hero's foundation. Kenya's president-elect William Ruto hailed her "admirable" leadership of the Commonwealth. Australian Prime Minister paid tribute to her "timeless decency" and said her death marked the "end of an era." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Elizabeth, who was Canada's head of state, was a "constant presence in our lives and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country's history." The smallest Commonwealth members also paid tribute, with David Burt, premier of British territory Bermuda, hailing her "life of undimmed duty." U.S. President Joe Biden signs a condolence book at the British Embassy in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 8, for Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century, who died Thursday. 'Unmatched dignity' U.S. President Joe Biden ordered flags at the White House and government buildings to be flown at half-mast in her honor. "Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special," he said. 'Symbol of reconciliation' Others who have taken a less friendly view of Britain also sent tributes. Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to King Charles III despite Britain joining the West in imposing sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. "For many decades Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed her subjects' love and respect as well as an authority on the world stage," Putin said, according to a Kremlin statement. Although "Russians respected her for her wisdom," Putin's attendance at the Queen's funeral "is not being considered," a Kremlin spokesman said. Chinese President Xi Jinping offered his "sincere sympathies to the British government and people." We need a person like Rahul Gandhi to bring back democracy and rule of law in India. How can KCR bring better government in India when he failed in governance in a small state like Telangana, asked Ravi. DC File Image Hyderabad: With reports that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao would launch his own national party, the Congress termed it another political stunt to weaken the Congress led non-BJP grouping. PCC vice president Mallu Ravi felt that all the efforts to start a new party by Rao were aimed at helping the BJP and the Modi government at the Centre. This will only damage the Congress and in this process KCR will lose his stakes in Telangana, Ravi said. "We need a person like Rahul Gandhi to bring back democracy and rule of law in India. How can KCR bring better government in India when he failed in governance in a small state like Telangana? A politician like Rahul Gandhi with a well-established pan India appeal is the only alternative to Modi. But an authoritarian like KCR cannot bring in required change," Ravi added. With the induction of INS Vikrant as its first indigenously built aircraft carrier, India seems all set to further augment its naval prowess. While, undoubtedly, Vikrant would be a considerable force multiplier insofar as our maritime power projection capabilities are concerned, with the Chinese aggressively pushing for expansive influence globally through both the Belt and Road initiative and a blue water navy, in their efforts to exercise greater dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), it is apposite to ask how ready is India to counter this threat that could potentially diminish its ability to secure its strategic, economic and, most especially, trade interests? India sits astride critical sea lines of communication, a position that uniquely empowers it to become a truly regional naval power. To achieve this objective, it needs to do two things. First, India needs to develop the capacities that would enable it to become the linchpin security provider to nations that inhabit the IOR rim. This would enable India to play a stabilising role in the region by ensuring the security of sea-lanes and providing humanitarian assistance when required. Second, the Indian navy would require to have substantive tactical presence in the West Indian Ocean Region that consists of, among others countries, such as Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Kenya, Somalia, the French overseas Island of Reunion, the British Indian Ocean Territory and Diego Garcia, the latter two being colonial vestiges transformed into Western military bases. These two goals are, of course, interrelated. India cannot hope to achieve this with just an aircraft carrier or even two, no matter how significant an achievement it may seem at first blush. Two carrier battle groups do not really make for a blue water navy until and unless you have overseas military and maritime facilities where the navy can be forward deployed. The West Indian Ocean Region is, therefore, of critical import. Indeed, Indias maritime security strategy of 2015 recognises that for India to have a true blue water navy, there is absolutely no option but to have a naval presence in the region. Thus the worm-eaten strut of no bases abroad is a non-sequitur. Creating a blue water navy is a gargantuan task but simply building more carrier battle groups without the support infrastructure where they have to operate to play a meaningful role can be a self-defeating enterprise. A more conceptual approach is required to make the navy a player in the Indian Ocean region. The Chinese are on the ball with despatch. The PLA Navy (PLAN) is far ahead of us in terms of having a substantial presence in the Indian Ocean region. While the commissioning of its newest aircraft carrier, Fujian, in June this year, Beijing is eyeing overseas facilities that would help sustain and support its blue water naval presence with even greater urgency. This search for overseas bases has even the US worried. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of the US militarys Africa Command, referred to Chinas attempts at creating naval bases around Africa as the most significant threat. China is focussing on the Indian Ocean with laser intensity. It has invested in ports in multiple countries to augment its maritime presence. In 2017, it built a naval base in Djibouti that lies on the Horn of Africa adjacent to the Gulf of Aden. With Gwadar in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka and a surveillance station on Coco Islands in Myanmar, the Chinese have gradually enhanced their maritime footprint and are now looking beyond the String of Pearls at other partners in the western Indian Ocean Madagascar being one among myriad other potential candidates. With two decades of debt diplomacy in Africa to boot the Chinese have developed the equities and IOUs to move from a commercial to a military presence on that continent. The Chinese naval base in Djibouti houses helicopter pads and is big enough to host aircraft carriers and submarines. The Chinese even attempted to develop a facility in the United Arab Emirates, which was nipped in the bud after the US intervened. With Chinas Ream naval base in Cambodia coming to fruition, its ability to dominate the Gulf of Thailand and, by extension, both the mouth of the Indo-Pacific and South China Sea, as well as surmount the Malacca dilemma, would get further enhanced. Chinas 2019 defence white paper is instructive in outlining its naval strategy going forward. It is explicit in stating the PLA must develop overseas logistics facilities and safeguard China's overseas interests. The Chinese have long spoken of the String of Pearls paradigm which posits that China needs a string of bases across the Indian Ocean to protect Chinese resources and shipping lanes. Through their basing strategy, the Chinese hope to achieve two things first, they seek to project their military might; and second, they aim to sustain their military power at longer distances from their own coastline. However, now their aspirations have gone far beyond the String of Pearls. Both these aspects must lead India to think of newer ways to counter Chinas influence in the Indian Ocean. Last, as the Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean grows, it is bound to negatively affect Indias ability to both manoeuvre and protect its interests. It is well understood that the String of Pearls Plus and China's Belt and Road Initiative considerably heighten Indias strategic vulnerability. While the British, the Americans, and the French have multiple bases all around the world partly the legacies of empire and partly due to the Cold War India needs to assert its own dominance in the region through a carefully calibrated approach that takes the apprehensions of the West Indian Ocean Region countries into consideration. There has been an increase in maritime and security cooperation with the West Indian Ocean Region countries but much more needs to be done. India needs to leverage its goodwill it enjoys in these countries to enhance naval cooperation and commercial activity. Its basing initiatives, both in Mauritius and Seychelles, seem to have stalled substantively because of domestic opposition fermented by both friends and adversaries who do not want India to acquire a foothold in the playground of the great powers. This undermines our strategic and tactical presence considerably. India must be cognisant of Themistocles's old adage that he who commands the sea, commands everything. It is as true today as it was then. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested Sushil P Mantri and his son Pratik Mantri in connection with two cases registered against them at the Cubbon Park police station in 2019. Sushil Mantri is the Chairman and Managing Director of Mantri Developers Private Limited, a leading property development company headquartered in Bengaluru. According to sources, the CID detained the father and son late on Friday night and produced them before the magistrate on Saturday. The court has remanded them in judicial custody until September 12. On Monday, the CID may request the court for permission to question the Mantris in custody. The CID started investigating the cases registered at the Cubbon Park police station after they were transferred to it. A total of six FIRs were registered in July 2019 under cheating, criminal breach of trust and other IPC sections. Some of these cases have been quashed, the sources said. According to the complainants, Mantri Developers cheated them by collecting money from them on the promise of selling them flats under various schemes. Sushil was previously arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for money laundering. The agency also attached immovable assets worth Rs 300.4 crore belonging to the Mantri Group by issuing a provisional attachment order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The ED case is also under investigation. India will take decisions on different aspects of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) based on its national interest, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said. Earlier, he attended the first in-person ministerial meeting of the IPEF here. Interacting with media on the sidelines of the meeting, he said that there have been useful engagements with the 14 members of the IPEF and the officials from member nations had worked hard to prepare a ground for such fruitful interactions. He expressed hope that in a days time, IPEF would finalize a framework within which member nations could interact on different areas of mutual interest. The minister assured that "India will take decisions on different aspects of the frameworks of IPEF based on our national interest". The IPEF was launched jointly by the US and other partner countries of the Indo-Pacific region on May 23 in Tokyo. It seeks to strengthen economic partnership among participating countries with the objective of enhancing resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness and competitiveness in the region. The 14 members of the IPEF are -- Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the US. The framework is structured around four pillars relating to Trade (Pillar I); Supply Chains (Pillar II); Clean Economy (Pillar III); and Fair Economy (Pillar IV). Congress and BJP were engaged in an intense war of words on Saturday after a video of Rahul Gandhis meeting with a controversial Christian pastor, who was arrested last year for hate speech, showed the latter comparing Jesus Christ with other gods. Gandhi met with George Ponniah, who was also a member of the delegation that met him as part of the Congress partys 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' in the Kanyakumari district. While the BJP accused Gandhi of converting the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' into a Bharat Todo Yatra, Congress responded by saying the video was a typical BJP mischief that was born out of desperation following the successful launch of the nationwide yatra. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said an atrocious tweet from the BJP hate factory is doing the rounds. It bears no relation whatsoever to what is recorded in the audio. This is typical BJP mischief that has become more desperate after the successful launch of #BharatJodoYatra which is evoking such a huge response, he wrote on his verified Twitter page. An atrocious tweet from the BJP hate factory is doing the rounds. It bears no relation whatsoever to what is recorded in the audio. This is typical BJP mischief that has become more desperate after the successful launch of #BharatJodoYatra which is evoking such a huge response. Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 10, 2022 In the 30-second clip doing the rounds on social media, Gandhi seems to be engaged in a discussion on religion with the pastors. At one point, the former Congress President is heard asking the visiting delegation, Is Jesus Christ a form of God. God reveals him(self) as a man, a real personnot like Shaktiso we see a human person, Ponniah is heard replying to Gandhi. However, the video doesnt show Gandhis response or reaction, if any, to the reply. Congress also accused the BJP of quoting the video out of context. Ponniah was arrested in 2021 for his hate speech against Hindu gods and is known for making controversial statements. He had also made derogatory remarks against Bharat Mata in one of the public events he attended last year. Also Read | Facilities at campsites, containers 'basic'; BJP trying to 'defame' yatra, says Congress Sharing the video clip, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said George Ponniah who met Rahul Gandhi says, Jesus is the only God unlike Shakti (& other Gods) 'This man was arrested for his Hindu hatred earlier' - he also said, 'I wear shoes because impurities of Bharat Mata should not contaminate us.' Bharat Jodo with Bharat Todo icons?" he asked. The 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' was mired in other controversies as well with BJP seeking to know why Gandhi was wearing a Burberry brand t-shirt which costs over Rs 40,000 and what was the need for air-conditioned caravans during the yatra. However, the Congress hit back at BJP for raising such issues, saying if the price of Gandhis t-shirt was an issue, there should also be a discussion on Prime Minister Narendra Modis expensive suit and spectacles. Terming Gandhi as Indias divider & chief, TN BJP President K Annamalai said the Congress Bharat Thodo elite walkathon with 60 air-conditioned caravans concluded in Kanyakumari after meeting Andolan Jeevi (some of whom were slapped sedition charges during UPA), anti-nationals & divisive elements of our society. Rahul Gandhi was seen participating in a discussion where George Ponniah was demeaning Hindu Gods. Rahul Gandhi set a tone as to how his Bharat Thodo Yatra would pan out where he did not bother to object or stop this demeaning discussion! This rather entertaining discussion, according to him, reflects what the Congress party stands for, he said. Grappling with their worst heatwave on record, Chinese officials are scrambling to significantly expand the countrys cloud-seeding programs a controversial method of stimulating clouds to make them rain. This is understandably a moment for desperate measures. Chinas mighty Yangtze River has slowed to nearly a trickle in some stretches, destabilizing the countrys hydropower production and leaving hundreds of thousands of people without safe drinking water. But its also time to set the record straight on cloud seeding a practice thats rapidly expanding in the water-scarce American West. Also Read | Climate change could devastate Middle East, East Mediterranean, scientists warn Yes, forcing clouds to form rain and snow has, in fact, been proven to increase precipitation up to 15 per cent in certain regions, and the emerging private-sector cloud-seeding industry deserves more research and investment in a climate-stressed world. But cloud seeding is not a miracle solution to a drought crisis: The process of injecting tiny particles or chemical vapors into clouds to trigger rain is not a guaranteed, on-demand fix. At most, it should be considered a supportive measure in comprehensive, long-term water-management plans. A few years ago, I traveled to Maharashtra, India, to observe a cloud-seeding program first-hand from the window of a turboprop flown into the belly of a monsoon cloud. Heres what I learned: Cloud seeding is a promising technology and one with rapid advancements in recent years but there are a lot of ifs. Dan Breed, a scientist who led cloud-seeding research at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, explains the challenge this way: Theres little dispute that if you get the seeding material inside the clouds, it can enhance precipitation. The question is, by how much, and do you have the right conditions in the clouds, and will those clouds be there when you need them? China has by far the biggest cloud-seeding program in the world. Its also common practice in countries from Thailand and Australia to the UAE and the US. In the past two years, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and California have expanded their cloud-seeding operations most notably to build up the snowpack over the Sierra Nevada mountains that melts into reservoirs. Also Read | How climate change is transforming the Pacific Crest trail There are two kinds of cloud seeding. In India, I witnessed hygroscopic or water-attracting seeding, the method often practiced in China, in which rockets or flares on the wing of a plane explode trillions of superfine salt particles into a cloud. Water molecules are attracted to salt, so they bond to the particles and grow into raindrops. Cold-weather orographic cloud seeding has more proven results. Flares eject tiny flakes of silver iodide into the core of clouds as high as 60,000 feet. Silver iodide has a molecular structure similar to ice. As the particles drift down through the clouds, water gloms onto them as it would to ice, and snowflakes grow. A recent study conducted by the Center for Atmospheric Research used radar and meteorological modeling to show definitively that orographic seeding can increase snowfall. In the decades since cloud seeding was first introduced, concerns that it might be environmentally toxic have dissipated. Sodium chloride is simply pulverized table salt, environmentally benign, and can get flushed out of lands below by the additional rainfall. And while silver iodide in large concentrations can be harmful, the amounts found in snowpack after cloud seeding are often undetectable. Studies have found that there was no more silver iodide in snow and soil samples in areas where clouds had been seeded than there had been before the campaigns likely because the extra rains purged the system. Also Read | Scientists warn of breadbasket failure because of climate change The technology is steadily improving. Most notably, scientists now have computer models to simulate the effects of silver iodide seeding, allowing scientists to pinpoint the most opportune locations for weather enhancement. As processing power improves, so will these models. But no matter how sophisticated the modeling becomes, the method has little chance of helping during a drought emergency mainly because you need storm clouds for successful seeding, and droughts by nature offer few of them. When storms do crop up, warm-weather seeding needs a particular form of moisture-rich cloud to get substantial precipitation increases. Even negligible increases might be worth the effort in a water-scarce region, but its not going to be a cure-all. In the long term, the most effective use of cloud seeding is to practice it continually, seeding in wet and dry years alike to feed reservoirs and moisten soil. Heres what investors need to know: Cloud seeding is a niche industry thats growing well beyond the US and China. The United Arab Emirates, for example, recently built a facility producing hundreds of cloud-seeding flares a week. Demand will likely only grow: In India, for example, a recent government study predicts that the demand for water in 2030 will be more than twice the countrys available supply. In the US, major drought events are expected to triple by mid-century. But both lawmakers and investors must proceed cautiously: They can look to the Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Plan for a good example of how cloud seeding can be integrated into a broader strategy for drought management that includes rigorous consumer-efficiency programs, water infrastructure, and river-management improvements, and new sources of drought-proof water supply such as recycled sewage. In New Mexico, cloud-seeding proposals have recently been approved after resistance from critics who argue that humans shouldnt fiddle with the weather. But humanity has been modifying natural systems for centuries, redirecting rivers with dams and reshaping landscapes with ancient and modern irrigation canals. At this point our reality is stark: We need all potential solutions on the table, and that means cautiously wielding controversial technologies to fight the far more glaring hubris of human-caused climate change. Last week this column featured the first part of my exclusive interview with the woman behind Britpop, Jane Savidge. Im going to keep this weeks introduction brief. This week Jane talks about the origins of Britpop, her beginnings as a PR agent, and her thoughts on the current music scene. How did you get started as a PR agent? In 1986 I was studying Philosophy at Nottingham University but also in a band whilst I was there. We were called Kill Devil Hills and we were managed by a guy called Ian Dickson who went on to be the Australian version of Simon Cowell. Anyway one day he said Lets go to London and surprise my girlfriend Mel who has a PR company called Ten Times Better, down there. Ten Times Better was based out of the ground floor offices of Creation Records in Hackney and me and Ian climbed through the window to surprise Mel but ended up annoying her more than anything else. She handed me a hand-written piece of paper and asked me to type it up into a press release. When I handed it back to her about 15 mins later she read it and said That's fantastic, how did you do that? I told her I just made it better. The next day she rang me, said shed had a dream she was going to work with me and asked me if I was interested. So I said Yes, but only if you get rid of all those people you work with and if I can do press for my own band. And she agreed! So Mel and I set up a tiny indie company in east London and I started making up gossip stories for The Shamen - 50 a week! - and I suddenly got really good at identifying movements and making sure that bands I looked after got allied to movements - Gaye Bykers on Acid in the Grebo Scene or Green On Red in the New American Invasion scene - and this carried on into my time when Savage and Best began in 1990 when I looked after Moose and Curve and Lush which became the Shoegazing Scene and Pulp and Suede and Verve and Elastica and the Auteurs and Menswear etc which were originally called the Camden Scene (because our office was there) which morphed into Britpop. Theres one other crucial factor: I had a two year stint at the end of the 80s working as a PR for Virgin Records - this was between my stint at the tiny indie company and my stint at Savage and Best - and when I was there I had to organise a days press interview schedule for an unknown US band who were flying in for the day. The band were managed by The Polices manager Miles Copeland and I was scared to death. So when I started Savage and Best I made a promiser to myself that I would never represent an American band as they would demand a press interview schedule for when they flew in for their day of press. I was offered the Smashing Pumpkins in 1990 but I turned them down for this reason and made sure that I only represented bands from around the corner - Suede, Elastica etc - or up the road - Verve, The Fall, Pulp etc. This made it very easy for magazines to write about our bands as they could be in our office within a few hours or in some cases within a few minutes! You didnt ask but thats kind of how Britpop started! What are you doing these days? I am writing books and just started on the third part of my 90s trilogy. Obviously the first book came out in 2019 and was called Lunch With The Wild Frontiers and the new one, Here They Come With Their Make Up On, is out now and features more stories from the era (about George Michael, the Rollercoaster tour etc) but all centred around the madness surrounding the making and release of Suedes Coming Up album. The third one is tentatively entitled Dinner With The Wild Frontiers, and features trips to Hollywood and the House of Commons and the Arctic Circle. Other than that, I still do PR for artists and have a really great new band called The Horn - theyre like The Cure and Blossoms - a young country artist from Morecambe Bay called Amy Jo, and an artist called Keir who is going to be an absolute superstar, I mean in the way that Prince or Beck or Pink are superstars. I am also Associate Producer of a musical called Rehab The Musical, which stars Keith Allen and initially runs from Sept 1st - 17th at the Playground Theatre in London and I expect to be involved in that for several years. What are your thoughts on the current music scene? There are absolutely tons of great bands around although I am not sure there really is a scene any more as the internet put paid to all that but its not really the internet that I have a problem with, its marketing. Industry people got so good at market research - well, they used the internet actually - that they started to figure out what you would like before you even heard it and thats a really difficult thing for some bands to battle against. Having said that, I like Wet Leg and Girl In Red, and Cigarettes After Sex ,and Chloe Moriondo, and Amyl and the Sniffers, but I cant say theyve got anything in common! Thats it from Jane Savidge. Once again, she can be found on Instagram @jane_savidge. Her books, Lunch With The Wild Frontiers and Here They Come With Their Makeup On can be got in Little Acorns Bookstore. There has been an outpouring of grief in Derry and beyond at the sudden death of prominent Derry Republican, Donncha Mac Niallais. Donncha, a former Blanketman and chairperson of the Bogside Residents Group, which was established to negotiate an end to contentious parades in the city with the Apprentice Boys of Derry, passed away suddenly on Friday afternoon. The son of Billy and former Sinn Fein Derry City Councillor and Foyle MLA, Mary Nelis, Donncha was described as "an inspiring Gaeilgeoir" by Sinn Fein MLA, Padraig Delargy. Extending his condolences on the death of the "lifelong Republican and local community leader", Mr Delargy said: "It is with profound shock and sadness that we today learn of the death of lifelong Derry republican Donncha Mac Niallais. My first thoughts are with his partner, his children and the wider Nelis family on this devastating loss. Donncha Mac Niallais has been a highly respected and committed republican activist in the Bogside for almost 50 years. A former political prisoner, he was on the blanket protest in the H-Blocks during the hunger strikes and his mother Mary was a steadfast campaigner for the rights of prisoners. He was an inspiring Gaeilgeoir and played a central role in developing the Irish language in the city working with other activists to set up the local Gaelscoil, the Culturlann and helping to ensure the language continues to flourish and thrive today. Donncha Mac Niallais was a community leader. He demonstrated that through the role he played in finding a solution to parading in the city. Right up until his untimely death, Donncha was a committed Sinn Fein and community activist and at the forefront of efforts to regenerate the Bogside and surrounding areas and working as Manager in Dove House Advice Centre. His loss will be felt right across the community, by his family, and all of us who loved and knew him. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. Countless tributes were paid to Donncha as news of his death spread. Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Sandra Duffy said: "Today we lost a dear friend. Donncha MacNiallais was a comrade, a colleague and a trusted sounding board, always there when advice was needed, only a few days ago we met to discuss the cost of living emergency and how we could practically help people. "My heart is sore for the Nelis clan and I send my sincerest condolences to Karen, his children, Mary and entire family circle at this sad time." In a social media post, Culturlann Ui Chanain said: "We are heartbroken to hear of the death of our friend and comrade Donncha Mac Niallais who passed away suddenly this afternoon. "Our thoughts are with Karen and Jude and his wider family and we hope they are comforted by the love and respect in which Donncha was held, particularly within the Irish language community he did so much to cultivate and develop throughout his life." Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir said: We are devastated to hear of the sudden passing of one of our Trustees, Donncha Mac Niallais who is also a Governor on our Board of Governors and a friend to us all. "Donncha Mac Niallais has been part of Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir since it started in 1998 and even before that when the seed was being planted to establish a second Irish medium school in our city. "Donncha has played an integral role in the development of our school from the early days. "Donncha has spoken out for our school on many an occasion and has ensured that we have had the support needed to be able to grow year on year. "Donncha had a visionary approach to developing Irish medium education within our city and he wasn't afraid of the hardwork which it involved to make it happen. "Donncha was always an Irish language enthusiast who grabbed every opportunity to promote the Irish language. "As well as all of this, Donncha was a kind, gentle man who cared for our school and everyone connected to it. He never met me without asking how all of our children were doing. Donncha's love for our school will always be cherished and greatly missed. "We think especially today on all of his family particularly Karen, Jude and his mammy Mary." Donncha Mac Niallais: Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. The Queen has died and Charles has addressed the nation for the first time as the new King. Plans for the aftermath of the Queens death, codenamed London Bridge, now incorporate Operation Unicorn, the contingency plans for her death in Scotland. Thursday September 8 would traditionally have been D-Day or D+0 in the plan but the announcement came late in the day at around 6.30pm meaning Friday was considered as D+0 to allow the complex arrangements to be put in place. Here is the day-by-day account of what is expected to happen next, leading up to the Queens funeral in around nine days. The funeral date, when confirmed, will be a public holiday in the form of a Day of National Mourning. D+1 Saturday September 10 The new King will be formally proclaimed as the new sovereign at an Accession Council in the State Apartments of St Jamess Palace at 10am in a ceremony that will be televised for the first time. First, the Privy Council gathers without the King to proclaim the new monarch and arrange business relating to the proclamation. Then Charles holds his first Privy Council, accompanied by Camilla the new Queen and William who are also privy counsellors, and makes his personal declaration and oath. The first public proclamation of the new sovereign will be read at 11am in the open air from the Friary Court balcony at St Jamess Palace by the Garter King of Arms. Proclamations are made around the city and across the nation on Saturday and Sunday. Union flags go back up to full-mast at 1pm and remain there for around 24 hours to coincide with the proclamations before returning to half-mast. Charles will also hold audiences with Prime Minister Liz Truss and the Cabinet. D+2 Sunday September 11 The Queens coffin is expected to be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Proclamations will be read in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland devolved parliaments in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. D+3 Monday September 12 Procession expected along the Royal Mile to St Giles Cathedral. Service and the Vigil of the Princes by members of the royal family. The public may get the chance to file past the Queens coffin at a mini lying in state in St Giles. The House of Commons and the House of Lords are expected to come together in Westminster for a Motion of Condolence, which the King could attend. After leaving England and visiting Scotland, Charles will at some stage travel to the other countries of the UK Wales and Northern Ireland known as Operation Spring Tide. D+4 Tuesday September 13 Coffin expected to be flown to London. Expected to be at rest at Buckingham Palace. A rehearsal for the procession of the coffin from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster takes place. D+5 Wednesday September 14 The Queens lying in state is expected to begin in Westminster Hall Operation Marquee following a ceremonial procession through London. It will last four full days. The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct a short service following the coffins arrival. Hundreds of thousands of people will file past the coffin on its catafalque and pay their respects, just as they did for the Queen Mothers lying in state in 2002. The management of the queues outside is Operation Feather. During the Covid-19 crisis, plans included the possibility of the introduction of timed ticketing for those wanting to attend. Senior royals are also expected to pay their own moving tribute, standing guard at some stage around the coffin the tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes. D+6 Thursday September 15 Lying in state continues and a rehearsal is likely to take place for the state funeral procession. D+7 Friday September 16 Sunday September 18 Lying in state continues, ending on D+9. Heads of state begin to arrive for the funeral. D+10 Monday September 19 The Queens state funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in central London. The original plans are for the Queens coffin to process on a gun carriage to the abbey, pulled by naval ratings sailors using ropes rather than horses. Senior members of the family are expected to follow behind just like they did for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The military will line the streets and also join the procession. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000. The service will be televised, and a national two minutes silence is expected to be held. The same day as the funeral, the Queens coffin will be taken to St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised committal service. Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family. The Queens final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Philips coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queens. King Charles III paid tribute to the reign of the late Queen, unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion, as he was formally declared the nations new monarch. During a poignant and sombre meeting of the Accession Council, the King spoke movingly about his mother and the grief his family is experiencing, but said the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers had been the greatest consolation. Watched by the Queen, the new Prince of Wales and more than 200 privy counsellors including six former prime ministers the King pledged himself to the task now before him and the heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty. His mother would be his guide for the years ahead as he strived to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government, he added. The day included a moment of pomp and pageantry with David White, Garter King of Arm, in his colourful regalia and flanked by other Officers of Arms and Sergeants at Arms, reading the proclamation of the new King from a balcony at St Jamess Palace. Meanwhile, in Scotland the late Queens other children, the Princess Royal, Duke of York and Earl of Wessex, and their families attended a service at Balmorals Crathie Kirk where their mother regularly worshipped. Afterwards, Anne, her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and her children Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips joined Andrew and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and Edward and the Countess of Wessex with their daughter Lady Louise, at the gates of Balmoral Castle to look at floral tributes left for the late monarch. Eugenie wiped away tears at one point and was hugged by her father Andrew, and returned the comforting gesture. Charles began his momentous day by discharging the sorrowful duty of announcing the death of his beloved mother, and told the council: I know how deeply you, the entire nation and I think I may say the whole world sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered. It is the greatest consolation to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers and that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss. Charles spoke of the late Queens selfless service, adding: My mothers reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. He went on to say: I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me. In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional Government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands and of the Commonwealth Realms and Territories throughout the world. The King ended by saying: And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God. The historic event was broadcast for the first time, giving the world a first glimpse of an ancient ceremony dating back centuries and one of the first changes to convention instigated by the new King. Following convention, Charles did not attend the first part of the ceremony when the clerk of the council Richard Tilbrook read the proclamation to the packed meeting that confirmed the new monarch. He said: Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now, by the death of our late Sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege lord, Charles III The meeting was staged in the state rooms of St Jamess Palace, and the clerk declared to the room: God Save the King, with the privy counsellors repeating the famous phrase. The new monarch became King the moment his mother died, but an Accession Council must be convened following the death of a Sovereign usually within 24 hours. More than 200 privy councillors a group of mostly senior politicians past and present, some members of the monarchy and other national figures were present to hear the Clerk of the Council read the Accession Proclamation. Among them were ex-prime ministers Sir John Major, Sir Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson Cabinet members, former Archbishops of Canterbury and York with everyone standing, a convention believed to have been established by Queen Victoria to keep such meetings short. The current premier Liz Truss was part of the proceedings and stood at the head of the council with Camilla, William, Archbishop of York Justin Welby and other figures as the clerk read the proclamation. Charless address was made in the second part of the ceremony when proceedings moved to the palaces throne room and was effectively the King hosting his first Privy Council meeting. After his personal declaration about the death of his mother the King took the oath to preserve the Church of Scotland because in Scotland there is a division of powers between the church and state. A number of procedural matters were completed including the King approving the day of the late Queens funeral, which has yet to be confirmed, to be a bank holiday. The new monarch became King the moment his mother died, but an Accession Council must be convened following the death of a Sovereign usually within 24 hours. At 11am the crowds stood in a road overlooking the St Jamess Palaces Friary Court saw the spectacle of the Garter King of Arms reading the proclamation from a balcony. In the court below was the palaces detachment of the Kings Guard made up of Number 7 Company, Coldstream Guards. The national anthem was performed by the Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry who were stood on the balcony. Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the Accession Council at St James's Palace, where he is formally proclaimed Britain's new monarch, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in London, Britain Sept. 10. Reuters-Yonhap Two days after the death of his mother elevated him to the throne, King Charles III was officially proclaimed Britain's monarch Saturday, in a pomp-filled ceremony steeped in ancient tradition and political symbolism _ and, for the first time, broadcast live. Charles, who spent seven decades as heir apparent, automatically became king when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died on Thursday. But the accession ceremony was a key constitutional and ceremonial step in introducing the new monarch to the country, a relic of a time before mass communications. Scores of senior politicians past and present, including Prime Minister Liz Truss and five of her predecessors, gathered in the ornate state apartments at St. James's Palace for the meeting of the Accession Council. They met without Charles, officially confirming his title, King Charles III. The king then joined them, vowing to follow his mother's ''inspiring example'' as he took on the duties of monarch. ''I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me,'' he said. Speaking of his personal grief, he said: ''I know how deeply you and the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathize with me in this irreparable loss we have all suffered.'' The new king formally approved a series of orders _ including one declaring the day of his mother's funeral a public holiday. The date of the state funeral has not been announced, but it is expected to be around Sept 19. This is the first time the accession ceremony has been held since 1952, when Queen Elizabeth II took the throne. Charles was accompanied at the ceremony by his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, and his eldest son Prince William. William is now heir to the throne and known by the title Charles long held, Prince of Wales. The ceremony ended with a royal official publicly proclaiming King Charles III the monarch from a balcony at the palace. In centuries past, this would have been the first official confirmation the public had of their new sovereign. David White, the Garter King of Arms, made the proclamation flanked by trumpeters in gold-trimmed robes before leading cheers _ ''hip, hip, hooray!'' _ for the new king. Gun salutes rang out in Hyde Park, at the Tower of London and at military sites around the U.K. as he announced the news, and scarlet-robed soldiers in the palace courtyard doffed their bearskin hats in a royal salute. The proclamation was read out in the medieval City of London and at other locations across the U.K. Two days after the 96-year-old queen died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland following an unprecedented 70 years on the throne, people still came in their thousands to pay their respects outside Buckingham Palace in London. The scene was repeated at other royal residences across the U.K. and at British embassies around the world. Britain is holding a period of mourning for the queen, with days of carefully choreographed ceremonies marking the death of the only monarch most people have ever known. The Proclamation of Accession of King Charles III at the Royal Exchange in the City of London, Saturday, Sept. 10, after King Charles III was formally proclaimed monarch. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe A charity trustee speed-dating event, the only of its kind in Ireland, has been announced today by Boardmatch Ireland and they are calling on charities in Louth to attend. The event, taking place on Wednesday, 12th October from 5.30pm to 8.00pm in Croke Park, will match charities and not-for-profit organisations with those looking to become volunteer board members. Boardmatch is Irelands only charity dedicated to charity and not-for-profit board recruitment and support. Boardmatch connects individuals looking to volunteer their time, skills, and expertise, with charities that have board vacancies. This is the third charity speed-dating event that Boardmatch has held. This year, 70 charities will attend the event in Croke Park to meet over 200 individuals where they can apply for a board role and see if it is a match culturally and skills-wise. Commenting on the announcement of the event, Joe OBrien T.D. Minister of State for Community Development and Charities at the Department of Rural and Community Development said: Having worked in the community and voluntary sector for over 20 years, Ive seen first-hand the power of charities in our communities. Its important that charity boards continue to attract individuals from all sectors, increasing diversity and in return benefiting our communities. There are more people volunteering now than ever before, people who make a real difference in so many ways in our communities. The Charity Governance Code encourages board rotation and recruiting individuals with specific skills that can assist the charity to be more impactful. I encourage all charities to use Boardmatch, with a database of over 3,500 individuals seeking board vacancies, to enhance their board. The charity trustee speed-dating event is a great opportunity for individuals to meet various charities and find one that will suit their skills and interests. Speaking at the launch of the charity speed-dating event, Eva Gurn, CEO at Boardmatch Ireland, said: Weve come up with a simple concept for our charity speed-dating event, putting 70 charities in a room and allowing over 200 individuals to get to know them. Were delighted to be able to return for the third year of this event and to continue to break down barriers for those who want to volunteer on boards in the not-for-profit and charity sectors. Its always been the norm that you would join a board because you know someone else on the board. At Boardmatch, we know that the best boards are those with no relationships in the boardroom. We are bringing individuals from all walks of life into the charity sector to bring their skills, perspective, and voice. We believe that increased diversity at board level can enhance productivity, creativity, and innovation which all lead to more impact in our communities. We also know that no one is born a charity Trustee and training can be beneficial to prepare individuals for joining a board. Were excited to announce that there is now a training bursary provided by our sponsors. Every board appointment that results from our charity speed-dating event will be able to attend our CPD accredited charity trustee training for free. Commenting on their experience of working with Boardmatch Ireland, Ken OHeiligh, CEO at Foscadh Housing said: While working with Boardmatch Ireland, we found the team to be incredibly professional while being very personable. They took the time to understand our organisation and helped us draw out what we required for our board. To date, Boardmatch has placed over 3,000 individuals onto charity boards in Ireland through their free online matching service, their bespoke Premium Board Search and their charity speed-dating event. Individuals and charities interested in attending the charity trustee speed-dating event can register at: https://www.boardmatch- trustee-speed-dating.ie/ Boardmatch works with charities of all sizes, from smaller charities to some of Irelands most well-known charity organisations. Over the last three years, through Boardmatch, there have been 1,000 board appointments. These reflected gender equal appointments and a diverse range of ages, with the youngest being 19 years old and the oldest at 72 years old. .On Saturday, 17 Chinese aircraft flew over the Taiwan Straits median line, which typically acts as a de facto border between the two sides as Beijing keeps its military exercises close to the island. Le feu vert a ete a lEDB pour signer un protocole daccord avec le Business Unity South Africa afin de faire des echanges dinformations sur les occasions de faire des affaires et des investissements entre autres. Cabinet has agreed to the signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Economic Development Board, Mauritius and the Business Unity South Africa. The Memorandum of Understanding would enable both organisations to exchange information on trade opportunities and investment potential, organise prospective business missions, study trips, commercial events, trade fairs, exhibitions, seminars and training sessions for the mutual benefit of businesses. The main objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding are to: (a) establish a framework for developing stronger business relations between the two countries and cooperation procedures to enhance the achievement of their respective economic objectives; (b) promote and strengthen trade ties between Mauritius and South Africa and create new channels of business exchange; and (c) strengthen institutional relations and capacity building through mutual cooperation. Colin Manning is a lecturer in IT Law and Intellectual Property Law in the department of Computer Science at MTU Cork. What is a trademark? A trademark is a sign used to distinguish the goods of one provider from those of another. It allows consumers who have a good experience of a product to make repeat purchases and allows those who have a bad experience to avoid that product in the future. Although we are most familiar with trademarks attached to goods, they can be applied to services too. A trademark is registered for specific goods and services. The same trademark can be registered for different goods or services provided they are not so similar that customers might be confused. What are the requirements/eligibility for a registered trademark? Most trademarks are words, graphics, or a combination of both. But in theory, almost anything can be a trademark. Shapes, colours, and sounds can be trademarks. But in practice, unusual trademarks are difficult to register. A trademark office will ask whether the trademark by itself will allow customers to identify the producer of the goods. Customers rarely rely on shape or colour alone. Why should someone apply for a trademark? Trademarks protect reputations. A trademark can help protect the reputation a business has built up by providing quality products. If someone sells an inferior product that customers mistakenly believe comes from your business, your reputation will suffer and sales may fall. Service providers can be similarly harmed by customers inability to distinguish the good service providers from the bad. Registering the signs by which the business is known can prevent this kind of confusion. A trademark registration does not give a business the right to use the trademark, it gives it the right to stop everyone else from using it. A trademark registration can prevent other producers from importing or selling goods using confusingly similar signs. When should someone apply for a trademark? The sooner a trademark is registered the better. There are several reasons why an application to register a trademark might fail. So it is best to secure the trademark registration before too much time and effort is invested in something that cannot ultimately be protected. It can be very disappointing to build up a reputation using a trademark only to discover late in the day that it cannot be registered. Trademark protection is granted on a first come first served basis. So thats another reason to apply early in the business development process. Are trademarks universal/ If you get one in Ireland is it recognisedglobally? A trademark right can be enforced only in the territory where it is registered. Every country has its own Intellectual Property Office that maintains a register of the trademarks that are in force in that country. For example, a trademark registered at the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland (IPOI) provides protection only in Ireland. A French trademark registered at the French Intellectual Property Office applies in France. However, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) provides the option to apply for a single European Union Trade Mark (EUTM) that applies in all the countries of the EU. The cost of securing an EU trademark is a fraction of the cost of securing multiple national registrations and applications can be filed in English. National courts afford EU trademarks the same protections they provide to nationally registered trade marks. Following Brexit, United Kingdom trademarks must be registered separately. Outside of the EU trademarks must be registered country by country. This is not as complex as it sounds, however. Since 1883 a system has been in place to provide a one-stop-shop in Geneva for registering trademarks in many countries at once. How much does it cost and how long is a trademark for? An Irish trademark can be registered at the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland for as little 247. Once a trademark is registered it is valid for 10 years and there is nothing more to pay until it comes up again for renewal. A trademark can be renewed indefinitely. The very first trademark to be registered in the UK in 1876 is still on the register. Registering a European Union Trade Mark at the EUIPO starts at 850. Paying a Solicitor or Trade Mark Attorney will add several hundred euros to the cost, but this is often not necessary. Both the IPOI and the EUIPO try to make it easy for business owners to register trademarks for themselves and they both provide excellent customer service. How long is the process to get a registered trademark? Once a trademark has cleared the absolute grounds hurdle it is published. At that stage, it can be opposed. If during the three-month opposition period the trademark is not opposed it will be registered. An unopposed EUTM might be registered as soon as 4 months after the application date. If there is an objection then a quite lengthy process of negotiations or legal arguments beings. At this point, a lawyer is typically required and the whole process might take 2 years. On what grounds can a trademark be refused? There are two categories of grounds for refusal: absolute grounds and relative grounds. A trademark will be refused on absolute grounds because of a problem with the trademark itself. A trademark will be refused on relative grounds if it is confusingly similar to a trademark already in use. A trademark must have the capacity to distinguish the goods of one provider from those of another. The most common mistake applicants make is choosing a trademark that merely describes the product or says how great it is. Wholemeal could not be registered for bread, for example, because it is merely descriptive of the goods. The many languages of the EU sometimes cause problems for trademark applicants because an invented word in one language might be descriptive in another. Brod would not be registered as a EUTM for bread because brd is merely the Danish word for bread. On rare occasions, a trademark may be refused for being immoral. Applicants for trademarks such as EBI, Hexa, and Curve were surprised to discover that their trademarks were offensive in one of the EUs many languages. A trademark will be refused on relative grounds if its use in the marketplace would likely cause customers to be confused about the provider of the goods. Importantly a registration can also prevent others from registering similar trademarks for similar goods. Both the similarity of the trademarks and the similarity of the goods are considered, and if customers would likely be confused about the origin of the goods then the newer trademark application will be refused. Polo can be used for both mints and for cars, because the goods are so different. But it is unlikely that the same trademark could be used for coffee and for tea without customers believing they came from the same producer. Similarly, registering Polo for sweets prevents other from registering Polo for sweets, but also Bolo, Poolo, and Pollo. How busy is the trademark market? Following Brexit UK based lawyers can no longer represent clients at EUIPO. Many UK firms have expanded their offices in Ireland or opened up new ones. Trade mark applicants from outside must appoint an EU-based lawyer in order to apply for a European Union Trade Mark and such applicants typically prefer to conduct their business in English. So there is significant scope for Ireland to become a hub for trademark services and to capture a large portion of the work that was previously done in the UK. CONCERNS have been raised over a rise in reports of sick and deceased birds being sighted near the coast. In recent days, images of dead birds in Cobh and at Garretstown beach have been posted online, with members of the public speculating that avian flu could be to blame for their demise. BirdWatch Ireland also said it has received an increasing number of reports of sick and dead waterbirds and that there are fears that some of these cases may be due to the virulent strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) that is currently circulating in many parts of Europe and which has in particular devastated breeding seabird colonies in the UK and on the continent. According to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, there have been 14 positive avian influenza cases confirmed in wild birds in Ireland since July. This includes four cases in Kerry, with one in Cork. Three of the birds found in Munster were gannets and a fourth was a raven found off the Kerry coast. Green Party Skibbereen-West Cork Local Representative Rory Jackson has urged people to report any sightings of birds with signs of the disease. Signs of avian flu can include but are not limited to a swollen head, discolouration of the head, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing. However, signs may differ among different species. It is very worrying to see an increase in the number of dead birds being reported on our shores, said Mr Jackson. We have watched avian flu spread across the UK and knew at some time it would visit our shores and birds here. The increase in dead or dying seabirds being found on coastlines is very worrying. Avian flu can still be contagious from dead birds for over two weeks and it is important that any sightings are reported immediately. Mr Jackson, who said he has been protecting local birdlife in West Cork since the days of the Kowloon Bridge disaster in 1986, described the ongoing situation as worrying. We have not seen this scale of pelagic bird loss in many years, he said. This is extremely worrying for a population already under severe pressure from pollution, overfishing, and the rise in temperatures. I would reiterate the calls for the public to report any sightings of dead birds or birds behaving in ways that signify distress or disease. The department said that while the risk of transmission to humans is considered very low, members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds. In addition, due to the highly infectious nature of the disease to birds, anyone travelling from an area known or suspected to be affected with avian influenza or where wild birds have been found dead should not come into contact with poultry or captive birds without prior cleaning and disinfection of clothing and footwear. The department also advised poultry owners and keepers of captive birds to maintain the highest standards of biosecurity to protect their flocks. Strict biosecurity remains the number one preventative measure to introduction of avian influenza into poultry and captive bird flocks. Further information is available at www.gov.ie/birdflu. Members of the public who see a bird that they suspect is affected by avian flu can report sightings to the Department of Agricultures Avian Influenza Hotline: 01 607 2512 (during office hours), 01 4928026 (outside office hours) or log it using the Avian Check app via the Department of Agricultures reporting portal. In its pre-budget submission, Cork Simon has called on the Government to target vacant homes for social housing, double funding for homelessness prevention work, and commit to a referendum on the right to housing. In conjunction with Simon Communities across Ireland, the Cork charity called on the Government to bring 5,000 vacant properties back into the market for social housing through the Repair & Lease Scheme. Paul Sheehan, campaigns and communications manager with Cork Simon, said the charity has seen a significant rise this year in the number of people experiencing homelessness, in Cork and nationwide. The cost of housing is the single biggest issue pushing people into homelessness, and keeping them there for far too long, Mr Sheehan said. There simply arent enough homes coming on stream in the short to medium-term. Were urging the government to take decisive action to put a programme in place to bring 5,000 vacant homes across the country back into use in 2023 through an enhanced repair and lease scheme, he said. We believe this alone would have a significant impact on reducing the number of people being pushed into homelessness as well as reducing the number of people stuck in long-term homelessness. Simon is also calling on the Government to double its funding for homeless prevention. Stopping the flow of people being pushed into homelessness benefits everyone, especially those who are on the very edge of homelessness, Mr Sheehan said. Preventing homelessness addresses the core drivers of housing insecurity before they reach crisis point. During the height of the Pandemic, the Government introduced temporary measures that put a stay on rent increases and on evicting people into homelessness, he said. These measures had a positive impact on the number of people being pushed into homelessness; that number started to increase again as soon as they were lifted. The charity is recommending that the Government allow for 14,000 additional Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) tenancies in 2023, with a 40% increase to standard HAP rates and increase the discretionary top-up rate to 50% in all local authority areas. An increasing number of households are depending on HAP to help make their housing needs affordable, Mr Sheehan said. By the beginning of this year, rents nationwide rose by around 40% over five years, with every community affected, while HAP rates have remained static over the same period. HAP rates no longer meet current market rents, resulting in more and more households paying top-ups directly to their landlord, he said. More vulnerable households will only increase the number of people at the very edge of homelessness, and it wont take much to tip people over the edge. HAP rates need to be increased by 40% in line with market rents, he added. The Simon Community is also urging Government to host a referendum on the right to housing A right to housing in our Constitution would mean the State recognising the fundamental human need for affordable housing, Mr Sheehan said. It would put an onus on the Government of the day to make sure we have sufficient homes for everyone in the State, including sufficient levels of affordable housing and social housing needed. Housing is a basic human need, he said. Were asking the Government to honour its commitment in its programme for government to host a Constitutional referendum on housing and let the people have their say. Le gouvernement a decide de promulguer ces deux nouvelles regulation concernant la peche dans nos eaux et zone economique exclusive. Cabinet has agreed to the promulgation of: (i) the Fisheries and Marine Resources (Licence and Fees) Regulations which would review the licence fees payable by foreign owned Mauritian flagged longliners and purse seiners, and introduce licence fees for mid-water trawlers operating in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Mauritius and international waters; and (ii) the Fisheries and Marine Resources (Licence and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022, which would make an amendment with regard to the Footnote in the Second Schedule of the Fisheries and Marine Resources (Licence and Fees) Regulations 2013 to include the following: (a) There exists a dispute between Mauritius and France concerning Tromelin and its surrounding waters, including its EEZ. (b) While Mauritius unequivocally asserts its sovereignty over Tromelin and its waters, including its EEZ, the French authorities unilaterally purport to exercise jurisdiction, which is not recognised by the Government of Mauritius, over Tromelin and its waters. (c) For the avoidance of doubt, the Chagos Archipelago and its waters are an integral part of the territory of Mauritius, over which Mauritius has sovereignty, as determined by the International Court of Justice in its Advisory Opinion of 25 February 2019 and affirmed by a Special Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in its Judgment of 28 January 2021. The Federal Communications Commission wants to do something about space junk in low Earth orbit. On Thursday, the agency published a proposal (via Ars Technica ) that, if adopted, would put a deadline on how long non-geostationary satellites can stay in space. As things stand, voluntary NASA guidelines published in the 1990s recommend that dead satellites should be deorbited within 25 years. The FCC wants to adopt a five-year rule that would require domestic satellite operators and companies that want access to the US market to dispose of their non-functioning satellites as soon as they can. We believe it is no longer sustainable to leave satellites in LEO [low Earth orbit] to deorbit over decades, the FCC states in its proposal. Our space economy is moving fast. For it to continue to grow, we need to do more to clean up after ourselves so space innovation can continue to expand. That is why I am proposing to shorten the 25-year guideline to no more than 5 years. https://t.co/u8uImI25hQ Jessica Rosenworcel (@JRosenworcelFCC) September 9, 2022 Satellites already in space would be exempt from the FCCs guidelines. The Commission is also proposing there be a two-year grandfathering period that start on September 29th, the day it plans to vote on the regulation. That carveout would give organizations that previously obtained approval for a future satellite launch time to develop a disposal plan for their spacecraft. The FCC said it would also grant waivers case-by-case after NASA expressed concern that the five-year limit would impact its CubeSat missions . Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 This article attempts to understand the limitations of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of Indias code of conduct. In the larger issue of balancing the interests of bankruptcy governance, it suggests structural reforms to the insolvency and bankruptcy code that aim to foster an expedient resolution process and reduce losses to creditors. In August 2021, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) issued a discussion paper delineating a proposal for code of ethics and conduct for creditors having a seat on the committee of creditors.1 The discussion paper sought appropriate governance and regulation of the creditors committee in light of recent instances of massive creditor haircuts and tremendous delays in adjudicating insolvency. The Lok Sabha Standing Committee on Finance, 2021 pointed out that over the quinquennial of the insolvency and bankruptcy code (IBC), creditors have had to bear on an average 80% haircut and in more than 70% cases, there have been delays in completing the resolution process beyond the statutory time limit.2 The underlying proposition behind such a regulation is that the creditors committee occupies a significant position among existing market intermediaries and serves as a custodian of public trust, considering their role in resolution or liquidation of the debtor. The ethical code while deciding on resolutions expects the committee members to maintain integrity, objectivity, transparency, confidentiality, avoid conflict of interests, any unfair gains, and concealment of material information. While the idea behind governing market intermediaries is not novel, the proposed code of conduct suffers from infirmities that can frustrate the basic structure of insolvency regulation as envisaged under the IBC, 2016. This article argues that mere ethical standards will not result in fostering expedient resolution and reduce losses to creditors and suggests appropriate changes to the core insolvency process under the IBC. This can also foster the objectives as envisaged in the IBC while proposing a new code of conduct. . The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of globalisation and international trade based on the principles of comparative advantage. The lockdowns to control the spread of COVID-19 saw curbs on mobility at domestic and global levels, border closures, price escalations due to lower productivity and availability, disruption of supply chains, and shortages of shipping containers. The pandemic aggravated food shortages for regions dependent on the importation of food items with disastrous consequences. Against this backdrop, how does one guarantee food security in these critical times? A case study of the Self Employed Womens Association (SEWA, established in 1972), Indiaa national trade union of self-employed women workers from the informal economydemonstrates that cultivating self-sustaining local economies can build food-secure local communities. Inspired by the Gandhian principles of self-reliance, Ela Bhatt, the founder of SEWA, conceived of the principle of 100-mile communities to secure roti, kapada, and makan (food, clothing, and shelter) sustainably within a 100-mile radius. The members are united through the principle of anubandhfrom the Sanskrit anu (follow) and bandh (connection or relationship)or the social contract that binds peoples within their social units. SEWAs 100-mile communities model for acting as a safety net against food insecurity was put to the test in the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Historical scholarship on the lives of marginalised groups in modern Indian society has tended to depict subalterns and the colonial state as antithetical forces. With some justice, historians associated with the Subaltern Studies Collective perceived subaltern consciousness to stand outside of, or in opposition to, colonial modernity and its various institutions. In their view, there was an autonomous subaltern sphere thatuntrammelled by the influences of the colonial statewas the source of true and authentic resistance to Western social and political forms and thought. They therefore focused on moments of dramatic peasant revolt against the complex represented by the zamindar, sahukar, and sarkar. In their hands, the subaltern entered history as a resistant subject. What such a conceptualisation overlooked, however, were the innumerable situations in the history of colonial India when subalterns looked on the state in a less adversarial fashion, and indeed, in many instances, collaborated with that agency towards myriad ends. The idea of collaboration is invoked here deliberately, stemming from the significance that the historian Anil Seal would invest in the term in his landmark study of Indian nationalism titled The Emergence of Indian Nationalism: Competition and Collaboration in the Later Nineteenth Century, even as it is intended in a far more diffused sense than initially articulated. Yet, even in the optics of Seals colleagues of the Cambridge School of historiography, collaboration extended primarily to indigenous elites. How subalterns interacted with the colonial state lay outside of their self-declared remit. This is a question, therefore, that requires deep consideration. The immersive exhibition Passage to Asylum encourages the visitor to engage with the lived experience of refugees closely and thoughtfully. During my MPhil coursework at the University of Delhi in 2019, I got an opportunity to visit an exhibition at the India International Centre (IIC) by the Centre for Refugee Law and Forced Migration Studies. Passage to Asylum: The Journey of a Million Refugees came out of the centres Migration and Asylum Project to make sense of the lived experience of refugees: How did they become refugees? what kind of challenges are they facing? The project notes that there are currently over 65 million displaced people in the world, of which over a third are refugees who have been forced to leave their countries due to war, conflict, persecution, and violence. This immersive exhibition comprised six contiguous rooms that symbolically depicted the varying stages of a refugees journey: home, conflict, transit, alien country, asylum, and tribunal. If they are fortunate, they have asylum; if they are unfortunate, they face deportation. The corridor connecting these rooms represented the continuing limbo and turmoil of their lives. The rooms were designed to be viewed in accompaniment with their audio guide. The report of NITI Aayog titled SDG India: Index and Dashboard 202021: Partnerships in the Decade of Action, vividly portrays poorer states that lag behind the advanced states in the achievement of the sustainable development goals. This paper, which explores what hinders the effort of the poorer states in accessing resources from the centre and in reaching out to the poor, demonstrates that poorer states in India lag behind the less poor states in the implementation of development programmes, despite the fact that such programmes are conceived to offer opportunities to the poorer states to use central resources to augment their economic capacity in fighting deprivation and destitution. It also builds a model of public spending and tests the model with data using econometric methods. In addition, it applies the model to examine the question of low spending in poor states and offers concrete solutions. Using this model as a framework of analysis, governments can estimate the financial implications of structural reforms and stimulate their economies with welfare compatible allocation of resources. India presents an exciting spectacle for the growth enthusiasts. Having 17% of the global population and barely $2,100 as the per capita income, and yet leaving a blazing trail in long-term economic growth leads many marvelling about the working of Indias society, polity, and economy. An economic scholar would mark this as a combined effect of inequality-driven high savings and investment rates and a steady propulsion spewing from a vast domestic market. They would note that high inequality coupled with low per capita income is inevitable in the transitioning phase when the economy is gradually moving from a traditional subsistence stage to a modern urban industrial one with large numbers still awaiting transformation in their lives. The last report on poverty published by the Planning Commission in 201112 shows that 26.97 crore people are living below the poverty line in India. The number is staggering since this accounts for over 40% of the worlds poor. It is not just the absolute number of the poor that is important but the geographical spread of the poor which should draw the attention of the discerning minds. The observers can note that the poor are predominantly clustered in a few statesUttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Assam. These are the states where the process of the urban-industrial transition appears slow, and the toil of the poor continues in the distressed agrarian set-up. Evidently, these states need a big push if India must free itself from poverty and the tag of a low-income country. Former U.S. President Donald Trump's team may not have returned all the classified records removed from the White House at the end of his presidency even after an FBI search of his home, U.S. prosecutors said. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Melissa K. Ochoa, Saint Louis University (THE CONVERSATION) Most of the debates on the usage of Latinx pronounced la-teen-ex have taken place in the U.S. But the word has begun to spread into Spanish-speaking countries where it hasnt exactly been embraced. In July 2022, Argentina and Spain released public statements banning the use of Latinx, or any gender-neutral variant. Both governments reasoned that these new terms are violations of the rules of the Spanish language. Latinx is used as an individual identity for those who are gender-nonconforming, and it can also describe an entire population without using Latinos, which is currently the default in Spanish for a group of men and women. As a Mexican-born, U.S.-raised scholar, I agree with the official Argentine and Spanish stance on banning Latinx from the Spanish language English, too. When I first heard Latinx in 2017, I thought it was progressive and inclusive, but I quickly realized how problematic it was. Five years later, Latinx is not commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries, nor is it used by the majority of those identifying as Hispanic or Latino in the U.S. In fact, theres a gender-inclusive term thats already being used by Spanish-speaking activists that works as a far more natural replacement. Low usage Though the exact origins of Latinx are unclear, it emerged sometime around 2004 and gained popularity around 2014. Merriam-Webster added it to its dictionary in 2018. However, a 2019 Pew research study and 2021 Gallup poll indicated that less than 5% of the U.S. population used Latinx as a racial or ethnic identity. Nonetheless, Latinx is becoming commonplace among academics; its used at conferences, in communication and especially in publications. But is it inclusive to use Latinx when most of the population does not? Perpetuating elitism The distinct demographic differences of those who are aware of or use Latinx calls into question whether the term is inclusive or just elitist. Individuals who self-identiy as Latinx or are aware of the term are most likely to be U.S.-born, young adults from 18 to 29 years old. They are predominately English-speakers and have some college education. In other words, the most marginalized communities do not use Latinx. Scholars, in my view, should never impose social identities onto groups that do not self-identify that way. I once had a reviewer for an academic journal article I submitted about womens experiences with catcalling tell me to replace my use of Latino and Latina with Latinx. However, they had no issue with me using man or woman when it came to my white participants. I was annoyed at the audacity of this reviewer. The goal of the study was to show catcalling, a gendered interaction, as an everyday form of sexism. How was I supposed to differentiate my participants sexism experiences by gender and race if I labeled them all as Latinx? The x factor If a term is truly inclusive, it gives equitable weight to vastly diverse experiences and knowledge; it is not meant to be a blanket identity. Women of color, in general, are severely underrepresented in leadership positions and STEM fields. Using Latinx for women further obscures their contributions and identity. I have even seen some academics try to get around the nebulous nature of Latinx by writing Latinx mothers or Latinx women instead of Latinas. Furthermore, if the goal is to be inclusive, the x would be easily pronounceable and naturally applied to other parts of the Spanish language. Some Spanish speakers would rather identify by nationality say, Mexicano or Argentino instead of using umbrella terms like Hispanic or Latino. But the x cant be easily applied to nationalities. Like Latinx, Mexicanx and Argentinx dont exactly roll off the tongue in any language. Meanwhile, gendered articles in Spanish los and las for the plural the become lxs, while gendered pronouns el and ella becomes ellx. The utility and logic of it quickly falls apart. Latine as an alternative Many academics might feel compelled to continue to use Latinx because they fought hard to have it recognized by their institutions or have already published the term in an academic journal. But there is a much better gender-inclusive alternative, one thats been largely overlooked by the U.S. academic community and is already being used in Spanish-speaking parts of Latin America, especially among young social activists in those countries. Its Latine pronounced lah-teen-eh and its far more adaptable to the Spanish language. It can be implemented as articles les instead of los or las, the words for the. When it comes to pronouns, elle can become a singular form of they and used in place of the masculine el or feminine ella, which translate to he and she. It can also be readily applied to most nationalities, such as Mexicane or Argentine. Because language shapes the way we think, its important to note that gendered languages like Spanish, German and French do facilitate gender stereotypes and discrimination. For example, in German, the word for bridge is feminine, and in Spanish, the word for bridge is masculine. Cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky had German speakers and Spanish speakers describe a bridge. The German speakers were more likely to describe it using adjectives like beautiful or elegant, while the Spanish speakers were more likely to describe it in masculine ways tall and strong. Moreover, the existing gender rules in Spanish are not perfect. Usually words ending in -o are masculine and those ending in -a are feminine, but there are many common words that break those gender rules, like la mano, the word for hand. And, of course, Spanish already uses an e for gender-neutral words, such as estudiante, or student. I believe Latine accomplishes what Latinx originally meant to and more. Similarly, it eliminates the gender binary in its singular and plural form. However, Latine is not confined to an elite, English-speaking population within the U.S. It is inclusive. Nevertheless, problems can still arise when the word Latine is imposed onto others. Latina and Latino may still be preferable for many individuals. I dont think the -e should eliminate the existing -o and the -a. Instead, it could be a grammatically acceptable addition to the Spanish language. Yes, Argentina and Spains ban of Latinx also included a ban on the use of Latine. Here is where I diverge from their directive. To me, the idea that language can be purist is nonsensical; language always evolves, whether its through technology think emojis and textspeak or increased social awareness, such as the evolution from wife beating to intimate partner violence. Linguistic theory posits that language shapes reality, so cultures and communities can create words that shape the inclusive world they want to inhabit. Language matters. Latine embodies that inclusivity across socioeconomic status, citizenship, education, gender identity, age groups and nations, while honoring the Spanish language in the process. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/stop-using-latinx-if-you-really-want-to-be-inclusive-189358. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Shortly before 3 p.m. on a recent Thursday, Principal Hugo Saucedo started preparing Carvajal Elementary School for a bit of organized chaos. He checked his walkie-talkie, let everyone know what channel they should be on and stood at the front door, where two main corridors meet. He had a few moments of quiet before the last bell of the school day pushed nearly 400 students, escorted by their teachers, into line in the hallway. School safety and security assessments happen all the time. But the mass shooting in Uvalde on May 24 added pressure on educators to check and recheck how they do things, especially as the school year began. The reality is, we can have safety, or we can have convenience. We cannot necessarily have both, Saucedo said. One by one, students approached the front door at Carvajal, in the San Antonio Independent School District. Campus staff helped them spot their familys car or a parent waiting outside, then walked them to their destination. Its a new process, and its slow. The traditional way is still common students wait outside a campus for a pickup. Saucedo watched it at his school as the semester began and felt a new sense of discomfort and unease. It kind of looked like a family picnic, he recalled. Then I realized, Hey what if something tragic or unfortunate happens out here. We are out in the middle of nowhere, we are just sitting ducks. The pandemic was a challenge, staffing issues were a challenge, but for me personally as a principal, the Uvalde tragedy, oh my gosh, you want to talk about a gut punch, Saucedo said. I think about that every single day, and it informs everything I do at this campus in terms of making sure my community is safe. That afternoon, Gabriela Castillo, 6, sat on the floor next to her teacher, Jose Arrambide, and her classmate Emeterio Escobedo. Josie Norris, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer The students held frozen pop sticks with their names on them. When their parents arrived, they would place the sticks in a cup Arrambides tracking mechanism to ensure every student got picked up. Emeterios name was called a few moments later. Gabriela was one of a handful still waiting at 3:25 p.m., entertained by counselor Elvira Orozco. In the beginning, parents didnt like it because it took a little long, it took us about an hour, Saucedo said. But weve cut that down to about 30 minutes now. Today we actually finished in about 20 minutes, so I was amazed. Check every door The summer after Uvalde, most San Antonio-area school districts sent out more work orders than usual because safety partly depends on mechanisms and infrastructure. Like doors. There are about 29,000 doors at the 120 campuses of Northside ISD, the areas largest school district, with 101,000 students. Every door was checked and serviced, down to the frames and hardware, Superintendent Brian Woods told his board. The district had never done that before. Now it likely will become routine. Because safety also partly depends on human behavior, teachers were reminded to leave no door open out of convenience when going in or out of a building, said Northsides communications director, Barry Perez. Obviously, the tragedy in Uvalde put it at the forefront of everyones mind, he said. As the school year started, officials also checked about 8,500 cameras across the district, Northside ISD Police Chief Charlie Carnes said. I cant say that we are doing a whole lot of things differently, we are just doing a lot more of it, Carnes said. Exterior door checks, we are doing that multiple times a day. On ExpressNews.com: Fighting shortage, NEISD will pay police academy tuition to grads who join its force Officers are trying to make contact with parents, and the students, and administration, and being available and approachable, he said. Every door at the 90-plus SAISD campuses also was checked. A few had to be fixed at Carvajal, where campus staff have been ordered to make sure doors close behind them and carry their keys at all times, Saucedo said. Even students know not to open the doors to anyone, he said. Josie Norris, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer We can have the best plan. We can have the best processes. But if we dont teach it to our kids and model it for them, its going to fall apart, Saucedo said. He recalled how a student who saw him circling the building in the first week of school ran to open the door for him. Through the closed door, the principal had to tell the student not to. That prompted a discussion among campus leaders they had to get the message out, to make it part of the culture, so students and even parents get used to prioritizing safety, Saucedo said. Its important that if you see something, say something, he said. Dont worry if its nothing. Nine out of 10 times it will be nothing to worry about, but that 10th time, it might be. For years, area school districts have had tip lines and other ways to report safety issues. After Uvalde, many were updated. San Antonio ISD for example, uses an online portal, a phone application and a hotline that allows the community to make anonymous reports. Having a variety of methods has encouraged a larger response, said SAISD police Lt. Christina Houston. Tips come in for all sorts of things, from mental health concerns to families in need of food or resources. But after the Uvalde shooting, people became noticeably more active in reporting not only incidents they saw or experienced, but things that happened to others, such as bullying or strange behavior they might previously have brushed off. I think that a lot of times with police departments, people feel like if they are reporting something it has to be criminal, and its difficult to figure out. Where do you report the gut instinct or the intuition? Houston said. A lot of times thats the gray area that we get, and that helps us to at least address or identify areas that might have gone overlooked. Having access via an anonymous mobile app can also bridge the gap between students and district officials, as they might be more comfortable reporting something online than talking to an adult about it, she added. On ExpressNews.com: Scared and uncertain: Some Uvalde parents seek safety for their kids at smaller nearby school districts Before passing any information along to campus officials, identifiers within the message are deleted to ensure the anonymity of the person reporting, Houston said. Then the department follows up to make sure the issue was addressed. Josie Norris, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer Houston and Carnes said communication and tips seem to peak at the beginning of a school year, but this year they saw an increase through the summer after the Uvalde attack. We always say, If you see something, say something, and I would go take that a little further to say, If you see something, say something now, Carnes said. If you see an open door, or something going on around one of our schools its always best to let us know immediately. Knowing the drill Saucedo had a call for a lockout two days into the school year. Its not a full lockdown classes continue as normal but it does secure all exterior doors, keeps all students and staff inside and keeps all visitors out. This usually happens at the request of police as they respond to a nearby crime or incident. So far this school year, Harlandale, Northside and North East ISDs have experienced similar outside events. Districts refer to similar responses by different names. Northsides Timberwilde Elementary School underwent what the district calls a modified lockdown. NEISD officials changed their emergency response terminology recently, replacing lockout with secure status. Adjusting to the new terms takes time, Communications Director Aubrey Chancellor said, but parents understand the changes and know when an alert doesnt mean imminent danger to students. The district, with 59,000 students and 70 campuses, hasnt had a full lockdown for three years, she said, but a secure status response to an event happening outside the school is quite common. On ExpressNews.com: Security protocols and the need to follow them are the talk of North East ISDs first day of school A lockdown generally means a response to a threat or situation happening inside a school, when officials call for lights to be turned off and for everyone to stay out of sight. Most area districts said no such internal threats have occurred this year. Josie Norris, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer During lockdowns, parents often head straight to the campus involved, Chancellor said, something that NEISD tries to discourage. Their first instinct is to get where their child is, Chancellor said. We ask them not to do that because it can be dangerous for them and cause confusion with our own safety protocols. Most students in a lockout, modified lockdown or secure status dont even know that the perimeter of the building was secured. But districts notify parents via email or text message. This afternoon, our Harlandale Police Department received a call from the San Antonio Police Department regarding a pursuit of two individuals with possible handguns near Harlandale High School and Harlandale Middle School, a note sent to parents Aug. 18 stated. To ensure the safety of and security of our students and staff, we placed the campuses on lockdown until our local and district police departments resolved the issue. Harlandale ISD officials declined to comment on this event or the districts protocols and terminology. Drills for any scenario continue to be held throughout the school year. At Carvajal Elementary, the students had a full lockdown drill during the first few weeks of the semester, and Saucedo said he was pleased to see that everyone responded adequately. Even if he hopes his school never needs to use what it learned on these drills, Saucedo says having students prepared, and parents aware of the process, offers peace of mind. Of course, Im concerned about academics. But at the end of the day, my biggest concern is that every child that comes into our building goes home safe and sound, and every adult, Saucedo said. As a principal, I worry the minute I wake up, and I dont stop worrying until I fall asleep. Staff writer Elizabeth Sander contributed to this report. danya.perez@express-news.net | @DanyaPH Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw said he would resign if his troopers had any culpability in the flawed police response to the Uvalde school shooting in May. McCraw made the remark after being confronted by a CNN reporter in Brownsville, where he was attending a legislative hearing. The impromptu interview featured McCraws first extensive public remarks about the shooting at Robb Elementary School since June, when he testified for hours at a Texas Senate hearing in Austin and largely blamed local police for the botched response. After initially being driven back by gunfire from the shooter, police waited more than an hour to reengage, contrary to active-shooter training. Of the nearly 400 officers who responded, 91 were from the state police. A team of U.S. Border Patrol agents and local officers, which did not include any state troopers, ultimately entered the classroom containing the shooter and killed him. An investigation by the Texas Tribune and ProPublica found that McCraw and DPS have largely avoided scrutiny over their response to the shooting, in part because the agency has controlled which records get released and has shaped a narrative that casts local police as incompetent. Hours before the story published, and after declining to answer questions from the news organizations for three months, DPS announced it would formally investigate five troopers for their conduct during the shooting and said two of them were suspended without pay. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 2 1 of 2 Sam Owens, Staff Photographer / San Antonio Express-News Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Sara Diggins, MBR / Associated Press Show More Show Less Police tactics experts questioned why DPS did not take a lead role in the shooting response as it had during previous critical events, including the 1991 Lubys massacre in Killeen, 2013 fertilizer plant explosion in West and 2018 shooting at Santa Fe High School. They said state troopers missed opportunities to wrest control away from the Uvalde school district police chief, the incident commander, when it became clear he was not acting decisively. McCraw said during his Senate testimony he did not think it was feasible for troopers to have assumed command. The DPS leader told CNN that the agency is committed to holding itself accountable. McCraw also disputed the contents of minutes from a state police captains meeting in mid-August, published by KXAN-TV, which state that no one is going to lose their jobs for their conduct during the shooting. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Quite the contrary, all leaders in Region 3 did what they were supposed to do and have stepped up to meet the moment, the minutes quote McCraw as saying. McCraw told CNN his fired comment was solely about Region 3 director Victor Escalon. McCraw said he reviewed Escalons actions that day and determined them to be appropriate. For more than two months, however, DPS has declined to answer questions about how Escalon and McCraw responded to the shooting and communicated with each other on May 24. And Democratic state Sen. Roland Gutierrez, one of the most vocal critics of how the state police handled the Uvalde shooting, called on McCraw to step down. Just a few days ago, when the inspector general investigation of DPS Troopers was made public, families had a glimmer of hope that there would at least be some accountability, if delayed, Gutierrez said in a statement. Now, we find out that it may all be a sham. Planned and executed by Governor Greg Abbotts DPS Director Steve McCraw. It is time for Director McCraw to resign. The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. I purchased a home (in the 600 block of) Evans Avenue in 2001 and was told it was the original farmhouse in Alamo Heights before the city became a city. I have tried to look it up, but cannot find any information. Steven Goltzman Although there was land speculation and even some settlement going on during the late 19th century in whats now Alamo Heights, the current centennial celebration counts from the municipalitys incorporation on June 20, 1922. Similarly, the citys Golden (50th) Anniversary Celebration was held Oct. 14-21, 1972. But life in the luxe little burg didnt begin with the city charter. More from Paula Allen: Alamo Heights' 'Suicide Oak' has varied stories of its legend From the mid-1800s, there was farming or ranching in areas that are now part of Alamo Heights. The Sweet Homestead, completed in 1854 for Alderman James R. Sweet at whats now 4301 Broadway, has been said to have been the first permanent dwelling in the area. Surrounded by nearly 300 acres that included the headwaters of the San Antonio River, the property was sold in 1869 to successor water mogul George W. Brackenridge, who built a a high Victorian three-story wing that included a dining room with walls covered by tooled elephant hide, according to San Antonio Architecture: Traditions and Visions, edited by the San Antonio chapter of the American Institute of Architects or AIA. Brackenridges estate, much enlarged in acreage, was sold to a developer that turned it into a hotel. As the Argyle (now a private club at 934 Patterson Ave.), it was the center of growth in what became Alamo Heights, but progress was leisurely, despite a newly extended streetcar line. A couple of companies promoted land sales, but only a dozen homes were built in the early 1890s before the developers went bust. Between 1894 and 1906, all growth stalled, while lawsuits decided who would inherit the old Alamo Heights Land & Improvement Co., wrote historian T.R. Fehrenbach in the Alamo Heights Golden Anniversary booklet. More from Paula Allen: San Antonio builder brought womans touch to high-end homes in the late 1920s Residential building didnt take off until the development of the Montclair addition in 1907 and Madeleine Terrace in 1908. The newly formed Alamo Heights Sales Co., had found the right message to attract homebuyers: We have the trees, the hills and the streetcars. Your house, according to the Bexar County Appraisal District, was built in 1910, part of the College Hill neighborhood developed by Clifton George of the Alamo Heights Sales Co., an Oklahoman known as the man who never wore a hat, thanks to a head injury that rendered headgear uncomfortable. His advertising for Alamo Heights capitalized on the natural setting of the homesites (If you like trees, there they are) and the cooling elevation (Where the breezes blow), even hinting at trace amounts of gold in those heights. The subdivision name came from the expected presence of West Texas Military Academy (later Texas Military Institute or TMI), to which George had donated 10 acres of unsold, brushy bluff land for a move from its outgrown campus near Fort Sam Houston. College Boulevard was named in honor of the private Episcopal school, which educated boys through high school. At that time, the word college was more flexible, covering both higher and secondary education. In 1910, only 9 percent of Americans went past eighth grade, and only 3 percent went on to college, according to census figures, so both types of schools could convey prestige. More from Paula Allen: Lost town in what is now Alamo Heights probably never was a town, never had streets San Antonio already was home to St. Louis College, an ancestor of St. Marys University, for boys in grades 5-14, referring to two years of junior college. In the same early 1900s era, San Antonio Female College offered mistress (two-year) degrees to women. Its possible that the military academy was considering adding junior college levels at the time it moved from Government Hill to Alamo Heights. Extending the curriculum of military schools through the first two years of college was an early 20th-century trend. In Cadets on Campus: History of Military Schools in the United States, author John A. Coulter counts 11 military junior colleges by 1938, including Schreiner Institute (high school and junior college) in Kerrville and Texas Military College (primary through junior college) in Terrell. Or maybe developer George was just optimistic, since he promoted his subdivision and its embedded new school together, as the most beautiful place around San Antonio. Your house has a colorful historical association, but not with farming. It was the home of William H. Captain Billy Renahan (1848-1940), an Ohio native who moved into the house in 1917, after retiring from a railroad career. According to a profile in the San Antonio Light, May 22, 1939, he had done almost every interesting thing available to a young man of his time. Renahan said he had been a Union Army scout during the Civil War, a cowboy on the King Ranch, a freighter hauling goods through hostile lands, and a hunter of buffalo and antelope. Between tough but glamorous jobs, he lived with the Cherokees and hung out with outlaw Jesse James and saloonkeeper/jurist Roy Bean. More from Paula Allen: Davy Crockett never lived in Alamo Heights After working for 29 years as a railroad engineer, Renahan retired to your house. He wasnt the first owner, but when he moved in, the deer were still plentiful in that section. Sitting on the steps of his home, the 90-year-old man showed the Light reporter his 63-year-old Winchester and told him a story about one of his old comrades: We were sitting on a bed in Roy (Beans) back room, and I turned to him and said, Roy, I wonder where we would be now if we had our just dues? Bean, he said, raised up kind of slow and said, In Hell, I reckon. But Renahan wasnt so sure: Maybe I would and maybe I wouldnt, he told the reporter. Two years later, he died at home. The old frontiersmans funeral was held at St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church in Alamo Heights. historycolumn@yahoo.com | Twitter: @sahistorycolumn | Facebook: SanAntoniohistorycolumn An apparent gang fight in Uvalde this week spiraled out of control, leaving two youths with gunshot wounds and shattering the nerves of residents still struggling with the trauma of the May 24 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. The city of 16,000 people about 85 miles west of San Antonio has a history of gang violence. Mayor Donald McLaughlin Jr. said Thursday nights incident began as a brawl at Memorial Park until someone pulled a gun and shot two young males. One victim was transported to University Hospital and the other to Brooke Army Medical Center, both in San Antonio. Uvalde police said Friday that the victims are Bruce Brown, 18, and a 16-year-old juvenile whose name was withheld. Brown was in stable condition Friday, while the teenagers condition was critical. I can tell you it was two rival gangs that got into a fistfight. One gang was losing, the other gang pulled out a pistol and started shooting, McLaughlin said. Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez said three suspects are in custody over the incident: Karlyn Alexandrya Valdez, 22, and two juveniles, ages 16 and 17. A fourth suspect Brandon L. Alba, 18 was in a San Antonio hospital Friday for injuries he sustained during the fight. He didnt suffer a bullet wound. Each of the juveniles is charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and nine counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Valdez faces charges of engaging in organized criminal activity, aggravated assault and endangering a child. Alba will be charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and nine counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Rodriguez said some of those involved in Thursdays melee also are suspected of taking part in a shooting four weeks ago in the 100 block of North Wood in Uvalde. It looks to be a pattern, the police chief said. Invading La Uva Gang activity has been part of life in Uvalde for decades with some members referring to it as La Uva, or the grape, a play on the citys name according to law enforcement officers and prosecutors who have handled cases there. The city sits in a key spot for drug trafficking and human smuggling crimes that gangs often engage in. Uvalde is a relatively short drive, at least by Texas standards, from three border entry points: Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Laredo. Turf wars inevitably erupt. Uvalde has had a gang problem for years, said a federal officer who works undercover investigating gangs in South Texas, including Uvalde. They didnt just pop up there overnight. Most people who have been prosecuted for gang-related activity in the region have ties to prison-based gangs, such as the Texas Mexican Mafia and the Texas Syndicate. Others are linked to the Chicago-born Latin Kings or a newer group with San Antonio roots, the Tango Orejon gang. Most of those gangs enforce strict hierarchies, with lower-level street soldiers reporting to superiors. The Tangos, however, are loosely affiliated and have a less rigid top-down structure than the others, gang experts say. All of them recruit from street gangs to replace aging members who usually end up in prison. Some of the recruits get involved in illegal activity, such as immigrant smuggling, before they turn 18. Smugglers routinely post ads on social media platforms such as TikTok looking for drivers for immigrant loads. The advertisements often flash stacks of cash. Investigators say transnational human traffickers are usually involved in other crimes, too, including gun running and dope and bulk-cash smuggling crimes that can lead to drive-by shootings, home invasions and murders. When I prosecuted those kinds of cases, Uvalde had an active Mexican Mafia presence, said former state Judge Joey Contreras, who prosecuted gang and racketeering cases over a dozen years with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas, which includes Uvalde. All of these little towns like Hondo, Sabinal and Uvalde had members. During one investigation, agents learned that Mexican Mafia members in Uvalde reported to a lieutenant whose turf was San Antonios South Side. The gang divides San Antonio its headquarters into esquinas or quadrants, with lieutenants in charge of collecting a 10 percent street tax from drug dealers. Its members also shake down dealers in other towns. Uvalde doesnt have the numbers of drug dealers like here, Contreras said. In San Antonio, its a full-time job extorting drug dealers. Large-scale crackdowns over the last decade have snagged and imprisoned several Uvalde gang members who had connections to larger cities, namely San Antonio and Austin. News stories and court records show at least four major racketeering or gang violence prosecutions targeted the Mexican Mafia, the Texas Syndicate and the Latin Kings between 2012 and 2018. Some of the racketeering activity included murder. FBI crime-tracking data shows that after several crackdowns, Uvaldes crime rate fell 30 percent in 2015, compared with the year before; 11.6 percent in 2016; 17 percent in 2017 and 6 percent in 2018. Crime did decline after all (the crackdowns) were done, said Rodriguez, the police chief. But he added: Most recently, in the past year or two, weve started having issues with these kids more willing to pull the triggers on guns. Years ago, 17 gangs crowded into Uvalde, but the city now has five, local officials said. Even with fewer gangs, younger members, or wannabes, have stepped up in recent years. Some of these people involved with gangs now, their fathers have been in gangs, Rodriguez said. In the past, when I was on patrol, we used to deal with the older gang members, and now were dealing with their kids. Nothing happens to them Mayor McLaughlin said sometimes the offenders commit the same crimes repeatedly. And if they are juveniles, he added, nothing happens to them. Federal authorities in South Texas rarely, if ever, prosecute juvenile offenders. To do so, the feds have to go through an application process explaining to the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., why the case should be handled at the federal level, former prosecutors note. You cant prosecute them federally just because theyre a menace, said one former federal prosecutor, who asked for anonymity because of security concerns. For gang-related issues, Ive never seen (juveniles) prosecuted on the federal side. There has to be a lot of guns or a lot of dope or some kind of interstate nexus. In nearby Crystal City, Zavala County Sheriff Eusevio Salinas said recently that he and other sheriffs have seen an increase in juvenile smugglers coming to South Texas after being recruited on social media. He said local and federal prosecutors dont want to touch them, unless it could lead to catching ringleaders. We just hold them here (at the police station) and call the parents to come get them, Salinas said. District Attorney Christina Mitchell Busbee, whose 38th Judicial District includes Uvalde and Real counties, said Friday that her office leaves juvenile prosecutions to Uvalde County Attorney John Dodson. Late Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott said he dispatched more Texas Department of Public Safety officers to the area to deal with gang violence (that) has endangered the Uvalde community and innocent Texans. Rodriguez said the extra troopers, with expertise in identifying gang members, will help his officers saturate certain problem areas. We are going to try and put a stop to this, Rodriguez said. If you are a gang member or associating with any gang members, were going to come for you. guillermo.contreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @gmaninfedland It was the last day of August and Rochelle Garza, the Democratic candidate for attorney general who is running against Ken Paxton, was standing before a group of women at The Doseum. Annies List, a Texas political action committee, had gathered potential donors. They were mostly Mexican American women who support progressive candidates specifically those committed to restoring reproductive rights in a state thats changing, as one put it. Texas has been changing for a long time, too slowly for progressives, too much for those whove gerrymandered Texas to extremes and restricted access to voting. Texas is changing because Texans of color outnumber white Texans. Its not as simple as that, but thats at the core of the tension. Progressive candidates like Garza and Beto ORourke for governor, and Mike Collier for lieutenant governor have a shot at winning and pulling Texas out of a dystopian nightmare. Robin Jerstad, San Antonio Express-News Its a Texas that has attacked the rights of women and girls, transgender children, children in general and certainly the poor. Too many others, really. When it was time for the big pitch the reason Annies List had gathered the donors they had no trouble pointing their phones at the QR code in the program, raising $55,000 for women candidates who support abortion rights in Texas. Garza, whod become the first Latina state attorney general if elected, is in her first political race. Even so, the Brownsville attorney who won an important case in 2017 on behalf of a teen asylum-seeker and her right to an abortion while in detention is more than qualified to be the states top lawyer. On the most basic level, shes not Ken Paxton. Shes not involved in a securities fraud case and not being investigated by the FBI for abuse of office. She didnt file a lawsuit to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in four states President Joe Biden won, and the State Bar of Texas didnt file a professional misconduct suit against her. Two points separate us, she said, citing recent polls. I have outraised him by $200,000 in the last reporting period. This week she talked about what drives her. Its all about family, she said. Its a big one. She has about 27 first cousins on her fathers side, the rural side, the one that picked cotton and has lived in Brownsville for five generations or so. Her paternal great-grandmother, a partera, or midwife, had 13 children. It gets more interesting. My grandmother and her sister married my grandfather and his brother, she said. Each of them had more than 10 children. Its why her father used to say, Dont date anyone from the 511 area. Youre probably related to them, referencing a road in Brownsville. She laughed. Her paternal grandmother, Maria Garza, was a teen bride. I distinctly remember she told me, I was married at your age. Dont get married. Get your education. She was such a strong person, Rochelle Garza said. There are stories about her. She would have a baby and rest for a couple of days and be back at it, making food and working the fields. Garzas maternal grandmother was no different, though better off financially. She raised three children then went back to work, ultimately running Brownsvilles municipal credit union. She was a really smart person, Garza said. Her maternal grandfather, who boxed in the Army, was injured in Normandy during World War II. Garzas father was a lawyer, her mother a schoolteacher. She was the youngest of three and the only girl. Her oldest brother, Robby, suffered a brain injury at birth. He couldnt walk or talk or see. But he could hear us, and he knew we loved him. Robby died when she was in high school. He was 23. She paused for a long time before speaking again. Theirs was a Catholic home. Her parents made a pilgrimage to the Vatican. They crowd-surfed me to him, she said, referring to the pope-made-saint John Paul II. They went to church as a family. Her other brother is an attorney, too. Faith shaped everything about who she is and what she has done with her life, she said. Some will find that incongruous, a Catholic who believes in abortion rights. Its actually not so unusual. Some polls show many Catholics believe abortion should be legal and safe in the United States. Like many people of other faiths or no faith tradition, they may not want to undergo the procedure, but they dont want to make such decisions for others. Its one of the many riffs between the church and the people remaining in its pews. Its also one of the many riffs between the people and their courts, governments and elected leadership. None has passed laws or rulings controlling male bodies, but they have never had trouble legislating the bodies of women and girls. Its why I am running for office. Its why Im fighting so hard for my daughter. I recognize the moment we are in. Certain people women are not being treated as if we are people. Thats why its important to stand up in this moment and fight for that recognition. Were hurdling to a future in which women and girls will be criminally charged for having an abortion or miscarrying. Ive seen this for years, Garza said. Anyone involved in the reproductive rights movement knows what to expect in a post-Roe world, referring to the 1973 landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion and was overturned in June. People are going to die as a result. The erosion of rights always begins with the most vulnerable, Garza said of her case involving the asylum-seeker. But if it can happen to her, it can happen to anyone. Garza had a baby five months ago. Shortly after she found out she was pregnant, Texas effectively instituted a ban on abortions after six weeks. I mention it only because it was my first pregnancy. I didnt know how it would turn out. She didnt know if she might miscarry and need lifesaving care equivalent to an abortion. Her daughter was born right after the March primary and before she won the runoff election. She was back on the campaign trail a few weeks later. Garza has traveled a lot since the Annies List fundraiser in the Rio Grande Valley and to Laredo, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Dallas and Waxahachie. She made a stop in Austin with ORourke and Collier. Next week, shell be in El Paso and Dallas. Garza is doing this because she wants her daughter and your daughters to have more rights, not fewer. She may come the closest to unseating a Republican, and it will be done by a Latina from South Texas. eayala@express-news.net The European Commission has endorsed the Netherlands recovery and resilience plan, paving the way for the EU to disburse 4.7 billion in grants to the Netherlands under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The EU financing will support the implementation of investment and reform measures outlined in the Netherlands recovery and resilience plan. It (the plan) will play a crucial role in enabling the Netherlands to emerge stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Commission said on its website. The RRF is the key instrument at the heart of NextGenerationEU, which will provide up to 800 billion (in current prices) to support investments and reforms across the EU. The Netherlands plan forms part of an unprecedented, coordinated EU response to the COVID-19 crisis, to address common European challenges by embracing the green and digital transitions, to strengthen economic and social resilience and the cohesion of the Single Market. The European Commission has endorsed the Netherlands' recovery and resilience plan, paving the way for the EU to disburse 4.7 billion in grants to the Netherlands under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The EU financing will support the implementation of investment and reform measures outlined in the Netherlands' recovery and resilience plan. In its assessment, the Commission found that the Netherlands plan devotes 48 per cent of its total allocation on measures that support climate objectives. The Dutch plan includes investments that are expected to make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation and energy transition. The plan includes investments and reforms to speed up the deployment of renewable energy sources, investments in sustainable mobility and nature restoration. Several measures in this area also contribute to the REPowerEU objectives to rapidly reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and fast forward the green transition, as well as to the relevant 2022 country-specific recommendation on energy. These include investments in offshore wind and energy efficiency in housing, as well as a new Energy Law, which is expected to facilitate investments in the electricity grid and to allow consumers to sell self-produced renewable energy. Netherlands plan also devotes 26 per cent of its total allocation on measures that support the digital transition. This includes investments in quantum technology, artificial intelligence, digital education and digital government. The plan also covers information management reforms to create an open and transparent public administration. The plan puts forward a package of targeted reforms that aims at tackling shortcomings of the pension system and strengthening the labour market. This includes increasing social protection for the self-employed. Commenting on the Netherlands 4.7 billion recovery and resilience plan, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said: This plan will further strengthen the Dutch economy, making it greener, more digital, and more resilient. We have endorsed this plan because it is ambitious, far-sighted and will help build a better future for the Dutch people. It is also a strong contribution to our REPowerEU plan as it includes important projects to become less dependent on Russian fossil fuels. The European Council will now have, as a rule, four weeks to adopt the Commissions proposal. Following an approval by Council of the plan, the Commission will authorise disbursements to the Netherlands based on the satisfactory fulfilment of the milestones and targets outlined in the recovery and resilience plan, reflecting progress on the implementation of the investments and reforms. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS) The negotiations for the Indian-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are expected to gather pace with Liz Truss becoming the new Prime Minister of the UK. Under the Truss regime, both countries are likely to expedite the process to finalise the FTA by Diwali in October this year. The FTA may help Indian textile exporters to face stiff competition in the UK market. After the appointment of Truss as Prime Minister of the UK, Indian commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said that he hopes that the new UK PM will push the FTA to get finalised by Diwali. While serving as international trade secretary, Truss had stated a few months back, We are looking at a comprehensive trade agreement that covers everything, from financial services to legal services to digital and data, as well as goods and agriculture. We think there is a strong possibility for us to get an early agreement, where we lower tariffs on both sides and start to see more goods flowing between our two countries. The negotiations for the Indian-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are expected to gather pace with Liz Truss becoming the new Prime Minister of the UK. Under the Truss regime, both countries are likely to expedite the process to finalise the FTA by Diwali in October this year. The FTA may help Indian textile exporters to face stiff competition in the UK market. The UK-India Business Council (UKIBC) also expects an early completion of the trade deal under the Truss regime. Managing director Kevin McCole commented in a statement issued on 6 September, We at the UKIBC believe that the new UK Prime Minister will continue to champion the UK-India relationship, putting it at the centre of her approach to foreign affairs. In part, this is because of the hugely-successful diaspora community in the UK. It is also because our two countries economies are so complementary and getting even closer and stronger, particularly with FTA negotiations intensifying as we move towards the Diwali deadline for concluding the majority of talks, McCole said in a mail to Fibre2Fashion. He further stated, The signs are very positive, and it is our strong belief that the UK-India relationship will continue to benefit from the political will on both sides of the bilateral corridor. Indian textile exporters can benefit from the FTA as tariff and non-tariff barriers may be eased under the deal. Currently, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and some other countries get preferential treatment while exporting to the UK. Indian exporters feel that they are not getting equal treatment in the developed economies including the UK. It is expected that the FTA will provide Indian exporters with some exemptions enabling them to face stiff international competition. According to Fibre2Fashions market insight tool TexPro, India holds the fifth position among top apparel suppliers to the UK. During last year, India exported apparel worth $1.094 billion, comprising 5.24 per cent of the UKs total imports of $20.889 billion. China (21.57 per cent), Bangladesh (14.45 per cent), Turkiye ((8.23 per cent) and Italy (8.12 per cent) were the top four apparel suppliers to the UK. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) Raman Raghav 2.0 Raman Raghav 2.0 is an Anurag Kashyap film featuring an excellent Nawazuddin Siddiqui performance. It also featured Vicky Kaushal and Sobhita Dhulipala, playing her debut role. Unfolding in eight chapters, the narrative revolves around Ramanna (Siddiqui), a deranged serial killer who ends up developing a fixation for Raghavan (Kaushal), the officer investigating his case, the film is a neo-noir thriller that is reportedly inspired by the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav from the '60s. Its greatest feat is that it doesn't shy away from darkness. The violence unleashed on screen is an absolute gore-fest that remains consistent from start to finish. And strangely, Kashyap makes you momentarily root for the bad guy by digging deep into his psyche. Apart from delivering a stylised visual spectacle which is a treat to witness, the film also plays out a character study of its leading men. Raman Raghav 2.0 is the director's stunning and inventive offering to the serial killer genre. On Anurag Kashyap's birthday, we're listing down some essentials that every Hindi film fan needs to watch:Raman Raghav 2.0 is an Anurag Kashyap film featuring an excellent Nawazuddin Siddiqui performance. It also featured Vicky Kaushal and Sobhita Dhulipala, playing her debut role. Unfolding in eight chapters, the narrative revolves around Ramanna (Siddiqui), a deranged serial killer who ends up developing a fixation for Raghavan (Kaushal), the officer investigating his case, the film is a neo-noir thriller that is reportedly inspired by the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav from the '60s. Its greatest feat is that it doesn't shy away from darkness. The violence unleashed on screen is an absolute gore-fest that remains consistent from start to finish. And strangely, Kashyap makes you momentarily root for the bad guy by digging deep into his psyche. Apart from delivering a stylised visual spectacle which is a treat to witness, the film also plays out a character study of its leading men. Raman Raghav 2.0 is the director's stunning and inventive offering to the serial killer genre. Gangs of Wasseypur The Gangs of Wasseypur franchise - Anurag Kashyap's gangster saga is arguably the director's most successful series of films. Drawing inspiration from City of God (2002), the film takes us into the world of the coal mafia in Dhanbad where crime families clash in the most brutal manner. It takes on the ambitious task of telling a multi-generational story. Featuring a sprawling ensemble cast of actors who understood the assignment - Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Manoj Bajpayee, Huma Qureshi, Richa Dhadda and others, the film is filled with great performances. Moreover, the characters including Sardar Khan and Faizal Khan gained instant popularity. It wasn't long before the film's quotable dialogues and funny scenes were turned into memes that continue to be a part of pop culture to this date. The first two films in particular opened to great critical and fan acclaim. It wasn't long before the titles were hailed as stellar additions to the crime genre. The Gangs of Wasseypur franchise - Anurag Kashyap's gangster saga is arguably the director's most successful series of films. Drawing inspiration from City of God (2002), the film takes us into the world of the coal mafia in Dhanbad where crime families clash in the most brutal manner. It takes on the ambitious task of telling a multi-generational story. Featuring a sprawling ensemble cast of actors who understood the assignment - Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Manoj Bajpayee, Huma Qureshi, Richa Dhadda and others, the film is filled with great performances. Moreover, the characters including Sardar Khan and Faizal Khan gained instant popularity. It wasn't long before the film's quotable dialogues and funny scenes were turned into memes that continue to be a part of pop culture to this date. The first two films in particular opened to great critical and fan acclaim. It wasn't long before the titles were hailed as stellar additions to the crime genre. Dev.D Bollywood has explored alcoholism on screen before in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit, the romantic black comedy film drew from author Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1917 novel. With Dev.D, Anurag Kashyap gave the iconic text his own spin. In his modern-day take, set in Punjab and Delhi, the film's narrative is told in three parts dedicated to Paro, Dev and Chanda. It featured Abhay Deol, Mahie Gill and Kalki Koechlin in her debut role as Chanda. The characters in the film are flawed and Dev isn't the most likeable man. But you cannot help but invest in his story and a lot of the credit belongs to the hypnotic visuals. From memorable songs like Emotional Atyachaar and Pardesi composed by Amit Trivedi to the trippy scenes one simply can't look away from, the film lays out all the makings of an instant classic. Dev.D is a dizzying watch no doubt but worth the trip down Kashyap's crazy vision. Bollywood has explored alcoholism on screen before in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit, the romantic black comedy film drew from author Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1917 novel. With Dev.D, Anurag Kashyap gave the iconic text his own spin. In his modern-day take, set in Punjab and Delhi, the film's narrative is told in three parts dedicated to Paro, Dev and Chanda. It featured Abhay Deol, Mahie Gill and Kalki Koechlin in her debut role as Chanda. The characters in the film are flawed and Dev isn't the most likeable man. But you cannot help but invest in his story and a lot of the credit belongs to the hypnotic visuals. From memorable songs like Emotional Atyachaar and Pardesi composed by Amit Trivedi to the trippy scenes one simply can't look away from, the film lays out all the makings of an instant classic. Dev.D is a dizzying watch no doubt but worth the trip down Kashyap's crazy vision. Black Friday Anurag Kashyap might be inspired by films and literature but his filmography is grounded in realism. Another crime flick, Black Friday is a hauntingly close examination of a real-life tragedy - the bombing that took place in 1993 in Mumbai. The bombings had left thousands injured and many dead. The film, set almost a decade after it happened, chronicles the events that lead up to the blast and the investigation that followed. It features Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastava, Pavan Malhotra, Zakir Khan and more who are effortless in their roles. Throughout the film, Anurag Kashyap maintains the tension right from the first portrayal of the bombings to the film's climax. It is also commendable how he offers a nuanced look at the culprits of the bombings while being objective. The film was also cited as an inspiration by Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle. Impressive indeed! Gulaal In Gulaal, Dilip (played by Raj Singh Chaudhary), a young law student from the fictional Rajpur is attacked by a gang of goons. He then seeks revenge and gets drawn into politics. Set against the backdrop of student politics, the film tackles issues including ragging, caste conflicts and university clashes as Dilip navigates college life. The film has a powerful story with more than one interesting arc as each character is carefully fleshed out. Kay Kay Menon delivers yet another towering performance while Raj Singh Choudhary is perfectly cast as the protagonist. Their parts are elevated by the director's signature dark, brooding tone. The film is an impressive unconventional triumph. Ugly Ugly has a plot we have seen before - that of a missing child. The 2014 crime-thriller is written and directed by Anurag Kashyap. It stars Rahul Bhat, Ronit Roy, Surveen Chawla and others. It revolves around the events of a single week when a struggling actor's daughter goes missing. What ensues is a series of events that bring out the "ugly" side of the characters in the film. While it's centred on a brief time span, the film manages to keep one on the edge of the seat from start to finish with one mind-bending twist after another. Anurag Kashyap brilliantly dials up the tension around the missing child while keeping the characters in focus. Anurag Kashyap might be inspired by films and literature but his filmography is grounded in realism. Another crime flick, Black Friday is a hauntingly close examination of a real-life tragedy - the bombing that took place in 1993 in Mumbai. The bombings had left thousands injured and many dead. The film, set almost a decade after it happened, chronicles the events that lead up to the blast and the investigation that followed. It features Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastava, Pavan Malhotra, Zakir Khan and more who are effortless in their roles. Throughout the film, Anurag Kashyap maintains the tension right from the first portrayal of the bombings to the film's climax. It is also commendable how he offers a nuanced look at the culprits of the bombings while being objective. The film was also cited as an inspiration by Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle. Impressive indeed!In Gulaal, Dilip (played by Raj Singh Chaudhary), a young law student from the fictional Rajpur is attacked by a gang of goons. He then seeks revenge and gets drawn into politics. Set against the backdrop of student politics, the film tackles issues including ragging, caste conflicts and university clashes as Dilip navigates college life. The film has a powerful story with more than one interesting arc as each character is carefully fleshed out. Kay Kay Menon delivers yet another towering performance while Raj Singh Choudhary is perfectly cast as the protagonist. Their parts are elevated by the director's signature dark, brooding tone. The film is an impressive unconventional triumph.Ugly has a plot we have seen before - that of a missing child. The 2014 crime-thriller is written and directed by Anurag Kashyap. It stars Rahul Bhat, Ronit Roy, Surveen Chawla and others. It revolves around the events of a single week when a struggling actor's daughter goes missing. What ensues is a series of events that bring out the "ugly" side of the characters in the film. While it's centred on a brief time span, the film manages to keep one on the edge of the seat from start to finish with one mind-bending twist after another. Anurag Kashyap brilliantly dials up the tension around the missing child while keeping the characters in focus. Anurag Kashyaps fascinating filmography also contains titles like No Smoking, The Girl in Yellow Boots, Choked, Mukkabaz and the recent films AK vs AK and Dobaaraa. Each of his films represents the best of his influences paired with the reality of our times. Heres wishing the filmmaker a very happy birthday. The more we see from Anurag Kashyap's intriguing filmography, the more we realise that nobody is doing it like him. Kashyap has earned the title of the offbeat director who never shies away from the darkness of reality and he did it with one critically acclaimed flick at a time. He has also been aptly referred to as an auteur over the years by establishing a distinctive style of his own. With inspiration ranging from Tamil cinema to Italian and Korean movies, he has translated his extensive knowledge as a film nerd into fascinating pieces of cinema. When you're watching an Anurag Kashyap film, theres a high chance that you can easily tell it's an Anurag Kashyap film without reading the credits. They're markedly different from mainstream films in a good way. Over the years, he has experimented with films in his unique style and Hindi cinema is richer for it. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 9, 2022 / CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSXV:CTH.H) ("CoTec" or the "Company") announces that a total of 202,020 incentive stock options (the "Options") have been granted to a director and officer of the Company pursuant to the Company's 10% rolling stock option plan. The Options have an effective grant date of September 7, 2022 and are exercisable for a period of 10 years at a price of $0.46 per common share, with 1/3 of the Options vesting every 12 months, over a 3-year period. About CoTec CoTec is an ESG-focused company investing in innovative technologies that have the potential to fundamentally change the way metals and minerals can be extracted and processed. The Company is committed to supporting the transition to a lower carbon future for the extraction industry, a sector on the cusp of a green revolution as it embraces technology and innovation. CoTec is a publicly traded mining issuer listed on the Toronto Venture Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol CTH.V For further information, please contact: Braam Jonker - (604) 992-5600 Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement Statements in this press release regarding the Company and its investments which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to management's expectations with respect to its current and potential future investments, the value of such investments and the benefits to the Company which may be implied from such statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. For further details regarding risks and uncertainties facing the Company please refer to "Risk Factors" in the Company's filing statement dated April 6, 2022, a copy of which may be found under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.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 news release. SOURCE: CoTec Holdings Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/715450/CoTec-Announces-Stock-Option-Grant Woodbridge, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 9, 2022) - SevenPoint Interiors, Cannabis Design and Manufacturing Firm, will be participating in the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, which will take place on September 13 and 14 at The Palmer House in Chicago. Danielle Marzarella will be speaking at 9:30 ET on September 13th. Interested parties can register to attend here. Members of the SevenPoint Interiors management will also be taking meetings throughout the day. Take advantage of the opportunity and meet your favorite industry executives. "The biggest cannabis event is returning to the Midwest, bigger and better than ever. The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference will bring more the top movers and shakers in the cannabis industry together, concentrating 90% of the cannabis market cap in one place," said Chief Zinger Jason Raznick. "This conference will be the best place to raise money, create partnerships, and expand media visibility in a context of tough capital market conditions." To register and access please follow this link. About SevenPoint Interiors SevenPoint Interiors' is a premium retail design and manufacturing company specifically designated to the cannabis space - serving as a one-stop-resource by providing turnkey solutions to elevate the cannabis industry through retail design, for an enhanced shopping experience. Founded in 2017, as a division of Visual Elements Manufacturing - a leading retail design and manufacturing creative agency based in Toronto, Canada working on projects globally - SevenPoint Interiors is focused on enhancing the cannabis experience for patients and dispensary owners. With vertically integrated solutions, state-of-the-art commercial-grade equipment with manufacturing capabilities to execute custom fabrication and specialty finishes, the firm has strategically placed itself in a position to support multiple types of clients and retail projects inclusive to all budgets. About The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference The premier gathering of cannabis entrepreneurs and investors in North America is returning to Chicago. The next iteration of the famed Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference will gather industry insiders, investors and leading executives from around the world once again on September 13 and 14 in Chicago. Attendees can expect two full days of keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, networking, company presentations, celebrity appearances, and more. The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is guaranteed to offer participants all the benefits of an immersive and robust in-person conference from any remote location. The conference will feature an interactive forum of live and on-demand presentations from top CEOs, investors and leaders in the cannabis space. For further information: Holly Cottrell Business Development Associate & Cannabis Specialist (480) 231 0543 holly.cottrell@sevenpointinteriors.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 9, 2022) - Nevada Vanadium Mining Corp. ("Nevada Vanadium" or the "Company") announces that it has amended the exercise price of 3,032,500 warrants issued on May 20, 2022, from $0.50 per share to $0.18 per share. All other terms of the warrants remain in full force and effect. John Lee, Executive Chairman holds 482,500 of the outstanding warrants and as such, the amendment of the warrants to insiders is considered a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relies on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that amendment of the warrants to insiders does not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company's market capitalization. The Company will file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction in connection with the repricing of the warrants. To find out more about Nevada Vanadium, visit www.nevadavanadium.com NEVADA VANADIUM MINING CORP. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Ron Espell" CEO For more information about Nevada Vanadium, please contact Investor Relations: info@nevadavanadium.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities, are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the documents incorporated by reference herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In addition, although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events, or results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/136641 Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 9, 2022) - Dr. Greenthumb's International , one of California's most recognized cannabis brands, will be participating in the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, which will take place on September 13 and 14 at The Palmer House in Chicago. Edwin Fowler will be speaking at 12:30pm ET on September 14th. Interested parties can register to attend here. Members of the Dr. Greenthumb's International management will also be taking meetings throughout the day. Take advantage of the opportunity and meet your favorite industry executives. "The biggest cannabis event is returning to the Midwest, bigger and better than ever. The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference will bring more the top movers and shakers in the cannabis industry together, concentrating 90% of the cannabis market cap in one place," said Chief Zinger Jason Raznick. "This conference will be the best place to raise money, create partnerships, and expand media visibility in a context of tough capital market conditions." To register and access please follow this link. About Dr. Greenthumb's International Dr. Greenthumb's is a fully licensed dispensary and cannabis brand. World Famous Cypress Hill rapper, B Real, launched the first Dr. Greenthumb's dispensary in August 2018 in Sylmar, California. Evolving from what once was forbidden, to becoming an established brand, Dr. Greenthumb's is here to provide fans a glimpse into the world and culture of one of the biggest cannabis enthusiasts of all time. About The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference The premier gathering of cannabis entrepreneurs and investors in North America is returning to Chicago. The next iteration of the famed Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference will gather industry insiders, investors and leading executives from around the world once again on September 13 and 14 in Chicago. Attendees can expect two full days of keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, networking, company presentations, celebrity appearances, and more. The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is guaranteed to offer participants all the benefits of an immersive and robust in-person conference from any remote location. The conference will feature an interactive forum of live and on-demand presentations from top CEOs, investors and leaders in the cannabis space. For further information: Marylyn Simpson Publicist 314-482-3730 marylyn@kipmorrison.com LinkDaddy has announced a new update to its digital marketing service to help businesses increase their Google ranking. It uses authority backlinks to improve visibility for companies in any niche. Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2022) - By harnessing authoritative website placements, LinkDaddy has introduced a new strategy designed to help businesses build a stronger online presence. Combining DoFollow and NoFollow links, the service includes blogs, profiles, and redirects. For more information, please visit: https://www.linkdaddy.shop Domain Authority, Google Indexing & Marketing Service Launched By LinkDaddy To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/136493_98ab0f6fd4b178cf_001full.jpg The initial step of the process involves expert marketers creating a Gmail account and using this to register on multiple high domain authority platforms. Each account gets indexed, and then LinkDaddy begins the process of content creation. As part of the new service, keyword-rich content posted on niche-relevant topics uses links that target the client's website. Each blog or branded account highlights to Google that the client's site is reputable and worth visiting. As a result, LinkDaddy now allows business owners to improve their domain authority score and increase their chances of ranking at the top of their relevant Google search pages. Scores range from one to 100, and the higher the score, the greater the site's ranking power. The new service has been created to help businesses improve their brand awareness and establish credibility. LinkDaddy aims to provide small and medium-sized businesses with a reliable way of enhancing their online visibility. A variety of packages is available depending on client requirements. Additional details are provided at https://www.linkdaddy.shop/domain-power-booster With the latest update, the LinkDaddy continues its focus on results-backed marketing solutions. Other services available through the company include tier 1 backlinks, Google Maps ranking, mass page website backlinks, and links for business listings or Google stacks. Entrepreneurs can also arrange for YouTube-focused lead generation services. A spokesperson stated: "This is the gig you need to increase your domain authority or domain rating. When you have high-powered sites linking to your domain it helps Google understand that you are the authority in your niche. It is also a cost-effective way to increase the number of referring domains to your website which is an important ranking factor." More details are available at https://www.linkdaddy.shop/products/domain-power-booster Contact Info: Name: Tony Peacock Email: tony@linkdaddy.com Organization: LinkDaddy Address: 1065 SW 8th St PMB 622, Miami, Florida 33130, United States Website: https://linkdaddy.shop To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/136493 Stage one efficacy threshold achieved in dose expansion in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck Webinar to review data to be held Monday, September 12th at 10:30 a.m. ET, featuring Principal Investigator Glenn J. Hanna, M.D. Bicara Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing dual-action biologics designed to modulate the tumor microenvironment to elicit a potent and durable anti-tumor response, today presented new clinical data from the ongoing Phase 1/1b trial of BCA101, an EGFR TGF- bifunctional antibody, as a monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab. These data were presented in an oral presentation session at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2022, being held in Paris, France. "Seeing durable responses in our patients with head and neck cancer at this early stage of clinical development is very encouraging," said Glenn J. Hanna, M.D., Director of the Center for Salivary and Rare Head and Neck Cancers, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Principal Investigator for the Phase 1/1b clinical trial of BCA101. "BCA101, a first-in-class molecule, may represent a potential new option for our patients. We look forward to continuing enrollment in the dose expansion portion of the study." "The data presented today underline the significant progress we have made in the last few months to demonstrate the efficacy of BCA101," said Liviu Niculescu, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Bicara Therapeutics. "We are extremely encouraged by the durable responses we are seeing in heavily pre-treated patients, and by the responses we are seeing in combination with pembrolizumab in a front-line head and neck patient population, enabling us to achieve the first efficacy threshold in dose expansion." BCA101 Data Highlights: In the first-line recurrent/metastatic HNSCC dose expansion combination cohort, the four partial responses needed to open Stage 2 have been observed prior to completing Stage 1 enrollment. BCA101 is well tolerated and clinically active as a single agent and in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC) and squamous non-small cell lung cancer (SqNSCLC). In dose escalation, single-agent activity, including one durable partial response, was observed among late-line patients treated with BCA101. A disease control rate of 58% was observed in evaluable patients at doses above 1000 mg. In the combination dose escalation arm, a partial response was observed in four out of 13 (31%) evaluable patients (two each in SCAC and HNSCC) as well as a disease control rate of 69%. Patients had a median of four prior lines of therapy prior to entering the BCA101 study. All four patients with responses have been on study for more than eight months, including one HNSCC patient who was refractory to anti-PD-1 therapy and cetuximab. BCA101 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1/1b study as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab as a first-line therapy in patients with unresectable, recurrent or metastatic HNSCC and as second-line therapy in patients with advanced SCAC who have received prior chemotherapy. A third cohort of patients with advanced or incurable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who have received previous anti-PD-1 therapy will be treated with BCA101 as monotherapy. Bicara initiated the dose expansion arm of this study in February 2022. Webcast Details: Date and time: Monday, September 12, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. ET Monday, September 12, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. ET To register: Please visit the Online Experiences website to register for the live event. Following the live webcast, an archived replay will be available on the Bicara website. About BCA101 BCA101 is a first-in-class EGFR TGF--trap bifunctional antibody designed to enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses directly at the site of the tumor by binding to the well-validated EGFR antigen and disabling TGF-, a signaling molecule that plays a key role in suppressing the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Promising preclinical data suggest that BCA101 is superior to the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab in preventing tumor recurrence, as well as in restoring immune activation. An ongoing Phase 1/1b dose-escalation clinical trial of BCA101 is currently enrolling in front-line HNSCC and additional solid tumors. For more information, please visit study number NCT04429542 at www.clinicaltrials.gov. About Bicara Therapeutics Bicara Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class biologics engineered to bring together the precision of targeted therapy and the power of immunotherapy. The company's bifunctional antibodies are designed to deliver an immunomodulatory payload directly to the tumor microenvironment to ramp up immune cell activity, potentially offering long-lasting efficacy. Bicara's lead asset, BCA101, a first-in-class EGFR TGF--trap bifunctional antibody, is currently enrolling patients in a Phase 1/1b study. Bicara's experienced team brings deep expertise across immunology, oncology, clinical development, business development and operational strategy. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220910005005/en/ Contacts: Investors Sarah McCabe Stern Investor Relations, Inc. sarah.mccabe@sternir.com 212-362-1200 Media Chris Railey Ten Bridge Communications chris@tenbridgecommunications.com 617-834-0936 In an oral presentation at ESMO 2022, data from the GDFATHER-1 trial showed that treatment with visugromab and the anti-PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab resulted in excellent tolerability and significant anti-tumor activity. All patients in the study were heavily pre-treated, last-line, advanced-stage solid tumor patients, who were relapsed on or refractory to prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment 6 out of 18 patients treated with therapeutic dose levels three to five (DL3-5) demonstrated clinical benefit with three confirmed partial responses (PR, RECIST 1.1) and three longer-term disease stabilizations (SD), several of which are currently still ongoing and on treatment, some beyond 12 months of treatment. Overall, a 25% tumor regression rate was observed for the highest two dose levels Monotherapy proof-of-mechanism for visugromab was achieved with demonstration of tumor-selective influx of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells into the tumor microenvironment and an increase in proliferation and granzyme B expression in T cells in the tumor Potential predictive biomarkers were identified that may allow selection of optimal target population for visugromab treatment Neutralizing GDF-15 in last-line tumor patients that also have failed prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy may offer a new and promising treatment regimen for patients that have exhausted all other options CatalYm, today presented data from its first-in-human GDFather-1 trial (GDF-15-neutralizing antibody-mediated human effector cell relocation) at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2022 held in Paris, France. The clinical trial evaluated the GDF-15 neutralizing antibody visugromab (previously known as CTL-002), in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy nivolumab in advanced-stage solid tumor patients who had exhausted all previous lines of treatment and had relapsed on or were refractory to prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. The data presented during today's oral "Investigational Immunotherapy" session showed an excellent safety and tolerability profile as well as significant tumor regression at therapeutic doses and lasting response levels in a patient population with an otherwise poor prognosis. The presentation at ESMO by International Coordinating Investigator Prof. Dr. Ignacio Melero Bermejo, MD, Co-Director of Immunology and Immunotherapy (CIMA) at the Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona/Spain builds on the interim analyses announced in October and November of 2021. The current analysis reconfirms the excellent safety and tolerability profile with no dose-limiting toxicity observed and no grade 4 or 5 treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE). Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic data indicated complete neutralization of GDF-15 with no signs for formation of anti-drug antibodies that could affect efficacy or safety. Furthermore, triple tumor biopsy analyses revealed a tumor-selective increase in CD8+ and CD4+ T cell infiltration following visugromab monotherapy treatment in the majority of patients investigated which continued under the addition of nivolumab. In addition, the majority of patients analyzed showed an increase in T cell proliferation and Granzyme B expression in the tumor microenvironment with both monotherapy and combination, reflective of the induction of an adaptive immune response. "These mature Phase 1 trial data clearly demonstrate the significant clinical potential of visugromab in a highly refractory solid tumor patient population. Neutralizing GDF-15 in last-line tumor patients that also have failed prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy may offer a new and promising treatment regimen for patients that have exhausted all other options," said Prof. Dr. Eugen Leo, Chief Medical Officer at CatalYm. "The outcome of the pharmacodynamic and biomarker analyses is very promising as it not only provides a robust proof-of-mechanism for visugromab at this early stage of development, but also identified valuable biomarkers of interest that can support future responder-patient selection strategies." Dr. Phil L'Huillier, Chief Executive Officer at CatalYm added: "Today's results demonstrate the progress we have made in executing on our goal of providing novel treatment options by targeting GDF-15 to overcome the immunosuppression challenges seen in GDF-15 expressing tumors. I am grateful to the patients and clinicians participating in the trial and my colleagues at CatalYm, who enabled the delivery of our clinical phase 1 development program in solid tumor indications ahead of time. Following these excellent results that demonstrated active drug properties, we launched a broad multi-arm Phase 2 development program (GDFATHER-2) in early 2022 and anticipate sharing additional updates in the near future." At data cut-off, 6 out of 18 patients on dose levels three to five (DL3-5) in combination with nivolumab experienced significant clinical benefit with overall tumor regression rates of 22% (for DL3-5) and 25% (for DL4-5) and several partial remission and long-term stable disease. Three out of the six patients (one with cancer of unknown primary origin, one with mesothelioma, one with hepatocellular cancer) achieved a confirmed partial response (PR): one continuing currently up to and beyond 12 months of treatment, together with a long-term stable disease patient. These data demonstrate an encouraging clinical benefit at higher dose levels in this highly refractory, last-line patient population. The PRs occurred in patients that were in fourth, fifth and seventh line of treatment. In addition, potential predictive biomarkers were identified that may allow selection of optimal target population for visugromab treatment. When applying these biomarkers retrospectively (present in roughly 1/3 of all last-line patients investigated), a PR rate of up to 50% and a Clinical Benefit Rate 65% would have been achieved. A confirmatory clinical exploration of these findings is in preparation. Based on the promising results the company has already initiated the Phase 2 GDFATHER-2 study earlier this year. The on-going study includes different cohorts, representing several main tumor types of interest to further evaluate clinical efficacy as well as safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics including broad biomarker evaluations. The phase 2 program will enroll up to 162 patients at clinical trial sites in Spain, Switzerland and Germany. Early data readouts are expected to become available mid next year. ENDS About CatalYm CatalYm has identified GDF-15 as a central regulator of the immune system in the tumor microenvironment. We are pioneering the reversal of GDF-15-mediated immunosuppression to induce a potent antitumoral immune reaction in non-responsive tumors. CatalYm's lead program CTL-002 is poised to demonstrate clinical proof-of-concept in multiple solid tumor indications which will expand the treatment horizon for current and future immunotherapies. About the GDFATHER-1 and -2 Trials The GDFATHER-1 trial (GDF-15 Antibody-mediaTed Human Effector cell Relocation phase 1/2) (NCT04725474) is the first-in-human trial of visugromab and did investigate the effect of CTL-002/visugromab as monotherapy and/or in combination with a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor in patients with advanced-stage, relapse/refractory solid tumors, that also had been relapsed/refractory to prior anti-PD1/PD-L1 treatment. The trial conducted a dose escalation with 25 patients receiving escalating doses of visugromab in a "3+3" manner with the lead candidate given as a monotherapy for two weeks and then followed by combination with an anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor that continued until progression. The recently initiated GDFATHER-2 program consists of several phase 2 cohorts in distinct tumor indications of interest and a soon to start biomarker-defined additional cohort in mixed solid tumors, enrolling up to 162 patients in Simon-2-stage designs to confirm a certain response rate within each tumor type. Additional trials and cohorts will be added in late 2022 and first half of 2023. About Visugromab (CTL-002) Visugromab, formerly known as CTL-002, is a humanized, monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize the tumor-produced Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15). GDF-15 secretion by the tumor has been shown to prevent T cell migration into the tumor and suppresses T cell function and the adaptive immune response in the tumor microenvironment. This enables the tumor to evade the immune system and become resistant to standard of care and current immunotherapy approaches such as checkpoint inhibitors. Visugromab counteracts these immuno-suppressive mechanisms by neutralizing GDF-15, enhancing the infiltration of immune cells into the tumor, improving both priming of T cells by dendritic cells and tumor killing by T cells and NK cells. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220910005008/en/ Contacts: CatalYm GmbH Dr. Phil L'Huilier, CEO info@catalym.com Media Inquiries Trophic Communications Dr. Stephanie May Phone: +49 171 185 56 82 catalym@trophic.eu HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Sept. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- METAIN, a real estate co-investment platform empowered by blockchain technology, is expanding its decentralized financial presence with the public launch on September 9th. METAIN solutions resolve inherited problems of traditional real estate investment through following REIT regulations and utilizing blockchain technology, to offer opportunities to invest $10 in real-world high quality assets and earn a 15-25% annual yield interest. METAIN REIT NFT is among the most secured asset-backed NFTs, which become a reliable high-yield shelter for investors in a high risk crypto world. With partnerships with Avalanche, Deloitte, CBRE, DN Legal, Morgan Lewis, Hong Kong Blockchain Association, Quid Global Bank, and more than 50+ communities, METAIN has a solid launchpad to grow its ecosystem on a global scale. Blockchain and non-fungible tokens are being applied to an increasing number of new commercial use cases. It is an innovative new technology that holds great potential and can unleash the value of many physical assets. The next wave of blockchain technology will witness the integration of blockchains with real-world assets, which definitely has a significant impact on the real estate business. Advisors and Board of Directors of METAIN Properties investment delivers substantial, constant value growth, but it is not an option for everyone due to location-based opportunities limitation, capital intensity, significant potential for fraud, liquidity challenges, and issues protecting legal ownership when co-investing. Crypto assets investment is the new revenue stream yet it is highly volatile, since the majority of investment asset portfolios are virtual and have no real-world value. By combining the REIT framework with NFT and blockchain technologies, METAIN delivers a novel way to successfully address these issues. METAIN is a co-investment platform following REIT regulations on the blockchain, with the mission to bring real estate investment opportunities from high yield interest markets to global investors by virtue of immutable blockchain technologies. METAIN's REIT NFT is one of the First Asset-backed NFTs, pegged to real-world real estate properties, and representing the rights of unit holders in the investment. As the properties increase in value from the market's upward trend income is simultaneously generated from leases, renting tenants and consistent due diligence of the asset management team handling the trust fund. METAIN's first REIT (a.k.a. Vietnam Opportunities Trust 1, VOT1), with a asset valued at $1.97 million, is opened in unison with the DApp launching September 9 2022. Mr. Duc Tran - Managing Partner of IDG Capital Vietnam & Mr. Nhan Tran - CEO of Metain Vision of METAIN is to be the 1st REIT NFT EXCHANGE and ECOSYSTEM in Southeast Asia. while possessing the largest real estate portfolio on blockchain. All to make the opportunities accessible, transparent and secured for any and every investor that joins METAIN The current valuation of METAIN's equity seed round by IDG Capital Vietnam is $12 million pre-money. A crucial part of IDG Capital whose portfolio includes KuCoin, Coinbase, and Ripple (XRP). IDG has already committed $1.8 million in METAIN. Metain and Strategic Partners signing MOU By establishing partnerships with Avalanche, Deloitte, CBRE, DN Legal, Morgan Lewis, Ephelia and Quid Global Bank, METAIN's public launch on September 9, 2022 marked its most recent efforts to provide the most secure experience for investors and make real estate investment more accessible to global retail investors. These global and dependable partners will be operated as a part of METAIN's business model in order to adhere to REIT structure, assuring that investors will always be able to receive their money back, even in the worst of situations, with a capital gain proportional to the market price. The action not only paves the way for bridging crypto investors and traditional investors to participate in METAIN on a worldwide scale, but it also demonstrates METAIN's commitment to expanding the project and its roadmap and product development. "Traditional real estate Investment is inherently an attractive investment market but exclusively for the rich club, with high entry barriers of capital, high potential fraud. Thus, with METAIN, we want to bring an equal, cross-border, affordable, transparent and safe investment opportunities to everyone," said by Mr. Nhan Tran, Co-Founder and CEO of METAIN. "Democratize real estate investment" was the first thing I heard from the Metain team that made me like them. They work well together as a unit, have been friends for almost a decade, and have all achieved individual success. They're on a mission to do good for the society, and I'm honored to contribute to that effort," said by Mr. Duc Tran, Managing Partner of IDG Ventures Vietnam. https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9c1b9226-e4d1-4337-9cf5-803aad768df2 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cc7fa973-fe3a-4fdf-a661-2993bcfccd75 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c47230d0-9744-435b-ba30-0194011af10c BEIJING, Sept. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated by millions of people on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, the day falls on September 10. The Mid-autumn festival is not just about family reunions. It's also about the joy of harvesting, romance and the harmony between humans and nature. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a synthesis of seasonal customs in autumn, and most of the festival elements it contains have ancient origins. An essential part of the festival celebration is moon worship. In ancient agrarian societies, people believed that the moon's operation was closely related to agricultural production and seasonal changes, so the Moon Festival became a critical ritual activity. Since ancient times, there have been many legends about the moon in China. For the Chinese, the moon is symbolized as being holy, pure and noble. Over tens of thousands of poems describing the moon have been recorded. There are many interesting stories explaining the origin of the festival. The story of Chang'e and Hou Yi is the most widely accepted by Chinese people. Long ago there was a beautiful lady, Chang'e, whose husband was a brave archer, Hou Yi. But one day she drank a bottle of elixir that made her immortal to honor her husband's instructions to keep it safe. Then she was separated from her beloved husband, floating up into the sky, and finally landing on the moon, where she lives to this day. In modern times the festival has evolved to the point where eating mooncakes has become a custom throughout China. Folk customs feature a series of festive activities such as moon viewing with families, guessing lantern riddles, carrying brightly lit lanterns, performing dragon and lion dances and more. CMG's Mid-Autumn Festival Gala Presented by China Media Group (CMG), the annual gala, also known as Qiuwan in Chinese, began at 8 p.m. Beijing Time on September 10 and lasted over two hours, presenting a creative and excellent extravaganza to audiences from all over the world. The gala was divided into three chapters, started with Kunqu Opera and Pingtan (a regional musical/oral performance art). It presented a unique "Suzhou-style Mid-Autumn Festival" show with the cultural characteristics of waterfront towns south of the Yangtze River. The gala featured an all-star cast. In Jiyang Lake Park at Zhangjiagang of Jiangsu Province, the main venue, Chinese stars including Li Yugang, Huang Ling and Na Ying staged various styles of songs. Among the many moon-themed songs were new renditions of traditional Chinese poetry of the great poets of the past. Shenzhou-14 taikonauts Chen Dong, Liu Yang and Cai Xuzhe spent the first ever "Mid-Autumn Festival in Space" on China's space station. The three taikonauts recorded an exclusive video for the gala, sending their Mid-Autumn wishes and a "lucky star" to the Chinese people worldwide. As an annual event that unites Chinese people worldwide, CMG's Mid-Autumn Festival Gala has attracted widespread attention from domestic and international media since its official announcement. Over the Moon - CGTN's Mid-Autumn Festival Live Show On the day of the festival, CGTN also brought the "Over the Moon - Mid Autumn Festival Live Show" to global audiences to showcase the vigor and charm of traditional Chinese culture from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Live Show strung together a series of featured programs including The Chat Room, VIBE's Mid-Autumn special edition, Mid-Autumn Night in Dunhuang, and CMG's Mid-Autumn Festival gala. For thousands of years, the full moon and the reunion have been the consistent themes of the Mid-Autumn Festival, along with sipping tea, reciting poems, talking about different traditions in various countries, enjoy the "moon" and even interacting with "the jade rabbit" in the XR virtual scene and travel through ancient and modern times to celebrate the festival; the six-hour-long live show featured some of the best Mid-Autumn Festival programs and videos produced by CGTN and advanced audiovisual technology. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-09-10/2022-Mid-Autumn-Festival-Gala-A-family-feast-for-Chinese-worldwide-1ddwAiyY0sU/index.html Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0heyitXKEA Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2022) - MOLTEN METALS CORP. (CSE: MOLT) (the "Company"), advises that it has granted 1,300,000 stock options to purchase up to 1,300,000 common shares of the Company to four directors, two officers and seven consultants of the Company. All of the 1,300,000 options vest immediately and are exercisable for a period of 3 (three) years from the date of grant at a price of $0.20 per common share. This exercise price represents a 30% premium to the 20-day VWAP (Variable Weighted Average Price) of the shares of Molten Metals as traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) as at the close on September 8, 2022, calculated as $0.154. About Molten Metals Corp Molten Metals Corp. is a mining company exploring for and developing antimony projects. Antimony is a critical element with many industrial applications. For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or contact the Company by email at brooklyn@moltenmetalscorp.com or by telephone at 778.918.2261. For Additional Information Please Contact Christopher Ecclestone Chief Executive Officer Molten Metals Corp. Email: cecclestone@moltenmetalscorp.com Brooklyn Reed Corporate Secretary Molten Metals Corp. 778.918.2261 Email: brooklyn@moltenmetalscorp.com Forward-Looking Information Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this press release include Molten Metals's plans to continue aggressive exploration at Unga in 2021 and its goal of defining a resource in excess of one million ounces, its plan to continue infill drilling to expand to depth where the system remains open, and its belief that the SH-1 prospect has considerable potential for expansion. Although Molten Metals believes that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not a guarantee of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, weather, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/136634 On August 10, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with the visiting Nepali Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka in Qingdao, Shandong Province. Wang Yi said, China and Nepal, linked by mountains and rivers, have enjoyed ever-lasting friendship. No matter how the international and regional situations changed, China and Nepal have always firmly supported each other on issues involving core interests and always stood shoulder to shoulder in the face of tests and challenges. It's China's consistent proposition that all countries, big or small, rich or poor, strong or weak, are equal. China will continue to firmly support Nepal's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, explore a development path in line with its national conditions, improve Nepali people's lives, and revitalize the nation. China is ready to work with Nepal to implement the fruitful results of President Xi Jinping's historic visit to Nepal, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, carry forward the ever-lasting friendship, and open up new prospects for the development of bilateral relations. Khadka said that Nepal and China enjoy time-honored friendship and are true tested friends. The two sides have always treated each other as equals and respected each other, setting a good example of friendship, mutual benefit and win-win results between large and small countries. Nepal admires China's development achievements that captured the attention of the world, and thanks China for supporting Nepal in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and helping Nepal speed up post-earthquake reconstruction and post-pandemic recovery. Nepal is ready to work with China to follow through on the outcomes of President Xi Jinping's historic visit to Nepal, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and constantly push for new progress in the Nepal-China strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship. Khadka reiterated that Nepal firmly pursues the one-China principle and will never allow any activities that use Nepal's territory to oppose China and undermine China's interests. Nepal will unswervingly honor this commitment. Nepal supports China's legitimate position on Xizang, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and other internal affairs. Nepal always maintains that the UN Charter should be upheld and no country has the right to impose its own will on others. Nepal adheres to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, especially the basic norms such as respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, and will continue to stand firm together with China to safeguard and act on multilateralism. Nepal endorses the visions of the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and is trying to find a way to participate in and seek synergy with the two initiatives. Wang Yi said, China appreciates that successive governments of Nepal adhere to the one-China principle and honoring their commitment not to allow any forces to use Nepal's territory for anti-China activities. He appreciates Foreign Minister Khadka's reaffirmation of this policy. Facing the current turbulent situation in the world, China and Nepal, as developing countries and friendly neighbors, should all the more support each other, jointly safeguard the United Nations role as the core, and safeguard non-interference in internal affairs, which is a "golden rule" of international relations. The two sides conducted in-depth communication on bilateral relations and practical cooperation, and reached a broad common ground. The two sides will maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen party-to-party exchanges, and deepen exchanges of experience and mutual learning on party governance and state administration. The two sides will negotiate and conclude an implementation plan for Belt and Road cooperation as soon as possible, and will convene a meeting of the Joint Commission on Economy and Trade and a meeting of the Working Group on Facilitating Trade within this year. China welcomes Nepal's efforts to export more tea, medical herbs and farm and pasture products to China, and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Nepal, so as to help the country develop manufacturing and modern agriculture and enhance its capacity for self-driven development. The two sides will speed up the Kathmandu Ring Road Improvement Project (Phase II) at a faster pace and advance electric power interconnection projects. The two sides will strengthen the Electric Power Cooperation Plan and build the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network. The two sides will continue to deepen cooperation on disaster prevention and mitigation. Khadka thanked China for lending a helping hand at the critical moment when Nepal fell short of fuel aftermath the earthquake. Wang Yi said that China will provide Nepal with disaster prevention and medical supplies through China-South Asia Emergency Supplies Reserve. The two sides will strengthen cooperation on pandemic response and medical care, promote the construction and operation of the China-Nepal Chinese Medicine Center, and support enterprises of the two countries in carrying out cooperation in planting Chinese medical herbs. China will provide blood cancer treatment equipment and technology for public hospitals in Nepal and continue to offer vaccine assistance. The two sides will strengthen cooperation on justice, combating cross-border cybercrimes, border management, joint prevention and control, and ports, among others. The two sides will deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and increase direct flights to facilitate personnel exchanges. China welcomes Nepali students to return to China to continue their studies. Wang Yi announced that China will use aid funds for Nepal to support the feasibility study of the China-Nepal cross-border railway, and will send experts to Nepal to conduct the survey work within this year. Noting that the zero-tariff treatment granted by China to 98 percent of Nepali products will come into effect on September 1, Wang Yi said that China supports Nepal in making good use of this policy dividend to expand its export to China. 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. PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 09, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chalice Brands Ltd. (CSE: CHAL) (OTCQB: CHALF) (the Company or Chalice Brands), a premier consumer-driven cannabis company specializing in retail, production, processing, wholesale, and distribution, announced today that it has terminated its previously announced definitive agreements and services agreements (the Agreements) dated April 20, 2022, with Miracle Greens, Inc (Miracle Greens) and Totem Farms, LLC (Totem Farms). The Company terminated the Agreements pursuant to its rights under the Agreements and no termination fees or other consideration are payable in connection with such terminations. Chalice Brands will continue to execute on its business objectives to drive long-term performance and explore strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value. We remain focused on strengthening our core business and will aggressively pursue margin improvements to optimize the operational efficiency of the Company. About Chalice Brands Ltd. Chalice Brands is a premier consumer-driven cannabis company specializing in production, processing, wholesale, distribution and retail, with 16 owned dispensaries in and around Portland, Oregon. The Company is committed to developing a dynamic portfolio built around the recognized brands of Chalice Brands, including Chalice Farms, Left Coast Connection, Homegrown Oregon and Cannabliss & Co., with a focus on health and wellness. Visit investors.chalicebrandsltd.com/ for regular updates. Investor Relations: John Varghese Executive Chairman Chalice Brands Ltd 971-371-2685 ir@chalicebrandsltd.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Companys future business operations, the opinions or beliefs of management and future business goals. Generally, forward looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks include but are not limited to general business, economic and competitive uncertainties, regulatory risks, market risks, risks inherent in manufacturing and retail operations such as unforeseen costs and production shutdowns, difficulties in maintaining brand loyalty, and other risks of the cannabis industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is provided herein for the purpose of presenting information about managements current expectations relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purpose. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration or an exemption from registration. Houston, Texas, Sept. 09, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Center of Science and Industry (COSI), the #1 Science Museum in the Country as voted by USA Todays 10Best, in collaboration with the White Houses National Space Councils priority to promote career awareness of space opportunities are delivering hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) kits, called Learning Lunchboxes and the Your Place in Space board game, to inspire youth and families around space and jobs. The collaboration with the National Space Council was announced today by Vice President Kamala Harris in Houston, Texas and at a visit from the President of the United States, Joe Biden in Columbus, Ohio. The Your Place in Space board game is a resource that highlights the importance of space exploration, space career pathways, such as food science, satellites and more across federal agencies. The kit highlights the twelve federal agencies of the National Space Council and their associated careers within the space industry. Learning Lunchboxes are fun and interactive kits providing five, hands-on activities that engage participants to do science while showcasing the diversity in STEM careers. The Your Place in Space board game will be inside each Learning Lunchbox kit, further inspiring the users around careers in space. As part of the launch, COSI is distributing over 1,500 National Space Council-themed kits and the Your Place in Space board games throughout the city of Houston. COSIs mission is to engage, inspire and transform lives and communities. As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of JFKs inspirational speech to deliver us to the moon, we can inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers as we head back to space with the Artemis program sending the first woman and person of color to the moon, said Dr. Frederic Bertley, president and CEO of COSI. We are grateful for this partnership and the leadership of Vice President Kamala Harris, the National Space Council and the White House to help create the Your Place in Space board game, sure to inspire countless minds around space careers, and deliver this latest kit of inspiration directly to youth and families through this innovative collaboration. COSI has traditionally distributed kits at local food banks across the U.S. and around the world to help feed hungry lives and feed hungry minds. This innovative, community-based model brings together other informal and formal education leaders to highlight the importance of STEM and to help bridge the education gap. COSI has distributed Learning Lunchbox kits throughout the U.S. and internationally. COSI recently partnered with NASA to distribute over 30,000 kits across the U.S., and the U.S. State Department to showcase STEM innovation through the Learning Lunchboxes at the World Fair in Dubai. COSI has also distributed these kits in England, France, Barbados and other countries. For more information, please visit COSI.org/connect. # # # Media Link Only: To download high quality images of the event, please click here. Credit all assets, Courtesy of COSI. About COSI COSI, the #1 Science Museum in the Country as voted by USA Todays 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio, with all things science for 58 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) topics and delivering our experiential, "hands-on fun" brand of learning. COSI has been awarded five EMMY awards for its effective science communication television and video productions impacting science literacy for people of all ages. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our regional and national community, engaging millions of people annually through onsite, offsite and online experiences. Attachments Pune, Sept. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Community Platforms Market (2022-2028) research report offers an in-depth analysis of market size, share, drivers, restraints, and so on. Moreover, this report includes the approximate study of different segments in terms of overall growth, development, opportunity, business strategies, procedures, etc. for the forecast period of 2028. The report contains the fundamentals produced and advancements by different applications Share and The latest trend gaining momentum in the market that increases awareness about the Community Platforms market. The report supplies a comprehensive analysis of business aspects like global Community Platforms market size, recent technological advances, and inventions. The research report consists of an introduction of the market, key players, opportunities, restraints, product and type classification, and overall market analysis. Get a Sample PDF of the report - https://www.industryresearch.biz/enquiry/request-sample/20323026 Moreover, the research report gives detailed data about the major factors influencing the growth of the Community Platforms market at the national and local level forecast of the market size, in terms of value, market share by region, and segment, regional market positions, segment and country opportunities for growth, Key company profiles, SWOT, product portfolio and growth strategies. Covid-19 Impact On Community Platforms Industry: The Covid-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the Community Platforms Market. With the industries. Major companies have suspended their operations in different locations due to the lockdown and social distancing norms. Post-pandemic, the industry expects a lot of requirements and demand owing to the rapid urbanization and growing need for wise use of area present. COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Global Market Conditions and Competitors: - In this report, analysts compile existing research on COVID-19, share key insights, and help the reader to spot new market opportunities related to the pandemic. Topics include product development pipelines, diagnostic testing approaches, vaccine development programs, regulatory approvals, and much more. Get a Sample Copy of the Community Platforms Market Research Report 2022 This report gives a detailed description of all the factors influencing the growth of these market players as well as profiles of their companies, their product portfolios, marketing strategies, technology integrations, and more information about these market players. Some of the key players are as follows: The Major Key Players Listed in Community Platforms Market Report are: Answerbase Axero Solutions Centercode Discourse DNN Software Enterprise Hive Ginger Higher Igloo Software Influitive inSided Intranet Connections Khoros Lithium(Jive-x) Magentrix Corporation Midwest Tape Muut Mzinga OnSemble Salesforce Small World Labs Telligent Systems Tribe Vanilla West Corporation Global Community Platforms Market: Drivers and Restraints The research report has incorporated the analysis of different factors that augment the markets growth. It constitutes trends, restraints, and drivers that transform the market in either a positive or negative manner. This section also provides the scope of different segments and applications that can potentially influence the market in the future. The detailed information is based on current trends and historic milestones. This section also provides an analysis of the volume of production in the global market and of each type. A thorough evaluation of the restraints included in the report portrays the contrast to drivers and gives room for strategic planning. Factors that overshadow the market growth are pivotal as they can be understood to devise different bends for getting hold of the lucrative opportunities that are present in the ever-growing market. Additionally, insights into market experts opinions have been taken to understand the market better. Inquire more and share questions if any before the purchase on this report at - https://www.industryresearch.biz/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/20323026 On the whole, the report proves to be an effective tool that players can use to gain a competitive edge over their competitors and ensure lasting success in the global Community Platforms market. All of the findings, data, and information provided in the report are validated and revalidated with the help of trustworthy sources. The analysts who authored the report took a unique and industry-best research and analysis approach for an in-depth study of the global Community Platforms market. Global Community Platforms Market: Segment Analysis The research report includes specific segments by region (country), company, Type, and Application. This study provides information about the sales and revenue during the historic and forecasted period. Understanding the segments helps in identifying the importance of different factors that aid the market growth. By Type: On-Premise Cloud-Based SaaS By Application: SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) Large Enterprise Geographic Segment Covered in the Report: The Community Platforms report provides information about the market area, which is further subdivided into sub-regions and countries/regions. In addition to the market share in each country and sub-region, this chapter of this report also contains information on profit opportunities. This chapter of the report mentions the market share and growth rate of each region, country and sub-region during the estimated period. North America Europe Asia-Pacific South America Middle East and Africa Key questions answered in the report: What is the growth potential of the Community Platforms market? Which product segment will take the lions share? Which regional market will emerge as a pioneer in the years to come? Which application segment will experience strong growth? What growth opportunities might arise in the Community Platforms industry in the years to come? What are the most significant challenges that the Community Platforms market could face in the future? Who are the leading companies in the Community Platforms market? What are the main trends that are positively impacting the growth of the market? What growth strategies are the players considering to stay in the Community Platforms market? Purchase this report (Price 4900 USD for a single-user license) https://www.industryresearch.biz/purchase/20323026 Detailed TOC of Global Community Platforms Market Report 2022 1 Report Business Overview 1.1 Study Scope 1.2 Market Analysis by Type 1.2.1 Global Community Platforms Market Size Growth Rate by Type, 2017 VS 2021 VS 2028 1.2.2 On-Premise 1.2.3 Cloud-Based 1.2.4 SaaS 1.3 Market by Application 1.3.1 Global Community Platforms Market Size Growth Rate by Application, 2017 VS 2021 VS 2028 1.3.2 SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) 1.3.3 Large Enterprise 1.4 Study Objectives 1.5 Years Considered 2 Global Growth Trends 2.1 Global Community Platforms Market Perspective (2017-2028) 2.2 Community Platforms Growth Trends by Region 2.2.1 Community Platforms Market Size by Region: 2017 VS 2021 VS 2028 2.2.2 Community Platforms Historic Market Size by Region (2017-2022) 2.2.3 Community Platforms Forecasted Market Size by Region (2023-2028) 2.3 Community Platforms Market Dynamics 2.3.1 Community Platforms Industry Trends 2.3.2 Community Platforms Market Drivers 2.3.3 Community Platforms Market Challenges 2.3.4 Community Platforms Market Restraints Continued. Browse the complete table of contents at - https://www.industryresearch.biz/TOC/20323026 About Us: The market is changing rapidly with the ongoing expansion of the industry. Advancement in technology has provided todays businesses with multifaceted advantages resulting in daily economic shifts. Thus, it is very important for a company to comprehend the patterns of market movements in order to strategize better. An efficient strategy offers the companies a head start in planning and an edge over the competitors. Industry Research is a credible source for gaining the market reports that will provide you with the lead your business needs. HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Sept. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- METAIN, a real estate co-investment platform empowered by blockchain technology, is expanding its decentralized financial presence with the public launch on September 9th. METAIN solutions resolve inherited problems of traditional real estate investment through following REIT regulations and utilizing blockchain technology, to offer opportunities to invest $10 in real-world high quality assets and earn a 15-25% annual yield interest. METAIN REIT NFT is among the most secured asset-backed NFTs, which become a reliable high-yield shelter for investors in a high risk crypto world. With partnerships with Avalanche, Deloitte, CBRE, DN Legal, Morgan Lewis, Hong Kong Blockchain Association, Quid Global Bank, and more than 50+ communities, METAIN has a solid launchpad to grow its ecosystem on a global scale. Blockchain and non-fungible tokens are being applied to an increasing number of new commercial use cases. It is an innovative new technology that holds great potential and can unleash the value of many physical assets. The next wave of blockchain technology will witness the integration of blockchains with real-world assets, which definitely has a significant impact on the real estate business. Advisors and Board of Directors of METAIN Properties investment delivers substantial, constant value growth, but it is not an option for everyone due to location-based opportunities limitation, capital intensity, significant potential for fraud, liquidity challenges, and issues protecting legal ownership when co-investing. Crypto assets investment is the new revenue stream yet it is highly volatile, since the majority of investment asset portfolios are virtual and have no real-world value. By combining the REIT framework with NFT and blockchain technologies, METAIN delivers a novel way to successfully address these issues. METAIN is a co-investment platform following REIT regulations on the blockchain, with the mission to bring real estate investment opportunities from high yield interest markets to global investors by virtue of immutable blockchain technologies. METAINs REIT NFT is one of the First Asset-backed NFTs, pegged to real-world real estate properties, and representing the rights of unit holders in the investment. As the properties increase in value from the market's upward trend income is simultaneously generated from leases, renting tenants and consistent due diligence of the asset management team handling the trust fund. METAINs first REIT (a.k.a. Vietnam Opportunities Trust 1, VOT1), with a asset valued at $1.97 million, is opened in unison with the DApp launching September 9 2022. Mr. Duc Tran Managing Partner of IDG Capital Vietnam & Mr. Nhan Tran CEO of Metain Vision of METAIN is to be the 1st REIT NFT EXCHANGE and ECOSYSTEM in Southeast Asia. while possessing the largest real estate portfolio on blockchain. All to make the opportunities accessible, transparent and secured for any and every investor that joins METAIN The current valuation of METAIN's equity seed round by IDG Capital Vietnam is $12 million pre-money. A crucial part of IDG Capital whose portfolio includes KuCoin, Coinbase, and Ripple (XRP). IDG has already committed $1.8 million in METAIN. Metain and Strategic Partners signing MOU By establishing partnerships with Avalanche, Deloitte, CBRE, DN Legal, Morgan Lewis, Ephelia and Quid Global Bank, METAIN's public launch on September 9, 2022 marked its most recent efforts to provide the most secure experience for investors and make real estate investment more accessible to global retail investors. These global and dependable partners will be operated as a part of METAIN's business model in order to adhere to REIT structure, assuring that investors will always be able to receive their money back, even in the worst of situations, with a capital gain proportional to the market price. The action not only paves the way for bridging crypto investors and traditional investors to participate in METAIN on a worldwide scale, but it also demonstrates METAIN's commitment to expanding the project and its roadmap and product development. Traditional real estate Investment is inherently an attractive investment market but exclusively for the rich club, with high entry barriers of capital, high potential fraud. Thus, with METAIN, we want to bring an equal, cross-border, affordable, transparent and safe investment opportunities to everyone, said by Mr. Nhan Tran, Co-Founder and CEO of METAIN. "Democratize real estate investment" was the first thing I heard from the Metain team that made me like them. They work well together as a unit, have been friends for almost a decade, and have all achieved individual success. They're on a mission to do good for the society, and I'm honored to contribute to that effort, said by Mr. Duc Tran, Managing Partner of IDG Ventures Vietnam. https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9c1b9226-e4d1-4337-9cf5-803aad768df2 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cc7fa973-fe3a-4fdf-a661-2993bcfccd75 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c47230d0-9744-435b-ba30-0194011af10c NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oscar Jofre will show how cannabis companies can raise capital (up to $ 75 million) to grow their businesses, fully compliant, while staying private, and raise their money from people around the world from accredited, but more importantly, non-accredited investors - their customers, their brand advocates-, those that understand the company and the niche. His presence is confirmed at the upcoming Grow Up Conference & Expo. KoreConX offers the first secure, All-In-One platform that manages private companies' capital market activity and stakeholder communications. Using the exemptions from Regulation A (RegA+) and Regulation CF (RegCF), companies do not need to go public to raise money. "There are 4.7 billion people in the world that are possible investors. The private capital market is expected to grow to $30 billion by 2030. We are happy to teach entrepreneurs how to do that. We have been producing content and events since 2016, and it is timely that cannabis companies learn how to use this possibility in a compliant way," says Oscar Jofre. About KoreConX Founded in 2016, KoreConX offers the first secure, all-in-one platform that manages private companies' capital market activity and stakeholder communications. With an innovative approach to ensure compliance with securities regulations and corporate law, KoreConX offers a single environment to connect companies, capital markets and secondary markets. Investors, broker-dealers, law firms, accountants and investor acquisition firms, all leverage our ecosystem solution. For investor relations and fundraising, the platform enables private companies to share and manage corporate records and investments: it assists with portfolio management, capitalization table and shareholder management, virtual minute book, security registration, transfer agent services, and virtual dealrooms for raising capital. About the GrowUp Conference & Expo The founders and producers of Grow Up Conference and Expo have decades of experience producing national-profile events and creating global connections between business communities in the arts, broadcasting, media and technology. They have organized trade summit initiatives with governments around the world. And they have worked closely with sponsors at all levels of Canadian government. ### Media Contacts: KoreConX Rafael Goncalves rafael@koreconx.com Related Images Image 1: KoreConX Discusses How Cannabis Companies Can Raise Up to $75 Million Through JOBS Act Exemptions at KoreConX Discusses How Cannabis Companies Can Raise Up to $75 Million Through JOBS Act Exemptions at Grow Up Conference & Expo This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Under pressure from his Republican rival, Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman said this week he would participate in one debate before the November election. In Georgia, Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker are still working through the details of what a debate might look like, though they appear to be inching closer to a deal. And in Arizona, Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Katie Hobbs has declined a televised debate with Republican Kari Lake. With the fall campaign rapidly approaching, the time-honored tradition of televised debates as a forum for voters to evaluate candidates may be the latest casualty of constant media coverage and powerful digital platforms, as well as the nation's polarized political climate. For some Republicans, eschewing debates is a chance to sidestep a media structure some in the party deride as biased and align with Donald Trump, who has blasted presidential debates. Some Democrats, including Hobbs, have pointed to raucous GOP debates from the primary season as a reason to avoid tangling with their opponents. Despite such skepticism, veteran political consultant Terry Sullivan defended debates as "the one forum where candidates are forced into answering questions that they dont want to answer. Theyre not going to do it in their TV commercials," added Sullivan, who managed GOP Sen. Jim DeMints 2004 bid in South Carolina and handled media for Florida Sen. Marco Rubios 2016 presidential effort. "And in stump appearances, press conferences, they can evade, they can dodge. And sometimes, Sullivan added, it's the media coverage of what happens onstage, rather than the back-and-forth itself, that can make a bigger impression. In what should have been the most boring debate in the history of mankind, Sullivan said that a 2004 panelist questioning DeMint and Democrat Inez Tenenbaum asked DeMint if he agreed with a state GOP platform tenet in opposition of openly gay teachers in South Carolina's public schools. That kind of turned the race on its head for the next three months, Sullivan said, noting headlines he characterized as DeMint wants to fire gay teachers. DeMint went on to win the open seat by nearly 10 percentage points, a margin typical in recent South Carolina statewide elections. But in more competitive states, Sullivan said, a debate can serve as a good way to find out where candidates are on the issues. In addition to winning candidates thousands of impressions in earned media and repackaged video clips, debate footage can also propel candidates' messages far more broadly and cheaply than could television ad buys, said Michael Wukela, a South Carolina Democratic media consultant and veteran of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders' presidential bids. You're getting that in one shot, Wukela said, of a debate appearance being worth airtime that would otherwise cost millions. That's like a Super Bowl ad. Refusal to participate can draw ire from rivals. The Republicans whom Walker refused to debate ahead of Georgia's primary critiqued him as ill-prepared to take on Warnock, a skilled orator. If you cant get on the stage and debate fellow Republicans, how the heck are you going to debate with Raphael Warnock in the general election? Latham Saddler, a Navy veteran and former Trump administration official who was among five Republicans challenging Walker, asked. Usually if youre hiding, youre hiding for a reason. Walker repeatedly proclaimed his eagerness to face off with Warnock in the fall but, instead of agreeing to Warnock's challenge to three debates, accepted an invitation to a different one altogether. This week, Warnock said he would participate in that debate, if Walker agreed to another forum Warnock wants. That back-and-forth remains unresolved. Other Senate contests are playing out similarly. In North Carolina, where U.S. Rep. Ted Budd skipped four Republican primary debates in his U.S. Senate bid, said Friday he wouldnt accept an invitation from the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters to debate Democrat Cheri Beasley, as the two head for a presumably close general election. Budd said he had accepted a cable debate invite, but theres no agreement with Beasley on that appearance. Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Republican Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, mused to reporters this week about what would happen if voters elected a senator who never has answered a legitimate question from a voter, from a newscaster in a non-taped setting, in a debate stage? citing Fetterman's campaign-trail absence as he recovers from a stroke. Fettermans campaign said he will participate in a televised debate in October but gave no other details, including why he would agree to just one debate. Ozs campaign immediately dubbed it a secret debate, with no details on when or where. In Pennsylvanias governors race, the Republican nominee Doug Mastriano has rejected a media-moderated debate and instead reserved a hotel ballroom on Oct. 22 and picked a partisan moderator for himself: Mercedes Schlapp, who served as Trumps White House strategic communications director and is married to the chair of the American Conservative Union. The campaign of Democrat Josh Shapiro said Mastrianos refusal to accept an independent moderator blew up about a dozen invitations from news organizations and other groups. Some incumbents with an edge on their rivals have rebuffed requests for multiple debates, uninterested in taking a risk on stage that might change the course of their campaign. South Carolina Democrat Joe Cunningham called for four general-election debates with Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, whose campaign dismissed the request as a stunt and ultimately agreed to one matchup. In Texas, GOP Gov. Greg Abbott has granted a single debate to Democratic challenger Beto ORourke on a Friday night in the thick of high school football season, which will be broadcast as distracted voters are instead at games kicking off around the state. Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis initially committed to a statewide televised debate with his Democratic opponent before U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist who came under fire for not agreeing to primary debates won his party's nomination. Now, the two are set to spar in a single debate, shown only on a West Palm Beach TV station. Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican nominee Tudor Dixon finally agreed to a single October debate after a scheduling flap. Whitmer announced last month she would participate in two statewide, televised debates, a decision her campaign said was consistent with past precedent." Dixon, who criticized Whitmer for not debating before voter are able to send in absentee ballots, ultimately agreed to the solo meeting. Noting that the uncertainty of debates can be terrifying for all involved, Wukela acknowledged incumbents' reticence to allowing their challengers prominent opportunities to equate themselves with the office, or its existing occupant. Strom Thurmond refused to debate any of his opponents, Wukela said of the longtime South Carolina Democrat-turned-Republican governor and senator. If Ive got a four-touchdown lead, why would I ever throw the ball? ___ Associated Press writer Sara Burnett in Chicago contributed to this report. ___ Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP. ___ Follow AP for full coverage of the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ap_politics. PLYMOUTH At least one additional victim may join the lawsuit filed against Plymouth schools and fourth-grade teacher James Eschert who is accused of sexual misconduct, an attorney representing the child said Friday. At least 13 victims spoke with police, according to arrest warrants alleging Eschert behaved inappropriately with girls in his class and that four administrators did not take action despite repeated complaints by children and parents. Eschert was charged in January with several crimes against children, including fourth-degree sexual assault. Four administrators, including former Principal Crystal Collins, were charged with failure to report the incidents. Administrators Melisa Morelli, Sherri Turner and Rebecca Holleran were also charged. The case is unusual since the children came forward, but no action was taken, said attorney Cindy Robinson, who is representing one victim in the lawsuit. Its so difficult for child victims to come forward, Robinson said. Here you have these brave victims coming forward and no one was listening. Robinson said she has been contacted by at least one other family who wants to join the lawsuit. She declined to say whether the family was among the 13 victims listed in arrest warrants. Right now, we are investigating additional information, Robinson said. This case is quite disturbing, Robinson said. I think the shocking part is that you expect the perpetrator to be prosecuted, but this involves school personnel who are also being prosecuted for failure to report. As educators and administrators in Connecticut, the four administrators were required by law to report allegations of abuse against children. But arrest warrants indicate they were aware that children and parents had repeatedly complained about Escherts behavior but did not take action. How did this go on for so long? said one parent who spoke to police about Morellis role in covering for Eschert, according to the warrant. The woman made the observation during an interview with police in December. If this is coming out now, youre not going to tell me they were the first kids to be abused, the warrant stated. The warrant for Morellis arrest also stated the state Department of Education conducted an investigation of Eschert regarding him providing standardize test answers to female students. There was not one document in his employment file that indicated he was under scrutiny by state officials and there was no documentation of the repeated complaints by parents and students about his behavior, Morellis warrant said. The allegations against Eschert include taking up-skirt photos of female students, bouncing them on his lap, touching them and had some sit under his desk, the warrant stated. The girl told police Eschert would give her and three other girls special treatment, including advance answers to tests, the warrant stated. She also said Eschert had told her his home address and invited her over for dinner and ice cream, according to the warrant. Escherts attorney William Conti is seeking the mental health records of anyone called to testify in the criminal case and any exculpatory statements that would be favorable to the defendant on the issue of guilt or mitigation of sentence, according to court documents filed in January. Conti is also representing Eschert in the lawsuit. Conti said the motions he filed seeking evidence and other data are standard and that hes already received quite a bit from police and prosecutors. Its fairly early on and theres a lot to look at, Conti said. I would ask that the public keep their minds open. My client is maintaining his innocence. Eschert has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Robinson said Escherts behavior toward her client began during the 2017-18 school year. We are piecing together our own timeline and it wouldnt surprise me if it went back a number of years before that, Robinson said. Google is getting ready to launch a new Chromecast. A set of photos obtained by TecnoBlog shows images of a new, cheaper Chromecast that looks exactly like the Chromecast with Google TV. That one currently retails for $50 but is currently discounted by $10 at major US retailers as of this post. Leaked images of the G454V Though its visually identical to the Chromecast with Google TV that launched back in 2020, it carries a different model number: G454V. This model has gone through FCC certification already and its rumored to be different internally. This unreleased Chromecast will run an Amlogic S805X2 chip with AV1 support and 2GB of RAM. While it is less powerful than the 4K model, its expected to support up to 1080p output resolution. 4K Chromecast with Google TV This cheaper Chromecast is expected to also come with a voice remote, as per WinFuture. This new lower-cost Chromecast could arrive during Googles October 6 event where it will full launch the Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, as well as the Pixel Watch and rumor has it there will be some more Nest Home devices come as well. It is expected that this low-cost Chromecast will be sold at the same $30 price point and may be deemed the new entry-level Chromecast. Sources 1 2 Selling or purchasing pre-loved clothing is becoming a popular way to practice budget-friendly habits for many on Guam. While thrifting for clothes or other used items at Salvation Army or Catholic Social Services is a solid option, many are instead turning to local Instagram closets, or accounts that style and sell a selection of used clothing at reduced prices. Instagram closets offer a more curated selection that can help make thrifting more convenient and enjoyable. Users can easily browse through closet accounts, arrange to pay for their items with cash or through a vendor platform like PayPal, and then attend in-person meetups to secure the purchase. While price ranges depend on the closet and the item, the majority of items available on Instagram closets can be purchased for between $2 and $20. If an item is popular and multiple users express interest, sellers will usually go live on their accounts and open up a process for bidding. The highest bidder secures the item. For sellers, Instagram closets are a creative outlet to earn extra cash while also expressing their sense of style. I just moved to a new place on my own for the first time. It was a hassle to move all of my clothes from Yona to my house in Tamuning, said Jestina Chaco, who runs an account called @kawaiiclosetbyjes. My brother gave me the idea instead of just clearing out the closet, he said, Why dont we try selling it, because the pieces are good and you can try to make some of your money back? He encouraged me to do a closet on Instagram, so thats where I started selling my personal pieces. At first I was kind of nervous, because of course on Guam we do get mamahlao sometimes to resell our personal items, especially for us girls, Chaco said. I got more comfortable once I started engaging with some people and once I got more exposure. Chacos closet features a wide selection of items, from denim jeans and pleated skirts to vintage blazers and maxi dresses. Chaco opened her account in 2019. As her closet gained popularity, Chaco invited her friend Shawn Rieiko Blau Mesa to join her. At first, the two both sold their clothes through Chacos account but Mesa eventually made her own closet, @kawaiiclosetbyshawnzy, due to growing demand. For Mesa, her closet is also a useful way to earn extra money to supplement her income. I worked in an auto body shop, doing bodywork and stuff like that. In the future, it will be strenuous on my body, so I decided to take the offer that was given to me for a radio station. Now I do that, but I do work only four hours a day. And thats not great for anyone. So it really does help me out. Its kind of like another side hustle, Mesa said. Xavria Calip Hechanova opened her closet, @luckyfindsgu, in December 2020, after the island went into lockdown due to COVID-19 restrictions. The pandemic made me stay home a lot, I noticed my closet was pretty full and it became overwhelming. I had clothes that I didnt wear for months, she said. Hechanova also frequently purchases clothes from other closets, and finds online thrifting more convenient since she lives in Hagat a far drive from Guams brick-and-mortar thrift shops. This way, she can save on gas, money and time by selecting pre-loved items online and then arranging meetups. The thrifting community is so fun and nice, you get to find unique pieces that you dont see in retail stores on Guam, Hechanova said. Chaco, Mesa, and Hechanova all note the growing number of Instagram closets and expanded options for local thrifters, as well as the spirit of community. We help their confidence a little bit. There was a girl on our Instagram live and she goes I love that, but I dont think I have the confidence for that. And I was like, No, you do! Its not just to make that sale, its for them to feel comfortable, like they can, Mesa said. The Junior Achievement Guam program officially kicked off on Saturday with registration still open. High school students from across the island gathered in the multipurpose room of Guam Community College to meet each other and learn more about the free 14-week program that teaches the fundamentals of running their own business and solving problems in their community. The students team up to create and manage their own company to design a product. Each team is mentored and guided by a local sponsoring company. The three pillars we have for junior achievement are entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness, said Joey Miranda III, board chairperson for Junior Achievement Guam. He said the programs goal is to help youths understand the process of running a company and encourage interested students to become future business leaders. I wanted to dip my toes into financ,e and my friend was in it last year. She told me all about her experiences and it sounded fun and like a good experience to try, said 15-year-old Academy of Our Lady of Guam student Aelahn Frianaza, who is part of the Graphic Center Inc. team. As of Saturday, 160 students registered for the program. Registration for the program is ongoing and open to all high school students until Oct. 4. They can register online at ja-guam.org. St. Johns Mark Wang, 17, is a student representative and adviser for the Junior Achievement Guam board. He said the participants experience is based on how much effort they are willing to put into their team and the finished product. Trade fairs A series of trade fairs before Christmas will give students the opportunity to showcase and sell their products. The program ends in January 2023 and awards will be given to multiple teams and several individual students. Summer internships also will be offered to individual winners. Sponsors The corporate partners this year are Dusit Thani, GTA, Community First, Bank of Hawaii, Triple J Enterprises, Tan Holdings and Title Guaranty. Shin Taira, director of technology and process at Title Guaranty, is one of five advisers from the company for the program. This is their third year participating. Its a really good experience. The students are really talented, and they surprise me and other advisors in terms of their ideas and creativity, said Taira. David Lubofsky is a resident of Tamuning. This letter has been edited for length. Visit guampdn.com to read it in its entirety. Haiti - FLASH : Demonstration, one death, warehouse and containers looted in Les Cayes The mobilization against insecurity, the high cost of living, the Prime Minister and the fuel shortage continues in the country for the 3rd week. Friday, September 9, several thousand demonstrators in addition to the capital, marched in several provincial towns in Petit-Goave, Hinche, Fond-des-Negres among others. Scenes of looting have been reported in particular in the city of Les Cayes where traffic was paralyzed by barricades on various axes and all commercial activities closed in the city center. The protesters demanded the departure of Prime Minister Ariel Henry and threatened to remain in the streets if the Head of Government remains in power. Very upset against the high cost of living, angry demonstrators looted the "Piyay depot" food depot located on Street Antoine Simon located at the corner of Street Antoine Simon and Avenue Cartagena, taking everything that was at the inside the business... leaving its owner in tears in front of a passive and powerless police in the face of a raging crowd of demonstrators... According to testimonies, the head office of Caritas in Les Cayes was also the victim of vandalism and looting. During this day several thousand Cayens took to the streets, several injuries were reported (unofficial source) during clashes with the police and one shot dead. A grisly discovery, a coffin containing a rotting corpse was found on Second Granse Rue on Friday morning. Let's recall that the day before (Thursday 8), unidentified individuals looted several containers at the market at rue General Marion prolonged. In Les Cayes on the black market, the price of a gallon of fuel can reach up to 2,500 Gourdes... See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37593-haiti-politic-demonstrations-violence-vandalism-looting-several-victims.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37590-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37584-haiti-demonstrations-protection-of-banks-and-blocking-of-roads-the-pnh-deploys.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37520-haiti-flash-demonstrations-and-violence-at-least-2-dead-about-fifteen-injured-and-numerous-damages.html SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH : Looting of the Departmental Emergency Operations Center of Grand'Anse The General Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC) informs us that on Wednesday September 7, individuals, most of whom were heavily armed, attacked the Departmental Emergency Operations Center (COUD) which they looted. "The looters broke into the courtyard of the COUD of the GrandAnse around 12:15 p.m. and took the opportunity to seize material and equipment in the emergency warehouse and in several containers. The losses are substantial and these goods did not belong only to the Departmental Civil Protection." The DPC "denounces and deplores" this act of looting, emphasizing "[...] such actions have caused significant losses of resources dedicated to emergency response as well as supplies supplied and stored by other humanitarian partners, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Food Program (WFP), and the Public Enterprise for Promotion and Social Housing (EPPLS). It is regrettable that materials stored by the Haitian Red Cross and intended for the construction and equipping of two hospitals in Corail and Pestel were also stolen. All these losses in this global socio-economic context weaken the National Risk Management System, the intervention capacities of which are already limited." As an institution evolving and working in the coordination of humanitarian interventions, buildings or parts of buildings, rolling stock and any other material used for the needs of emergency operations centers are inviolable. The departmental authorities opened an investigation after this looting, while taking steps to better secure the COUD. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Arms trafficking, the CEH denounces In a note, the CEH also denounces the confusion around the file relating to the discovery of weapons and ammunition in containers at Port-au-Prince customs under cover of the Church's franchise. The bishops are attacking media opinion leaders who are trying to associate the Catholic Church with this affair... Read about this affair : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37491-haiti-flash-warrant-to-bring-against-father-fritz-desire-in-the-case-of-arms-trafficking.html PNH : Command meeting Friday, September 9, Frantz Elbe, the Acting Director General of the National Police of Haiti, led a command meeting to take stock of the situation and assess the security arrangements put in place in recent weeks and adopt new measures to prevent disturbances to public order. In addition, the Chief Inspector General Fritz Saint-Fort, during this meeting gave the assurance that the General Inspectorate will investigate all the proven cases in relation to the incidents in which the police would be involved during the last demonstrations. Judo, Haiti already a bronze medal During the Pan-American Cup the young judokate Pierre Love (20 years old) won the first bronze medal for Haiti in the category (-57kg) by winning the victory by "ippon" against the Dominican judokate Deser Jennifer. Assassination President : Hearing of former police officer Bony Gregoire Thursday, September 8, 2022, former police officer Bony Gregoire, who was part of the Intervention Corps for the Maintenance of Order (CIMO) of the National Police of Haiti, answered questions from examining magistrate Walter Wesser Voltaire in as part of the investigation into the assassination of President Jovenel Moise confirmed his lawyer Me Shiller Roy. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37582-haiti-news-zapping.html DR : New Consul General in Santiago On behalf of the Haitian Government, Luc Garvey Jean-Pierre, Charge d'Affaires a.i of the Republic of Haiti in the Dominican Republic proceeded to the installation of the new Consul General of Haiti in Santiago in the DR, Dr. Jean Gardy Marius. Competition for literary criticism, deadline extended The Ministry of Culture and Communication (MCC) has decided to extend the deadline for the literary criticism competition, intended for young people aged 17 to 25, until September 20, 2022. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37371-haiti-notice-literary-criticism-competition.html HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2022/09/10 | Source Korean movie "A Nail in the Ear" added to HanCinema database Advertisement "A Nail in the Ear" (2022) Directed by Tak Se-woong With Park Ha-na, Heo Jin, Jung Young-joo,... Synopsis Bo-yeong moves into the mansion of the previously wealthy grandmother, Wang, as a caregiver with a dangerous intention. Mother Kim, the only blood relative of Wang who hired Bo-yeong, sets conditions such as 'Do not bring anyone, especially children', and 'Do not go near the reservoir'. Ominous and bizarre signs continue in grandmother Wang's huge mansion located next to a reservoir called 'Gwimot', where people are dying, and Bo-yeong finds out that foreigners who have visited the place have suffered a mysterious death... Release date in Korea : 2022/10 The public is invited to meet, greet and provide feedback on the two finalists chosen for Sugar Land police chief. The purpose of Thursday's reception is to allow members of the community to learn about the two candidates. The two finalists are Loudoun County Undersheriff Colonel Mark J. Poland and League City Police Chief Gary D. Ratliff. Poland and Ratliff will introduce themselves to their new community and be available to answer questions. Poland began his law enforcement career 26 years ago as a patrol officer with the Winchester City Police Department, in northern Virginia, before transferring to the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office. IN THE COMMUNITY: Celebrate the start of fall this month at the first-ever Sugar Land Fall Festival He credits integrity and leading by example as the attributes that led to his appointment as undersheriff of Virginias largest full-service sheriffs office. Recently, he implemented a complex public-private partnership involving numerous community stakeholders working toward the resettlement of Afghan refugees. Ratliff has been with the League City Police Department since 1985. The city experienced tremendous growth during his tenure. During the past 15 years, he implemented an intelligence-led policing service delivery model, added a crime analyst position, created a proactive investigative unit, created a Diversity Advisory Board, and developed a recruiting, testing and hiring process that enabled his department to fill all open officer positions. Poland and Ratliff were identified through an extensive, nationwide search. A final selection is expected by November. Sugar Land's next police chief will replace Eric Robins, who retired in July after 33 years of public service. Public participation and feedback would help the city identify relevant community needs and make better decisions. The meet and greet for the two finalists will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sept. 15 at 1 Flour Daniel Drive. Click here for more information. juhi.varma@hcnonline.com Houston Chronicle Two Houston travelers died Thursday after a Winnebago RV they were riding in hit a tractor trailer and then careened through a guardrail, down an embankment and into several trees, police said. Lenisha T. Simon, 39, and Brenda M. Oyervides, 24, both of Houston, died along I-66 in Fauquier County around 8:30 p.m. Thursday, according to a Virginia State Police news release. A 17-year-old boy shot and killed two armed home invaders at his Channelview house Friday night, officials said. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez tweeted about the incident in the 1600 block of First Street. Three armed men wearing masks broke into the home, occupied by a woman, a 12-year-old boy, and two 17-year-old boys. One of the 17-year-olds grabbed a shotgun in the home and shot two of the suspects. MORE ON CRIME: Sheriff: Suspects in death of Harris County deputy constable were free on bond in other slayings They died at the scene, and the third suspect fled in a dark-colored four-door Sedan. No one else was reported injured from the incident. Gonzalez mentioned in the tweet that the case will be presented to a grand jury, and is still under investigation. Thumbs Twiddled: Living in a one-party state can be frustrating if you dont agree with the ruling party but, even worse, its boring. We get so tired of predictable party lines, the passage of cookie cutter laws sanctioned by mono-brained conservative think tanks, and the rather incestuous nest of bedfellows who spend entire careers lazing about in epic orgies of back-scratching. So, color us amused this week at a slight break from monotony. Two prominent Republicans, state Sen. Kel Seliger of Amarillo and Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley announced they werent supporting fellow Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick but rather, his Democratic challenger Mike Collier. The news wasnt exactly surprising neither Republican is fond of Patrick, known as a domineering, right-wing blowhard. Still, the impetus for their sudden candor isnt exactly unbridled outrage or courage. Theyre both retiring. Collier, a smart, affable accountant who seems to actually want to govern and cut ordinary Texans taxes instead of playing bathroom bully to trans kids, is a conservative Democrat who came within four points of beating Patrick last time. But dont feel too bad for Danny Boy. A Democrat, state Sen. Eddie Lucio who is also retiring promptly came forward to grace Patrick with his bipartisan endorsement, declaring the lieutenant governor a hero and a legend, and citing #LIFE among the reasons. Of course, those are words Texans have historically used loosely. Thumbs Down: Another one is principle. That was ostensibly the motivation behind legislation Dan Patrick championed last session requiring Texas retirement funds to boycott investment firms he criticized as woke for their divestments from oil and gas. The firms say investing in renewable energies is more about long-term stability of their businesses than wokeness. Nevertheless, Patricks lucky Senate Bill 13 passed. But rather than sending Wall Street to the woodshed, Patrick ended up punishing ordinary Texans who, according to one economist, are paying $300 million-$500 million more in higher interest payments after the new law drove five of the largest municipal bond underwriters out of the state, reducing competition. This is bad enough. But, wait. This week, Texas Monthly reported that Patrick kept doing personal business with the woke firms the whole time, including the worlds largest money manager BlackRock, which Patrick deemed the worst offender. Patricks campaign strategist claimed the lieutenant governor eventually sold his BlackRock holdings, but apparently, not until seven months after the bill was signed into law. And Patricks campaign wouldnt answer questions about his holdings in another BlackRock fund, or in other companies such as Apple and Walmart that have committed to using only renewable energy. Patrick had declared in a letter urging the states accountant to shun BlackRock: Texas will not do business with those that boycott fossil fuels. Its time for Texans to declare: Texas will not elect politicians who take us as fools. Wait! Before you go Please sign up for our Evening Digest and Breaking Newsletters Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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Local Writer and Artist wins Honeybee Creative Nonfiction Award Suzi Banks Baum GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. An essay by local writer and artist Suzi Banks Baum has won the Honeybee Creative Nonfiction award from The Good Life Review. Baum's winning essay, "Connect: Disconnect" was inspired by the New York Times Magazine cover article by Merritt Tierce entitled "The Abortion I Didn't Have." Baum's essay delves into adolescent life, sexual exploration, sexual identity, confusion, and education or lack thereof in midwestern American culture in the 1970s. In addition to the award from the Nebraskan publication, Baum received a jar of Nebraskan honey. However the winning review from the award indicates the essay is more salty than sweet. Contest judge Jessica Hendry Nelson wrote: "'Connect: Disconnect' strikes me with its unapologetic exploration of the power and pleasure of female sexuality. With fine attention to language and cadence, it combs memory to unpack a complicated legacy of want and wonder. This essay does not flinch, capitulate, or mitigate. In charting her voracities, the narrator reminds the reader of the vital power of her own." This is the second award Baum has won, both for excerpts from her memoir in progress. She is a writer and book artist, and teacher with a distinctive women-centered focus for her signature teachings. She travels to Gyumri, Armenia to teach the book arts to women artists. Her book, "An Anthology of Babes" gives voice to 36 artist mothers. Her work has been published in Kerning literary magazine (2021), "The Collection: Flash Fiction for Flash Memory" by Anchala Studios and the Walloon Writers Review. Her piece "Shoal" won third prize in the Hypertext Literary Magazine Doro Bohme Memorial Contest in 2021. Her mixed media work appears in Storey Publications 2022 release, "Collage Your Life!" by Melanie Mowinski. In addition to her winning essay from her memoir-in-progress, her artistic work has been featured in The Guild of Book Workers Journal and Mingle Magazine. Over the past year, Baum has taught online and in person in her back yard in Great Barrington and at the Snowfarm Craft Program in Williamsburg. She will teach a two-day book art workshop at the Art School of Columbia County (New York) on Sept. 17-18. The coming year includes her signature offering of "Advent Dark Journal," a six-week immersion in creative practice that begins in late November and concludes in early January. Berkshire residents will have the opportunity to see Suzi's work in person at her first open studio event in her garage studio at 39 Hollenbeck Avenue in Great Barrington, MA from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 9. The day includes a demonstration of eco-dyeing paper and other book art. Her artist books will be on view, along a selection of hand-bound books and her own decorative papers on sale. More information about Suzi's work, classes and workshops can be learned on her website, suzibanksbaum.com Mayor Jennifer Macksey reads a proclamation declaring September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the city at a recent City Council meeting. With her are Joseph and Kathy Arabia, founders and directors of the AYJ Fund for childhood cancer. AYJ Fund Raises Awareness of Childhood Cancer The Police Department is selling childhood cancer awareness patches for $10 to benefit the AYJ Fund. The fund is also holding a tasting event on Sunday. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. An average of 42 children are diagnosed with cancer every day in American and more than 40,000 undergo treatment for cancer each year. The majority will develop chronic ailments and severe and life-threatening conditions from those treatments. And while the five-year survival rate is now 80 percent, children with brain cancer can have a survival rate of less than 1 percent. Those were the numbers read by Mayor Jennifer Macksey in her recent proclamation designating September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the city. The proclamation has become an annual presentation to the City Council largely due to the advocacy of Joe and Kathy Arabia. "I greatly appreciate the support of Mayor Macksey and also the City Council in this community," said Kathy Arabia. "These numbers are staggering. They are not getting better for any of the children that are impacted by this disease." The Arabias are the founders of the AYJ Fund, established in honor of their daughter Anna Yan Ji Arabia, who died from a rare brain cancer called gliomatosis cerebri in 2013. "We are helping more and more families since the last time we were here," continued Arabia. "We've connected with more than 25 families ... this is close to home for us and it's in our community and we're fighting to make a difference for these kids and we just appreciate all the support of this community." The fund has two local programs Berkshire and Southern Vermont children. The Smile program provides gifts and experience to children with cancer and the Connections program keeps children connected with school and friends while undergoing treatment. The fund over the years has supported not only local families with children suffering from cancer but research into childhood brain cancers, especially gliomatosis cerebri. The median survival rate for children with this cancer is one to two years, according to the Dana-Farber Institute. Anna fought the disease for 3 1/2 years before dying at 16. Joseph Arabia said the couple are very committed to the work of finding a cure or beneficial treatment. The fund has been a lead sponsor in gliomatosis cerebri conferences and will be hosting its fourth next fall in New York City. The last conference was held in 2019 prior to the pandemic. Arabia said the pandemic has had an effect on in-person fundraising efforts but that they are looking forward to resuming those after a 2 1/2 year hiatus. The fund was able to hold an outside, socially distanced event at Balderdash Winery last year that raised more than $10,000. "The researchers we are working with are making discoveries every day that will lead to effective treatments for these kids," said Kathy Arabia. Her husband, agreed: "We don't want to lose ground, we've got the momentum." Macksey pointed out in her proclamation that childhood cancers only gets 4 percent of federal research funding for cancers. "I call on our residents to support efforts to increase awareness and support of childhood cancer research for better treatment," she said. "And I also like to thank the Arabia family for all the work they do with it. I know it's near and dear to your heart, like we do every day is so important." The North Adams Police Department is also selling patches for Childhood Cancer Awareness for $10 to benefit the AYJ Fund. Ask an officer or stop by the station to get one. And Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art is again lighting up "Tree Logic" with golden lights to recognize the month. Leading cement maker Holcim Philippines, Inc. and its waste management unit Geoycle will help Barangay Panacan in Bunawan District sustainably manage its municipal wastes by converting these materials to low-carbon fuels in making cement. Barangay Panacan led by Councilor and Environment Committee Chairman Eller Bantugan (third from left) and Holcim Philippines represented by Davao Plant Manager Sam Manlosa (fourth) and Geocycle Head Jon Alan Cuyno (fifth) during the signing of the waste management partnership on Aug. 4 The company signed a memorandum of agreement with officials from Panacan for the disposal of the communitys collected plastic wastes. The barangay will initially send 125 kilos of shredded plastic wastes weekly for co-processing to the plant. A community based information and education drive on proper solid waste segregation and management will also follow. Barangay Panacan was led by Councilor and Environment Committee Chairman Eller Bantugan while Holcim Philippines was represented by Davao Plant Manager Sam Manlosa and Head of Geocycle Jon Alan Cuyno. Holcim Davao Plant Manager Sam Manlosa: We are proud to provide our host barangay Panacan a sustainable waste management solution and thankful for their trust. We hope this partnership will further expand to other communities and the entire city of Davao so we can be a stronger partner in its sustainable progress. Panacan is the first local government unit that Holcim Philippines will provide waste management assistance in Davao and the fourth in Mindanao. The company supports 28 municipalities and cities throughout the Philippines in waste management with 18 partners added this year. In 2021, the Company co-processed sorted municipal solid waste equivalent to the annual output of 17,500 households, helping local government units divert these away from landfills. Co-processing is a government-approved and globally-recognized waste management technology that repurposes non-recyclable qualified discarded materials from various industries into alternative low-carbon fuels and raw materials used in cement kilns. Among the environmental advantages of co-processing are the extremely high temperatures of kiln and longer treatment time materials that prevent formation of harmful gasses. There are also no residues to be landfilled. Holcim Philippines is increasing its use of low-carbon fuels in cement manufacturing to reduce carbon emissions, cut use of virgin raw materials and contribute to managing wastes in the country in a sustainable manner. Nepal and India will review the progress on various initiatives/announcements made during the recent high-level visits between the two countries when Nepals Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal and his Indian counterpart Vinay Mohan Kwatra hold talks in New Delhi next week, the two foreign ministries said on Friday. Paudyals two-day visit to India begins on September 13 at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Kwatra. The two foreign secretaries are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on September 13. This will be Paudyals first official visit to the southern neighbor after he became the countrys foreign secretary in October 2020. Kwatra was Indias ambassador to Nepal before his appointment as Foreign Secretary. On 13 September 2022, the Foreign Secretaries will hold discussions on bilateral issues covering the entire range of multifaceted cooperation between India and Nepal, in particular, reviewing the progress on the various initiatives/ announcements made during the recent high level visit of Prime Minister of Nepal, Rt Honble Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba to India and Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi to Nepal, in April and May 2022, respectively, read a statement issued by Indias Ministry of External Affairs on Friday evening. Nepals foreign ministry, in its official statement, stated that the two sides will discuss different areas of cooperation between Nepal and India. High level visits have also contributed a lot to promote the age-old multifaceted friendly ties between Nepal and India. Prime Minister Deuba paid a three-day official visit to India from April 1 to 3 while his Indian counterpart reciprocated by paying a one-day visit on May 16 to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, on the southern plains of Nepal. During Deubas visit to India, the two prime ministers had reviewed the full spectrum of the bilateral agenda covering political, economic, trade, energy, security and developmental issues. Apart from various other issues, Deuba and Modi discussed the unprecedented opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector. In this regard, a Joint Vision Statement on Power Sector cooperation that spells out the shared commitment as well as opportunities for win-win collaboration in power generation, transmission and trade was concluded. The visit of the Nepali foreign secretary comes at a time when the two immediate neighboring countries are making significant progress particularly in the field of hydropower and connectivity. In the third week of August, Nepal Investment Board under the Nepali government signed a pact with Indias NHPC Limited to develop two hydroelectric projects West Seti (750 megawatts) and Seti River-6 (450 megawatts) in the far western region of Nepal. Wrapping up the official visit, the Nepali foreign secretary will return to Kathmandu on September 15. Also Read: India signs key hydro-deal with Nepal replacing China India-Saudi Arabia relations, which have strengthened considerably over the past few years especially after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Riyadh in October 2019 will be in focus this weekend as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar travels straight from Tokyo to the Saudi capital today. Jaishankar will co-chair the inaugural Ministerial Meeting of the Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation (PSSC), established under the framework of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The Strategic Partnership Council, which has two sub-committees PSSC and Committee on Economy and Investments reflects the desire of the leadership of both sides to impart further momentum to this important relationship. Both sub-committees have four functional levels of engagement Summit level (Prime Minister and Crown Prince); ministerial level; senior officials meetings; and Joint Working Groups (JWGs). The two ministers are expected to undertake a comprehensive review of the entire bilateral relationship and will discuss the progress under the four Joint Working Groups of the PSSC Committee political and consular; legal and security; social and cultural; and Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation. PM Modi had expressed Indias keenness to see greater investment from Saudi Arabia, including in key sectors like energy, IT and defence manufacturing when Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud called on him during his visit to New Delhi last year. Much before the first ministerial meeting, groups and senior officials at the Secretary level have held discussions over the past few months. During the three-day visit, Jaishankar will also meet other Saudi dignitaries as well as Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf to review the bilateral relations and discuss ways to enhance them. As the top leadership of both countries remained in close touch even during the Covid pandemic, India and Saudi Arabia have witnessed a surge in cooperation in political, security, energy, trade, investment, health, food security, cultural and defence fields. Saudi Arabia remains Indias fourth largest trading partner. More than 18% of Indias crude oil imports are sourced from Saudi Arabia. During FY22 (Apr-Dec), bilateral trade was valued at US$29.28 billion. During this period, Indias imports from Saudi Arabia were valued at US$22.65 billion and exports to Saudi Arabia were worth US$6.63 billion. Saudi Investments in India, as of March 2021, amounted to US$3.13 billion. Major Saudi investment groups include ARAMCO, SABIC, ZAMIL, E-holidays, and Al Batterjee Group. Additionally, Soft Banks Vision Fund has invested in Indian startups such as Delhivery, FirstCry, Grofers, Ola, OYO, Paytm and PolicyBazaar. Other proposed major investments include the US$44 billion West Coast Refinery and Petrochemicals Project in Maharashtra, which is being jointly built by Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, and an Indian consortium, which includes Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation. In the renewable energy sector, Saudi Company Al-Fanar has a controlling stake in 600MW Wind Power projects in India. Riyadh has also thanked India for standing by Saudi Arabia during the pandemic including facilitating the travel of Indian healthcare professionals to Saudi Arabia. While a large number of Indian workers particularly in the Gulf returned to India due to Covid-19, the economic recovery in that region and their increasing openness to travel from India have now seen a return by many of them. Meanwhile, the bilateral trade between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) grew from US$ 87.35 billion in FY 2020-21 to US$ 154.66 billion in FY 2021-22, registering an increase of 77.06% on a year-on-year basis. Giving details in the Lok Sabha of Indias exports to the GCC during the last five financial years, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel had stated a few weeks ago that since FY 2017-18, on a compounded annual growth rate basis, bilateral trade between India and the GCC has grown by 10.57%. During Jaishankars visit, both India and Saudi Arabia will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest including their cooperation at the United Nations, G20 and GCC. Both ministers have also had useful exchanges of views on Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific in the recent past. Also Read: India and Japan hail dramatic expansion in security and defence ties following 2+2 talks Washington: Former Congressional candidate from Virginia and Army veteran Manga Anantmula confronted Pakistani Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan over the rising rape cases of women belonging to minority communities in Pakistan. Recently, a minor Hindu girl was gang raped in Sindh province, who was lured by free ration amid the devastating floods in Pakistan. Masood Khan was addressing a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington DC on Friday where he was giving an update on the record flooding in Pakistan. Confronting the Pakistan Ambassador, Manga during the press conference on Friday asked Masood Khan to address the issues of forced conversions, rape and other atrocities on minority women in Pakistan. Manga Anantmula also held up a poster during the press conference in an attempt to lodge a strong protest against the atrocities on women and requested the Pakistani envoy to address the issue of forced conversions. According to a report, a total of 157 women were kidnapped, 112 women were a victim of physical assault and 91 women were raped across Pakistan in the month of June. During the press conference on Friday, Pakistans efforts to play victim were challenged and questions were raised as to why Pakistan could not develop sustainable infrastructure and instead has been investing in its military and nuclear capabilities. Ambassador Khan was visibly disturbed and was unable to deliver convincing answers to the pertinent questions raised by the activist. Meanwhile, the United States announced that it is providing an additional USD 20 million in humanitarian assistance to support the people affected by severe flooding in Pakistan resulting from heavy monsoon rains, as well as landslides and glacial lake outbursts, which have been ongoing since June. The estimated economic loss due to the unprecedented floods in Pakistan has neared around USD 18 billion, an increase from USD 12.5 billion estimated earlier, as calculated by the Centre and endorsed by the provinces. Agriculture growth faced a much more severe impact in the aftermath of floods. The catastrophic floods have destroyed crops in 8.25 million acres as compared to the initial assessment of 4.2 million acres which has further increased the economic losses, reported The News International. In the wake of the increased economic losses and reduced GDP growth, the per capita income is projected to slow down. The government had envisaged a GDP growth rate of 5 per cent for the current fiscal year. Moreover, poverty and unemployment will go up manifold from 21.9 per cent to over 36 per cent. Some 37 per cent population was hit by poverty after floods in 118 districts, as estimated by the Pakistan government. A high-profile committee with representation from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Planning, State Bank of Pakistan, FBR, PIDE and others evaluated that poverty and unemployment have gone up manifold, rising from 21.9 per cent to over 36 per cent. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday landed in Pakistan on a two-day visit to take stock of the floods-related situation and express solidarity with the countrys people hit by extreme monsoon rain Karambir Kang, who was the General Manager of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai when the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks occurred, called upon the international community to act against terrorism and seek justice for the victims who lost their lives during the attack. While speaking at the first UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism to pay tribute to the victims around the world, Karambir Kang shared the painful memories of the attack of 26/11, when he lost his family his wife and two young sons. Karambir Kang was the General Manager of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai when the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks occurred. His remarks at the Call to Action yesterday at the opening of the 1st Global Congress of #VictimsofTerrorism at the UN, New York. pic.twitter.com/rd9lsJgYYQ Ruchira Kamboj (@ruchirakamboj) September 9, 2022 The entire world watched with horror when 10 terrorists attacked my country, city and my hotel, the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai where I was the general manager. During the tragedy that continued over three long days and nights, over 34 precious lives were lost, Mr Kang said. My wife and two young sons could not escape and perished during the attack, I lost everything. My staff members armed only with courage and the deep-rooted culture of the family, which the TATA and Taj group stands for, stood strong without any weapons, we lost many brave colleagues and this heroic act saved thousands of lives that night, he added. Mr Kang went on to say that while the terrorists who entered the hotel met their fate, the people who planned it financed it and organised the attack remain free. While our company and staff received global accolades, we have spent 14 long and painful years trying to seek justice. He said, Today I call upon the international community to work together to seek justice nationally and across borders, as our own act of defiance to the terrorism, we opened the hotel which was totally destroyed in 21 days. Member states must join us and defiance and ensure that there are no safe harbours for terrorists so that these heinous crimes are not given space to take root, Mr Kang concluded. The first UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism is being held from Sept 8-9 to pay tribute to victims of terrorism around the world, including the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. The United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism was convened under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This Congress will provide a platform for victims of terrorism to share experiences directly, challenges, stories of their resilience, and contributions to wider society in a socially connected environment. Starting tomorrow @UN The 1st #UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, 8-9 Sept will be a tribute to victims of terrorism around the world, including the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, India at UN tweeted. According to the UN, the Congress will allow the audience to learn about good practices undertaken by the Member States and civil society organizations, while ensuring that victims voices are heard and that their experiences shape the way forward in their own countries and across borders. The opening of the Global Congress will feature high-level participation, including UN chief Guterres, Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov, the co-chairs of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, the Republic of Iraq and the Kingdom of Spain, and other senior United Nations and international community representatives, an official statement said earlier. Subsequent plenaries and parallel sessions will feature speakers representing Member States, victims, victims associations, United Nations entities, civil society organizations, experts, academics, and the private sector. The programme of the Global Congress consists of six overarching themes reflecting the rights and needs ascribed to victims of terrorism. The themes are: Recognition and Remembrance; Situation analysis: the changing nature of terrorism and victims of terrorism; Protecting the rights of victims of terrorism; Rehabilitation, assistance and support; Addressing the rights and needs of victims of terrorism with specific needs and Access to justice for victims of terrorism. Last month, the UN Special Rapporteur Fionnuala Ni Aolain urged Governments to adopt a human rights-based approach to victims of terrorism by positively and consistently affirming the human rights of all victims. The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism must serve as a call to action and a reminder that commitments made to date must be implemented with immediate effect to ensure the realization of the rights of victims of terrorism, Aolain said in a statement to mark the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. Advertisements SHANGHAI, Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric moved up to 40th place on the 2022 Top 250 International Contractors list released by Engineering News-Record (ENR), a world-renowned academic publication for news, analysis, commentary and data on the global engineering and construction industry. The company placed 51st last year, rising swiftly to this higher position on the list in just a short period. Widely considered as the industry barometer, the annual ENR list is a highly influential, authoritative ranking that comprehensively reflects the trends taking place across the international engineering market throughout the year. The list ranks the world's construction companies based on revenue generated by the sum of the projects they are involved in. Shanghai Electric made the list by virtue of 11 of its major international projects, including a photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) facility and Phase 5 of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, the Thar Block-1 Integrated Coal Mine in Pakistan, a gas-fired thermal power plant in Pancevo, Serbia, a solar facility in Cyprus as well as power plants in Rupsha, Bangladesh and Wassit province, Iraq. In addition, the firm took third position among China's state-owned power engineering enterprises on the list, up by one position from last year, while ranking among the top ten on the regional list for the Middle Eastern market. Despite the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Shanghai Electric achieved several major milestones by overcoming unprecedented challenges and continuing the implementation of its overseas projects, ensuring the uninterrupted growth of revenue from the projects while contributing significantly to the rise of the firm's ranking on the ENR list. The milestones included the grid connection of Zone 1 of the company's PV-T facility in Dubai and of Pancevo's gas turbine units, the temporary handover of Zone A at Phase 5 of Dubai Solar Park, the hydraulic testing of boilers at the Thar power plant, the connection of Thar Coal Mine's PV power station to the power grid in Bangladesh (a grid that is currently over-reliant on fossil fuels), and the concrete pouring for Rupsha's steam turbine base. In 2022, 79 mainland Chinese companies were included in the list, making China the first in the world in terms of the number of firms that made the ranking. Four of them are involved in the power engineering sector, aside from Shanghai Electric, they include Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina), China Energy Engineering Group (Energy China) and China National Machinery Industry Corporation. Shanghai Electric also ranked among the top ten on the regional list alongside PowerChina, Energy China, China State Construction Engineering Corporation and China Railway Construction Group Corporation. According to the ENR list, the global infrastructure construction market showed a recovery in 2021. Combined contracting revenue of the Top 250 increased 5.1% year on year to $547.2 billion last year, while combined international turnover of the companies declined 5.4% to US$397.9 billion, a vast improvement compared to the drop of 11.1% in 2020. Among the 236 companies that have made the list for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022, 62.3% saw an increase in international turnover. All of the top 250 companies have built distinctive competencies in their respective regional markets. Most notably, Chinese contractors continued their leadership role in Africa (with a share of 59.3%), Asia (55.3%) and the Middle East (40%). In 2021, turnover from the transportation construction business of the Top 250 reached US$132.17 billion, accounting for 33.2 per cent of the total, followed by housing construction, petrochemical and power engineering, with combined turnover of the four business types making up 80.1% of the total. About Shanghai Electric Shanghai Electric Group Company Limited (SEHK: 2727, SSE: 601727) is a world-class high-end equipment manufacturer, focusing on smart energy, intelligent manufacturing and smart infrastructure to provide green and intelligent industrial-grade system solutions. It has a global presence in industries such as new energy, efficient clean energy, industrial automation, medical devices and environmental protection. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1800747/logo_new_Logo.jpg The James Webb Space Telescope is sending breathtaking images of our universe and today, it has managed to capture the Tarantula Nebula in stunning detail. NASA Also known as 30 Doradus, Webb observed some distinct features of the nebula using its state-of-the-art Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) from around 161,000 light years away from us. Overwhelming radiation from the cluster of several young stars resulted in the image revealing a hollow cavity, shining pale blue. NASA describes the imagery as resembling a burrowing tarantulas home, lined with its silk. According to NASA, only the densest surrounding areas of the nebula are capable of resisting corrosion by the powerful stellar winds of these stars. The camera also captured a very young star only beginning to emerge from its pillar to shape the nebula, while still maintaining an insulating cloud of dust around itself -- something wouldnt have been possible to witness without the hardware aboard the JWST. The nebula looks extremely different when captured using JWSTs MIRI(Mid-infrared instrument). The hot stars fade with the cooler gases and dust glowing. In the stellar nursery clouds, points of light show that the protostars within them are still gaining mass. NASA While shorter wavelengths of light are absorbed or spread by dust grains in the nebula, going undetected by JWST, longer mid-infrared wavelengths go through the dust, showcasing a unique cosmic event. Researchers are now planning to observe distant galaxies from the actual era of cosmic noon and compare it with the existing observations of Tarantula, helping scientists see how similar or different the results truly are. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Tradespeople who call themselves and their workers independent contractors have long been an issue for the workers compensation industry, often cutting carriers out of premium and leaving injured workers without coverage. Some in the industry now worry, though, that at least a few carriers have taken anti-fraud precautions too far, charging premiums for subcontractor company officers, who, by law and industry rule, can exempt themselves from workers compensation coverage requirements in several states. When a carrier includes an exempt subcontractor officer or owner on payroll, it can end up costing the general contractor perhaps $2,000 more per year in premium for a tile craftsman, for example, or $6,000 more per year for a carpenter, agents calculated. And when that happens, commercial agents feel the blowback from unprepared employers. The key is for agents to make sure that the employers are fully prepared and have all their documentation together at audit time, said Steve Hall, principal at East Coast Insurors, an agency in Daytona Beach. Some 16 states allow comp exemptions for small businesses, including skilled trade workers who have few or no employees. Owners and officers of firms can opt out of coverage. Ten of those opt-out states are in the South, according to information from the Workers Compensation Research Institute. Florida, which allows construction company exemptions for firms with three or fewer employees, may be the epicenter of the controversy, according to a recent blog posting by the Florida Association of Insurance Agents. We have received numerous phone calls from FAIA members regarding work comp premium audit problems arising from clients use of contractors with exempt officers, wrote Frank Pennachio, a longtime comp expert and consultant who works with Florida agencies. Some carriers are charging premium for exempt officers in a similar way as uninsured subcontractors. Its just wrong, Pennachio said. He noted that the National Council on Compensation Insurance in 2019 put out a memo explaining that its basic manual for Florida employers dictates that officers of a corporation who elect to be exempt from comp insurance must not be included in premium calculation. Despite that, some carriers appear to have pressed ahead with the practice in recent years. A 2017 letter to agents from Summit Insurance indicated that, without complete documentation, general contractors will be charged premium for subcontractors, particularly if they earn above a threshold amount. Your clients should be aware that if any exempt subcontractors who receive $50,000 or more in compensation, do not have their own workers comp coverage, and cannot verify that any additional employees were not used, then the entire amount paid to the exempt employee can be included for audit purposes, reads the letter from Summit Vice President Mike Arnold. Summit and four other carriers did not respond to request for information about this practice. Only FCCI Insurance Group commented. We have checked with our SVP of corporate underwriting and our director of premium audit and they both confirm FCCI follows NCCI rules and Florida statutes, wrote Lisa Adamaitis, director of marketing and communications for FCCI, based in Sarasota, Florida. Some employers, knowing the subs exempt status, simply arent expecting carriers to be so strict, agents said. And retroactively proving an independent contractors officer status can be easier said than done. To be considered independent, and not an employee, a subcontractor must meet several of 10 requirements spelled out in Florida statutes. The most important factor, according to the Florida Department of Revenue, is that the worker maintains some decision-making authority and his methods are not subject to the control of the employer. To prove exemption from workers comp, a tradesperson may also need to provide his or her companys federal identification numbernot just a Social Security number, Hall explained. It also helps at audit to have a copy of the subs company check or invoice or other documentation showing who the owner or officer is, along with 1099 tax forms, payroll journals, and other financial records. The Florida Division of Workers Compensation website allows exempted contractors to print their exemption certificates, which regulators said can be crucial in an audit. Still, one Florida agent commented on the FAIA site that all appropriate documents were provided at audit but the carrier is coming back stating that the subcontractor exceeds the standard allowance to be exempt. Summits 2017 letter suggested that extra premiums can often be avoided if the right information is provided. To help your clients prepare for this please remind them that, as always, documentation is key, Summit wrote. Others have said that employers have reported getting hammered more often in recent audits, but agents can help with that. Its part of the relationship with clients for agents to report these things and make sure that clients provide all the documentation required, said Clayton Fischer, an agent with Blue Marlin Insurance, in Coral Gables. Pennachio said that the OIR has received complaints about carriers charging premiums inappropriately, but the office said it needs specific instances to investigate. Some insurance agents may be reluctant to rat on their carriers. OIR officials did not respond to questions from the Insurance Journal about that. Part of the problem is industry-wide and a sign of the times, agents and others said. With workers comp loss costs and rates dropping every year for more than a decade in most states, many employers and agents may not be paying attention to the details that could save even more on payroll and experience modifications. Is the C-suite still paying attention to workers comp? Pennachio asked at a session at the FAIA convention in June. Has comp become just a rounding error now? Topics Carriers Workers' Compensation New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Do you have trouble finding client service candidates? You are not alone if the answer is an exuberant YES! From what Ive seen over the past two years, insurance agencies spend at least 75% of their recruiting time trying to hire CSRs, account managers and account executives. With the insurance industrys labor market being as tight as it is, now is the time to assess your sourcing resources. There are ways to recruit account managers that are different and more effective than those used to recruit producers or managers. Im sure youre familiar with the tools listed below. However, the point is less about what they are but how you use them to recruit this type of candidate. Applicant Tracking System Since half of all account managers are sourced by direct application and the other half through referrals and passive recruiting, you need a system to manage candidate information. ATS or HRIS System. If you dont have one, get one ASAP. Storing valuable candidate information in Excel or Outlook is an inefficient way to store information. The cost typically ranges from $350-$750/month; it varies by design features and number of users. This is a minimal investment compared to the cost of unfilled jobs or external recruiter fees. CRM. If you make 25-plus hires a year you need a platform that does more than warehouse applications. CRMs function the same way as your agency management system (Epic, AMS360, Sagitta, etc.). You can organize and categorize groups of applicants, run keyword searches, assign prospects to project folders, record interview activity, communicate with candidates through text and email and improve connectivity between HR/talent acquisition and hiring managers. CRMs are the only way for you to build a valuable candidate database. Advertising Resources Most account managers start their job search online, which makes brand identity and visibility essential to your recruiting success. You can apply the same marketing and advertising principles used for company branding to recruiting. Job Boards. You need outlets like LinkedIn, Careerbuilder and ZipRecruiter, etc., but be frugal with how much you invest. Most postings dont yield a significant return past the 30-day mark. Plus, people are not brand loyal. You do not need to pay to post the same job on every website. Review analytical information from past postings to determine what types of jobs perform best on certain sites. Social Media. Do you know Indeed and Glassdoor have social media pages for your company that candidates can visit prior to applying for one of your jobs? If not, you need to get this cleaned up ASAP. Photos and company information give account managers a glimpse into your culture. The more valuable the information, the more likely they are to apply. People will not apply for your jobs if these pages are blank or full of negative reviews. Email Marketing Software. How do you stay in touch with candidates who applied or interviewed that you didnt hire? Services like Mailchimp and Constant Contact are a great way to strengthen your pipeline for future hires. Two to three times per year you should send an email to keep in touch. The subject matter can range from Hello, Just Checking In to We Have New Job Openings or Whats In The News At Our Agency. Make a personal connection with people to keep your career opportunities front and center. New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! The insurance market for senior care and housing facilities has emerged from the volatile period of the pandemic and is again responsive and competitive. Premiums that were going up considerably are moderating in some subclasses and carriers that pulled away are returning and competing with new entrants. At the same time, the sector is witnessing a technology explosion that promises to address some of the most difficult claims scenarios. I think during the pandemic things got shook up. I believe weve seen a lot of things leveling off, Jason Zuccari at Hamilton Insurance Agency in Fairfax, Virginia, told Insurance Journal. Hamilton specializes in insurance and risk management for the senior community. Zuccari, vice president of business development, calls Hamilton a one-stop shop for insurance in a senior care community. Obviously, during the beginning and in the height of the pandemic, we saw a lot of carriers reining back, being a lot more conservative, or just not writing anything at all. But as things have been loosening up, the carriers have gotten back to business as usual, he said Theres still a few carriers that dont write in a senior space anymore, but then others that have been out for years are getting back in. Hamilton handles both skilled nursing home and assisted living risks, which Zuccari stresses are very different risks and some carriers will only write one or the other. Skilled nursing cares for patients in facilities; assisted living and senior housing are communities with residents. But when it comes to liability, he feels the two sectors are becoming more alike. The big thing was that assisted living would say, No, were not a nursing home. But now assisted living facilities are also facing high liability risks and having to learn how to manage them. He thinks the liability piece is the one of the most pressing concerns for all senior care operators. Research on the most common senior market professional liability claims (Aging Services Claims Report) by CNA, a leading senior care insurer, shows resident falls and pressure injuries continue to make up about two-thirds of all claims. Other top causes are improper care, failure to monitor, delay in seeking care, resident abuse, and medication errors. Elopement claims are only 1.8% but are the costliest per claim, averaging $360,840. The liability piece is the bailiwick of James McNitt, healthcare practices leader with specialty broker Risk Placement Services (RPS) in its Chicago-area office. In a recent report, McNitt noted that since summer 2021, many medical professional liability insurers have made an abrupt change in direction in underwriting long-term care facilities. After several years of rate increases from 12% to 15%, many long-term care facility premiums are now flat on renewal, although other senior facilities continue to see rate increases. Some MPL insurers are even offering two-year rate guarantees to long-term care facilities, according to RPS. So, whereas theres a need for rate on certain facilities and groups of facilities, we are seeing competition from new market entrants that is keeping that increase down, McNitt told Insurance Journal. We had quite a bit of flat renewals and competitive carriers coming in trying to underprice business. Theres a little bit of what I like to call FOMO still in existence here the fear of missing out where carriers are still trying to compete on accounts that, in my opinion, are ones that should not be competed on. McNitt describes it as an opportunistic market where some established carriers are letting accounts walk rather than underprice them and the new entries are typically professionals with experience in the market and have a pretty darn good understanding of what theyre doing. Its a combination of just new parent companies that are entering the space or carriers that exited in the past and are more satisfied with the rate adequacy of the marketplace today, he added. According to RPS, for the first time many insurers are asking policyholders to share more of the risk through deductibles and retentions. This trend, McNitt believes, helps explain what appears to be an overall drop in claims frequency because the small stuff is being reported less often. In another area, sexual misconduct and abuse claims remain a concern and carriers are now limiting and even excluding this coverage in some policies, RPS reports. Auto is the biggest headache. Insurers are taking a much closer look at hired non-owned auto coverage where employees may use their own vehicles to transport assisted living residents to appointments. Thats something that, five years ago, was thrown in for free, McNitt noted. However, now claims severity is a major concern. Those total losses have been pretty brutal and in the past 12 to 18 months, weve seen carriers really taking a harder look at that. He called auto for a senior living facility one of the most difficult placements in insurance today because it involves a fragile patient population oftentimes in non-ambulatory situations. There are issues with wheelchair tie downs not being correct and gurneys not being strapped correctly. Also, the non-emergency medical transport industry suffers from driver shortages. Zuccari agrees that auto is a big challenge, with some states liability climates worse than others and driver shortages everywhere. He said carriers are underwriting the individual driver whereas before theyd offer blanket coverage, and they are requiring background checks, which can be irksome in a field with a lot of turnovers. And its gotten expensive. You can understand why youre driving elderly people and if you look across the board, just auto in general has gone up. One of the coverage issues that McNitt says is still in flux is COVID exclusionary language. That is something that we still do see for the majority across the board from all of our carriers. It is some sort of airborne pathogen communicable disease, COVID-specific, exclusionary language. However, some carriers are willing to remove that exclusion for an additional premium, he noted. Overall, McNitt assesses the current market as one with some challenges but also one where hes still able to get stuff done. That is a contrast to two years ago in the middle of 2020, when he felt that there were risks that he called uninsurable or where the premium was so high that the insured couldnt afford it. Since 2020, he thinks the market has been pretty darn consistent. He uses the terminology of Goldilocks, not too hot, not too cold in his outlook. Technology Boom Risk-reducing technologies that are being introduced at a rapid pace are part of the conversation brokers have with their senior care clients and insurers. These technologies are addressing a number of the most common risks in senior care from inadequate staffing and medication errors to falls and loneliness. Wearables track a residents physical condition, heart rate, stress levels and sleep patterns. Virtual assistants help senior living staffs with day-to-day tasks like reminders for appointments, medications and meals and answer questions for seniors. GPS devices track residents location to prevent elopements. Telehealth services provide video consultations, remote patient monitoring and secure messaging. Alexa-like voice activated devices let families and caregivers remotely check in on seniors. Machines accurately dispense medications. Caregivers use data from electronic incident reports to optimize care and safety plans. Telehealth services provide quick access to medical teams. Hamilton Insurance performs onsite surveys during which a consultant walks the building with the client and notes deficiencies such as a medicine chest on a certain floor being unlocked. Incidents are input into the proprietary risk management system, Servarus, which can issue reports, trends analyses and alerts. Caregivers may be alerted that a patient has fallen multiple times in the past 30 days. If we dont figure out a remedy, next time hes going to go to the hospital, Zuccari explained. The program also tracks hospital readmissions and lets owners see which of their facilities are having more incidents. All of these data points have been able to help reduce claims and falls, and the whole idea is building this culture of awareness. If we see something, were going to try to correct it, Zuccari added. According to a 2020 claims study by insurer CNA, almost 60% of fall-related claim allegations involve a resident with a prior history of falls and claims where there was a history are more costly. Both McNitt and Zuccari see the industrys labor shortage as a major risk factor. It is a challenge not only in caregiving but also in transportation. COVID really threw a big curve ball to this industry. I think people are fatigued. I think the stress got to people, Zuccari said. Workers and laborers are leaving the industry completely; its the stress, the intensity, and the responsibility is hard. Skilled nursing facilities are graded on a staffing metric. Facilities that have more medical professionals on staff are presumed to have less adverse medical outcomes. Technology may be able to help here, too. During COVID, there were facilities that had basically the equivalent of a robotic cat or dog-looking creature that would bring meals to residents. It had artificial intelligence to understand where it was going through the facility and also had the ability for somebody on the other end of it to do the communications. That was a way to bring both a smile and a meal to a fragile patient population, especially during the height of COVID, McNitt said. Telemedicine took off during the pandemic and remains popular for both diagnosis and screening to determine if an office visit is needed. Among the benefits of telehealth services are its communication capabilities that counter social isolation and loneliness, which are associated with about a 30% increased risk of heart attack or stroke, according to the American Heart Association. The loneliness metric was something that was pretty darn stark during COVID, McNitt recalled. We saw the ability to bring in a machine that would not just communicate back and forth with them, play music, show a video, et cetera, but also communicate with their family when visitors werent allowed. It seemed simple, but it enabled a happier lifestyle for some of these more fragile patients. Better communication leads to happier outcomes. Theyre going to live longer and probably feel better throughout the process and a lot of claims that we do see are a result of just being a disgruntled patient, the RPS broker said. As much good as technologies are doing, there are downsides. The main one is that they raise cybersecurity risks and insurance costs. Cyber insurance has gotten super, super expensive, said Zuccari, while stressing how important it is for an industry that is dealing with HIPAA compliance and peoples medical records. Telehealth services can raise issues around remote diagnoses and treatment, confusion about where a claim can be brought, licensing of doctors, or missed instructions due to service interruptions. McNitt is worried that insurance coverages may be lagging behind healthcares digital transformation. Neither MPL nor cyber coverage addresses bodily injury related to a technology glitch, system outage or cyber attack. Wearable technology failures and privacy issues could soon be litigated under MPL, RPS warns. Zuccari has noticed considerable money going in healthcare technology and a believes a lot of really fascinating companies are on the way. He wonders which firms and technologies will win the race to set the industry standard. Is it wearable? Is it sensor? Is it infrared? he queried. RPS points out in its report that solving one problem often leads to creating a new one. Thats insurance, right? Nowhere to hide, commented McNitt. Topics InsurTech Tech Cork-based gym and studio software company LegitFit has raised 1m in a seed funding round, it announced today. The funding round, led by Delta Partners, will allow the firm to accelerate its expansion into the UK market. LegitFit provides gyms and fitness professionals with business management software, allowing clients to manage the operations of a fitness business. The firm's platform covers member management, scheduling, payments and communications. Founded in 2019 by Ryan ONeill, Gearoid Collins and Ian OSullivan, the company has grown rapidly and works with clients from 15 countries. Mr ONeill, co-founder and chief executive, said the new funding would allow the company to establish "a firm foothold in the UK market which we started earlier this year. Mr O'Neill added the company's ambition was to double its customer base over the next 12 months and explore avenues for further expansion, such as franchises and chains. Rich Barnwell from Delta Partners said: "We are excited to be joining their journey as they continue to progress and expand into new markets." Delta's most recent investment fund is backed by the Bank of Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Fexco among others. LegitFit previously raised a family, friends and customers funding round in 2021. In total, the firm has raised 1.6m in funding since it was established in 2019. The business is a client of Enterprise Ireland and has previously been supported through accelerator programmes such as Ignite and Techstars. Garth Brooks comes to the end of his five stadium shows in Croke Park, Dublin, on Friday and Saturday, with close to 400,000 people having expected to see the country superstar. What do I need to know about tickets? Event organisers are keen to stress the importance of checking your tickets in advance of the concert to ensure you travel on the correct date, and you have them sorted on your phone. They have also stressed the importance of making sure your phone is charged, as this will be your method of gaining entry to the concert. Map of Croke Park for Garth Brooks' concerts, from organisers Aiken Promotions. Screenshots or printouts of digital tickets will not be accepted, and they have advised all gig goers to ensure they download their tickets from your Ticketmaster account to your iPhone wallet / Google Pay wallet in advance of show day as network coverage may not be available at the venue. Patrons are also asked to ensure the brightness on their phone is set at maximum as they enter the scanning area. When will Garth Brooks be on stage? Organisers say Garth Brooks taking to the stage at around 7.30pm. There is no support act and gates will open at 5pm. What time will the gig finish? The exact length of the show can vary but it's usually in excess of two hours. The finishing time of the opening shows was soon after 10pm. The curfew for the venue is 10.30pm. What will he play? All the hits is probably an accurate prediction. Brooks likes to vary the set slightly, but favourites such as If Tomorrow Never Comes, Friends In Low Places and The Dance are almost guaranteed. Time-permitting, Brooks also likes an encore much longer than the standard two or three songs. Interesting cover-versions sprinkled through his recent gigs have included Shallow by Lady Gaga, Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan, and American Pie by Don McLean. Whats the weather forecast? Friday and Saturday night looks dry for Dublin, but be warned it'll be much chillier than last week's gigs. Met Eireann forcecasts lowest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees Garth Brooks' gigs at Croke Park are September 9-11, and 16-17. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie Getting there and getting home There is little or no parking close to the venue, so public transport could be your best option. If you plan on travelling to Dublin from Cork or Limerick by train, and have yet to book your ticket, be quick as a number of trains on the days of the Brooks concerts are already sold out. An adult train ticket from Cork Kent to Dublin Heuston before showtime on Friday will cost you between 30.99 and 45.49. The last train home is 9pm, so too early to return home on the same night. Croke Park is roughly a 25-minute walk from O'Connell Street, or a 20-minute walk from Connolly Station. If youre landing at Heuston Station, your best option will be to hop on the LUAS red line from Heuston to Connolly Station (get off at the Busaras stop). This will take around 15 20 minutes. The stadium is a similar walking distance from both Parnell and Marlborough LUAS stops on the Green line. The closest DART stop is Connolly Station. A large number of Dublin bus routes will bring you within walking distance of the stadium also. There is a dedicated section on the Transport for Ireland website which provides public transport details for the shows here. Can I bring my own seat for pitch? No. Inflatable and folding chairs are not permitted. Can I bring a backpack? No. Bags larger than A4 will not be permitted into the venue. Can I bring my large camera or camcorder? Any large lens professional cameras or any form of video recorder will not be admitted. Can I bring the kids? Children under the age of 14 are not permitted on the pitch standing areas. Children under the age of five are not permitted in the concert venue at all, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the show. WHEN Emma Donoghue was holidaying on the Beara Peninsula, a friend booked a boat trip around the famous Skelligs. Transfixed by the spikiest landscape she had ever seen, Donoghue wondered how monks had managed to land and live there back in the seventh century. And, why, in such a rural country, they would seek out such extreme solitude. By the time the boat had returned to mainland Kerry, Emma had worked out the entire plot of a novel in her head. I looked up at those steps and thought, OK, who landed here first? There were most likely a dozen or so monks, but I thought Id make it three like the Trinity. And I did a kind of job search. I needed a leader, and someone younger who can climb up and down the cliffs easily, and someone with enough knowledge to grow vegetables. Shes talking to me through Zoom from her home in Ontario, Canada, and were discussing Haven, her recently released 16th novel. Haven opens when a scholar, Artt, has a dream telling him to leave the sinful world behind and to found a monastery. Hes visiting Cluain Mhic Nois at the time, and he chooses his companions with care. Theres Cormac, an elderly convert, once married, who lost his family to plague, and the young dreamer, Trian. The men set off down the Shannon to the Atlantic, letting the wind take them where it pleases. They land, and all is harmony, at first, but the Friars increasing insistence on apparently senseless deprivation eventually causes rifts. Although rooted in medieval times, the novel resonates with our concerns today. I tried to make it like any cult, says Donoghue. Theres always a boss who seems to be so charming and sure of himself and who makes you feel special for having been chosen. Youre seduced into it. Its like those Facebook groups people fall down rabbit holes all the time. And the more they are told, this is secret knowledge, the rest of the world dont understand, the more fervently they follow. Haven turned out to be the most perfect project for lockdown. The idea of escaping the desperate tedium of Covid, getting away from that world, and solving problems for those early settlers was utterly appealing to Donoghue although sometimes the problems seemed oddly similar. I remember saying to a friend, Im going to have to get the monks firewood or theyll freeze, but the Friar, Artt, is saying theres to be no trading with the mainland, which was perverse when the island is just off the coast of Kerry. Saying: We wont trade with the corrupt world, was like the apparently arbitrary Covid rules, You may see five neighbours but not six. The novel required prodigious research, and although Donoghue always completes the bulk of it before she embarks on writing, new queries inevitably arise. I always do my own research, she says, and I always go in as deeply as possible because you never know where the diamond will be found in the wall of the mine. Sometimes I only get half a sentence in, and I spend the rest of the day on research. Ill say, he rubs his head, and I think, hang on, what shape was the tonsure. Sometimes I think, Will I ever get to the end of the paragraph? Laughing, she tells me of the days she spent on YouTube, watching people with specialist hobbies explain how to make things with neolithic tools. There are forums debating whether its cheating to use threads to bind your leather together. Reading of Artts fixation on purity is horribly resonant of the way women have been treated in recent times, being sent to atone their sin in Magdalene Laundries, their babies sold to America. I was very aware of trying to pin down that strand of Christianity that hates the body, and hates females in particular, she says. The Friar basically says, ick, women, periods, sex, lets just get men and go away to an island. I would say anything I write thats historical is drawing all my thoughts from today, she says, then points out the environmental parallels. How much damage could those three humans do to an island in one summer? Not from making anything, because no supplies come from anywhere else, but by stripping it down. And they can start on that awful course towards erosion and the destruction of the ecosystem. Emma Donoghue. Pic: Mark Raynes Roberts Skellig Michael is a character in itself. The three mens differing reactions to it are used to develop the action. The Friar is choosing it because its a land with no people. He wants a blank space to colonise. But there is so much beauty there and so many creatures already. Cormac and Trian are able to see the beauty but the Friar just doesnt notice. When I have an idea, Im a bit like him, she says, ruefully. I start a novel, and its the most important thing in the world and then, oh God, the kids have a dental appointment and I have to get back into the real world. I dont want to become the monster who says, Im not making dinner Im only writing my book, but you have to find time to write the book. Its getting that balance right between the ambition and drive for something and the more relaxed merciful qualities. Donoghues greatest concern lies in examining the relationship dynamics between the three men, and how they relate to each other as a family. A modern reader probably thinks, why dont Cormac and Trian rebel, but the idea that we have rights came with the rise of democracy and human rights, whereas the monks think of themselves as belonging to their boss. I remark that Donoghues novels generally happen in confined spaces; none more so than in Room, the novel which was turned into an Oscar-winning film, with Donoghues screenplay. Agreeing, she says, Im like a serial kidnapper, arent I? Other writers can write a novel that covers all of Europe over 50 years and Im locking my characters in a shed. I enjoy these confined situations because dialogue is my strength, and I like how each thing they say to each other would have a ripple effect because theyre really stuck with each other. Donoghue escaped her own lockdown confinement last August, when she attended the filming of her novel, The Wonder, on the Guinness Estate in Co Wicklow. It was magic, she says. And I appreciated seeing how they managed under Covid conditions. We had a Covid testing van, and we were all tested every two days. We had a few nice meals in Monkstown, and it all went really well. Present projects include two novels, one awaiting publication, the other in progress; a musical, and the screenplay for her 2020 novel, The Pull of the Stars. Meanwhile, she is busy packing. Shes off to live in Paris for a year with her wife, Christine Roulston, and their teenage children, Finn and Una. Theyve lived in the South of France before, but never the North. We wont get those sparkling blue skies, but Im drawn to the history, the museums and the architecture of Paris. I couldnt pass up this chance. Its exciting. Living in Europe, close to her family and friends in Ireland will be a treat. But will she, finally, make the trip to Skellig Michael which was closed to tourists during Covid? We have a trip booked, she says, and can go any time in the next five years. So some day I will land on the island. I hope I dont say, Oh! I got it all wrong. Aer Lingus has been forced to cancel 51 flights scheduled to and from Dublin Airport today due to "a major incident with a network provider". This afternoon it was announced that a majority of the airline's inbound flights to Dublin were cancelled, including those from the UK and Europe. This followed the airline cancelling all of its flights destined to leave Dublin from 2pm today. Inbound flights from destinations such as Rome, Geneva, Frankfurt, Santorini, Dusseldorf among others have been cancelled, however incoming flights from Spain and Portugal have not been affected. The airline has said they are "working intensively with our system partners and their network partners to resolve the connection issues as soon as possible". "Flights to and from the Aer Lingus bases in Cork, Shannon and Belfast are currently planned to operate today, albeit with delays and risk of short-notice cancellations," it was stated. It was added that Aer Lingus Regional flights (operated by Emerald Airlines) "are currently planned to operate today, albeit with delays and risk of short-notice cancellations". The list of affected flights is as follows: Flight Departure Arrival EI235 London Gatwick Dublin EI446 Dublin Santorini EI168 Dublin London Heathrow EI935 London Heathrow Belfast City EI798 Dublin Izmir EI406 Dublin Rome EI685 Geneva Dublin EI376 Dublin Burgas EI656 Dublin Frankfurt EI169 London Heathrow Dublin EI176 Dublin London Heathrow EI444 Dublin Corfu EI546 Dublin Nice EI698 Dublin Dusseldorf EI336 Dublin Berlin EI178 Dublin London Heathrow EI528 Dublin Charles De Gaulle EI182 Dublin London Heathrow EI177 London Heathrow Dublin EI424 Dublin Venice EI407 Rome Dublin EI657 Frankfurt Dublin EI447 Santorini Dublin EI171 London Heathrow Dublin EI699 Dusseldorf Dublin EI179 London Heathrow Dublin EI799 Izmir Dublin EI547 Nice Dublin EI337 Berlin Dublin EI183 London Heathrow Dublin EI529 Charles De Gaulle Dublin EI377 Bourgas Dublin EI425 Venice Dublin The company said a technical problem with its cloud-based reservation and operational systems is impacting check-in and boarding has caused the disruption. "A UK network provider servicing the cloud-based system has experienced a major break in connectivity impacting both primary and secondary connectivity. "At this time the provider has not been able to give Aer Lingus an estimate of the time when the break in connectivity will be restored." The statement said that due to this issue, all flights originally scheduled to depart from Dublin Airport for European and United Kingdom destinations from 2pm onwards today have had to be cancelled. However, the airline stated they are hoping to operate some flights from Dublin Airport that were originally scheduled to depart before 2.00pm today. "However, as we are relying on manual process for these flights, there remains a risk of cancellation," it was added. Aer Lingus is urging customers due to travel on affected flights to avoid the airport. Aer Lingus jets parked up on the runway of Dublin airport as flights are down by 83% due to Coronavirus. The airline said customers impacted would be able to change their travel plans, free of charge. This can be done through their call centre or social media channels. "We will advise customers when IT systems are restored and this change option is fully available to our customers. "Our sincerest apologies to those affected by today's technical issues." Passengers travelling tomorrow have been told check-in desks will be open and only flights today are impacted. Thousands of passengers will be impacted by today's cancellations Earlier, Dublin Airport said Aer Lingus is experiencing an internal IT issue which is impacting check-in and boarding. They advised that other airlines were operating as normal and that affected passengers should contact Aer Lingus directly. "Please keep receipts for expenses incurred due to the delay and submit them to Guest Relations once the website is back online," the airline advised an affected passenger on Twitter. Frustrated passengers Aer Lingus has been responding to frustrated passengers on Twitter. Many people voiced their annoyance at the lack of communication from staff at the airport. One woman said that after a three-hour wait to be checked in manually, she arrived at the gate to find there were no staff members there. People have been posting pictures of winding queues outside Terminal 2 this morning. Dublin airport scene pic.twitter.com/jeflGrsrM3 David Alspach (@1cooljeep) September 10, 2022 One woman tweeted Aer Lingus to say that systems had been down for two hours and she was feeding her four-month-old child on the floor, calling the situation "horrendous". Another woman said she is outside queuing in the cold with her nine-month-old baby. The issue is not only impacting flights departing Dublin as passengers flying home to Dublin are also reporting delays and disruption. Emma Rafter is due to fly from Amsterdam to Dublin but says there is no plane and no gate has been announced. "If they are releasing that statement, that's all they are going to tell us anyway," said Ms Rafter. "We really have no idea what is going on and it is just a case of sitting here and waiting. At least, everyone's in the same boat - or should I say, the same plane. "At the same time, it's frustrating. There are kids here and they're running around. They have all this energy and they can't do anything. "There are kids sleeping. There are older people here as well. It's a mess." Junta Watch Junta Watch: Coup Leader Starstruck by Putin; Media Crackdown Set to Worsen; and More Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing meets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum on Sept. 7, 2022. Screws tighten on media Just as the military junta escalates its crackdown on independent media in Myanmar, it was decided at a meeting on Tuesday led by the regimes Union Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Daw Thida Oo to amend the 2014 Printing and Publishing Law, indicating that more restrictions are on their way to curb free voices in Myanmar. For many years under the previous military regime, the Information Ministrys notorious Press Scrutiny and Registration Division, jokingly known as the Press Kenpeitai after the brutal Japanese military police unit during World War II, imposed a draconian system of pre-publication censorship. It was only abolished in late 2012 as part of media reforms, allowing uncensored private dailies to come into circulation in 2013. The Printing and Publishing Law promulgated in 2014 provided greater freedom for independent media in Myanmar. But since the coup, the junta-controlled Information Ministry has been stretching the law and imposing it as it pleases, stripping local outlets of their media licenses and prosecuting journalists. So far, it has revoked the licenses of nine media outlets, two printing houses and four publishing houses. From what we have seen of the regimes treatment of independent media so far, the amendments are likely to include the resurrection of draconian censorship, and harsh penalties for failing to comply. At the same time, the regime has teamed up with Russias state-owned media Sputnik. Coup leaders electric car dreams persist While people in Myanmar have had to increasingly rely on power banks to keep their cell phones working, the juntas Ministry of Electricity and Energy is planning to establish five charging stations for electric cars along the Yangon-Mandalay Highway. Each charging station will have the capacity to charge 50 vehicles at the same time, according to a letter sent by the Naypyitaw Electricity Supply Enterprise to its Yangon and Naypyitaw branches. The letter asked the two branches to detail which power stations along the highway can supply power for the charging stations. To Myanmar people, Min Aung Hlaings fantasy of creating a metro rail system and an electric bus network is a running joke. In June, the regime even formed a national committee to lead the development of electric vehicles and related businesses, chaired by Defense Minister General Mya Tun Oo, a member of the regimes governing body, the State Administration Council (SAC). Transport Minister General Tin Aung San, who is also on the SAC, serves as the vice chair of the committee. Less than a month after the coup, Min Aung Hlaing promoted his idea of producing electric cars to reduce the countrys fuel imports. In contrast to these delusions of grandeur, the reality since the military takeover has been widespread blackouts that have continued for months until today. Lately, public buses are even being forced to reduce their operating hours due to fuel price hikes. But none of this has deterred Min Aung Hlaing, who persists with his electric car plan. If he is not totally deluded, he is surely doing this just for show. Min Aung Hlaing finally gets his photo-op with Putin During his latest trip to Russia this week, Myanmars junta leader looked like a child visiting a zoo as he was granted his first audience with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a foreign investment forum in the Russian Far East. As the head of a regime internationally shunned for grabbing power from Myanmars democratically elected government and killing at least 2,000 people so far for rejecting military rule, it is the first time the coup leader has been welcomed by an international head of state. To Min Aung Hlaings delight, the Russian president addressed him as Mr. Prime Ministera position not recognized locally or internationally. It could help to explain Min Aung Hlaings beaming visage during the meeting, as captured in photos. To show his gratitude for this acceptance, the junta chief praised his host as a leader of the world who had brought about international stability, ignoring the devastation Putin has wrought through his invasion of Ukraine. But Min Aung Hlaing came across as simply delusional when he shamelessly claimed to Russian news agency RIA that the situation in Myanmar was under control. To the contrary, local and international media as well as foreign observers unanimously agree that his regime is still not in control of the country, and is in fact losing territory to resistance groups who have taken up arms to fight his rule. Even former UN experts on Myanmar said in a recent analysis that the revolutionary forces have effective control over 52 percent of the territory of the country. All in all, Putins acceptance of Min Aung Hlaing is simply a case of Russia seeking to offset the negative impact of international sanctions by luring a small regime in Asia as a possible source of extra income by selling it more arms, oil and other necessities that Min Aung Hlaing might find helpful. The juntas claim of Myanmar being under his control is nothing more than face saving. Destroyer of farms offers food security Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing shared his insight on the importance of food at the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia on Wednesday, saying food provides energy for humans to survive. He included his finding in his discussion Myanmars Crucial Role in Food Security and Better Opportunities for Investment. He said Myanmar can produce enough basic food items for its own needs while also exporting agricultural and livestock products to neighboring and other countries, adding, If friendly countries can offer help, agricultural production can be doubled, contributing a lot to food security. Do not take his words seriously, however: He was lying. Contrary to his boast of being able to contribute a lot to food security, Myanmar is on the verge of starving due to his regimes mismanagement on every front. Fuel shortages have been reported for months, prompting prices of necessities like rice, the countrys main staple food, to soar. Farmers are complaining of a surge in imported chemical fertilizer prices due to the regimes restrictions on foreign exchange rates, heralding a sharp decrease in yields. Rice and other farms upcountry are deserted, as locals flee for their lives as Min Aung Hlaings troops raid farming communities there and torch whole villages. On the ground, this month people are paying 2,100 kyats per viss (about 1.6 kg) for the lowest grade of rice, up 75 percent from April. So rememberdictators never tell the truth. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Welcome Guest! You Are Here: China's ambassador in Geneva warned Friday that Beijing's cooperation with the UN rights office was "in danger" after it published a report listing serious abuses in the Xinjiang region. "We cannot conduct cooperation as if nothing happened, when we were hurt by this exercise," ambassador Chen Xu told reporters in a virtual briefing organised by the ACANU association of UN correspondents. Beijing has made no secret of its displeasure with the report, which was released minutes before former UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet left office last week, and warned of possible crimes against humanity in the far-western Xinjiang region. The report brought the UN seal to allegations long made by campaigners and others, who accuse Beijing of a litany of abuses in Xinjiang, including detaining more than one million Uyghurs and other Muslims, and forcibly sterilising women. Beijing has vehemently rejected such charges and criticised the report, accusing the UN of becoming a "thug and accomplice of the US and the West". Chen stressed that Beijing had expressed its willingness to deepen cooperation with the UN rights office during Bachelet's visit to China -- the first by a UN rights chief in 17 years -- last May. "We reached agreement on a whole set of bilateral cooperation mechanisms," he pointed out. But, he lamented, in the face of "China's utmost sincerity, the office closed the door... on cooperation by releasing the so-called assessment." "The release of an assessment of this nature, I think, puts everything in danger." Chen stressed that Beijing remained an ardent supporter of the UN as a whole, and questioned whether the rights office could really be said to represent the global body. "It is very clear the report was based on political motivations," he said. "The office has been catering to the political manoeuvres of some countries... to contain China." But he said China remained open to working with Bachelet's successor, Volker Turk of Austria who was appointed late Thursday. "We are ready to establish a working relationship with the new High Commissioner," Chen said, voicing hope that Turk would "lead the office to strictly observe the mandate (and) follow the principle of objectivity, impartiality, non-selectivity and non-politicisation." Ukrainian officials exhumed two bodies at a village in the northeast recently recaptured from the Russians, part of an investigation into a possible war crime, AFP journalists witnessed. Police and prosecutors from Kharkiv region carried out the exhumation in the village of Grakove in the presence of around 20 journalists. Village resident Sergiy Lutsay told journalists that Russian soldiers had forced him to bury the bodies at gunpoint soon after the Russian invasion began on February 24. "They came to my house, I was with my father, aged 70," he said. "I was scared that they would threaten him." "They told me to come to dig a hole." He would not confirm a police statement that said that at least one of the two men killed had his ears cut off. He said he did not know either of the victims, but both of them looked to be in their 30s. The prosecutors' office will arrange for autopsies to determine how the two men died, as well as taking the villager's testimony, a member of the investigating team, who wanted to remain anonymous, told AFP. The village was the scene of fierce fighting in the early weeks of the invasion. Many buildings, including houses, were damaged and the bell of the church was partially destroyed. Police warned journalists not to stray from the road or enter any abandoned houses because the village had not yet been completely demined. Ukrainians have announced significant territorial gains from the Russian forces during a recent offensive in the eastern Kharkiv region. Ukraine has accused Russian forces of a string of war crimes in the suburb of Kyiv that their forces recaptured in March. Ukraine reoccupied the territory when Moscow pulled back its forces after the failed bid to capture the capital at the start of the invasion. Dozens of girls protested in an eastern Afghan town on Saturday after Taliban authorities closed their secondary schools just days after classes resumed, an activist and local residents said. Last week, five state secondary schools in eastern Paktia province resumed classes after hundreds of girls and tribal leaders called for their reopening. But when students in the provincial capital Gardez went to class on Saturday, they were told to return home, a womens rights activist and local residents said. This morning when they didnt let the girls go to school, we protested, said activist Yasmin, an organizer of the rally. In their school uniforms a white headscarf and black shalwar kameez the girls marched through the center of Gardez to protest the closure. Four of the newly opened schools are in Gardez and one in Samkani. The Taliban have imposed severe restrictions on girls and women since returning to power in August last year to conform to their austere vision of Islam effectively edging them out of public life. In March, they closed all secondary schools for girls after reopening them for the first time under their rule. Pictures posted to social media on Saturday showed the girls marching through downtown while residents and shopkeepers looked on. The Taliban did not allow anyone to film the protests. In fact, they broke some protesters mobile phones, Yasmin told AFP by phone. Two residents of the city also confirmed the protest, which journalists were not allowed to report on. The students protested peacefully, but the rally was soon dispersed by security forces, a Gardez resident, who asked not to be named, told AFP. Officials claim the ban is just a technical issue and classes will resume once a curriculum based on Islamic rules is finalized. Some public schools continue to operate in parts of the country under pressure from local leaders and families. However, they remain closed in most provinces, including the capital Kabul and Kandahar, the Talibans de facto powerhouse. Balakliya, a key town in northeastern Ukraines Kharkiv region, was recaptured by Russian forces this week but bears the scars of violent conflict. The city and the surrounding area have suffered from months of violent clashes. It came back into Ukrainian hands as Kievs counter-offensive, which began earlier this month, began to bear fruit. North of the city lay a motley mix of dozens of civilian vehicles, trucks, and burned-out Russian armored vehiclessome with the invaders Z symbol. A few kilometers away, Ukrainian soldiers were working to tow away armored vehicles and a tank recently abandoned by the Russian military. Boxes of ammunition left behind by Russian forces were strewn along the highways. Access to Balakliya, which had a pre-war population of 27,000, became precarious after Russian troops destroyed two bridges before withdrawing on Wednesday, local residents told AFP. According to Ukrainian media, only around a third of the population mostly older people remained in the city during the occupation. Now Ukrainian soldiers patrolled the main street while some local residents moved around mostly on foot or by bike. Although some buildings escaped unscathed, many were either destroyed or damaged. We were pleased to meet the Ukrainian forces, when they arrived on Wednesday, said 59-year-old Olexander Sidorov, an employee at a local electricity company who was struggling to keep supplies going despite the conflict. At the same time he lamented the extent of the destruction. Borscht for the troops Many streets were deserted, but in the main square someone had already raised the Ukrainian flag over the statue of Ukraines national poet Taras Chevtchenko. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry announced on Twitter on Saturday that Balakliya was back in Ukrainian hands. Iryna Stepanenko, 52, who rode her bike around town for the first time in months, recalled the months of occupation. There was a lot of fear, shelling. It was scary. We hid in the basement for three months, she explained. They did not expect the Ukrainian troops to return, she admitted. But she still didnt feel safe. Im worried that the Russians might come back. Im concerned that the shelling could start again. Andrii Kiktiov, 49, said the Russians killed one of his friends for breaking a curfew during a very scary occupation. It was forbidden to move around without a passport, he said. All phones have been checked. If they found something yellow or blue in color on your phone, they would put it on the ground and smash it with a rifle butt. Alla Plesak, 53, couldnt hide her delight as she saw Ukraine retake the city. She said she was out preparing food for the troops with a friend. Right now the macaroni are waiting to be cooked. And my friend will finish cooking the borscht, a traditional Ukrainian soup. It was tears, just tears when the troops arrived, she added. Danylo Grygorenko, a 24-year-old volunteer, had brought food and medical supplies to remote residents. People are happy that it has arrived, that people are back in their homeland (in Ukraine), he said. That there is no more Russian occupation, no more repression, no more cellars, no more FSB (Russias Federal Security Service). But at the same time, people are traumatized by the occupation. Coalition Avenir Quebec Leader Francois Legault speaks at a news conference outlining the partys costed platform during an election campaign stop in Saint-Jerome, Que., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. Quebecers will go to the polls on October 3rd. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes 61 Shares Share As a parent of elementary school children, every mass shooting, particularly ones killing school children like in Uvalde, jolts my doing-the-mom-thing-just-keep-busy-cant-stop denial. On the last day of school before summer vacation, when the bus doors squeaked open, and my kids hopped off, I experienced a momentary sense of relief. They were safe for one more day, at least from school shootings. I hugged my kindergartener and patted the head (thats all Im allowed to do) of my fifth grader. Now that a new school year is looming, its all I can do not to click on the article about bulletproof backpacks. One common refrain when discussing what can be done to reduce gun violence is a focus on mental health. While thats a good start, and necessary, addressing mental health adequately does not equate to addressing gun violence. As a physician who has cared for patients with mental health concerns for almost 15 years, I know that we are missing part of the solution, potentially stigmatizing mental health treatment, when we dont address access to guns. Let me take you into the patient room to demonstrate the limits of what I can do. When I have a patient with mental health concerns, one of the key questions I ask is: Do you feel you may harm yourself or harm someone else? I also ask patients: Do you feel unsafe in your relationship? If my patient answers yes to any of those questions, I will ask specific questions about access to guns or other methods of harm. Should doctors be asking about guns? Absolutely. If there is a critical question that will potentially save a life, Im going to ask it. Suppose there is a gun in the home. In that case, it increases the likelihood of lethality: 90% of suicide attempts involving a gun result in death, and the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation makes it five times more likely that the woman will be killed. More than half of mass shootings involve the shooting of an intimate partner or family member. Next question: if there is a gun in the home, are the gun and ammunition stored separately and locked? Again, this is a critical question that can save lives; three-quarters of school shooters obtained their guns from the home of a parent or close relative. Now lets say my patient says yes, they have thought of suicide. Ive worked with mental health clinicians to hospitalize patients, but not all patients can be hospitalized; it depends on the level of severity and other clinical considerations. We get them connected to mental health treatment, involve their support people, and give them the number of a crisis suicide hotline. And that is about as far as I can go within the walls of the clinic that day. Once my patient leaves the clinic, the truth is that its quite easy for them to get a gun. I cant follow my patient as they walk out of the clinic and keep them from getting a gun. Or keep their abuser from getting a gun. This is where laws and access measures come in, like background checks on all gun sales, waiting periods, and curbing access to assault weapons. There are glimmers of hope that we as a country are moving towards change that protects my patients and our community. This summer, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which helps close the boyfriend loophole to prevent domestic abusers from buying a gun, adds enhanced background checks for young adults, allocates funding for red flag laws to temporarily disarm at-risk individuals and increases mental health funding for schools and clinics. All of this is good progress, and we need to keep working together to address the other piece of the puzzle: easy access to weapons that cause deadly, rapid damage. It took nearly thirty years and far too many lives taken by gun violence for this gun safety legislation to pass. We cant wait another thirty years for parents all over the country to send their children back to school in the coming weeks and for the parents who have lost their children to gun violence. As Dr. Roy Guerrero, the Uvalde pediatrician who treated children after the mass shooting, testified to Congress, In this case, you are the doctors, and our country is the patient. We are lying on the operating table, riddled with bullets like the children of Robb Elementary and so many other schools. Lets not fool ourselves into thinking weve treated the patient without looking at what was used to make the bullet holes. There are actions we can take that make a difference. At home, we can store guns securely and have conversations about gun storage with friends and family. Physicians and health care professionals can ask about mental health and safety at home, including access to guns. As voters, we can urge Congress to pass the Assault Weapons Act, endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and law enforcement organizations, and stay informed and vigilant. It will take all of us to save this patient. Lisa Park is a pediatrician. Image credit: Shutterstock.com A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Irish airline Aer Lingus has apologised to customers after a major technical failure meant it had to cancel flights to and from Dublin Airport involving UK or European destinations after 2pm. Footage on social media showed thousands of people queueing outside Terminal 2 at the airport after digital systems failed. The airline said that customers affected by the disruption will be able to change their travel plans free of charge. Aer Lingus also said it was endeavouring to operate some flights that were originally scheduled to depart before 2pm but added as we are relying on manual process for these flights, there remains a risk of cancellation. We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused in this period. We are working to resolve the connection issues as soon as possible. Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) September 10, 2022 An initial statement said: Due to a major incident with a network provider, our cloud-based systems enabling check-in, boarding and our website are currently unavailable. A UK network provider servicing the cloud-based system has experienced a major break in connectivity impacting both primary and secondary connectivity. At this time the provider has not been able to give Aer Lingus an estimate of the time when the break in connectivity will be restored. Unfortunately, this is causing severe disruption to Aer Lingus services today. Consequently, all flights originally scheduled to depart from Dublin Airport for European and United Kingdom destinations from 2pm onwards today have had to be cancelled. The airline later added that flights scheduled to depart to Dublin Airport from Europe from 2pm onwards today have also had to be cancelled, with the exception of flights from Portugal and Spain, which it said it planned to operate, albeit with delays. It said flights originally scheduled to depart to Dublin from the United Kingdom from 2pm onwards were cancelled and flights to and from the Aer Lingus bases in Cork, Shannon and Belfast are planned to operate, albeit with delays and risk of short-notice cancellations. It added that Aer Lingus regional flights (operated by Emerald Airlines) are currently planned to operate today, albeit with delays and risk of short-notice cancellations. The airline said it was unable to communicate directly with customers but asked them not to travel to Dublin airport. The airline said: We sincerely apologise to all customers impacted by todays disruption and cancellations. Any customer impacted by todays disruptions will be able to change their travel plans, free of charge either through our call centre or social media channels. We will advise customers when IT systems are restored and this change option is fully available to our customers. As soon as systems are restored our teams will work to re-accommodate those impacted as efficiently as possible, and share information regarding customers rights and the airlines obligations. We are working intensively with our system partners and their network partners to resolve the connection issues as soon as possible. Due to ongoing @AerLingus IT issues, the airline has confirmed the cancellation of all @AerLingus flights to the UK & Europe that were due to depart Dublin Airport after 2pm today (Saturday). Impacted passengers should contact @AerLingus regarding next steps. pic.twitter.com/XnZLgpCFpB Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) September 10, 2022 In a tweet, Dublin Airport said impacted passengers should contact the airline directly about next steps. The airport also said that no other airlines are affected. Customers reported long queues at the airport on Saturday as Aer Lingus check in for earlier flights was being handled manually. Lisa Webb from Which? said: Aer Lingus sudden cancellations of flights to and from the UK and Europe will cause thousands of passengers distress and anxiety when it comes to their travel plans. In events such as these, airlines should be offering the option of a refund or to reroute passengers on any reasonable route as quickly as possible, using other airlines where necessary. Aer Lingus must also give clear information to affected customers about their entitlement to compensation. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Thunderstorms likely this morning. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High 83F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then becoming clear after midnight. Low 64F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. If you have not been vaccinated in 2022 and have not had a recent infection, I'd advise that you get the booster sooner rather than later, says Dr. Leana Wen. Dr. Terry Gaff is a physician in northeast Indiana. Contact him at drgaff@kpcmedia.com or on Facebook. To read past columns and to post comments go to kpcnews.com/columnists/terry_gaff. No Yes, a light case Yes, two or more light cases One serious case Two or more serious bouts Vote View Results If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Submit RACINE A Racine man has been accused of stealing a car out of South Carolina. Kenneth James Williams, 23, of the 1000 block of Geneva Street, was charged with felony counts of drive or operate a vehicle without owner's consent and receiving stolen property greater than $10,000, four misdemeanor counts of bail jumping and misdemeanor counts of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. According to a criminal complaint: On Thursday, an officer initiated a traffic stop on a Kia with a South Carolina license plate on Edgewood Drive near Yout Street. The officer made contact with the vehicle and identified the driver was Williams. While speaking to Williams, the officer noticed a baggie with marijuana tucked in the door handle. The officer removed Williams and the other occupants to search the vehicle and noticed cigarillo wraps on the floor. The ignition switch was removed and there was no key, but instead a computer flash drive (a.k.a. a jump drive or USB memory stick) with an Allen wrench duct-taped and zip-tied to it. Williams first said the car belonged to his girlfriend, but a records check showed it was stolen out of South Carolina. Williams then said his brother stole the vehicle and drove it up from South Carolina. He was with his brother at Dunkin' Donuts in Sturtevant when his brother saw another Kia and decided to steal it. Williams said his brother was driving that vehicle back to South Carolina. Sturtevant PD confirmed a vehicle was stolen from Dunkin' Donuts. Williams was given a $5,000 cash bond in Racine County Circuit Court on Thursday. A preliminary hearing is on Sept. 15 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, online court records show. Lake Geneva officials plan to determine the cost of installing a sidewalk near the recently opened Kwik Trip store and an elementary school. They are also talking about taking a look at the entire city to see where else sidewalks should be installed. Members of the city councils public works committee unanimously approved, Aug. 22, to conduct a special assessment for a proposed sidewalk near the corner of Wells Street and Lake Geneva Boulevard, where the new Kwik Trip convenience store and gas station opened for business, Sept. 1. The approved motion also includes conducting a special assessment for installing sidewalks near Eastview Elementary School, 535 Sage St. The proposal for the special assessments still have to be approved by the full city council. Alderwoman Mary Jo Fesenmaier said there already is a sidewalk near the Kwik Trip store, but there is no connecting sidewalk. She said a connecting sidewalk near the corner of Wells Street and Lake Geneva Boulevard would make it easier for pedestrians to access the Kwik Trip store. It would just give the public a chance to be off the road, Fesenmaier said. But right now we have an isolated sidewalk, which was good to put in, but it doesnt go anywhere unless we finish it. Fesenmaier said she would like the sidewalk to be installed by winter. She also said a special assessment for sidewalks near Eastview Elementary School could be conducted around the same time. I would like to see something in before winter there, so people have access to it, Fesenmaier said. Fesenmaier said she would like to assess other areas of the city to determine where sidewalks are needed. It would be nice to see a map of the city of just sidewalks, because I think we would see a lot of gaps and if were going to do this for this section maybe theres some other gaps to fill at the same time, Fesenmaier said. Maybe its a phase thing. Maybe we do some this year, but at least we have a plan together. So maybe the first step is to get a comprehensive sidewalk plan. Public Works Director Tom Earle said he agrees that a sidewalk assessment is needed. He said city officials could assess the entire city at one time or assess different areas of the city each year. The thing about doing it at one time is you have building going on, then things change. So I think you would want to identify one ward and work on one ward, then you wouldnt have the opportunity for things to change so much. Earle said. So if we didnt get to ward four for 10 years, there may be significant building going on around there. So I think you might want to do what you suggested, a part at a time. Alderman Richard Hedlund said he would prefer that the entire city be assessed at one time to have a better idea of where sidewalks are needed. In a lot of areas, theres just flat out none. If were going to do special assessments, I think we would have to consider which ones we want to start in, Hedlund said. I think to get that information, we would have to have a sidewalk assessment of the whole town. Otherwise, you cant tell who needs it and who doesnt. The committee also approved to direct staff to determine how much it would cost to conduct a sidewalk assessment on the entire city. NEW ORLEANS A record eight whooping crane chicks have taken wing in Louisiana after hatching in the wild. Its not just a state record for fledglings of the worlds rarest crane, but one for any flock reintroduced to the wild to help save the endangered birds, the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said Thursday. That is very exciting. Were absolutely thrilled that the Louisiana program has done so phenomenally well, said Anne Lacy, senior manager for North America programs at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo. The previous record was set in 2018, when six wild-hatched birds fledged in the flock that was taught to migrate between Wisconsin and Florida by following ultralight aircraft, Louisiana wildlilfe biologist Sara Zimorski said. That also was Louisianas previous record wild fledgling year, at five. The brown-and-white juveniles which survive to adulthood will be white with red caps and black mustaches and wingtips, and about 5 feet tall. Their wingspan can reach 7 feet across. Only about 800 whoopers exist, according to the crane foundation. About 500 are in the only natural flock, which winters in Texas and breeds in Alberta, Canada. About 80 are in the Wisconsin-Florida flock, nearly 140 in captivity and seven in an introduced flock that failed in Florida. Louisianas flock now totals 76, Wildlife and Fisheries said. Three males and three females raised at the Audubon Nature Institutes species survival center in New Orleans will join them in November, said assistant curator Richard Dunn. A fourth female will remain at Audubon for breeding to be sure her good genes meet up with a good match, Dunn said. Thats important because every crane alive is descended from 15 that lived in Texas in 1941. Biologists estimate there were more than 10,000 before habitat loss and overhunting nearly killed them off. The Louisiana and Wisconsin-Florida flocks are being nurtured in hope of creating a cushion in case anything happens to the natural flock. Two of the 14 or 15 birds hatched in Wisconsins wilds this year will survive to fledging and a third, which broke a wing, is being kept for captive breeding, Lacy said. She said the foundation just released two yearlings that were raised at the Calgary zoo but couldnt be sent to Wisconsin last year because of COVID-19 precautions. Seven bred in captivity are to be released later this year. Endangered listing The Texas-Canada flock is listed as endangered, though the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering whether to change that to threatened. The experimental flocks are classified as threatened because that loosens regulations, making reintroductions more feasible. We cant point out exactly why this was our best year for fledglings, Zimorski said in a statement. Experience may have played a part only one of 17 nesting pairs were first-timers, and that pairs chicks didnt survive, she wrote in an email. Three pairs that had nested unsuccessfully in previous years hatched and fledged chicks this year, she wrote. Zimorski said dry conditions during the breeding season, from February until June, may also have played a part. I dont think weve had a nesting season during a drought like we had this year, Zimorski said. Intuitively it doesnt seem like that would be good, but according to some colleagues from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, other species of water birds often have really good breeding success in drought years that follow wet years, which we definitely had last year. Pair bonds Last year, 24 pairs mated for what was then a record 14 hatchlings in Louisiana, but only four grew old enough to fly. Biologists dont know the sex of this years fledglings or those of two birds that hatched last year. The others are 38 males and 28 females. Whooping cranes mate for life. A few birds that nested in 2021 lost their mate and though I think most of them were repaired they didnt nest with their new mates, Zimorski said in an email. Additionally, there were a couple of pairs that nested in 2021 who are still alive and together but just didnt nest this year. This year was the second in a row and the third since 2016 that twins both fledged, the department said. Whooping cranes lay one or two eggs per nest, but generally only one grows up even if two hatch. Prime Minister Liz Truss spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi this afternoon, following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, according to British High Commission press release. The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Modi for his heartfelt condolences, which he said were on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians, statement said. The leaders acknowledged the grief felt by the many people of the UK and India, and paid tribute to Her Majesty The Queens lifetime of service. Both Indian and British Prime Minister agreed on the vital importance of the UK-India relationship and looked forward to meeting in person in the near future. Mumbai, September 10: India's foreign exchange (forex) reserves slumped by $7.941 billion to $553.105 billion for the week ended September 2, the lowest level in almost two years, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data showed. This is the fifth weekly fall in the country's forex reserves. The forex reserves had dipped by $3.007 billion for the week ended August 26 and by $6.687 billion in the previous week. The country's foreign exchange reserves have declined sharply in recent months as the RBI continues to intervene in the currency markets to defend the rupee. As per the Reserve Bank of India's weekly statistical supplement, foreign currency assets, which are the biggest component of the forex reserves, dropped by $6.527 billion to $492.117 billion during the week ended September 2. The foreign currency assets had declined by $2.571 billion and $5.779 billion in the previous two weeks respectively. Expressed in US dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-dollar currencies like Euro, UK's Pound Sterling and Japanese Yen held in the foreign exchange reserves. All components of the forex reserves declined during the week under review. The value of gold reserves dipped by $1.339 billion to $38.303 billion during the week ended September 2. RBI Releases List of Entities Not Authorised to Deal in Forex. The value of India's Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with the International Monetary Fund declined by $50 million to $17.782 billion during the week under review, the RBI data showed. India's reserve position in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) declined by $24 million to $4.902 billion during the week ended September 2, as per the RBI Weekly Statistical Supplement. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 10 (ANI): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 12.35 lakh on Indiabulls Commercial Credit Limited for non-compliance with certain KYC-related provisions. The RBI issued an order in this regard on 7th September 2022. The penalty has been imposed for non-compliance with certain provisions of the "Reserve Bank of India Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions, 2016". Also Read | Jharkhand PGT Recruitment 2022: Application Begins For Over 3100 Posts At jssc.nic.in; Here's How to Apply. "This action is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the company with its customers," the RBI said in a statement on Friday. The statutory inspection of the company was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2020 and examination of the Risk Assessment Report, Inspection Report, supervisory letter and all related correspondence pertaining to the same revealed, inter alia, the company's failure to (i) allot Unique Customer Identification Code (UCIC) to its individual customers and (ii) carry out categorisation of customers based on its assessment and risk perception. Also Read | Karnataka: Jungle Safari Tourists Have a Narrow Escape As Giant Tusker Charges at Their Jeep (Watch Video). In furtherance to the same, a notice was issued to the company advising it to show cause as to why a penalty should not be imposed on it for failure to comply with the RBI directions, as stated therein, the RBI said. After considering the company's reply to the notice, examination of additional submissions made by it and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI came to the conclusion that the charges of non-compliance with the aforesaid RBI directions were substantiated and warranted imposition of monetary penalty, it added. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) The Delhi Police on Saturday arrested three sharpshooters of Lawrance Bishnoi-Goldy Brar gang from near Barwala-Bawana road, officials said. The accused were identified as Naveen, 23, Manoj, 28, and Karambir, 28, all three residents of Jhajjar in Haryana, they said. Also Read | Delhi Police Assistant Sub-Inspector Yunus Khan Found Dead Inside House on Mir Dard Road. The three were nabbed after police laid a trap near the Helipad on Barwala-Bawana road on Saturday around 4 pm, they said. Despite being warned to surrender, the assailants fired three to four rounds from their pistols in their bid to escape, police said. Also Read | Sharad Pawar Re-Elected As President of National Congress Party for 4 Years. A police personnel wearing a bulletproof jacket got hit by a bullet, they said. All three accused were in direct contact with Goldy Brar, who lives in Canada, through Signal app for the past many days. Brar was able to arrange money, shelter, and weapons for the accused, who were contracted for a hit job on a person whose identity was to be disclosed on the very day of the execution, police said. All three were wanted for an armed holdup of a liquor shop in Jharsa, Gurgaon in Haryana, police said. Three pistols and 11 live cartridges were recovered from their possession. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lucknow, Sep 10 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday sparred on Twitter after the BJP leader claimed that the Opposition party won't be able to open its account in the 2024 general election. "Desperate for power Shri Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party will not even open its account in the Lok Sabha elections. The Modi wave in UP and the country is stronger than before," Maurya said in a tweet. Also Read | Assam Shocker: Man Murders 42-Year-Old Woman, Later Has Sex With Corpse; Arrested. Shortly after Maurya's comment, Yadav tweeted sharing a picture of of the deputy chief minister, "You are smiling so muchthe budget of your ministry has been cutthe money did not reach the departments of your ministrythe tender could not be doneare you hiding all these secretswhy are you smiling so much," he tweeted in Hindi. Also Read | Delhi Metro Update: Operations to Be Partially Curtailed on Yellow Line Section On September 11 Due to Maintenance Work. Reacting to the Yadav's tweet, Uttar Pradesh BJP's media coordinator Naveen Srivastava told PTI ,"Budget, money, tender, all these things are important for rich-corrupt like Akhilesh Yadav, not for karmayogi' like Keshav Prasad Maurya." Recently, Akhilesh Yadav had said Maurya should take a lesson from political developments in Bihar. If he comes with his 100 MLAs to him, he will be made the chief minister, Yadav had said. On this invitation, Maurya retorted and said more than 100 MLAs of the SP are in touch with the BJP. Meanwhile, a Samajwadi Party statement said Yadav urged people to be "ready to oust the anti-people BJP government in 2024". Addressing people who came to the SP headquarters on Saturday, Yadav said, "The BJP government is not in a position to change anything. The BJP government is working only for the interests of big industrialists". Nationwide discontent is growing against the government, the public has now made a firm resolve to teach a lesson to the BJP, he claimed. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jaipur, Sep 10 (PTI) Lokesh Sharma, officer on special duty to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Saturday rejected Union Home Minister Amit Shah's criticism of the state government, saying it has been working to fulfil promises from day one. His rebuttal came hours after the home minister accused the Congress government of not fulfilling the promises made by the party before the 2018 polls. Also Read | Congress President Election: AICC to Issue Delegates List on September 20 for Party President Post Contenders. On Shah asking questions on the promise of "employment to 20 lakh" youths and Rs 3,500 allowance for the unemployed, Sharma said the promise during the 2018 election was to create more and more employment opportunities. "Mr home minister, (it was) not 20 lakhs, it was promised in 2018 to create more and more jobs for the youth. The chief minister has worked accordingly from day one," he tweeted. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Speaks to British PM Liz Truss, Discusses Various Issues of Bilateral Interest Between India and UK. "So far, 1.29 lakh youths have been given jobs by the Rajasthan government. One lakh jobs are under process and an announcement to give 1 lakh has been made," he said. On Shah's statement, during a BJP booth level functionaries programme at Jodhpur, he has come to remind Gehlot of his promises made during the assembly elections, Sharma said the CM daily gives an account of his work among the public and in front of the media. "So far, out of 501 promises of Jan Manifesto, 377 promises (75 percent) have been fulfilled and 104 promises (21 percent) are in progress. The Rajasthan government is working with commitment in every field and for every section," he said. Shah addressed a meeting of booth-level party workers in Jodhpur, the hometown of CM Gehlot on Saturday. "I am here in Jodhpur to remind you of the promises made by you (Ashok Gehlot) -- loan waiver in 10 days; Rs 3,500 unemployment allowance; and 20 lakh employment to youth. Have you got it?" he asked. Shah also said the Centre reduced taxes on petrol and diesel, after which BJP-ruled states brought down the Value Added Tax, but the Gehlot government did not do so. Fuel and electricity are most expensive in Rajasthhan today, he said. "Who is responsible for this? Oust the Gehlot government and our government here, will reduce tax and tariff of electricity," 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) Guwahati, September 10: The autumn session of the Assam Legislative Assembly will start on September 12, Deputy Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, informed Numal Momin on Saturday. This session will be held from September 12 to 19. "For this session, we have received 13 bills so far and 2-3 more bills are expected to be introduced. These bills will be introduced and discussed in the assembly," Momin told ANI. Mid-Autumn Festival 2022 Wishes & Happy Chuseok Greetings: WhatsApp Status, GIF Images, HD Wallpapers and SMS for the Korean Harvest Festival. He further said that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is well prepared to take any issues which will be raised by the opposition political parties during the session. Earlier, the monsoon session which started on July 18, and was supposed to end on August 12, ended four days ahead of schedule. (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, Sep 10 (PTI) Archaeologist B B Lal was a stalwart in the field of Indian archaeology who led excavations in ancient city of Ayodhya and historic sites in Hastinapur and Delhi's Purana Qila producing seminal work while mentoring four generations of scholars. The Padma Vibhushan awardee died here on Saturday aged 101, leaving an extraordinary legacy behind. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Speaks to British PM Liz Truss, Discusses Various Issues of Bilateral Interest Between India and UK. He dug out sites in different parts of the country and through his work at places believed to be linked with Ramayana and Mahabharata sought to establish a correlation between the archaeological evidence and the two epics, at times triggering controversies. Lal served as the director general of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from 1968 to 1972. He had reportedly found temple-like pillars during excavation at the Ayodhya site in the mid-70s, where the Ram temple is now being built. Also Read | 7th Pay Commission News Today: Will Dearness Allowance Be Hiked This Month? Check Latest Update Here. Former Additional Director General of ASI B R Mani was among several scholars and senior officials of ASI who attended Lal's funeral at Lodhi crematorium here. "He was a tall figure and a veteran archaeologist. He was my teacher and mentored four generations," Mani told PTI. Asked about the excavation in Ayodhya which Lal led, he said, "The site was near Babri Masjid. It took place in the mid-1970s, but no report was made on it." Notwithstanding the controversies surrounding some of his works, Lal inspired young archaeologists and scholars to dig deeper literally and delve into history, often inviting criticism from sceptics and critics alike. "Prof B B Lal will be remembered as an archaeologist who endeavoured to unravel the strands of history through archaelogical prism. His work on PGW (painted grey ware) was seminal and since I also research on this, his work is particularly inspiring," Vadodara-based research scholar Disha Ahluwalia told PTI. She recently worked at Harappan-era sites of Rakhigarhi in Haryana and assisted a team of archaeologists from ASI in excavation work. "Prof Lal's work in Kalibanga, Rajasthan or in Ayodhya, Hastinapur in Uttar Pradesh, and elsewhere besides the scholarly research papers he produced will motivate youngsters to take the plunge into archaeology, irrespective of what answers one is able to find," said Ahluwalia who is pursuing her PhD from MSU Baroda. He was the first to do excavation at Purana Qila site in 1950s. The ruins of the historic fort are believed by many to stand on the site of ancient city of Indraprastha, however, no evidence has been found to support this theory. "Excavations at this site in 195455 and 1969 -1973, conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India and headed by B B Lal, revealed a few shards of pottery belonging to the painted grey ware variety that historians trace to the Mahabharata period, (1500-1000 BCE)," according to a website of the central government on Indian culture. Books authored by him include "Testing Ancient Indian Traditions: On the Touchstone of Archaeology"; "The Rigvedic People"; and "Historicity of the Mahabharata: Evidence of Literature, Art and Archaeology". Lal had served as one of the youngest directors general of the ASI. Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy also paid tribute to the noted archaeologist and tweeted that the country "has lost one of the brightest minds". A senior official said, "At ASI, we are all saddened by his departure. He mentored more than four generations of scholars and produced outstanding work in the discipline." The ASI in a tweet, said the contribution of Lal in archaeology is "beyond measure". "A doyen in his field, he devoted his entire 101-year life to the subject. He may be gone but his work lives on and will continue to teach and influence generations to come," it 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, Sep 10 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday met President Droupadi Murmu and extended her an invitation to visit the state. The Chief Minister called on the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning and invited her to visit Punjab, the land of great Gurus, saints, seers and prophets. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Speaks to British PM Liz Truss, Discusses Various Issues of Bilateral Interest Between India and UK. The Chief Minister during his meeting with Murmu lauded Punjab as the cradle of civilisation with a rich culture, and the "pious soul" of which can only be observed by visiting it in person. He said that the President of India must visit the state and feel its glorious cultural heritage and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Punjabis. Also Read | 7th Pay Commission News Today: Will Dearness Allowance Be Hiked This Month? Check Latest Update Here. Mann said that the whole of Punjab will give a red carpet welcome to the country's President when she comes. Later interacting with the media, the Chief Minister said his visit to Germany will give a major impetus to the economic activity in the state. Mann said that during his visit to Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, he will be meeting leading companies in the field of manufacturing, tourism, pharmaceuticals and others who are keen to invest in Punjab. He said that the entire effort is aimed to make sure that Punjab emerges as the most preferred investment destination in the country and across the globe. The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to forge the state as an industrial hub, and added that the state government is leaving no stone unturned for it. He said that strenuous efforts are being made to propel the industrial growth of the state, and open new vistas of employment for the youth. He said that Punjab has a conducive environment for industrial growth due to which investors are keen on coming to the state and expanding their business. (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, September 10: Anyone wanting to file nomination for the post of Congress president will be able see the list of all 9,000 delegates from the office of central election authority at the AICC office from September 20, Congress leader Madhusudan Mistry has said. Addressing the concerns of five MPs, including Shashi Tharoor, Karti Chidambaram, and Manish Tewari, over the electoral rolls and the "transparency, fairness" in the election process, Mistry said those seeking to contest the poll can check the names of 10 delegates from the list. Once the nomination is signed and handed over to the Chief Returning Officer, they will get the entire list of the delegates, he said in a letter to the MPs. "If anyone desires to get nominations from ten supporters from different states, the list of all 9000+ delegates will be available in my office at AICC, Delhi from 20th September (11 AM to 6 PM), before they file their nomination on 24th September," Mistry said in his letter to Tharoor and others. "They can come and choose their 10 supporters (delegates) from the list and obtain their (delegates) signature for nomination," he said. The Congress President's election will be held on October 17 and nominations can be filed from September 24 to 30. "This should resolve the anxiety of anybody about the process of filing their nominations without knowing the names of the delegates. Once the nomination is signed and handed over to the Chief Returning Officer, they will get the entire list of the delegates. Congress President Election on October 17, Result on October 19; Filing of Nomination to Begin on September 24. "I hope this satisfies the needs of you and other colleagues who have signed the letter. I express my gratitude to Shashi ji for calling and having a conversation with me on the same today," Mistry also said in his letter. Sharing the letter, Tharoor said on Twitter, "I am pleased that this clarification has come in the form of his constructive reply to our letter (attached). In view of these assurances, I am satisfied. Many will be glad to move on with an election process that in my view will only strengthen the party." Chidambaram also tweeted: "As a signatory to the letter along with my parliamentary colleagues, I am satisfied with the reply from @MD_Mistry ji & I endorse the sentiments of my senior colleague @ShashiTharoor." Video: Jesus is Real God, Priest George Ponnaiah Tells Rahul Gandhi, Sparks Row; BJP, Congress Exchange Barbs. Mistry said those who want to file a nomination should check if they have a delegate identity card available with them. Only people with valid identity cards will be allowed to sign on the nomination papers for the position of the Congress President, Mistry said in his letter. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) believes that Nitish Kumar is the most suitable leader for the Prime Minister's post in 2024 Lok Sabha Elections Mritunjay Tiwari, the national spokesperson of the RJD, said: "Nitish Kumar of the JD(U) has the longest parliamentary life than any other leader. He is an experienced leader who knows how to govern the country. He has a clean political and socialist image and other leaders are nowhere near to him when we talk about quality leadership." "The parliamentary life of current Prime Minister Narendra Modi is less than Nitish Kumar. Besides, the latter has a socialist image which makes voters comfortable. Narendra Modi on the other hand has done nothing in the last 8 years other than communal politics. Moreover, the central government has many anti people policies which have created anti incumbency against the BJP. The Narendra Modi government has failed on every count including the economy. The prices of commodities are increasing and the income of the people is decreasing. The life of the common people has become hard and such a factor can act against Narendra Modi," Tiwari said. "As far as the opposition parties are concerned, everyone is in favour of a 'BJP Mukt Bharat'. The primary objective of every opposition party is to remove the BJP government from the Centre and not who would be the PM candidate of the opposition parties. Nitish Kumar himself has said that he is not the prime ministerial candidate at present. He also said that all opposition parties will sit together to decide the name of the prime ministerial candidate of the opposition parties to challenge Narendra Modi," Tiwari said. The opposition leaders know well the political style of the BJP. It believes in the character assassination of leaders who are in the opposition. They were with Rahul Gandhi and he was given the name Pappu. The only aim was to defame Rahul Gandhi and demoralize him. Rahul is still standing firm and taking on the BJP in his own style, they said. "For Nitish Kumar, he has not been involved in any scam or has any serious allegation or any baggage of corruption. Hence, it would not be easy for the BJP to target him. Moreover, he is a Hindi heartland leader capable of counter attacking Narendra Modi in his own style. If we remember, Narendra Modi during the 2015 Vidhan Sabha election commented on his DNA. Nitish Kumar immediately responded with Badka Jhutha Party for BJP," said Chitranjan Gagan, another RJD leader and spokesperson. As far as the RJD is concerned, it has been out of power for 15 years in Bihar. Moreover the party's national president Lalu Prasad may not have national ambitions as he is ill and suffering from multiple diseases. The second big leader of the RJD is Tejashwi Yadav and he is focusing on Bihar. In Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav is out of power. Hence, he is trying to consolidate his position in the state rather than thinking of national politics. His father and a big socialist face Mulayam Singh Yadav is also ill and not in a position to contest elections. Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Benerjee is a possible challenger to the Narendra Modi government but her acceptance in the Hindi heartland is a million dollar question. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal could be another challenger to Narendra Modi but his fate will be decided only after the AAP's performance in the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh assembly elections. If he manages to defeat the BJP in Gujarat, his chances as the opposition's prime ministerial candidate become brighter. For the Congress, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi are doing national politics and hence leaders like Ashok Gehlot and Raman Singh are not in the race. For leaders like KCR, MK Stalin and Sharad Power, it would not be easy to challenge Narendra Modi who is a very good speaker in Hindi. "Challenging Narendra Modi in his own style would be one of the key aspects for the opposition parties where Nitish Kumar is far more experienced than anyone else. He is also a supporter of RJD and it means its 79 MLAs and 12 MLCs are also favouring Nitish Kumar who is having 45 MLAs in Bihar and 17 Lok Sabha MPs," said a RJD leader requested not to be named. Dharamsala, Sep 10 (PTI) Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama has written to King Charles III to offer his congratulations on his accession to the throne. In his message, the Dalai Lama said, "I am confident that you will fulfil this great responsibility with kindness and affection, dedicated to the service of others." Also Read | Ganesh Visarjan 2022: 20 Dead in Parts of Maharashtra During Immersion of Ganesh Idols. "Since I have the honour of counting Your Majesty as a dear and respected friend, it is a joy for me to see your being proclaimed King of the United Kingdom," he said. "I wish you every success in meeting whatever challenges lie ahead in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the British people, and contributing to the creation of a more peaceful world," he concluded. Also Read | Sidhu Moosewala Murder Case: Sixth Shooter Deepak Mundi Arrested by Punjab Police. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Patna, Sep 10 (PTI) Mohammad Asfar Ahmad, son of a former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLC, has been arrested for allegedly misbehaving with senior police officers inside a police station here. Asfar Ahmad, along with his supporters, allegedly misbehaved with the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) (town), Ashok Kumar, and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Pirbahore police station, Sabih-ul-Haq, when they refused to release a local shopkeeper from police custody on Friday, a police officer said. Also Read | Mumbai Witnesses Noisy Ganpati Visarjan After Gap of Two Years, Noise Levels Touch 120 dB in City. Asfar Ahmad, a former Patna Municipal Corporation councillor, is the son of former RJD MLC Anwar Ahmad. Asfar Ahmad reportedly manhandled policemen and abused them when they objected to releasing Mohammad Sarfaraj, who was detained for interrogation in a case related to attacking a police team leading to grievous injury of a constable on Thursday night. Asfar was arrested for misbehaving with police, Manavjit Singh Dhillon, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP-Patna) told PTI. Also Read | Andhra Pradesh: 21-Year-Old Student in Vizianagaram Crosses River Without Any Conveyance to Appear in Exam; Watch Viral Video. Meanwhile, his father Anwar Ahmad also reached the police station and started demanding his son's release, said the SSP. Reacting to the incident, senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister, Sushil Kumar Modi, told reporters, Is it not jungle raj ? Ruling party leaders are threatening government officials and misbehaving with them in the state, but our chief minister claims that there is no jungle raj' in the state. However, Bihar RJD spokesperson, Shakti Singh Yadav, told newspersons, Anwar Ahmad is no longer associated with the RJD. He was sacked from the party almost seven years ago for anti-party activities. Maintaining law and order has been the top priority of the Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar. Officials have been directed to take strict action against those who take law into their own hands. PTI PKD (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, September 10: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar expressed grief over the tragic deaths of youths during the Ganesh idol immersion at Mahendragarh and Sonipat on Friday. Taking note of the situation, the state chief also prayed for a speedy recovery. "The news of the untimely death of many people due to drowning in the canal during Ganpati immersion in Mahendragarh and Sonipat districts is heart-wrenching. We all stand with the families of the deceased in this difficult time. NDRF team has saved many people from drowning, I pray for their speedy recovery," Tweeted Manohar Lal Khattar. His remarks came after four boys lost their lives during the Ganesh idol immersions in the Mahendragarh region of Haryana. As per reports another two drowned in the Sonipat region. Over 20 people had gone for the immersion near a canal in the Jhagadoli village. Ganesh Visarjan in Uttar Pradesh: 3 Drown in Ganga River During Ganesh Idol Immersion. Another 4 boys have been rescued from the spot, the officials added. "Around 20-22 people had gone to a canal near village Jhagadoli in Mahendragarh for Ganesh idol immersion. During which many of them drowned in the river. As of now, 4 boys have lost their lives and 4 have been rescued safely," said Mahendragarh DC JK Abhir. The rescue operations were underway. In another tragic incident during the immersion of Ganesh idols, two children drowned to death while one succumbed in the hospital in Unnao, said the officials on Friday. The third child was declared dead at the hospital while undergoing treatment. As per reports, the children had gone to immerse the Lord Ganesha idols in the river Ganga."Two children drowned to death, while a third died during treatment in Unnao. They had gone for the immersion of Lord Ganesh idols today in river Ganga in Kotwali Safipur area when the incident took place," said police. The 10-day illustrious Ganesh Chathurthi festival came to an end on Friday. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with much pomp and zeal in several states across the country and 2022 marked the return of its celebration after 2 years of COVID-induced restrictions. Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is one of the most popular Hindu festivals. It is celebrated for 10 days and it is believed that during this time, Lord Ganesha arrives on earth with his mother, Goddess Parvati and showers blessings on the people. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kibithu (Arunachal Pradesh), Sep 10 (PTI) The strategically key Kibithu military garrison on the banks of Lohit Valley along the Line of Actual Control and a key road in this mountain hamlet were on Saturday named after India's first Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, around nine months after he died in a helicopter crash. As a young Colonel, Rawat commanded his Battalion 5/11 Gorkha Rifles at Kibithu from 1999-2000 and contributed immensely to strengthening the security structure in the area. Also Read | Andhra Pradesh: 21-Year-Old Student in Vizianagaram Crosses River Without Any Conveyance to Appear in Exam; Watch Viral Video. The military garrison looks after the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector. Chinese People's Liberation Army's Rima post is just opposite the Indian garrison. Nestled in the mountainous and arduous terrain of the Lohit Valley, Kibithu is located near the LAC and is the eastern-most military garrison of India. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Devotee Chops off Tongue, Offers It to Deity in Kaushambi. The small hamlet is inhabited by Meyor and Jarkin tribes. Lack of surface connectivity with the nearest road head at Meshai precluded movement to Kibithu which was air maintained till as late as 1997. A foot suspension bridge (FSB 17) was the sole link to the eastern bank of the Lohit River. The garrison and the 22 km-long road stretch from Walong to Kibithu were named after Gen Rawat at a ceremony attended by Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Brigadier (retd) BD Mishra, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita and Gen Rawat's daughter Tarini. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Khandu announced a financial package of Rs 10 crore to make the garrison one of the best military stations in forward locations. Governor Mishra said Gen Rawat's contributions to strengthening the country's defence structures are unparalleled. The Kibithu military camp was renamed Gen Bipin Rawat Military Garrison wherein a grand gate built in local traditional architectural style was inaugurated by the governor. The 22 km road stretch from Walong to Kibithu was dedicated as Gen Bipin Rawat Marg by Chief Minister Khandu. A majestic life-size mural of Gen Rawat was also unveiled. Gen Rawat was killed in a helicopter crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on December 8 last year along with his wife Madhulika and 12 armed forces personnel. Bad weather leading to a phenomenon called Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) was identified as the prime reason for the crash of the IAF helicopter. Rawat was posthumously conferred India's second-highest civilian honour Padma Vibhushan early this year. The Army said Gen Rawat's vision and foresight were instrumental in implementing the infrastructural development and ensuring societal progress in the area. "Gen Bipin Rawat's untimely demise in December 2021 left an irreplaceable void in the country," the Army said. The event was attended by citizens of Kibithu and Walong. The garrison is considered very important for its strategic location. Kibithu was first occupied by 2 Assam Rifles in December 1950 with one platoon. In 1959, the post was further strengthened with an additional Platoon. Kibithu endured the initial onslaught of Chinese aggression during the 1962 Sino-India War. On the termination of the War, Kibithu was reoccupied by 2 Assam Rifles in 1964. In 1985, 6 Rajput took over its defences. During his tenure, Gen Rawat significantly upgraded the garrison, synergised civil-military relations with the locals and formalised the Border Personnel Meeting mechanism. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Srinagar, Sep 10 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday arrested another person in connection with a job fraud and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. The accused was identified as Ashiq Hussain Baba, an orderly in the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), police said. Also Read | YS Jagan Mohan Reddy Govt in Andhra Pradesh to Revive Marriage Financial Assistance Scheme. With this, six people have been arrested in the case so far. The accused persons allegedly duped several people of lakhs of rupees by promising them jobs. "One more fraudster namely Ashiq Hussain Baba R/o Seeloo Babagund Baramulla arrested in Job promise fraud case of Kothibagh PS," the Srinagar police said in a tweet. Also Read | Congress President Election: AICC to Issue Delegates List on September 20 for Party President Post Contenders. "He is the 6th person to be arrested in this case. Due to larger ramifications, SIT formed to investigate this case," it said. In an official order, Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, Rakesh Balwal said the SIT shall take up the investigation of the case forthwith. The SIT shall ensure submission of a progress report to SSP, Srinagar on a fortnightly basis until the filing of a charge sheet, the order stated. The SIT will be headed by the sub-divisional police officer, Kothibagh. Station house officers of Kothibagh and Maisuma police stations along with four other police officials will be members of the SIT, it said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kulgam (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 10 (ANI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against six accused in a case related to the targeted killing of the sarpanch of the Adoora village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam, the agency said on Saturday. "On Friday, NIA filed the Charge-Sheet in NIA Special Court, Jammu in the case of the targeted killing of Sarpanch Shabir Ahmad Mir of village Adoora, Kulgam by the terrorists of proscribed terrorist outfit Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). The case was initially registered as FIR no. 32/2022 dated 11.03.2022 at PS Kulgam, J&K and re-registered by NIA on 08.04.2022," stated NIA. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Speaks to British PM Liz Truss, Discusses Various Issues of Bilateral Interest Between India and UK. Investigations have revealed that the handlers of proscribed terrorist organization Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) operating from Pakistan, hatched a criminal conspiracy in collusion with terrorist associates/OGWs and terrorists of HM active in Kashmir Valley, to carry out the target killing of Sarpanch namely Shabir Ahmad Mir of village Adoora, Kulgam. Apart from this incident, carrying out targeted killings in Kashmir Valley was part of larger conspiracy by terrorists of HM and other proscribed terrorist outfits to disturb peace and disrupt the democratic process established by the Panchayti Raj System in Kashmir Valley and also to create terror among the politically elected representatives. The NIA has named Danish Ayaz Dar, Faisal Hameed Wagay, Nisar Rashid Bhat alias Nasir, Zubair Ahmad Sofi, Mushtaq Ahmad Itoo, Farooq Ahmad Bhat alias Farooq Nalli under different sections of the UAPA Act. Also Read | 7th Pay Commission News Today: Will Dearness Allowance Be Hiked This Month? Check Latest Update Here. Further investigations in the case are in progress. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kannur, September 10: A bomb exploded in front of a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker's house in Kannur's Chavassery on Thursday night. According to Mattannur Police, a bomb exploded about 50 meters away from the house of Sudheesh, an RSS worker. Police registered the case under the explosive act. The forensic team collected evidence from the spot. The dog squad also visited the spot. Further, the district police chief visited the place. Police said that Sudheesh was also accused in many cases. Further investigation is underway. Notably, a clash had broken out between RSS and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) workers in the area after a bomb explosion last month. Several houses and properties were damaged during the clash. Bharat Jodo Yatra: Congress Resumes Padayatra From Tamil Nadus Mulagumoodu in Kanyakumari, Likely To Enter Kerala Today. In another incident, a bomb exploded near the house of Salahudheen, a former SDPI worker on Friday in Kannavam. Police registered a case and an investigation is underway. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Indore, Sep 10 (PTI) A law graduate preparing for a civil judge examination allegedly posed as a judicial magistrate and duped a businessman of Indore by promising to quash a court case, a police official said on Saturday. Also Read | 7th Pay Commission News Today: Will Dearness Allowance Be Hiked This Month? Check Latest Update Here. Rajiv Lahoti (43) was booked under relevant Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections on Friday night for cheating, criminal breach of trust and personation, Juni police station in charge Yogesh Singh told PTI. Also Read | Assam Legislative Assemblys Autumn Session to Start From September 12. "Lahoti met businessman Harbans Singh Wadhwa (58), a resident of Palsikar Colony, in Dewas court and introduced himself as a judicial magistrate. He sought Rs 3 lakh from Wadhwa to close the case against the latter. On August 15, Wadhwa paid him Rs 2.60 lakh," the official said. "After seeing no movement in the case, Wadhwa inquired about Lahoti and found the latter was not a magistrate but was set to appear for a judicial services exam. Lahoti also stopped taking his calls, after which Wadhwa filed a complaint," the official said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jammu, Sep 10 (PTI) A meeting convened by the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) here on Saturday decided to set up a committee to chalk out the future strategy on the issue of inclusion of "non-locals" in the electoral rolls of Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah, a former chief minister, announced the decision after chairing an over three-hour long all party meeting' under PAGD's banner at his residence here. Also Read | Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration , Other Parties Meet in Jammu; Decide to Latest Tweet by PTI News. The meeting was attended by the members of all five constituents of the PAGD PDP, CPI(M), CPI, and Awami National Conference, besides the National Conference and were represented by former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, M Y Tarigami, Ashwani Kapoor, and Muzaffar Shah, respectively. J&K Congress president Vikar Rasool Wani and working president Raman Bhalla, Shiv Sena's Manish Sawhney, Dogra Swabhiman Sangathan Party president and former minister Choudhary Lal Singh, Dogra Sadar Sabha president and former minister Gulchain Singh Charak, also attended the meeting. Also Read | 7th Pay Commission News Today: Will Dearness Allowance Be Hiked This Month? Check Latest Update Here. Mission Statehood Jammu Kashmir president Sunil Dimple and several other Jammu-based social and religious groups also were present. The main purpose for the meeting was to discuss the issue of inclusion of non-locals in the voting list of Jammu and Kashmir. Charak sahab put forward a suggestion that a committee should be formed which was unanimously accepted by the participants, Abdullah told reporters. He said in line with the suggestion, a committee will be formed to chalk out a strategy and guide them on the future course of action. On September 5, Chief Electoral Officer Hirdesh Kumar had convened an all party meeting here to discuss the summary revision of electoral rolls which caused a heated argument between the BJP and opposition leaders, who later claimed that the chair ignored their concerns about inclusion of 25 lakh voters including "outsiders". Kumar had in August said Jammu and Kashmir is likely to get around 25 lakh additional voters, including outsiders, after the special summary revision of electoral rolls. The Union Territory is up for election for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370. Following the dissensions, the administration had clarified that the revision of electoral rolls will cover existing residents of J&K and the increase in numbers will come from the voters who have attained the age of 18 years as of October 1, 2022, or earlier. We are all together to stop the onslaught which is taking place in J&K. This (giving voting rights to people from outside) is the biggest among all and it is not acceptable to us, Abdullah said. Referring to the participation of Jammu-based leaders in a meeting convened by the PAGD, he said: They belong to different ideology or have different agenda but we are all here together on this issue. The NC leader alleged all promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a rapprochement have come to null, and new laws are being imposed on the people of J&K every day. Lt Governor is sitting here Prime Minister chaired an all-party meeting (in June last year) and a decision was taken that Dilli ki Doori' as well as Dil Ki Doori' will be bridged and all prisoners will be released. Tell me about anyone who was released, and every day they are implementing new laws. Therefore, all of us here feel that our rights are under attack and we are here to counter this attack, Abdullah said. He also alleged there were discrepencies in the statements made by the election official on the increase in the number of voters after the revision. Abdullah alleged the aim of the BJP is to win the elections with whatever means. They want to rule the people whether they vote or not. They shout on a daily basis that they are going to form the next government as if others are just nothing, he said. "Democracy is about people and not power," he added. Wani, the Pradesh Congress Committee president, said Congress remains in the forefront, whether it is a part of the PAGD or not, to protect the rights of the people. We want the people of J&K to decide their elected representative rather than anyone from outside, Wani said. He said they want clarification from the election commission publicly rather than behind the closed doors. Choudhary Lal Singh said they accepted the invitation to attend the meeting in the larger interest of the people. We are against voting rights to the people from outside in the assembly elections. They have no business, he said. Since Article 370 is prejudiced, we want extension of Article 371 to J&K to safeguard the land and jobs of the locals, he added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], September 10 (ANI): Congress leader Sandeep Dixit has backed the concerns of five Congress MPs over the "transparency and fairness" of the poll process to elect the party chief and said that their demand concerning the list of PCC delegates is genuine. "It is a genuine demand and those who are interested should get the list. Those who are elected as Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) members should know that they have been elected," Dikshit told ANI. Also Read | Delhi Police Assistant Sub-Inspector Yunus Khan Found Dead Inside House on Mir Dard Road. Five Congress MPs, including Manish Tewari, Karti Chidambaram, Shashi Tharoor, Pradyut Bordoloi and Abdul Khaleque have written a letter to All India Congress Committee (AICC) central election authority chief Madhusudan Mistry expressing concern about the "transparency and fairness" of the process for electing party chief. The MPs, in their letter, said that list of PCC delegates that make up the electoral college be provided to electors and potential candidates and this can be done in a secure manner. (ANI) Also Read | Sharad Pawar Re-Elected As President of National Congress Party for 4 Years. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) The following two rescue stories are great examples of why amateur radio is important. The first story occurred in Wisconsin and is told by ARRL member Scott Strecker, KG9IV. In his own words, Strecker shares how he was able to help a ham in distress. Thanks to the Chippewa Valley Amateur Radio Club in Wisconsin, an ARRL Affiliated Club, for this information. "It was Friday, September 2, 2022, which meant I worked from my home office. I have the VHF radios on low to monitor them in the background. Recently, I got into the Allstar node with a hotspot. I use it to monitor the FM38 systems (Allstar 2495) in the southern [part] of Wisconsin. At about 7:45 AM, I heard the Allstar node come up. An individual in distress was asking for assistance to get an ambulance to him. It was a ham in Brown Deer, Wisconsin. He had slipped on his bathroom floor and went down so hard he could not get up, but he happened to have his handheld with him (don't we all). He did not have access [to the] phone, and he lived alone. [I called the] Brown Deer police call center. The dispatcher got the fire department rolling and then started asking me for more details. I had the dispatcher on speaker phone, and he could hear the hams' responses to the questions. Being on a handheld and [lying] prone, the signal was, at times, noisy. At that time, both the other ham and I used ITU phonetics to get the exact info out. All those times practicing on the ARES nets made it second nature. The dispatcher was also able to understand the info without my having to repeat it. It felt good to help out. I also realized it was due to my monitoring that I was able to hear his call. If you are not participating in the weekly local ARES net, I would encourage you to do so when you can." In addition to Strecker's story, newly licensed amateur radio operators Shannon Vore, KK7GVG, and CJ Bouchard, KK7GNG, also shared a rescue story. On September 3, 2022, in the Rocky Mountains in northwest Idaho, they were out for a weekend of four-wheeling in their Jeep. The area is an extremely mountainous region with no towns, very few people, no facilities, and no cell phone coverage. The nearest airfield is Horse Haven Trail, an unimproved dirt strip that's severely eroded and covered with rocks and debris. At about 4:30 PM, Vore and Bouchard were taking a break when an approaching truck notified them of an ATV accident involving two teenage girls. The accident scene was just a few miles away, and when they arrived it was clear the teenagers were critically injured. Bouchard was unable to contact several local repeaters, but was finally able to make contact using a simplex frequency (146.420 MHz) that's popular with the hams in Coeur d'Alene, 20 miles from the accident site. While Bouchard and an off-duty Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) were administrating medical aid to the teenagers, Vore took over radio operations. The call for emergency assistance was picked up by local amateur radio operator John Tappero, K7JNT, who immediately called 911 and asked that 146.420 MHz be used only for emergency traffic. For nearly 2 hours, Vore and Tappero provided relay between the 911 dispatcher, advising the condition of the injured and the approaching weather. Life Flight Network was unable to respond because of a severe thunderstorm immediately over the rescue site. Two teams of EMT's were dispatched, but due to the mountains and the storm, they couldn't communicate with dispatch. Tappero continued to provide relay information for all parties until 6:00 PM, when the EMT's arrived. The teenagers were in stable condition and immediately transported to the nearest hospital. Today, they're in good condition and recovering. "It took us about 2 days to wind down from the experience," said Vore. "We are both glad we had our amateur radio licenses and were able to help." Bouchard said that they had been using radios on the General Mobile Radio System (GMRS), but have since upgraded their licenses for more operating privileges. "Because the area signals were not good, it was difficult to communicate," he continued. "So, we studied, took our exams, and are now looking forward to much more amateur radio opportunities." Both Vore and Bouchard are now looking to join a local amateur radio club and become involved in the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES). --Thanks to ARRL Idaho Section Manager Dan Marler, K7REX, and Idaho Assistant Section Manager Ed Stuckey, AI7H, for their help with the Idaho rescue story. New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Slum dwellers will now be part of the consultations held to explore ways to improve the living conditions of people living in these settlements in Delhi, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said on Saturday. Sisodia said this while participating in a programme 'National Consultation on Community Led Management of Bastis in Delhi' held by the DUSIB. Also Read | Assam Shocker: Man Murders 42-Year-Old Woman, Later Has Sex With Corpse; Arrested. He assured people that the government will investigate the demands raised by them. The consultation held by Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) and supported by Indo-Global Social Service Society (IGSSS) was aimed towards formation of a slum/basti level committee and help slums uplift. Also Read | Delhi Metro Update: Operations to Be Partially Curtailed on Yellow Line Section On September 11 Due to Maintenance Work. "The slum dwellers will now contribute and be consulted for the development and maintenance of the community, Sisodia said, assuring suggestions of experts will be looked into by the Delhi government. The Section 13 of the DUSIB Act provides for the formation of a Basti Vikas Samiti. The provision calls for partnership of the government with jhuggi dwellers to help them access basic facilities and means of livelihoods in 675 listed slums belonging to 25 land-owning agencies of the state and central government bodies. Rajya Sabha member Amar Patnaik, who too was part of the consultation, raised the need for granting ownership of land to the slum dwellers and giving them livelihood opportunities to ensure the development of the community. Lack of planning in slums was pointed out by Ayodhya Rami Reddy, another parliamentarian, who suggested stakeholders look into it. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ghaziabad, Sep 10 (PTI) Stray dogs cannot be relocated from their territory as it is prohibited under the law and court guidelines, the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation said Saturday after a meeting with various stake-holders including Apartment Owners' Associations, People for Animals and dog-lovers. The meeting was convened at the civic body headquarters on the initiative of Mayor Asha Sharma and Municipal Commissioner Mahendra Singh Tanwar in the backdrop of canine-human conflict hogging the headlines. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Speaks to British PM Liz Truss, Discusses Various Issues of Bilateral Interest Between India and UK. Animal rights activist Ambika Shukla stressed the dog-lovers who feed stray dogs cannot be penalised by Resident Welfare Association, and that any complaint should be addressed to the Municipal Corporation only. It was agreed that dog feeding points will be earmarked on residential society compounds for stray dogs in consultation with feeders, RWA and representatives of the Municipal Corporation. The numbers would depend on the canine population there. Also Read | 7th Pay Commission News Today: Will Dearness Allowance Be Hiked This Month? Check Latest Update Here. In accordance with thelaid down law and guidelines, stray dogs cannot be relocated from within the society to outside and vice versa, Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation Veterinary Officer Dr Ashish said. It will be kept in mind that feeding points should not be near locations frequented by children and senior citizens, the meeting decided. Both sides agreed that cleaning of the excreta of stray dogs will not be responsibility of individuals feeding the dog, but of the RWA as part of its regular maintenance activity. It will be responsibility of pet-owners to clean the excreta of their dogs but the RWA must provide garbage bins where the picked up waste can be thrown, it was decided. In case of any complaints against pet-owners, the RWAs and its members cannot take any action themselves and they will have to bring it to the notice of municipal corporation, the meeting decided. Dr Ashish urged people to get stray dogs registered for sterilization in consultation with individuals feeding the dogs and RWAs. This comes in the wake of a series of dog attack incidents being reported in the media over the past few days. A video went viral recently, showing a pet dog attacking a minor boy inside a lift of a residential society in Ghaziabad. In another incident from Ghaziabad, a teenage boy was attacked by a dog leaving him with multiple stitches. Another video shows, a food delivery agent being attacked by a dog while coming out of a lift. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 10 (ANI): Soon after the video of meeting controversial Tamil pastor George Ponnaiah went viral, Congress hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that the ruling party at the Centre has been spreading lies adding that its "typical mischief" is an attempt to damage the spirit of 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'. "It is a completely bogus video. What was said in the conversation has nothing to do with the tweet. We have issued the full text of what was said. It is typical mischievous lies being spread by the BJP to damage the spirit of Bharat Jodo Yatra," said Jairam Ramesh. Also Read | Bihar: Group of 50 Miscreants Led by Ex-RJD MLC Anwar Ahmed's Son Create Ruckus Inside Pirbahore Police Station in Patna, 3 Arrested; Watch Video. He slammed BJP for dividing the country and said, "We are trying to unite people and to bring people together because India is being broken because of economic inequality, social polarisation and political centralisation. The BJP divides and Congress unites. BJP believes in uniformity while congress unity. BJP rejects India's diversity but Congress celebrates India's diversity." He further said that this Bharat Jodo Yatra is like Lord Hanuman which will bring 'Sanjeevani' for the revival of the Congress party. Also Read | Lumpy Virus Disease: 173 Cases of LSD Found Among Cattle in Delhi, Says Minister Gopal Rai. "We are determined that this Bharat Jodo Yarta will be a huge success, it will create the new political culture and it will strengthen the Congress party organisation. India needs a strong vibrant Congress and the Bharat Jodo Yatra is Hanuman to create 'Sanjeevani' for Congress," he added. Taking to Twitter, Ramesh said that the video bears no relation whatsoever to what is recorded in the audio. "An atrocious tweet from the BJP hate factory is doing the rounds. It bears no relation whatsoever to what is recorded in the audio. This is typical BJP mischief that has become more desperate after the successful launch of Bharat Jodo Yatra which is evoking such a huge response," he said in a tweet. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi's meeting with the priest and said that "it is Rahul Gandhi's Nafrat Jodo Abhiyan" while adding that today they have met a person like George Ponnaiah, the poster boy of Bharat Jodo Yatra-who challenged, threatened Hindus and said inappropriate things about Bharat Mata. Congress has a long history of being anti-Hindu." Poonawalla attacked Rahul Gandhi, "George Ponnaiah who met Rahul Gandhi says Jesus is the only God unlike Shakti (& other Hindu Gods)" He further said, "Earlier he was arrested for his bigotry remark, when he said, "I wear shoes because impurities of Bharat Mata should not contaminate us." Poonawalla took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi's meeting with the priest, saying, "Bharat Jodo with Bharat Todo icons?" Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is on a 150-day-long Bharat Jodo Yatra, on Friday met a controversial catholic priest George Ponnaiah in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. A video clip of Rahul Gandhi's interaction with the Tamil Nadu pastor went viral, in which Rahul Gandhi can be heard asking, "Jesus Christ is a form of God? Is that right?" to which the Tamil Nadu priest George Ponniah replied, "He is the real God." Ponniah goes on to say, "God reveals him(self) as a man, a real person...not like Shakti...so we see a human person." Ponniah has a history of delivering provocative statements that have landed him in trouble in the past. He was arrested last year in July in Kallikudi, Madurai for allegedly making a 'hate speech' against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, DMK Minister and others. Rahul Gandhi met him at the Muttidichan Parai Church, Puliyoorkurichy where he camped for a morning break on Friday. Pastor George Ponnaiah was arrested last year in July for his hate speech targeting the Hindu community. He made contentious remarks in a meeting on July 18, 2021, at Arumanai in Tamil Nadu. (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, Sep 10 (PTI) A senior woman officer of the Economic and Innovation Department was allegedly duped of around Rs 2 lakhs on the pretext of home delivery of liquor, police said on Saturday. Following the complaint of a woman officer, an FIR has been registered at the cyber crime police station, east on Friday. Also Read | Assam Shocker: Man Murders 42-Year-Old Woman, Later Has Sex With Corpse; Arrested. According to the complaint filed by Reena Albert, a resident of sector 57, it was on September 4 when she was searching for home delivery for liquor on Google. "I got a number on Google and contacted the person. During the conversation, he asked me how much and which liquor was needed. He assured me for home delivery and demanded advance payment after sending a link," she said. Also Read | Delhi Metro Update: Operations to Be Partially Curtailed on Yellow Line Section On September 11 Due to Maintenance Work. "I made some payment but soon after I got to know that 1.93 lakhs was transferred from my account fraudulently. After this the man did not contact me. He neither delivered liquor nor returned the money and then finally I moved to police," the woman said in her complaint. Following the complaint an FIR has been registered against the unknown fraudsters under sections 419 (cheating by impersonation), 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 66-D of the information technology act at the cyber crime police station, east. "We put the mobile number used in fraud on surveillance and are investigating. The accused will be nabbed as earliest possible," said inspector Bijender Kumar, SHO of the cyber crime police station. (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], September 10 (ANI): Pakistan is still witnessing a severe dollar liquidity crunch despite the resumption of the last month of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, local media reported adding the floods in the country have aggravated the macroeconomic fundamentals. The IMF programme under USD 6.5 billion was restored in late August. Also Read | Pakistan: Imran Khan Believes Fresh Election Only Solution To End Instability in Country. Geo tv reported that Pakistan's currency has been under pressure since the Imran Khan regime while economists expected the rupee-dollar parity to improve after the revival of the IMF programme. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is in Pakistan said on Friday that Pakistan needed "massive" financial support for relief, recovery and rehabilitation in the wake of the catastrophic floods that displaced more than 33 million people and are estimated to have caused USD 30 billion of damage. Also Read | A Retired Green Beret's Mission in Ukraine - Jeremy Locke Leads Humanitarian Effort. The remarks of the UN Secretary-General came after he attended a briefing at the National Flood Response Coordination Centre (NFRCC) alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Dawn reported. Official sources as quoted by Geo tv reported that the exchange rate has gone under immense pressure in recent days whereby the rupee nosedived 9 per cent against the US dollar. "The situation has aggravated as demand for imports has gone up manifold but the country does not have enough dollars. Without improving dollar injections, Pakistan's macroeconomic vulnerabilities are not going anywhere," Geo tv reported citing sources. According to Geo tv, the initially estimated losses have accumulated in the range of USD 18 billion while Pakistan's agriculture sector faces the worst blow. The worst performance of the agriculture sector will put pressure on increased demand for commodities imports and if Pakistan fails to generate desired levels of dollar inflows it might create food shortages in the current fiscal year, the media outlet said. Pakistan is facing the worst calamity in past years, which has pushed most of the country into a crisis. As heavy floods continue to ravage the region, the water flow of the River Indus in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kohistan District is increasing very fast forcing the police to evacuate people in surrounding areas, Geo News reported. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Stockholm (Sweden), Sep 10 (AP) Sweden is holding an election on Sunday to elect lawmakers to the 349-seat Riksdag as well as to local offices across the nation of 10 million. Early voting began on August 24. Here are some key things to know about the vote. Also Read | Pakistan: Farmers Protest Blocked Quetta-Karachi National Highway, Destroy Tomatoes Imported From Iran (Watch Video). WHAT IS AT STAKE? Also Read | US Announces USD 40 Million Agricultural Aid to Crisis-Hit Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson is fighting to keep her centre-left Social Democrats at the helm of a left-wing coalition but is facing a strong challenge from the right. Sweden is known for being a cradle-to-grave welfare society and Andersson would like to preserve the social protections that have long defined Sweden, and reverse some of the market-oriented changes by an earlier government. Her party feels that some of the changes, like state subsidies going to private schools, are creating greater inequalities. The once-mighty Social Democrats have been in power since 2014. But as the party's popularity has sunk and it has presided over a weaker government that relies more on other parties to pass laws, creating political instability for the past eight years. WHO IS LIKELY TO WIN? There are two major blocs: one with four parties on the left and another with four on the right. The polls leading up to the election say it is impossible to predict. It's basically a coin toss. It's 50-50 between the two different sides, Zeth Isaksson, a sociologist in electoral behaviour at Stockholm University, said on Saturday. Under Swedish law, the party that wins the most seats forms the next government. Polls show this is likely to be Andersson's party, which will need to create a coalition with other parties. But if the left as a whole has a poor showing, she might not be able to form a coalition. In that case, the baton would be passed to the second-largest party to try to form a government. WHICH PARTY IS IN THE NO. 2 SPOT? In the last election in 2018, the Moderates led by Ulf Kristersson, a centre-right party, won the second-highest number of seats. The conservative party promotes a market economy, lower taxes and a smaller role for government in a country with a generous welfare state supported by high taxes. But like the Social Democrats and other mainstream parties across Europe, the Moderates have also seen their popularity decline amid a populist challenge coming from further right. WHO ARE THE POPULISTS? The Sweden Democrats, a populist right-wing party that takes a hard line on immigration and crime, first entered parliament in 2010 and has been growing steadily ever since. The party won 13 per cent of the vote in 2018, becoming the third-largest force in parliament. Polls show it is likely to improve on that showing on Sunday. Some Swedes compare the party to Trump-style populism and note it was founded by far-right extremists decades ago. They do not trust it in its reported transformation to a more traditional conservative party. The party is led by Jimmie Akesson, a 43-year-old former web designer who has been the driving force in trying to moderate the party's image. The party has clearly tapped into the social mood, however, and other parties have been moving closer to its positions, as many Swedes believe that they can no longer bear the costs of the country's generous refugee policies and are seeking a crackdown on crime. Once a pariah, other conservative parties have grown increasingly willing to deal with the Sweden Democrats. Andersson told reporters Saturday that the rise of the far right was partly the fault of the right-wing opposition, which she said spent so much time and effort to try to convince people that the Sweden Democrats aren't the party that they actually are. HOW SERIOUS IS CRIME IN SWEDEN? Some immigrants have had difficulties assimilating into Swedish society, leading to segregated neighbourhoods with high crime rates. Gang violence mostly takes place among criminal networks dealing drugs or involved in other illicit activity. But there have been recent cases of innocent bystanders being hurt. So far this year, 48 people have been killed by firearms in Sweden, three more than in all of 2021. The fears triggered by shootings and explosions in disadvantaged neighbourhoods have made crime one of the most pressing issues for Swedish voters. Shootings and explosions of bombs have increased in the last few years and (this violence) is now considered a great social problem," said Anders Sannerstedt, a political scientist at Lund University in southern Sweden. THE GENDER FACTOR Andersson became Sweden's first female prime minister less than a year ago a milestone late in coming for a country that in many ways is an example of gender equality. I was really proud, said Ulrika Hoonk, a 39-year-old who voted early in Stockholm on Friday, saying it took far too long for that to happen. Polls show that Andersson's party is especially popular with women, with men tending to vote more conservative. Even though Andersson is the first prime minister, there are still many women represented in positions of authority. Four party leaders are women and one party has a woman and a man sharing the leadership. In parliament, the gender balance has long been split roughly 50-50. Several women voters interviewed this week said that finally having a woman in the top leadership job was very important for them, and one factor they considered when choosing which party to support. (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 [India], September 10 (ANI): Newly-appointed UK Prime Minister Liz Truss on Saturday had a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi who extended his condolences over the demise of Queen Elizabeth II. "On behalf of the people of India, Prime Minister Modi conveyed deep condolences to the Royal family and the people of UK on the sad demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," as per a government press release. Also Read | BBC Suffers Embarrassment After Subtitle Blunder on 'Queen's Regina' During King Charles III Coverage; Report Goes Viral. PM Modi also congratulated Truss on assuming office of Prime Minister of UK. He also appreciated her contributions to the India-UK bilateral relationship in her previous roles as Trade Secretary and Foreign Secretary. Both leaders committed to further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and UK. The two leaders discussed various issues of bilateral interest including the progress in the implementation of the Roadmap 2030, ongoing FTA negotiations, defence & security cooperation, and the people-to-people ties between both countries, as per a government release. Also Read | King Charles III Pledges to Follow the Inspiring Example of His Mother After Taking on Monarchs Duties. Modi on Thursday condoled the death of Queen Elizabeth II as he hailed her "inspiring leadership". Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister recalled his memorable meetings with the Queen during his UK visits in 2015 and 2018. "I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings, she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her on her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture," PM Modi tweeted. The Prime Minister said Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a stalwart of our times. "She provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people. She personified dignity and decency in public life. Pained by her demise. My thoughts are with her family and people of the UK in this sad hour," he said in a subsequent tweet. Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch of the UK, died earlier Thursday at the age of 96. King Charles III was proclaimed as the new monarch of England on Saturday after his mother Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday. King Charles Philip Arthur George paid tribute to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and spoke of the "great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty." Meanwhile, PM Modi on Monday congratulated British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss for getting elected as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. In the congratulatory message, PM Modi said under her leadership, the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will be further strengthened. "Congratulations @trussliz for being chosen to be the next PM of the UK. Confident that under your leadership, the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will be further strengthened. Wish you the very best for your new role and responsibilities," PM Modi tweeted. Truss was announced as the new head of the Conservative Party today. Forty-seven-year-old Truss will become the third female prime minister of the UK. She defeated former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak through a postal ballot of all Conservative members. Truss secured 81,326 votes while Sunak got 60,399 votes. (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, September 10: The United States on Saturday announced USD 40 million in aid to buy fertilizer and other key agricultural inputs in time for the next cultivation season in crisis-hit Sri Lanka. USAID Administrator Samantha Power, who is visiting Sri Lanka, made the announcement after she met farmer representatives in Ja-Ela outside the capital, Colombo. She said the money will be in addition to the $6 million announced earlier to assist low income farmers. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis and acute shortages of essentials like food, fuel and medicines because of a lack of foreign currency to pay for the imports. Agricultural yields dropped by more than half for the past two cultivation seasons because authorities had banned the imports of chemical fertilizers ostensibly to promote organic farming. The farmers that I just met with described enormous challenges that the economic crisis has placed on them and their families and the whole community. They described phenomena that were unimaginable two, three years ago, Power told reporters. BBC Suffers Embarrassment After Subtitle Blunder on Queens Regina During King Charles III Coverage; Report Goes Viral. She said that according to the World Food Program, more than 6 million people nearly 30% of Sri Lanka's population are currently facing food insecurity and require humanitarian assistance. Power said the money will help 1 million farmers in time for the next season starting soon. Sri Lanka has reached a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund for a $2.9 billion aid package over four years. However, the program hinges on debt restructuring assurances from creditors after the country announced that it is suspending repayment of its foreign loans. Sri Lanka's total foreign debt amounts to more than $ 51 billion of which $28 billion must be repaid by 2027. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati, September 10: In a shocking incident reported from Udalguri district, a 23-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping a 42-year-old woman after killing her two weeks ago. The accused was arrested on charges of rape and murder after he surrendered on Friday. The woman is a mother of two daughters, while the accused is a daily wager. A local court sent him to 14-day judicial custody on Saturday, reported TOI. The incident took place when the woman went for a bath in a nearby stream on August 25. Moradabad Shocker: Rape Survivor Dies by Suicide After Audio Clip of Rapist Bragging About Sexual Assault Goes Viral The husband of the woman was initially sceptical that someone from the village could be behind this brutal incident. Maharashtra Shocker: 14-Year-Old Rape Survivor Goes Missing From Crowded Karjat Market The police said that when the woman was having a bath, the accused went from behind and hacked her to death and later he raped her. Though her husband was not ready for a serious legal battle since the villagers could not identify any accused at the beginning. Some villagers also tried to create rumours that she died under the influence of supernatural powers when the woman was recovered. But after the family members of the victim demanded probe her body was dug out from the burial site for investigation. Udalguri SP Supriya Das said that the womans body was sent for post mortem in the presence of the magistrate. The boy has been arrested and a case has been registered under sections 376/302 of the IPC. She added that the post mortem report will give a clear picture on the unfortunate incident. The accused has confessed to raping and murdering the woman, police said. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2022 09:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Mumbai, September 10: At least 20 persons died, 14 of them due to drowning, in different incidents that occurred during the immersion of Ganesh idols in parts of Maharashtra, police said on Saturday. The 10-day Ganesh festival, which had started on August 31, ended on Friday. In Wardha district, three persons drowned at Sawangi, while another one died in a similar manner at Devli, an official said. Two persons drowned in a pond in Yavatmal district when during the immersion of an idol, he said. In Ahmednagar district, two persons drowned in separate incidents at Supa and Belvandi, he said, adding that two others died in Jalgaon district of north Maharashtra - one each at Chalisgaon and Jamner. One person each died at Ghodegaon and Yavat in Pune district, in Dhule district, Lonikand in Satara district and Solapur city, he said. Four persons died in a road accident at Sakkardara area of Nagpur city during Ganesh immersion, he said. In Thane, a 55-year-old woman was killed and four others injured after a tree collapsed on a Ganesh pandal in Kolbad area due to heavy rains. The incident occurred on Friday night, a civic official said. Ganesh Visarjan in Madhya Pradesh: CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, His Family Leave for Prempura Ghat in Bhopal to Immerse Lord Ganesh Idol (See Pics). "A huge tree fell on the pandal while the 'aarti' of Lord Ganesh idol was on as part ahead of its immersion. The woman, Rajashri Walavalkar, was seriously injured in the mishap. She and other injured were rushed to a hospital, where she was declared brought dead," the official said. Meanwhile, at least 11 persons, including a nine-month-old child, were injured after suffering an electric shock at Panvel in Raigad district during a procession. The incident took place on Friday evening at Wadghar Koliwada after a cable of an electric generator snapped, an official said. "At least 11 persons, who were part of the procession, came in contact with the cable and sustained injuries. The injured include four children," he said. While some of them were rushed to a private hospital, others were taken to a state-run hospital in Panvel, he said, adding that all are responding well to the treatment. Some incidents related to law and order situation were also reported in parts of the state during the immersion. A scuffle broke out between the supporters of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray at Tophkhana in Ahmednagar district, an official said. In Jalgaon, a group of people hurled stones at the mayor's bungalow during the Ganesh immersion procession, he said, while a clash broke out between two groups at Mundhwa in Pune city. A brawl occurred at Shikrapur in Pune district over bursting firecrackers, while in Chandrapur, a fracas was reported between Ganesh mandal volunteers and police personnel, he added. In Mumbai, the Ganesh festival and the immersion procession passed off peacefully and no untoward incident was reported, police said. "#GaneshUtsav2022 in Mumbai conducted & celebrated peacefully,smoothly & enthusiastically. I thank all the Mumbaikars, Members of all the Ganesh Mandals & all the Lord Ganesha's devotees, who followed all instructions & cooperated with us, the MUMBAI POLICE!," the city police's Twitter handle said. Like every year, this year too we got an opportunity to serve the devotees, the Mumbai police said. Foundations of Amateur Radio Being friendly in Amateur Radio The fourth clause of the original Amateur's Code, published in 1927 has a lot to say about the tone of amateur radio. It says: The Amateur is Friendly. Slow and patient sending when requested, friendly advice and counsel to the beginner, kindly assistance and cooperation for the broadcast listener: these are marks of the amateur spirit. The 2022 ARRL handbook tweaks that into: The Radio Amateur is FRIENDLY...slow and patient operating when requested; friendly advice and counsel to the beginner; kindly assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit. The ARRL website adds a pronoun and updates some of the language: The Radio Amateur is FRIENDLY...He/[She] operates slowly and patiently when requested; offers friendly advice and counsel to beginners; kind assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the marks of the amateur spirit. I'm not quite sure what the idea behind this change is. The original referred to "slow and patient sending" in an era when that meant slowing down your Morse Code. I'm not sure what "operating slowly" means, unless it's asking the amateur to speak slowly or to operate their fixed speed FT8 station slowly, hardly the same thing as reducing the speed of your Morse key. There's also a reference to the "broadcast listener", something which we refer to as shortwave listeners today. Essentially, be kind to the people around you and accommodate their limitations when you are asked, which is what the rest of the words have been morphed into. I think that being friendly and patient is a worthy aim and I don't think that it should be requested. The original used the word friendly twice, added kindly and used counsel, advice, assistance and cooperation. All this is collaborative language, encouraging the amateur to participate and being friendly and considerate when they do. I also note the difference between a "mark" and a "hallmark". The word hallmark means a mark stamped on articles of gold, silver, or platinum by the British assay offices, certifying their standard of purity. I think that certifying friendliness to a standard of purity is a worthy objective and I think that using the word "hallmark" instead of "mark" elevates the clause to a standard worth achieving. I think that the 2022 ARRL handbook use of the word "hallmark" is an example of an improvement of the code that should be embraced. With that in mind, removing the superfluous pronouns, given that "The Radio Amateur" encompasses anyone with a license, here's an alternative for the fourth clause of the Amateur's Code. The Radio Amateur is FRIENDLY...patient; offering friendly advice and counsel to the beginner; kindly assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit. It's a little longer than I'd like, but I think it leaves less room for ambiguity in the notion of operating slowly and it no longer requires that someone needs to ask for an amateur to be patient. I think that overall, it encourages good behaviour in a world where we can bash out an angry reply at the whim of the nearest keyboard. What do you like about this version and what would you change? I'm Onno VK6FLAB This article is the transcript of the weekly 'Foundations of Amateur Radio' podcast, produced by Onno Benschop, VK6FLAB who was licensed as radio amateur in Perth, Western Australia in 2010. For other episodes, visit http://vk6flab.com/. Feel free to get in touch directly via email: cq@vk6flab.com Hoshiarpur, Sep 10: A 52-year-old assistant sub-inspector (ASI) allegedly shot himself dead with his service revolver here on Saturday, police said. ASI Satish Kumar had recorded a video message and written a suicide note, accusing Tanda police station house officer of allegedly harassing and misbehaving with him. Bihar: Group of 50 Miscreants Led by Ex-RJD MLC Anwar Ahmeds Son Create Ruckus Inside Pirbahore Police Station in Patna, 3 Arrested; Watch Video. Deputy Superintendent of Police (Rural), Hoshiarpur, Surinder Pal said Kumar came for duty at Hariana police station on Saturday morning. He then went to the investigation room and shot himself in the head with his service revolver. Kumar's body has been sent to a local government hospital, Pal said, adding investigation in the matter is underway. Grandparents' Day or National Grandparents' Day is a day to celebrate the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. It is celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day in the United States. Grandparents' Day is also observed in India and other countries on the same day. This year, Grandparents' Day 2022 falls on September 11. Here's a collection of lovely Grandparents' Day 2022 wishes, Happy Grandparents' Day greetings, Grandparents' Day images, HD wallpapers, quotes, SMS and WhatsApp status messages to share on this special day. Happy Grandparents Day 2022 Wishes & Messages: WhatsApp DP, Images, SMS, Greetings & Quotes To Celebrate the Loving Bond With Your Grandparents. In 1977, with the help of other senators, Senator Randolph introduced a joint resolution to the senate requesting president Jimmy carter to issue a proclamation annually designating the first Sunday of September after Labor Day of each year as National Grandparents Day. Congress passed the legislation, and Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation on August 3, 1978, and the day was finally celebrated the following year. To make your grandparents feel loved and special on this day, you can download messages from our wide range of collections and send them to one and all to wish them on this day. This day is a perfect opportunity for everyone to spend quality time with their grandparents and make them know how much they are loved. Grandparents Day has both a unique flower and song. The particular flower for National Grandparents Day is Forget-me-not (or Myosotis arvensis), and the particular song for the Day is Johny Prill's "A song for Grandma and Grandpa". Gifting your grandparents a forget-me-not flower and dedicating them the music for grandma and grandpa, there are messages that you can download and send to all your near and dear ones to wish them Happy National Grandparents Day 2022. Happy Grandparents Day 2022 Wishes Happy Grandparents Day (File Image) Happy Grandparents Day 2022 Greetings for Grandmother Happy Grandparents Day (File Image) Happy Grandparents Day 2022 Images for Grandfather Happy Grandparents Day (File Image) Happy Grandparents Day 2022 Wallpapers Happy Grandparents Day (File Image) Happy Grandparents Day 2022 Messages for Grandpa Happy Grandparents Day (File Image) Happy Grandparents Day 2022 Wishes & Messages To Shower Love on Your Grandparents To make your grandparents feel special, you can take them out for a movie or lunch and spend quality time with them. You may also indulge with them in various art and crafts activities or probably make them a meal of their choice to make them feel special. If your grandparents live nearby, you can call them or send them wishes on various social media platforms. Here are messages you can download and send to your maternal and paternal grandparents to wish them Happy National Grandparents Day 2022. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2022 10:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Karnataka Police said on Saturday that it arrested the 46-year-old husband and parents of a 14-year-old girl on charges of child marriage in Yelahanka New Town of Bengaluru. Prime Minister @narendramodi spoke on phone today with Elizabeth Truss, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. PM Modi congratulated PM Truss on assuming the office of the Prime Minister of UK. He also appreciated her contributions to the India-UK bilateral relationship pic.twitter.com/SzDSClHfLl DD News (@DDNewslive) September 10, 2022 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) United Nations (#UN) Secretary-General #AntonioGuterres has appealed to the international community for "massive" support for #Pakistan to respond to the ongoing #climate catastrophe devastating the lives of millions. pic.twitter.com/CgnF1EjTXz IANS (@ians_india) September 9, 2022 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) This corn maze marks the 60th anniversary of James Bond, the worlds most famous fictional secret service agent. The intricate maze features over 10 miles of trails and sits on 28 acres in Spring Grove, Illinois, north of Chicago pic.twitter.com/kKSJZ0TZZn Reuters (@Reuters) September 10, 2022 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) Former Special Forces member Jeremy Locke - the Chief of Operations for Aerial Recovery - spearheads a dynamic relief mission in war torn Ukraine. Facilitating the rescue of vulnerable civilians - particularly orphaned children - from the front lines of the war to safe locations inside of Ukraine, Locke has applied the strategy of force multiplying to empower the local community and create lasting, meaningful relief. The world didnt know how to react when war came to Ukraine last spring. Many of us watched from the sidelines, moved by the fear and tragedy of the conflict, while being uncertain of how we can help - or even how great the need actually was. Particularly troubling are reports from this summer showing that two thirds of Ukraines children have been displaced. In a war thats already claimed thousands of lives - many of these children have now become orphaned adding to the over 100,000 Ukrainian children who were already living in orphanages prior to the invasion. These children are particularly vulnerable as Russia advances further into the country. Aerial Recovery is a group of humanitarian operators who are leading a mission in Ukraine to get orphaned children and other vulnerable civilians in Ukraine to safety. Composed of qualified, trained, and elite military veterans - this is a team with the experience to execute in the chaos of an active war zone and the heart to care for the wellbeing of those they are serving. These operators work in partnership with Ukraines government, volunteers and the people of Ukraine and are led by Aerial Recoverys Chief of Operations Jeremy Locke - a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Soldier. Aerial Recovery is a key philanthropic wing of the Aerial group of enterprises - piloted by entrepreneur Britnie Turner, Lockes wife. Lockes team has been in Ukraine since February 28th, 2022 - employing force multiplication: a special forces principle centric to Aerial Recovery that has furthered their effectiveness through strategic partnerships and providing training to and with the local communities and relevant government agencies of Ukraine. When force multiplication is properly implemented you would be amazed at how effective a small team can be working by, with and through the local populace, Locke says. King Charles III To Be Proclaimed New Monarch of United Kingdom at St Jamess Palace Today. Locke recalls his first orders to the team when it was clear that action was needed. Get inside, link up with the government, local NGOs, and churches, he says. Get a clearer picture on what's going on. Find out exactly how we can fit in, what the need is, and how we can be most effective and responsible for those in our care. Within weeks of crossing into Ukraine, Aerial had forged a Memorandum of Understanding with the Regional Military Administration and Social Administration of the Lviv Oblast, Ukraine. The Social Administration is the government body of Ukraine responsible for overseeing affairs similar to Child Protective Services in the United States, this understanding ensures those being rescued are accounted for and limits the ability of bad actors to take advantage of the administrative chaos left by war. The next step was vetting and training Ukrainians who would help facilitate the missions. These vetted Ukrainian partner enablers would bring a local understanding to Aerials preliminary work. They were translating for us, Locke recalls. Connecting us with their people - family and friends who had been drafted in the military or were already currently in the military. We were able to receive information on what the biggest needs were and where Russian troops were moving. This on the ground information was combined with our intelligence which gave us a very clear operational picture and worked to keep our operators safe and most importantly those we evacuated as well. The first six weeks of the operation leaned heavily on Aerials active involvement in moving orphans and displaced, vulnerable people - for sustainable and lasting humanitarian relief. Force multiplication by working with and training Ukrainians was the proper course of action. Military veterans reading this will be familiar with this kind of operation, known as an advise, assist, accompany, and enable - or A3E - mission. We took our enablers with us on these rescue missions, Locke says. They watched how we did it, everything from, acquiring vehicles that we needed to get the permissions to go travel across the country, to timing our operations around current Russian Troop Movements. As these enablers learned from the acumen of Locke and his elite team of veterans - they were able to take an active role in the mission. Joint operations were a way of instilling agency - while giving them the confidence of an elite team looking out for them in the field. After that, Locke says, we empowered our enablers to start doing the rescues on their own - with them being stationed out east and operating off our intelligence, guidance and oversight. Who Will Wear the Kohinoor Now? Kohinoor-Studded Crown Will Go to This Royal Family Member After Demise of Queen Elizabeth II. At this point Aerial had transitioned from A3E to an A2E (advise and assist) mission set. Missions have been extremely successful, Locke reports. Weve built up our operators out there, trained them, and are achieving a high level of effectiveness. There are over 5,500 internally displaced personnel that we've been able to move to safety inside the country using our networks. Im very proud of the operation to this point. We have been on the ground for over 6 months now and have tried and tested mechanisms for humanitarian aid distribution as well as personnel evacuation. The best part is now our trained Ukrainian Partner Humanitarian Force is able to lead missions supplying as well as evacuating their fellow countrymen. As this goes to press - the Aerial team is beginning to withdraw its American Humanitarian Operators from the country, having successfully developed the infrastructure and personnel for Ukrainian-led rescue operations. Aerial will now be able to conduct command and control remotely making the donations stretch farther without losing effectiveness on the ground. These Ukrainians are extremely grateful for any and all help they have received. They are inspiring people that really want to serve their country, Locke says. Teach them how to successfully lead these rescue operations, vet them to ensure that they are reliable, responsible, and they're doing the right things, honoring our donors and the training that you give them. It's their country - they want to do it and no one is more motivated than them. This is the process that has enabled Aerial Recovery to act as effective agents of meaningful and lasting relief on a global scale. From the destruction of natural disasters - in places such as Haiti, the Bahamas, and Southeast Lousianna - to the ensuing chaos of Americas withdrawal of troops in Afghanistan, and now in the vulnerability of the Ukrainian front line, Locke has led missions that enable local communities to move through disaster with agency and hope for tomorrow. A testament to the benefit of helping others - Aerials missions work to the betterment of the retired military personnel, Locke included, who carry them out. Many leave careers in the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force struggling to find new purpose - this Green Beret and his wife have opened a new pathway for their team through humanitarian work. So much healing is found in purpose and the ability to continue to serve, Locke says. These veterans are invaluable to saving lives, their skills are not obsolete once they have separated from the service and the people of Ukraine and those suffering across the world need them. To take a closer look at what Aerial Recovery has accomplished under its Chief of Operations Jeremy Locke - be sure to check out their website. There is still an immense level of need for resources and support in Ukraine - to support Aerials mission in this active conflict, those called can send donations on Aerialrecovery.org website. A Florida judge on Thursday junked former President Donald Trump's lawsuit against political rival Hillary Clinton and former top FBI officials. In his multimillion-dollar lawsuit, Trump alleged that the Democrats, headed by Clinton, conspired to "weave a false narrative" during the 2016 election that he and his campaign were colluding with Russia. The decision came days after Clinton commented on "The View" about her thoughts on Trump's recent issue, which was the unlawful retention of top-secret White House documents that were found during a raid at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida last month. Why Is Donald Trump's Lawsuit Against Hillary Clinton Dismissed? According to the Associated Press, Donald Trump's lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and other Democrats, filed in March, was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Donald Middlebrooks. In his ruling, Middlebrooks did not accept Trump's claims that Clinton, some of her top advisers, former FBI Director James Comey, and other FBI officials acted in concert to concoct the Russia investigation. The said probe focused on whether Trump's 2016 presidential campaign had coordinated with Russia to sway the election's outcome. According to the judge, the lawsuit had "glaring structural deficiencies," and many of the "characterizations of events" were implausible. Middlebrooks also rejected the idea that Trump filed the lawsuit to correct an actual legal harm. He said Trump was "seeking to flaunt a two-hundred-page political manifesto outlining his grievances against those that have opposed him." He added that "this court is not the appropriate forum." Middlebrooks further noted that many of the statements made by Clinton and others were protected by the Constitution's First Amendment governing free speech. He said Trump also waited too long to file his complaint, exceeding the legal statute of limitations for his claims. Trump is seeking more than $72 million in compensatory and punitive damages. The former president said he had incurred more than $24 million in "defense costs, legal fees, and related expenses," The Guardian reported. Hillary Clinton, who lost to Republican opponent Trump in the 2016 presidential election, has yet to comment on Middlebrook's ruling. However, one of Donald Trump's lawyers said the former president would appeal the dismissal. READ NEXT: Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Documents Had to Do With 'Russiagate,' Hilary Clinton Email Scandal, Ex-White House Aide Says Donald Trump's Lawsuit Against Hillary Clinton Explained Donald Trump had sued Hillary Clinton and other Democrats for "racketeering" and "conspiracy to commit injurious falsehood" against him during the 2016 presidential elections. Acting in concert, the defendants allegedly "maliciously conspired to weave a false narrative" that Trump was "colluding with a hostile foreign sovereignty." Other defendants included Democratic Representative Adam Schiff, and former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, among many others. A Senate Committee report revealed that Russia had used political operative Paul Manafort and WikiLeaks in helping Trump beat Clinton in the 2016 presidential race to the White House. Manafort was working on Trump's team during the campaign. However, Moscow denied any involvement in the issue and has denied all allegations thrown. A recent Washington Post analysis published before the release of the ruling has reduced the lawsuit to a mere "press release." "From the very beginning of Donald Trump's lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and a smattering of nearly 50 others, it becomes abundantly clear what this is about - and it's not about winning a legal judgment. ... This is a press release," the article noted. Earlier this week, Hillary Clinton took a jab at Donald Trump. In her interview with "The View," Clinton echoed the sentiments of lawmakers and legal experts and wondered how and why Trump had taken those top-secret documents to Mar-a-Lago when he left the White House. READ MORE: Donald Trump Mar-a-Lago Raid: Hillary Clinton Drops' Terrifying' Fact on Classified Documents That FBI Found This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ivan Korrs WATCH: Judge Rules On Donald Trump's Case Against Hillary Clinton - From Forbes Breaking News Former President Donald Trump is currently facing several legal battles and investigations, including the Trump Organization in New York and his role in the January 6 insurrection. Another one was recently added to the list as a federal grand jury reportedly investigates Trump's Save America PAC. Sources told ABC News that the grand jury, which is sitting in Washington, D.C., will probe the creation and spending of the political action committee controlled by Trump. The said grand jury is already investigating the activities leading up to the Capitol insurrection and the attempt by Trump and his allies to overturn the result of the 2020 election. Sources said the grand jury had already issued subpoenas seeking documents, records, and testimony from potential witnesses in connection with its probe of the Save America PAC. The subpoenas sent in recent weeks specifically seek to understand the timeline of Save America's formation, its fundraising activities, and how the fund is received and spent by the Trump-aligned PAC. Sources said investigators may look into whether people linked with the Save America PAC defrauded people out of money using false claims about the 2020 election being stolen. Donald Trump Allegedly Pushed Supporters to Donate to His Save America PAC Using False Claims Every time a new scandal about the former president popped up, the PAC usually sent an email to supporters urging them to donate to Save America. According to Associated Press, Donald Trump had been aggressive in fundraising for the 2020 election and capitalized on his supporters' anger about the results. The former president also allegedly pushed false information that the election was stolen in order to get his followers to act and donate money to his PAC. The January 6 hearings revealed that the Save America PAC had collected some $250 million from Trump's campaigns to "Stop the Steal." Most of the donations are small-dollar donations from his supporters. The January 6 committee also found that 30 minutes before the Capitol insurrection, a plea from Save America was sent out, asking for donations. Representative Zoe Lofgren said Donald Trump not only spread "the big lie" but is also using that lie to perpetrate the "big rip-off" to his followers. READ NEXT: Florida: Here Are the Shocking Findings During the FBI Raid of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Home What Did Save America PAC Do to the Money That Donald Trump Supporters Donated? Immediately after the FBI raided Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, the Save America PAC sent out a fundraising email, urging supporters to donate money in order to stand with Trump against a "NEVERENDING WITCH HUNT." The PAC was created days after the 2020 election and focuses on small-dollar donations. It was established as a joint-fundraising committee between the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee, which has also been sending out solicitation emails for Save America. The PAC has raised over $135 million in small donations from followers and transfers from affiliated committees. As of July, the PAC disclosed that it only has under $100 million in cash on hand. According to the Associated Press, Trump allegedly used the money to pay for his post-presidential rallies and other travels. He also used the money for legal fees and commissioning portraits of him and former First Lady Melania Trump, which will soon be placed inside the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. READ MORE: Mar-a-Lago Search Warrant Unsealed: Donald Trump May Have Violated Espionage Act, Committed Felonies This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Former Trump White House Lawyers Testify Before Grand Jury in January 6 Probe - From ABC News A California woman was beheaded in the middle of a street in broad daylight by her ex-boyfriend wielding a samurai sword. According to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department, the killing happened at about 11:50 a.m Thursday at Laurel Street and Magnolia Avenue in San Carlos, some 25 miles south of San Francisco, and multiple witnesses saw the brutal sword attack. San Mateo County Sheriff's Lt. Eamonn Allen said the crime scene was just outside the victim's home, ABC 7 News reported. Allen noted that the California woman had two daughters, ages 7 and 1, who were inside the house at the time of the crime and did not witness their mom's beheading. Child Protective Services took custody of the two children, along with a dog and two cats. A witness told local radio station KGO that the California woman's head went underneath the car, and her body was "laying in the back" of the vehicle before authorities covered her up. Police said the victim and the suspect were in an ongoing relationship. However, the California woman got a temporary restraining order against the suspect in April. Authorities identified the suspect as Hayward resident Jose Raphael Solano Landaeta, the 33-year-old father of the victim's 1-year-old daughter. READ NEXT: California Wildfire Update: Fairview Fire Grows to Nearly 10,000 Acres, Kills 2; Residents Ignore Evacuation Orders Man Who Beheaded the California Woman Arrested According to Crime Online, Jose Raphael Solano Landaeta was arrested when he returned to the crime scene. Eamonn Allen said the responding police officers quickly detained the suspect, and he was placed under arrest for homicide. He only described the weapon used as a stabbing instrument, which has not been found as of Thursday night. "We can confirm that a stabbing instrument was used in the commission of the crime. That weapon is still outstanding," Allen noted. Court records showed that the suspect is being held without bail and is expected to make a court appearance Friday. California Woman's Family and Neighbors React to Brutal Killing The victim had been identified as 27-year-old Karina Castro, who worked for DoorDash. Sources told KGO that there was a history of domestic violence at the California woman's home. Investigators believed that the couple started fighting inside the apartment around 10:30 a.m. Thursday, or before their fight, spilled outside where the suspect used what witnesses described as a samurai sword to kill Karina Castro. Castro's father, Martin Castro Jr., told NBC Bay Area that he feels like this was "a horror movie" he needs to wake up from. Martin showed up at the scene, where a memorial to his daughter stands, on Friday. He said no one in the family had eaten or slept at the time. When asked what he wanted to happen next, Martin noted that he was all for it if Jose Raphael Solano Landaeta would be given the death penalty. Neighbors also told NBC Bay Area that Karina had a volatile relationship with the suspect. One neighbor said police often responded to the couple fighting and recalled hearing the California woman talk about being scared of her estranged boyfriend. Neighbor Nathaniel Chan noted that she saw Karina pacing back and forth in front of the house the night before. Chan said he also heard the California woman talking really loud on the phone and said, 'it feels like I've got a target on my back.'" Meanwhile, Martin said his family is focused on getting Karina's children back from Child Protective Services. READ MORE: Caldor Fire Moves Closer to Lake Tahoe as Blaze Continues to Spread in Northern Part of California This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Woman Killed in Domestic Attack Outside San Carlos Home, Arrest Made - From KPIX CBS SF Bay Area An alleged Michigan killer, who shot a mom in the head and then left her in his apartment, has been captured in Mexico. According to Michigan Live, Mexican authorities and U.S. Marshalls have worked together to capture Yenly Garcia, 44, a Wyoming City resident in Kent County, Michigan. Garcia was accused of killing Mollie Schmidt, a 33-year-old mother of five. Wyoming city police said the alleged Michigan killer was arrested north of Mexico City. Authorities are now working on extraditing Garcia to Michigan. Mom of 5 Found Dead in Michigan Killer's Apartment Mollie Schmidt was last seen on August 21 at her Plainfield Township residence in Kent County, Michigan. Kent County police said the Michigan mom's disappearance was unusual because she left behind her children. During her disappearance, police said the victim could be in the company of Garcia. Authorities then executed a search warrant at Garcia's apartment on August 30 and found the lifeless body of Schmidt inside a bedroom. Police said the Michigan mom had been shot in the head, Crime Online reported. Because of the body's discovery in his apartment, Garcia became a prime suspect and wanted in Michigan. Garcia was last seen to be driving a black 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup, and it turned out he had fled to Mexico. When police went to his apartment, the Michigan mom's car was found outside in a parking lot. Police also discovered weapons in Garcia's apartment. According to reports, authorities found a .12-gauge shotgun and rounds, along with an AR-15 rifle. Michigan Live reported that the alleged Michigan killer was not allowed to possess firearms due to a previous felony conviction. Wyoming city police reported that based on their obtained data, Garcia returned to the Grand Rapids area on August 25, and he tried to use the victim's debit card at an ATM but failed. He also tried to use it at an undisclosed location in southern Michigan. His phone data showed that on August 21, his phone was in the vicinity of the Ambassador Bridge used as a crossing between Michigan and Canada. However, it was unclear whether Garcia may have crossed the bridge or tried to cross over to Canada. It was still unknown how Schmidt and Garcia knew each other. Police are still investigating the connection between the two. READ NEXT: Florida Vegan Mom Gets Life in Prison for Starving Toddler Son to Death Family of Michigan Mom Says She Adored Her Kids The death of Mollie Schmidt has been a tragedy for her family and friends. Lisa McGraw, the victim's aunt, said the mother of five "loved her family with all her heart." McGraw told Michigan Live that Schmidt was such a sweet person who adored her children. Her death has devastated the family, with McGraw noting that her brother, Schmidt's father, was "destroyed" by the death of his baby girl. She also admitted that the family had never even heard of Yenly Garcia, nor were they aware of any relationship between the two. READ MORE: Louisiana Mom Stabs Her 2 Kids, Kills 4-Year-Old Daughter Before She Does Instagram Live Covered in Blood This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Court Records Show Suspect in Mollie Schmidt's Murder Has Concerning Criminal Past - From 12 on Your Side A man who became abusive at Portarlington Train Station and delayed a service by 40 minutes has escaped conviction. Edward Ward, 52, of 7 St Grellans Terrace, Ballinasloe, Galway was accused of being drunk and disorderly at Portarlington Train Station on July 3 last. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the defendant became abusive when he was asked for a ticket causing the train to be delayed by 40 minutes. He said I am getting back on the train and you are not going to stop me and f**k off, explained Sgt Kirby. Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client had a letter of apology and 300. The defendant said: I am sorry for what happened. He explained that he had been going through a difficult time in his marriage and his brother died just days after the incident. I havent drank since, he told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. Judge Michelle Finan said old people and children use the train. She ordered that the 300 be given to the workers at Portlaoise Train Station as compensation. They can go for a nice meal, said Judge Finan. Once the money was handed over, she marked the case facts proven and struck out the charges. The HSE says staff at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise (MRHP) are delighted to have been gifted a new Sound Ear monitor for their Special Care Baby Unit. The new high-tech Sound Ear monitor allows staff and parents to gauge their noise levels when they are in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). It was accepted on behalf of the hospital by Claire Julian, the Nursing Site Manager on duty, from the charity, Bikers Ride Out for Prem. Many of those involved in the group have had or were closely related to babies who needed specialist care, just after birth. Yolanda Fennel, the Clinical Nurse Manager who runs the Special Care Baby Unit at MRHP, explains the use of the equipment. The Sound Ear monitor, which is actually in the shape of an ear, will be mounted onto a wall. It measures decibels and lights up and flashes orange to remind parents or staff to be quiet, indicating that the room is getting too noisy. Reducing noise levels helps premature babies in terms of their brain and overall development. This is a fantastic donation from the charity Bikers Ride out for Prems, she said. Ita Kinsella is the Director of Midwifery at MRHP. This equipment is a significant resource which we can use to monitor the recommended noise threshold for babies in the Special Care Baby Unit, particularly during medical rounds and at peak visiting times. I would like to thank the charity for its ongoing continuous fundraising efforts and support for the SCBU. It is very much appreciated and positively impacts the service provided to babies in the unit, she said. Michael Knowles, General Manager at MRHP, was also pleased and grateful. We are very grateful for the incredible support we receive from our community each year which means a lot to our staff and patients. The kindness and generosity demonstrated by parents and those closely connected to babies who have spent time in the Special Care Unit is much appreciated, The Special Care Baby Unit at MRHP cares for all infants delivered who are sick or who have more than routine care requirements. The HSE adds that the unit is staffed by experienced paediatric and neonatal nurses and midwives and is supported by specialist paediatric teams including neonatology and a range of other Allied Health Professionals who are available 24 hours a day. Bikers Ride Out For Prems say they were born from the concerted efforts of a group of bike enthusiasts who were riding under the Blue Daos Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Banner. The president of the club wanted to stand out from all other motorcycle clubs and do something different to support the community. They aim to purchase life-saving and life maintaining medical equipment for Irish neonatal units and childrens hospitals where the hospital budget has reached its limit and cannot afford to purchase this necessary equipment. They also want to supply breast pumps for each neonatal units which can be used by parents of premature babies who are not in a financial position to rent this costly equipment thus supplying life-saving breast milk to infants. Aer Lingus has warned of delays to some flights from Dublin Airport following a technical failure in its online reservation and operation system. Customers reported long queues at the airport on Saturday as the airlines check in was being handled manually. We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused in this period. We are working to resolve the connection issues as soon as possible. Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) September 10, 2022 Aer Lingus said: We are currently having connection issues with our cloud-based reservation and operational systems impacting on check-in and boarding processes. This may cause some delay and disruption to our services over the coming hours. We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused in this period. We are working to resolve the connection issues as soon as possible. Due to an IT outage @AerLingus is experiencing an internal issue at present impacting their check in & boarding processes. As they work to resolve the issue we ask Guests to cooperate with our teams. This is not impacting any other airlines. We thank everyone for their patience. pic.twitter.com/5iCC2cGWOn Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) September 10, 2022 In a tweet, Dublin Airport said it was an internal issue for the airline caused by an IT outage. It added: As they work to resolve the issue we ask guests to co-operate with our teams. This is not impacting any other airlines. Weve all got that back-to-school feeling right now. But whats the secret to being productive and creative, when youre just not quite in the groove? Keeping your concentration and motivation up can be a challenge as can ensuring work doesnt spill over into the rest of your home life so weve come to understand the importance of being organised when youre from home working. And why not do so in style? For a fast-track home office upgrade, check out these top finds 1. Otto Brass Desk, My Furniture A mainstay of working remotely is your desk and when you want to be up to the minute in elegant surroundings, a brass and glass desk marries minimalism with function. This one has a reversible design so the open shelving can sit on the right or left, and the clean, contemporary lines will welcome a few little luxuries on display. 2. Stationery Lovers Gift Box, Cambridge Imprint Whether youre looking to gift yourself or a fresher heading off to uni, this eye-catching box file with memo books, labels, notecards and envelopes has stationery lover written all over it. 3. Phone Home Phone Stand in Green by MAKERMARK, MADE.com A useful tool, especially if you need to talk and type at the same time, this Scandi-style phone stand deserves a place on your desk and will blend in beautifully with your plant life. 4. Camber Desk White and Oak, MADE.com Theres something very aesthetically-pleasing about a white desk with a curvaceous top and angled wooden legs. A spindle chair will feel right at home for video calls, while a glamorous boucle office chair in ivory white would make you look and feel your best. With a central drawer for tucking away your notebook, pens and other knick-knacks. 5. Suck UK Double Sharpener Desk Tidy, Red Candy When you need to stay sharp and store your pens in one place, this fun desk tidy is right on point. 6. Curly Sheepskin Seat Pad Pearl, The White Company The height of luxury, chances are youll want to rethink your seating when you set eyes on this sumptuous sheepskin seat pad. We do! 7. Pegboard Medium in Pink, Block Design A visual powerhouse, peg boards are one of the best tools for keeping on top of things. Thing one can be hung landscape or portrait and customised to suit your needs and inspire creativity. Available in a range of funky colours. 8. Murphy Console Table in Black, My Furniture With a satin black finish and scoop edge detail, this chic console table is supported by steel legs, with a drawer either side and brass metal work. A fusion of function and fabulousness, team with a glitzy filing tray and fresh greenery to power-up your workstation. 9. Dachshund Dog Bookends, Red Candy When you want to bring some humour to the scene, these playful bookends will keep all your reading material on a tight leash. 10. George Kind Life Office Collection: Gold-Effect Desk Tidy Box with Wire Shelf; Artificial Succulent in Textured Cement Pot Set of 2, and Gold-Effect Storage Desk Lamp, Direct.asda This budget-friendly office collection is the perfect answer to styling and organising your home workspace without being spendy. 11. Botanical Bee Stationery Collection: Notepad; Weekly Planner, and Journal, Lola Design Busy bees need all the help they can get with a hectic schedule and this stationery set is as sweet as honey. 12. Pastel Deboss Pack Away Desk, Paperchase Box clever with this pretty pastel box file, featuring five storage compartments for holding all your bits and bobs. A number of wards at Sligo University Hospital are currently impacted by an outbreak of Covid-19. The Emergency Department continues to be very busy this weekend with high numbers of people attending the department who need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment. Management at the hospital has released a statement saying the facility is under pressure. There are currently three wards affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 which is limiting the availability of beds for patients coming in through the Emergency Department. There is also pressure on bed availability in the hospital due to the number of patients with COVID-19 in the hospital. The hospital has acknowledged and apologises for the distress being experienced by patients and their families who are facing long delays. All available beds in the hospital are in use. Management say that every effort is being made to free up beds at the earliest possibility. Visitors do not need to make an appointment to visit a patient in the hospital. Up to two visitors per patient are welcome between 6pm and 8pm. Access for visitors to patients in COVID-19 wards is limited compassionate grounds only and these visits must be pre-arranged by contacting the relevant ward or unit in advance. Children may not visit the hospital unless agreed in advance, on compassionate grounds, with the ward or unit manager. Anyone coming to the hospital must follow the public health guidance, including wearing a surgical face mask and performing good hand hygiene regularly. The US Supreme Court on Friday, September 9, granted temporary permission for an Orthodox Jewish university in New York to deny official recognition to an LGBTQ student group. Yeshiva University turned to the court for an urgent ruling after a New York state judge said the school had to let the Pride Alliance register as a student association, which would give it access to certain facilities and services. "As a deeply religious Jewish university, Yeshiva cannot comply with that order because doing so would violate its sincere religious beliefs about how to form its undergraduate students in Torah values," the university stated in its appeal. But the university offers many classes on subjects other than religion and has non-Jews among its student body, the Pride Alliance argued in response. "It may not deny certain students access to the non-religious resources it offers the entire student community on the basis of sexual orientation," the alliance said. The Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, granted an emergency request made by the university, suspending the state judge's decision pending further deliberation. As is often the case in emergency rulings, the court did not give the reasoning behind its decision or give a breakdown of the vote on it. Broader debate Yeshiva University was founded more than 100 years ago to promote the study of Judaism and has a student body of about 5,000. But it also gives degrees in a variety of non-religious areas such as biology or accounting. In 2018, a group of LGBTQ students formed YU Pride Alliance and sought formal recognition as a student association so they could organize lectures and hold meetings, among other activities. We are interested in your experience using the site. Send feedback More on this topic Subscribers only US Supreme Court puts abortion centerstage in midterm election campaign This clash is part of a broader debate in the United States on striking a balance between religious rights and the principles of non-discrimination. The Supreme Court, which turned sharply to the right under the presidency of Donald Trump, has in recent months issued several rulings in favor of religious rights. Le Monde with AFP LIMERICK businesses are beginning to suffer amid rising gas and electricity costs throughout the country. SSE Airtricity and Bord Gais announced last week that they will be introducing another price hike on gas and electricity with SSE Airtricitys average prices rising by 39% for gas and 35.4% for electricity. The Silver Room Restaurant in Newcastle West are currently paying an extra 3,200 in electricity for the past two months. Owner of the restaurant Maciej Pater commented: I dont see how we will be able to survive under these prices. It is by far our biggest challenge yet. Previously we would be paying around 1,200 in electricity every two months, which has now increased to over 5,000. Mr Pater says his restaurant has tried to shop around for better prices but the lowest he has been offered is 50 cents per kilowatt. We were used to paying 18 cent per kilowatt during the day time, now were paying 32 cent. Our nightly rate is now higher than our old day rate at 19 cent per kilowatt, Mr Pater said. A pharmacy in county Limerick that wishes to remain anonymous says that their most recent electricity bill has more than doubled. We paid around 450 for two months in the winter last year and now we are paying over 750 for two months in the summer, the owner said. During the previous heatwave we decided to open all doors and windows instead of using the air conditioning unit and our bill was still higher than when we used the same unit to heat the place in the winter, the owner continued. Paul Williams, the owner of Canteen on Catherine Street in Limerick city said the increase in prices is worrying as the winter months approach. I don't know how sustainable that is for businesses and some will definitely close because of it. It is going to affect every business, we are all in the same boat. Margins were tight already with prices increasing for ingredients by 20/30% and plastic and packaging going up as well. With all businesses seeing hikes in electricity and gas bills some say that they are lucky to be able to manage at the moment. Garveys Centra in Newcastle West is one business looking to make business saving cost cuts. We are able to look at changing out our fridges and other costly appliances for cheaper ones if these hikes continue. Not a lot of businesses can do that, Margaret Flaherty, manager of the store said. Owner of the Spitjack restaurant on Bedford Row in the city, Richard Gavin says his business is able to manage due to the high volume of customers they receive. We basically work for energy companies at the moment. The price increases are extortionate. We have two restaurants, one in Limerick and the other in Cork and were lucky because we do volume in both. That helps us to shrink down the overall size of the cost. I pay 20,000 a month in electricity between the two restaurants so our volume of customers helps to shrink down the overall size of that cost but if we ever took a dip in customers then it would become harder to manage, Mr Gavin said. LIMERICK'S Lime Tree theatre venue is continuing to lead the arts sector in the county as it moves into a new role following its magnificent 10-year anniversary milestone. The Mary Immaculate College venue Theatre opened its 510-seat arts venue in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick city in August 2012, despite a bleak outlook and significant dip in arts funding due to the recession. We were told we were crazy at the time, said Gillian Fenton, Marketing and Development Manager with the Lime Tree Theatre | Belltable. Now 10 years in, the Cork native, who previously worked with the Island Theatre Company in Limerick pins the success on the wonderful staff and the continuous drive to champion local artists. Without really good staff for the last 10 years, led by our Director Louise Donlon, we wouldnt have been so successful, Gillian told Limerick Live. She described the cultural and arts sector in Limerick as both growing and vibrant and stressed that the Lime Tree Theatre | Belltable venues have something for everyone in Limerick. Previously, many of the elderly patrons travelled to Dublin to the IFA cinema. Since the Belltable introduced its own offering of four movies every Monday, they no longer need to make the trip. The programming for both venues, including opera, theatre, music and film, caters for a diverse audience, she said, adding that the key now, moving forward, is to continue hiring Limerick people. Our strategy now after 10 years, is to move more into a producing role. We cant continue to build an arts sector in Limerick unless we give work to local artists, or they will leave for another city. Whether this is in the design of sets, lights or whatever, there is amazing talent here, Gillian stated. Both the Red Army, a play about four diehard female Munster supporters written by two Limerick women, and the first professional Christmas pantomime, are examples of this new ethos. With something significantly new every year to keep staff on their tippy-toes, Gillian looks back at the groups first commercial show, Angelas Ashes, the musical, as the highlight of the last 10 years. Performed in July 2017 to packed-out audiences, the show featured Frank McCourt's wife, Ellen, who came from New York and his brother Malachy, who opened the show before it hit the road nationwide. Another, recent win, Gillian said, is seeing the smiles on patrons' faces as they returned to both the Lime Tree and Belltable following a long and difficult two years of closures due to the pandemic. The Belltable is so central in the city. One thing we would like to see is the many communities around the arts-venue, that have never walked through our gates, come into a show, she outlined.With a strong open-door policy, Gillian and Louise are encouraging artists with scripts or ideas, to call in, sit down and speak about any potential plans. While the prospects may have been uncertain in the beginning of the journey 10 years ago, Gillian describes musical theatre as being very exciting in Limerick, at the moment. We really do have a brilliant gang here. Louise, who comes from Longford but also met a Limerick man like I did, has really been instrumental and has transformed the place. She continues to be the voice telling people not to forget the cultural side of the city. This sector, whether that is going to the theatre or to a gig, is just as big as sport here. We want to continue to grow with the city, Gillian added. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has signed six contracts for Discovered Small Fields (DSF) in offshore, with three each for fields in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, the company said in a statement on September 10. The contracts were obtained under the DSF-III bid round. These also include four contract areas as a sole bidder and 2 contract areas in partnership with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), it added. In these six DSF-III blocks awarded to ONGC, an investment of $1,894.5 million is planned for the development in the blocks, oil refinery said. Furthermore, ONGC also signed two contracts for fields under special CBM bid round -2021 blocks in Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. For the two CBM blocks awarded to ONGC, the total investment commitment is to the tune of $5.94 million, it added. The contracts were exchanged in the presence of Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, by ONGC CMD Rajesh Kumar Srivastava on September 9 in New Delhi. ONGC Director (Offshore) Pankaj Kumar was also present, ONGC mentioned. The DSF-III bid round 2021 was launched by the Indian government on June 10, 2021. A total of 75 fields DSF Policy were clubbed in 32 contract areas (11 inland and 21 offshore). ONGC participated in the bidding and subsequently won 6 contract areas. The CBM special bid round 2021 was launched by the government on September 22, 2021, and concluded on May 31, 2022, with a total of 15 blocks under offer. New Delhi: Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah, on the second day of his visit to Rajasthan, laid the foundation stone and performed Bhoomi Pujan of the Tanot Mandir Complex Project in Jaisalmer under the Border Tourism Development Programme, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement. The minister paid homage on behalf of a grateful nation by paying homage at the Tanot Vijay Stambh to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the security of our borders. The Tanot Mandir Complex Project is being taken up by the Union Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, under the Border Tourism Development Programme. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, development is reaching our border areas for the first time and as a result of the visionary initiative of border tourism, not only is the standard of living of people living in border areas rising, but also migration is stopping from the areas, which in turn in is resulting in strengthening of security in the area," the home ministry said in a statement. In this direction, the union home minister laid the foundation stone of 17.67 crore Tanot Mandir Complex project under the Border Tourism Development Programme in Jaisalmer so that youth visiting Tanot Mata Temple will know about the valour and bravery of our soldiers" it added. Under this project, a waiting room, amphitheatre, interpretation centre, room for children and several other facilities will be developed to promote tourism," the ministry said. Union home minister on Saturday morning offered prayers at the Tanot Mata temple in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. The historical Mateshwari Tanot Rai Temple of Jaisalmer has a wonderful history and it is believed that Tanot Maa gives strength to soldiers to fight against enemies and protects the country in war. In the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, many bomb shells were dropped by Pakistan on the Tanot Rai Mata temple complex, but none of the shells detonated by the miracle of Tanot Mata. Since 1965, the Border Security Force is looking after this temple. The Border Security Force operates the temple through trust," the Ministry of Home Affairs statement reads. It is to be recalled that the union home minister had also visited the forward post on the Indo-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer on December 04, 2021, and interacted with BSF Jawans while getting first-hand information about activities there," the ministry added. New Delhi: Union minister for environment, forest and climate change Bhupender Yadav on Saturday emphasized the need to build resilience of communities living in coastal areas in the wake of the climate change. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the first National Conference on Sustainable Coastal Management in Bhubaneswar. Noting that the Indian coastline is of immense strategic, economic and social importance to the country, he said that spanning 7,500 kilometres, it is the seventh longest in the world, and is home to 20% of the countrys population. Three of our four metropolitan cities lie on the coast. There is a great diversity of ecosystems within our coastal regions that support more than 17,000 species of plants and animals. With the changing climate, we need to build the resilience of communities living in coastal areas." Yadav said. This conference has been organized by the Green Climate Fund supported project Enhancing Climate Resilience of Indias Coastal Communities - with an objective to bring officials from all 13 coastal states of India under one roof to focus on the three interrelated themes of coastal and marine biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation and coastal pollution. This endeavour is aimed at creating a vibrant network of stakeholders who will continue to engage with each other on the topics but also on cross-cutting themes such as coastal governance, technologies and innovation as well as domestic and international finance," said a statement from the ministry of environment, forest and climate change. The minister noted that the conference comes at an important time as India has submitted its revised NDCs and seeks to create multi-sectoral partnerships to meet these targets. The statement from the ministry said that sustainable coastal management is recognised as need of the hour and data-driven policies and management frameworks, participatory conservation models, and convergence between stakeholders are the key pillars for effective coastal management. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke with British Prime Minister Liz Truss on a phone call and agreed on the vital importance" of the India-UK bilateral relationship. It was their first phone call since Liz Truss was elected the prime minister of the United Kingdom. In their phone call, PM Modi conveyed his condolences on the death of Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of all Indians and paid tribute to the 96-year-old late monarchs lifetime of service". PM Modi and Liz Truss said they looked forward to meeting in person in the near future. The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi this afternoon, following the death of Her Majesty The Queen," Downing Street said in a readout of the phone call. The statement read: "The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Modi for his heartfelt condolences, which he said were on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians. The leaders acknowledged the grief felt by the many people of the UK and India, and paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen's lifetime of service." The statement also said that the two leaders agreed on the vital importance of the relationship between the two countries. They also looked forward to meeting in person in the near future. PM Modi had taken to Twitter to pay condolences to Queen Elizabeth II, describing her as a stalwart of our times". I had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during my UK visits in 2015 and 2018," Modi recalled in his tweet. I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her on her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture," PM Modi had said. The UK and India are in the midst of negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA), with a Diwali deadline set by Truss predecessor Boris Johnson for the completion of a draft agreement. (With PTI inputs) Albania has experienced a renewed cyberattack, the country's interior ministry said on Saturday, accusing Iran which Tirana likewise blamed for a prior attack on its computerized frameworks. "In order to neutralise the criminal act and secure the systems," the authorities have shut down computer control systems at seaports, airports and border posts, the statement said. "The national police's computer systems were hit Friday by a cyberattack which, according to initial information, was committed by the same actors who in July attacked the country's public and government service systems," the ministry said in a statement. Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama tweeted, another cyberattack (committed by) the same aggressors already condemned by Albania's friendly countries and allies." The national security advisor of the US replied to Albania's PM by tweeting, "I spoke with Prime Minister Rama of Albania today. The United States stands with our NATO Ally following Irans cyberattack on July 15." I spoke with Prime Minister Rama of Albania today. The United States stands with our NATO Ally following Irans cyberattack on July 15. https://t.co/eQS6bb1Pa1 Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) September 8, 2022 Albania cut off diplomatic ties with Iran on Wednesday subsequent to blaming it for the July 15 cyberattack that looked for, however failed, to paralyze public services and access information and government communication frameworks. Accordingly on Friday, the US slapped sanctions on Iran's Intelligence ministry and its minister Esmail Khatib, saying the assault "dismisses standards of responsible peacetime state conduct in the cyberspace." The two countries have been bitter foes for years, since the Balkan state began hosting members of the opposition People's Mujahedeen of Iran, or Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK), on its soil. Prime Minister Edi Rama on Wednesday accused Iran of directing a cyberattack against Albanian institutions on July 15 in a bid to "paralyse public services and hack data and electronic communications from the government systems". The Prime Minister of Albania also asked asked the Iranian diplomats and embassy staff to leave the country within 24 hours. It was the first time Tirana spoke about the alleged attack. "The Council of Ministers has decided on the severance of diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran with immediate effect," said Rama. "The said attack failed its purpose. Damages may be considered minimal compared to the goals of the aggressor. All systems came back fully operational and there was no irreversible wiping of data." Iran Condemned USA Iran rejected the accusation it was behind the cyberattack as "baseless" and called Albania's decision to sever diplomatic ties "an ill-considered and short-sighted action." Irans foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani on Saturday said, "The ministry of foreign affairs strongly condemns the action of the US treasury department in repeatedly sanctioning the ministry of intelligence of the Islamic republic". Americas immediate support for the false accusation of the Albanian government... shows that the designer of this scenario is not the latter, but the American government," he added in a statement. Kanani accused the US of giving full support to a terrorist sect," referring to the opposition Peoples Mujahedeen of Iran, or Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK), whose members are hosted by Albania. Iranian spokesperson alleged that MEK is used as a tool to perpetrate terrorist activities, cyber attacks against Iran. The MEK moved Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in the 1979 unrest that expelled the shah yet quickly dropped out with the new Islamic specialists and set out on a mission to oust the regime. They allegedly sided with Iraq under Saddam Hussein in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. With inputs from agencies. Ukraine is ready to supply Poland with electricity and help reduce the use of coal for power generation in light of an anticipated energy crisis, the Polish prime minister said Friday. Polands premier Mateusz Morawiecki and Latvia's President Egils Levits, were in Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about military and energy security amid the region's efforts to roll back its dependence on Russian energy sources. Morawiecki thanked Zelenskyy for his "understanding" and readiness to provide needed assistance in a short time. Today, because of the embargo on Russian coal, we are bringing in coal from around the world," Morawiecki said during a joint news conference. If we are not to burn it in Polish power plants, we could use some energy from Ukraine, if possible. I was told by the president that yes, it will be possible, shortly," Morawiecki said. Zelenskyy spoke of steps to overcome a potential, future energy crisis." The leaders also discussed ways of urgently easing traffic flow at border crossings amid a backlog of trucks waiting to cross from both sides, but mainly to enter Poland. Morawiecki referred to gains gains by Ukraine's army against Russian forces in the region of Kharkiv. But he suggested that the European Commission has yet to provide Ukraine with billions of euro of financial support promised in the summer. Zelenskyy thanked the two leaders for their efforts for the EU to release 5 billion euros in long-term assistance. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Click here to read the full article. With its seventh edition coming to an end, Venices Book Adaptation Rights Market (BARM) is already eyeing the future. The three-day event taking place during the Italian fest is now recognized as the third most important annual rendezvous by the publishers, states Pascal Diot, head of industry sidebar Venice Production Bridge. Its starting to be the event for the publishers to attend, agrees VPBs Chiara Marin. Before, I would go to all these book fairs and when I would mention Venice Film Festival, people would go: What are you doing here?, she laughs. As the demand for adapted stories increases, even more publishers and literary agencies were invited this year, including Taipeis Dala Publishing, Emily Books Agency and The Grayhawk Agency. Due to popular demand, the event also decided to focus on comics and graphic novels, with the likes of Casterman, Glenat, Nathan, Tunue, Astiberri Ediciones, Dala Publishing or Fremok participating. Last year, when we asked people what they were looking for, they kept saying: Childrens books and graphic novels. Its a trend thats still going strong, says Marin. Mentioning Tunues Games and Laughs by Pera Toons, currently storming Italian bestsellers list. Next year, we will give it even more space. We noticed people are really asking about it. Not just when it comes to classical films, but immersive content as well. Villanueva by Javi de Castro described as The Wicker Man meets Midsommar The Last Queen by Jean-Marc Rochette, also behind Snowpiercer, The Biohardcore Civility Manual and Handjob Queen, about Taiwans sex workers, were among the titles presented this year. Irena, dedicated to Irena Sendlerowa, one of the forgotten heroes of World War II, The Wind of Freedom, set in medieval Sicily, and Sabrina Gabriellis Invisible Colors focusing on a girl that starts to see the world in sepia also stood out. The graphic novel market is growing at a frenzied pace all over the world. People are making more and more series and films based on comics, so this invitation from BARM is absolutely in line with the times, says Emanuele Di Giorgi, managing director at Italys Tunue, also behind these two last titles. There is a great advantage to comic books: you can read them quicker, but also see the storyboard right away, suggestions for framing, dialogues and cinematography. Producers can immediately access this world and then speed up the whole process that follows, he says. Also commenting on Pera Toons. Its an editorial phenomenon, now the most-read author in the world not only when it comes to comics, but the whole middle grade market, [squaring off] with Harry Potter or Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Now, he has developed a universe of characters and longer storylines, suitable for movies or series. While historical novels are going through a bit of a dry spell (these adaptations tend to cost a lot, which lessens the interest, says Marin), the events priority is to provide its accredited participants with a little bit of everything. Which is why the publishers dont just bring one title to Venice they bring their whole catalog. We want to offer a lot of range so we are inviting smaller publishing houses too, ones that specialize in genre, for example, says Diot. At the moment, BARM is not expected to grow exponentially. But its team is ready to try out new things. At first, the publishers didnt know how to talk to producers and the producers were getting bored. But after years [of organizing the event], we are starting to see first results. Publishers are starting to understand what the producers are looking for, adds Marin. Now, we introduced speed-dating meetings between publishers and immersive producers. It wasnt the most popular initiative, but it has piqued some peoples interest, she says, with Diot already wondering about the next edition. Maybe the focus will be on fantasy or childrens literature? [The latter] is certainly becoming more and more important, especially when aimed at teenagers. These books are easy to adapt. I think its because they are already written in a way that mirrors the narrative of a TV series. They are ready to be filmed, offering readers something more visual. Just like Netflixs hit trilogy The Kissing Booth, argues Marin, based on a story by Beth Reekles which she self-published online. That being said, BARM wont be opening up to self-published authors just yet. These hits are few and far between. If you want quality, you still need to go to an established publisher. We have to be careful about what we offer, because we want the producers to be happy. There are some success stories to prove it. Editorial Planeta sold thriller The Camp, about young influencers stuck in the middle of nowhere, to be adapted for a platform series produced by U.K.s Good Chaos. Feltrinelli sold Alex Schwazers After the Finish Line to Indigo Film and Lungta Film. Grandi & Associati granted a motion picture and TV rights option for Mario Desiatis Spatriati to DUDE, while Malatesta Literary Agency sold Ballad of Mila to Minerva and Giuseppe Catozzellas Italiana to The Apartment. Finally, thinking of this years focus, Tunue sold the rights to comic series 7 Crimes to Lotus Productions. Penned by Katja Centomo, Emanuele Sciarretta, Daniele Caluri and Marco Caselli, it sees each volume focusing on a specific crime. It was a good idea Pascals of course to hold Venices co-production market around the same time. This way, the producers were already here, sums up Marin. You could say its always much easier to pick up a project thats already in development. But when you start from scratch, from the book, it means you really believe in the story. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Greeces Homemade Films has boarded Mahdi Fleifels upcoming feature Men in the Sun, currently in the final stages of development. The story, set in Athens, will deal with masculinity, exile and loss, showing young refugees in their 20s hustling to survive in the urban pressure cooker. The company is also ready to start shooting Sofia Exarchous Animal, co-producing with Nabis Filmgroup, Ars Ltd., Digital Cube and Felony Productions. Furthermore, its founder Maria Drandaki recently presented new projects at Venice Gap-Financing Market. Arcadia, directed by Yorgos Zois, will see Homemade Films joining forces with Foss Production and Red Carpet. Titanic Ocean by Konstantina Kotzamani will be shot in Japan and Singapore in 2023. Im very excited to be working with this group of directors on a variety of different genres that span from drama to fantasy and mystery, says Drandaki. She added that she is very interested in working with international filmmakers like Dubai-born Fleifel, who lives and works between Denmark, England and Greece. All of them have already taken their first, confident steps and with their upcoming films they will confirm their presence as some of the most promising directors from Europe. All these films offer unpredictable points of view, creating new cinematic landscapes. Im always interested in the unexpected, original and non-conventional, she adds. I cant wait to see these films on the big screen. In 2012, Fleifel shot the acclaimed documentary A World Not Ours, awarded in Berlin. Later, he was nominated for a BAFTA for his short A Drowning Man. Men in the Sun, co-written by Fleifel and Jason McColgan, is produced by Inside Out Films Geoff Arbourne, with Maarten Van der Ven, Layla Meijman and Frank Barat co-producing alongside Drandaki. Throughout the last decade spent documenting the streets of Athens, I have become intimately familiar with my characters universe: the basement flats, squats, crowded streets. Its an unruly city, full of energy and visual noise, which makes it a fascinating setting, says the helmer. Exploring a friendship that gradually dissolves under pressure, Fleifel borrowed the title from Ghassan Kanafanis novella about Palestinian refugees traveling to Kuwait and hoping to find work. You could say that my film is spiritually connected to Kanafani, whose other title A World Not Ours I also borrowed. But it will be a loose, modern adaptation where Athens turns into an urban desert, he says, mentioning Lord of the Flies and Larry Clarks Kids as important inspiration, as well as his own background. Im the son of refugees myself. I was only nine years old when my family fled war-torn Lebanon for a safer life in Scandinavia. My work always deals with themes of exile. But Men in the Sun is a crime thriller, and thats something I havent seen before, he states. This genre is our starting point. It represents a common language the audience recognizes, so they know what to expect. My role as a filmmaker, however, is to turn things upside down, he adds. Its the exiles and the unwanted versus the natives, the nationalists and fascists in present-day Europe. But he isnt interested only in conflict. I would like to think that despite what seems like an eternity of hopelessness, there is still humor [in the film]. These kids are full of life and they possess a playful energy that insists on living. Without this, how else could they survive? I want to leave the audience with the feeling that hope exists, even in the most hopeless circumstances. Ultimately, Fleifel is hoping for the film to enter the festival circuit, but also to enjoy a fruitful, commercial life. As long as I can satisfy my own cinematic taste, as well as that of my dear mother, I can say I have succeeded, he jokes. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. In 2018, Network Entertainment founder Derik Murray met with Sidney Poitier to discuss making a documentary about the stars life and career. Over the next two years, Murray established a foundation of trust with Poitier and his family, who all eventually agreed to the film. The result is Sidney, an Apple TV+ doc that examines the legacy of Poitier, who died earlier this year at 94. Directed by Reginald Hudlin (The Black Godfather), the doc was produced by Oprah Winfrey. One of the most acclaimed and recognizable movie stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood, and the first Black man to receive the best actor award, Poitier was also a director and an activist in the Civil Rights Movement. The film includes interviews with Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Robert Redford, Lenny Kravitz, Barbra Streisand and Spike Lee as well as an audio-recorded interview with Poitiers longtime friend and colleague Harry Belafonte. Variety spoke with Murray and Hudlin about Poiters influence on Hollywood and packing his life story into a 106-minute film. Sidney premieres at TIFF on Sept. 10. What made Poitier say yes to this project? Murray: I believe the most important reason that Sidney, (his wife) Joanna and the family said yes to me was the trust we built in our meetings with them, as well as the pedigree of our past work We were also blessed that both Sidney and Joanna had seen our Academy Award-shortlisted film on Muhammad Ali, Facing Ali, and loved it. Did he or his family have a say in the final cut? Murrray: The family was extremely helpful throughout the production, and both Joanna, and Sidneys daughter, Anika, joined as executive producers. The family did not have a say in the final cut of the film. When were the interviews with Portier filmed? Hudlin: By the time we started production, Mr. Poitier was not available for filming. Fortunately, producer Oprah Winfrey had a wonderful relationship with him and had shot extensive footage of Mr. Poitier telling his life story. It was invaluable, and it formed the spine of the film. There are so many topics in Poitiers life to cover. How did you determine which ones to focus on? Hudlin: That was the hardest part of making the film. Poitier had a long and eventful life. Every year of his existence was fascinating, starting with the circumstances of his birth and then on. The movies are powerful, his activism is important, and his personal life inspiring. I think the film reflects all three aspects with a good balance of each to paint a full picture of the man. Was anything off-limits? Hudlin: (He and his family) didnt give restrictions, which made me comfortable that we could tell his story honestly. By taking (Poitier) off the pedestal and making him human, his story is more relatable. What do you think Poitiers biggest influence on Hollywood is? Hudlin: Poitier was one of the most important entertainers in the history of motion pictures. His impact was global and far surpassed show business. We wouldnt have President Barack Obama without Sidney Poitier. The ripple effect of his life is so vast, touching so many fields, Im not sure how to measure it. Do you consider this doc a love letter to Poitier? Hudlin: The world loves Sidney Poitier. And Im grateful that through this film, I get to express my love. But this is really Sidneys final gift to us. His life is inspirational to so many people. Whether youre an immigrant trying to fit in, if youre oppressed and fighting for justice, if youre an artist trying to learn your craft, if youre trying to understand the entertainment businessthis movie will elevate you. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The Toronto Film Festival has programmed one of its strongest Canadian feature slates in recent years films with head-turning performances, eye-catching artistry, and global market and audience appeal, from filmmakers who are subverting stereotypes, challenging or bypassing power structures, or transforming the industry ecosystem from the grassroots on up. Right now in our industry, tons of high-paying service work lets people pay their bills, but the quality work is coming through the Canadian independents, says Conquering Lions Pictures Damon DOliveira, who has produced the Canadian work of director Clement Virgo, from his 1995 Cannes-premiering feature Rude to the series The Book of Negroes to their latest, Brother. The adaptation of David Chariandys novel tells the story of two Jamaican Canadian brothers in 1990s Scarborough. We see this as a bookend to Rude, which is set in the same period and is an adrenaline rush, says DOliveira. Were returning to this era with a polished approach, telling a mature coming-of-age story which were dedicating to our immigrant mothers! This is the biggest step up weve taken on the features side, he continues. The industry has been on a bit of a buying spree; we hope that continues. After riding out last years sated marketplace, Luc Dery and Kim McCraw of Montreals micro_scope return to Toronto with two minority co-productions and are most excited about Stephane Lafleurs buzzing Viking his first feature since his 2014 Cannes hit Tu dors Nicole. It is an original, funny movie with a cool premise [behavioral research subjects mirror astronauts in advance of the first manned mission to Mars] and we cant wait to share it with the amazing Toronto audience, Dery says. Like many of her festival peers, Colombian Canadian director Lina Rodriguez draws on personal emotional truths for her latest feature, So Much Tenderness, about an environmental lawyer who flees to Canada, in order to shift the narrative line away from tropes and audience expectations. A few years ago, my father-in-law asked why I dont make films in Canada, she recalls. I hadnt thought about making a film here because I felt in between Canada and Colombia. I started writing [this film] to deal more directly with the anxiety, uncertainty, and dislocation I feel as an immigrant. Its important for us to re-frame how we do what we do, she adds. My producing partner and I make our sets spaces of mentorship, generosity and reciprocity to develop skills within different communities so we can see more diverse teams on future projects. Buzzy acquisition title Something You Said Last Night about a young aspiring writer who reluctantly agrees to join her younger sister and wildly happy parents on a summer resort vacation is aligned with the adage make what you want to see, says director Luis De Filippis. Content about trans women and their familial relationships is almost non-existent. Stories that do exist are centered on coming-out narratives or the family coming to accept their child. I wanted to tell a story that simply saw a trans woman as an intrinsic member of her family. When De Filippis premiered a short film in Toronto in 2017, she emailed producers to request meetings; the first to reply were The Florida Project producers Kevin Chinoy and Francesca Silvestri, who eventually boarded Something as hands-on exec producers. In the spirit of giving back, the director created the Trans Film Mentorship, which took place during production. [The film] couldnt capture all the realities and experiences of trans people. But by sharing the opportunity, we could ensure other trans creators were gaining skills and work experience so they could one day tell their own stories. For her debut feature Until Branches Bend, writer-director Sophie Jarvis was informed by her background as a production designer (Never Steady, Never Still). Working in different departments gave me an intimate understanding of what a team needs from the director, says Jarvis. Artistically, production design made me think more about the world that the characters move through. Set in British Columbias bucolic Okanagan region, Branches follows a cannery worker who discovers an invasive insect that could threaten the town. The plot can be read on paper as a sci-fi thriller, the film is a drama with psychological elements driven by a woman dealing with the parallel struggles of gaslighting and lack of autonomy over her own body, Jarvis says. Harder to sell! I would love to see more films that defy category and that center stories that I find relatable. For long-time Toronto fest attendees, you cant get more relatable than I Like Movies, the debut feature of reformed film critic and Canadian Film Centre Screenwriters Lab alum Chandler Levack. Set in early 2000s suburban Toronto, the coming-of-age comedy follows a charmingly egocentric teenage cinephile who starts a part-time job at a local video store to pay for NYU film school, to which hes certain hell be accepted. Early in the film, Lawrence, played by newcomer Isaiah Lehtinen, sits in a car with his mom and utters the meme-worthy line I dont want to be, like, a Canadian filmmaker. That was then, this is now. Theres been this real sea change of voices that have been allowed to make work that they probably never would get toand I totally count myself as one of those, says Levack, whose film was a funded through Telefilm Canadas newish Talent To Watch Program that provides production grants for first features from emerging creators. I want to make a film thats entirely my own voice, Levack says. As a friend of mine reminded me, its my job to invent new celebrities and create new images for people on screen. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. If you found yourself wide awake in the wee small hours with personal demons rattling in your brain, and you picked up the phone to share them with a patient, neutral stranger, Tessa Thompsons measured, calming voice is more or less exactly what youd hope to hear on the other end of the line. As Beth, a night-shift volunteer for a crisis helpline, the actors naturally gentle, benevolent presence is the chief asset of Steve Buscemis minor-key chamber drama The Listener not that she has a host of elements to compete with in what amounts, on screen at least, to a one-woman show. Thompsons unforced credibility isnt shared, however, by a flat, superficial script that treats an assortment of mental health ailments as quirky conversation fuel. Each anguished call that Beth takes, over the course of one long, dark night of assorted souls, is written less like a recognizable human exchange than as an actors heightened audition piece, and played out as such by a voice-only ensemble stacked with distractingly recognizable names. Though the global pandemic is only incidentally mentioned, The Listener plays in all aspects like a project conceived in the most self-searching and self-indulgent depths of the isolation era. Its hard to imagine audiences wanting to enter that headspace now. At a certain time after midnight, Beth not her real name, as well soon learn wakes up and sets about the morning rituals that most others wont begin for a few hours. Once shes stretched, washed and been suitably caffeinated, she puts on her earpiece and gets to work, never leaving the cozy, low-lit house she shares with a sleepy dog in a large, unspecified American city. At this witching hour, the calls come in a constant stream: some brief and relatively benign, some long and psychologically perilous. Whatever the case, Beth handles it with the same assured, soft-spoken sangfroid at least, until one particular caller gets under her skin. Thats not easily done. In the space of a few hours, she fields a number of fairly upsetting calls from emotionally damaged people that, in this line of work, are nonetheless business as usual. Theres a lonely ex-con (Logan Marshall-Green) still finding his feet in the outside world, triggered by mask requirements that remind him of his face-concealing criminal past. Theres the bipolar woman (Alia Shawkat), off her meds, whose wildly darting, disconnected ideas Beth suggests could be formed into spoken-word poetry. And theres the embittered teenage incel whose professed hatred for the women who look past him makes him not so much a character as an internet-drawn archetype. Screenwriter Alessandro Camon (an Oscar nominee for The Messenger, whose director Oren Moverman takes a producer credit here) writes all these encounters with a somewhat theatrical verbality that never quite rings true. A few callers articulate their problems in a convenient, nailed-on therapyspeak that sounds particularly artificial in dialogue with Beths unwavering empathy; at a certain point, even the pauses and stutters in conversation begin to sound studied. Things take a moderately more compelling turn when a sharp, intellectually combative woman (voiced in cut-glass tones by Thompsons Passing director Rebecca Hall) comes on the line announcing her intention to kill herself, and practically daring Beth to talk her out of it. The debate that ensues during which Beth drops her own guard, disclosing vulnerabilities of her own isnt much more authentic-sounding than anything that precedes it, but at least has the ring of high-stakes audio drama. Its a late peak, however, for viewers whose patience may not match Beths. Directing his first feature since the 2007 Sienna Miller vehicle Interview, Buscemi oversees proceedings with a steady if not especially distinctive hand, while he and editor Kate Williams are loath to ratchet up tension in a manner akin to such static but dynamic phone-based dramas as Locke and The Guilty. Anka Malatynskas handsome, burnished lensing helps matters, maintaining a warmly shadowed night-owl glow as Beth drifts from room to room of her home, adjusting the light in each one as she goes. You sense these conversations couldnt happen in a glaringly daylit call center: Sometimes social distancing has its advantages. Reviewed at Venice Film Festival (Venice Days closing film), Sept. 2, 2022. Running time: 96 MIN. Running Time: Running time: 96 MIN. Production An Olive Prods., Atlas Pictures production in association with Sight Unseen Films. (World sales: Bankside Films, London.) Producers: Wren Arthur, Steve Buscemi, Oren Moverman, Lauren Hantz, Bill Stertz, Sean King OGrady, Tessa Thompson. Co-producers: Billy Mulligan, Kat Barnette, Joyce Pierpoline. Crew Director: Steve Buscemi. Screenplay: Alessandro Camon. Camera: Anka Malatynska. Editor: Kate Williams. Music: ASKA. With Tessa Thompson, Rebecca Hall, Logan Marshall-Green, Margaret Cho, Alia Shawkat, Jamie Hector, Casey Wilson, Blu de Barrio, Derek Cecil, Bobby Soto, Ricky Velez. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Get ready for Halle Bailey to be part of your world. The first footage of the highly anticipated Little Mermaid live-action remake has been unveiled at Disneys D23 expo, revealing the acclaimed R&B star and actor in the iconic role of mermaid princess Ariel. Director Rob Marshall, of Chicago fame, celebrated the fact that this was a live action musical. Bringing up the Oscar-winning movie from the past, he said, When we started this journey it was very important to honor the original but also reimagine and bring some depth to the new film. The director also asked Little Mermaid longtime Disney alum and Alan Menken to link up with the award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda to come up with four new songs. Theyd never collaborated together before, and its magical. We still retain the beauty of the original score by the late great Howard Ashman. As for the new mermaid, Bailey came in and claimed the role, Marshall said. Shortly after the intro, Marshall debuted the first-ever footage from The Little Mermaid showcasing Bailey singing the iconic Part of Your World song (for the D23 crowd only). The hall was silent taking in this familiar, but new, rendition. Several members of the audience were visually emotional at this heart-stopping performance. Shes so good, a crowd member yelled out, I have chills, another said. The actress then joined the fans to massive applause and shared details from the shoot. It took three days to film Part of Your World. Bailey related to the little mermaid as a girl, Swimming in the pool, imagining i was a mermaid, I never though I could see that come to life. As for the differences between the animated movie and the live action, Baileys fins appear to be a bit longer than the cartoon version, plus shes ditched the conical shell bra underwater look for something a bit more sophisticated. Adapted from the 1989 film from John Musker and Ron Clements, which was based on the Hans Christian Andersen 19th century fairy tale, The Little Mermaid tells the story of Ariel, the youngest daughter of King Triton (Javier Bardem), the ruler of the underwater kingdom Atalantica. Ariel, already fascinated by the world of humans, falls deeply in love with the handsome Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) after saving him during a shipwreck, and resolves to meet him in the world above water. Her quest brings her in conflict with her father and in the clutches of the scheming sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy). The cast also features Jacob Tremblay, Awkwafina and Daveed Diggs as the voices of classic Disney sidekicks Flounder, Scuttle and Sebastian. The live-action Little Mermaid is directed by Marshall, who previously helmed 2018s musical family film Mary Poppins Returns for Disney, as well as movie musicals like Chicago and Into the Woods. The script was written by Jane Goldman and David Magee. Miranda and Marshall produce with John DeLuca and Marc Platt. In an interview for Varietys 2022 Power of Young Hollywood issue, Bailey spoke about her longtime love for the original film, and addressed the racist criticism towards her casting from trolls on social media. Bailey recalled receiving support from her grandparents during the backlash, who reminded her of the impact a Black princess on the big screen would have. It was an inspiring and beautiful thing to hear their words of encouragement, telling me, You dont understand what this is doing for us, for our community, for all the little Black and brown girls who are going to see themselves in you, Bailey said. The Little Mermaid splashes into theaters on May 26, 2023. Watch the full first look below. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. During Friday's Suicide Prevention Month proclamation, advocates for mental health treatment gathered and shared stories about the severity of suicide, provided information and resources to help those that are struggling, and spoke out about its impact on their lives and their loved ones. The city ceremony was held prior to Friday's PILLAR candlelight vigil, which will be held on Saturday at the El Progresso Park from 8-9 p.m. The candlelight ceremony will be a time of reflection and hope, in honor of those who lost their lives to suicide. The most vital information came in the form of the nationwide mental health emergency hotline, which can be reached dialing 9-8-8, and was repeated throughout the ceremony. As mental health problems may not always involve suicide, the hotline was said to be a strong resource that can be used by anyone in an emergency and can be the help they need at that time. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death among adults and the second-leading cause among those between 10-34 with over 48,000 throughout the U.S. a year. The proclamation continued to state that 132 suicides are completed on average each day. Speakers included Laredo Health Director Dr. Richard Chamberlain and Sister Mary Welsh, who both shared experiences about how suicide affects those who are undergoing a tough mental health challenge and those around them. Furthermore, PILLAR Board Member Kerissa Vela spoke about a recent loved one who passed away from substance abuse, but whose actions prior to their death may have led some to believe it was a suicide. According to Chamberlain, this past week, he and friends gathered in the middle of one night after seeing suicidal messages from another friend. This prompted them into action to reach their loved one in an attempt to ensure they were all right, get a response and connect them with their family. This touches many of us, its a part of a lot of persons, he said. I just want to stress the importance that for individuals who are feeling down in the lowest points, in the darkness, that you are not alone. There is always someone that is willing to listen. Remember to be the rainbow in someone elses clouds. It is extremely important to know that we can provide support. The sentiment was emphasized throughout the ceremony, with Welsh sharing a tragic story about a former high school classmate who died of suicide. The classmate had a difficult time in school, she said, describing them as someone who was bullied for being short and stout with a name that also resulted in ridicule. Despite efforts to befriend them, Welsh said they were depressed. Ultimately, she learned that her classmate was being sexually abused by their father at home daily and that the school was their safe haven. But in an unsafe haven, feeling without support or love, they ultimately took their lives before Welsh could apologize for the treatment they faced. We let him down, she said, adding that she still remembers them every day since. Welsh said that she believes there is somebody in everyones lives that needs looking out for, a friend who needs to know that hope is not lost. Both she and AHECs Julie Bazan talked about the importance of reaching out to someone, asking how their day is and show a genuine interest in them. This could be the spark of hope someone needs amid a difficult time. People need to know that we are their hope. We are their hope and say, We love you and we are not going to let you down,' she said. Over the span of the last 15 years, 214 suicides were reported, and Vela said that PILLARs mission is to reduce bullying, suicide and substance abuse while providing accessible resources and services to address the tragedies of mental health problems. As suicide may affect all people in the U.S. regardless of race, gender, economic background, etc., it is not uncommon to be a person or know someone who has been affected by the tragedy. Between counseling services, promoting a connected community, strengthening access to mental health care, expanding into underserved areas and having their own crisis hotline, Vela said that PILLAR hopes to bridge the gap to serve the community. The Friday ceremony is just one of numerous efforts to not only guide those in need to resources, empower them and raise awareness on the troubles many are facing that lead to suicide, but to also fight against the stigma of mental health issues across the community and society. Mayor Pete Saenz read that mental health workers, police officers and others still see the impact of the stigma as it continues to be prevalent and reduces the willingness to talk about what it does with an individual in need. Border Region Behavioral Health Center will host a free Walk to Prevent Suicide on Sept. 17 at 8 a.m. to continue the efforts of the ceremony in raising awareness for suicide prevention. Registration will be at 7 a.m. and participants can earn 20 service hours for participating. Furthermore, a health fair will follow the walk for additional resources. Both the walk and fair will be held at 1500 Pappas St. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate On Thursday, Sept. 8, guests were invited to the official announcement of Dr. Tyler King running for City Council District VI at 550 Pizzeria on Shiloh Drive. I may not be from Laredo, but I am a Laredoan by choice, King said. I came here with the intention to serve only as a physician, but the leadership vacuum at City Hall and the two-week water boil notice in February changed everything for me. When 30% of our water infrastructure is 50 years old or older, clearly the can has been kicked down the road. We need a short, medium, and long-term water master plan that includes strategies for preserving the Rio Grande, an emergency water source, and sustainable ways to access water for the future. Dr. King says it is crucial for Laredo to elect a serious City Council this November. There will be five new seats up for grabs during this year: Districts I, II, III, VI and mayor, King said. One of the most critical decisions for this upcoming Council will be hiring a new city manager. Its imperative we elect leaders with competence and integrity who will get this decision right. Quality of life improvements are at the core of why Dr. King is running. We must give our kids and grandkids a city worth coming home to, King said. We have all heard the complaint that there is nothing to do in Laredo. We must change that perception. The campaign chose this location for the announcement to support local small businesses. Small businesses like 550 Pizzeria are the backbone of our community, King said. As a City, we should be doing everything we can to support entrepreneurs like Janet Duran, not be putting roadblocks in their way. During the pandemic, we severely let them down. They deserve better. If we dont treat them well, they will instead open businesses in places like McAllen or San Antonio who are more business friendly. About Dr. Tyler King Dr. Tyler King is a Family Medicine Resident Physician here in Laredo. He is originally from Memphis, Tennessee. After graduating with a political science degree from the University of Tennessee, he became a Teacher For America Corps Member in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, where he was a high school history teacher for four years in Donna, Texas. During this time, King met his wife Alejandra, who is from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. King later decided to pursue his lifelong dream of a career in medicine. After medical school, he was recruited to Laredo to help fill our physician shortage. He and his wife are committed to Laredo, and their daughter Sophia is in pre-school here. King plans to stay in Laredo permanently as a primary care physician. Furthermore, he is also a commissioned officer and Captain in the US Army Reserve. To learn more about Dr. Tyler King visit https://DrTylerKing.com/. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) About nine years ago, Sarah Knowlton sought an abortion at a now-closed clinic in northern Indiana, where she encountered anti-abortion protestors as she approached the entrance. Knowlton reflected on how that experience drove her in 2019 to Whole Womans Health, another abortion clinic in South Bend, to train workers to take patients safely to its doors, creating a resource she wished she had years ago. But the program and Knowltons work at the clinic will end Sept. 15, when Indianas abortion ban comes into force, effectively closing down abortion clinics statewide. Indiana's Legislature became the first in the nation to approve abortion restrictions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the ban into law Aug. 5. The ban, which has exceptions, prohibits abortion clinics from providing any abortion care, leaving such services solely to hospitals or outpatient surgical centers owned by hospitals. My last shift as a clinic escort is coming up, Knowlton said Wednesday. And Im not ready for it. At Indiana University Health, which is the state's largest hospital system, providers have been training to continue offering abortion care in the allowed circumstances. Under the new law, abortions will be permitted only in cases of rape and incest before 10-weeks post-fertilization; to protect the life and physical health of the patient; or if a fetus is diagnosed with a lethal anomaly. A doctor who performs an illegal abortion or who fails to file required reports must lose their medical license. IU Health officials outlined a new 24/7 response team which will include a clinician, an ethicist and a lawyer that providers can contact to evaluate nuanced emergency situations. The law is broad, said Dr. Caroline Rouse, medical director of maternity services at IU Health. Patient situations are very specific and unique. Last year, the majority of abortions in Indiana happened in abortion clinics. Hospitals performed 133 of the state's 8,414 abortions, according to a 2021 annual report from the state Department of Health, while the remaining 8,281 took place in abortion clinics. The clinics in Indiana that will not be able provide abortion services on Sept. 15, include Whole Womans Health in South Bend, Womens Med in Indianapolis, and Clinic for Women in Indianapolis. The four Planned Parenthood clinics that provide abortion care in Indiana will do so no longer, but will continue to see patients for other medical services such as STI testing and treatment, contraception and cancer screenings, said Rebecca Gibron, CEO of the Planned Parenthood division that includes Indiana. Planned Parenthood has been a leading reproductive health care provider in Indiana since 1932. And we are not going anywhere, Gibron told the AP in August. Sharon Lau, Midwest Advocacy Director for Whole Womans Health Alliance, said that though the South Bend clinic will cease abortion care, patients can still access a program that directs patients to abortion appointments in other states. We will keep going until were forced not to, she said. Clinic for Women in Indianapolis declined to talk to The Associated Press. Lau said her clinics plans could hinge on two lawsuits filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana that seek to block the abortion ban before it takes effect. The first lawsuit, filed Aug. 31 in a Monroe County, states the ban violates the Indiana Constitution, while the one filed Thursday in Marion County claims the ban is at odds with the states religious freedom law, which Republicans enacted seven years ago. The timing of both lawsuits is unclear. Mike Fichter, Indiana Right to Life CEO, said in a statement that delaying the ban would mean the indiscriminate killing of unborn children will continue at abortion clinics in Indiana. We are confident the state will prevail and pray the new law is not blocked from going into effect, he said. Women's Med will also stop providing abortions after the ban but continue referring patients to states where abortion is legal until about one month after, said Dr. Katie McHugh, an abortion provider at the clinic. McHugh said she's seen a shift in patient behavior since the Indiana ban was passed. While some are pursuing abortion earlier, others are choosing surgical over medication abortions to avoid complications, she said. Other patients assume abortion is already illegal, and yet they choose abortion anyway, if that can demonstrate the desperation that people feel," McHugh said. Knowlton said she worries for those patients who will put their health or lives at risk if they cannot get an abortion. She knows that feeling; it was her mindset nine years ago. I was going to find a way, come hell or high water, whether there was a clinic I was able to access or not, Knowlton said. ___ Associated Press Tom Davies contributed to this report. 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 On the morning of Aug. 30, a 13-year-old transgender boy was pulled out of class by his school's administrators, his mother says. While his classmates continued their studies, he sat in a conference room at a Texas middle school where a Department of Family and Protective Services investigator began asking personal questions, court records state. The reason: The state agency was probing his family following a February directive from Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to investigate the use of gender-affirming care in minors as child abuse, according to court documents. The nearly hour-long interview touched on a range of personal topics - from the teen's medical history to his gender dysphoria diagnosis to his suicide attempt years back, court records state. The interrogation left the boy - identified under the pseudonym Steve Koe - shaking and distressed, according to a signed declaration from his mother, named as Carol Koe. The document, obtained by The Washington Post, is part of a cache of supplemental evidence filed late Wednesday as part of an ongoing lawsuit by LGBTQ advocates seeking to block investigations into families providing gender-affirming care to their transgender children. The suit was filed in June by advocacy groups Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union, as well as the Texas-based law firm Baker Botts. Though three families are named as plaintiffs, it seeks protections for current and future members of the LGBTQ advocacy group PFLAG in Texas. Abbott's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the newly filed documents, but the state has defended its investigations in court. In a briefing filed in May, it said that a judge's ruling to temporarily suspend the probes "prevents a state agency from carrying out its statutory duty to investigate reported child abuse." The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the state's attorney general's office also did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Post late Thursday. In July, Judge Amy Clark Meachum granted an order halting probes into two of the three listed plaintiffs listed in the June lawsuit. However, she didn't rule on a request to stop investigations for the third family or additional PFLAG members - instead asking attorneys to submit more evidence on how state agencies are handling the alleged child abuse cases. That's why the advocacy groups submitted Carol Koe's declaration this week, along with another by a woman identified as Samantha Poe, whose 14-year-old child is "in midst of exploring what a social transition feels like." Though Poe hasn't provided her child with gender-affirming medical care, an ongoing abuse investigation against her was opened in February and has left her child with "suicidal ideations," according to court documents. On Aug. 25, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services requested either Poe's consent for an interview with her child or proof that the child is "well-adjusted," court documents state. Five days later, the agency launched its probe into Carol Koe. Both are signs that the agency is still complying with Abbott's directive - even after state officials said in court that they would close the probes, Lambda Legal senior attorney Shelly Skeen told The Post. "Instead of stopping the investigation or closing it, which is what DFPS was stating on the stand during our hearing that they were going to do, they're in essence doing the opposite: laying eyes on one family and opening an investigation into another one," she said. Abbott's directive has been widely criticized by advocacy groups, public officials and health associations. The decision to investigate the parents of transgender minors stems from an opinion issued in February by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R). In it, he said that providing certain gender-affirming medical treatments - such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy - could "legally constitute child abuse" under state law. Abbott then ordered state agencies to conduct probes in a directive that relies on ordinary Texans to report suspected cases. But, Skeen argues that Abbott's order "holds no legal weight" since an attorney general's opinion "is not the law, is not binding in court and is not binding on state agents," she said. "So part of our claim is that the governor was outside the bounds of his authority to tell agencies to act," Skeen added. The state, however, disagrees. In an August court briefing, it argued that Abbott couldn't be sued because he "is not responsible for enforcing Texas's prohibitions on child abuse." Additionally, the state posited, opening an investigation didn't inflict harm on families if there wasn't "some resulting official action." The disputes have led to two separate lawsuits and court battles that have dragged on for most of the year - and will probably extend even longer, Skeen said. In the meantime, some families in Texas are reeling from a combination of fear, panic and anguish. Carol Koe said she has seen her 13-year-old go from depressed before transitioning to thriving afterward - only to become anxiety-ridden when he was questioned by state officials. Steve, she wrote, was once again his joyful self after the "remarkable" effects of gender-affirming treatment. He was finally laughing again and enjoying school - but the Aug. 30 interview with the investigator changed everything, she said. He had a "meltdown" after the meeting and asked his mother to pick him up, his mom said. He's missed more classes and has frequent anxiety attacks, Carol Koe wrote. School for him is no longer the safe space it used to be, she claims. Watching her son suffer, she said, she worries other families will endure the same fate. "I don't want other Texas families to go through a traumatic experience like ours," she wrote. "I worry that other parents will hesitate to seek out the care and support that their transgender children may need out of fear that someone will report them to DFPS if the threat for baseless investigations remains." The bivalent booster is meant to target new omicron sub-variants mutating around the world. Depending on how well our bodies fight the virus we may end up getting our COVID vaccine along with our annual flu shot each fall. Every day can be an uphill challenge for Jack and Jill families and, this October, the charity is urging people to climb or walk a local hill in solidarity with the Longford families currently under its care as part of the eighth annual Up the Hill for Jack and Jill fundraising challenge, proudly supported by Abbott. This is a significant year for the Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation, as it celebrates 25 years of funding and providing specialist in-home nursing care and respite support for children with severe to profound neurodevelopmental delay, up to the age of six. This includes children who may have a brain injury, cerebral palsy, a genetic diagnosis or other undiagnosed condition. Another key part of the service is end-of-life care at home for all children up to the age of six who require it, irrespective of diagnosis. The nationwide charity has reached its own summit in 2022 by providing support to 412 children, the highest number in its 25-year history. Indeed, Jack and Jill has provided support to 25 Longford families since it was first established. To meet its steep care commitment, the charity is asking people across Longford to support local families in their community by going Up the Hill for Jack and Jill. With Jack and Jill, there is no means test, no waiting list and no unnecessary red tape. The core nursing team devises a home nursing care plan that is tailored around the child and the familys needs, with the charity funding and providing up to 80 hours support each month. Jack and Jills funding model relies heavily on public donations to mobilise over 500 nurses and carers at community level and, in 2021, they delivered almost 110,000 hours of in-home nursing care and respite support. Everyone Needs a Break Jack and Jill Liaison Nurse Manager for Longford, Cathy Keighery, says every parent needs a break: Its a privilege to be a part of the lives of Jack and Jill families. These are ordinary parents facing the extraordinary care needs of a child with a complex medical condition; a child who may not be able to walk or talk, who may be tube-fed or oxygen-dependent, requiring intensive, around-the-clock care, at home. But everyone needs a break, and thats where we come in, literally, into the home, to give them relief and we are very proud to walk this care journey with them. For Carmel Doyle, CEO, Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation, charity really does begin at home: Every year, its an uphill challenge to raise the money we require to provide our service. But, like the families we support, we just keep going, with a gentle push from the people who donate in the knowledge that their support means so much to local children. With Jack and Jill, charity really does begin at home and our Up the Hill challenge is all about community. Every 18 raised funds one hour of in-home nursing support, allowing Jack and Jill parents to grab 40 winks, go for a walk with their other children, or get a coffee, knowing that their precious child is being well cared for at home, where they belong. That sense of community really matters, now more than ever. Sean Langan, Site Director from Abbott, explained why the global healthcare company is proud to be supporting Jack and Jill: At Abbott, we are passionate about helping people in Ireland, and around the world, to realise their full potential. This idea is at the core of our business and drives our commitment to support the communities in which we work. The Jack and Jill team embodies this same principle and has inspired us through their compassionate care for children and families across the country. We are delighted to be supporting this years Up the Hill campaign and hope that this enables more people to live better lives. 3 Simple Steps to Go Up the Hill for Jack and Jill Step 1 Register today for just 18 per person at JackandJill.ie, which will support one hour of specialist in-home nursing care for a local Jack and Jill family. Your pack will include a colourful, eco-friendly, Up the Hill banner Step 2 Choose your Hill. Theres a local hill around the corner to suit your fitness level and ability, and whether you go high or go low, its the taking part that keeps Jack and Jill on the go! Step 3 Grab some friends, family, neighbours or colleagues, pick a date that suits and make it a day out to remember. Bring a picnic to celebrate when you get to the top and remember to take a photo with your Up the Hill banner and tag Jack and Jill on social media with #UptheHill22 so everyone can see you! For more information on Up the Hill for Jack and Jill 2022, visit www.jackandjill.ie or telephone Jack and Jill at 045 894538. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. On Saturday, September 10, the HSE will mark World Suicide Prevention Day. The international theme for 2022 is Creating Hope through Action. In Ireland, this is an important theme that is reflected in the HSEs national strategy to reduce suicide Connecting for Life, and in our work across suicide prevention and mental health services. Even though suicide is a very complex issue, we can always look out for others who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts and provide support. This helps to create a more caring society where, those who need to, feel more comfortable in seeking help. The message of creating hope on World Suicide Prevention Day is one that aims to resonate with people who have been impacted by suicide, and people who work in suicide prevention, alike. Barbara Brennan, Coordinator for See Change (Irelands organisation dedicated to ending mental health stigma) and Mental Health Ambassador said: If you have ever struggled with anything in your life, and found a supportive ear, you will know the difference a single conversation can have. At some of the lowest points in my life, a kind gesture made all the difference and helped me find the will to try again. World Suicide Prevention Day is about recognising the struggle of others, and opening conversations about mental health and suicide, so we break down barriers that prevent people from seeking help. Josephine Rigney, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, said: We can all contribute to creating more caring, supportive and hopeful communities. Across the national network of HSE Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention, we prioritise suicide prevention work and initiatives in so many different settings. Through the network, we provide free and readily accessible suicide prevention and awareness programmes attending these gives anyone the opportunity to take action, increase their suicide prevention skills, and be the shining light of hope for others in their own communities. The following actions can help us all to create hope this World Suicide Prevention Day: 1. Reach in - Reach in to someone you know who might be having difficulties. Find a comfortable space and time to sit and be present with them. Use open questions and tell them you care about them. 2. Increase your awareness - If someone tells you that they are having thoughts of suicide, try to stay calm and dont be afraid. Free suicide prevention and awareness programmes are available from the HSE to help you build your confidence and skills in this space (see www.nosp.ie/training). 3. Reach out - If you are feeling particularly low, sad or hopeless, always remember that sharing things with someone else will help. Reaching out to talk with someone - someone close or even a support organisation will help. 4. Be the Light - Connect with a support or community organisation. Volunteer, help spread their messages and become involved in activities that promote positive mental health and wellbeing or suicide prevention in your community. 5. Know where to turn - Get to know what mental health supports and services are available, and tell more people about them. Speak with a GP about what might be available locally. Tell your family, your friends, your colleagues you never know when someone might need them. Read more about these messages, and download links, ribbons and social media images from the HSE - https://www.hse.ie/eng/ services/list/4/mental-health- services/connecting-for-life/ news/world-suicide-prevention- day-2022.html Marking World Suicide Prevention Day; Minister Mary Butler TD, Minister of State in Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health and Older People said: World Suicide Prevention Day provides us with the opportunity to spread the message of hope to anyone who may be impacted by suicide or suicidal thoughts. Suicide is extremely complex and most of the time, there is no single event or factor that leads someone to take their own life. But every death by suicide is tragic and is an immense loss for individuals, families, friends, and communities. Suicide prevention remains a key priority for me and the Government as a whole. We will continue to support our colleagues in the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention and their partners to ensure they have the resources available to continue their valuable work in the area of suicide prevention. John Meehan, Head of the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) said: This World Suicide Prevention Day, we are reminded of all the lives lost to suicide in Ireland, and remember families and communities who have been left behind. The HSE NOSP works to realise the vision of an Ireland where fewer lives are lost to suicide and we are indebted to the tireless efforts of individuals, communities and agencies who have prioritised suicide prevention and mental health promotion in their lives and work. Suicide prevention is everyones business and we are proud of working in partnership with Government agencies, health services and people who are bereaved, to focus on creating suicide-safer communities across Ireland." Support: Support is available: on the phone - Samaritans, visit www.samaritans.ie or Freephone 116 123, anytime day or night by text message - Text50808, text HELLO to 50808, anytime day or night online - MyMind, visit www.mymind.org for online counselling options face-to-face - Pieta, visit www.pieta.ie or Freephone 1800 247 247, anytime day or night You can also call the HSE YourMentalHealth Information Line, anytime day or night, for information on mental health, and what other services and supports are available near you Freephone 1800 111 888 or visit www.yourmentalhealth.ie. (Alliance News) - Irish airline Aer Lingus has apologised to customers after a major technical failure meant it had to cancel all flights from Dublin Airport to UK or European destinations after 2pm. Footage on social media showed thousands of people queueing outside Terminal 2 at the airport after digital systems failed. The airline, part of International Consolidated Airlines Group SA, said that customers affected by the disruption will be able to change their travel plans free of charge. A statement said: "Due to a major incident with a network provider, our cloud-based systems enabling check-in, boarding and our website are currently unavailable. "A UK network provider servicing the cloud-based system has experienced a major break in connectivity impacting both primary and secondary connectivity. "At this time the provider has not been able to give Aer Lingus an estimate of the time when the break in connectivity will be restored. "Unfortunately, this is causing severe disruption to Aer Lingus services today. "Consequently, all flights originally scheduled to depart from Dublin Airport for European and UK destinations from 2pm onwards today have had to be cancelled." The airline said it was unable to communicate directly with customers on these flights but asked them not to travel to the airport. The airline said: "We sincerely apologise to all customers impacted by today's disruption and cancellations. "Any customer impacted by today's disruptions will be able to change their travel plans, free of charge either through our call centre or social media channels. "We will advise customers when IT systems are restored and this change option is fully available to our customers. "As soon as systems are restored our teams will work to re-accommodate those impacted as efficiently as possible, and share information regarding customers' rights and the airlines' obligations. "We are working intensively with our system partners and their network partners to resolve the connection issues as soon as possible." In a tweet, Dublin Airport said impacted passengers should contact the airline directly about next steps. The airport also said that no other airlines are affected. Customers reported long queues at the airport on Saturday as Aer Lingus check in for earlier flights was being handled manually. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA source: PA Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. To provide an outlet for emotions provoked by the first anniversary of Sept. 11, a number of Manistee groups have organized events in the spirit of community commemoration. With this is in mind, the Manistee Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will have a concert, the Red Cross/United Way of Manistee County will have a gathering at Memorial Park, Manistee Catholic Central schools will have a Memorial Mass, Holy Trinity will have an ecumenical service and the United Methodist Church will have a service of remembrance and hope. 40 YEARS AGO Dial-A-Ride rescinds shuttle callback The Manistee County Transportation Board of Directors decided not to curtail shuttle service in Manistee at a special meeting yesterday called primarily to discuss Dial-A-Ride personnel contract negotiations. General Manager Donna Hargreaves said that the boards Sept. 2 decision to cut services back from half hours to hourly runs was rescinded because of possible future complications in scheduling and services. Now playing Now playing at the Vogue Theatre is Chariots of Fire winner of four Academy Awards including Best Picture. Showing at the Chippewa Drive-In is Kenny Rogers in Six Pack and Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn in Taps. Six Pack begins at 8:15 p.m. and Taps at 10:15 p.m. 60 YEARS AGO Joins league Manistee Public Library is a member of a newly formed Mid-Michigan Library League which will provide a larger, more varied collection of books, films, phonograph records and library services for each library than could be provided by the individual library alone. In joining the league, book collections will be rotated to all libraries four times a year. Appraisal plan ok Decision to retain a private firm to accomplish a complete appraisal of all real and tangible property in Manistee County was reached this morning at a special meeting of the board of supervisors called by petition of 11 supervisors following an indecisive deadlock on the issue at an earlier special session of Aug. 14. 80 YEARS AGO War Mothers night As a feature in the Salute to Our Heroes month in which theaters throughout the county are taking a leading role in promoting the sale of War Savings Bonds, a War Mothers Night will be staged at the Vogue Theatre here tomorrow night. The management has sent out special invitations to a number of mothers of youths in the armed services, asking them to be honor guests of the theater at the evenings performance. England's Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96 at her Balmoral Castle. Her death has left the British Royal Family in shock, as they are already preparing to carry out all the official protocols arranged for the occasion. After her death, the crown was immediately passed to her firstborn son, Charles. According to reports, Queen Elizabeth II had been planning for her succession for some time. Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96 What did Queen Elizabeth II die of? What is clear is that the Queen Elizabeth II did not suffer from any kind of degenerative disease, but died of natural causes. Last February, Queen Elizabeth II contracted COVID-19, which could have weakened the cardiopulmonary health of the longest-serving monarch in the history of the United Kingdom. Elizabeth II's medical history During her almost 71-year reign, she suffered no major health issues. A journey without too many complications, although according to reports, the queen allegedly consumed up to four alcoholic drinks a day for many years. In 2021, she was banned from drinking alcohol forever. Her medical history includes a few colds, gastroenteritis, and a knee operation. This is the recent history of her most notable illnesses/injuries: This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LONDON (AP) King Charles III was formally proclaimed sovereign of the United Kingdom on Saturday, as officials unveiled details of the meticulously choreographed ceremonies that will culminate in the state funeral of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Sept. 19. In this time of sorrow for the House of Windsor, there were hints of a possible family reconciliation. Prince William and his brother Harry, together with Catherine, now Princess of Wales and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, delighted mourners near Windsor Castle with a surprise joint appearance to thank the public for their floral tributes and condolences. It was the first time that quarrelling younger royal generation had worked together publicly since the Sussexes stepped aside from royal duties in 2020 and moved to California. The thousands who flocked to Windsor on a sunny day were in their thrall, as the couples gratefully accepted flowers, talked to parents and children at length, shook hands and accepted heartfelt condolences. Meghan approached a teenager in the crowd, who put her hand over her mouth in shock. The pair spoke briefly then the girl said: Can I have a hug? Meghan leaned in to give her a big hug. Catherine, for her part, focused on young children in the crowd, bending down low to speak to them warmly face-to-face. The late sovereigns coffin now rests at Balmoral Castle, the summer retreat in the Scottish Highlands where Elizabeth died on Thursday. Palace officials promised Saturday that the public will have opportunities to see the late monarchs oak coffin as it journeys from Balmoral Castle to Edinburgh and then to London, where her body will lie in state for four days starting Wednesday. Edward William Fitzalan-Howard, the official in charge of arrangements, said the ceremonies would be a fitting farewell to one of the defining figures of our times. The queen's eldest son and successor Charles was officially proclaimed Britains monarch Saturday in a pomp-filled ceremony steeped in ancient tradition and political symbolism and, for the first time, broadcast live on television and online. The 73-year-old Charles, who spent seven decades as heir apparent, automatically became king when his mother died and vowed to follow her example. But the accession ceremony was a key constitutional and ceremonial step that introduced the new monarch to the country, a relic of a time before mass communications. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me, Charles said as he took on the duties of monarch. New British Prime Minister Liz Truss and five of her predecessors were among scores of current and former British politicians who gathered at St. Jamess Palace for the meeting of the Accession Council. Saturdays accession ceremony ended with a royal official publicly proclaiming King Charles III to be the country's new monarch from a balcony at the palace. In centuries past, this would have been the first official confirmation the public had of their new sovereign. David White, the Garter King of Arms, made the proclamation, flanked by trumpeters in gold-trimmed robes before leading cheers hip, hip, hooray! for the new king. Gun salutes rang out in Hyde Park, at the Tower of London and at military sites around the U.K. as he announced the news, and scarlet-robed soldiers in the palace courtyard doffed their bearskin hats in a royal salute. The proclamation was read at other locations across the U.K., including in the medieval City of London. The new king formally approved a series of orders, including one declaring the day of his mothers funeral as a public holiday. Charles was accompanied at the ceremony by wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, and eldest son Prince William, who is now heir to the throne and known by the title that Charles long held, the Prince of Wales. In his first statement since his grandmothers death, William said the queen was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life a clear reference to the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real, William said. People came by the thousands to pay their respects outside Buckingham Palace in London. The scene was repeated at other royal residences across the U.K. and at British embassies around the world. For many Britons, the queen's passing, though long expected, is a destabilizing experience. Queen Elizabeth II is the only monarch most have ever known, and her death comes as many Britons are facing an energy crisis, the soaring cost of living, the uncertainties of the war in Ukraine and the fallout from Brexit. The country has also just seen a change of leader. Truss was appointed prime minister by the queen on Tuesday, just two days before the monarch died. On Saturday, Truss and other senior U.K. lawmakers lined up in the House of Commons to take an oath of loyalty to the new king. Normal parliamentary business has been suspended during a period of mourning for the queen. The House of Commons held a rare Saturday session so lawmakers could pay tribute to the late monarch. Charles has struck a note of continuity, vowing in a televised address Friday to carry on the queens lifelong service, with his own modernizing stamp. The new monarch looked both to the past noting his mothers unwavering dedication and devotion as sovereign and the future, seeking to strike a reassuring note of constancy while signaling that his will be a 21st-century monarchy. He reflected on how the country had changed dramatically during the queens reign into a society of many cultures and many faiths, and pledged to serve people in Britain and the 14 other countries where he is king whatever may be your background or beliefs. For a second day on Saturday, Charles waded into the crowds to meet his subjects and shake hands. Trying to overcome a reputation for aloofness, he is signaling a more relaxed approach to the monarchy than that of his mother. It just felt like a really special moment in history,'' said Beverly Nash from Kent. And it was lovely actually seeing him. I didnt think I would feel as emotional as I did.'' ___ Follow AP stories on Queen Elizabeth IIs death and other stories about the British monarchy at https://apnews.com/hub/queen-elizabeth-ii MANISTEE COUNTY The Manistee County Council on Aging is set to host a number of events and other activities aimed at keeping older residents healthy, happy and active. Here is a list of what is planned for the week of Sept. 12 and beyond. Project Fresh The MCCOA has received another batch of senior Project Fresh coupons. If you are a Manistee County Senior, 60 and over and meet the income limits, stop in at the senior center to get your Project Fresh coupons. Senior nutrition menu - Sept. 12-16 Monday: Chicken drumstick, mashed potatoes, Cali blend vegetables, strawberries, roll Tuesday: Soft shelled tacos, refried beans, fiesta corn, pineapple tidbits, tortilla shell Wednesday: Country fried steak, garlic mashed potatoes, chef blend vegetables, mixed berry fruit cup Thursday: Homemade mac & cheese, steamed peas, diced carrots, applesauce, roll Friday: Lemon pepper baked fish, lima beans, asparagus, Michigan cherries, roll Menus are subject to change. See More Collapse Congregate meals The congregate meal site at the Wagoner Community Center is serving lunch Monday through Friday at noon. Call and reserve your lunch by noon the day before. The congregate meal site in Wellston serves meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Onekama meal site at the Farr Center is handing out meals on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. The Marilla meal site serves lunches Wednesday at noon, and the Pleasant Valley Community Center in Arcadia serves meals Tuesdays and Fridays at 12:30 p.m. The meal site in Maple Grove Township serves meals Thursdays at noon. The menu is subject to change, as certain food shortages can affect the kitchen. Food bank The senior center food bank takes place from 9-11 a.m. on the third Friday of the month. Manistee County residents who are 60 years of age and older are eligible to participate. If you are picking up for another senior, be sure you have a proxy note, along with their name, address, birth date and household information. Monetary and nonperishable food item donations are always appreciated. Next food bank is Sept. 16 at 260 St. Mary's Parkway. An ID is required to participate in this month's food bank. Emergency food assistance If you are a Manistee County senior and are in need of emergency food assistance, call the senior center at 231-723-6477 and speak to a staff member. We have an emergency food pantry that we use to help prevent food insecurity in our older population during these times. Senior reimbursement program The council on aging has a program designed to help seniors remain independent, by reimbursing qualifying expenses. If you are an older adult from Manistee County, you could receive reimbursement for payments you have made for house cleaning, yard work, snow removal services. For current clients in the program, take note, all receipts must be current, no more than 30 days old. Income requirements apply. New clients must fill out a registration form. Mail all receipts to 260 St. Mary's Parkway. Call the center at 231-723-6477 ext. 214, for more information. Once a senior has moved out of their home, they are no longer qualified for the reimbursement program. Exercise opportunities Sit and Get Fit is at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Wagoner Community Center and at 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Farr Center in Onekama. Chair yoga classes are Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. Indoor walking group takes place Monday through Friday during business hours. All classes are free to all seniors, and donations accepted for those under 60. Dementia support group The dementia support group meets on the second Thursday of the month. The group is a supportive, friendly gathering for caregivers, family members or anyone interested in learning more about and supporting our senior dementia community. The next meeting will be Sept. 8 at 3 p.m. Contact Jacki Krolczyk at 231-883-1341 for more information. Parkinson's support group The Parkinson's support group meets at 11 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month.The next support group meeting will be on Sept. 15 at the Wagoner Community Center. Call Marcia Holbrook 614-937-4442 for more information. Medication management program The Manistee County Council on Aging has started a medication management program. Call 231-723-6477 with your questions. Upcoming events Sept. 12 Reflexology, by appointment only 1 p.m. Pinochle 1 p.m. Maj Jongg Sept. 13 9 a.m. Cards & Coffee 11 a.m. Toe Tapping Tuesday 12:30 p.m. Bridge 1 p.m. Pinochle 1 p.m. Tech class 2 p.m. Knit Crochet circle 3:30 p.m. Chair Yoga Sept. 14 10:30 a.m. TOPS 11 a.m. Fun Bingo 11 a.m. Celebrate September birthdays 12:15 p.m. Ice Cream Social 1 p.m. Storyteller Jay Sam 2 p.m. Music with Jim Toczynski Sept. 15 10 a.m. Cribbage 11 a.m. Dementia support group 1 p.m. Chess Sept. 16 9-11 a.m. Senior food bank 1 p.m. Euchre This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russias Defense Ministry announced Saturday that it was pulling back troops from two areas in Ukraines eastern Kharkiv region where a Ukrainian counteroffensive has made significant advances in the past week. The news came after days of apparent advances by Ukraine south of Kharkiv, the countrys second-largest city, in what could become the biggest battlefield success for Ukrainian forces since they thwarted a Russian attempt to seize the capital, Kyiv, at the start of the nearly seven-month war. The Russian army in these days is demonstrating the best that it can do showing its back," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video released by his office Saturday night. And, of course, it's a good decision for them to run. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said troops would be regrouped from the Balakliya and Izyum areas to the eastern Donetsk region. Izyum was a major base for Russian forces in the Kharkiv region, and earlier this week social media videos showed residents of Balakliya joyfully cheering as Ukrainian troops moved in. Konashenkov said the Russian move was being made in order to achieve the stated goals of the special military operation to liberate Donbas, an eastern area home to two separatist regions that Russia has declared sovereign. The claim of a withdrawal to concentrate on Donetsk is similar to the justification Russia gave for pulling back its forces from the Kyiv region earlier this year when they failed to take the capital. Igor Girkin, a Russian who was an early leader of a Moscow-backed separatist uprising in Donetsk in 2014, sneered at the portrayal of the pullback being strategic. On the messaging app Telegram, he acidly called it the brilliant (clearly within the framework of the plan and even ahead of schedule) operation to transfer the cities of Izyum, Balakliya and Kupiansk to respected Ukrainian partners. Earlier Saturday, Ukrainian officials claimed major gains in the Kharkiv region, saying their troops had cut off vital supplies to Izyum. Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko also suggested troops had retaken Kupiansk, a town along the main supply route to Izyum, long a focus on the Russian front line and the site of heavy artillery and other fighting. Nikolenko tweeted a photo showing soldiers in front of what he said was a government building in Kupiansk, 73 kilometers (45 miles) north of Izyum. The Ukrainian Security Service posted a message hours later saying troops were in Kupiansk, further suggesting it had been seized. The military did not immediately confirm entering the town, a railway hub that Russia seized in February. Videos on social media appeared to show Ukrainian forces on the outskirts of Izyum at a roadside checkpoint. A large statue with the citys name could be seen in the images. Ukrainian forces did not acknowledge holding the city. Britain's Defense Ministry said Saturday that it believed Ukrainian troops had advanced as much as 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Kharkiv, and described Russian forces around Izyum as increasingly isolated. Russian forces were likely taken by surprise. The sector was only lightly held and Ukrainian units have captured or surrounded several towns, the British military said, adding that the loss of Kupiansk would greatly affect Russian supply lines. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, likewise referenced sweeping Ukrainian gains, estimating that Kyiv has seized around 2,500 square kilometers (965 square miles) in its eastern breakthrough. The institute said it appeared that disorganized Russian forces (were) caught in the rapid Ukrainian advance, and cited social media images of apparent Russian prisoners seized around Izyum and surrounding towns. The same report said Ukrainian forces may collapse Russian positions around Izyum if they sever Russian ground lines of communication north and south of the town. Vladislav Sokolov, head of the Russian-appointed local administration, said on social media that authorities in Izyum had started evacuating residents to Russia. The fighting in eastern Ukraine comes amid an ongoing offensive around Kherson in the south. Analysts suggest Russia may have taken soldiers from the east to reinforce the latter area, offering the Ukrainians the opportunity to strike a weakened front line. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov told the television channel Ukraina that the Russians had no food or fuel for their troops in the area as Kyiv had cut off their supply lines. It will be like an avalanche, he said, predicting a Russian fallback. One line of defense will shake, and it will fall. The Ukrainian military was more circumspect, claiming to have taken more than 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) from pro-Kremlin forces this week. It said that in some areas, units of the Defense Forces have penetrated the enemys defenses to a depth of 50 kilometers, matching the British assessment, but did not disclose geographical details. Officials in Kyiv have for weeks been tight-lipped about plans for a counteroffensive, urging residents to refrain from sharing information on social media. However, Zelenskyy said Friday that troops had reclaimed more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region since the start of the counteroffensive. Elsewhere, Ukrainian emergency services reported that a 62-year-old woman was killed in a Russian missile strike in the Kharkiv region when her home was flattened overnight. The Ukrainian governor of Kharkiv, Oleh Syniehubov, accused Moscow of pummeling retaken settlements. He said via Telegram that five civilians were hospitalized in the Izyum district, while nine others suffered injuries elsewhere in the region. In the embattled Donbas, the Ukrainian governor said civilians were killed and wounded overnight by Russian shelling near the city of Bakhmut, a key target of the stalled Russian offensive. Pavlo Kyrylenko said on Telegram that two people died and two were injured in Bakhmut and the neighboring village of Yahidne. In the Russian-held city of Enerhodar, home to Europe's largest nuclear power plant, electricity and water were restored after a four-day outage due to an explosion, the city's Ukrainian mayor, Dmytro Orlov, said. Enerhodar and its Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant have come under repeated shelling in recent weeks, which Russia and Ukraine accused each other of committing. The shelling has raised fears of a radiation leak at the plant, which has been cut off from outside power sources; the facility has been forced to rely on power from its only working reactor for systems cooling and other safety measures. Orlov said workers from the plant assisted in restoring Enerhodar's power, but it was not clear if the electricity was coming from the plant or from a nearby thermal generating station. Also Saturday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock paid an unannounced visit to Kyiv and said Europe would not tire of helping Ukraine, despite Russian President Vladimir Putins efforts to raise the pressure by withholding energy supplies. Baerbock said Germany will assist Ukraine in finding and removing mines and other unexploded ordnance left by Russian troops in areas where they have been pushed back. Despite Ukraine's gains, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the head of NATO warned Friday that the war would likely drag on for months. Blinken said the conflict was entering a critical period and urged Ukraine's Western backers to keep up their support through what could be a difficult winter. ___ Kozlowska reported from London. Associated Press writer Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this report. ___ Follow all AP stories on the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. Come hell or high water, I have to have my allotted one cup of coffee in the morning. I, like many Americans who are coffee addicts and traipse around holding paper cups of coffee. It wasnt until I was looking through some vintage postings on Facebook of beverage containers that I realized how much things have changed. Back in the day beverage containers were called teacups and they sat on little plates called saucers. My mom had dozens of them that she proudly displayed. We had some Canadian friends that we often entertained. The grandmother of the family would always pour her tea in the saucer and blow on it before drinking it as a way to cool it. Of course I had to do some research on that matter and came across some facts I thought were interesting, such as a reported connection between cups and saucers and the U.S. Constitution. Sept. 17 to Sept. 23 is being recognized as Constitution Week. The United States' Constitution was officially adopted on Sept. 17, 1787, at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The Constitution was drafted to replace the failing Articles of Confederation. The Constitution established America as a national government and guaranteed fundamental laws and certain basic human rights. It seems some had a difficult time understanding the concept of the countrys new vision. One of the Founding Fathers found a unique way to explain the government. Reportedly, George Washington used the example of a cup and a saucer to explain to Thomas Jefferson the reason for creating the Senate Branch of government. Jefferson asked why the convention delegates had created the Senate, to which Washington asked, Why did you pour tea into your saucer? Back in the day the practice of pouring hot tea into a saucer was a common practice as a way to cool the liquid before drinking it. Naturally, Jefferson answered, To cool it. To which, Washington responded, We pour legislation into the senatorial saucer to cool it. After learning that, I will never look at a cup and saucer, or a coffee cup, in quite the same way again. Although drinking from a saucer has fallen out of practice, the saucer Senate has withstood the test of time for 235 years. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BOGOTA, Colombia Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela offered condolences to the United Kingdom on Friday following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning British monarch. Queen Elizabeth IIs death was headline news in several Latin American countries. British Ambassador to Ecuador Chris Campbell said, there are not just the British people missing her today, not just the British people are remembering her life and her legacy, but also people all over the world. A book of condolences is available for those who wish to offer their sympathies in a message to the Royal Family. British embassies expressed their gratitude for all the expressions of affection and condolences to the Queen and opened the so-called book of condolences for those who wish to express their condolences and send a message to the Royal Family. In Chile, flowers and cards were left on the British residence walls as a show of solidarity with the British people. KEY DEVELOPMENTS: Prince Charles became king upon his mother's death Will Charles be loved by his subjects, like his mother was? Queen Elizabeth II, a monarch bound by duty, dies at 96 Elizabeth has been the only monarch most people in Britain know A constant in my life: World mourns Queen Elizabeth II Biden is 13th and final US president to meet Queen Elizabeth II Find more AP coverage here: https://apnews.com/hub/queen-elizabeth-ii ___ OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: LONDON Britains King Charles III told Prime Minister Liz Truss that losing his mother was the day he had been dreading and that he must try and keep everything going. Their meeting happened Friday in Buckingham Palace after the king flew from Scotland to London. Queen Elizabeth II had appointed Truss to the role just two days before her death. And Truss praised the queen during the start of a special session of Parliament, calling her the nations greatest diplomat and said her devotion to duty was an example to everyone. Normal business in Parliament has been suspended and lawmakers will spend two days offering their memories and reflections on the queen. Senior lawmakers will also take an oath to King Charles III, the new monarch. ____ WASHINGTON U.S. President Joe Biden told reporters on Friday that he planned to attend the funeral for Queen Elizabeth II. Biden was the 13th and final U.S. president to meet the woman whose reign spanned seven decades. The queen had met every American president since Dwight Eisenhower, with the exception of Lyndon Johnson. Thats because Johnson did not visit Britain during his presidency. Biden and first lady Jill Biden said the queens legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world. Every living former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump joined Biden in mourning her passing and sending condolences to her family. ___ ATHENS, Greece Greeces former King Constantine has described Queen Elizabeth II as a beacon of dignity and humility for the whole world. Constantine lived in London for years after the Greek monarchy was abolished and is close to the British royal family. We have been through so much together and I will never forget the love and support she showed me and my family, he said in a statement Friday. To King Charles III, I wholeheartedly wish an equally successful service to his country. ___ LONDON King Charles III has expressed his love for his son, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan, in his first speech to the nation since taking the throne. Charles, who became king upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, wishes the couple well as they build their life overseas. Meghan, 41, and Harry, 37, have been in a tense relationship with Britains royal family since they stepped away from royal duties and left the U.K. in early 2020, citing what they said were the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media. The comment came during a recorded speech before a memorial service honoring the late monarch, who died Thursday. ___ LONDON King Charles III says he feels profound sorrow at the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, and has vowed to carry on her lifelong service to the nation. Charles is making his first address to Britain and the Commonwealth as monarch. He became king on Thursday after the queens death. That promise of lifelong service I renew to all today, he said. His speech was broadcast on television and streamed at St. Pauls Cathedral, where some 2,000 people were attending a service of remembrance for the queen. Mourners at the service included Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of her government. ____ Flags were flying at half-staff on landmarks in Australia on Friday as people expressed sadness at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Australian Governor-General David Hurley and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed condolence books in Canberra. There is comfort to be found in Her Majestys own words: Grief is the price we pay for love. said the Australian prime minister. New Zealanders also mourned the passing of Queen Elizabeth II with tributes around the country on Friday. At the Auckland War Memorial, a group of young people performed the Haka, a ceremonial dance in Maori culture. Flags flew at half-staff around the country. Under New Zealands constitutional arrangements, the queen was also New Zealands monarch and head of state. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand had moved into a period of official mourning, and would hold a state memorial service after the official funeral in Britain. ___ ABUJA, Nigeria The death of the British monarch Queen Elizabeth II was frontpage news in Nigeria, Africas most populous country, biggest economy and former British colony. Nigerias President Mohammodu Buhari offered his condolences and expressed sadness on hearing of the queens passing, according to his spokesman. That sentiment was echoed by one man, Musa Adamu, at a news stand in the capital Abuja. The civil servant urged the British people to exercise patience and endure the pain, noting that God will bless you all of you now. The flag flew at half-staff outside the British High Commission. On a daily morning TV talk show, presenter Mohammed Jinadu and pundit Linda Claudia discussed the role Queen Elizabeth II played in holding the United Kingdom together. ___ GIBRALTAR Gibraltarians were mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II with several dozen queueing from the early hours of Friday to sign a book of condolences and lay flowers. Gibraltar has lowered the flags of official buildings, entered a period of national mourning and cancelled celebrations on Saturday of its National Day. On Friday morning the governor and Chief Minister also signed the condolences book that the residents had been writing in. Fabian Picardo, the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, a British overseas territory bordering southern Spain, said May Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second rest in eternal peace. Long live the King. In a statement sent to media and posted online, Picardo also added: The People of Gibraltar will mourn Her Majesty as a monarch who has reigned wisely and with incomparable dedication throughout the period of our post-war emergence as a part of the British family of nations. ___ BELFAST, EDINBURGH A series of special gun salutes across the United Kingdom fired 96 shots on Friday, one for each year Queen Elizabeth II lived, a near century-long life. Bells also tolled across the nation in honor of Queen Elizabeth II as the nation started 10 days of mourning for its longest-serving monarch. King Charles III, who spent much of his 73 years preparing for the role, planned to meet with the prime minister and address a nation grieving the only British monarch most of the world had known. He takes the throne in an era of uncertainty for both his country and the monarchy itself. ____ ABERDEENSHIRE, Scotland People paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at the gates of her Balmoral residence where she died. Despite the rain on Friday, mourners from all walks of life came to lay down flowers or simply say goodbye to the British monarch they loved and respected. I just wanted to say thank you to the Queen, said Christy Asalor. She has been a symbol of strength and stability, she has been so selfless and shes given herself, literally sacrificed her whole life serving us until two days before she passed and the least we could do is just say thank you. Other people said they were feeling a lot of sadness at the passing of the only queen they ever knew. Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning British monarch, at 70 years of service. ____ LONDON U.S. climate envoy and former U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth, describing her as the calm in the storm and a great stateswoman. In brief comments to The Associated Press in London, Kerry said his thoughts were with the royal family and noted the sense of loss that people were feeling around the world. Kerry also praised what he described as the queens great sense of direction. Never any any vitriol, never any political commentary, always on values, always on the bigger picture, he said. ___ LONDON -- The Crown, Netflixs acclaimed series about Queen Elizabeth II and her family, has paused production due to the monarchs death. A spokesperson for the series said production was paused on Friday as a mark of respect and will also be suspended on the day of the queens funeral. The show is in production on its sixth season. Its first two seasons starred Claire Foy as the young Princess Elizabeth ascending to the throne and gradually growing into her role as monarch, and seasons three and four featured Olivia Colman as a more mature queen. The show, which has won 22 Emmy Awards so far, has gradually moved closer to current events. Netflix recently revealed casting of the actors who are playing Prince William and his wife Kate in the sixth season. Its fifth season, with Imelda Staunton playing the queen, will premiere in November. ____ NICOSIA, Cyprus - In ethnically divided Cyprus, President Nicos Anastasiades offered condolences for the Queens passing, posting on his official Twitter account, our thoughts are with the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom. But for many Greek Cypriots, those thoughts hark back to a bloody, four-year guerrilla campaign that was waged in the late 1950s against British colonial rule and a perceived indifference the Queen demonstrated over the plight of nine individuals whom British authorities executed by hanging, despite appeals for their death sentences to be commuted. Yiannis Spanos, president of Association of National Organization of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA) told the Associated Press that we respect the dead even if in life they proved to be our enemies. Spanos said the Queen was held by many as bearing responsibility for the islands tragedies, particularly for not granting pardons, even for some of the condemned for whom there was no definitive evidence to merit a death sentence even under colonial law. ___ LONDON King Charles III has arrived at Buckingham Palace for the first time as Britains monarch. The king flew to London from Scotland on Friday and was driven to the royal residence in an official Bentley. A large crowd cheered as the car arrived at the palace gates. He got out of the car to greet well-wishers and look at some of the huge pile of floral tributes left to honor his mother Queen Elizabeth II. Some called Thank you Charles and Well done, Charlie! as he shook hands with the crowd. Several shouted God save the King! A few broke into a rendition of Britains national anthem, which is now titled God Save the King. ___ LONDON British prime ministers who served during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II are sharing personal tributes to the late monarch. There were 15 prime ministers during the queens reign, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss, who was appointed just this week. The leaders held weekly private meetings with the monarch. Trusss predecessor, Boris Johnson, said in the House of Commons that when he saw the queen on Tuesday to offer his resignation, she was as radiant and as knowledgeable and as fascinated by politics as ever I can remember, and as wise in her advice as anyone I know, if not wiser. Johnson called the queen the keystone in the vast arch of the British state and said we are coming to understand in her death the full magnitude of what she did for us all. Former Prime Minister Theresa May said the queen was the most remarkable person I have ever met as well as the most impressive. I doubt we will ever see her like again, May said. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. ___ BRUSSELS NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, speaking at a joint news conference in Brussels with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, noted that all 30 NATO member flags are flying at half-staff to honor Queen Elizabeth. She was a strong supporter of the transatlantic alliance, of our armed forces and our values, Stoltenberg said, adding that she knew and worked with every one of his predecessors since NATO was founded. I will always remember her wisdom, her warmth, and her strong personal interest in transatlantic unity. Blinken, meanwhile, paid homage to the truly extraordinary life of Her Majesty Elizabeth II. He said she had personified a sense of stability and continuity during turbulent times and among unprecedented challenges faced by both Britain and the world. She was a source of comfort and resilience to people from all walks of life. ___ PARIS French President Emmanuel Macron expressed deep sadness and a sense of emptiness after the passing of the monarch and praised her great affection for France. Macron said in a video message that the queen mastered our language, loved our culture and touched our hearts. Macron described her as a great head of state, and said that with her, Britain and France share a warm, sincere and loyal partnership. Speaking in English, the French president said: To you, she was your Queen. To us, she was THE Queen. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The morning of Sept. 11, 2001, nobody knew if Paul Steiger was alive or dead. When calamity descended upon Manhattan, Steiger then the managing editor of the Wall Street Journal was starting his day at the financial newspapers lower Manhattan office, half a block from the southern tower at the World Trade Center. He was working on the next days paper with a top deputy, Jim Pensiero when the first tower began to rumble. After fielding a call from his wife Wendy Brandes, a Lehman Brothers employee who worked in the same complex, and racing to a window, Steiger watched the North Tower smolder. I knew it couldnt be an accident, Steiger, now 80, said in an interview with Hearst Connecticut Media. The flames that were coming out of the building were just too great. Steiger and Pensiero resolved to meet outside the office. But we never met, he said. Tragedy unfolded at the World Trade Center in all directions. Fallen bodies, emergency service workers and burning debris turned the streets of Manhattan claustrophobic. Steiger kept reminding himself that he wouldnt suffocate in the outside air. The promise of staying alive, no matter how feeble, was enough to keep him going. You dont suffocate in the outside air, you dont suffocate in the outside air, the editor told himself while navigating the chaos. Pensiero ultimately ferried across the Hudson River after he failed to find his boss. After getting stuck in the dust storms on the street, Steiger pushed north and took a bus to his Upper East Side Apartment. But to the hundreds of journalists that served under him, his whereabouts were unknown until the early afternoon. Steiger has told the story of that morning dozens, if not hundreds, of times. Countless interviews and at least one book have immortalized his account of the day. The machinations of that morning how editors and reporters across the country put out the Journal even after its offices were decimated by the punishing ash and wind of the attack won the newspaper a Pulitzer Prize. Though Steiger was born in the Bronx and spent his adolescence in New Jersey, he spent a chunk of his formative years in Stamford. His recollection of Stamford is not one of a mini-metropolis but of the quaint, suburban Stamford of the 1940s and 1950s. He lived with his family in the Bulls Head, took the public bus to Franklin Street Elementary School and attended Burdick Junior High School in 1954, the very year it smoldered in a fire. It was a small town then, he said. In fact, Stamford only became the modern city of today in 1949, when the town of Stamford and the city of Stamford merged into one municipal entity. Much of the work for that award-winning newspaper was done by a group of Journal employees in South Brunswick, N.J., home to one of the papers secondary offices and a printing press. Pensiero and dozens of other employees pushed toward completing the next days newspaper upon arrival to the satellite office, even amid the suffering around them. These journalists, technicians and support personnel did not put their lives on the line like the hundreds of first responders who ran into the World Financial Center when everyone else ran out, wrote journalist and WSJ alum Dean Rotbart in September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story, his book about the effort to publish. But their same sense of duty and pride compelled each of them to block out their emotions and focus on the job at hand. The employees in South Brunswick werent alone in their efforts. After confirming to his loved ones and colleagues that he was alive, Steiger decamped to fellow editor Byron Calames apartment on the Upper West Side, where he met with four other members of the Journals top brass. Together, they pulled off the third banner headline in the newspapers history. Across the front page, the editors emblazoned 12 words: TERRORISTS DESTROY WORLD TRADE CENTER, HIT PENTAGON IN RAID WITH HIJACKED JETS. It was at Steigers insistence that the Journal published a banner headline, something he readily admits. Executing the format tested the newsrooms technological capabilities in the face of such immense tragedy. If not now, he remembered thinking, then when? veronica.delvalle@hearstmediact.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Irfan Khan / TNS Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Bryon Houlgrave / Associated Press Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Connecticut residents can expect to see a haze in the sky Saturday and potentially Sunday as smoke from western wildfires drifts East. Because the smoke is carried in by sea winds, the haze will likely be more visible in cities and towns closer to the shoreline, including New Haven and Bridgeport, according to Garry Lessor, a meteorologist at Western Connecticut State Universitys Weather Center. Those farther from the coast, including Cornwall, Danbury and Hartford, will not be as affected, he said. Morocco's Royal Air Maroc has announced that it will resume its services between Mohamed Fifth airport in Casablanca and Hamad International Airport in Doha with one daily flight, starting from September 12. Royal Air Marocs operation to Doha was suspended since March 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The Moroccan carrier said flights will depart from Casablanca at 14:45 and arrive in Doha at 00:15 the next day and on return take off from Doha at 02:15 and land in Casablanca at 08:10. It will operate a Boeing 787-9 which has a capacity of 302 seats, including 26 Business class seats. Royal Air Maroc Chairman and CEO Abdelhamid Addou said: "The importance of this strategic partnership which will provide our customers with more connections both to Asian destinations from the extensive network of our partner Qatar Airways, and to our African destinations." "This partnership will allow us to offer additional benefits to our customers in terms of quality of travel and service on board the planes of both airlines and on the most prestigious oneworld alliance network to which we are affiliated," he stated. Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker expressed delight at further expanding its strategic cooperation with the resumption of flights of fellow oneworld member, Royal Air Maroc. Both the carriers have enjoyed a strong relationship since 2015 that is driven by a determination to deliver a strong network, stated Al Baker, adding that this deeper partnership further cements its commitment to the passengers as it connects to Qatari capital. "Doha is firmly positioned as a leading oneworld hub bringing more airline partners together than ever before, allowing passengers to enjoy seamless global connectivity to more than 150 destination across the Qatar Airways global network," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Pay hikes, shorter shifts and shuttering facilities are some of the strategies Florida has employed to try to rehabilitate a prison system that leaders have said is in crisis. But despite the efforts, Gov. Ron DeSantis administration is calling on Florida National Guard members to work at correctional facilities, a dramatic step meant to alleviate a staffing shortage that has plagued the prison system for years. Lawmakers on Friday approved a request from the Department of Corrections to free up $31.25 million that, at least in part, will be used to cover the costs of deploying guard members to prisons. Mark Tallent, the departments chief financial officer, told the Joint Legislative Budget Commission that the money would be used to pay up to 300 guard members to be deployed to prisons until July. The guard will assist with perimeter security, entry and exit security and issuing supplies to inmates from secure stations, among other things. Members will be deployed to the Northwest Florida Reception Center, the Reception and Medical Center and the Calhoun, Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, Mayo, Santa Rosa and Union correctional institutions, according to the department. What all this will allow the department to do is take the staff that currently do this that are certified correctional officers and move them into the compound into direct inmate-contact positions, therefore reducing stress on the compound, stress on our current officers and helping reduce overtime, Tallent said. DeSantis issued an executive order Friday evening activating the guard to address the present staffing shortage on a temporary short-term basis. Currently employed guard members will not be asked to help the corrections department, the order said. In addition to the use of the National Guard, the budget item approved Friday will allow the Department of Corrections to contract with Florida county facilities for additional staffing that may become available, if necessary. The prison staffing shortage is resulting in extensive correctional officer overtime, and guard members will be used for nine months or until the corrections department determines it no longer needs National Guard assistance, the proposal said. The plan drew harsh criticism from Democratic lawmakers and criminal-justice reform advocates. Speaking to reporters before Fridays meeting, incoming House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell said the corrections agency sought the emergency relief as the governor travels throughout Florida boasting about the states record budget reserves. Why would we be trying to spread our National Guard so thin? So, its a Band-Aid. We know the infrastructure in our prisons is crumbling, and its just appalling that the governor would want to take this sort of tactic, Driskell, D- Tampa, said. Florida has ignored this agency, ignored this problem and underfunded this agency for years. But hours before the legislative meeting began, the Department of Corrections pushed back with a news release highlighting praise from sheriffs, a warden and the leader of the union representing prison officers. We received historic pay increases for our correctional officers and have hired more correctional officers monthly than we have seen in years, Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon said in the release. With the temporary support of the Florida National Guard, we will be able to recover and train the next generation of public safety professionals to perform our important mission. Rep. Bryan Avila, a Miami Springs Republican who serves on the legislative panel and is a member of the National Guard, said guard members are prepared to do whatever is necessary when called upon. When they sign up, just like I did, they do it because they want to serve our great state and they want to serve our great nation, said Avila, who will join the Senate in November after winning a seat without opposition. Lt. Col. Peter Jennison, National Guard deputy director of policy and plans, assured lawmakers that the guard will have full capacity to support the citizens of Florida if we support the Department of Corrections. Jennison said the guard conducted an informal survey and believes it will have enough volunteers to fulfill the correction departments request. The volunteers will be paid for the work. It gives a great opportunity for a lot of our unemployed guardsmen to have full-time work, he said. But Sen. Audrey Gibson, D- Jacksonville, remained unconvinced. The Joint Legislative Budget Commission, made up of House and Senate members, has authority to make mid-year budget decisions. The issue of our (prison) guard shortage in our prison facilities is not new. And this Band-Aid, I dont even know, she said. Its a policy issue and its something that should have been vetted before we ever left Tallahassee (during the legislative session). I understand that our guard gets trained for what they do in the community. Within a prison is a totally different environment. Legislators over the past year have approved pay raises and hiring bonuses for corrections workers, hiking starting pay from $16.40 per hour to $20 per hour for corrections and probation officers and earmarking retention-pay increases between $1,000 and $2,500 for employees who remain on the job. Tallent told lawmakers Friday that the agency for the first time in years is hiring more workers than it is losing. Were definitely trending in the right direction, he said. Even so, the department has a 24.1 percent employee-vacancy rate statewide --- rates at some facilities are higher --- and more than 4,000 positions remain unfilled, Tallent said. The agency added 761 new corrections workers over the past four months, Tallent said. Its been years and years and years since weve seen four positive months in a row, Tallent said. So we think as we continue to hire and reduce the stress on the compounds, the existing officers are going to want to stay because theyre not going to be working the amount of overtime theyre currently working. The prison system housed about 82,000 inmates as of the end of June, according to a recent report by state analysts. It has roughly 24,000 authorized positions, including more than 18,000 security positions. The plan to use guard members is aimed, in part, at helping alleviate stress on fatigued prison workers who continue to log overtime as new employees undergo training, which takes about three months. The Department of Corrections spent more than $103 million on overtime during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2021, compared to about $35 million five years earlier. Data for the most recent fiscal year was not immediately available. James Baiardi, who leads the state corrections chapter of the Florida Police Benevolent Association, said in an interview that the use of the National Guard is a short-term fix that will provide relief to prison officers. Theres only so long officers can continue to work a bunch of overtime on their days off, excessive hours on holidays, where it begins to affect your health, he said. The Navy on Friday celebrated the completion of a $36 million preservation of the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, as elected officials celebrated the ship's history and advocated for continued investment in the nation's undersea force. The Nautilus, which was launched in 1954, decommissioned in 1980 and opened to the public at the Submarine Force Museum in 1986, departed the museum last October for work at the Naval Submarine Base and returned Aug. 4. The work involved repairing the hull, replacing topside decking, upgrading lighting, painting and more. During Friday's ceremony at the Nautilus' pier, Adm. Samuel Cox, director of Naval History and Heritage Command, posed and answered the question, "She's the first submarine to have atomic power. So what?" He said the Allies "came perilously close to losing World War I and World War II" due to German submarines, and with that recognition, "everything in the 1950s was a race, and we won. This submarine was built fast, designed fast, got underway fast." He said the U.S. didn't get everything right and lost two subs in the 1960s, but the Soviets lost more. Cox said "there are millions of people who are alive today because of the submarines and the fact that they never had to fire at shot at the Soviets, so that's the "so what.'" He added that repairing the Nautilus and keeping it for another 30 years is half the cost of getting rid of it. Lt. Cmdr. Derek Sutton, director of the Submarine Force Museum and officer-in-charge of the Nautilus, said the goal is a 30-year "clean bill of health" for the boat and for the Nautilus to stay attached to the museum. Sutton said the planning for the repairs began in 2015, and that the Nautilus has attracted more than 3 million visitors since it became the focal point of the museum. Lonny Barham, president of the Nautilus Alumni Association, said the best way to honor the 2,500 people who served on the Nautilus is to preserve the ship. He served on the Nautilus from ages 18 to 21, and his daughter Jennifer Murray recalled living the Nautilus through him. He told her stories of surfacing north of the Arctic Circle to do repairs while on a mission, and stories of friends and camaraderie. At age 11, Murray went to see the Nautilus with her father shortly after it was docked in Groton, and Murray said as soon as her own children were old enough to walk, Barham began bringing his grandchildren there. A recognition of time and place The ceremony took place on the first day of the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival, and Gov. Ned Lamont also said that we must not "take strategic deterrence for granted, on this 9/11 weekend." The governor and other officials credited former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd with lobbying to have the Nautilus retired in Groton. "What an opportunity we have now, in this corner of the state, to talk about the history of the relationship between America and the sea," said Sen. Chris Murphy, D- Conn., also citing the recent start of construction of the National Coast Guard Museum across the Thames River. He said the renovation of the Nautilus "is really vital" because it helps tell the story of submarines to people who otherwise wouldn't be able to board one, and to "generate enthusiasm and support for this vital program." Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D- Conn., said submarines are especially important because "we live in a dangerous world." Blumenthal said the Nautilus "looks antique and antiquated compared to the Virginia class today," but he suspects the Virginia class will look antique and antiquated compared to what Electric Boat will build in the future. "What hasn't changed is the men and women who take them to sea," he said. "What hasn't changed is the courage and strength and perseverance." Also speaking Friday were Capt. Kenneth Curtin, commanding officer of the Naval Submarine Base; Rep. Joe Courtney, D- 2nd District; and Rear Adm. William Houston, commander of Naval Submarine Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet and Allied Submarine Command. The Nationals have designated Jake McGee for assignment, per a team announcement. His spot on the roster will go to catcher Israel Pineda, whose previously reported selection to the big league roster has now been announced by the club. Catcher Keibert Ruiz was placed on the injured list, as expected, after taking an unfortunately placed foul ball to the groin during yesterdays game. The Nationals announced that Ruiz has a testicular contusion. Its the third time this season that McGee has been designated for assignment. He opened the year with the Giants, the second season of a two-year free agent deal. After posting a 2.72 ERA across 59 2/3 innings in year one, the veteran southpaw only managed a 7.17 mark in 21 1/3 frames before being cut loose in mid-July. McGree cleared waivers, leaving the Giants on the hook for the bulk of this years $2.5MM salary while giving other teams a chance to add him for only the prorated portion of the $700K league minimum. The Brewers took that opportunity, signing McGee to a major league deal. He allowed four runs in only 5 2/3 frames with Milwaukee before being DFA, and the last-place Nationals surprisingly added him off waivers. The 36-year-old spent a month in D.C., working 10 innings through 12 outings. He allowed another seven runs, including a pair of homers, while striking out ten and issuing five walks. Its been a tough go for McGee at all three stops, and he owns a cumulative 6.81 ERA through 37 innings. His 15.3% strikeout rate and 8.5% swinging strike percentage are each below league average, and theyre markedly down from last years respective marks. McGee has continued to average a solid 94.4 MPH on his four-seamer, but his results have taken a major step back. The Nationals will place McGee on outright or release waivers within the next few days. The veteran would have the right to test the open market if he goes unclaimed, so theres little distinction between the two in his case. The Reds announced that outfielder Albert Almora Jr. has been designated for assignment. The move opens an active roster spot for infielder Matt Reynolds, who is back from the 10-day injured list. Almora signed a minor league deal with Cincinnati in Spring Training. He made the big league roster in late May and has spent the past few months in the majors as a depth outfielder. Almora has gotten into 64 games and tallied 235 plate appearances, by far his largest workload since 2019. Hes made plenty of contact and played excellent defense, but he hasnt drawn many walks or hit for much power. He carries a .223/.282/.349 line with five homers and three stolen bases. A former sixth overall pick of the Cubs, Almora was a regular earlier in his career on the strength of his glove. After a trio of roughly league average seasons at the dish to begin his career, the right-handers production has tailed off. Since the start of 2019, he carries a .219/.265/.344 line between the Cubs, Mets and Reds. Hes settled into a fourth/fifth outfield role as a result. The Reds couldve controlled Almora for another season via arbitration, but they were evidently prepared to non-tender him after this season. As they play out the remainder of a non-competitive year, theyll keep Stuart Fairchild on hand as the fourth outfielder behind TJ Friedl, Nick Senzel and Aristides Aquino. Cincinnati will place Almora on outright or release waivers within the next couple days. Theres not much of a distinction in his case, as the 28-year-old has more than five years of big league service time. That gives him the right to refuse a minor league assignment in favor of free agency while retaining his salary if he clears waivers. If he goes unclaimed, its likely Almora will return to the open market. The Atebubu-Amantin Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Edward Owusu has cut a sod for the construction of the ground floor of a proposed one-storey divisional headquarters building for the Ghana Police Service at New Kokrompe. The contract which is in 2 lots will have Cimatron Company Limited constructing the ground floor of the building with King Kay Company Limited providing a fence wall and a borehole. The project which costs a total of GHC 1,117,633.35 will have among others male, female and juvenile cells, an office for a station officer, a charge office and an armory and is expected to be completed by March next year. Cutting the sod for the commencement of work, Hon. Edward Owusu said it is in recognition of the importance of security to development that the government has made funds available for the divisional headquarters which will oversee adjoining districts like the Sene East and West as well as Pru East and West. The MCE spoke about plans to have the construction of the top floor of the building financed through the internally generated funds of the assembly in 2023 and urged the traditional authorities and people of the town to take a keen interest in the progress of work. Nana Owusu Takyi, Odikro of the town expressed his gratitude to government and the assembly for ensuring that the project sees the light of day and promised to assist the contractors in every way possible to ensure the successful completion of the building. Present were high ranking officials from the municipal assembly, the police divisional command, contractors and elders of the community. 10.09.2022 LISTEN Persecution, victimisation and demonisation of honest and innocent people could be painful, but after suffering devastating tragedies and unfair treatments, some remarkable people are able to put aside their anger and pain to find mercy in their hearts. The story is told of an Iranian woman, Samereh Alinejad whose son was murdered, and the murderer of her son was going to be executed. But in a dramatic turn at the gallows, moments before the killer was executed to be executed, Alinejad made a last-minute decision to pardon the man, and the murderer was freed. Because Alinejad never held grudges against the killer of her son, she is now a heroin. Wow! President Mahama suffered a lot when he was president. He was victimised, persecuted, piloried and demonised. For example, this is what Opana said about him before the 2016 Elections, "President Mahama is dangerous for the future of the youth and the future of Ghana. He cannot be trusted to protect the public purse." Intriguingly, we now know those who are dangerous for the future of the youth in this country and those who cannot be trusted to protect the public purse! In all these, President Mahama never held grudges against anyone. In fact, he did good to all manner of people, and his nationalistic attitude led to the provision of vital social amenities to Ghanaians across the length and breadth of the country. A typical case was the construction of a Water Treatment Plant for the people of Kyebi in the East Akyem Municipality of the Eastern Region. The water treatment plant was part of six projects at Akyem Asafo, Apedwa in the East Akyem Municipality, Kwabeng and Anyinam in the Atiwa District and Osenase in the West Akyem District, which were constructed at the cost of 7.9 million Euros by the Mahama Administration. God says in Psalms 51:17 that He will never despise a broken heart and contrite spirit. I would not, therefore, be surprised that He has been pleased with President John Dramani Mahama's actions and will never despise him. Little wonder he is a hero, and nearly everyone wants him back as president of the Republic on 7th January, 2025. Anthony Obeng Afrane I cant specifically identify the president's prior transgressions or the crime in which he was involved that was not only upsetting him but also haunting him and Akufo Addo's only chance, which he believed would set him free from the demons haunting him, was a promise to God to build a Cathedral if he were elected president of Ghana. I am convinced that before Akufo Addo was elected president, he visited fetish shrines and met ungodly pastors who interact with people through other means other than those provided by God while posing as wonderful pastors. Many people, especially famous people, who aspire to wealth and fame frequently find themselves involved in those ungodly practices and suffer as a result. Only an illogical leader would choose to solicit business on Twitter rather than deal with the problems that have led to the collapse of the economy, the depreciation of the currency, and the crime that has hurt foreign investment in the country because no sane investor will put their hard-earned money into a place like Ghana, which is so rife with corruption. Ignorant individuals could inquire: Is there a curse? Or may you be affected by a curse if you deserve it? Yes, there are curses. If you severely offend someone and that person curses you as retribution, brothers, and sisters, you cannot avoid it. Once, you've done something bad, the curse will work. After Elisha healed Naaman of his leprosy, Gehazi was driven by greed to pursue Naaman, to acquire the riches Elisha had turned down from Naaman. Did not my spirit accompany you when the man descended from his chariot to meet you? Elisha questioned him. Is it appropriate to accept gifts of cash and apparel, vineyards and olive groves, lambs and oxen, menservants, and maidservants at this time? Therefore, you and your lineal descendants will always be plagued by Naaman's leprosy! And when Gehazi left his presence, he was white as snow and leprous. If you think this is simply a biblical story and might not be true, please, go and steal someones goat or chicken and see if you can escape if they curse you. The European missionaries traveled to Africa with their bibles to deceive the Africans because they were aware of the existence of such things, including Voodooism, on that continent. They used the Bible to subjugate us because they were afraid of African dark magic. Curses have an impact on a person's most delicate aspects of life, including their health, finances, and connections with loved ones, family members, and children. Although you might think it's a joke, curses have harmful effects and outcomes. Harsh remarks said to others might lead to alcoholism, melancholy, suicidal thoughts, schizophrenia, and other problems. As I previously stated, I think Akufo Addo is being followed by something bad because of some terrible things he may have done in the past that some people may be aware of but would prefer to keep private, or because he only knows what he has done and why he has never been successful in anything as president. How could someone who came to improve things choose to cause so immense suffering instead? Akufo Addo is just serving as a leader for Ghana so that people are aware that the president of Ghana is Nana AkufoAddo. He is more like a living dead. The president has been more of a burden than a comfort to Ghanaians. When a president starts to rely on God to help him overcome his failures and impending economic doom, it indicates that he is in a worthless position and is unlikely to accomplish anything significant for his country. He has so badly damaged the nation that he is now depending on the International Monetary Fund and God for a miracle. I don't understand how long will Ghanaians be waiting to realize this president named Akufo Addo is wasting their time. Why has it taken so many Ghanaians, despite all the churches and mosques, to accept that what has occurred in our beloved country, Ghana, as a result of Akufo Addo's incompetence is not normal? Why should a president who vowed to improve Ghana instead make life miserable for the average citizen? Why should a president act in a way that only sets the nation back when he should possess the knowledge necessary to advance it? Do educated Ghanaians think this is normal? Why are there no projects the NPP government can take pride in even though the nation is in massive debt when a president has cut more sods than any other leader in Ghana's political history? Why everything Akufo Addo does seem to harm Ghanaians and undermine our entire nation? As an illustration, the E-Levy was rejected by the populace because the NPP government failed to offer them work to siphon their money through false taxation. The president passed the E-Levy despite the people's protest. Now that the fraud taxation system has failed, several mobile businesses in Ghana have shut down. Why can't Ghanaians see that Akufo Addo will never be able to reverse the failing economy and the depreciated currency? More importantly, because Ghana is under the leadership of an incompetent government, no amount of financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund can heal the nation's ills. Nobody should anticipate more from Akufo Addo because he is a man who is incapable of doing better for Ghanaians. I'll give you an illustration of how stupid Akufo Addo is. The president recently made an open call for business on his Twitter feed, inviting everyone with an interest to conduct business in Ghana. However, despite advocating for business prospects, Ghana has seen a 300% surge in corruption at the ports. The entire country's infrastructure has been impacted by the massive, ongoing corruption and crime that occur every day at the ports, and businesses have failed as a result of the high import duties. When talking about widespread corruption, people often bring up the La Bianca incident and the relatively low price at which NPP politicians and family members purchased vehicles that had been abandoned by their owners due to exorbitant customs fees on the items. Ghana has recently made international attention for being the most corrupt country in West Africa. Only a foolish leader would choose to seek business on Twitter rather than address the issues that have caused the economy to collapse, the depreciation of the currency, and the corruption that has damaged investment in the nation. Because Akufo Addo is not intelligent enough, he behaves like a toddler. I want it crystal obvious that Akufo Addo's curse is still very much alive. That curse has spread throughout the whole NPP party that Ghanaians would face worse and more upsetting circumstances in the future than they do now. Time will tell if you should take it or ignore it, and I will let you know. Even if Ghana's former appellation of Gold Coast can be inviting, a high rate of corruption and a weakened judicial system discourage many foreign investors from doing business there. Why, then, would any wise leader who has failed to combat corruption seek out business? Can Akufo Addo tell the people of Ghana how many foreign investors his government has attracted since he took office six years ago? More importantly, how many financial institutions and businesses have failed to function under Akufo Addo's leadership? That's why I think his presidency has been more of a curse than a blessing. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has renewed its concerns with the plan by the Electoral Commission to make the Ghana card the sole identification for the registration of voters. This comes on the heels of the confirmation of the electoral management body to abolish the guarantor system for the use of the Ghana card for its continuous voter registration exercise. General Secretary of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, in his reaction to the development insisted that the move remains a calculated tool to disenfranchise its members. If the EC is going to use a system to disenfranchise about three million Ghanaians [who do not have Ghana card], does that result in a free, fair and transparent elections because right from the word go, those people have been cut off. The intention is to disenfranchise NDC people so they [NPP] win the elections that is why they are claiming to break the eight. The EC has announced sweeping reforms to voter registration and voting, two years before the next general elections. These will affect source documents for voter registration and the voter ID system, and will take effect with the maturation of a yet-to-be laid constitutional instrument. The Commission while debunking claims that the Ghana Card will be used as Voter Identification in 2024, insisted the Ghana Card will be the sole document for limited and continuous voter registrations. EC believes the guarantor system is fraught with many challenges and could no longer provide a secure system of voter registration for the country. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah believes the EC cannot be trusted with these new electoral amendments. This is a position the EC has taken and we have been fighting it. I believe that our position makes sense and the EC's communication did not convince Ghanaians that, they are on the right track and we believe that we shall overcome it. If the argument by the EC is that, they are not going to touch the existing register, how will the new names go and clean the old register? It means that, they have something hidden they do not want Ghanaians to know, he said on Eyewitness News. With the difficulties associated with the acquisition of the Ghana card, the EC has urged the National Identification Authority to accelerate the printing of Ghana cards to enable prospective voters to register to vote. ---citinewsroom The German branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken a swipe at former President John Dramani Mahama in the latest statement. It can be recalled that the former President while calling for a review of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme of the government suggested that it will be fair for private schools to be enrolled on the programme. Reacting to the comments, the NPP in Germany has described it as shameful, insisting that the motive of John Dramani Mahama is to collapse the programme. What makes it shameful for John Mahama to step into this conversation of reshaping the Free SHS policy is his intention to collapse this policy. He simply intends to cancel the policy and its a fact. He has on several occasions ridiculed the idea, insulted its implementation, and called for its banishment and cancellation. He is now taking a swirl around his initial stance and is projecting himself as a policy contributor because Ghanaians cursed him for speaking against such a good and sensible policy, part of the NPP Germany statement signed by Communications Director Nana Osei Boateng has said. The NPP branch in Germany adds that instead of commenting on the Free SHS programme, John Dramani Mahama should stop disturbing the ears of Ghanaians and concentrate on enjoying the benefits he receives as a former president. John Mahama should continue to enjoy his ex-president status and packages and stop disturbing our ears, the statement adds. Below is a copy of the NPP Germany statement: MAHAMA IS SHAMELESS. HE IS IN NO POSITION TO SUGGEST HOW FREE SHS SHOULD BE RUN. 2024 is just around the corner. Another election procedure and processes looming in Ghana and for this reason, John Mahama has began his petty potty commentaries on how he thinks Ghana can be run well with his ideas. The NPP government made a very stupendous decision to make high school education free. This way, Ghana will boost her literacy rate and build towards a more industrialized and prosperous country with the majority of its citizens educated and mentally psyched to create and manage businesses on their own. This decision is very dear to the nation and has generated a lot of policy dialogue and conversation lacking various subject matter which aims at ensuring this policy is run well and better managed year in and year out. What makes it shameful for John Mahama to step into this conversation of reshaping the Free SHS policy is his intention to collapse this policy. He simply intends to cancel the policy and its a fact. He has on several occasions ridiculed the idea, insulted its implementation, and called for its banishment and cancellation. He is now taking a swirl around his initial stance and is projecting himself as a policy contributor because Ghanaians cursed him for speaking against such a good and sensible policy. He now suggests that private schools be included. And this is far from what he said last year; that those who can pay should pay so the burden on the government is reduced. How can one person be on two different sides? He has shown his true colors. He is only interested in power and for that matter says things only to muddy the waters. John Mahama should continue to enjoy his ex-president status and packages and stop disturbing our ears. May the Good Lord Bless Ghana, the NPP, and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Signed Nana Osei Boateng NPP Germany Branch Communications Director. A tech startup run by three innovative women in the Savannah Region, Televet, is working to solve the issue of farmers being unable to access veterinary care for their pets and farm animals. Animal health services help in preventing livestock diseases and preserving the productivity and viability of the livestock industry. However, it can be difficult for farmers, especially those in rural areas, to access these services for several reasons. In light of this long-standing challenge, Abubakari Sherifa, Chief Executive Officer of Televet and her two female coworkers in Damongo came up with the idea of using technology to address the persistent problems. According to her, Televet is a one-stop online resource for animal and pet health services where farmers and veterinarians can easily connect. The mobile web platform, she continued, will lessen the strain on farmers and veterinarians alike and encourage the livestock industry in the nation. "We discovered this solution after going on an emphathy trip where we spoke with many livestock farmers and learned that they faced many difficulties, the biggest of which was getting access to licensed veterinary officers," Mrs. Abubakari told journalists. "After realizing the difficulty the farmers were facing, especially in the rural areas, we decided to start Televet to eliminate the difficulty in assessing animals' health care services," she added. According to Mr. Yussif Abubakari Sadic, a turkey farmer in Tamale, livestock farmers are indeed having a difficult time getting access to veterinary care for their animals. "As a turkey farmer, I have numerous obstacles, one of which is getting good health care for my birds. As a result, I've lost a lot of turkeys, and many other farmers are grumbling about it as well. Televert is a great initiative that will revolutionize livestock farming in the country," Mr. Sadic stated. Mr. Issah Alhassan Sulemana, a veterinary officer at the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly, agreed with Mr. Sadic's assertions that livestock rearing is fraught with difficulties. He added that animal health is critical because the majority of diseases in animals are zoonotic. "Most animal diseases are zoonotic, which means that if they infect animals and are not treated properly, they can spread to humans," he stated. Mr. Issah commended on Televet, stating that if the organization's solution is successful, it will improve animal health delivery in the country. He does, however, urge the team to go on a sensitization trip to educate farmers about the importance of the services. Televet was adjudged the winner of the 2022 Savannah Startup Summit organized by iValley Ghana to promote technology in the agricultural sector. Hyderabad, Sep 9 (UNI) Union Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday said that the domestic coal production was expected to reach 900 MT next year. The domestic coal production has increased to 800 MT in the fiscal from 572 million tonnes in 2014, Pralhad told reporters on the sidelines of the two-day National Mines Ministers conference which began here. When asked about the coal shortage faced by several states early this year, the Union Minister said it was due to sudden increase in the demand. The stock position in August was the best ever and as of about 62 Million Tonnes (MT) of coal was available. Shortage of coal does not arise. September and October will be crucial months, he informed. Targets have been set to increase the contribution of the mines and minerals sector from the current 0.9 per cent to 2.5 percent to the nations GDP by 2030, he said these targets would be achieved without impacting the environment and through sustainable mining measures. After agriculture, mines and minerals sector can provide employment and also generate revenue on a large scale for the States, he said and urged states to make most of the measures initiated by the Centre for increasing production of various minerals in the country. On the reasons for PSUs surrendering 17 coal blocks across the country, the union Minister said most PSUs did not commence operations and feared losing bank guarantee. This year, so far 52 auctions have been conducted successfully against the 208 auctions conducted since 2015. Further, State Governments would be extended financial assistance in taking up exploration involving private agencies in respective limits, he added. The second of the conference , the Ministry of Coal will hold the sessions. Discussions are planned on Reforms in the Coal Sector and their impact, Land acquisition for coal mining, Coal logistics and Operationalization of allotted coal mines. The National Mining Ministers Conference was another step in the direction of making the mineral sector Aatma Nirbhar and promoting Sustainable Mining. This goal of self-reliance can only be realized when state governments and the central government work in close cooperation with each other . This conference was one more step in the direction of working together to achieve our goal of increasing mineral production and achieving the target of self-reliance in the Amrit Kal. UNI KNR GK 10.09.2022 LISTEN Any candidate supported by the church will fail in 2023. Church leaders who have sold their ministry to Marine Spirits, slept with mammy water at bar beach Lagos, sucked occult woman's breast at Port Harcourt to grow their churches and finances, have lost the Spiritual Height to determine the fate of Nigeria. Rev Obinna Akukwe has been condemning this infiltration by Marine Spirits since 2013. I have publicly exposed some of them, till even last month. The battle for the Soul of Nigeria is between Moderate Islam, Mystical Islam, Jihadist Islam and Freemasons. The Church is not in the picture. It is a captured entity. It is powerless, it has no candidate and anyone they claim to support, the Principalities will attack and pull down because they supped from the corrupt proceeds and fraternized with fallen spirits. Rev Obinna Akukwe will give no further details, but those in the know of the ubiquitous underworld permutations and the battle in the heavenlies, understand the parable. However, between these four options, Rev Obinna Akukwe has chosen the option with least friction for the traumatized souls of Nigeria, heckled with years of mismanagement and misrule. Let nobody tell me any church nonsense because the church has no candidate. Rev Obinna Akukwe, have spoken, if you claim you hear from heaven, stand up and challenge this. (Rev Obinna Akukwe, Activist, Columnist, @obinnaakukwe) Togbe Afede XIV and Kennedy Agyapong 10.09.2022 LISTEN Ghanaweb reports that Togbe Afede XIV of the Asogli State has rejected gifts from Hon. Kennedy Agyapong. They were assorted items including cartons of bottled water. The people of Ho where the respected Paramount chief sat on his throne were celebrating the yam festival. The Member of Parliament for Assin North who has lately shown intent to lead his New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the flagbearer into the next presidential contest for the highest office in Ghana was at the festival grounds to pay homage customarily. So it's our Ghanaian culture. Even now republican since 1960, Ghanaians hold in high esteem our traditional leaders, and on such occasions those blessed with riches present gifts to the chiefs who will have dependants to feed. But this time, contrary to the popular axiom that: a gentleman does not reject a gift, the noble chief openly rejected the mouthwatering gifts from the politician. The portal continued that, from their sources, they've learnt Hon. Kennedy Agyapong has in some time past badmouthed the Asogli monarch, and the latter demanded unqualified apology from the former to engender reconciliation before gifting to the yam festivities. On the comment section of the Ghanaweb platform, Ghanaians are split in their response to what ensued at the durbar grounds, as people geared and booed the presenter of the gifts when they were ordered to carry them back into their vehicles. Those who support the actions of the chief say: "it serves Kennedy Agyapong right. You can't accept gifts from an enemy" (sic). The backers of the politician on the other hand are of the view that His Majesty Togbe Afede XIV should have in the name of peace accepted the gifts, because festivals are meant to extend a hand of friendship" (sic). Who then deserves our scorn, or praise: Togbe or Kennedy? I am Akan, specifically Bono, and with my knowledge of our chieftaincy issues, a subject is expected to smoke a peace pipe with the chiefs when he or she is accused of being disrespectful towards them. Not necessarily when you're wrong, but in the name of peace and coexistence. In my native Goka, we say: the tree that does not allow itself to be toyed by the wind, breaks. Some may argue that the chief should have received the gifts and presented them to people who may need them. They shouldn't forget also that the chiefs do have counsellors as do the politicians. It reminds me of the popular Trojan Horse story. Prince Paris advised his father, the King of Thor, to reject a gift in the form of a wooden horse from a former enemy, Troy. The king didn't listen, and after merriments, when the people of Thor went to sleep, the soldiers of Troy, the former enemies that hid in the wooden horse came out and put all men in Thor to the sword. Only a few women and their children escaped through a tunnel to an unknown world. Now, this is a template and a guiding principle for all kingdoms, whether in Greece, Britain, Assin, Asante, Bono or Asogli. Mr. Kennedy Agyapong may have good intentions to present the gifts to the Asogli chiefs, but my Bono people say: when there are piles of wood, the top ones are removed first. If the chiefs have raised concern about your utterances towards them, first do for them their first demands, before the gifts. When one does something with good intentions, he or she does so without conditions attached to it. Hon. Kennedy Agyapong is obviously not an Ewe to be strictly bound to observe the customs of the chiefs of the Asogli State, but his political journey will surely compel him to assimilate into all Ghanaian cultures, and the debacle with Togbe Afede will show his determination and readiness for the Jubilee House. #LetPeaceReign By Charles Yeboah (Sir Lord) +233(0)249542111 [email protected] The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the blocking of calls of the SIM cards of some Ghanaians by the National Communications Authority (NCA). Since Monday, some punitive measures have been introduced by the NCA to force people to have their SIM cards linked to the Ghana card before the September 30 deadline given by the Ministry of Communications and DIgitalisation elapses. In the last 48 hours, people with unregistered SIM cards have been barred from making calls but can receive calls. Reacting to the action which has inconvenienced a lot of people, the NDC says it is appalling. We are appalled that this objectionable impunity has reached an alarming point where the mobile SIM cards of innocent Ghanaians including those who have already undertaken the said reregistration are being restricted, thereby rendering many of our citizens incommunicado, helpless, and frustrated. We hold the view, that this simple exercise of linking SIM Cards to the Ghana card of subscribers to check crime among others, could have been easily done by extracting the biometric data of persons who have registered for the Ghana card from the National Identification Authority and matching same with the database of the Telecos. The NIA has made this point, the NDC's Minority Group in Parliament and Civil Society Organizations have backed same, the statement signed by General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia notes in parts. The largest opposition party wants President Akufo-Addo to stop what it describes and lawlessness and arbitrariness in the name of SIM Card re-registration immediately. The NDC condemns in no uncertain terms this arbitrariness and recklessness on the part of the Minister of Communications and the NCA. Such mishandling and crass bungling of a simple exercise such as the ongoing SIM card re-registration can only be supervised by incompetent and clueless public servants like we have at the helm of the Ministry of Communications and the NCA, the NDC statement adds. Meanwhile, the NDC is calling on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communications to call the Minister of Communications and the NCA to order in exercise of its oversight responsibility. Member of the Communications Committee of Parliament, Sam George has commenced the collation of data to file a class action suit against the National Communications Authority (NCA), over the ongoing SIM card re-registration exercise. In a tweet, the MP for the Ningo-Prampram asked Ghanaians who were affected by the directive from the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation to fill a form on his page. This comes on the back of the NCA's directive to the telecommunications companies to penalise persons yet to register their SIM cards, a move some stakeholders have argued as an infringement on the rights of Ghanaians. Already, scores of customers massed up at the premises of the three major telecom companies to express worry over the punitive actions taken against them by the government. The customers say, they are unable to make phone calls, while others lamented about their inability to access electronic cash in their accounts. SIM card owners in Ghana who have not re-registered their cards started facing punitive actions on Monday, September 5, 2022, ahead of the September 30 deadline. But some mobile network subscribers in Kumasi who have successfully re-registered their SIM cards are alleging that sanctions announced by the National Communications Authority (NCA) for unregistered SIM card owners are being applied to them. Many of such affected persons massed up at various offices of their Mobile Network Operators to demand answers. Mobile Network Operators began imposing some punitive actions on unregistered SIM cards following a directive from the NCA to compel persons who have the Ghana cards but have still not registered their SIM cards to do so. Already, a pressure group, the People's Project has sued the NCA and the Attorney-General (A-G) over the ongoing SIM card re-registration exercise. The group is asking the Supreme Court to declare the deadline for registration and the associated punitive measures for non-registration null and void. It argues that the punitive measures are unconstitutional. The suit follows the NCA's announcement that unregistered sim cards will be blocked. By Citi Newsroom It is important that our leaders offer ethical leadership and commit to combating corruption in the country as well as enhancing accountability by strengthening mechanisms for monitoring systems, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has said. To effectively tackle corruption in the country, there must be systematic and collective effort across all sectors, stressing that "when you have good systems in place and the systems are working, the opportunity to indulge in corrupt practices reduces. If the systems are not working the opportunity for people to get corrupted increases, Mr. Richard A. Quayson, CHRAJ Deputy Commissioner stated speaking on the topic: "Public Service Integrity in the fight against corruption," at the 16th edition of the Monthly Stakeholders Engagement and Workers appreciation day seminar organized by the Ghana News Agency's Tema Regional Office, which was monitored by the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) in Tema. He said corruption was dangerous and had resulted in the loss of many lives and needed to be dealt with immediately noting that, Ghanaians must take a personal interest in the fight against it. "Where our leaders are not examples then we create the condition for the people to do all terrible things we cannot deal with, so it is important that our leaders offer the right kind of leadership," Mr. Quayson stated. Mr. Quayson charges leaders to show strong leadership and prioritize the fight against the canker of corruption which was impeding economic growth of the country. Mr. Quayson mentioned that indiscipline had been the major cause of corruption in the country and needed to be uprooted. Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Ghana News Agency, Tema Regional Manager stated that the role of the media is crucial in the nations campaign to eradicate corruption, stressing that efforts to fight the canker would not achieve desired results without an effective partnership with credible media institutions. Mr. Ameyibor urged both public and private institutions and organizations to deal effectively with credible media houses in their fight to prevent the incidence of corruption. He contended that without integrity, the media could not make any positive impact in the campaign against corruption, advising that media practitioners must accordingly not allow their personal and monetary interests to override the national interest in their reportage since that could promote corruption. Mr. Ameyibor also encouraged the media to continue to devote spaces in the newspapers and airtime on the radio and television to discuss corruption and its consequences on the development of the country. Other speakers included: Dr. Amma Benin, Head of Paediatric Department, International Maritime Hospital (IMAH) who spoke on the topic: Addressing the health needs of children, adolescents, and women, a sure way to build a healthy society and Dr. Joseph Swanzy, a General Medical Practitioner at IMAH, who spoke on adolescent health issues and how to address it. The rest are Mr. Kenneth Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance, who spoke on Navigating through the current economic crisis with or without the international monetary fund. Rev. Dr. Love Konadu, President of Obuasi-based NGO, Mama Love Foundation has appealed to government to resource graduate Artisans with start-up kits after completion of their apprenticeship training. She was speaking on Friday, 9th September, 2022 after a feast with Artisans in Obuasi to mark her birthday. She also presented items and soft drinks to them as a show of appreciation for their support of her NGO. Rev Dr. Konadu explained that a lot of graduate Artisans find it difficult to properly set themselves up after learning their trade. As a result, most of them are left with no option than looking out for opportunities elsewhere rendering their training useless. He urged government to increase its budgetary allocations to the Ghana Enterprises Agency for the procurement of start-up kits to enable them reach out to more beneficiaries at the various MMDAS. She explained that the decision to celebrate her birthday with Artisans was to motivate them to take their training seriously. She said " having worked with Artisans in Obuasi, I have come to appreciate their issues and challenges. I know some of them even find it difficult getting food to eat before they come to work. These are the issues that motivate me to wine and dine with them on this important day." In an interview with the media on the sidelines of the celebrations, Rev. Dr. Konadu paid glowing tributes to artisans in Obuasi for weathering the storm in their quest to learn trade to have a decent future. She charged them not to be swayed by the quest to have material things." This is not the time to follow money or material things, this is the time for you to learn a trade, and acquire skills which will enable you live an independent life. Money or successes do not come out of the blue". On the role her NGO, Mama Love Foundation has played to change the lives of the less privileged and vulnerable in society, Rev Dr. Love Konadu who is also a radio presenter said, they have trained thousands of individuals on beads making, ice cream making, soft drinks, bakery and confectionery. "Currently we have more than 20 girls who are learning fashion and design as well as catering. This is the second batch, the first batch has already passed out and are doing very well. We given them the tools to go through the training and we also set them up when they complete the training", she added. She called on like-minded individuals and institutions to join hands with her Foundation to transform the lives of the vulnerable and less privileged in society. An Artisan who graced the occasion lauded the President of Mama Love Foundation for her benevolence and human centered initiatives. Yaw Boafo said as Artisans, they are always motivated by such gestures from Rev. Dr. Konadu. He appealed to Government and AngloGold Ashanti to create opportunities for them after completion of their training. Mama Love Foundation was recently in the news after campaigning for the creation of facilities to encourage conjugal visits in the countrys prisons. They made this call after they joined London-based Obuasi Sikakrom Association to deliver meals, prepared food, soft drinks, and bottled water to convicts at the Obuasi Prisons. Ghanaians have no reasons to blame Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for Ghana's economic woes, Mr Yaw Dabie Appiah, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said. According to him, it was difficult for the governments economic team led by the Vice President to recover and stabilize the economy because of the corrupt administration of former President John Dramani Mahama. Speaking in an interview with Journalists at Odumase in the Sunyani West Municipality, Mr Mensah, a former Organiser of the NPP in the then Brong-Ahafo Region indicated corruption in the country reached its peak during the NDC administration. We cant blame the governments economic recovery team blindly because it is very difficult to repair and stabilize an economy already shattered by politicians with sharp teeth within the former NDC government, he said. Mr Mensah indicated that though the world is experiencing economic crisis due to COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukraine invasion, ours has worsened, extremely difficult to stabilize due to the incompetence of the previous NDC administration. He added, It is unfortunate the former President Mahama and his NDC cohorts who know and understand the true picture of the situation are going round the length and breadth of the country blaming and accusing the government of what they have already destroyed. Because the former President bribed and used the NDC media to cover the bad deeds of his administration, he thinks the government is doing the same. In fact, the former President must know Ghanaians still remember the corrupt and incompetence administration of the NDC and there is no way he can exonerate himself from the NDC corruption tag. The former NPP organiser want Ghanaians to understand that the NDC is desperate for power to enrich themselves after eight years of being in opposition, saying it would be politically and economically suicidal if Ghanaians mistakenly vote NDC in election 2024. The NDC is now desperate, and they are spreading lies to make the government unpopular in the eyes of the electorate. But I want Mr Mahama to understand that our numerous achievements are glaring for everybody to see and his political propaganda cant work, Mr Mensah added. He stressed that despite the global economic crisis, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos government was still delivering its mandate taking the development of the nation to the next level. Mr Mensah therefore called on Ghanaians not to lose their confidence in the government, instead accept and support its social intervention policies and programmes so as to yield the optimum benefits and alleviate the plight of the ordinary citizenry. Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South, Hon. Fifi Fiavi Franklin Kwetey has said people misconstrue the nature and concepts of the infamous Nogokpo town. Nogokpo is a small village located in the Ketu South Municipal of the Volta Region of Ghana along the Trans-West African Coastal Highway. It has widely gained the reputation to be a constructive community with a strong presence of spiritual deities. Hence, at the mention of the name, people cringe. However, speaking to Rev. Erskine on the YLeaderboard Series aired on Y107.9FMs Myd Morning Radio Show, the former Ketu South MP described such perception as an exaggeration. To an extent, I think people do exaggerate about Nogokpo. People have this whole impression that it is a place where you go when you want to kill people. But not at all its actually a place where if you do anything that is wrong against people, theyll give you an opportunity to make amends. If you steal somebodys stuff and they report you, theyll give you an opportunity to make amends and let your family know that youve been given an opportunity. But if you refuse, that is when these things come in because youve decided to reap your own desire. So, I call it a place of justice, he said. Hon. Fifi further noted that his point of view in life is ultimately centered on the cultural heritage of the community. He challenged Ghanaians and Africans at large to hold on to its value and heritage. For me, I think I epitomize exactly the spirit of where Im from. I fight for what is right, I stand for truth. I think if Africans can actually understand a bit more of those original values, the degeneration were seeing on this continent will not have been. I think the undercover of all these is for Christianity to simply oversee a complete degeneration of our society. A society where truth doesnt matter anymore. Where people pretend to know God but its just a form of godliness but the substance is absolutely nothing. That is the fundamental reason this continent is having problems, he added. ---happyghana.com Former Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has taken on those who claim he is anti-John Dramani Mahama. According to Mr. Anyidoho, some people are attempting to create the false impression that he causing more problems for John Mahama. Such assertions, he lamented, were false and only a figment of the imaginations of those behind them. He also wants to know if former President John Dramani Mahama can honestly point to anything that he (Koku Anyidoho) did wrong. "The crux of the issue is that, why the attempt to create the false impression that I am the cause of JMs woes?" According to him, Asiedu-Nketiah decided that he would not contest again in 2018, and JM forced him to contest saying I cannot work with Koku Anyidoho. We all know how the election was rigged at Trade Fair but Koku still stayed to the very end and congratulated the winners. So, what is the crime of Koku Anyidoho by attempting to paint him black? There is also a photo of the former NDC Deputy General Secretary, Koku Anyidoho, ensuring that John Dramani Mahama signs EC forms to contest as Flagbearer for the NDC. Subsequently, Koku Anyidoho, held the Comfortable Lead Press Conference for John Mahama. He said it was JM himself who held another press C=conference to concede defeat to Nana Addo even before Charlotte Osei could declare the results. "So, why the noise that Koku Anyidoho is anti-JM? Let JM carry his own cross and leave Koku Anyidoho alone to have his peace." ---Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana New Delhi, Sep 10 (UNI) Former CDS late General Bipin Rawat was on Saturday honoured at Kibithu, a small hamlet on the banks of the Lohit Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, where a Military Camp was also renamed as Gen Bipin Rawat Military Garrison. Gen Bipin Rawat, the first Chief of Defence Staff of India commanded his Battalion 5/11 Gorkha Rifles as a Colonel at Kibithu from 1999-2000 and contributed immensely in strengthening the security structure of the area. Kibithu is also an important Military Camp of Indian Army guarding the Line of Actual Control. Gen Rawat, whose untimely demise in Dec 2021 left a void in the country, was instrumental in implementing the infrastructural development and social growth in the area which greatly benefitted the local populace. To honour his selfless service to a grateful nation, a solemn dedication ceremony was held at Kibithu on Saturday at the behest of the Arunachal Pradesh Government, the Indian Army said. During the ceremony, a grand gate at the garrison in local traditional architectural style was inaugurated by Governor Brig BD Mishra. Besides, the 22 km road stretch from Walong to Kibithu was dedicated as Gen Bipin Rawat Marg by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister. A majestic life size mural of the General was also unveiled. The event was witnessed by citizens of Kibithu and Walong. The dedication ceremony has further synergised Civil Military relations and is a befitting tribute to the first Chief of Defence Staff of India. UNI ASU SY September 10, 2022 Ukraine - Battle Of The Izium Bulge? Here is the latest from the Izium front where a Ukrainian counterattack made a deep push into Russian held lines. The map shows 5 Ukrainian brigades within the bulge the Ukrainian forces have formed to the north of Izium. Several more brigades are pushing up from the south of Izium. With about 3,000 men per brigade this is a major force of some 30,000+ soldiers plus likely reserves. After the light Luhanks Peoples' Republic forces who had held that area were overrun by the ISIS style attack of the Ukrainian forces, the Russian army has pulled up its heavy reserves. Mi-26 helicopters brought in armored vehicles and soldiers to stop the attacks wherever possible. The Ukrainians are also pulling in heavy weapons for a new push along their front lines. Armored land bound Russian forces are coming in from the east and north. The Russian air force and army aviation have air superiority and pound the Ukrainian lines. We can expect a lot of attacks on the quite thin and long supply lines of the Ukrainian spearhead. The town of Shevchenkove, where several big roads and train lines cross, may be a weak point of the Ukrainian offensive. Retaking it would cut the main Ukrainian supply lines in the area. The latest Rybar situation report says (edited machine translation): Battle for Kharkov: the situation on the Izium-Kuyansk section of the front - by the end of September 9, 2022 Kupyansk direction The sending of reserves to the Kupyansk section of the front by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation managed to stop the advance of the main forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine a few kilometers from the city line. By the end of the day the Armed Forces of Ukraine established control over the villages of Chkalovskoye, Shevchenko, Borovskoye and control the Chuguev - Kupyansk highway to Grushevka, which allowed to transfer equipment and artillery systems to the combat contact line. The Ukrainian command is forming a shock group for the assault on Kupyansk in the Grushevka and Staroverovka area. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation apply artillery and missile bombing at the places of concentration of enemy forces. AFU conduct shelling of the rear settlements in the liberated territories. The village of Bolshaya Broluk was subjected to especially strong blows. Ukrainian formations will block the reserves of the RF Armed Forces in Kupyansk and try to go around the city from the north, moving in the direction of Dvurechensky. Izium direction From the south of Izium the Armed Forces of Ukraine are advancing to Vernopolye and Dolina. If an attempt to advance to Gorokovatka, the mobile groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was rebuffed in the area of the village of Yasinovatoe. The reserve forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation reached the eastern bank of the Oskol River which stopped attempts to cross the mobile groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine across the river. Apparently, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will strengthen mobile units on the western coast of Oskol with heavy equipment and will try to reconnoiter the defense of Russian forces from Gorokhovatka. Balaklia direction There are unverified messages that the eastern blocks of Balaklia are still held by the detachments of the RF Armed Forces. In the near future, one should expect the blow of the Armed Forces of the Ukraine in the village of Vesele and Kunya. In the near future, the Armed Forces will be attempted to attack Lyman from the Raygorodk. The main goal of the Ukrainian command on the site is to reach the Oskol reservoir and surround the Russian group near Izium. This operation is THE big push by the Ukrainian military. Most of the heavier armored vehicles on the front seem to be from foreign countries. If the Ukrainian army is willing to throw all heavy reserves into this operation, as it seem to do, the Russian army will have a chance to give it a decisive blow. The alternative is to retreat to later fight elsewhere. The operation reminds of one that played out at the end of 1944. Operation Wacht am Rhein, also known as the Ardennes offensive or the battle of the bulge, was a large German attempt to encircle western allied forces in the Netherlands and Belgium. On the German side some 450,000 troops took part. The offensive failed when good weather set in which allowed allied air supremacy to attack German supply lines and when the German tanks simply ran out of gas. Will we see a small replay of it? Posted by b on September 10, 2022 at 6:51 UTC | Permalink Comments next page September 10, 2022 Ukraine - Russian Military Explains Its Withdrawal From The Izium Region Since September 4, when the Ukrainian operation north of Izium started, the Russia Defense Ministry had said nothing about the issue. Today it finally published a statement (machine translation): Statement by the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Defense In order to achieve the stated goals of the special military operation to liberate Donbass, a decision was made to regroup the Russian troops stationed in the Balakleya and Izyum regions to build up efforts in the Donetsk direction. To this end, within three days, an operation was carried out to curtail and organize the transfer of the Izyum-Balakley group of troops to the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic. During this operation, a number of distraction and demonstration activities were carried out with the designation of the real actions of the troops. In order to prevent damage to Russian troops, a powerful fire defeat was inflicted on the enemy using aviation, missile troops and artillery. Over three days, more than two thousand Ukrainian and foreign fighters were destroyed, as well as over a hundred units of armored vehicles and artillery. (Department of Information and Mass Communications of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation) Has that been the plan all along? In retrospect that seems likely. The Russian military must have know that the Ukrainian attack was coming. There was only light resistance against the Ukrainian attack. Major Russian units had already been moved out of the area. The region did not have any public priority in Russian planing. A larger fight would have cost many Russian soldier and civilian lives. So there were no cunning plans to surround the Ukrainian forces and no real disaster or success on either side. Well, that is at least what the Russian military says. It also fits to the known facts. There may be another reason why the Russian military did not want to fight for Izium. In May 1942, during the Second Battle of Kharkov, a Soviet counterattack on Nazi held Kharkov was defeated by two preplanned Nazi attacks south and north of Izium. bigger The names on the map will look familiar to those who have followed the current battle over the past days. The Soviet counterattack ended in a bloody defeat: On 17 May, the German 3rd Panzer Corps and XXXXIV Army Corps under the command of Fedor von Bock, supported by aircraft, arrived, enabling the Germans to launch Operation Fridericus, pushing back the Soviet Barvenkovo bridgehead to the south. On 18 May, [Marshal Semyon] Timoshenko requested permission to fall back, but Stalin rejected the request. On 19 May, Paulus launched a general offensive to the north as Bock's troops advanced in the south, thus attempting to surround the Soviets in the Izium salient. Realizing the risk of having entire armies surrounded, Stalin authorized the withdraw, but by that time the Soviet forces were already started to be closed in. On 20 May, the nearly surrounded Soviet forces mounted counteroffensives, but none of the attempts were successful in breaking through the German lines. The Soviets achieved some small victories on 21 and 22 May, but by 24 May, they were surrounded near Kharkov. ... The Second Battle of Kharkov resulted in an extremely costly loss to the Soviets, which saw 207,000 men killed, wounded, or captured; some estimates put the number as high as 240,000. Over 1,000 Soviet tanks were destroyed during this battle, as well as the loss of 57,000 horses. German losses were much smaller than the Soviets, with over 20,000 killed, wounded, or captured. Soviet General Georgy Zhukov later blamed this major defeat on Stalin, who underestimated German strength in the region and failed to prepare an adequate reserve force to counter the arrival of the German reinforcement that turned the tide. So it's on towards Donbas. Posted by b on September 10, 2022 at 15:46 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page RTHK: Kyiv claims 'astonishing' advances in east Ukraine Ukrainian forces said on Saturday they had entered Kupiansk in eastern Ukraine dislodging Russian troops from a key logistics hub in a lightning counter-offensive that has seen swathes of territory recaptured. The German foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, meanwhile arrived in the Ukrainian capital for a surprise visit, which she said was to demonstrate Berlin's support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia. Ukrainian special forces published images on social media showing camouflage-clad officers with automatic weapons "in Kupiansk". It "was and will always be Ukrainian," their statement said. The town of some 27,000 people, that sits on a crucial supply route for Russian forces in the east, fell within the first week after the Kremlin ordered its assault on Ukraine on February 24. Observers of the conflict expect Ukrainian forces to announce further gains in the Kharkiv region, which borders Russia, and has been either controlled by Russia or shelled by its artillery for months. There was no official confirmation that Kyiv's troops had also routed Russian forces from Iyzum an important staging ground for Russia's war effort with a pre-war population of around 45,000 people. But images flooding social media appeared to show Ukrainian forces within the city and Russian observers of the conflict said there were initial reports Moscow's army had already withdrawn. "Ukrainian troops are advancing in eastern Ukraine, liberating more cities and villages. Their courage coupled with Western military support brings astonishing results," foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said in a statement on social media. "It's crucial to keep sending arms to Ukraine. Defeating Russia on the battlefield means winning peace in Ukraine," he added. His assessment of the pace of the Ukrainian gains came after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced late on Friday that his troops had retaken some 30 towns and villages in the northeastern Kharkiv region as part of the sweep. Ukraine's push appears to have caught Russian troops largely off guard. The head of the Russian-installed administration of the Izyum told state news agency RIA Novosti that the situation in the region was "very difficult". "For the past two weeks, the city has been targeted by bombardments by Ukrainian forces... which is causing serious destruction and causing many deaths and injuries," Vladislav Sokolov told RIA Novosti. Moscow on Friday made the surprise announcement it was dispatching reinforcements to Kharkiv, with images on state media showing tanks and artillery and support vehicles moving in columns on dirt roads. The capture of urban hubs like Kupiansk and Izyum would be a significant blow to Russia's ability to effectively resupply positions on the eastern frontline and could see Russia pushed back from Kharkiv entirely. In one village captured by the advancing Ukrainians, electric pylons were toppled and cables lay across the ground and houses were gutted. "It was frightening," said 61-year-old Anatoli Vasiliev recalling the battle earlier this week that saw Ukrainian forces recapture the village from the Russians. "There were bombings and explosions everywhere." Ukrainian troops were also advancing along portions of the southern front line, a spokesperson said on Saturday, in some regions by dozens of kilometres, into territory captured by Russian troops at the beginning of the assault. Russian news agencies meanwhile reported six large explosions in Nova Kakhovka, a town held by Russian troops in the southern Kherson region. Baerbock was in Kyiv on Saturday for her second trip to Ukraine, which comes a week after Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal's trip to Berlin where he had repeated Kyiv's call for weapons. "I have travelled to Kyiv today to show that they can continue to rely on us. That we will continue to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary with deliveries of weapons, and with humanitarian and financial support," she said. Over the last weeks, Germany has sent howitzers, rocket launchers and anti-aircraft missiles to Kyiv, part of an arsenal of Western-supplied weapons that observers say have hurt Russia's supply and command abilities. Baerbock's visit comes on the heels of a trip from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken who promised a nearly US$3 billion military package for Ukraine. In a meeting in Brussels with Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Blinken said Russia's push to send reinforcements showed Moscow was paying "huge costs" in its bid to capture and then hold Ukrainian territory. However, Russian forces were still inflicting serious damage with a campaign of shelling in Kharkiv city and in the industrial region of Donbas in the east. Oleg Synegubov, the head of the Kharkiv region, said Russian shelling had left 14 civilians injured. Pavlo Kyrylenko, the head of the Donetsk region, which is part of Donbas, said Russian shelling had left two dead. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2022-09-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. New Delhi, Sep 10 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke over the phone with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Elizabeth Truss and congratulated her on assuming the office of the Prime Minister of UK. He also appreciated her contributions to the India-UK bilateral relationship in her previous roles as Trade Secretary and Foreign Secretary, the PMO said. Both leaders committed to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and UK. The two leaders discussed various issues of bilateral interest including the progress in the implementation of the Roadmap 2030, ongoing FTA negotiations, defence and security cooperation, and the people-to-people ties between both countries, the PMO added. On behalf of the people of India, Prime Minister Modi conveyed deep condolences to the Royal family and the people of UK on the sad demise of Queen Elizabeth II. UNI ASU SY GK Crude prices fell to lows not seen since the start of the year before regaining their footing, given a boost by a weakening dollar. West Texas Intermediate on the New York Mercantile Exchange rose three of four days in a holiday-shortened trading week and was almost able to overcome the $4.95 plunge seen Wednesday, when prices sank to $81.94 a barrel. Prices began the trading week edging up 1 cent to $86.88 and began clawing back Wednesdays drop by adding $1.60 Thursday. Prices added another $3.25 or 3.9 percent to end the week at $86.79, just below the $86.87 at last Fridays close. The posted price closed the week at $83.27, according to Plains All American. Natural gas prices suffered a down week, sinking 64 cents Tuesday to $8.145 per Mcf, followed by an additional 30-cent plunge Wednesday to $7.842 per Mcf. Prices began to recover, rising 7.3 cents Thursday and an additional 8 cents Friday to close at $7.996 per Mcf, down from $8.786 at last Fridays close. Thats still above the average of $5.16 per Mcf Henry Hub spot price the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported for last September and $1.96 in September 2020. Were delighted natural gas prices are strong, said Ken Waits, president and chief executive officer of Mewbourne Oil, which is drilling in southeastern New Mexico as well as Loving and Reeves counties in Texas. We produce a lot of associated gas, he observed while in Midland this week for a Midland Wildcat Committee reception honoring his company. He said the impact of the higher natural gas prices is that the company is more receptive to prospects with higher gas to oil (GOR) ratios. Edward Moya, senior market analyst, The Americas, with Oanda, wrote in his daily newsletter that oil prices are rallying on supply risks and perceptions the US dollar has tentatively peaked. Lately it has been mostly bad news for oil prices as demand concerns worsened given Chinas deteriorating COVID situation, a surprise jump in stockpiles, and on expectations world leaders will continue to exhaust emergency measures to send energy prices lower, he wrote. He noted that US. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said President Biden is considering the new releases from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Moya cited as a growing risk Russia President Putins threat to cut off all energy supplies as Ukraine recaptures territory. The risk of some supply disruptions over the next few months remains elevated and that should help oil prices stay above the $90 a barrel level, he wrote. The Energy Information Administration forecast in its September Short Term Energy Outlook that West Texas Intermediate should stay in the upper $80s through the end of 2023. The agency said the possibility of petroleum supply disruptions and slower-than-expected crude oil production growth continues to create the potential for higher oil prices, while the possibility of slower-than-forecast economic growth creates the potential for lower prices. The agency also forecast US crude production will average 11.8 million barrels per day in 2022 and 12.6 million barrels a day in 2023, which would set a record for the most U.S. crude oil production during a year. The current record is 12.3 million barrels a day, set in 2019. We estimate that crude oil prices will generally remain near August average levels through the end of 2023, the agency wrote in its outlook. Although the average crude oil prices are expected to mostly remain between $90 and $100 a barrel through next year, the possibility for significant volatility around those averages is high, the agency said in its outlook. It said recent events contributing to increased uncertainty in the crude oil market and in our forecast include: Rafael Aguilera The University of Texas Permian Basin will be showing off its College of Engineering at 11105 W. Highway 191 with an alumni reception Sept. 21. Those attending the reception will get to meet George Nnanna, dean and professor at the college and head of the Texas Water and Energy Institute at the college. Attendees will also hear about the latest projects underway at the college and have a chance to network with UTPB alumni and other professionals. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LONDON (AP) Prince William and wife Kate made a surprise joint appearance with Prince Harry and wife Meghan on Saturday, warmly greeting a large crowd gathered outside Windsor Castle to remember their long-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Their walkabout," the first time the brothers have appeared amicably together in public since March 2020, comes at a time when the younger generation of Britain's royal family must step up their responsibilities significantly. William, long second-in-line to the throne, is now the heir apparent after his father, King Charles III, became Britain's new monarch upon his mother's death. That means William and Kate, both 40 and parents of three young children, immediately assume a much more central role as the new face of the monarchy. William and Harry had been on frosty terms since Harry quit as a senior royal and moved to the U.S. two years ago. Their show of unity Saturday was reportedly initiated by William and left some observers hoping that Harry, 37, might return to the fray and support his elder brother in sharing the heavy workload now on Williams shoulders. Certainly William and Catherine, as the new Prince and Princess of Wales, will be even more in the media spotlight if thats possible, said Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine. Until Thursday, there was a buffer between him and the throne. That buffer has now been removed. Its a stark contrast to how thing were just two weeks ago, when William and Kate announced they were moving their family from central London to a more rural base in Windsor. Observers thought they were seeking more privacy and a more normal upbringing for their children, who just started a new year together at a private school. Long before he ascended to the throne, Charles indicated that he wanted a slimmed down monarchy with a tighter core group of full-time working royals and lower expenses. That was before Harry's move and before the princes' uncle, Prince Andrew, was effectively banished from public life following sexual misconduct scandals. Not many other recognizable working royals members of the royal family who officially represent the monarch were left to share the hundreds of official engagements and numerous overseas visits undertaken each year. The group includes Charles and his wife, Camilla, now the Queen Consort; William and Kate; the queens only daughter, Princess Anne; and the queens youngest child, Prince Edward, and his wife, Sophie. Also working royals, but much lesser known, are the queens first cousin, Prince Richard, and his wife, Birgitte. In his first speech to the nation, which was broadcast Friday, Charles formally bestowed his own title, the Prince of Wales, to William. Kate is now the Princess of Wales, and is the first person since Williams late mother, Princess Diana, to hold the title. William and Kate also inherit Charles and Camillas other honorary titles, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. That means managing and taking income from the Duchy of Cornwall, an estate comprising land across the U.K. that is reportedly worth 1 billion pounds. With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given, Charles said Friday. In his speech, Charles said he knows won't be able to devote as much time and energy to causes he cares most about, such as the environment and climate change. William will now likely spend more time championing those topics. He already made his mark by founding the Earthshot Prize, an ambitious legacy project expected to hand out millions of pounds in grants for environmental initiatives over the next 10 years. It will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real, William wrote in a statement Saturday. I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can. Charles also spoke briefly of Harry in his address to the nation, expressing his "love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas. Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, moved away from the U.K. to seek financial independence and freedom from severe British media scrutiny into their lives. The couple is now settled in California with their two young children. Both Harry and Meghan repeatedly have aired their unhappiness with the royals since their departure. Those tensions were put aside Saturday, as the two princes and their wives arrived in the same car to greet people who pressed against road barriers outside the gates of Windsor Castle. Each royal stopped to speak to both children and adults, accepting flowers and condolences from an excited crowd. It was so beautiful to see. I felt so emotional and I felt the queen would have loved it," said Banita Ranow, 28. Her mother, Baljinder, said the visit was fabulous." I just hope in the future they remain like that and that the brothers come together," she said. ___ Follow AP stories on Queen Elizabeth IIs death and other stories about the British monarchy at https://apnews.com/hub/queen-elizabeth-ii This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate TORONTO (AP) King Charles III was officially proclaimed Canadas monarch Saturday in a ceremony in Ottawa. Charles automatically became king when Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday. But like the ceremony in the United Kingdom hours earlier, the accession ceremony in Canada is a key constitutional and ceremonial step in introducing the new monarch to the country. Charles is now is the head of state in Canada, which is a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies. Canada has enjoyed a long history and a close friendship with His Majesty King Charles III, who has visited our country many times over the years," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement. On behalf of the Government of Canada, we affirm our loyalty to Canadas new King, His Majesty King Charles III, and offer him our full support. Visits by Charles over the years have attracted sparse crowds. Though Canadians are somewhat indifferent to the monarchy, many had great affection for Elizabeth, whose silhouette marks their coins. She was the head of state for 45% of Canadas existence and visited the country 22 times as monarch. Overall, the antiroyal movement in Canada is minuscule, meaning that Charles will almost certainly remain king of Canada. One reason is that abolishing the monarchy would mean changing the constitution. Thats an inherently risky undertaking, given how delicately it is engineered to unite a nation of 37 million people that embraces English-speakers, French-speakers, Indigenous tribes and a constant flow of new immigrants. Politically, I think there is no appetite for any kind of constitutional upheaval, said Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto. Trudeau attended the ceremony where the Chief Herald of Canada read the proclamation on the accession of the new sovereign. Also taking part was Governor General Mary Simon, who is the representative of the British monarch as head of state, a mostly ceremonial and symbolic position. She is an Inuk and is the first Indigenous person to hold the position. A 28-member band of the Canadian Armed Forces played God Save the King during a 21-run gun salute. Canadas national anthem marked the end of the ceremony. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stressed his country will never abandon the nuclear weapons it needs to counter the United States, which he accused of pushing to weaken the Norths defenses and eventually collapse his government, state media said Friday. Kim made the comments during a speech Thursday at North Koreas rubber-stamp parliament, where members passed legislation governing the use of nuclear weapons, which Kim described as a step to cement the countrys nuclear status and make clear such weapons will not be bargained. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's office said he was deeply concerned about the new law, and noted that the North's pursuit of a nuclear weapons program continues to disregard the resolutions of the Security Council to cease such activities. The Secretary-General reiterates his call to the DPRK to resume dialogue with the key parties concerned with a view to achieving sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Guterress office said in a statement, using an acronym for the North's formal name. The new law spells out conditions where North would be inclined to use its nuclear weapons, including when it determines that its leadership is facing an imminent nuclear or non-nuclear attack by hostile forces. The law requires North Koreas military to automatically execute nuclear strikes against enemy forces, including their starting point of provocation and the command, if Pyongyangs leadership comes under attack. The law also says North Korea could use nukes to prevent an unspecified catastrophic crisis to its government and people, a loose definition that experts say reflect an escalatory nuclear doctrine that could create greater concerns for neighbors. Kim also criticized South Korea over its plans to expand its conventional strike capabilities and revive large-scale military exercises with the United States to counter the Norths growing threats, describing them as a dangerous military action that raises tensions. Kim has made increasingly provocative threats of nuclear conflict toward the United States and its allies in Asia, also warning that the North would proactively use its nuclear weapons when threatened. His latest comments underscored the growing animosity in the region as he accelerates the expansion of his nuclear weapons and missiles program. The purpose of the United States is not only to remove our nuclear might itself, but eventually forcing us to surrender or weaken our rights to self-defense through giving up our nukes, so that they could collapse our government at any time, Kim said in the speech published by the Norths official Korean Central News Agency. Let them sanction us for 100 days, 1,000 days, 10 years or 100 years, Kim said. We will never give up our rights to self-defense that preserves our countrys existence and the safety of our people just to temporarily ease the difficulties we are experiencing now. Kim also addressed domestic issues, saying North Korea would begin its long-delayed rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in November. He didnt specify how many doses it would have, where they would come from, or how they would be administered across his population of 26 million people. GAVI, the nonprofit that runs the U.N.-backed COVAX distribution program, said in June it understood North Korea had accepted an offer of vaccines from China. GAVI said at the time the specifics of the offer were unclear. North Korea rejected previous offers by COVAX, likely because of international monitoring requirements, and has also ignored U.S. and South Korean offers of vaccines and other COVID-19 aid. Kim last month declared victory over COVID-19 and ordered preventive measures eased just three months after his government for the first time acknowledged an outbreak. Experts believe the North's disclosures on its outbreak are manipulated to help Kim maintain absolute control. The North Korean report about Kims speech came a day after South Korea extended its latest olive branch, proposing a meeting with North Korea to resume temporary reunions of aging relatives separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, which were last held in 2018. Experts say its highly unlikely North Korea would accept the Souths offer considering the stark deterioration in inter-Korean ties amid the stalemate in larger nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang. The U.S.-North Korean diplomacy derailed in 2019 over disagreements in exchanging the release of crippling sanctions against the North and the Norths denuclearization steps. Kim was combative toward South Korea in Thursdays speech and urged his country to expand the operational roles of its tactical nuclear weapons and accelerate their deployment to strengthen the countrys war deterrent. Those comments appeared to align with a ruling party decision in June to approve unspecified new operational duties for front-line troops, which analysts say likely include plans to deploy battlefield nuclear weapons targeting rival South Korea along their tense border. Cheong Seong Chang, a senior analyst at South Koreas Sejong Institute, said Kims comments and the new North Korean law amount to a warning that it would launch immediate nuclear strikes on the United States and South Korea if they ever attempt to decapacitate Pyongyangs leadership. The North is also communicating a threat that it could use its nuclear weapons during conflicts with South Koreas conventional forces, which would raise the risk of accidental clashes escalating into a nuclear crisis, Cheong said. North Korea has been speeding its development of nuclear-capable, short-range missiles that can target South Korea since 2019. Experts say its rhetoric around those missiles communicates a threat to proactively use them in warfare to blunt the stronger conventional forces of South Korea and the United States. About 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in the South to deter aggression from the North. The U.S.-led diplomatic push to defuse the nuclear standoff has been further complicated by an intensifying U.S.-China rivalry and Russias war on Ukraine, which deepened the divide in the U.N. Security Council, where Beijing and Moscow have blocked U.S. efforts to tighten sanctions on Pyongyang over its revived long-range missile tests this year. Kim has dialed up weapons tests to a record pace in 2020, launching more than 30 ballistic weapons, including the first demonstrations of his intercontinental ballistic missiles since 2017. U.S. and South Korean officials say Kim may up the ante soon by ordering the Norths first nuclear test in five years as he pushes a brinkmanship aimed at forcing Washington to accept the idea of the North as a nuclear power and negotiating concessions from a position of strength. Experts say Kim is also trying to strengthen his leverage by strengthening his cooperation with China and Russia in an emerging partnership aimed at undercutting U.S. influence. North Korea has repeatedly blamed the United States for the crisis in Ukraine, saying the Wests hegemonic policy justified Russian military actions in Ukraine to protect itself. U.S. officials said this week the Russians are in the process of purchasing North Korean ammunition, including artillery shells and rockets, to ease their supply shortages in the war against Ukraine. North Korea also has joined Russia and Syria as the only nations to recognize the independence of two pro-Russia breakaway territories in eastern Ukraine and has discussed send its construction workers to those regions to work on rebuilding. One Russian officer killed in attack in Kursk region near Ukrainian border Moscow, Sep 10 (UNI) One law enforcement officer was wounded and later died as a result of an attack on the Russian National Guard personnel in the Sudzhansky district of the Kursk region bordering with Ukraine, the Russian Investigative Committee said on Saturday. "According to available data, yesterday, in the Sudzhansky district of the Kursk region, there was an attack by unknown persons on Rosgvardia [Russian National Guard] officers who were carrying out operational and investigative activities. As a result, one of the law enforcement officers was wounded and subsequently died in a medical facility," the committee said in a statement. Russian investigative chief Alexander Bastrykin, instructed the Main Investigative Department to investigate what happened and establish those involved in the crime, the committee added. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate PARIS French President Emmanuel Macron turned his attention from the new head of state to the new head of government on Saturday evening. He sent condolences to Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss and said that ties between France and the United Kingdom have long roots in history. In the future, we shall strengthen them, Macron said in a tweet. He added: Our support for Ukraine, as well as food and energy security will be among our shared priorities. ___ KEY DEVELOPMENTS: Whats next for the UK as Queen Elizabeth II laid to rest Whats in a name? King Charles IIIs name has loaded history King Charles III is officially proclaimed monarch in London What will happen to all the currencies that feature the queen? Live Updates: Prime Minister Liz Truss, other lawmakers vow loyalty to king Explainer: The formal rules around Charles' accession - Mourners in the street: Sincere grief flows out across Britain Will Charles be loved by his subjects, like his mother was? A constant in my life: World mourns Queen Elizabeth II Camilla becomes Queen Consort after a long, twisting road Find more AP coverage here: https://apnews.com/hub/queen-elizabeth-ii ___ OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: Wearing black armbands, test cricketers from England and South Africa held a minutes silence before a bell was chimed once by a high-ranking member of the military at the Oval. Over to the west of London, golfers from around the world paused their rounds and other pros, officials and caddies gathered on the putting green in front of the first tee at Wentworth to hold a two-minute period of silence, also impeccably observed. There were moving and respectful tributes to Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday as sports resumed in Britain following a nationwide shutdown Friday as a mark of respect for the monarch of more than 70 years who died at the age of 96 on Thursday. Professional and grassroots soccer including the Premier League decided to call off all matches this weekend to give an opportunity for participants to mourn the queens passing. International cricket and golf returned, though, as did English domestic rugby, on the back of guidance from the government that stated there was no obligation on sports organizations to cancel or reschedule events during the nations period of mourning. ___ Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, have joined Prince William and his wife Kate at Windsor Castle to view floral tributes left by the public in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. The two princes and their wives took time to study the bouquets before waving at crowds of wellwishers pressed against road barriers outside the gates of Windsor Castle on Saturday. William and Kate were seen shaking hands and speaking with members of the public. It was the two couples first public appearance since the queen died on Thursday. ___ LONDON Palace officials say the state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II will take place on Sept. 19 at Westminster Abbey in London after the public gets an opportunity to pay their last respects to the monarch. Elizabeth, the nations longest-reigning sovereign, died Thursday at her summer retreat in the Scottish Highlands. Details on the 96-year old queens funeral will be released later, but organizers on Saturday described the ceremony as a a fitting farewell to one of the defining figures of our times. Palace officials said there would be opportunities to see the late sovereigns oak coffin as it journeys from Balmoral Castle in Scotland to Edinburgh and again in London, where her body will lie in state for four days starting Wednesday. ___ LONDON Prince William has has made his first statement about the death of Queen Elizabeth II, saying it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real. William, who is now heir to the throne behind his father King Charles III, said in a statement Saturday the queen was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. William, the Prince of Wales, said the late queen provide an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all. ___ OTTAWA, Ontario King Charles III has been officially announced as Canadas monarch Saturday in a ceremony in Ottawa. Charles automatically became king when Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday. But like the ceremony in the United Kingdom hours earlier, the accession ceremony Saturday in Canada is a key constitutional and ceremonial step in introducing the new monarch to the country. Charles is now is the head of state in Canada, a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies. Though Canadians are somewhat indifferent to the monarchy, many had great affection for the late Queen Elizabeth II, whose silhouette marks their coins. Overall, the antiroyal movement in Canada is minuscule, meaning that Charles will almost certainly remain king of Canada. One reason is that abolishing the monarchy would mean changing the constitution. Thats an inherently risky undertaking, given how delicately it is engineered to unite a nation of 37 million that embraces English-speakers, French-speakers, Indigenous tribes and a constant flow of new immigrants. ___ BALMORAL CASTLE, Scotland Members of the royal family have stopped to take in a sea of floral tributes left by the public outside the gates of Balmoral Castle in Scotland after attending a prayer service nearby. Queen Elizabeth IIs three youngest children Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward as well as their families greeted a crowd of people who gathered Saturday to line the route outside the castle. Princess Eugenie, Andrews daughter, was seen laying a bunch of flowers, while the rest of the family took time to read the many tributes to the queen. The tribute came two days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the same day that her eldest son King Charles III was officially proclaimed Britains monarch. ___ LONDON Prime Minister Liz Truss and senior members of her government have taken oaths of loyalty to King Charles III in the House of Commons. House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle was the first to pledge he will bear true allegiance to his Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, followed by the longest-serving lawmakers and the prime minister. All lawmakers pledge allegiance to the monarch after they are elected. Making a new vow when the monarch changes is not a legal requirement, but all 650 lawmakers will have a chance to retake the oath in the coming days if they wish. Normal parliamentary business has been suspended during a period of mourning for the queen. The House of Commons is holding a rare Saturday session so that lawmakers can pay tribute to the late monarch. ___ A royal official has publicly proclaimed King Charles III as Britains new monarch during a ceremony at St. Jamess Palace. David White, the Garter King of Arms, read the proclamation from a balcony at the London royal residence flanked by trumpeters in gold-trimmed robes. Gun salutes rang out in Hyde Park, at the Tower of London and at military sites around the U.K. as the proclamation was made. Scarlet-robed soldiers in the palace courtyard presented arms and doffed their bearskin hats in a royal salute. ___ LONDON King Charles III has declared that the day of his mothers funeral will be a public holiday. Charles approved the decision during his formal accession ceremony on Saturday. The date of Queen Elizabeth IIs state funeral has not been announced but is expected to be around Sept, 19. This will be the second extra public holiday for Britons this year a holiday was declared in early June for celebrations to mark Elizabeths platinum jubilee, for 70 years on the throne. ___ LONDON King Charles III has been officially announced as Britains monarch Saturday, in a ceremony steeped in ancient tradition and political symbolism and, for the first time, broadcast live. Charles automatically became king when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died on Thursday, but Saturdays accession ceremony is a key constitutional and ceremonial step in introducing the new monarch to the country. The ceremony at St. Jamess Palace, a royal residence in London, is attended by the Accession Council, made up of senior politicians and officials who advise the monarch. They met without Charles, officially confirming his title, King Charles III. The king will then join them to make a series of oaths and declarations. Its the first time the ceremony has been held since 1952, when Queen Elizabeth II took the throne. ELK MILLS, Md. (AP) Two parents and their three children were found fatally shot at a Maryland home, authorities said Saturday. Autopsies confirmed that all five family members died from gunshot wounds, the Cecil County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. An unnamed man had called 911 on Friday morning from the Elk Mills home to report that a woman and three children had been shot and were dead, the sheriff's office said. The parents were identified as Marcus Edward Milligan, 39, and Tara Devina Ricker Milligan, 37. Their two daughters and son were identified as Teresa Milligan, 14; Nora Milligan, 11; and Finn Milligan, 8. An earlier news release didn't specify that the two adults found in the home were the children's parents. Investigators found a handgun near the fathers body, according to the sheriff's office. The shooting remained under investigation on Saturday. A sheriff's office spokesman, Lt. Michael Holmes, declined to elaborate on the circumstances of the shooting. I can say theres no threat to the public currently, Holmes said. The spokesman wouldnt address whether they believe the deceased father is the same man who called 911 from the home. The shooting occurred on a cul-de-sac in an area of residential streets interspersed with wooded areas about 60 miles (97 kilometers) northeast of Baltimore and a few miles west of the Delaware state line. Its a horrific day, and I know everybodys prayers are appreciated," Sheriff Scott Adams said on Friday. My phone hasnt stopped ringing from people concerned about this and upset about this. The sheriff didn't provide a possible motive for the shooting. He said that his office has no records of deputies responding to calls at the house. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The following are being sought on arrest warrants, according to various sheriffs departments. The addresses listed are the last known addresses provided by the warrants and may be outdated. Korbin A. Smith, 30, of 925 N. East St. is being sought on a warrant accusing him of violating probation on a charge of possession of methamphetamine. He is a white male standing 6 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. Tarus J. Johnson, 47, of 1621 Lakeview Terrace is being sought on a warrant accusing him of two counts of possession of methamphetamine. He is a Black male standing 5 foot 11 and weighing 185 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. Morgan County Sheriff VANDALISM The tires were slashed on a vehicle in the 200 block of Elevator Avenue, according to a report filed at 2:10 p.m. Thursday. Jacksonville Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS A 16-year-old boy was arrested at 2:26 p.m. Friday at Jacksonville High School, 1211 N. Diamond St., on a charge of resisting a peace officer. He also was cited on a disorderly conduct charge Tre H. Tollefson, 20, of 613 Prairie St. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 4:33 p.m. Thursday on a charge of criminal damage to property. THEFTS, BURGLARIES A man stole two bottles of Mountain Dew and a bottle of liquid detergent from Jiffi Stop at 841 W. Morton Ave. about 12:17 a.m. Friday. A bicycle was stolen about 5 p.m. Thursday from a residence in the 400 block of South East Street. VANDALISM A residence in the 600 block of Northwood Lane was damaged between Wednesday and about 12:34 p.m. Friday. A window was broken Wednesday or Thursday at a residence in the 800 block of West State Street, according to a report filed at 8:56 a.m. Friday. South Jacksonville Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Kensey R. Mesey, 29, of 352 Main St., White Hall, was arrested at 4:22 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine and improper lane use after the car she was driving was stopped in the 1900 block of South Main Street. A passenger in the vehicle, Brandon E. Ford, 28, of 1537 Alsey-Manchester Road, Roodhouse, was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Pike County Sheriff ARRESTS, CITATIONS Julie A. Templeton, 62, of Plainville was arrested Sept. 2 on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of adult-use cannabis in a motor vehicle, driving under the influence and improper lane use after the car she was driving was stopped on Illinois Route 106 west of Hull. Carmella I. Birchum, 38, and James M. Gardiner, 53, both of Hull, were arrested about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia after deputies were called about a disturbance in the 600 block of Elm Street in Hull. Compiled by David C.L. Bauer This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday toured Pakistan's flood-ravaged Sindh and Baluchistan provinces a day after saying the world is obligated to provide massive" amounts of relief to the impoverished country. Guterres was on the second day of a two-day visit to Pakistan, which has been devastated by months of heavy monsoon rains and flooding. At least 1,396 people have been killed, 12,728 injured and millions left homeless. The waters also destroyed road and communications infrastructure. Guterres toured flood-affected areas of the district of Sukkur in southern Sindh province and Osta Mohammad in southwest Baluchistan province some of the worst affected areas of the country. Pakistan needs today massive financial support to overcome this crisis, he said. This is not a matter of generosity, this is a matter of justice. Miles of cotton and sugarcane crops, banana orchards and vegetable fields in the two provinces were submerged in floodwaters. Thousands of mud and brick homes caved in under the deluge leaving people homeless and sheltering in tents alongside damaged roads. Guterres' comments came after he was briefed by chief minister of Sindh province Murad Ali Shah on the destruction in his province. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and some of his Cabinet members accompanied the U.N.'s top official during his visit. Pakistan has suffered under extremely heavy monsoon rains which started early this year in mid-June. Experts have blamed global warming for the early start and the heavier than normal rains. Humanity has been waging war on nature and nature strikes back, Guterres said. We need to stop the madness which we played with nature." Guterres expressed solidarity with the Pakistani people and said the U.N. will use its limited resources to help and request that those who have the capacity to support Pakistan, do it now and do it massively. So far, U.N. agencies and several countries have sent nearly 60 planeloads of aid, and authorities say the United Arab Emirates has been one of the most generous contributors, sending 26 flights carrying aid for flood victims. Since June, the heavy rains and floods have added a new level of grief to cash-strapped Pakistan and highlighted the disproportionate effect of climate change on impoverished populations. Experts say Pakistan is responsible for only 0.4% of the worlds historic emissions that are blamed for climate change. The U.S. is responsible for 21.5%, China for 16.5% and the European Union for 15%. The U.N. chief also visited camps for displaced flood victims in Larkana district. Guterres was briefed there by officials about the situation and threat to the protected archeological sites of Mohenjo Daro - among the earliest ruins of human civilization. DALLAS (AP) A Dallas-area man was sentenced to 60 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to filming himself raping a 7-year-old girl, authorities said Friday. Mark Allen Miller, of Rowlett, was sentenced Thursday by a federal judge in Dallas after pleading guilty to two counts of producing child pornography, the U.S. attorneys office for the northern district of Texas said in a statement. Miller, 35, was arrested on Jan. 12 after the girls father, with whom Miller was staying, said he walked in on Miller raping the girl, who was 9 years old at the time. Miller admitted to police that he had been molesting the girl for years, the prosecution statement said. The father told investigators that he and Miller had been friends for more than a decade and that Miller was staying overnight at their home. The father heard a noise and went to check on it. When he saw that Miller wasnt in the living room where hed been sleeping, the father rushed to his daughters room and found Miller raping her. The father held Miller at gunpoint until police arrived. A forensic analysis of Millers electronic devices revealed that he had produced at least five videos and 132 images of child pornography involving the victim dating back two years, to when she was 7. During the sentencing hearing, a Rockwall Police Department forensic analyst testified that Millers electronic devices contained more than 8,000 sexually explicit images of other children. 5 dead after New Zealand boat flips in possible whale strike View Photo WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Five people died Saturday in New Zealand after the small charter boat they were aboard capsized, authorities say, in what may have been a collision with a whale. Another six people aboard the boat were rescued. Police said the 8.5-meter (28-foot) boat overturned near the South Island town of Kaikoura. Police said they were continuing to investigate the cause of the accident. Kaikoura Police Sergeant Matt Boyce described it as a devastating and unprecedented event. Our thoughts are with everyone involved, including the victims and their families, their local communities, and emergency services personnel, Boyce said. He said police divers had recovered the bodies of all those who had died. He said all six survivors were assessed to be in stable condition at a local health center, with one transferred to a hospital in the city of Christchurch as a precaution. Kaikoura Mayor Craig Mackle told The Associated Press that the water was dead calm at the time of the accident and the assumption was that a whale had surfaced from beneath the boat. He said there were some sperm whales in the area and also some humpback whales traveling through. He said locals had helped with the rescue efforts throughout the day but the mood in the town was somber because the water was so cold and they feared for the outcome of anybody who had fallen overboard. Mackle said hed thought in the past about the possibility of a boat and whale colliding, given the number of whales that frequent the region. It always plays on your mind that it could happen, he said, adding that he hadnt heard about any previous such accidents. Mackle said the boat was a charter vessel typically used for fishing excursions. News agency Stuff reported the passengers belonged to a bird enthusiasts group. Police said they were still notifying the relatives of those who died, and couldnt yet publicly name the victims. Vanessa Chapman told Stuff she and a group of friends had watched the rescue efforts unfold from Goose Bay, near Kaikoura. She said that when she arrived at a lookout spot, she could see a person sitting atop an overturned boat waving their arms. She said two rescue helicopters and a third local helicopter were circling before two divers jumped out. She told Stuff that the person atop the boat was rescued and a second person appeared to have been pulled from the water. Kaikoura is a popular whale-watching destination. The seafloor drops away precipitously from the coast, making for deep waters close to the shore. A number of businesses offer boat trips or helicopter rides so tourists can see whales, dolphins and other sea creatures up close. Compliance agency Maritime New Zealand said it sent two investigators to the scene and would be conducting a thorough investigation once recovery operations had concluded. Principal Investigator Tracy Phillips said the agency offers its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the people who have died. By NICK PERRY Associated Press Queen Elizabeth is featured on several currencies. Now what? Queen Elizabeth is featured on several currencies. Now what? View Photo LONDON (AP) Queen Elizabeth II has been depicted on British banknotes and coins for decades. Her portrait also has been featured on currencies in dozens of other places around the world, in a reminder of the British empires colonial reach. So what happens next after her death this week? It will take time for the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries to swap out the monarchs on their money. Heres a look at what is next for the paper cash featuring the late queen : SWITCHING MONARCHS The queens portrait on British notes and coins is expected to be replaced by a likeness of the new King Charles III, but it wont be immediate. Current banknotes featuring the image of Her Majesty The Queen will continue to be legal tender, the Bank of England said. An announcement on existing paper money issued by the U.K.s central bank will be made after the official 10-day mourning period has ended, it said. The Royal Mint, which is the official maker of British coins, said all coins with her portrait remain legal tender and in circulation, with more information to come later. As we respect this period of respectful mourning, we continue to strike coins as usual, the Royal Mint said on its website. With 4.7 billion U.K. banknotes worth 82 billion pounds ($95 billion) in circulation and about 29 billion coins, British money bearing the queens image will likely be in circulation for years. Rather than all of the current coins and notes being handed in, the process will be a gradual one and many of the coins featuring portraits of Queen Elizabeth II will remain in circulation for many years to come, according to Coin Expert, a British coin research website. After Charles takes the crown at his coronation, a new portrait will need to be taken to use on redesigned notes and coins, the website said. Coins featuring him will show him facing to the left, replacing the queens rightward gaze in line with tradition dating to the 17th century. It dictates monarchs be shown in profile and in opposite direction to their predecessors. WHAT ABOUT OTHER COUNTRIES? Other nations currencies that feature the queen from Australian, Canadian and Belizean dollars also will be updated with the new monarch, but the process could take longer, because it is much easier to enforce a new design in the country where it originates, rather than in other countries where different jurisdiction may take place, the Coin Expert website said. The Bank of Canada said its current $20 banknote, made of synthetic polymer, is designed to circulate for years to come. There is no legislative requirement to change the design within a prescribed period when the Monarch changes, the Bank of Canada said. In general, when a new portrait subject is chosen for Canadian money, the process begins with drawing up a fresh design, and a new note is ready to be issued a few years later, the bank said. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand said it will issue all of its stock of coins depicting the queen before new ones go out with Charles image. The queen also is featured on the $20 bill, which is made infrequently and there is no plan to destroy stock or shorten the life of existing banknotes just because they show the Queen, the bank said. It will be several years before we need to introduce coins featuring King Charles the Third, and longer until stocks of $20 notes are exhausted, it added. THE QUEENS CURRENCY She first appeared on money when she was still a princess. That was in 1935, when Canadas $20 bill featured 8-year-old Princess Elizabeth, whose grandfather King George V was then the monarch, as part of a new series of notes. Canadian $20 bills were updated with a new portrait of the queen in 1954, a year after her coronation, and her portrait also started appearing on other currencies around the world, mainly British colonies and Commonwealth countries. British bills didnt get her image until 1960 seven years after her coronation. Thats when the Bank of England was granted permission to use her likeness on paper money, starting with the 1-pound note, though the formal and regal image was criticized for being too severe and unrealistic. She became the first monarch to be depicted on British banknotes. British coins, meanwhile, have featured kings and queens for more than 1,000 years. CURRENCIES OUTSIDE THE U.K. At one time, Queen Elizabeth II appeared on at least 33 different currencies, more than any other monarch, an achievement noted by Guinness World Records. Her image is still featured on money in places where she remains a beloved figure, such as Canada, and continue to incorporate the Union Jack into their flags, like Australia and New Zealand. Shes also found on notes and coins issued by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the monetary authority for a group of small nations including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Other places have long stopped putting her face on their currency. After Jamaica gained independence from Britain in 1962, its central bank replaced the queen on paper notes with portraits of national heroes such as Marcus Garvey. Notes in the Seychelles now feature local wildlife instead of the queen. Bermuda did a similar revamp, though the queen retains a minor position on bills. Trinidad and Tobago swapped in a coat of arms after it became a republic. Hong Kong dollars issued after Britain handed its colony back to Beijing in 1997 feature Chinese dragons and skyscrapers on the Asian financial centers skyline. ___ Follow AP coverage of Queen Elizabeth II at https://apnews.com/hub/queen-elizabeth-ii By KELVIN CHAN AP Business Writer Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Phillip visit Yosemite National Park in March 1983 View Photo Yosemite, CA Yosemite National Park reflects on a royal visit as people around the world mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. In March 1983, she became the first English monarch to visit Yosemite. Accompanied by her husband, Prince Phillip, they stayed at The Ahwahnee. Park officials detailed that she was accompanied by rangers and Superintendent Bob Binnewies as they took in the views and stopped at Inspiration Point, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, Tunnel View, and Yosemite Chapel. It was noted that the Queen even attended services at the chapel. Cameras could be heard clicking as park visitors, held back by rope, tried to get a glimpse of the Queen. Park officials reminisced that the queen was also presented a basket by renowned basket-weaver and cultural demonstrator, Julia Parker. She also received an Ansel Adams print of Half Dome, presented to her by his son. Reflecting on the visit, park officials stated, Visitors come to Yosemite with the purpose of recreation and relaxation regardless of their backgrounds, status, or views. The majestic granite peaks, peaceful meadows, singing birds, impressive waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views greet all who venture here. Queen Elizabeth II, and many who travel here for the first time, experience the unforgettable beauty and power of nature. Taliban close girls schools in east that had briefly opened View Photo ISLAMABAD (AP) Taliban authorities Saturday shut down girls schools above the sixth grade in eastern Afghanistans Paktia province, according to witnesses and social media posts. The schools had briefly opened after a recommendation by tribal elders and school principals. Earlier this month, four girls schools above grade 6 in Gardez, the provincial capital, and one in the Samkani district began operating without formal permission from the Taliban Education Ministry. On Saturday, all five schools were once again closed by the Taliban. Dozens of tearful former students some in head-to-toe burqas, others in school uniforms and white vails protested Saturday in the streets of Gardez, according to social media posts. Mohammad Sediq, a resident of Gardez, said he had been happy that his two sisters could go to school, but the Taliban disappointed him by closing the girls schools. Taliban government spokespersons and Education Ministry officials were not immediately available for comment. A year after the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, teenage girls are still barred from school and women are required to cover themselves from head to toe in public, with only their eyes showing. Hard-liners appear to hold sway in the Taliban-led government, which imposed severe restrictions on access to education and jobs for girls and women, despite initial promises to the contrary. Former president Hamid Karzai in a series of tweets on World Literacy Day on Thursday, encouraged respected clerics, elders and influential Afghans to encourage the education of our children, both boys and girls, as much as possible, Last week, Khaliqyar Ahmadzai, head of information and culture in Paktia, told local media that schools for female students above grade 6 had been reopened in the province. The decision was made by local school leadership and not based on an official order, he said. Since taking power, the Taliban have struggled to govern and remain internationally isolated. An economic downturn has driven millions more Afghans into poverty and hunger as the flow of foreign aid has slowed to a trickle. By RAHIM FAIEZ Associated Press TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) Another U.S. congressional delegation is visiting Taiwan as tensions with China remain high over its claims to the self-governed island. A steady stream of U.S. visitors has come to meet with Taiwanese officials since U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited in early August. China in response has stepped up its military harassment of Taiwan, sending warships, warplanes and drones toward the island daily. Led by Florida Democrat Stephanie Murphy, the delegation met Thursday with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, whose administration China has relentlessly sought to deprive of diplomatic recognition and participation in international organizations. Referring to China's military threats, Tsai said the delegation's visit conveys rock solid support for Taiwan from the U.S. Congress." Taiwan will not bow to pressure or coercion," Tsai said. We will defend our democratic institutions and way of life. Taiwan will not back down." Murphy replied that Congress should advocate for greater Taiwanese participation in international organizations." Taiwan has shown itself to be a responsible member of the international community, especially in public health issues, and it deserves to participate in international fora when appropriate," she said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Thursday said China strongly rejects and deplores" the congressional visit, saying it violates the U.S. commitment to the one-China policy" that forbids formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. We will continue to take strong measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Mao said at a daily briefing. Under the U.S. system of separation of powers, the executive branch of government has no legal right to prevent members of Congress from visiting Taiwan. China has repeatedly refused to recognize that principle. Mao also cautioned Japan not to allow a Taiwanese government official to attend an official funeral for ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. China strongly protested after Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te paid his respects at Abes Tokyo residence following his assassination in July. Japan should ... not provide the Taiwan independence force any platforms for political manipulation, Mao said. Throughout his political career, Abe was a strong supporter of Taiwan, a Japanese colony for 50 years until the end of World War II which maintains close political, economic and social ties with Japan. Murphy, who was born in Ho Chi Minh City to Vietnamese parents, is among lawmakers who introduced a bill that would allow the U.S. to lend weapons to support Taiwan, similar to a bill that was passed to lend weapons to Ukraine. Last week, the Biden administration approved a $1 billion arms sale to Taiwan. Murphy also said deepening economic relations with Taiwan was one of the most important things Congress can do right now," particularly by pushing for a high-quality free trade agreement" between the sides. Negotiations are underway between the Biden and Tsai administrations on a trade pact. The other American lawmakers visiting are Hawaii Democrat Kaialii Kahele and Republicans Scott Franklin of Florida, Joe Wilson of South Carolina, Andy Barr of Kentucky, Darrell Issa of California, Claudia Tenney of New York and Kat Cammack of Florida. Pelosi was the highest-level member of the U.S. government to visit Taiwan in 25 years. China responded by holding extended military exercises that included firing missiles over the island and sending ships across the midline of the Taiwan Strait, which was long a buffer between the two sides. Some of the missiles landed in Japans exclusive economic zone. China sees high-level foreign visits to the island as interference in its affairs and de facto recognition of Taiwanese sovereignty. Chinas recent military drills were seen by some as a rehearsal of future military action against the island, which U.S. military leaders say could come within the next few years. In Beijing on Wednesday, Mao said China's opposition to defense cooperation between Washington and Taipei is consistent and clear." We will resolutely respond to acts that undermine Chinas sovereignty and security and interfere in our internal affairs," Mao told reporters at a daily briefing, without giving details. Following Pelosis trip, a U.S. senator and another congressional delegation visited Taiwan, as well as officials from Japan and Palau. Governors from Arizona and Indiana made visits with a focus on semiconductors, an industry which Taiwanese companies dominate. ___ This story was first published September 8, 2022. It was updated September 10, 2022, to correct the birthplace of Stephanie Murphy. She was born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, not Hanoi. WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Saturday, September 10, 2022 _____ AIR QUALITY ALERT ...OZONE ACTION DAY... The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued an Ozone Action Day for the Dallas-Fort Worth area for Saturday, September 10, 2022. Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone air pollution in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Saturday. You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking, riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive-through lanes, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned. For more information on ozone: Ozone: The Facts (www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/ozonefacts) Air North Texas: (www.airnorthtexas.org) EPA Air Now (www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action.local_state&STATEID=45&TAB=0) Take care of Texas (www.takecareoftexas.org) North Central Texas Council of Governments Air Quality (www.nctcog.org/trans/air/index.asp) The National Weather Service in Corpus Christi has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Western Nueces County in south central Texas... Central San Patricio County in south central Texas... * Until 530 PM CDT. * At 442 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Edroy, or 10 miles southwest of Sinton, moving southwest at 15 mph. HAZARD...Half dollar size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Damage to vehicles is expected. * Locations impacted include... Robstown, Sinton, Odem, San Patricio, Edroy, Bluntzer, Banquete, West Sinton, Annaville, Calallen, Agua Dulce, Petronila and North San Pedro. This includes the following highways... Interstate 37 between mile markers 10 and 27. US Highway 77 between mile markers 648 and 676. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will send your report to the National Weather Service office in Corpus Christi. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW YORK (AP) Bernard Shaw, former CNN anchor and a pioneering Black journalist remembered for his blunt question at a presidential debate and calmly reporting the beginning of the Gulf War in 1991 from Baghdad as it was under attack, has died. He was 82. He died of pneumonia, unrelated to COVID-19, on Wednesday at a hospital in Washington, according to Tom Johnson, CNN's former chief executive. A former CBS and ABC newsman, Shaw took a chance and accepted an offer to become CNN's chief anchor at its launch in 1980. He later reported before a camera hurriedly set up in a newsroom after the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Regan. He retired at age 61 in 2001. As moderator of a 1988 presidential debate between George H. W. Bush and Michael Dukakis, he asked the Democrat a death penalty opponent whether he would support that penalty for someone found guilty of raping and murdering Dukakis' wife Kitty. Dukakis' coolly technocratic response was widely seen as damaging to his campaign, and Shaw said later he got a flood of hate mail for asking it. Since when did a question hurt a politician? Shaw said in an interview aired by CSPAN in 2001. It wasn't the question. It was the answer. Shaw memorably reported, with correspondents Peter Arnett and John Holliman, from a hotel room in Baghdad as CNN aired stunning footage of airstrikes and anti-aircraft fire at the beginning of U.S. invasion to liberate Kuwait. I've never been there, he said that night, but this feels like we're in the center of hell. The reports were crucial in establishing CNN when it was the only cable news network and broadcasters ABC, CBS and NBC dominated television news. He put CNN on the map, said Frank Sesno, a former CNN Washington bureau chief and now a professor at George Washington University. Shaw, who grew up in Chicago wanting to be a journalist and admiring legendary CBS newsmen Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite, recognized it as a key moment. In all of the years of preparing to being anchor, one of the things I strove for was to be able to control my emotions in the midst of hell breaking out, Shaw said in a 2014 interview with NPR. And I personally feel that I passed my stringent test for that in Baghdad. Shaw covered the demonstrations in Chinas Tiananmen Square in 1989, signing off as authorities told CNN to stop its telecast. While at ABC, he was one of the first reporters on the scene of the 1978 Jonestown massacre. On Twitter, CNNs John King paid tribute to Shaws soft-spoken yet booming voice and said he was a mentor and role model to many. Bernard Shaw exemplified excellence in his life, Johnson said. He will be remembered as a fierce advocate of responsible journalism. CNNs current chief executive, Chris Licht, paid tribute to Shaw as a CNN original who made appearances on the network as recently as last year to provide commentary. So guarded against any appearance of bias that he didn't vote, Shaw asked tough questions of several politicians. He asked George H.W. Bush's pick for vice president, Dan Quayle, if fear of being killed in Vietnam led to Quayle joining the National Guard in 1969. As a member of the U.S. Marines, Shaw angled for a meeting with one of his heroes, Cronkite, in Hawaii in 1961. He was the most persistent guy I've ever met in my life, the late Cronkite told the Washington Post in 1991. I was going to give him five begrudging minutes and ended up talking to him for a half hour. He was just determined to be a journalist. He got a radio job in Chicago, where an early assignment was covering an appearance by Martin Luther King. Shaw recalled for CNN King telling him, one day you're going to make it. Just do some good. In retiring at a relatively young age, Shaw acknowledged the toll on his personal life that went with being a successful journalist. Because of all the things he missed with his family while working, he told NPR that I don't think it was worth it. His funeral will be private, with a public memorial planned for later, Johnson said. He is survived by his wife, Linda, and two children. Marco Garza This fall, the third annual Grilled Cheese Festival in St. Paul Square makes a cheesy return. On November 19, restaurants, vendors, and chefs will each grill up their own rendition of the tried and true classic in the historic St. Paul Square an area that seems to be having a Renaissance of late with the development of new businesses. At the Grilled Cheese Festival, sandwiches will be consumed and drinks and live music will flow from noon to 4 p.m. While tickets are not yet available for purchase, prospective vendors can now sign up to participate in all the action. James S. Peterson/San Antonio Express-News Ingram Park Mall has developed a reputation in San Antonio. Good or bad, you're bound to see something go down at the Westside mall at the intersection of Ingram Road and I-410. What you probably don't remember is that Ingram Park Mall was once home to a short lived movie theater and an autograph signing session that turned into a riot. MySA dug through public records, Express-News archives, and obscure parts of the internet to dig up the history and biggest moments behind the cultural staple during its early heyday. Despite what Ingram Park Mall is today (or what it isn't), when one of the largest retail property managers in the U.S. brought the property in 1975, Ingram Park Mall was where it was definitely at for its time. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW YORK (AP) Hours before dawn on March 1, 2003, the U.S. scored its most thrilling victory yet against the plotters of the Sept. 11 attacks the capture of a disheveled Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, hauled away by intelligence agents from a hideout in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The global manhunt for al-Qaida's No. 3 leader had taken 18 months. But America's attempt to bring him to justice, in a legal sense, has taken much, much longer. Critics say it has become one of the war on terrors greatest failures. As Sunday's 21st anniversary of the terror attacks approaches, Mohammed and four other men accused of 9/11-related crimes still sit in a U.S. detention center in Guantanamo Bay, their planned trials before a military tribunal endlessly postponed. The latest setback came last month when pretrial hearings scheduled for early fall were canceled. The delay was one more in a string of disappointments for relatives of the nearly 3,000 victims of the attack. They've long hoped that a trial would bring closure and perhaps resolve unanswered questions. Now, Im not sure whats going to happen, said Gordon Haberman, whose 25-year-old daughter Andrea died after a hijacked plane crashed into the the World Trade Center, a floor above her office. He's traveled to Guantanamo four times from his home in West Bend, Wisconsin, to watch the legal proceedings in person, only to leave frustrated. Its important to me that America finally gets to the truth about what happened, how it was done, said Haberman. I personally want to see this go to trial." If convicted at trial, Mohammed could face the death penalty. When asked about the case, James Connell, an attorney for one of Mohammed's co-defendants one accused of transferring money to 9/11 attackers confirmed reports both sides are still attempting to reach a pretrial agreement that could still avoid a trial and result in lesser but still lengthy sentences. David Kelley, a former U.S. attorney in New York who co-chaired the Justice Departments nationwide investigation into the attacks, called the delays and failure to prosecute an awful tragedy for the families of the victims. He called the effort to put Mohammed on trial before a military tribunal, rather than in the regular U.S. court system, a tremendous failure that was as offensive to our Constitution as to our rule of law. Its a tremendous blemish on the countrys history, he said. The difficulty in holding a trial for Mohammed and other Guantanamo prisoners is partly rooted in what the U.S. did with him after his 2003 capture. Mohammed and his co-defendants were initially held in secret prisons abroad. Hungry for information that might lead to the capture of other al-Qaida figures, CIA operatives subjected them to enhanced interrogation techniques that were tantamount to torture, human rights groups say. Mohammed was waterboarded made to feel that he was drowning 183 times. A Senate investigation later concluded the interrogations didn't lead to any valuable intelligence. But it has sparked endless pretrial litigation over whether FBI reports on their statements can be used against them a process not subject to speedy trial rules used in civilian courts. The torture allegations led to concerns that the U.S. might have ruined its chance to put Mohammed on trial in a civilian court. But in 2009, President Barack Obamas administration decided to try, announcing that Mohammed would be transferred to New York City and put on trial at a federal court in Manhattan. Failure is not an option, Obama said. But New York City balked at the cost of security and the move never came. Eventually, it was announced Mohammed would face a military tribunal. And then over a dozen years passed. Kelley said talk of military tribunals two decades ago surprised many in the legal community who had been successfully prosecuting terrorism cases in the decade before. The concept of a tribunal, he said, came out of the blue. Nobody knew it was coming. Then-Attorney General John Ashcroft was not in favor of tribunals and had been supportive of the Manhattan federal terrorism prosecutions, he said. Now, Kelley said, with the passage of time it will be much more difficult to prosecute Mohammed in a tribunal, much less a courtroom. Evidence goes stale, witness memories fail. The passage of time hasnt dulled the memories of the victims' families or dampened their interest in witnessing justice. Eddie Bracken's sister Lucy Fishman was killed at the trade center. The New Yorker opposed Obama's proposal to move the trial to federal court Mohammed is charged with a military act, and should be tried by the military, he reasoned. And while he is somewhat frustrated by the delays, he understands them. The whole world is looking at us and saying, What are they doing after all this time? he said. But he realizes the case is a process that the world is seeing, that needs to be done under a microscope. Its up to the United States to do their due diligence, make sure its done right. The wheels of justice turn. They turn slowly, but they turn. And when the time comes, and its said and done, the world will know what happened, he adds. While Mohammed has lingered at Guantanamo, the U.S. killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in a 2011 raid and deputy-turned-successor Ayman al-Zawahri in a drone strike just this August. Investigators with the military commission at Guantanamo Bay said he plotted the 9/11 attacks for three years. They cited a computer hard drive seized at his arrest which they said contained photographs of the 19 hijackers, three letters from bin Laden and information about some hijackers. Mohammed, at his tribunal hearing, conceded in a written statement that he swore allegiance to Osama bin Laden, that he was on al-Qaidas council and that he served as operational director for bin Laden for the organizing, planning, follow-up and execution of the Sept. 11 plot from A to Z. According to the statement, he also took credit for the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center; an attempt to down U.S. jetliners using bombs hidden in shoes; the bombing of a nightclub in Indonesia; and plans for a second wave of attacks after the 2001 attacks targeting landmarks like the Sears Tower in Chicago and Manhattans Empire State Building. He also claimed credit for other planned attacks, including assassination attempts against then-President Bill Clinton in 1994 or 1995 and an assassination plot against Pope John Paul II at about the same time, the statement said. Mohammed's nearly two decades in legal limbo differs from the fate of his nephew, Ramzi Yousef, the mastermind of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing that killed six people, injured 1,000 others and left a crater in the parking garage beneath the twin towers. Yousef is serving life in prison after being convicted at two separate civilian trials. He was also captured in Pakistan, in 1995, but was brought to the United States for trial. At the time, Yousef said his right to kill people was comparable to the U.S. decision to drop a nuclear bomb in World War II. Mohammed has offered a similar justification, saying through an interpreter at a Guantanamo proceeding that killing people was the language of any war. Bracken traveled to Guantanamo in 2012 to watch one hearing for Mohammed and his co-defendants, and would probably go again if a trial ever happened. I dont know if I want to go there again to bring back all the hurt and pain. But if Im allowed to go, then I guess I would go. Yeah. My sister would do that for me. Shes that type of a woman, he added. Then he corrected himself: She was that type of a woman. ___ Antlfinger reported from West Bend, Wisconsin. Associated Press writers Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and Tom Hays in New York contributed to this story. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Utah lawmaker and prominent attorney for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints advised a church bishop not to report a confession of child sex abuse to authorities, a decision that allowed the abuse to continue for years, according to records filed in a lawsuit. The records two pages from a log of calls fielded by a law firm representing the church and the deposition of a church official show that Utah Republican State Rep. Merrill F. Nelson took the initial call from a bishop reporting that church member Paul Adams had sexually abused his daughters. Nelson also had multiple conversations over a two-year span with two bishops who knew of the abuse, the records show. Nelson is a conservative lawmaker who was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in 2013 and announced his retirement earlier this year. He was also a lawyer with the Salt Lake City firm Kirton McConkie, which represents the church. He earned his undergraduate and law degree from church-owned Brigham Young University. A transcript of the deposition and excerpts of the call log were attached to a legal filing in the Arizona Court of Appeals made by lawyers for the plaintiffs. Three of Adamss children are battling the church, widely known as the Mormon church, for access to records the church insists are confidential. The church took the case to the Court of Appeals after a Cochise County judge ruled in favor of the victims. According to the plaintiffs legal filing, Nelson advised Bishop John Herrod not to report the abuse and told him that he could be sued if he reported, and the instruction by counsel not to report Paul to the authorities was the law in Arizona and had nothing to do with Church doctrine. But Arizonas child sex abuse reporting law grants blanket legal immunity to anyone reporting child sex abuse or neglect. The AP reported in August that Adams confessed to Herrod in 2010 that he sexually abused his daughter, identified as MJ. The churchs lawyers have said Herrod, and later bishop Robert Kim Mauzy, legally withheld information about MJs abuse under the states clergy-penitent privilege. Arizona law generally requires clergy members to report child neglect and sexual abuse but allows them to withhold information obtained during a spiritual confession. The log of calls filed in the Arizona Court of Appeals shows that Nelson spoke with Herrod and Mauzy multiple times from November of 2011 to February of 2014, a period during which Adams was excommunicated. Mauzy presided over a 2013 church disciplinary process after which Adams was expelled. Although the log doesnt detail the subject of those communications, Roger Van Komen, manager of the churchs southeast region family services department, said in a deposition also included with the filing that Nelson discussed the case with Herrod. The 2021 lawsuit alleges the church conspired to cover up Adams sexual crimes. The one-time U.S. Border Patrol employee repeatedly raped M.J. and eventually her younger sister at their Arizona home over a period of seven years and posted videos of the abuse on the Internet. During an interview with the AP before the new court records were filed, Nelson defended the churchs actions in the Adams case and the clergy-penitent privilege. He said the church abuse help line that Herrod had called for advice was designed to protect children. I dont have all the facts, but it seems to me like it did operate as intended, he said. The bishop called the help line and was advised no duty to report it to civil authorities. In fact, could not report because of the clergy privilege, Nelson said. It is intended and always has from the beginning been intended to to help victims get the help they need through social services, professional counseling, medical help, legal help, law enforcement, Nelson said. Contacted after the new records were made public, Nelson declined further comment and asked that his previous comments be off the record. I offer no comment on specific cases, he said. As a lawmaker, Nelson is a genteel but deeply socially conservative, speaking out against repealing a law that banned sex outside of marriage in 2019 and unsuccessfully pushing to block changes to gender markers on birth certificates. This year, he opposed a plan to remove a marriage requirement for surrogacy arrangements. He also has opposed legislation that would do away with the clergy-penitent privilege. Without that assurance of secrecy, troubled people will not confide in their clergy. Secrecy is essential to the privilege," he said. It encourages full disclosure without fear of unauthorized disclosure. A spokesman for the church declined to comment on the plaintiff's filing. The church established the help line in 1995 and requires bishops and other church leaders to call it before deciding whether to report the abuse to police or child welfare officials. According to church documents, those answering the help line refer callers to church attorneys with Kirton McConkie if the allegations of abuse are serious. The attorneys then decide whether the callers should report the abuse. Nelson, who was a shareholder at Kirton McConkie, took Herrods first call to the help line reporting Adamss abuse, according to Van Komens deposition. Nelson told The AP he retired from the firm, though he remains listed on its website as a member of its First Amendment and Religious Organizations section. The AP investigation published in August found that the help line is part of a system that can easily be misused by church leaders to divert abuse accusations away from law enforcement and instead to church attorneys who may bury the problem, leaving victims in harms way. The APs findings were based in part on 12,000 pages of sealed records in an unrelated child abuse suit against the church filed in West Virginia. Many of the documents describe the operation of the help line, which includes destroying all records at the end of each day The sealed records included a list of questions that those answering the help line were to ask before referring calls to Kirton McConkie attorneys. The so-called protocol listed the names of several Kirton McConkie attorneys and their phone numbers, including Nelsons. Until now, the church has said that all communications between Herrod and Mauzy and church attorneys are confidential under the attorney-client privilege. But the newly filed log provides some details of Nelsons conversations with the two bishops. For instance, the log shows that Nelson wrote an initial case summary on Nov. 7, 2011 based on a conversation with Herrod. The log also notes a description of legal advice, and notes additional communications with the bishop. Federal officials arrested Adams in 2017, four years after he was excommunicated, finally stopping the abuse of MJ and her sister, with no help from the church. Adams died by suicide in custody before he could stand trial. His wife, Leizza Adams, served more than two years in state prison on child sex abuse charges. Three of their six children, including a boy who was allegedly abused, filed the lawsuit accusing the church of negligence for not reporting their abuse, and for engaging in a wider conspiracy to cover up child sex abuse. Attorneys for the three children declined to comment on the log and their most recent court filing. In their 2021 lawsuit they referred to Kirton McConkie while accusing the church of directing a system designed to protect the church against potentially costly sexual abuse lawsuits. The Mormon Church implements the Helpline not for the protection and spiritual counseling of sexual abuse victims, as professed in Mormon church doctrine and literature, but for Kirton McConkie attorneys to snuff out complaints and protect the Mormon church from costly lawsuits, the lawsuit says. ___ Follow Michael Rezendes and Jason Dearen on Twitter at @MikeRezendes and @jhdearen. Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/ This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HOUSTON (AP) A visit to Houston on Friday by the Dutch queen highlighted a long friendship between Texas and the Netherlands that grew from their fight against a mutual enemy: flooding. While meeting with Houstons mayor, Queen Maxima learned how the Netherlands has worked with local officials on efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding following the deadly destruction that Hurricane Harvey wreaked on the city in 2017. Harvey dumped more than 50 inches (127 centimeters) of rain on parts of the Houston area. The storm caused $125 billion in damage in Texas. The queen also met with state and federal officials and heard about how Dutch engineers and academics have been helping Texas in the development of what could be the largest storm surge barrier in the world. The coastal barrier system in nearby Galveston, which has been in discussion since Hurricane Ike in 2008 battered the Texas Gulf Coast, was inspired by structures in the Netherlands. Queen Maxima, who also visited the San Francisco Bay Area and Austin, Texas, this week, said she was impressed that the two countries' strategies for flood mitigation could preserve the economy and the environment, but also (produce) knowledge to actually help the rest of the world. We need you, so thank you very much and I hope you continue this fantastic cooperation, she said. Texas and the Netherlands are natural partners in the fight against flooding. Houston, the nations fourth-largest city, floods frequently because it doesnt have sufficient infrastructure to handle heavy rain. Development of the area has sharply reduced the natural wetlands that previously soaked up storm water runoff. Every hurricane season, the Texas Gulf Coast faces potentially devastating storms. Hurricane-fueled storm surges can pose a flooding danger to the Houston Ship Channel, which is home to 40% of the nations petrochemical industry. The Netherlands is a global leader in flood-management design and initiatives. About 26% of its 17 million people live below sea level and the country has spent billions of dollars to build a system of dams, levees and storm surge barriers. Michael Braden, chief of the mega-project division with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District, said his agencys efforts to build the barrier system along the Texas Gulf Coast would not be where they are today without help from the Dutch. The barrier system, which borrows from a similar project nicknamed the Ike Dike and was first proposed by a Galveston professor, is expected to soon get final approval by Congress before being forwarded to President Joe Biden for his signature. Funding for the nearly $31 billion project, which could take up to 20 years to build, would have to be approved separately. Were addressing a regional issue here with the coastal project, but the things we learn in the design and the construction will eventually be needed by coastal communities all around the world, Braden said. Dutch and U.S. officials said Friday that their efforts to tackle flooding have become more important because global warming has made torrential rainfall and stronger hurricanes more common. A United Nations report released in March warned that states along the Gulf of Mexico, including Texas, are under serious threat from rising seas, collapsing fisheries and toxic tides due to climate change. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said many of the flood mitigation strategies that have been developed with the help of the citys Dutch partners, including prairie conservation efforts that will help reduce water runoff and neighborhood resilience plans, will soon be implemented. But we want our community not only to respond and to recover but to grow and to thrive, to build forward from recovery. We dont want to build back. Building back is building for failure. We want to build forward, Turner said. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70 Over the past 22 years, AmericanaFest has grown into one of Middle Tennessees largest music events, routinely taking over a dozen or more venues, spanning nearly a week and offering performances from more than 200 artists whose musical roots range from blues to bluegrass and beyond. For some perspective, we also spoke with Raul Malo about the importance of Americana making space for Latino musicians and artists who generally dont conform to strict genre definitions. The Mavericks, the rocking country-schooled band Malo has fronted since 1989, took home a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 and are up for Duo/Group of the Year at this years Honors and Awards ceremony. We also check in with Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom a renowned cultural critic, author and professor who joined the Americana Music Associations board this year about what the genre and its trade association can do to better celebrate and cultivate the Black excellence thats at the foundation of the music. The pandemic forced a jump to a digital conference in 2020, but AmericanaFest made a mighty return to in-person programming last year. The trend looks to continue in 2022, with dozens of noteworthy shows kicking off on Tuesday, Sept. 13. Scene music writers have once again convened on a rundown of recommended concerts, which youll find in our preview. +2 AmericanaFest 2022: Talking With The Mavericks Raul Malo The leader of the Duo/Group of the Year nominees discusses making space for eclectic music tastes and a community for Latino artists (Natural News) WPA Intelligence (WPAi) conducted a poll recently which found that nearly one in four Democrat voters now believes that some men can get pregnant. Conducted from August 22-25, the survey found that overall, 22 percent of Democrats are in agreement that a male body is capable of growing and delivering a human baby after about nine months. A person who is born female can later identify as a man and still get pregnant and give birth, which to todays Democrats means that men can get pregnant, according to the survey. (Related: In North Carolina, a preschool teacher was caught teaching toddlers that men can get pregnant.) 36 percent of white female Democrats think men can have babies Broken down even further demographically, the surveys results show that the largest constituency of Democrats who embrace this woke ideology are college-indoctrinated white women. Thirty-six percent of white female Democrats who went to college or university believe that a man can give birth to children, which when you really think about it is an astounding figure. Overall, few Americans think men can get pregnant, said WPAi Managing Director Conor Maguire. But with 36% of a core Democratic constituency (college-educated white Democratic women) and one out of five Democrat voters believing this, one can see why Democratic leaders coddle the radical gender theory movement. Another recent poll conducted by Pew Research found that only five percent of young adults across the United States believe that it is possible to identify as some other gender than what ones biological sex dictates. This makes leftist women the worst demographic when it comes to accepting and perpetuating radical gender theory. The corporate-controlled media continues to push such nonsense, as does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). These entities are increasingly using terms like pregnant person or birthing parent instead of woman, which many actual women find offensive. Some trans men and nonbinary people can also get pregnant, as can cis girls and trans boys, claims Harmeet Kaur, a culture beat writer for CNN. This is also true in the opposite: Not all women are able to get pregnant. Some cis women struggle with fertility, while trans women lack uteruses. Opting for gender-neutral terms such as people or patients allows for these nuances in a way that just saying women does not. Not everyone is in agreement with this approach, however. Carrie Baker, a professor of the Study of Women and Gender at Smith College in Massachusetts told CNN that using terms like pregnant people is erroneous because it doesnt say who were talking about. It makes (pregnancy) sound like its a gender-neutral phenomenon or a sex-neutral phenomenon, Baker said. In the comment section at The Daily Wire, which reported on the new poll, one mother explained that ever since having her child in 2018, nearly every parenting magazine and baby and pregnancy app has completely gone woke across the board. Its frightening, this person added. The most recent article I read was in Parent saying we need to support breastfeeding more. The entire article used chestfeeding, human milk, lactating parent, etc. Truly these folks are delusional. Another responded that this is exactly why she no longer reads parenting magazines or articles. I also find that liberals are far more likely to act the martyr about how hard everything is, when they also promote little to no boundaries with children, this same commenter added. Ill take my parenting advice from church and religious articles instead. More news about the Lefts delusional thinking about gender can be found at Transhumanism.news. Sources for this article include: DailyWire.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Welcome to third world Jackson, Mississippi, where 180,000 hunter-gatherers cant find drinkable water, while human feces flow down the street after floods ravished the city. What happened to the trillion-dollar Infrastructure Bill money that Biden promised would save Flint, Michigan and Jackson, Mississippi from having to flush their toilets with bottled water? Did Nancy Pelosi spend all the money on ice cream? Wheres the $400 million that Jackson City Council recently unanimously approved for 2021-2022 for their operating budget? Doesnt operating mean having running water to take showers, flush toilets and drink to survive? Are all these governments, at every level, 100 percent corrupt to the core, that they embezzle all the funds and never spend a dime on the allotted and severely dilapidated infrastructure? Jackson, Mississippi looks like San Fran-shitzsco now, and residents are very confused, while politicians delay money for fixing busted wastewater system How many more Democrat-run cities in America can the governments turn into third world hell-holes? What are all the taxes being used for? Is anyone held accountable? In a city of 180,000 people, they have no functioning water system, so they must be urinating and defecating somewhere other than their toilets, but where? How are restaurants washing dishes? Or do they even bother anymore, since its all breaking down into a third world existence? Will raw human feces soon be running down the gutters of the streets of Jackson? People might confuse it with San Fran-shitzsco! In August of 2021, Resident Joe Biden pretended to sympathize with the citys struggles when promoting the tax-payer-funded, fake infrastructure bill worth $1 trillion US dollars, which is completely disappearing (into the pockets of the politicians and to support Hunter Bidens porn-and-crack addictions). Biden said, Never again can we allow what happened in Flint, Michigan, and Jackson, Mississippi. Jacksons crippled wastewater system has been ignored for years, and remains under a state of emergency right now. Its literally a life-or-death crisis. The two state agencies responsible for allocating millions of dollars in federal infrastructure funds say it could be AT LEAST mid-to-late 2023 before any money at all shows up. Wait, what? The Democrat Mayor of Jackson, Chokwe Antar Lumumba, says he needs billions of dollars to fix the decayed system. One resident is on the record saying, Lives have been compromised daily due to the water crisis and pushing this another year to 2023 is simply not going to work for the citizens of Jackson, especially when we talk about humanity and preserving life. Mississippi Legislature created $450 million water infrastructure program that is just another scam, as plan requires poor counties to match it Yes, the state Legislature already received $450 million from the Congressional Covid relief package passed in 2021, but says they cant release any of it until every city and county matches it dollar-for-dollar. Jackson only has $25 million, which would hardly even scratch the surface of the multi-billion-dollar polluted water CATASTROPHE theyre experiencing right now. There are residents in hospitals right now in Jackson, Mississippi who need clean water for dialysis, and its simply not available and cant be accounted for by any politicians. What happened to all the money? There are problems everywhere there, including water main breaks, sewage spills onto residential streets, perennial service disruptions, a history of deferred maintenance, and the citys entire budget spent and wasted. Boil-water notices are plastered all over the city. The water there often suffers from elevated lead levels, and now its got urine and feces in it. State health officials are warning pregnant women and young children not to drink the citys water, but somehow, its fine for everyone else? Its all part of the population reduction agenda, as many Black citizens have been neglected by the broke city and seen decades of population loss. Its all about abortions at Planned Parenthood, gene therapy clot shots that cause miscarriages, and polluted water that breeds disease. Yes, Jackson is a majority-Black city with Democrats running the smoke-and-mirrors infrastructure show. Its literally a sh#t-show, with brown water flowing down the streets while the politicians bathe in money. Meanwhile citizens cant take a bath, they cant wash their dishes, and they cant drink the water. Dont forget, the progressive Mayor of Jackson once promised to turn Jackson into the most radical city on the planet. Congratulations. By the way, where is the mass medias apology to all the preppers who urged Americans to buy WATER FILTERS for the last decade? Keep your truth news in check by adding Preparedness.news to your favorites list and tuning in daily for updates on real news about surviving and thriving in the current economy, and news thats being scrubbed from MSM and social media as you read this. Sources for this article include: Censored.news TheGuardian.com Moguldom.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) The Resistance Chicks Leah and Michelle Svensson told their viewers that President Joe Bidens unpleasant comments about Make America Great Again (MAGA) Republicans did not elicit a positive response. Bidens speech, in which he characterized MAGA Republicans as a dark threat, has not exactly generated a positive response, said the elder Leah on the Sept. 2 episode of Headline News: The Resistance Chicks on Brighteon.TV. She added that a few people even tried to spin it around with the hopes of dispersing the bigger MAGA movement. However, the move to smear the MAGA movement backfired as it woke up many people to what is actually happening in the United States. Leah remarked that the attempts to discredit the movement only fed the MAGA beast. The elder Svensson sister then played the reaction of Fox News host Tucker Carlson to Bidens speech, which the president delivered on the evening of Sept. 1 at Philadelphias Independence National Historic Park. The host of Tucker Carlson Tonight said Biden has crossed over into a very dangerous place. He added that Bidens threats against former President Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are totally immoral and a complete outrage. (Related: Tucker Carlson rips Biden over divisive speech, calls it a turning point in American history.) Michelle, the younger Svensson sister, remarked that Bidens speech reminded her of the movies V for Vendetta and Star Wars due to the dark red background. She also pointed out that most Americans are MAGA Republicans and that they enabled Trump to ascend to the White House in 2016. Leah said many are unaware that the Left is trying to make Biden look like the good guy which is not true. She also noted that the presidents surreal speech and the Marines behind him were reminiscent of Adolf Hitler and the SS soldiers that flanked the dictator. MAGA Republicans are violent threat to the Dems in a spiritual way In his speech, Biden said Trump and the MAGA Republicans represent an extremism that threatens the foundations of the American republic. The former vice president added that the bigger GOP is dominated, driven and intimidated by Trump and the GOP members that back him. Biden added that MAGA Republicans do not respect the Constitution, do not believe in the rule of law and do not recognize the will of the people. He also mentioned how MAGA Republicans have refused to accept the results of a free election pertaining to the rigged November 2020 polls. Ultimately, Biden warned that the MAGA movement is determined to take America backwards, promote authoritarian leaders and fan the flames of political violence that are a threat to personal rights, pursuit of justice, rule of law and the very soul of the country. But Leah pointed out that the Democrats are the real threat to democracy as evidenced by their refusal to accept the results of the 2016 election. She also said that their violent actions during Trumps inauguration only attest to them being more of a threat than the MAGA Republicans will ever be. Meanwhile, Michelle remarked that protests by the MAGA movement are usually peaceful compared to the violent protests from the Left. She also noted that the Jan. 6 protest, which ended in the Capitol riot, had been infiltrated by Democratic-leaning agents. Michelle ultimately remarked that the Democrats see MAGA Republicans as a violent threat, but in a spiritual way. The Democrats fears will only ramp up, she said, as the November midterm election nears and Biden divides the American nation even further. Watch the Sept. 2 episode of Headline News: The Resistance Chicks below. You can catch Headline News: The Resistance Chicks every Friday at 6-7 p.m. and every Sunday at 5-6 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: Biden says MAGA is the most dangerous group in America, while totally ignoring the violent abortion terrorists on the left. The Left called Trump a fascist but Biden actually is one: MAGA protesters being treated worse than prisoners in third-world dictatorships. Ann Vandersteel calls on the MAGA movement to focus on fighting the Deep State Brighteon.TV. Anti-Trump director Larry Charles encouraging lunatic Leftists to buy guns so they can kill MAGA people. Sources include: Brighteon.com WhiteHouse.gov (Natural News) The prolonged refusal of Virginia health officials to open up about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine disaster has gotten into the nerves of Dr. Sheila Furey of the Virginia Medical Freedom Alliance (VMFA). They refused to answer our questions or engage in any dialogue, Furey said in an interview on Conversations That Matter with Alex Newman. According to Furey, state health authorities refused to discuss COVID-19 treatments involving hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin during a public forum on June 29. They also deflected questions about the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. (Related: Dr. Stella Immanuel talks about how hospitals are ignoring hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin as effective treatments for COVID-19 Brighteon.TV.) Worse, members of the VMFA were booted out of the meeting for asking questions not endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furey, a psychiatrist from Richmond, Virginia, also disclosed that health officials did not participate when the VMFA invited them to another public forum with Dr. Robert Malone, the inventor of mRNA technology, and Dr. Paul Marik, a pulmonary and critical care specialist. Big Pharma hides data showing COVID-19 vaccine dangers According to Furey, the pharmaceutical companies covered up the data showing the real dangers posed by COVID-19 vaccines to humans. Further, Furey said ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are taboo for health officials because the pharmaceuticals wont make billions out of them. We have to stop the medical cartel, said Furey, noting that this cartel destroyed the doctor-patient relationship. Restoring this relationship is one of the primary reasons why the VMFA, a group of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, healthcare professionals and concerned citizens, was established. Furey said the alliance intends to advocate for patients against the medical tyranny occurring in hospitals and doctors offices across the state. In simple terms, the alliance seeks to restore medical practices to the hands of those at the bedside and not bureaucratic administrators like the Virginia health officials. Furey stressed that COVID is a treatable illness with safe, effective, low-cost medications and supplements. And yet, health officials insist on designer treatment drugs with harmful side effects. Like Furey, the alliance advocates for safe, early and effective treatment for COVID-19 and that all barriers to early intervention be removed. According to Furey, Virginians continue to die from a lack of access to life-saving prevention and early treatment options for COVID, regardless of vaccination status. The latest data showed there are 1,590 COVID cases and 20 deaths in Virginia on Sept. 7. Early intervention, available medications can reduce COVID-19 risks The alliance believes early intervention with numerous, inexpensive, available medications and immune-fortifying nutritional therapies could further reduce these numbers in Virginia. Applied throughout the United States, this treatment system could save thousands of lives and billions of dollars spent to combat COVID with vaccines, which the alliance described as experimental genetic products, unproven and unsafe with unknown short- and long-term risks. In fact, more vaccine-associated deaths have been reported in the U.S. in the two years since the COVID vaccine was introduced (December 2020) than for all other vaccines in the last 30 years combined, the VMFA said. The alliance also took a deeper look at the almost 850,000 injury reports in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) that are associated with receiving the shot including 19,119 reports from Virginians. Of the total, 12,148 were life-threatening and 13,818 resulted in permanent disability. Moreover, there were over 52,000 reports of adverse events, including 127 deaths, among children as of July 15. Amid all these, the mainstream media chose to be silent rather than expose the connivance between Big Pharma and corrupt health agencies. An angry Furey, and the VMFA, however, wont be silenced. Visit BigPharmaNews.com for more news related to Big Pharma companies. Watch this video branding Big Pharma as a criminal cartel. This video is from the Red Pill channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Doctors can now prescribe ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 in Nebraska. Michelle Svensson and the Sherwoods discuss Big Gov, Big Pharma collusion to ban effective covid treatments. CDC pushed fraudulent information about COVID treatments and vaccines to scare the public. Sources include: TheNewAmerican.com USAFacts.org Brighteon.com (Natural News) Children under the age of 12 have been banned from receiving the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. The decision was made by the governments Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI), which argued that children are at very low risk of developing severe COVID, and most will have gained natural immunity from infections. Adam Finn, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Bristol, told the paper that the proportion of parents who have chosen to have their young children immunized had been small. The main policy focus right now though is to try to immunize those who are at highest risk of severe acute COVID as per the recent announcement on the autumn booster program, he said. In the United States, a little less than four percent of infants under two years old and a little more than six percent of children two to four years old have received their first doses. In May, Pfizer trial data showed that the chance of death in children from the shot is 107 times higher than death from COVID-19. Despite this, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still approved booster shots for children aged five to 11. The FDAs vaccine advisory committee reluctantly recommended the approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for the younger age group despite the lack of safety data. Dr. Eric Rubin, who serves as editor of the New England Journal of Medicine, famously said during the hearing: Were never going to learn about how safe the vaccine is, unless we start giving it thats just the way it goes. (Related: Israeli government hid childhood vaccine injuries during covid jab approval process.) Author and journalist Naomi Wolf, who mobilized a team of experts poring over the Pfizer clinical trial data released through a lawsuit, said the vaccines are hindering the development of the testes of pre-adolescent boys. The vaccines hurt the testes and hurt the parts of the testes that develop the masculinity and secondary sex characteristics of little boys, and baby boys and teenage boys, she said. So they literally harm the chances of your little boy child to grow up normally as a male human adult. UKHSA: COVID vaccination offers for children always meant to be temporary Children who had not turned five by the end of August will no longer be offered vaccination, according to the JCVI. The U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the COVID vaccination offers to healthy five to 11-year-olds were always meant to be temporary. UKHSAs Green Book, which provides information on the vaccine rollout for public health professionals, stated that the one-off program applies to children aged 5 to 11 years, including those who turn five before the end of August. Subject to further clarification, on-going eligibility in 2022/23, after the one off-program, is expected to be for children in the academic years where children are aged 11 or 12 years, it continued. Finn also said the COVID vaccine program for primary jabs would have wound down at some point, including for children, and that it had not been finalized when this would happen. Gavin Dabrera, deputy director of COVID-19 vaccines and epidemiology at UKHSA, said that the offer was only applicable to children who turned five by August 31. The National Health Service in England vaccinates in line with this guidance and eligible children who turned five by August 31 could still get their vaccines. The JCVI continually reviews the UKs Covid-19 vaccination program, including the offer to 5-11s, and any updates to its advice will be announced in due course, they said. Visit Vaccines.news for more updates about the COVID-19 jabs and doses for children. Watch the video and listen to Naomi Wolfs conversation with Steve Bannon. This video is from the Ruth Mackenzies channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Dr. Peter McCullough warns: FDA greenlighted Big Pharmas bivalent booster vaccine despite lack of human trials. Boris Johnson pauses the idea of vaccine passports for Great Britain but is likely to restart the effort soon. CONFIRMED: Covid vaccine vials definitely contain graphene oxide. Sources include: WND.com TheGuardian.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) A noted firearms organization is serving up notice to the Biden regime that it wont sit around and allow the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as other federal agencies, to regulate away Americans supposedly protected right to keep and bear arms. The sole mission of the Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition (FRAC) is to aggressively advocate for and defend firearms, ammunition, and accessories manufacturers and importers from government overreach, the organization notes on its website. This includes holding the government accountable for arbitrary and capricious policies and rulings and ensuring that the governments regulation of the industry is conducted in an open and transparent manner. FRAC will be the leading advocate of firearms manufacturers, importers, and their customers before federal regulatory agencies, the group added. On its Policy and Legal page, FRAC notes further: All American industries deserve the ability to operate in a predictable regulatory environment. But for years, the firearms industry has been subject to secret determination letters, policies that change without public input, and shifting subjective standards. Firearm importers, manufacturers, and innovators need clear and consistent laws and effective policies in order to successfully operate. Importers are regularly forced to wait over a year to have new models evaluated by the government for importation, only to receive a denial for reasons that are nowhere to be found in the regulations or guidance. Manufacturers and innovators are strong-armed into recalling tens of thousands of firearms because government makes post hoc determinations that certain configurations are suddenly illegal. An industry cannot effectively conduct business in this environment. Thats why the FRAC is standing up for industry members everywhere from the halls of Congress where we will weigh in on legislation, to the administrative agencies where we will promote industry interests before federal regulators, to the courts where we will fight to defend the rights of the firearm industry and promote good government and the rule of law. In its most recent legal action, FRAC filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in support of Michael Cargill, who filed suit urging the appeals court to overturn ATFs bump stock ban and rein in ATFs abusive attempts to unilaterally expand and rewrite definitions enacted by Congress. While Bidens regime has run afoul of the law and the Constitution on a number of occasions, the effort to ban the stocks actually began during the Trump administration. On December 18, 2018, Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker announced that the Department of Justice has amended the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), clarifying that bump stocks fall within the definition of machinegun under federal law, as such devices allow a shooter of a semiautomatic firearm to initiate a continuous firing cycle with a single pull of the trigger, the ATF noted on its web site. The final rule went into effect on March 26, 2019, the site noted. The rule did not provide a grandfather clause, meaning anyone who possessed a bump stock had to surrender it. Current possessors of bump-stock-type devices must divest themselves of possession as of the effective date of the final rule, the ATF site noted further. One option is to destroy the device, and the final rule identifies possible methods of destruction, to include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the device. Any method of destruction must render the device incapable of being readily restored to function, the agency noted further. In February 2018, President Trump issued a memorandum instructing the AG to dedicate all available resources to propose for notice and comment a rule banning all devices that turn legal weapons into machineguns. As FRAC notes, what actually happened was that the government rewrote the rules governing machine guns without any congressional approval. Sources include: ATF.gov FRACAction.org (Natural News) Patrick Moore, co-founder of Greenpeace, said in an email that the organization has been hijacked by the political left, turning it from a science-based organization concerned about pollution and the environment into a climate alarmist group. In an email obtained by the Epoch Times, Moore claimed the political left of North America and Europe wanted to use Greenpeace when they realized there was money and power in the environmental movement. [Left-leaning] political activists changed Greenpeace from a science-based organization to a political fundraising organization, said Moore, who left Greenpeace in 1986, 15 years after he co-founded the organization. (Related: Thousands of scientists sign formal declaration: There is no climate emergency.) Moore added that the global environmental movement no longer cares about the environment because it has turned into a political movement. They are primarily focused on creating narratives, stories that are designed to instill fear and guilt into the public so the public will send them money, he wrote. He said so-called environmentalists mainly operate behind closed doors using front organizations like the World Economic Forum and the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the latter of which he referred to as not a science organization, but a political one. Moore further said the IPCC does not rely on science but instead hires so-called scientists to provide it with fraudulent information and studies that support the cause of declaring a global climate emergency. Environmental campaigns designed to scare humanity into accepting the crippling of civilization Moore warned that the campaigns of environmental groups like Greenpeace against things like fossil fuels, carbon emissions and the widespread use of plastics are misguided. Their goal is not to make the environment better, but to get people to be so afraid of the world coming to an end that they will accept whatever measure is necessary to save it. This includes crippling our civilization and destroying our economy. They are now a negative influence on the future of both the environment and human civilization. Today, the left has adopted many policies that would be very destructive to civilization as they are not technically achievable, said Moore. As evidence, he pointed to the energy crisis in renewable energy-dependent Europe and how the continents vulnerability is being exploited by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has no aversion to using fossil fuels like natural gas. This crisis is of their own making in refusing to develop their own natural gas resources, opposing nuclear energy and adopting an impossible position on fossil fuels in general, said Moore. Moore lamented how Greenpeace, an organization so named because it was supposed to stand for the environment and the people, has forgotten the latter and is solely focused on its green agenda. He scoffed at the environmental activists and leaders who believe that the environment would be in a better place if fewer people were alive. But the people who said this were not volunteering to be the first to go away, said Moore. They behave as if they are superior to others. Learn the truth behind the so-called climate change at ClimateScienceNews.com. Watch this video of Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, on InfoWars talking about how President Joe Bidens climate emergency will destroy America. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related articles: Josh Sigurdson: Bill Gates bribing MSM to promote false climate change narrative and usher in Great Reset. Thousands of scientists sign formal declaration: There is no climate emergency. The goal of the elite with all their climate hysteria is to wipe out the food supply and depopulate the planet. Globalist climate cult pushers express frustration that their efforts to brainwash world are failing. Sources include: GlobalResearch.ca TheEpochTimes.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) Israel vaccinated millions of its citizens for COVID-19 without reliable safety data on the injections. Worse, it was recently found that the Israelis actually withheld information about the dangers of vaccines. Dr. Yaffa Shir-Raz, a researcher with the University of Haifa Health and Risk Communication Research Center, wrote at Real Time Magazine about a leaked Zoom meeting of an Israeli Ministry of Health (IMOH) research team in June. The team was looking into findings from a new reporting system for adverse vaccine events that had been launched in December to replace their former, dysfunctional one. At the meeting, pediatric specialist Prof. Mati Berkowitz, head of Shamir Medical Centers Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology unit and his staff were tasked with analyzing data received from the Israeli HMO Meuhedet from December 2021 through May 2022. They found that serious adverse events such as menstrual disorders, neurological side effects, musculoskeletal injuries, GI problems as well as kidney and urinary problems were long-lasting, with several reports finding that they can last for months or even a year. (Related: Israel lied, people died: The untold story of the Holy Lands covid vaccine deception.) They also found recurring events and illnesses that worsen upon repeat doses of the vaccine shots, which Berkowitz said elevated the causal link between events and the shots from possible to definite. Here we will have to really think medical-legal, he warned. For a few of the adverse events, they said that it was okay, and they still encouraged everyone to get vaccinated. I mean, we have to think about how to write it and how to present it correctly, so this will not yield lawsuits later. Israel Health Ministry manipulates findings But when IMOH went on to release its report, Shir-Raz said the agency misrepresented and manipulated the findings, minimizing the extent of the reports and stating that no new adverse events were found and that the events that were detected were not necessarily caused by the vaccine. The teams revelations about the neurological injuries, long duration and re-challenge were omitted, while the report downplayed the numbers by taking the number of patient reports received and dividing them by the total number of doses given in Israel for the entire year and a half since the beginning of the vaccine rollout despite the reporting system not starting until December 2021 and the analysis only covering six months. It also downplayed menstrual irregularities by using a denominator of the total number of all adult doses and concealing the fact that the study only includes reports from one small HMO, which represents only about 15 percent of the Israeli population. Vaccine Safety Research Foundation Executive Director Steve Kirsch said every mainstream medical leader should be saying that what the IMOH did is wrong and calling for an immediate investigation into the safety of the vaccines. We should be able to see the full presentation of the expert panel and their report. And the safety data should be released to the public like the VAERS data is, he said. Instead, Kirsch pointed out that medical leaders are not condemning what happened, and they werent asking for the report or the data. They are staying silent as if it didnt happen. They are all basically saying, It is OK for a government to not monitor vaccine safety for 12 months, and then, after six months of safety monitoring and clear evidence of harm, deliberately misrepresenting the safety data to the public. The leaked video is yet another piece of evidence that fueled peoples aversion to the COVID shots, which were developed far more quickly than the traditional vaccines. It also failed to stop the spread of the virus. Visit Vaccines.news for more updates about the dangers of vaccines and their adverse effects. Watch the video below to know more about the issues Israel covered up about the COVID-19 vaccines. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Pfizer covid vaccine that was fraudulently approved by the FDA is the same one thats FAILING in Israel, a nation now brought to the brink of a new covid CRISIS, even with an 80% vaccination rate. Israel stands as greatest proof that COVID-19 vaccine experiment is a massive failure. Despite mass vaccinations, Israel to return to COVID-19 restrictions, including green pass vaccine passport system. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com SteveKirsch.Substack.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) United States District Judge Terry Doughty, a Donald Trump appointee, has ordered Tony Fauci, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and other officials in Joe Bidens regime to immediately release all documents pertaining to the federal governments collusion with Big Tech over the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) plandemic. A lawsuit filed by the attorneys general of Louisiana and Missouri led to the initial release on August 31 of what The Epoch Times describes as a tranche of discovery implicating more than 50 government officials across a dozen federal agencies. Some officials, however, refused to cooperate. Among them are Fauci, who currently serves as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Fauci is conveniently about to resign from his post after decades of federal service. Another is Jean-Pierre, who has yet to comply with the court order. (Related: Faucis wife Christine Grady also played a role in unleashing mass plandemic genocide specifically on children.) First, the requested information is obviously very relevant to Plaintiffs claims, Doughty said. Dr. Faucis communications would be relevant to Plaintiffs allegations in reference to alleged suppression of speech relating to the lab-leak theory of COVID-19s origin, and to alleged suppression of speech about the efficiency of masks and COVID-19 lockdowns. Jean-Pierres communications as White House Press Secretary could be relevant to all of Plaintiffs examples, he added. Faucis (and Jean-Pierres) days are numbered Doughty also brought up the suppression of Hunter Bidens laptop right before the 2020 presidential election, as well as Big Techs obvious censorship spree that aimed to cover up all speculation about the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) being a manufactured hoax. Doughty has given Fauci and Jean-Pierre 21 days to comply with his order. Fauci must also provide complete answers to a series of questions pertaining to his role as NIAID director, also within 21 days. We know from the previous round of discovery that efforts to censor the speech of those who disagree with the government on covid policy have come from the top, said Jenin Younes, litigation counsel for the New Civil Liberties Alliance and a lawyer for some of the plaintiffs. Americans deserve to know Anthony Faucis participation in this enterprise, especially since he has publicly demanded that specific individuals, including two of our clients, Jay Bhattacharya and Martin Kulldorff, be censored on social media. It is time for Dr. Fauci to answer for his flagrant disregard for Americans constitutional rights and civil liberties. Another uncooperative entity in this process is the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which we know tried to set up an entire censorship division before that division was ultimately ruled to be unconstitutional. HHS continues to stonewall the discovery process, refusing to reveal the role it has played in the federal governments censorship enterprise across the social media gamut. HHS says the NIAID, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Office of the Surgeon General are all subagencies that likely have and will be required to procure the records requested. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is also complicit, though it is trying to argue that having to procure the documents demanded by Doughty is unduly burdensome and disproportionate to the needs of the case. Doughty did express agreement that requiring all 80,000-or-so HHS employees to search for relevant documents would be overly burdensome. However, he pinpointed specific people already identified in documents procured by Meta, Facebooks parent company, as needing to comply, or else face potential charges of obstruction of justice. The latest news about the coming justice for the plandemic perpetrators can be found at Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) President Donald Trump not only did not get the United States involved in any new wars during his tenure, he actually reduced our involvement in hot spots, was on a path to withdraw from Afghanistan after 20 years of being there, and managed to convince historic enemies to sign several peace treaties. But of course, he was called the second coming of Hitler; left-wing pundits and military experts were sure he was going to start World War III; and he was accused of weakening our national security when in fact, the military got stronger under him and our adversaries behaved themselves. After Joe Biden was installed in the Oval Office, however, all hell broke loose. Our allies became distrustful of our abilities again, China is increasingly bellicose with Taiwan and Japan, and Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, the latter of which was likely engineered in some way by our deep state. And now, the deep states Pentagon is doing all it can to get us involved in all-out war World War III, if you will by becoming more deeply involved in the Russia-Ukraine war. Already, at the expense of taxpayers and our own war stocks, the Biden regime and Congress have authorized tens of billions in money and equipment for Ukraine. Whats more, according to reports this week, the Pentagon has even admitted it is training Ukrainian forces to target Russian warships and is providing targeting data, which Putin is likely not particularly happy about. The stunning admission comes months after the April 14 sinking of Russias Black Sea flagship Moskva guided missile cruiser, which was carrying a crew of 510. It was nothing short of a disastrous and humiliating blow to the Russian Navy, and it was later confirmed that a pair of Neptune missiles took it out. It was also later revealed in that particular case the Ukraine forces had assistance from US intelligence, Zero Hedge reported, citing published sources. However, now the Pentagons role has been revealed to be much deeper when it comes to attacks on the Russian navy. Ukrainian forces who sunk [sic] a Russian warship with Harpoon missiles in June trained in the United States, the Pentagons top weapons buyer Bill LaPlante says, says a new report in Defense One. LaPlante said the Ukrainian forces trained in the U.S. over Memorial Day Weekend in late May. The Harpoons were modified to fire from the back of flatbed trucks, he said. Not long after the report was published, the Biden regime went into damage control mode, and a statement was added to the top of the Defense One report: Clarification: A Pentagon spokesperson said Bill LaPlante did not mean to say that Ukrainians were trained in the United States. We got them off the ship, put them on some flatbed trucks, put the Harpoons, the modules on the flatbed truck, and then a different flatbed truck for the power source, connected a cable between it, figured out was exportable, brought the Ukrainians to train on it over Memorial Day weekend, in our country, over Memorial Day weekend, and the next week two Russian ships were sunk with those Harpoons, LaPlante told a conference near the Pentagon that was hosted by Defense One. A vendor actually trained the Ukrainians, the report added, using a term for a military contractor. But thats splitting hairs; the Pentagon paid the vendor. Theres incredible innovation going on right now and we just dont talk about it enough, LaPlante added during the conference, according to Defense One. The Biden regime is angling to start World War III because obviously the globalist deep state figures that is the only way to kill off a sizeable portion of the earths population and make it far easier to usher in totalitarian regimes in the ashes. Sources include: DefenseOne.com ZeroHedge.com (Natural News) Global health authorities collaboratively approved Big Pharma vaccines and other treatments despite adverse events and insufficient trials to cure the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). Nearly two years after the initial vaccine rollout, the number of cases are still big and the balance of Big Pharmas bank accounts are even bigger. Pfizer alone is predicted to reap an astonishing $54 billion in revenue by year-end. The pharmaceutical company is to gain $32 billion in profits from the COVID-19 injections and another $22 billion from Paxlovid, the pill used to treat COVID-19 but can cause the virus to rebound. Ironically, part of what makes the treatments so profitable is the fact that they dont do what theyre supposed to, which is to prevent and effectively treat COVID-19, American alternative medicine proponent Dr. Joseph Mercola said. Vaccinated people still get infected despite being injected and boosted, and could still transmit the disease to others. While it is hoped this will be the case, the scientific community does not yet know if the Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine will reduce such transmission, said the Food and Drug Administration when asked whether Pfizers COVID-19 jabs would protect against transmission of the virus. Mercola further pointed out that Pfizer profits from the vaccine and then when the shots wont work, the pharma gains more by selling the Paxlovid to further treat the infection. President Joe Biden was reported to have a rebound infection due to the said pill and hes not the only one. Some patients who took the pill after testing positive for coronavirus have reported the same phenomenon: Days after they finished a five-day course of the oral drug and felt better, their COVID symptoms or a positive test result returned. This means multiple courses of the drug are often necessary which is bad news for the public, but great news for Pfizer and its shareholders, Mercola stated. Meanwhile, Pfizer is not going to stop basking in the glory of the lucrative industry. It has expressed plans to aggressively expand the COVID vaccines use of mRNA technology to treat rare genetic diseases of the liver, muscle and central nervous system through collaboration with Beam Therapeutics, a biotechnology company conducting research in gene therapies and genome editing. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said they hope to reduce the time to produce new vaccines from three months to two months as it explores automated solutions to produce mRNA in collaboration with Codex DNA. Pfizer is also developing a shingles vaccine with BioNTech. HHS purchases 105 million more doses of Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine According to Mercola, Pfizer vaccines dominate 70 percent of the U.S. and European markets, while Paxlovid has become a standard treatment choice in hospitals. The U.S. government has disposed of 82.2 million expired COVID-19 doses as of mid-May. But it didnt deter the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to purchase another 105 million doses of Pfizers COVID-19 shot for $3.2 billion, thanks to the taxpayers money. Mercola emphasized that contracts are almost exclusively slanted in Pfizers favor and they do not have any financial liability for injuries and deaths, and it appears this indemnification applies even if they were to be found guilty of fraud. (Related: How Pfizer profited from the pandemic.) It is the public that stands to lose in this deal, as theyre inundated with a new push to get injected with yet another COVID-19 shot, despite their continued failures, Mercola stated. Pfizer claims that its new booster jabs will work better than its past versions, with one option being considered to target only the omicron variant, while the other option targets the strain in the original shot along with the omicron variant. Analysts are saying that the prospect of repeated boosters is exactly what Big Pharma investors are looking forward to. Hopefully, we could be giving it annually and maybe for some groups that are high-risk more often, Bourla told investors this year. Then you have the treatment [Paxlovid] that will, lets say, resolve the issues of those that are getting the disease. Visit BigPharmaNews.com for more stories about Big Pharma profiting from the plandemic. Watch this video about the corrupt medical alliance that profited from this orchestrated COVID-19 catastrophe. This video is from the Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: COVID JAB WARS: Moderna files lawsuit against Pfizer, BioNTech claiming they infringed on its mRNA patents. Hundreds of thousands reportedly dying WEEKLY from Pfizers covid injections PfizerGate continues. Did Pfizer, Moderna skip animal trials? Fact-checking the fact-checkers. PHARMA RACE WARS: While Pfizer places all races at risk with their COVID vaccines, WHITES and ASIANS are NOT allowed to apply for Pfizers fellowship grant program. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org CNBC.com Articles.Mercola.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) Romanian member of the European Parliament (MEP) Cristian Terhes lambasted Big Pharma executives on Monday, Sept. 5, for their faulty Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines. Terhes spoke out against the so-called science supporting the use of the COVID-19 vaccines while Moderna Chief Executive Officer Stephane Bancel and AstraZeneca Executive Vice President Iskra Reic were in the European Parliament for a meeting with the European Unions COVID-19 commission. He questioned whether AstraZeneca and Moderna really did decode the DNA of SARS-CoV-2, or if they used data provided to them by the communist government of China. He also questioned whether any individuals died during phase three of clinical trials, which involved large numbers of human test subjects. (Related: Former Big Pharma employee says entire industry knew engineered COVID-19 pandemic was coming.) Have you tested if the vaccines are stopping the spread of the virus or not? Terhes asked. Because the data clearly shows that your products are not stopping the spread of this virus. Terhes also demanded that Moderna and AstraZeneca publish in full and without redactions their contracts with the European Commission, the main executive body of the EU, and with the individual member states of the bloc. The MEP noted that he was able to obtain a copy of Modernas contract with the European Commission, but most of it is fully blacked out. Moderna, AstraZeneca execs pass blame on governments The lawmaker also touched on the fact that Big Pharma companies like Moderna and AstraZeneca have signed contracts with national and supranational organizations to shield them from taking any kind of accountability for reported COVID-19 vaccine adverse events and deaths and to prevent them from having to compensate the victims. You were asked by our colleague here about the liabilities and you avoided to answer this question, so my question to you is: Why are you pushing the liabilities on the states and on the people who receive these vaccines and might have and Im saying might have adverse effects, while you get all the profits? asked Terhes. In response, both Bancel and Reic passed the blame on the worlds governments wanting to speed up the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines. The governments wanted the quick approval of a vaccine, and for that reason, for a conditional approval, it was important that we were given some guarantees in terms of damages because we couldnt have no guarantees, said Bancel. They wanted the vaccine quickly, they didnt give manufacturers time to have long-term studies because of the nature of a pandemic. The liability and indemnity clause was discussed and agreed with many governments around the world because everyone wanted to see how we could speed up the production and delivery of vaccines, claimed Reic. This is considered standard practice in emergency situations, and equally the [practice] that protects and supports everyone to move forward with the greatest speed and to do the best we can in terms of producing and manufacturing [vaccines]. Read the latest news about Big Pharma companies like Moderna and AstraZeneca at BigPharmaNews.com. Watch this clip of Cristian Terhes from earlier this year speaking out against mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations. This video is from the Red Pilled channel on Brighteon.com. More related articles: Analyst says Modernas COVID vaccine trials used deceptive practices, full of mostly irrelevant studies. Study finds 29% of teenagers develop heart problems following second dose of Pfizers mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. COVID vaccine from AstraZeneca found to increase risk of Guillain-Barre and other neurological conditions. Johnson & Johnson employees dont want kids to take their own companys COVID-19 vaccine. Sources include: InfoWars.com TheGatewayPundit.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) We are just weeks away from the completion of summer, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is already threatening to reinstate more lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccine requirements for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) if not enough Canadians voluntarily line up for the latest booster jab. In a statement he provided to the press inside what appeared to be a hospital room, Trudeau argued that covid is not done with us yet, even though the vast majority of the world is done with it. We might want to be done with it, but its still around, Trudeau stated. And yes, we have a lot more tools, a lot more understanding, a lot more knowledge on how to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. But we also know that as winter comes, and as people get pushed back indoors, there is a real risk of another serious wave of covid. The only solution to that potential wave, according to Trudeau, is to ensure that everyone is up to date on their vaccinations, otherwise provinces will have to make decisions about restrictions and mandates. The recommendation is you should be up to date on your vaccinations if you have had a dose within six months, Trudeau added. Everyone who has been a while since their vaccinations should look at the fact that we have new vaccines coming out this month that are tailored against Omicron that will provide better protection, and everyone should get out and get vaccinated. If we are able to hit that 80, 85, 90 percent of Canadians up to date in their vaccinations, well have a much better winter with much less need for the kinds of restrictions and rules that were so problematic for everyone over the past years, he went on to blab. But every step of the way, governments responsibility is to keep people safe, to prevent our health care systems from getting overwhelmed, and thats where individuals choosing to make sure theyre up to date on their vaccinations with these new vaccines is going to help us all. You can watch Trudeau say these things in the video below: JT is a lunatic. pic.twitter.com/P9Qcc3gYx2 Templar Mason ?? (@TheTemplarMason) September 5, 2022 Trudeau is a Manchurian candidate with a dictator complex Trudeau has been on an extreme tyranny kick the past few years, and really seems to be enjoying himself and his ability to impose whatever nightmarish scenario he wishes with seemingly minimal pushback from Canadians. His response to the Freedom Convoy trucker protest was to try to invoke the Emergencies Act and shut down peoples bank accounts. Trudeau was also recently caught trying to plot how to turn Canada into a massive climate change police state, complete with biological labs, torture chamber interrogation rooms, and roving armies of firearm-wielding climate enforcers. The Canadian Manchurian Candidate PM, whose science background starts and ends with his previous profession as substitute drama teacher, is now threatening PSYOP-22 lockdowns, writes 2nd Smartest Guy in the World on his Substack, urging Canadians to not comply under any circumstances. This psychopath that ordered millions of DEATHVAX boosters that he needs to inject into as many duped Canadians arms as possible for the waning Great Reset depopulation and control program must be stopped at all costs. In the comment section, many wrote that Trudeau is clearly out of his mind if he thinks another round of plandemic theater is going to fly. In the video, his wild hand gestures, frequent bug eyes, and spastic verbal inflections show that this psychopath is becoming unhinged, one wrote. Maybe, at some level, he knows the masses are coming. Soon, hes going to be joining his fellow, corrupt, communist dictator, the president of Sri Lanka, by fleeing the country in terror just before the people burn down the presidential palace. Apart from a revolution, countries like Canada that are controlled by globalists can expect the medical tyranny dial to be turned to maximum this fall and winter. To keep up with the latest, visit Fascism.news. Sources for this article include: 2ndSmartestGuyInTheWorld.substack.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) The World Economic Forum (WEF) has been inserting itself into a number of core issues for humanity with ever-increasing vigor over the past couple of years, that coincided with the pandemic: publishing information about the future of artificial intelligence to the future of education, technology tracking humans, and so on and on. (Article by Didi Rankovic republished from ReclaimTheNet.org) One would think that when an unelected and unaccountable group like this decides to not merely offer its two cents on a topic but position itself as a de facto policymaker that wants to steer regulation and ethics standards it would also be open to criticism. But in thinking that, one would be wrong. It looks like the WEF can dish it out but cant really take it. The main message conveyed recently by WEF Managing Director Adrian Monck is basically dont talk about us. And critics, including politicians in various countries, are being branded as conspiracy theorists and disinformation peddlers for talking about them. Even though the WEF regularly wants to tackle the biggest issues there are including by pushing for the Great Reset- when people try to scrutinize its own activities, Monck told Canadas CBC there are bigger issues. Canada should be talking about a lot of things right now. It shouldnt really be talking about the World Economic Forum based here in Geneva, Monck is quoted as saying, oddly putting the emphasis on the geographical location of a group known as fiercely globalist, and thus aiming to influence the lives of everyone on the planet. WEF certainly wasnt talking about local residents of Geneva when it in 2016 published what would turn out to be the origins of the Great Reset proposition, that fully blossomed in 2020 and was promoted by WEF chairman and founder Klaus Schwab himself. Or the 2016 article started with the words, Welcome to 2030. I own nothing, have no privacy, and life has never been better. Can you really come out with this kind of stuff, keep doubling down on it, and yet expect no fair criticism and opposition, as well as theories legitimate and otherwise, to be developing as a consequence? Monck seems to think, yes. And those who dare show skepticism towards WEF are advised to have a very hard look at themselves and a very hard look in the mirror. But this instance of pearl-clutching is highly unlikely to stop people from asking questions. If anything, it might invite more curiosity: why are you so defensive, WEF? Read more at: ReclaimTheNet.org According to the authorities, the sleeping sickness mystery has been solved. Researchers believe they have found the illness's cause after more than 140 people in two small villages fell ill and drifted off for up to six days. Kazakhstan Sleeping Sickness According to the government, researchers have figured out what causes a peculiar sleeping illness that affects people in two villages in northern Kazakhstan. More than 140 persons in Kalachi and Krasnogorsk, two dusty towns in the vast Kazakh steppe with a combined population of 810, the majority of whom are of ethnic Russian and German descent, have been affected by the strange ailment since March 2013. Villagers would wake up with headaches, memory loss, drowsiness, and weakness after falling asleep unexpectedly, even while walking. Sleeping for up to six days at a stretch, some victims were victims more than half a dozen times. "The sick person seems conscious and even moves around. However, he soon passes out and snores, and when they wake him up, he has no memory of anything, according to a 2014 inquiry conducted in the daily Komsomolskaya Pravda. Also Read: Can the Development of Vaccine Manage to Slow Down the Rise of Lyme Disease Cases? Affecting Everyone Children would miss school due to illness, impacting both young and old. Two local kids, Rudolf Boyarinos and Misha Plyukhin, informed Komsomolskaya Pravda they had seen winged horses, snakes in their beds, and worms devouring their hands. Even animals could not escape. Yelena Zhavoronkova, a local of Kalachi, claims that her cat Marquis "got mad" and started meowing and biting the family dog, furniture, and walls on a Friday night. He passed out at dawn and snored like a person till Saturday midday. Even cat food did not affect him, according to Zhavoronkova. Doctors checked Marquis and other patients, but there was no cure for the mysterious ailment. At first, doctors believed the patients were experiencing the effects of fake vodka. Still, as the epidemic spread, they started diagnosing patients with "encephalopathy of an unknown origin," a catchall phrase for several brain disorders. Dozens of Speculations Many believed that the adjacent uranium mines, abandoned after the Soviet Union fell and left Krasnogorsk with only 130 of its 6,500 former population, were to blame. Kazakhstan's health ministry inspected more than 7,000 surrounding residences, but no abnormally high amounts of radiation or heavy metals and their salts were discovered. Some households found elevated radium levels, but this was insufficient to explain the phenomenon. Even sleep disorder specialists failed to identify a cause. In 2014, a somnologist told Komsomolskaya Pravda that the two remote villages were probably experiencing a mass psychosis comparable to the "Bin Laden itch," a skin condition that affected kids in the US as terror strikes concerns peaked in 2002. Now that the riddle has been cleared, Berdibek Saparbaev, Kazakhstan's deputy prime minister, confirmed that the uranium mines are the root of the problem. Researchers concluded that it was brought on by elevated levels of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the air after examining the findings of all the residents' medical tests. The uranium mines were shut down at some point, and carbon monoxide concentrations occasionally occurred there, according to Saparbaev. Accordingly, there is less oxygen in the air, which is the actual cause of the sleeping illness in these areas. Government Action The two communities are evacuated, and the government has allegedly relocated 68 out of 223 households. Related Article: Scientists Double Effort to Find Possible Next Pandemic, Caused by Other Zoonotic Diseases For more health and medicine related news, don't forget to follow Nature World News! As a blistering heat wave continues to take a toll on the state's electricity infrastructure, California confronts the combined threat of blackouts due to a stressed grid and the potential of wildfires. To lessen the chance of a fire in the drought-stricken area, Edison International's Southern California utility warned Thursday afternoon that it might cut power to more than 50,000 customers. The alert may be in effect into Saturday. Grid Emergency The warning was issued after the state's grid operator declared an emergency for the fourth day in a row and asked people and businesses to conserve electricity. Without the need for scheduled outages, the emergency level was shut down late on Thursday, but a warning for the fifth consecutive emergency on Friday is already in effect. And now that solar panel generation is being hindered by wildfire smoke, the system is exposed to a new threat. Also Read: California Continues to Suffer From Intense Heat as Temperatures Reaches Triple Digits Energy Crisis Rolling blackouts have eroded public trust in the power infrastructure, fueled a debate over how rapidly the state should switch to renewable energy sources, and reignited concerns about the effects of climate change. Additionally, it has contributed to the state's rising cost of fuel. The anticipated total demand will be 48.8 gigawatts, less than the record-breaking 52 gigawatts on Tuesday. However, substantially less solar and wind energy are expected to be available on the grid on Thursday and Friday. According to Elliot Mainzer, CEO of the California Independent System Operator, wildfire smoke and cloud cover decreased solar farm production on Thursday and are expected to limit generation by as much as 1 gigawatt on Friday. Another significant state electricity source is also declining due to weaker wind gusts on Thursday and Friday. To prevent blackouts amid record-breaking temperatures, California's grid operator issued an emergency appeal for consumers and businesses to save energy for Tuesday's seventh day in a row. Potential Sources As the sun sets and the state's abundant supply of solar-generated electricity diminishes in the late afternoon and early evening, the California Independent System Operator asked citizens to conserve energy. Mainzer stated that "conditions have changed" and that "it is questionable how much production we will have from our renewable resources." According to Edison spokesperson Diane Castro, public safety power shutoffs might continue through Saturday and mostly impact residents of Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties. According to the utility, severe winds will peak in intensity between 6 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday. The natural-gas-fired power facilities that the state has depended on to help prevent outages have also been pressured by the heat wave that began at the end of August. The likelihood of failure will rise the longer these circumstances persist. Intensifying Heat Since August 31, Sacramento has had daily highs above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Before falling to 91 on Saturday and 88 on Sunday, the high on Thursday may reach 109 and then 110 on Friday. Related Article: Extreme Heat Waves Can Cause More Power Outages For similar news, don't forget to follow Nature World News! Queen Elizabeth II passed away at 96 in her summer residence at Balmoral Castle, leaving environmental legacies in her 70-year reign. Global leaders showed their sympathies to the longest-serving monarch, who rose to power in 1952. The Queen brought about drastic changes in the United Kingdom (UK) and built stability to continuity in the government. She served as an inspiration to England. Her call for climate action Queen Elizabeth II expressed opinions rarely in public; however, the British Queen showed her frustration at COP 26, a United Nations (UN) climate conference in Scotland. According to Associated Press (AP), a recording of Queen Elizabeth saying, "I've been hearing all about COP ... I still don't know who's coming," appears to criticize the world leaders for not taking action on climate change. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the statement was not intended for broadcast. Furthermore, Reuters also reported that the Queen, in a video message for the climate conference, urged world leaders for climate action by thinking of future generations. She added that the summit's legacy would redound and help children's children. Love for nature lifestyle Even if she could live an extravagant lifestyle, Queen Elizabeth was known to have a simple life. The MailOnline reported that she loved local products and meat with low food miles. In an interview with Sky News, royal history Professor Kate William said that the Queen lived a frugal upbringing. She farmed honey at the Bucking Palace and reused wrapping papers. She also kept furniture for decades. The same report said that the Queen stopped patronizing fur clothes or materials. A nature documentary named 'The Queen's Green Planet' in 2018 became popular, showing the love for trees and the environment. The Queen and Sir David Attenborough teamed up for the documentary. The latter said that trees had been part of Queen Elizabeth's life. The Queen loved to plant commemorative trees. Prince Charles, climate advocate The royal family is prominent in advocating environmental policies and climate actions. Prince William is the founder of the ecological Earthshot prize, and Prince Charles has championed organic farming. As Queen Elizabeth passed away, the future King would be Prince Charles. He is known to be a climate advocate and lobbied for environmental policies. According to Climate Home News , Prince Charles is more outspoken about the environment. His strong opinions on the environment are admirable as he advocates for nature conservation and clean technology. Reports showed that he lobbied for environmental policies when he wrote to the former UK prime minister in 2015 about the pressing issue of climate change. With his background and firm opinions on environmental issues, Prince Charles can bring about long-term changes for a better environment. What policies and plans he will take are still unknown, and today's generations hope he will stand for climate action. Also Read: UK Will Promote the Highest Standards of Animal Welfare, Queen Elizabeth Says Did this article help you? Share this on your social media. For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature News Puss caterpillars with venomous hairs and stings were spotted in Central Florida in recent days. It was spotted by resident Florida man named Joel Mathis told Orlando TV station WOFL that he saw some of the fuzzy caterpillars in the city of Clermont last weekend. While common in Florida, sightings of the hairy caterpillars are relatively rare in the Sunshine State and can be found in other US states. The caterpillars are the larvae of the adult southern flannel moth (Megalopyge opercularis) or puss moth. It has been perceived as one of the most venomous caterpillars in the US and the most venomous in Florida. M. opercularis belongs to the family Megalopygidae and genus Megalopyge. While their fluffy hairs are considered adorable, beneath it consists of venomous spines that can be painful or deadly. Fuzzy Caterpillars Entomologist Lyle Buss at the University of Florida told Newsweek that the species could be considered the "worst stinging caterpillar" in Florida. The scientist claims of not seeing any of the insects this year even if they are prevalent across the state. The fuzzy caterpillars undergo different stages of molting and growth before engaging in metamorphosis into their adult form, just like other caterpillar species. During their pre-adulthood, the larvae grow more hairs every time they molt, according to the Entomology and Nematology Department of the University of Florida. Also Read: Virginia Invaded by Venomous Caterpillars Which Appear Like Walking Toupees Venomous Hairs and Stings While the hairs seem cuddly, they are hollow and have a venom gland at their bottom, becoming more toxic as the puss caterpillars grow into maturity. Most people will experience an intense, painful burning sensation for where they were stung. Yet, only a small percentage of people may incur a more serious allergic response, Buss adds, as cited by Newsweek. In 2019, a Florida woman told WOFL that she felt the pain was jumping from one area of her body into another. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech Manager Eric Day told the National Public Radio (NPR), a US-based non-profit organization, that he was also stung by a puss caterpillar when he accidentally brushed up against a tree while mowing his lawn in Virginia. Day recalls the burning sensation went away after a day or so but he also said of having an inch long blister at the sting site which was visible for several weeks, the NPR reports. Most Venomous Caterpillars In the US, the southern flannel moths are found from New Jersey to Florida in the East Coast and Arkansas and Texas in the west, according to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. The foundation confirms that the sighting in Clermont, Florida, is the latest sighting of the hairy caterpillars but states they are common on oak and elm trees during the fall and spring seasons. The population movement of the puss caterpillars depend on the weather, food availability, and the presence of parasites around them, the Florida organization says. Related Article: Florida's Fuzzy Caterpillars Have a Painful Secret Hurricane Earl is expected to produce 'dangerous rip currents' and 'dangerous surf' along the US East Coast this coming weekend, according to US weather authorities. Areas from New York to Florida could be at risk of coastal flooding as waves are pushed through the shore. This comes as the storm hovers over the North Atlantic Ocean, threatening the British Overseas Territory and island country of Bermuda. Both the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the National Weather Service (NWS) have been monitoring the hurricane over the past week, where it was only a tropical depression and a tropical storm. Now the NHC says the strong hurricane-force winds has prompted a tropical storm warning for Bermuda, where winds can reach up to 73 miles per hour (118 kilometers per hour) as of Friday, September 9. While significantly distant from the Continental US, the impact of Earl can still be felt even it is hundreds of miles away. This is according to the NWS, which warned that life-threatening surf conditions and rip conditions could hit the US eastern coastline on Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and September 11. The US weather agency the greatest coastal impacts will be in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. Hurricane Earl Forecast Hurricanes do not need to be near eastern North Carolina to cause impacts, according to a tweet by the NWS Newport/Morehead on Friday, as cited by CNN. The NWS office cites Major Hurricane Lorenzo in 2019, when it was over 2,000 miles away. However, Lorenzo generated powerful swells, causing damaging rip currents that killed four people in North Carolina. The tweet reminds the public that distant hurricanes can still bring large waves to local beaches even on calm weather days. In New Jersey, local news outlet NJ.com reports that weather forecasters are warning swimmers to remain on high alert due the dangerous rip currents along the Jersey Shore on Friday and Saturday, due to large ocean swells generated by Hurricane Earl. Also Read: Tropical Storm Earl Becomes Second Atlantic Hurricane This Season Rip Currents and Dangerous Surf Rip currents are reportedly the "leading surf hazard" for all beachgoers, and they are especially dangerous for weak or people that do not know how to swim. In the US, over 100 drownings are linked to rip currents that occur each year, where 80% of water rescues on surf beaches are because of these lethal fast-moving waters, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) explains. These hurricane-triggered currents can occur at any surf beach with breaking waves, including in the Great Lakes. Dangerous surf conditions pertain to larger-than-normal waves called "dangerous waves" used by the NWS to depict these strong breakers with an energy enough to move large logs and erode beaches, affecting swimmers and surfers. Small boats and paddleboats are also at risk of being overturned. The NWS and UNCW both urge swimmers to always choose guarded beaches or those with lifeguards stationed in their posts, monitoring the situation on the waters. Related Article: Hurricane Earl Now Heading Towards Bermuda According to studies, the Alpine Ice Caves in Austria are getting smaller due to climate change. Only a small number of the thousands of known ice caves in the world have received in-depth research, with Austria having one of the highest densities. Eight ice caves with descending morphology in Styria, Tyrol, Upper Austria, and Carinthia have now been thoroughly examined over the past few years by a team of researchers and scientists from the Universities of Belfast and Innsbruck using a comparative research methodology. According to Tanguy Racine, single ice caves have already been the subject of some solid studies. The research, which concentrated on the development of ice in several caves all of which are in comparable settings-similar altitude as well as a steep to vertically sloping geometry-was the first time that a comparative analysis had been done. Racine is from the Quaternary Research Group at the Department of Geology. He covered the subject in great detail in his dissertation. These caves' ice formations are the result of solid precipitation, specifically snow that slides into the cave during the winter and freezes there when the temperature drops. The Department of Geology's Charlotte Honiat and Tanguy Racine collect ice samples from the Tyrolean Guffert Eisschacht for laboratory analysis. Ice Cave Development The team used the radiocarbon method to gauge the age of the layers of ice in the caves, which were frequently several meters thick. Racine explains the procedure by saying that the research team concentrated on the smallest inclusions of wood samples in the ice layers to date the ice. It is possible to pinpoint the exact age of these wood fragments that fell into the ice caves from the outside. The extensive database, which includes 107 dates of wood samples in the ice, provides a precise picture of the ice accumulation and deposition in the ice caves over some time up to 2000 years ago. Using this strategy, the team was able to demonstrate the theory that historically recorded glacier advances, such as those that occurred during the "Little Ice Age," are also reflected in the growth of ice mass in ice caves and occur at the same time. The geologist goes on to say that similar ups and downs in the ice development can be seen in glaciers and ice caves for the past two thousand years. How much snow there is in the winter and how hot it is in the summer are crucial factors for both. The findings also demonstrate that a significant portion of Austria's underground ice dates back to the "Little Ice Age," which occurred between the 15th through 19th centuries. Read also: Alpine Glacier Collapse Kills Six People in Italy; Snowpack and Icy Rock Slams Into the Hikers Shrinking Ice Caves Racine notes that glaciers are not the only ones that have recently displayed a negative mass balance that is above average. The balance of ice caves is negative as well. The effects of rising temperatures as well as decreasing precipitation have also had a significant impact on ice caves. The study demonstrates an ice retreat rate that has never been recorded during our 2000-year measurement period. Several instances come to mind: For instance, monitoring in the Guffert Eisschacht in Steinberg am Rofan revealed a decline in the snow surface of nearly three meters between 2019 and 2021, and Eisgruben Eishohle at Sarstein, Upper Austria has lost 10 meters of ice thickness in the past 40 years. Upper Austria's Kraterschacht in the Sengsen Mountains lost 20 meters of ice in that time. Similar to the glaciers, this development can be attributed to human-caused climate change. Racine clarifies that It must be assumed, particularly for the smaller and medium-sized ice caves, that they will drastically lose ice mass or even become completely ice-free in the upcoming years to decades. The clock is loudly ticking. It must be assumed, particularly for the smaller and medium-sized ice caves, that they will drastically lose more ice mass or even result in becoming become completely ice-free in the upcoming years to decades. The clock is loudly ticking. To preserve the important climate data for science over the long term, the Innsbruck researchers will carefully remove ice cores from alpine ice caves in the upcoming years and store them cooled, Science Daily reports. Related article: Rapid Melting of Alpine Permafrost May Cause Global Warming Our County Editor Dave Hinton is editor of The News-Gazette's Our County section and former editor of the Rantoul Press. He can be reached at dhinton@news-gazette.com. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found wide genetic variation in SARS-CoV-2 viruses among 360 patients whose viral infections were genetically sequenced, showing that all individual infections include multiple variants of the virus. The researchers noted that reporting about the virus usually highlights a single dominant strain, which leads to under-reporting virus genetic variation and can have serious consequences in public-health planning and response. Our work brings attention to the complexity of infectious diseases that is often over-simplified when considering only the most abundant virus in an infection, and we demonstrate the importance of examining the variations that are historically considered noise. We see that genetic variants observed in low frequency in SARS-CoV-2 infections can be early indicators of new strains responsible for later transmission surges." Ernest (Ricky) Chan, director of the bioinformatics core with the Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology at the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine The paper, "COVID-19 Infection and Transmission Includes Complex Sequence Diversity," will be published on September 8, 2022 in PLOS Genetics. {Embargoed for 9.8 at 2pm ET.) The CWRU team performed full genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 viruses from 250 patients in Northeast Ohio and used similar data from another 110 patients with full genetic sequences of infecting viruses provided through international research collaborators. These data were developed in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when the Alpha variant and then the Delta variant were of major concern. This work showed that mutations found in Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 were already present as relatively minor variations at least a year before Omicron and its many iterations became "variants of concern." Omicron and its own variants were central to a major COVID-19 resurgence last winter. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today "Concentration on a majority consensus of virus variants within the global research community diverts attention from genetic variation that may contribute significantly to the continuing evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Peter Zimmerman, a professor in the Department of Pathology at the School of Medicine. "Focus on majority variants is a critical first step in development of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines, however the research community needs to quantify and report out variation, so that the public health community and the general public are better prepared and nimble in response to the ever-evolving virus." Much continues to be made to define and track the emergence of virus lineages across the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 around the world. In the interest of time, global researchers have been relying on tracking and reporting on relatively dominant variations. But the CWRU researchers noted that, given the multiple variations within single infections, it is important to report a more complete representation of the viral genetic sequences to understand how these genetic changes can spread and potentially interact with different categories of patient conditions, including evasion from eradication efforts. Researchers from Dresden uncover a greater neuron production in the frontal lobe during brain development in modern humans than Neandertals, due to the change of a single amino acid in the protein TKTL1. The question of what makes modern humans unique has long been a driving force for researchers. Comparisons with our closest relatives, the Neandertals, therefore provide fascinating insights. The increase in brain size, and in neuron production during brain development, are considered to be major factors for the increased cognitive abilities that occurred during human evolution. However, while both Neandertals and modern humans develop brains of similar size, very little is known about whether modern human and Neandertal brains may have differed in terms of their neuron production during development. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden now show that the modern human variant of the protein TKTL1, which differs by only a single amino acid from the Neandertal variant, increases one type of brain progenitor cells, called basal radial glia, in the modern human brain. Basal radial glial cells generate the majority of the neurons in the developing neocortex, a part of the brain that is crucial for many cognitive abilities. As TKTL1 activity is particularly high in the frontal lobe of the fetal human brain, the researchers conclude that this single human-specific amino acid substitution in TKTL1 underlies a greater neuron production in the developing frontal lobe of the neocortex in modern humans than Neandertals. Only a small number of proteins have differences in the sequence of their amino acids the building blocks of proteins between modern humans and our extinct relatives, the Neandertals and Denisovans. The biological significance of these differences for the development of the modern human brain is largely unknown. In fact, both, modern humans and Neandertals, feature a brain, and notably a neocortex, of similar size, but whether this similar neocortex size implies a similar number of neurons remains unclear. The latest study of the research group of Wieland Huttner, one of the founding directors of the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden, carried out in collaboration with Svante Paabo, director at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, and Pauline Wimberger of the University Hospital Dresden and their colleagues, addresses just this question. The researchers focus on one of these proteins that presents a single amino acid change in essentially all modern humans compared to Neandertals, the protein transketolase-like 1 (TKTL1). Specifically, in modern humans TKTL1 contains an arginine at the sequence position in question, whereas in Neandertal TKTL1 it is the related amino acid lysine. In the fetal human neocortex, TKTL1 is found in neocortical progenitor cells, the cells from which all cortical neurons derive. Notably, the level of TKTL1 is highest in the progenitor cells of the frontal lobe. Modern human TKTL1, but not Neandertal TKTL1, leads to more neurons in embryonic mouse neocortex Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today Anneline Pinson, the lead author of the study and researcher in the group of Wieland Huttner, set out to investigate the significance of this one amino acid change for neocortex development. Anneline and her colleagues introduced either the modern human or the Neandertal variant of TKTL1 into the neocortex of mouse embryos. They observed that basal radial glial cells, the type of neocortical progenitors thought to be the driving force for a bigger brain, increased with the modern human variant of TKTL1 but not with the Neandertal variant. As a consequence, the brains of mouse embryos with the modern human TKTL1 contained more neurons. More neurons in the frontal lobe of modern humans After this, the researchers explored the relevance of these effects for human brain development. To this end, they replaced the arginine in modern human TKTL1 with the lysine characteristic of Neandertal TKTL1, using human brain organoids miniature organ-like structures that can be grown from human stem cells in cell culture dishes in the lab and that mimic aspects of early human brain development. We found that with the Neandertal-type of amino acid in TKTL1, fewer basal radial glial cells were produced than with the modern human-type and, as a consequence, also fewer neurons. This shows us that even though we do not know how many neurons the Neandertal brain had, we can assume that modern humans have more neurons in the frontal lobe of the brain, where TKTL1 activity is highest, than Neandertals." Anneline Pinson, lead author of the study The researchers also found that modern human TKTL1 acts through changes in metabolism, specifically a stimulation of the pentose phosphate pathway followed by increased fatty acid synthesis. In this way, modern human TKTL1 is thought to increase the synthesis of certain membrane lipids needed to generate the long process of basal radial glial cells that stimulates their proliferation and, therefore, to increase neuron production. "This study implies that the production of neurons in the neocortex during fetal development is greater in modern humans than it was in Neandertals, in particular in the frontal lobe," summarizes Wieland Huttner, who supervised the study. "It is tempting to speculate that this promoted modern human cognitive abilities associated with the frontal lobe." Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Showers early with some clearing overnight. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Showers early with some clearing overnight. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Cabinet Affairs Minister HE Hamad bin Faisal Al Malki congratulated has congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the 21st anniversary of the establishment of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW). The minister has also extended congratulations to Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, HM the Kings Wife and SCW President. He praised women who represent an active member of the Team Bahrain, noting that the SCW initiatives, led by HM the Kings Wife, have contributed to supporting Bahraini womens progress and reinforcing their role and status in the comprehensive development, led by HM the King. He pointed out that the Government, headed by HRH the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, attaches great importance to the advancement of Bahraini women through continuous initiatives that enhance the role of women in various paths of developing government work in all fields. The SCWs strides over the past 21 years have been achieved through a package of projects, initiatives and programs launched by the Council since its inception, he added. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Twenty-one complaints of torture and ill-treatment by police officers are being currently probed by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), according to an SIU official. It is learnt that the SIU has questioned 46 accused and suspects, and has referred seven cases to the Forensic Medicine and Psychological Support Division. Apart from these, recommendations have also been made to the Ministry of Interior to take disciplinary action. Three months before, the Minor Criminal Court had sentenced a member of the Public Security Force to one year in jail after he was found guilty. Later the Court of Appeal reduced the sentence to three months jail. The Daily Tribune earlier quoted Mohammed Khalid Al Hazaa, the SIU head, as saying that the presence of the Unit in Bahrains judicial system is the mainstay for eliminating all forms of torture or ill-treatment and achieving criminal justice, based on its independent nature and its unique competence to determine criminal liability against government officials who committed illegal acts that caused crimes of torture, abuse or ill-treatment As Bahrain is unique regionally and internationally, it is distinguished by its human rights strides, regulatory and judicial institutions, which were set up to protect the rights of accused and convicted persons in the system, from the initiation of evidence and investigation procedures until the execution of legal penalties, he added. The Ombudsman, the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC) and the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), established are interlinked and reinforce each other. The Special Investigations Unit has been, since its establishment in 2012, taking all the measures required to conduct investigations in cooperation with all the competent authorities in the Kingdom. The Unit endeavors over the years have resulted in a noticeable decrease in the number of allegations of torture and ill-treatment. This reflects that the Unit has earned the trust of the community and that it has achieved the purpose of its establishment thanks to its success in dealing transparently and firmly with all the legal and human rights abuses that came under its review over the years. civilization of our society. It also reflects the legal and rights awareness of the public security members in light of the constitutional and humanitarian foundations and principles upon which the civilized development of our society is based. Internationally, the Unit won wide acclaim during the conference on the protection of human rights in the criminal justice system, organised by the Unit in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com One more passenger from Bahrain to India was arrested at Calicut International Airport located in the South Indian State of Kerala after trying to smuggle a little over 800 grams of gold. The arrested was later identified by Indian Customs officials as Usman Vattampoyil, a 29-year-old Indian national. This is the second incident involving a bid to smuggle gold from the Kingdom to India in two weeks time, according to sources. A Bahrain resident was arrested at Calicut International Airport last week after attempting to smuggle 2.4 kg of gold concealed in his rectum. According to local media reports, the arrested Indian national was identified as Hamzad Sadiq, a resident of the Kingdom. Both accused have been remanded in police custody, pending judicial actions. Smuggling of gold from the GCC countries to India has been, of late, on the rise. The precious metal smuggling involves the illicit transportation of gold via air transport, usually with the aim of circumventing taxes and other restrictions on imports and exports. As per the data available with the Indian Finance Ministry on gold seizures made by Customs field formations and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) from 2012 to 2022 (up to June), Tamil Nadu registered the highest annual average of 772 cases, followed by Maharashtra with 705 cases. The annual average of Kerala during this period stood at 295 cases. Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh together accounted for an annual average of 356 cases during this period. However, since 2020, Kerala is at the top of the list with a total of 1,880 cases up to June 2022, followed by Tamil Nadu with 1,632 cases and Maharashtra with 776 cases. BNA| Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com With flags lowered at half-mast, Bahrain is mourning the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, with HM the King, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Speaker and the Chairman of the Shura Council sending condolences to the UK, and people taking to social media to share their grief the Queens passing. HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has extended his heartfelt condolences to King Charles III, members of the Royal Family, and the people of Britain following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. In a cable of condolences, HM the King paid tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II's exemplary reign and immeasurable contribution to the deepening and strengthening of relations between Bahrain and the United Kingdom. The world has lost a great source of inspiration and strength whose wisdom and humanity will be missed by all, HM King Hamad emphasized. As a mark of respect for Queen Elizabeth II, HM the King has ordered that flags be lowered to half-mast for three days. In his cable of condolences, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister commended Queen Elizabeth II's lifetime of selfless service to the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and their people. HRH noted the Queen's defining contribution to fostering close and distinguished relations between Bahrain and the United Kingdom and their people. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Labour Minister, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, has called for integrating job seekers in the private medical sector, by rehabilitating and training them in collaboration with the relevant entities, as well as by taking advantage of the existing detailed and integrated database. He stressed the importance of integrating national competencies in the labour market, in light of the Economic Recovery Plan, launched by the government in many promising sectors. He said that several initiatives aimed at integrating job seekers in the Bahrains private medical sector are being implemented, as part of the joint efforts to implement the provisions of Law (1) of 2019, amending Article (14) of Decree-Law (21) of 2015 with Respect to Private Health Institutions, which gives priority to hiring Bahrainis in private medical institutions. Minister of Health, Dr Jalila bint Al Sayed Jawad Al Sayed Hassan, indicated that the private medical sector in the kingdom is growing rapidly with the increasing number of institutions that provide many rewarding employment opportunities. She expressed hope that the ongoing joint efforts will lead to increasing the number of Bahraini staff in this promising sector, highlighting the growing positive cooperation with the private sector in hiring Bahrainis, taking advantage of the incentives provided, including wage subsidies, and the provision of the necessary free training, in coordination with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen). It is to be noted that several meetings between officials in the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Health have been held over the past period to discuss a set of qualitative initiatives to qualify and employ job seekers in the health and medical professions. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com LuLu Exchange Bahrain has been known for its focus on consumer satisfaction and excellent experiences. As part of the customer appreciation initiative in September 2022, LuLu Exchanges Bahrain operation has leapt to acknowledge and appreciate its loyal customers who enrolled with the Company since the beginning of Bahrain operations in 2013. These customers have continued as loyal clients of LuLu Exchange to date. To make their appreciation and gratitude known to the customers, Bahrains management team visited them and handed over a token of appreciation. The felicitation was conducted in the presence of LuLu Exchange Bahrain General Manager Mr Edison Fernandez. Commenting upon the momentous occasion, Mr Fernandez said, I am extremely grateful and appreciative of our loyal customers who have stayed with us since 2013. It gives all of us, at LuLu Exchange Bahrain, great pleasure to acknowledge and felicitate our trusted customers at this juncture. Going ahead, we promise all our customers to keep delivering on our promise of excellent services and look forward to serving you for many more years to come. A Japanese court on Friday ordered Tokyo Medical University to pay damages totaling around 18.26 million yen to 27 women who claimed the school rigged its entrance exams in favor of male candidates, depriving them of admission. In the lawsuit filed with the Tokyo District Court, a total of 28 women sought a total of 152.33 million yen in damages against the university, saying the gender-based discrimination in entrance exams that came to light in 2018 was illegal. The university admitted in 2018 that it had been marking down exam scores since at least 2006 to curb female enrollment and those of men who had failed the exam previously. The improper action was aimed at preventing a shortage of doctors at affiliated hospitals in the belief that women tend to resign or take long periods of leave after getting married or giving birth. The university manipulated the exam scores "based on gender, which cannot be changed by people's own efforts or will," Presiding Judge Kyoko Hiraki said in handing down the ruling. "It is not a fair and appropriate way." If the plaintiffs had been aware that the results would be tampered with, they would not have taken the exam, Hiraki also said. "This violated the freedom of choosing a university and constituted an unlawful act." ...continue reading BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) A federal judge on Friday ordered the Biden administration to reinstate a drilling lease that has been in dispute for decades on land near the Blackfeet Indian Reservation that is considered sacred to Native American tribes in the U.S. and Canada. The 10-square-mile (25-square-kilometer) oil and gas lease in the Badger-Two Medicine area of northwestern Montana was first issued in 1982. It was cancelled in 2016 under then-U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, at the request of the Blackfoot tribes and conservation groups. There have been efforts to declare the area a national monument or make it a cultural heritage area, and tribal leaders have bitterly opposed drilling in recent decades. But U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said Jewell lacked the authority to withdraw the lease so many years after it was sold and after several prior studies examined the environmental and other impacts of drilling in the area. He ordered Interior Department officials to reinstate the lease and issue a drilling permit to Solenex LLC, the Louisiana company that holds the lease. Leon issued a similar order in 2018 that was later overturned on appeal. It is time to put an end to this interminable, and insufferable, bureaucratic chess match, Leon wrote in his 36-page decision. The Badger-Two-Medicine is adjacent to Glacier National Park and is the site of the creation story of the Blackfoot tribes of southern Canada and Montanas Blackfeet Nation. The Blackfeet had intervened in the case on the side of the government, and tribal Historic Preservation Officer John Murray said the fight against drilling would continue. Weve lived under this kind of reckless threat to our sacred lands for decades, and we will never surrender to roads and drill rigs in the Badger-Two Medicine, Murray said. Solenex founder Sidney Longwell, who died last year, bought the lease but never drilled on the site. Instead, Longwell confronted major bureaucratic delays within the U.S. departments of Interior and Agriculture that prompted the company to sue in 2013. Interior department officials did not have an immediate reaction to the ruling, spokesperson Melissa Schwartz said. A Solenex representative could not be reached for comment. Judge Leon criticized government officials for adopting the Blackfeet Tribes position that drilling had the potential to affect the power and spirituality of the area without explaining what those effects were. He also rejected the claim from officials that the impacts to tribal resources could not be lessened if drilling occurred. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) Two American Indian tribes in South Dakota have joined forces to purchase 40 acres around the Wounded Knee National Historic Landmark, the site of one of the deadliest massacres in U.S. history. The Oglala Sioux and the Cheyenne River Sioux said the purchase of the land on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation was an act of cooperation to ensure the area was preserved as a sacred site. More than 200 Native Americans including children and elderly people were killed at Wounded Knee in 1890. The bloodshed marked a seminal moment in the frontier battles the U.S. Army waged against tribes. It's a small step towards healing and really making sure that we as a tribe are protecting our critical areas and assets, Oglala Sioux Tribe President Kevin Killer told The Associated Press. The tribes agreed this week to petition the U.S. Department of the Interior to take the land into trust on behalf of both tribes. The Oglala Sioux tribe will pay $255,000 and the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe will pay $245,000 for the site, Indian Country Today reported. The title to the land will be held in the name of the Oglala Sioux tribe. Marlis Afraid of Hawk, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe whose grandfather, Albert Afraid of Hawk, survived the 1890 massacre as a 13-year-old boy, said she was overjoyed to see the tribes take ownership. She said she carries on the oral tradition of telling her grandchildren how her grandfather survived by fleeing through a ravine after a rifle held by a U.S. calvary soldier failed to fire at him. As a member of a group that represents the descendants of the massacre's survivors, she had initially raised objections to the Oglala Sioux Tribe's purchase of the land, but said the joint purchase made her feel honored and grateful. Members of the Oglala Sioux, Standing Rock Sioux, Rosebud Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes were all at Wounded Knee in 1890, Afraid of Hawk said. She hoped the site could be used for education for the people who come and see the massacre site. They need to know the history. It needs to come through the true, true Lakota people, she said. The tribes' agreement ends a decades-long dispute over ownership of a site that has figured largely in Indigenous people's struggles with the U.S. government. Jeanette Czywczynski became sole owner of the property after her husband, James, died in 2019. He had purchased the property in 1968. The Czywczynski family operated a trading post and museum there until 1973, when American Indian Movement protesters occupied the site, destroying both the post and Czywczynskis home. The 71-day standoff that left two tribal members dead and a federal agent seriously wounded led to heightened awareness about Native American struggles and propelled a wider protest movement. The family moved away from the area and put the land up for sale, asking $3.9 million for the 40-acre parcel nearest the massacre site even though the land, including an additional adjacent 40-acre plot, had been assessed at $14,000. In 2013, film star Johnny Depp announced a plan to buy the property and donate it to the Oglala Sioux tribe. Depp, who played the role of Tonto in a remake of the film, The Lone Ranger, was criticized for trying to capitalize on the film by making unsubstantiated claims of having Native American ancestry. Depp did not follow through on the purchase. Killer, the Oglala Sioux Tribe's president, said the tribe's resolution for the land purchase calls for it to be preserved as a sacred site. He said, Theres still a lot of unresolved artifacts and items that should be left undisturbed." Manny Iron Hawk, another member of the Wounded Knee Survivor's Association, said he saw the land acquisition as another step in the century-old Indian revival movement known as the Ghost Dance. The U.S. military was trying to suppress the Ghost Dance in 1890 after it had swept across Indigenous communities with a prophecy that colonial expansion would end and Native American communities would unite for prosperity. The Ghost Dance was a beautiful dream for our people. It wasnt a dream of death, it was a dream of life, Iron Hawk said. Today we are the new Ghost Dancers and we carry on a duty that came to us to do what we can for our relatives there at Wounded Knee. The U.S. counted its millionth organ transplant on Friday, a milestone that comes at a critical time for Americans still desperately waiting for that chance at survival. It took decades from the first success a kidney in 1954 to transplant 1 million organs, and officials can't reveal if this latest was a kidney, too, or some other organ. But advocates opened a new campaign to speed the next million transplants by encouraging more people to register as organ donors. Yet the nations transplant system is at a crossroads. More people than ever are getting new organs a record 41,356 last year alone. At the same time, critics blast the system for policies and outright mistakes that waste organs and cost lives. The anger boiled over last month in a Senate committee hearing where lawmakers blamed the United Network for Organ Sharing, a nonprofit that holds a government contract to run the transplant system, for cumbersome organ-tracking and poor oversight. This is sitting on your hands while people die, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, told the organizations chief executive as she and other senators suggested UNOS should be replaced. UNOS continually takes steps to improve organ supply and equity and won't be satisfied until everyone who needs a transplant gets one, CEO Brian Shepard responded. Other experts say the fireworks are a distraction from work already underway. "Everybody would like the system to be better, said Renee Landers, a Suffolk University health law expert who, as part of an independent scientific advisory panel to the government, co-authored a blueprint for change earlier this year. That blueprint, from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, sets a five-year deadline for improving every part of the complex transplant system including the groups that collect organs from deceased donors, transplant centers that decide which ones to use, and the government agencies that regulate both. Focusing on only one aspect is actually not going to achieve that goal, Landers said. There are so many other pieces that have to fall into place. In the U.S., more than 400,000 people are living with functioning transplanted organs, UNOS said Friday. For all the lives saved each year, more than 105,000 people are on the national list still waiting for a new kidney, liver, heart or other organ, and about 17 a day die waiting. Too often potentially usable organs arent recovered from would-be donors and too many hospitals turn down less-than-perfect organs that might still offer a good outcome for the right patient, the National Academies report found. Kidneys are the organ most in demand and nearly a quarter of those donated last year were discarded, refused by hospitals for a variety of reasons. A Senate Finance Committee investigation turned up additional problems including testing failures that between 2008 and 2015 led to 249 transplant recipients developing diseases from donated organs, 70 of whom died. In other cases, organs being shipped from one hospital to another were lost in transit or delayed so long they werent usable. While those kinds of errors should never happen, they are a small fraction of the tens of thousands of transplants performed over that time period. Solutions to the more common problems -- procuring more organs and making sure theyre used -- are tougher but attempts are underway: --Kidney transplants increased 16% last year -- and by 23% among Black patients -- attributed to a UNOS-ordered change in how organs are distributed that allows kidneys to be shipped to sicker patients further away rather than being offered first to hospitals near where they were donated. --In July, UNOS told hospitals to quit using a certain formula to test kidney function that can underestimate Black patients need for a transplant and leave them waiting longer than similarly ill white patients. --Some organ procurement organizations, or OPOs retrieve organs from deceased donors at far higher rates than others. Medicare this year finalized new rules that require improvement or the low performers could be shut down in 2026. OPOs are reluctant to retrieve less-than-perfect organs that they know nearby hospitals wont accept. Some hospitals may always refuse kidneys from donors over 70 or diabetics, for example. But soon, transplant centers' kidney acceptance rates will be tracked as a new quality measure. To get ready, dozens of hospitals are using new computer filters to opt out of even receiving offers they don't intend to accept. Skipping them could allow those offers to more quickly reach places like Yale University's transplant center known for success with less-than-perfect kidneys before the organs sit on ice too long to be usable. You cant criticize OPOs for not recovering organs if youre not beginning to hold transplant programs accountable for the decisions they make, said kidney specialist Dr. Richard Formica, Yale's transplant medicine director. We have to come up with ways to incentivize people to change their behaviors. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. - Advertisement - Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the Centre-State Science Conclave on Saturday via video conference in order to support an ecosystem of technology and innovation. 21 , : PM PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 10, 2022 The first of its kind Conclave, according to the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), would enhance Centre-State coordination and collaboration mechanisms in the spirit of cooperative federalism to create a strong science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem throughout the nation. Addressing the Centre-State Science Conclave. https://t.co/Go0yE7vI8n Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2022 The two-day Conclave will be held at Science City in Ahmedabad on September 10 and 11. Sessions on a range of topics will be covered, such as STI Vision 2047, Future Growth Pathways and Vision for STI in States, Digital Health Care for All, Doubling Private Sector Investment in R&D by 2030, Agriculture Technological Interventions for Improving Farmers Income, Water Innovation for Producing Potable Drinking Water, Energy Clean Energy for All including S&T Role in Hydrogen Mission, Deep Ocean Mission and its Relevance for Coastal State, and Health Digital Health Care. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh both attended the conclaves opening. According to PMO, the first-of-its-kind Conclave will feature participation from state and union territory science and technology ministers and secretaries, business executives, NGOs, young scientists, and students. Read more: Indias Global Innovation Index ranking improved from 81 in 2015 to 46 at present due to Centres efforts: PM Modi - Advertisement - Since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taipei last month, Taiwan has been receiving backing from around the world as China has upped its military activities near the island nation. The world worries about the severe consequences Taiwan will have to deal with if China moves forward with military action against it given the strong relationship between Russia and China. According to Policy Research Group, this has prompted several nations to endorse Pelosis visit. Due to their opposition to the concept of yet another military operation in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, a number of nations have expressed their support for Taiwan. The simmering tensions in the Taiwan Strait have alarmed the ASEAN nations. According to Policy Research Group, the ASEAN countries cautioned that the confrontation could have unforeseeable effects and pleaded with Beijing to exercise the greatest amount of prudence during a summit of 27 countries, of which China was a member. According to the report, Chinas foreign minister left the meeting after the ASEANs unexpected response. Even South Korea, which avoids accusing China explicitly, voiced opposition to any forcible attempts to alter the existing quo. Additionally, several nations, notably those in eastern Europe, want to cut back on their relations with China. In response to military threats by China against Taiwan and the developing relationship between Beijing and Moscow, Estonia and Latvia withdrew from the China-led cooperation group. In a statement, the Latvian Foreign Ministry stated that it has decided to terminate its participation in the cooperation framework of Central and Eastern European Countries and China. In an effort to strengthen its ties with democratic Taiwan, Lithuania withdrew from the China-led alliance last year. While rejecting Chinas warnings, other European nations like Slovakia and the Czech Republic are stepping up their ties with Taiwan. China has pushed other European nations to join in their relationship with Taiwan, even as it has called the Czech Republic despicable for welcoming the Taiwanese foreign minister. According to reports, China is rapidly alienating its allies and creating new enemies in the critical Indo-Pacific area. Notably, Australia and Japan have already joined the group of western nations led by the US that opposes China. Right now, China is not behaving rationally. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership started a furious four-day military exercise in the waters near Taiwan right after Pelosis visit. Live firing was used by Chinese officers, which is often a later test of operational readiness. The exercise featured more than 50 warships and 200 Chinese military aircraft. Read more: India to benefit from G7 price cap on Russian oil: US officials - Advertisement - Disputes over an arbitration clause are the only thing standing between India and Iran and a long-term agreement for operations at the important Chabahar port, according to sources familiar with the situation. The 10-year deal, which will automatically renew, is intended to replace a previous arrangement that covered Indias operations at the Shahid Beheshti terminal in Chabahar port and was renewed annually. The decision was made at a time when Iran has been pressuring New Delhi to speed up development of the Shahid Beheshti terminal, which is run by the government-owned India Ports Global Limited, and China has been expressing increasing interest in investing in ports and other coastal infrastructure in Iran (IPGL). The long-term deal came up in conversation during Sarbananda Sonowals visit to Iran last month, particularly during his meeting with Rostam Ghasemi, the Iranian minister of urban development. According to the people, the minor difficulty impeding the long-term agreement is the jurisdiction for arbitration of disputes on any matter. They noted that a proposal under the agreement would require a tough constitutional amendment because such arbitration cannot be referred to foreign courts under Irans Constitution. However, given that legal and technological specialists are working on it, the parties are optimistic that this issue will be resolved quickly, according to the persons. The Iranian side has also been pressuring India to complete the 700 km Chabahar-Zahedan railway line and expedite the expansion of its activities at the Chabahar port. Less than 200 kilometres of this vital rail link still need to be built, and Tehran has suggested that an agreement can be finalised by the Indian side with another organisation in response to concerns about working with a construction firm that has ties to the US-sanctioned Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The IPGL has handled more than 4.8 million tonnes of bulk cargo since it started operating at the Shahid Beheshti terminal in late 2018, including transshipments from Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Germany, Russia, and the UAE. Experts predicted that this number could increase significantly if the port is connected to the rail network. In May 2016, India began construction of the Shahid Beheshti terminal as part of a Chahbahar tripartite deal with Iran and Afghanistan. Since the Taliban overran Afghanistan last year, Afghanistan is effectively no longer a part of the agreements, albeit the port has benefited from a US waiver on sanctions placed on Iran. India promised to contribute $85 million to the terminals construction and has already contributed cranes and other equipment totaling about $24 million. People made the point that it is imperative to hasten the supply of additional machinery, such as powerful gantry cranes, for transporting cargo from ships to land. The two nations decided to establish a cooperative technical committee for the efficient operation of the port during Sonowals visit. In order to realise the objective articulated during Prime Minister Narendra Modis 2016 visit to Iran, India is still totally committed to developing the Chabahar port, Sonowal stated at the time. In order to encourage the use of the port, India is planning to host a conference of a joint working group on Chabahar with Central Asian states in October, the sources added. Incorporating the port into the International North-South Transport Corridor is another initiative (INSTC). Read more: Charles III proclaimed as King, 2 days after Queen Elizabeths Death - Advertisement - Manga Anantmula, a former contender for the Virginia congressional seat and a veteran of the Army, challenged Masood Khan, Pakistans ambassador to the United States, regarding the assaults of women from minority groups under the name of flood aid. In the midst of Pakistans disastrous floods, a young Hindu girl was recently enticed by free rations and gang-raped in Sindh province. Masood Khan provided an update on the historic flooding in Pakistan while speaking at a press conference on Friday at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. During the press conference on Friday, Manga confronted the Pakistani ambassador and demanded that Masood Khan address the concerns of forced conversions, rape, and other crimes committed against minority women in Pakistan. During the press conference, Manga Anantmula also held up a poster in an effort to make a strong statement against the mistreatment of women and to ask the Pakistani envoy to take up the issue of forced conversions. A report claims that throughout Pakistan in the month of June, 157 women were abducted, 112 were physically abused, and 91 were sexually assaulted. At the press conference on Friday, Pakistans attempts to portray itself as the victim were criticised, and it was questioned why Pakistan has been investing in its military and nuclear capabilities rather than sustainable infrastructure development. Ambassador Khan was clearly upset and unable to provide thoughtful responses to the activists important issues. Meanwhile, the United States announced that it will contribute an additional USD 20 million in humanitarian aid to help those who have been impacted by the ongoing landslides, glacial lake outbursts, and severe flooding that have occurred in Pakistan as a result of the heavy monsoon rains since June. According to calculations by the Centre and supported by the provinces, the anticipated economic loss caused by the historic floods in Pakistan has increased to nearly USD 18 billion, up from an earlier estimate of USD 12.5 billion. After floods, the growth of the agricultural sector was far more negatively impacted. As per media sources, the devastating floods have devastated crops on 8.25 million acres as opposed to the previous estimate of 4.2 million acres, which has increased the economic losses. The per capita income is expected to decline as a result of rising economic losses and slower GDP growth. For the current fiscal year, the government expected GDP to expand at a rate of 5%. Additionally, from 21.9 to over 36 percent, poverty and unemployment will increase significantly. According to estimates from the Pakistani government, after floods in 118 districts, 37% of the population was affected by poverty. A prominent committee that included representatives from the ministries of finance, planning, the state bank of Pakistan, the FBR, PIDE, and other organisations determined that unemployment and poverty have increased significantly, going from 21.9% to more than 36%. Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, arrived in Pakistan on Friday on a two-day visit to assess the situation regarding the floods and to show support for those affected by the countrys heavy monsoon rain. Read more: India, France move UNSC to designate two Pakistanis as global terrorists - Advertisement - A historic 70yr reign came to an end after the demise of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom on Thursday, September 8th. Queen Elizabeth was considered the longest-ruling monarch in the history of the UK. During her reign, there were 14 United States Presidents, seven popes, and 15 Prime Ministers from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss. The United Kingdom has been plunged into grief as the 96-year-old passed away at her Scottish residence Balmoral Castle. A tweet was posted by the royal familys official account that stated The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022 UKs new Prime Minister Liz Truss said, Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built in her tweet addressing the queens passing. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/Acp3xy5kH4 Liz Truss (@trussliz) September 8, 2022 The day of her majestys death is internally known as D-Day. It is understood that operation London Bridge is down is initiated immediately by the queens private secretary, Sir Edward Young indicating her death. Arrangements for her funeral will be made during the 10-day mourning, meanwhile, Prince Charless coronation is believed not to take place for the time being. For the record, Prince Charles has officially become the ruling King of the United Kingdom instantly after his mothers death. US President Joe Biden told the media that he would be attending the funeral. Biden said Yes. I dont know what the details are yet but Ill be going. When asked whether he had spoken to King Charles III, Biden replied I know him. I havent spoken to him. I did not call him. While the official details for the Queens funeral are yet to be declared, her funeral will likely be attended by a huge number of guests, including her family, political leaders, European royals, rulers from other countries, and key figures from the public life. After the 10-day mourning, the Queen will be given her official farewell at Westminster Abbey in the presence of her family members, British establishment figures, heads of state from around the world, and all surviving former British Prime Ministers. At last, her majesty will be taken to her final resting place at Windsor. Read more: King Charles vows to serve with loyalty and love, pays moving tribute to darling mama - Advertisement - On Saturday in Jodhpur, the OBC Morcha national working committee meeting will conclude with a speech by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Notably, Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister of Rajasthan, is from Jodhpur. Shah will also speak at the BJPs booth-level workers gathering in Jodhpur during its opening session. The two-day working committee meeting was officially opened on Friday by K Laxman, the morchas national president, Bhupendra Yadav, the union labour minister, and Satish Poonia, the head of the BJPs Rajasthan unit. Bhupender Yadav said that anytime the topic of reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) came up, Congress did not support it in his speech to the audience at the meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party OBC Morchas National Working Committee. PM Narendra Modi administration has been continually working for the OBC community since 2014, he claimed. Home Minister, who is spending two days in Rajasthan, landed in Jaisalmer on Friday night. At the Jaisalmer Airport, he was greeted by party leaders, BSF Director General D Pankaj Kumar Singh, and Union Minister Kailash Choudhary. He spoke with BSF representatives in Jaisalmer on Friday and spent the night at the BSF Officers Institute. Earlier on Saturday early in the morning, Shah will go to Jaisalmer and pay a visit to the Tanot Mata temple. Tanot Mandir Complex Project, Border Security Force Sector Jaisalmer (North), and Bhoomi Pujan project under Border Tourism Development Program by Ministry of Tourism will all have their foundations officially laid today by the Home Minister. - Advertisement - India reported 5,554 new COVID cases in the previous day, according to information sent on Saturday to the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs. 53,974 instances are now active in India, which represents 0.11 percent of all cases. 98.7% of cases are presently being recovered. The number of recoveries reached 6,322 on the previous day, bringing the total to 4,39,13,294. A weekly positivity rate of 1.80% and a daily positivity rate of 1.47 percent have been recorded across the nation. Government of India has been assisting the States and UTs by giving them free COVID vaccines as part of the national immunisation push. The Union Government will purchase and provide (free of charge) to States and UTs 75% of the vaccinations being manufactured by the countrys vaccine producers as part of the next phase of the COVID-19 immunisation push. Nationwide Vaccination Drive has so far provided 214.77 crore total vaccine doses (94.48 crore second dose and 17.92 crore precaution dose), of which 21,63,811 doses were administered just in the past 24 hours. - Advertisement - Manoj Jha, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has stated that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars visit to Delhi to meet leaders of various opposition parties was an effort to explore policy-oriented political alternatives rather than a person-oriented alternative to the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Nitish Kumar has met with Samajwadi Party leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in addition to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He also met Indian National Lok Dal leader Om Prakash Chautala. Jha said Nitish Kumar has made it clear that he has no personal ambition for the post of Prime Minister. He targeted the BJP and said prices of essential commodities were rising. Unemployment is on rise and people are suffering due to rising prices, the economy is not in good shape. Whatever data you may try to hide under, you are unable to do it. There should be an policy-oriented alternative to this. Nitish Kumar coming to Delhi and meeting leaders of different parties is a step in that direction, Jha told ANI. He said personality-oriented politics has always not been successful and asked who was the face in 1977, when Indira Gandhi was deposed? Which face was there in 1989? Who was the face in front of Atalji in 2004? If there is face, there will be person-centred politics. We need to take democracy to collectiveness. As for the face of opposition, it can be anyone, Jha said. In August, Nitish Kumar parted with the BJP and established a government with the RJD in Bihar.As part of his attempts to bring the opposition together, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao visited Bihar and met with Nitish Kumar and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. Jha slammed the administration, claiming that renaming roads will not fix problems caused by its policies. Rajpath will be renamed Kartavya Path by the government. Race Course Road was renamed Lok Kalyan Marg, but what is happening for public welfare? Now it is Kartavya Path also. What is the duty of a government? Make fun of history? Create a name changing ministry, change the name of every road in India in one go, but do some work, he said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Queen Elizabeth II, who marked 70 years on the throne this year, was the oldest and longest-reigning monarch in British history. She endured through 15 prime ministers, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss, becoming an institution and an icon -- a reassuring presence even for those who ignored or loathed the monarchy. She became less visible in her final years as age and frailty curtailed many public appearances. But she remained firmly in control of the monarchy and at the center of national life as Britain celebrated her Platinum Jubilee earlier with days of parties and pageants in June. When Elizabeth was 21, almost five years before she became queen, she promised the people of Britain and the Commonwealth that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service. It was a promise she kept across more than seven decades. Here is a look at a selection of photos spanning Queen Elizabeth IIs seven decade reign: 1950s Feb. 6, 1952: Elizabeth becomes queen upon the death of her father George VI. June 2, 1953: Crowned in a grand coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey. She sets out on a tour of the Commonwealth, visiting places including Bermuda, Fiji, Tonga, Australia, and Gibraltar. 1960s Feb. 19, 1960: Elizabeths third child, Prince Andrew, is born. March 10, 1964: Elizabeths fourth child, Prince Edward, is born. May 1965: Elizabeth makes a historic visit to West Germany, the first German visit by a British monarch in 52 years. 1970s 1977: Elizabeth celebrates her Silver Jubilee, which marks 25 years on the throne. 1980s Oct. 1986: Elizabeth travels to China becoming the first British sovereign to visit there. 1990s 1992: Elizabeth has what she describes as an annus horribilis, or a horrible year. The year sees marriages for three of her four children end. Also that year, a fire damages Windsor Castle. Public outcry over the cost of repairs amid a recession prompts the queen to volunteer to pay income taxes. Aug. 31, 1997: Princess Diana dies in a car crash in Paris. Under public pressure to demonstrate her grief, Elizabeth makes an unprecedented television broadcast in tribute to Dianas memory. 2000s 2002: Elizabeth marks 50 years of reign with her Golden Jubilee. The year also sees the deaths of Elizabeths mother and her sister, Margaret. Dec. 20, 2007: Elizabeth becomes the longest-living British monarch, overtaking Queen Victoria. 2010s May 2011: Elizabeth makes a historic visit to Ireland the first visit by a British monarch since Irish independence. 2012: Elizabeth marks 60 years of her reign with a Diamond Jubilee. Sept. 9, 2015: Elizabeth surpasses Queen Victoria and becomes the longest-serving monarch in British history. June 11, 2016: Britain celebrates Elizabeths official 90th birthday with three days of national festivities. 2020s March 2020: Elizabeth and Philip move from Buckingham Palace in London to Windsor Castle at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. April 9, 2021: Prince Philip, Elizabeths husband of 73 years, dies at age 99. --Sept. 8, 2022: Elizabeth dies at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at age 96. Her eldest son becomes King Charles III. Bjoern Wylezich / TNS / The National Foundation for Gun Rights is suing Connecticut over the states ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, a measure taken to reduce the incidence of mass shootings in the wake of Sandy Hook. Filed Tuesday, the complaint contends that the ban violates rights outlined in the Second and Fourteenth Amendments and employs politically charged rhetoric intended to evoke an emotional response rather than technical terminology. It names Gov. Ned Lamont; Patrick Griffin, the chief states attorney; and David Shannon, the states attorney for the Litchfield Judicial District, as defendants. WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) A man accused of killing six people and injuring dozens of others by driving an SUV through a Christmas parade in Wisconsin last year withdrew his insanity plea Friday. Darrell Brooks Jr., 40, appeared in Waukesha County Circuit Court where he's facing nearly 80 charges, including six homicide counts, in connection with the Nov. 21 incident in Waukesha. Brooks had changed his not guilty plea to not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in June. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) Security-sealed rooms. Lock bags. And in the most rare of circumstances, the ability to handcuff a document pouch to a messenger to transport the nations secrets. These are some of the ways Capitol Hill keeps classified documents secured, an elaborate system of government protocols and high-level security clearances that stands in stark contrast to the storage room stash of secrets at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. As the Justice Departments probe into the Republican former presidents possession of White House materials deepens, lawmakers of both parties have more questions than answers. Intelligence officials have offered to brief congressional leaders, possibly as soon as next week, senators said, as they launch a lengthy risk assessment. Congress had asked for the briefing soon after the revelation of the unprecedented Aug. 8 search, but it may be delayed by the legal fight between Trump and the government. We need to be able to do appropriate oversight for the Intelligence Committee so that we have a better handle on how this particular incident was handled, but so that we avoid problems like this in the future," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. A culture of secrecy may not necessarily be expected from Capitol Hill, where 535 elected members of Congress, alongside thousands of aides and countless more visitors broker information on a daily basis as a routine part of governing. Secrets large and small from the most mundane details about when an upcoming vote will be scheduled to the parlor intrigue of transitional alliances are among the more valued bits of currency that pass through the place. But when it comes to classified materials, the stream of information tends to clamp shut. Lawmakers who serve on the House and Senate Intelligence committees are traditionally among the most publicly tight-lipped about their work, and staff for those panels must obtain security clearances to handle the documents and perform their jobs. Others serving on committees dealing with military affairs and certain national security funds face similar restrictions. When members of Congress want to peruse classified materials, they descend deep into the basement of the Capitol to a sensitive compartmented information facility, known as a SCIF. Other SCIFs are scattered throughout the Capitol complex. If documents need to be ferried in or out of secure locations, they are typically transported in a lock bag, a briefcase-sized pouch under lock and key. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Penn., a member of the Intelligence Committee, said staff will often use a lock bag even simply to transport materials from committee offices to a SCIF some 30 feet (9 meters) away. The idea that anyone would leave any building or any room with those documents not secure its just, the word is, unfathomable, Casey said in an interview. In rare instances, a document pouch can be handcuffed to a person's wrist for travel, though several senators and staff said they have never seen that happen. I've only seen that in movies, said Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, the top-ranking Republican on the Intelligence Committee. Trumps alleged mishandling of the documents has stunned lawmakers of both parties, even those Republicans critical of the Justice Departments unusual search of a former president. Court filings from the federal government say hundreds of classified records have been retrieved from Trump's private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., all but warned of Trump's handling of sensitive documents early in the then-presidents term. A photo from a White House press briefing in 2017 showed Trump and others in the Oval Office with a lock bag visible on the desk, the key still inside. Never leave a key in a classified lock bag in the presence of non-cleared people. #Classified101, tweeted Heinrich, a member of the Intelligence Committee, days after the February 2017 incident. He asked for a review. In an interview this past week, Heinrich said, It is outrageous to think the cavalier nature with which the former president treats information, that can have life or death consequences for our sources, is unfathomable." Trump amassed more than a dozen boxes of papers and other mementos from the White House, many held in a storage room at Mar-a-Lago. The FBI's search came after a protracted battle over missing documents launched soon after Trump left the White House in 2021. Trump attorneys had insisted early in the summer after the first delivery of returned documents that there was nothing left at the former president's club. Upon inspection, the FBI asked the storage room to be put under lock and key. Ultimately a search warrant for Mar-a-Lago was obtained and more than 100 other documents with classified markings were found. Now, the Justice Department is investigating the Trump team's handling of the documents and possible obstruction. Cornyn expressed skepticism the stashed documents held critical information. Its hard for me to believe it was particularly sensitive its been sitting at Mar-a-Lago for a year and a half before they do anything about it, he said. Still, when it comes to handling classified documents, Cornyn noted: There are ways to secure it, but its not under no circumstance, should it be in your home. Retribution for breaking secrets on Capitol Hill can be swift and severe. In the 1980s, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., announced he would leave the Intelligence Committee after acknowledging that he had allowed a reporter to review a not classified but still committee confidential draft report on the Contra wars in Latin America. More recently, a former senior staff member of the Senate panel was charged with lying to investigators about his interactions with journalists. Immediately after the Mar-a-Lago search, Sen. Mark Warner, the Democratic chairman of the intelligence committee, and Rubio jointly asked the director of national intelligence for an assessment of the damage to national security that would result from disclosure of the documents. My issue is not whether the documents belong there or not, because ultimately they shouldnt have been stored there and they could have been removed," Rubio said in an interview. The question is: Was there good faith efforts made by the federal government to retrieve those documents without resorting to a raid of a former presidents home? The intelligence office was expected to provide a bipartisan briefing for the so-called gang of eight the top four leaders of the House and the Senate, along with the House and Senate intelligence committee leaders. But it is uncertain now, due to Trump's litigation, whether the Office of the Director of National Intelligence will be able to continue the assessment or provide the briefing to lawmakers. Warner said he was asking for at least an interim risk assessment. Senators expect the gang of eight briefing could happen next week, when the House and Senate are both back in session but only in a secure location. ___ Associated Press writer Nomaan Merchant contributed to this report. ___ Follow AP's coverage of Donald Trump-related investigations at https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LONDON (AP) Queen Elizabeth II has been depicted on British banknotes and coins for decades. Her portrait also has been featured on currencies in dozens of other places around the world, in a reminder of the British empire's colonial reach. So what happens next after her death this week? It will take time for the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries to swap out the monarchs on their money. Here's a look at what is next for the paper cash featuring the late queen: SWITCHING MONARCHS The queens portrait on British notes and coins is expected to be replaced by a likeness of the new King Charles III, but it wont be immediate. Current banknotes featuring the image of Her Majesty The Queen will continue to be legal tender, the Bank of England said. An announcement on existing paper money issued by the U.K.s central bank will be made after the official 10-day mourning period has ended, it said. The Royal Mint, which is the official maker of British coins, said all coins with her portrait remain legal tender and in circulation, with more information to come later. As we respect this period of respectful mourning, we continue to strike coins as usual, the Royal Mint said on its website. With 4.7 billion U.K. banknotes worth 82 billion pounds ($95 billion) in circulation and about 29 billion coins, British money bearing the queens image will likely be in circulation for years. Rather than all of the current coins and notes being handed in, the process will be a gradual one and many of the coins featuring portraits of Queen Elizabeth II will remain in circulation for many years to come, according to Coin Expert, a British coin research website. After Charles takes the crown at his coronation, a new portrait will need to be taken to use on redesigned notes and coins, the website said. Coins featuring him will show him facing to the left, replacing the queens rightward gaze in line with tradition dating to the 17th century. It dictates monarchs be shown in profile and in opposite direction to their predecessors. WHAT ABOUT OTHER COUNTRIES? Other nations' currencies that feature the queen from Australian, Canadian and Belizean dollars also will be updated with the new monarch, but the process could take longer, because it is much easier to enforce a new design in the country where it originates, rather than in other countries where different jurisdiction may take place, the Coin Expert website said. The Bank of Canada said its current $20 banknote, made of synthetic polymer, is designed to circulate for years to come. There is no legislative requirement to change the design within a prescribed period when the Monarch changes, the Bank of Canada said. In general, when a new portrait subject is chosen for Canadian money, the process begins with drawing up a fresh design, and a new note is ready to be issued a few years later, the bank said. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand said it will issue all of its stock of coins depicting the queen before new ones go out with Charles' image. The queen also is featured on the $20 bill, which is made infrequently" and there is no plan to destroy stock or shorten the life of existing banknotes just because they show the Queen," the bank said. It will be several years before we need to introduce coins featuring King Charles the Third, and longer until stocks of $20 notes are exhausted," it added. THE QUEEN'S CURRENCY She first appeared on money when she was still a princess. That was in 1935, when Canada's $20 bill featured 8-year-old Princess Elizabeth, whose grandfather King George V was then the monarch, as part of a new series of notes. Canadian $20 bills were updated with a new portrait of the queen in 1954, a year after her coronation, and her portrait also started appearing on other currencies around the world, mainly British colonies and Commonwealth countries. British bills didn't get her image until 1960 seven years after her coronation. That's when the Bank of England was granted permission to use her likeness on paper money, starting with the 1-pound note, though the formal and regal image was criticized for being too severe and unrealistic. She became the first monarch to be depicted on British banknotes. British coins, meanwhile, have featured kings and queens for more than 1,000 years. CURRENCIES OUTSIDE THE U.K. At one time, Queen Elizabeth II appeared on at least 33 different currencies, more than any other monarch, an achievement noted by Guinness World Records. Her image is still featured on money in places where she remains a beloved figure, such as Canada, and continue to incorporate the Union Jack into their flags, like Australia and New Zealand. She's also found on notes and coins issued by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the monetary authority for a group of small nations including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Other places have long stopped putting her face on their currency. After Jamaica gained independence from Britain in 1962, its central bank replaced the queen on paper notes with portraits of national heroes such as Marcus Garvey. Notes in the Seychelles now feature local wildlife instead of the queen. Bermuda did a similar revamp, though the queen retains a minor position on bills. Trinidad and Tobago swapped in a coat of arms after it became a republic. Hong Kong dollars issued after Britain handed its colony back to Beijing in 1997 feature Chinese dragons and skyscrapers on the Asian financial center's skyline. ___ Follow AP coverage of Queen Elizabeth II at https://apnews.com/hub/queen-elizabeth-ii This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LONDON (AP) By early afternoon, the scent of thousands of lilies and roses floated in the air outside Buckingham Palace. But the pilgrims kept arriving, bearing still more bouquets and notes of endearment addressed to the only queen most have ever known. The scene outside the wrought iron gates was just as Nick French expected. But when he left a London hospital Friday, still shaky 10 days after surgery for prostate cancer, there was no question he would join them. Setting out on foot for an hour-long walk across the city, French searched through seven mostly sold-out florists shops until his arms were filled with blossoms of crimson and cream, pink and purple. I felt the need to come right down here, said the 50-year-old social services consultant from nearby Kent, standing behind a police barricade. True, Elizabeth II, born to royalty and bound by duty, had lived a life of palaces and pomp. But in the queen's decades of steadfast stewardship, French said, an ordinary man had found an inspiration and kindred soul. Elizabeths life, brings me hope because the queen was always an incredibly charitable person, a decent person even in the face of great adversity, he said, And that gives me a role model to try and move on in my own life, post-cancer. A day after the longest reigning monarch in British history died at 96, Frenchs tribute echoed through the crowds that thronged to Buckingham and the memorial plaza over which the palace presides. Those in attendance were, of course, self-selected people who cared for the queen and had come to express their affection. But the pilgrimage was remarkable for more than just its size; it was striking, too, for how it underscored the multitude of roles visitors say the monarch occupied in the lives of those she could never know. You inspired generations of young women like me to serve the great nation that thrived under your leadership, read one note penned in purple marker, left at the gate. Farewell, my dearest, read another, attached to a bouquet of yellow roses. Thank you maam ... for being a beacon of hope and stability in troubled times. And yet another: We thank you for everything you stood for. For your sense of duty, your care, your compassion and of your love for us, your people. The outpouring of flowers and heartfelt notes in public places evoked, for those old enough to remember, another somber week in London 25 years ago the days after Princess Diana, the queen's onetime daughter-in-law, was killed in a car crash in Paris. Then, a nation poured out its public grief in a way not entirely dissimilar. For David Hunt, a 67-year-old retiree from the British Library, the queen was a symbol of a bygone era and her death a reminder of just how much everything has changed since her reign's early days in his childhood. And Claire McDaniel, 48, said she came when she finished work in a skin-care shop because it felt like the right thing to do for a monarch who, for her, felt almost like a grandmother. During the pandemic she came on TV and said, `This is bad, but it will get better. We will see each other again and get together again.' And I think, as a country, it was just what we needed, McDaniel said. Not far away, classmates Adam Al-Mufty and Oliver Hughes, both 16 and in school uniforms, said they had come to Buckingham Palace to observe a chapter of history. But there was something more. She represented all of us, Al-Mufty said, acknowledging the unlikeliness that a teenage student and a sovereign could relate to one another. She was very down to earth. French, who came to the palace after an MRI to check that recent surgery had removed all his cancer, said his fondness for Elizabeth began in childhood but grew stronger in recent years. After Frenchs father died in 2019, he said he found solace observing the queens grace and solidity at the funeral of her husband, Prince Philip. As she grew older and her own health faltered, her determination to enjoy the places and things she loved while maintaining her role as queen provided him inspiration, he said. When he arrived at Buckingham Palace on Friday, he arranged four small bunches of flowers into a generous bouquet held together with a hairband given to him by another admirer in the crowd. At the barricade, he handed them to a police officer, who promised to find a good spot at the base of the palace gates. It provided small solace. But in the weeks to come, the pain of losing Elizabeth will be difficult to hide, said McDaniel, the retail worker. After all, the queens face and name are everywhere on Britains money and postal stamps, on an air terminal at Heathrow and on Londons newest subway line. It will be hard, but well get through it, McDaniel said. Thats what we do. Were English. Well have a bit of tea and carry on. ___ Adam Geller is a national writer for The Associated Press, on assignment in London to cover the queen's death. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/adgeller This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Some Americans witnessed what happened on Sept. 11, 2001 in person, some watched it live in the news, and some saw footage of the attacks in history class at school. But how did young people in other countries become aware of the day? International students in Connecticut shared how and what they learned about 9/11 in schools in their home countries some didnt learn about it at all. For Gabriel Ferreira, a recent University of Bridgeport graduate, seeing the U.S. being targeted rocked his world as a middle schooler studying about it in the very last chapter of a Brazilian history textbook because of how powerful he thought the U.S. was. The world is not as safe as it seems, Ferreira said of his thoughts after watching 2006s World Trade Center movie in a class. He recalled that material about 9/11 in the textbook really caught his attention because he saw present-time buildings that looked familiar to him, unlike other historical topics that he didnt feel were as relatable. As Brazil is an American ally, Ferreira noticed that 9/11 was taught in Brazilian schools through the perspective of how the terrorism is so harmful nowadays a similar mainstream narrative in the U.S. prompting young Ferreira to become fearful. I think the kind of question I had was related to how an airplane could go out of the route and hit a big structure, Ferreira said. That's not something common, so I was very triggered about that. He started to understand when he traveled through airports why the security became tightened. From the Brazilian perspective, he said the main narrative among locals was that this happened in the United States, but it can happen in any country, wishing its not the case. As Ferreira has traveled more than 3,700 miles to Bridgeport, he said 9/11 became real to him, given how close Connecticut is to New York City. I visited where the Twin Towers are supposed to be, and I got to understand the dimension of that because when you're inside that, the area where 9/11 happened, you see how big the buildings are all around you and how the damage that a building like that would cause falling down so huge, he said. Esther Oladiran, a University of New Haven graduate student from Nigeria, said learning about 9/11 in high school was when she became aware of what terrorism is. Even though the lesson didnt go too deep, she said, it made her realize that America wasnt a safe place. When Oladiran first came to the U.S. in 2018, she said she learned about the most important things her education left out about the attacks the impact and the aftermath. In history class, we talked about the activity or the influence, but we didn't look at the impact of the people that really affected, Oladiran said. It's still something that's living on and some people have to bear that every year of their life. Amith Pasam, an Indian student at Sacred Heart University, said the majority of the history textbooks focused on the British's colonization of India and the Indian independence movement. Sept. 11, 2001 was only one short chapter, he said, where he learned that the attacks stemmed from revenge from U.S. involvement in the Middle East. What he said was left out was learning about the beforemath and aftermath of the attacks that America hasnt stopped its involvement in other countries. Another UNH student, Tulika Kotian from India, said although the education on it wasnt in-depth, the Indian media and politicians talked about it every year as she was growing up. I was still pretty naive at that time to understand the impact and the intensity of it, but yes, I did realize how sad and important this was as a world event to the world, Kotian said of her 14-year-old self. While she said the education on 9/11 didnt teach her much about the U.S., she learned how terrorism actually works around how lethal or how fatal terrorism can be to even countries like the U.S. In Jamaica, however, the attacks werent a part of any classes Kubi-Ayana Walters was in. The Quinnipiac University junior said if it wasnt from her family and a discussion about it with her teacher and friends out of their own curiosity in their free time, she wouldnt have known what happened. We don't really focus on U.S. history, because we were a British-colonized country, Ayana Walters said, noting history lessons there focused more on the colonizers of the Caribbean countries. One of her family members, in fact, worked at the Twin Towers, so its something her family always talked about as she grew up. If it wasnt for the birth of his second child, then, unfortunately, he would have succumbed to that unfortunate incident, she said of her godfather. As a six-year-old when Ayana Walters first heard about 9/11, she said questions she had included whether the U.S. government knew about the attacks beforehand and whether they could have been prevented. I was a little apprehensive growing up, I was like, oh well, that's not really safe, Ayana Walters said. Coming to Hamden for college in the fall of 2020, she said it was eye-opening to see 9/11 memorials and hear in the media from people who were impacted and still suffered from the attacks. Looking back on her education at home, she said she wished schools would have made students aware of every time something like this happens, no matter where it is in the world, not just the U.S. Attacks like those have still occurred after, maybe not as large, as impactful as 9/11, but ... it's still happening, Ayana Walters said. chatwan.mongkol@hearstmediact.com Supporters of Mr. Peter Obi, Labour Party presidential candidate, popularly known as Obidients, shut down Enugu State capital on Saturda... Supporters of Mr. Peter Obi, Labour Party presidential candidate, popularly known as Obidients, shut down Enugu State capital on Saturday. The one-million-man march, which commenced at the Michael Okpara Square grounded vehicular movement within the metropolis. A mammoth crowd, which increased as the team advanced, moved round the major roads in the State before returning to Okpara Square. Commuters, who are facing herculean task in accessing some parts of the State, have resorted to alternative routes. Obis supporters, who cut across various political divides, marched through the capital city singing solidarity songs as they moved. The rally was very peaceful as the excited participants conducted themselves in a very peaceful manner. Speaking to journalists, Dr. Chima Edoga, Co-Director planning committee, Enugu one-million-man fitness march for ObiDatti Season One, described the rally as a huge success, stressing that Nigerians are demonstrating their resolve to retake their country. He said the rally, which has been going on across the country, was a demonstration to critics that the masses were Obis structures. Obis supporters, who cut across various political divides, marched through the capital city singing solidarity songs as they moved. The rally was very peaceful as the excited participants conducted themselves in a very peaceful manner. Speaking to journalists, Dr. Chima Edoga, Co-Director planning committee, Enugu one-million-man fitness march for ObiDatti Season One, described the rally as a huge success, stressing that Nigerians are demonstrating their resolve to retake their country. He said the rally, which has been going on across the country, was a demonstration to critics that the masses were Obis structures. A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State, Owoseni Ajayi, has dismissed insinuations that the 2023 general elect... A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State, Owoseni Ajayi, has dismissed insinuations that the 2023 general elections will be keenly contested among three leading presidential candidates. Ajayi, a chieftain of the Social Democratic Party in the state, maintained that the battle for the presidency was between the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, and his counterpart in the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He said, Although the three leading presidential candidates are Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of All Progressives Congress, Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of Labour Party, the battle is between Tinubu and Atiku. The former AG said in an interview that, We have three principal presidential candidates; if you look at the credentials of the three of them, when you look at their pedigree, age and sagacity, Peter Obi is the best, but if Obi wins in two states, it must be from the South-East. The LP candidate has no structures to win election. Campaigning on social media cannot yield result in Nigeria of today. In Ekiti State today, where is the structure of the LP? Who is their chairman in the state and for most of the states in the country? On the election day, elections are determined and won by the structures of the political parties because they are the ones to arrange the agents, mobilise members to come out and vote on election day. Even in Anambra State where Obi comes from and was governor, the All Progressives Grand Alliance is ruling there. APGA has a presidential candidate. Unless Obi is able to persuade Governor Charles Soludo, that is the only way he can be able to secure 50 per cent votes in Anambra State, Ajayi said. Reacting, the LP Chairman in Ekiti State, Odunayo Okunade, said, Obi will capitalise on the fact that he is the best among the three principal presidential candidates in terms of academic record, pedigree, agility and ability to move round to win the 2023 election. As against what they are saying, the LP and the Obi movement are well structured and we are working. By the time the campaigns start, that is when they will know that this political party and candidate are well structured. Again, politics in Nigeria has gone beyond the type of structures the opponents are talking about. Obis supporters are committed and the fold is expanding by the day. Asking where the LP or its chairman in Ekiti is, let them wait; by the time campaigns start, we will know who is on the ground. We will not tell them our tactics and plans. Across the country and in Ekiti State, we are working. The structures are in place in the 16 local government areas and 177 wards in Ekiti State. By the special grace of God, we will have 2023, the LP chairman said. Senate President Ahmad Lawan said the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is working to degrade terrorists and other criminals by D... Senate President Ahmad Lawan said the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is working to degrade terrorists and other criminals by December. Lawan gave the assurance on Friday while declaring open a National Policy Dialogue on Corruption and Insecurity. The dialogue was organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Lawan praised the Nigerian military for neutralising terrorists in Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara and other states. He assured that the National Assembly would continue to support the governments efforts to tackle insecurity through laws and budgetary allocations. The president gave a marching order to the armed forces to extinguish bandits, kidnappers and other criminal agents by December. This administration is committed to achieving this set target, the Yobe North Senator asserted The lawmaker said legislature was aware that anti-corruption laws would stop illicit financial flows which terrorist sponsors use to fund insurgency. Lawan recalled that the 8th Assembly passed the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) Bill, which saved the country from expulsion by the Egmont Group. He said the 9th Assembly is collaborating security and law enforcement agencies to further strengthen their capacity against enemies of the state. Lawan added that the legislature passed bills to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and the proceeds of crime. These three bills are in tandem with this administrations commitment to fight corruption and curb insurgency. The Senate President admitted that the spate of insecurity was scaring foreign, local investors and had deprived Nigeria of additional direct investments. President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the federal governments takeover of the Gombe airport. Inuwa Yahaya, governor of Gombe st... President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the federal governments takeover of the Gombe airport. Inuwa Yahaya, governor of Gombe state, disclosed this to state house correspondents shortly after an audience with Buhari at the presidential villa in Abuja. He explained that the move would ensure the availability of funds to maintain the facility throughout the lifespan of its operation. In May 2019, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced the closure of the airport until further notice due to unpaid debts. But in June 2022, officials of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) inspected facilities at the Gombe airport and certified it for the airlift of Muslim pilgrims from the state to Saudi Arabia. According to Yahaya the most important development is the takeover of the Gombe airport by the federal government, which Mr. President has approved. Already, the Nigerian air force is building an air force base in the airport premises and with the takeover, it means there will be more facilities and management, especially since the airports are under the exclusive list of the constitution. It means there will be more resources and therell be proper management, he said. And we shall see to the fact that it is expanded, so that economic activity will be enhanced because of the presence of the airport, it has other facilities that will enhance business activities around. Canadian High Commissioner, James Christoff, has expressed his nations admiration for Nigerians entrepreneurial spirit and skills. ... Canadian High Commissioner, James Christoff, has expressed his nations admiration for Nigerians entrepreneurial spirit and skills. The envoy made the commendation on Friday during a facility tour to a coconut processor company in Lagos. He was accompanied by officials of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Lagos Ministry of Agriculture and State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA). The envoy, who doubles as Canadas Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, said hes a believer in Nigeria and its potential. Christoff noted that the Canadian government has commercial interest in Nigeria and was committed to its progress. Coming to places like this makes my job as a High Commissioner to get to know Nigeria. Part of what I am taking away from here today is that I am a big believer in Nigeria. Theres a very strong entrepreneurial spirit in this country. This is a great metaphor for that spirit, NAN quoted him saying. The diplomat commended the company he visited, stressing that he loves their story, passion, and collaboration with farmers. I can see your dreams manifesting with hard work. I can clearly see everything going in the right direction, he added. Christoff said hes interested in seeing Nigerian businesses and all levels of governments come together to address food security issues in conjunction with the FAO. A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), House of Representatives candidate for 2023 in Yobe State Mohammed Bukar (aka Tero) is dead. Bukar... A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), House of Representatives candidate for 2023 in Yobe State Mohammed Bukar (aka Tero) is dead. Bukar was the candidate of the party for Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani and Tarmuwa Federal Constituency in Yobe State. Sources reveaked that the politician died at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital in Damaturu in the early hours of Saturday after a protracted illness. The ex-NLC Chairman was said to have died of a liver related disease. Yobe State Water Corporation, has confirmed the death of Comrade Mohammed Bukar in its official Facebook page. With total submission to the will of Allah (S.W.T), we announce the death of Comrade Mohammed M. Bukar, Former General Manager Yobe State Water Corporation. May Jannatil firdausi be his final abode, the Corporation posted. The deceased, Mohammed Bukar was the immediate past General Manager of Yobe State Water Corporation before venturing into politics. It was gathered that he died at the age of 59 and is survived by three wives and fourteen children. Meanwhile, Governor Mai Mala Buni is among hundreds Muslim faithful who attended the funeral prayer of the later PDP House of Representatives candidate, Mohammed Bukar at Yobe Mosque and Islamic Centre, Damaturu. The Governor represented by his Deputy Hon. Idi Barde Gubana prayed God to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant him Aljannatul Firdausi. Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, on Saturday, separately held closed-door meetings with ex-Nigerian retired Generals, Ibrahim Babangida and Ab... Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, on Saturday, separately held closed-door meetings with ex-Nigerian retired Generals, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar at their uphill residences in Minna, Niger State. Lawan arrived in Minna at about 1.30pm and first visited the residence of Abdulsalami before he went to that of Babangida. His meeting with Abdulsalami took about 40minutes, while that with Babangida took about 30minutes. Speaking to newsmen after he met with Abdulsalami, Lawan said that the two Nigerian leaders have a lot of roles to play in ensuring the unity and peaceful co-existence of Nigerians. Lawan, who was accompanied by the Senator Sani Musa, said that he was in Minna on a sympathy visit to the former Head of State who was recuperating from an illness. He stated further, as an elder statesman, it is necessary that the visit is made especially with the contributions Abdulsalami has made to the country. As our leader and elder statesman, we felt that its necessary that we make this visit today to come and sympathize with him and his family. We are grateful to God for the lives of our fathers and we pray that they recover completely. This is to enable them to continue with their good work of ensuring that Nigeria remains united and Nigerians live peacefully amongst themselves. Lawan, however, declined questions fielded on the 2023 general elections and politics as he claimed that he was only in the state for a private visit and not a political visit. Former Leeds United forward, Raphinha, has reiterated his decision to snub a move to Chelsea this summer was influenced by his desire to emu... Former Leeds United forward, Raphinha, has reiterated his decision to snub a move to Chelsea this summer was influenced by his desire to emulate his boyhood hero Ronaldinho. Chelsea looked to be in pole position to sign Raphinha over the summer with the Blues agreeing a deal with Leeds for the 25-year-old. But the player and his agent, Deco, resisted Chelseas overtures and eventually managed to secure a move to Barcelona. Rejecting an offer from Chelsea? Yes, because my dream was to wear the Barca shirt, he told told La Vanguardia I have followed them since I was young, since Ronaldinho arrived. I wanted to be a part of it. The desire was stronger than any other proposal, no matter how powerful it was financially. I knew that I might have some difficulties to come and to be registered. But I was also aware of the effort the club was making. So I decided to trust and adapt to the economic conditions that existed. Several Russian deputies have called for the impeachment of Russian President Vladimir Putin. They accused the President of crimes o... Several Russian deputies have called for the impeachment of Russian President Vladimir Putin. They accused the President of crimes of high treason and appealed to the countrys Duma to impeach him. The local deputies from the Smolninskoye municipality, St. Petersburg, have been summoned by police, CNN reports. The author of the appeal, Dmitry Palyuga, posted it on Twitter, alleging that the Russian leader was responsible for: the decimation of young able-bodied Russian men who would serve the workforce better than the military. He accused the Russian President of being responsible for the countrys economic downturn and brain drain. Palyuga said that NATOs ability to expand eastward, taking in nations such as Finland and Sweden to double its border with Russia was caused by Putin and for the opposite effect of the special military operation in Ukraine. Palyuga and fellow deputy Nikita Yuferev later posted on Twitter a summons issued to them by the St. Petersburg police for discrediting of the ruling establishment. Palyuga later reported that two of the four deputies summoned have been released by the police and all are expected to face fines. A polio vaccine box is displayed at a health clinic in Brooklyn. In July, a polio case was reported in Rockland County, about 30 miles northwest of Manhattan, the first one in the United States in nearly a decade. Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images/TNS Lost after Katrina, the Club Desire was a cornerstone of the Ninth Ward for years The downtown club was part of the fabric of an emerging music scene in New Orleans that eventually would influence musical styles and tastes across the country. Dont let the $60 price tag on Rock-N-Tacos molcajete scare you away. This dish the crown jewel on a solid, Southern California-style Mexican menu is packed with carne asada, chicken tinga and jumbo Gulf shrimp and easily feeds four. Add in the guacamole, pico de gallo, rice and tortillas, and its a feast for sure, all served in a bowl made from volcanic rock. But its the sauce that is a wonder, a complex simmer of Roma tomatoes, dried chiles and queso asadero, or Mexican melting cheese, for creaminess. Its so captivating that a spoon is necessary, and so addicting that as soon as the weather chills, it will be on the menu as a soup. This is all Logan Trotters doing. Trotter, a New Orleans native who spent 10 years of his childhood in San Diego before returning to Louisiana, opened Rock-N-Taco on Cinco de Mayo. Although theres no business connection to the neighboring Rock-N-Sake on Fulton, its because he was working there, rolling sushi in between business enterprises during the pandemic, that he saw the space was for lease. I walked by and remembered how great the space was when it was RioMar, Trotter says. I wasnt really sure what I was going to do there, but I knew it was time to really go back to work. Trotter has seven years experience in restaurant operations as a franchise owner, at one point running three Zoes Kitchens in Louisiana, with another two in development. Business was good at the fast casual restaurant with a menu of American and Mediterranean fare. I was in an expansion mode when the company decided they were getting away from the franchise model and approached me to buy the restaurants, he says. That hadnt been his original plan, but the deal went through in 2015. Then he made some restaurant investments, which went south when Covid hit. Rock-N-Taco and Tequila Bar What Rock-N-Taco and Tequila Bar Where 800 S. Peters St., (504) 302-1933; rockntaconola.com When Dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. How Dine-in Check it out Mexican cuisine by way of Southern California When his friend Rodney Bonsack, executive chef at Rock-N-Sake at the time, asked if he could roll sushi, he said yes and signed on. It was such a break from the stress of owning your own business and all that responsibility, he says. It was the perfect thing for me to do at the time. Trotter still helps owners Tanya Hailey and Duke Nelson on some evenings at their new place, Bisutoro, where Trotters girlfriend Olivia Haley manages the bar. Trotter sought to build his own niche with Rock-N-Taco, a name he chose with Hailey and Nelsons blessing. Theres a lot of good Central American cuisine and a lot of taco places here, he says. But the food I grew up with the real Southern California Mexican food where the California burrito comes with french fries, thats not here. Rock-N-Taco has a stylish, clubby vibe, with shiny Day of the Dead wallpaper, a gorgeous mural with a similar theme by local artist Peyton Hammond, leather banquettes and glowing, clear, skull hanging lights. The upscale mood is designed to match what Trotter calls his elevated Mexican cuisine. Chef de cuisine Fernando Chinchilla who worked for Trotter for 12 years at Zoes executes a menu that ranges from carne asada nachos to individual tacos, including the Gringo and a vegetable version filled with sauteed mushrooms. There are fajitas, a pricey 40-ounce tomahawk steak and something Trotter calls rolled tacos. Thats what theyre called in San Diego, but some people call them taquitos or flautas. Corn tortillas with a choice of fillings are rolled and deep fried. The birria taco is exceptional, a mix of chuck and short ribs slow cooked and along with a cheese blend stuffed into a corn tortilla, crisped on the griddle and served with a flavorful dipping sauce on the side. The bar menu offers a deep dive into tequila and mezcals, along with bottled sangria and cocktails. An event space behind the bar is available for private parties, but the plan is to have a club, the Skull Lounge, open with bottle service and DJs spinning electronic dance music and Latin pop. We have opened a few times and got slammed, Trotter says. Im getting a security team together for when were ready to open. Ive never run a club, so this is interesting. Thats a work in progress. The Apple A16 Bionic has shown up on Geekbench once again. This time around, it fares a lot better with a single-threaded score of 1,887 and a multi-threaded score of 5,455. 4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other Not Set Default Review Flagship Review Short Review Review Update Ultra Short Review Live Default Review Live Flagship Review First Impression Review Other Review Smartwatch / eBike / Camera Comp. Accessory Review Game Benchmark Review 3D Printer Review Analysis Default News Major Launch News (NDA) Sponsored News Special Topic News Advertorial Article Magazine Article List Article Column "or" search relation. 3D Printing , 5G , Accessory , AI , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , Arc , ARM , Audio , Benchmark , Biotech , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , DIY , E-Mobility , Education , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Ice Lake , Intel , Intel Evo , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Leaks / Rumors , Linux / Unix , List , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Raptor Lake , Renoir , Review Snippet , RISC-V , Rocket Lake , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Single-Board Computer (SBC) , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Wi-Fi 7 , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) , Zen 4 Ticker The Apple A16 Bionic's first Geekbench run was a bit of a disaster, especially in the multi-core test, where it performed worse than its predecessor, the A15 Bionic. While it still blows every Qualcomm/MediaTek/Exynos chipset out of the water, it cast doubt on Apple's lofty claims about its performance. Now, the SoC has redeemed itself with its second Geekbench appearance. Twitter leaker ShrimpApplePro stumbled upon what appears to be the iPhone 14 Pro on the benchmarking platform. It nets a single-core score of 1,887 and a multi-core score of 5,455. The former figure is nothing out of the ordinary, but the latter is a marked improvement. It is also the first Apple A series chipset to breach the 5,000 points milestone on Geekbench's multi-core test, although the A15 Bionic has, on a few occasions, come within spitting distance. The initial Apple A16 Bionic reveal came off as a bit suspicious due to it being compared with a nearly three-year-old A13. The handful of Geekbench runs we've seen indicate that it is little more than an incremental upgrade over the A15 Bionic, with the single-core gains sitting at around 5-7% and the multi-core gains at 10-12%. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, though. Apple has consistently remained miles of the competition for nearly a decade, and it can afford to slack off for a generation to focus on power efficiency instead of raw performance. Perhaps the real gains will arrive with next year's A17 Bionic, which will supposedly be fabricated on TSMC's cutting-edge N3E node. Buy the iPhone 13 Pro Max on Amazon OMAHA, Neb. Major freight railroads, in a bid to apply pressure on unions and Congress, say a strike that could come after a key deadline passes next week would cost the economy more than $2 billion a day and disrupt deliveries of all kinds of goods and passenger traffic nationwide. The Association of American Railroads trade group on Thursday issued a report estimating the dire consequences of a strike. Their report came a day after Labor Secretary Marty Walsh took part in talks in a bid to hammer out an agreement. A strike or lockout won't be allowed until Friday at the soonest under the federal law that governs railroad negotiations. Five of the 12 unions involved that together represent some 115,000 workers have announced tentative agreements covering over 21,000 workers based on a set of recommendations that a special panel appointed by President Joe Biden made last month. But several key unions are holding out in the hope that the railroads will agree to go beyond those recommendations and address some of their concerns about working conditions. The Presidential Emergency Board recommended a five-year deal, retroactive to 2020, that includes 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses. But it wants unions to take their concerns about attendance policies, paid leave and expenses to arbitration or to negotiate separately with the railroads. Unions say their workloads have become unbearable after railroads eliminated nearly one-third of their workforces over the past six years. The railroad trade group said a strike would idle some 7,000 freight trains a day run by CSX, Union Pacific, BNSF, Norfolk Southern, Kansas City Southern and other railroads and disrupt passenger operations nationwide because Amtrak and half of all commuter rail systems rely at least partly on tracks owned by the freight railroads. The AAR also said it would be impossible for trucks to pick up the slack if railroads shut down because roughly 467,000 additional trucks a day would be needed to handle all the freight railroads deliver, and there is already a shortage of trucks and drivers. AAR CEO Ian Jefferies said the unions should accept the recommendations of the Presidential Emergency Board because they would deliver the biggest raises in nearly 50 years and they represent a compromise. "Should negotiations fail and result in a work stoppage, Congress must act to implement the PEB recommendations," Jefferies said. A Labor Department spokesman confirmed that Walsh took part in the talks Wednesday. If this contract dispute does fall to Congress to resolve, lawmakers might be forced to make some difficult decisions in an election year. A coalition of 31 large agricultural groups sent a letter to Congress Thursday urging lawmakers to be prepared to intervene and block a strike if the two sides can't reach an agreement before next Friday's deadline. They say they are already dealing with delayed deliveries because railroads are shorthanded, and the problems would get much worse in a strike even if it were brief. "Most freight railroads currently lack extra capacity to make up for down time," the agricultural groups said in their letter. "Thus, a sizable portion of freight backlogged due to a stoppage may never be made up leading to less production from rail-dependent businesses to the detriment of producers and consumers." Edward Jones analyst Jeff Windau said lawmakers' decisions would be put under a magnifying glass with the midterm elections looming, but they'll "definitely want to keep the economy moving smoothly" if they do have to settle the contract dispute. But Windau said he's optimistic the two sides will reach an agreement over the next week. Independent railroad analyst Anthony Hatch said the unions are trying to take advantage of the current environment with Democrats in control of the White House and Congress and a tight job market, but ultimately he doesn't think a strike will happen. "It makes sense for them to hold on until the last minute and try to get the best deal that they can. For the railroads, it makes perfect sense for them to say a disruption would be cataclysmic," Hatch said. Even if a strike were to happen, Hatch predicted it would "last not weeks, not days, not hours but minutes" because Congress would intervene. And the long-term cost of these deals may have a bigger impact on the railroads than the short-term crisis of a strike. Ultimately, ongoing local negotiations on the railroads' proposals to reduce crew sizes from the current two down to one might prove more important to the industry than these wage deals because they will affect how competitive railroads can remain against trucking as autonomous trucks are developed, he said. That topic has been pushed out of the current national wage negotiations to talks at each individual railroad, although a proposed Federal Railroad Administration rule that would require two-person crews in most instances would make it difficult for railroads to cut crews. The unions have also vigorously opposed reducing crew size because of safety and job concerns. The heads of the two biggest rail unions the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Transportation Division union that represents conductors, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union that represents engineers said in a joint statement last week that Congress should remain on the sidelines because that would put more pressure on the railroads and help them reach an agreement workers will approve. Welders have long been in high demand but short supply in Northwest Indiana and across the nation. The LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership hopes to remedy that imbalance in the labor market. LEAP is partnering with Ivy Tech Community College and New York Blower to launch an adult certification program for welders this fall. Its a collaboration with the city of LaPorte, the LaPorte Community School Corp. and the Center of Workforce Innovations to cultivate a more skilled workforce. Its part of an ongoing initiative to partner with employers, pinpoint areas of need and ready people for high-demand jobs with great career potential. I have seen a change in how our stakeholders and employers interact with one another within our community since developing our network, said Mike Riehle, president of business services for the LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership. Rather than working in silos there is both a want and need to collaborate to bring incremental change to our workforce. Local companies are currently in need of welders. The new program will help people qualify by getting them certified for MIG/Gas Metal Arc welding. One of our ongoing initiatives within Ivy Tech is to provide opportunities for training in areas of high need within the communities we serve, Ivy Tech Valparaiso Chancellor Aco Sikoski said. LaPorte has shown great initiative to take this process to a new level and get investment from our local employer base and we will continue to do our part in providing a superior level of skills. Scott Hamilton, executive vice president of operations of New York Blower, said his company needed more qualified welders. New York Blower wanted to be part of the solution to this skills and employment gap, he said. The best way to do that was to put our best foot forward in creating a partnership with our community to not only give us an opportunity to hire skilled workers, but our whole employer base within our area. The program will start around Nov. 1 in New York Blowers LaPorte plant and end before Christmas. For more information, visit Valparaiso-CCEC@ivytech.edu. GARY A Gary man succumbed to his wounds after he was shot Thursday, Gary Police Department said. Police were dispatched at 12:11 p.m. to the 4100 block of Buchanan Street after a caller said shots were fired and there was a possible gunshot wound victim. Curtis Burnside, 51, suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses said he was outside when he was shot, stumbled inside and collapsed on the floor. A dog also suffered a wound to their left front leg. Police say Burnside was not breathing when they arrived. Lake County coroner's office ruled his death a homicide. The dog was taken to a veterinarian by its owner to check the wound. Lamar Golston, 61, of Gary, was identified by witnesses and taken into custody by police. Detectives brought evidence to the Lake County prosecutor's office, which charged Golston with murder Friday. Golston is being held at Lake County Jail. STOCK Police - Lake County Sheriff (copy) The Lake County Sheriff's Department and Gary Police Department pursued and arrested one suspect, while the other remains at large. GARY Multiple law enforcement agencies aided in a Friday afternoon pursuit in Gary after two men fled a traffic stop. An officer from the Lake County Sheriff's Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a black Chevrolet before it fled in the area of East 23rd Avenue and Tennessee Street in Gary. The driver and a passenger exited the vehicle in an alley near 2100 Tennessee Street and fled on foot. Another officer spotted one of the suspects running near East 22nd Avenue and pursued him on foot. Officers from Gary Police Department arrived to assist in the search for the suspects, the sheriff's department said. A Gary Police Department K-9, Roki, helped to apprehend the male believed to be the driver in the incident. The suspect in custody is a 27-year-old male from Gary. The passenger remains at large. Two handguns were recovered from the vehicle. This case is still under investigation. The speed ranges allow for areas in the green that are slower and areas in the pink that are faster, but Keith said the majority of the city is actually under 25 Mbps. Gary is in the midst of a five-part project that hopes to wire all homes in the city with internet that runs at a minimum speed of 100 Mbps. The comprehensive initiative will require plenty of funding. Over the winter, the Gary Common Council approved the allocation of $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the initiative. During a Monday night meeting, the council approved an ordinance declaring the city a "Broadband Ready Community," with eight votes and one abstention from Councilman Clorius Lay, D-at large. The ordinance is part of the city's application to the Indiana Broadband Office. If approved by the state, Gary would join 68 other Broadband Ready Communities in Indiana including Merrillville, Porter County and LaPorte County. The Broadband Ready certification means the municipality is ready for broadband infrastructure investment. Keith said the certification will help Gary obtain broadband-related funding distributed to states through the federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act. Signed into law in November 2021, the Infrastructure and Jobs Act invests $550 million in resources such as public transportation, roads, electric vehicles, clean drinking water and internet access. Digital equity is an issue across the country. According to the Federal Communications Commission, 14.5 million Americans do not have access to broadband. The law provides $65 billion in funding to support programs that expand internet access and use. States will receive funding through two elements of the act: the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program and the $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act. HIGHLAND Thomas Banas is blessed with what appears to be an endless supply of energy. The 77-year-old Highland man, who recently retired as owner of Pat's Frame and Axle in Griffith, commits to a daily 40-minute workout at the Schererville YMCA, skis in the winter months in Colorado and other states and hikes and camps at the Indiana Dunes. "I've been very healthy and active all my life. Some have even called me the Energizer Bunny," Banas said. Banas will need to tap into that energy as he hits the pavement Sept. 17 to embark on an 11-day, 600-mile bicycle ride. The purpose of the bike ride, called the Tour de Midwest or Tour de TC, is to raise awareness and funds for Be The Match, an organization that provides lifesaving bone marrow transplants to people with blood cancers, like leukemia and lymphoma or other diseases. The organization connects patients with matching donors to give them a second chance at life, provides financial support for patients and families and relies on potential donors to join the registry in order to save more lives, according to information provided by Be The Match. The Tour de Midwest ride will start in Chicago, continue to Milwaukee and Door Peninsula and end at Madison, Wisconsin. Riding with Banas will be Sharon Krone, of Peoria, Illinois, the mother of his daughter-in-law Emily Banas. "My mother was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer in 2016 and is in need of a lifesaving transplant. Through faith, perseverance and a healthy lifestyle, my mom is well enough to also participate in the 600-mile ride," Emily Banas said. Krone is one of two women who influenced him to fundraise for Be The Match, Thomas Banas said. The other woman who influenced him was his late wife, Pamela. "My wife passed away four years ago with cancer," Banas said. Banas said his parents, while he was growing up in Highland, instilled in him "to always help others." "When I heard about the Be the Match ride, I wanted to do it," Banas said, adding,"My parents always instilled in me to do what I can." Banas has been readying for the 600-mile journey by riding his Trek all-weather terrain bike an average of 30 miles per day. He also does both cardio and weight machine work at the YMCA. Banas said he's been active all his life, early on riding a bike, swimming in Lake Michigan and doing a variety of sports. Along with nine other bicyclists, Banas will begin the journey Sept. 17 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. The bicyclists will ride an average of about 50 miles each day, stopping along the way at various hospitals to talk to patients, Banas said. "We will give them encouragement," he said. The bicyclists will have one backup rider and a van to accompany them. And, "we will stop at hotels and do laundry," Banas said. Each rider pays for his or her meals and accommodations along the trip, and each rider has as a goal of raising $2,500. Banas will carry on his bike only a change of clothing and necessities, including two filled water bottles, replenishing vitamins and a product he uses to relieve sitting for so long called ButtonHole Chamois Cream. "That's what helps us survive," Banas said of his supplies. Although the ride ahead will be his longest one, Banas and Sharon Krone did embark on a previous 300-mile trail across Missouri. "We biked along the Katy Trail from one end of Missouri to the other," he said. Banas said he's a lifelong Region resident, growing up in Highland and graduating from Andrean High School. He served in the U.S. Army, and he and his wife raised four children and have five grandchildren. For information on Banas' upcoming ride and an opportunity to donate, visit tinyurl.com/TomRides. For more information on Be The Match, visit bethematch.org. SCHERERVILLE Former U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky has been pushing for more than three decades to increase public access to Lake Michigan. Hes frustrated with the progress so far. Just 70 to 80 acres have been opened to public access as part of the Marquette Plan since then, he said. There remain vast, vast opportunities for improvement, Visclosky told the Lake County Advancement Committee on Friday. Industries along the shoreline have a smaller footprint now, which should open up those opportunities, he said. Visclosky stressed his support for preserving jobs along the lakeshore. No one in this room can doubt my commitment to those industries, he said. But with Cleveland-Cliffs now the owner of the Indiana Harbor and Burns Harbor mills, its time to reopen the conversation, he suggested. What were trying to do is restore these properties, he said. We should not stop. We should not give up. Theyve got new ownership out there. There is progress on the Marquette Plan, first proposed in 1989. The Marquette Greenway, a hiking and biking trail traversing Northwest Indiana, is nearly finished, Visclosky noted. When done, it will be able to travel between Chicago and New Buffalo, Michigan, by bicycle. Implementation of the Marquette Plan was one of the four main goals of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority when it was created in 2005, Visclosky pointed out. He patted former state Rep. Chet Dobis on the back Friday in gratitude for authoring the enabling legislation for the RDA. Visclosky also strongly encouraged state lawmakers to vote for the bill. One of the other RDA goals was to support Gary/Chicago International Airport. In late January, Gov. Eric Holcomb appointed Visclosky as chairman of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority. Viscloskys term ends Jan. 31, 2026. The RDA participation was vital to laying the foundation of what we see today, Visclosky said. When I walked in the door on Feb. 8, I knew nothing about airports, he said. Literally eight days ago, we completed a transition at the airport, intended to provide a streamlined management structure and more nimble decision-making. Visclosky was a strong proponent of the airport while in the U.S. House of Representatives. Hes clearly proud of the airport his father, then-Mayor John Visclosky, helped get up and running. It now has the second-longest runway in the Chicago area, second only to OHare International Airport. Garys airport is also the third busiest in Indiana in terms of cargo operations. Im convinced cargo operations will increase in the coming years, Visclosky said. I think that theres a bright future for passenger service in Gary, he added. Passengers who deplane in Gary can be at their office in Chicago in less time than it takes them to get there from Midway Airport, he said. Within the next 24 to 36 months, he said, three older structures will be demolished so four to six new hangars can be built. We will continue to modernize critical infrastructure at the airport, he said. Visclosky also suggested another interchange might be needed to improve interstate highway access to the airport. Darlene Knapp testified that her husband punched her at least twice in the face when she brought some fresh water to him. Inside his bedroom, Tom knocked her down, then pulled her up onto the bed by her hair. He said he then tried to reach out to The New York Times by calling a phone number for the newspapers public editor an ombudsman who is not part of the newsroom and leaving a voice mail message that was not returned. In January 2010, around the time when Mr. Manning called the public editors line, voice mail messages were checked by Michael McElroy, the assistant to Clark Hoyt, then the public editor. Both Mr. Hoyt, now the editor at large at Bloomberg News, and Mr. McElroy, now a staff editor at The Times, said on Thursday that they had no recollection of hearing such a message. We got hundreds of calls a week, and I tried to go through them all, Mr. McElroy said. If Id heard something like that, I certainly hope I would have flagged it immediately. Private Manning eventually decided to release the information by uploading it to WikiLeaks. To do it, he said, he used a broadband connection at a Barnes & Noble store because his aunts house in a Maryland suburb, where he was staying, had lost its Internet connection in a snowstorm. In February 2010, after he returned to Iraq, Private Manning sent more files to WikiLeaks, including a helicopter gunship video of a 2007 episode in Iraq in which American forces killed a group of men, including two Reuters journalists, and then fired again on a van that pulled up to help the victims. Private Manning said the video troubled him, both because of the shooting of the second group of people, who were not a threat but merely good Samaritans, and because of what he described as the seemingly delightful blood lust expressed by the airmen in the recording. He also learned that Reuters had been seeking the video without success. On Friday, its president, Rabbi Ari Berman, said the school wanted students of all sexual orientations and gender identities to feel comfortable on its campus, but it also wanted its identity as an institution grounded in Modern Orthodox Judaism to be taken seriously. Many non-Orthodox Jewish congregations support L.G.B.T.Q. rights, with some performing same-sex marriages and choosing openly gay or transgender rabbis to tend to the spiritual life of their synagogues. Orthodox leaders, however, tend to interpret the Torah as calling for more traditional ideas of gender and sexuality. We are pleased with Justice Sotomayors ruling which protects our religious liberty and identity as a leading faith-based academic institution, Rabbi Berman said in a statement. But make no mistake, we will continue to strive to create an environment that welcomes all students, including those of our L.G.B.T.Q. community. Katie Rosenfeld, a lawyer for the Y.U. Pride Alliance, which has sought official recognition for several years, said the club would await the courts final order. It remains committed to creating a safe space for L.G.B.T.Q. students on Y.U.s campus to build community and support one another without being discriminated against, she said. Bina Davidson, the former president of the Pride Alliance, said in an interview in June that Yeshivas refusal to recognize the club had deprived it of important resources, including funding for speakers and the ability to advertise their events via an email system that included the entire student body. She said efforts to get an L.G.B.T. student club recognized began in 2009. Bethany Simko didnt mean for claw clips to become her TikTok claim to fame. If it werent for one forgetful moment earlier this summer, they might never have been. Not all hair accessories are created equal. Finding a claw clip that works for your particular combination of head shape, hair texture and length can be like searching for the Holy Grail. Less tough on hair than a typical elastic band, claw clips usually made of plastic use a spring and teeth to hold hair up and in place. A classic style in the 1990s, the clips had fallen out of vogue until a resurgence in recent years, credited, in part, to an Alexander Wang runway show in 2018. Ms. Simko had finally found the perfect clip. Just the right size and grip to hold all her hair in place. So when she left it at her dates place in July, she did everything in her power to retrieve it. Winds remained at about 25 miles per hour with gusts of 40 miles per hour roughly 15 to 20 m.p.h. slower than anticipated. Steady, light rain helped firefighters, officials said. They hope to be able to tell the 50,000 people who had been ordered to evacuate that they can go home by the middle of next week. The rain brought cloud cover, raised the humidity and kept temperatures down, so the wind never had a chance to fan the flames, Mr. Smith said. Experts said the storms arrival was certainly unusual; it was one of the closest approaches of an intact tropical cyclone to California in decades, according to Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles. But it still remained to be seen whether Tropical Storm Kay would add to the devastation. The storms effects are expected to continue through Saturday morning. Its a pretty complicated situation, Mr. Swain said. I think Kay does have some potential to be a net benefit weather event. Mr. Swain said that the storm was unlikely to drop enough rain on urban areas near the coast to be dangerous on its own. (He noted that, since Southern Californians are notoriously bad drivers on slick roads, there could be an elevated risk of traffic accidents.) The two sides also clashed substantially over the duties of the special master. Mr. Trumps lawyers argued that the arbiter should look at all the documents seized in the search and filter out anything potentially subject to attorney-client or executive privilege. By contrast, the government argued that the master should look only at unclassified documents and should not adjudicate whether anything was subject to executive privilege. Mr. Trumps lawyers are also asking the court to exclude National Archives officials from the process of reviewing the materials; the department believes their involvement is essential. The dispute over the special masters purview was reflected in an appeal the Justice Department filed on Thursday seeking to lift part of Judge Cannons order temporarily barring it from using the documents in its investigation. The department asked an appeals court to overturn the portion of that order that applied to about 100 documents marked as classified, and asked Judge Cannon to hold off on enforcing that part as the appeal unfolded. If she did, the investigation could resume using only those documents. Judge Cannon has not yet decided whether to comply with the governments request, which the Justice Department argued was necessary for separate national security assessments to continue. The Justice Department has subpoenaed two former top White House political advisers under President Donald J. Trump as part of a widening investigation related to Mr. Trumps post-election fund-raising and plans for so-called fake electors, according to people briefed on the matter. Brian Jack, the final White House political director under Mr. Trump, and Stephen Miller, Mr. Trumps top speechwriter and a senior policy adviser, were among more than a dozen people connected to the former president to receive subpoenas from a federal grand jury this week. The subpoenas seek information in connection with the Save America political action committee and the plan to submit slates of electors pledged to Mr. Trump from swing states that were won by Joseph R. Biden Jr. in the 2020 election. Mr. Trump and his allies promoted the idea that competing slates of electors would justify blocking or delaying certification of Mr. Bidens Electoral College win during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021. Before the king arrived in the capital, the sound of gun salutes reverberated through the city from Hyde Park and other sites 96 rounds, one for each year of the queens life. Bells tolled at midday at Westminster Abbey, St. Pauls Cathedral and Windsor Castle, outside London, where the queen spent much of the end of her life. What we consider before using anonymous sources. Do the sources know the information? Whats their motivation for telling us? Have they proved reliable in the past? Can we corroborate the information? Even with these questions satisfied, The Times uses anonymous sources as a last resort. The reporter and at least one editor know the identity of the source. Learn more about our process. Charles was accompanied by Camilla, now the queen consort, a title her mother-in-law fervently wished her to have. Marking her 70 years on the throne in February, the queen anticipated this moment of transition, appealing in a personal statement for Britons to open their hearts to Charles and Camilla. He spoke of his darling wife Camilla, who has now become queen, saying, I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely on so much. During his speech to the nation, Charles also bestowed the title of Prince of Wales on his son and heir, William. His wife, Catherine, will now become the Princess of Wales, the first person to hold that title since Williams mother, Diana. In a warm moment, King Charles also expressed his love for his son Harry and his wife Meghan, as they continue to build their lives overseas. Shortly after William and his wife, Catherine, were given their new titles of Prince and Princess of Wales, a palace official said the couple are focused on deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity following royal protocol, added that the prince and princess will approach their roles in the modest and humble way theyve approached their work previously, and that Catherine appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path. She is the first person to hold the title since Williams mother, Diana. Consider the much-anticipated group show, Painting in New York, 1971-1983, which opens at Karma, the East Village gallery, on Sept. 21. It will bring together the work of 30 prominent female painters who began their careers during the heyday of second-wave feminism. It will also raise money for Planned Parenthood by selling a T-shirt, a text-free object bearing an abstract painting by the artist Mary Heilmann that features a grid of nestling rectangles in fuchsia and bubble gum and other pink-related hues. Revealingly, none of the works in the show pertain to abortion, according to its participants. It is only recently that women have been willing to publicly acknowledge having had an abortion, said Joan Semmel, a figurative artist and staunch feminist who turns 90 next month, by way of explaining why she never considered painting an abortion-themed work. The translation of pain is always edgy, and emotional pain can be maudlin. The artist Lois Lane, who is also in the Karma show, emphasizes that she came of age at a time when art-world sexism was overwhelming. Having a career in art was enough of a professional challenge without highlighting her female status. When I began my career, I felt like I was pushing a boulder uphill every day, she said, and the last thing I would have done is paint a picture of my ovaries. Even Kiki Smith, the pre-eminent sculptor of the female body, said that abortion is more interesting to her as a social topic than an art topic. Smith, 68, mentioned that she had an abortion when she was in her 20s. Personally, thats the most sorrow Ive had in my life, she recalled, adding that the prospect of raising a child was not a possibility for her. I just didnt have enough of myself. There wasnt enough of me to be able to care for someone else. James Stewart Polshek, who over a nearly 70-year career designed some of the countrys most significant works of public architecture even as he resisted the profitable allure of trendy ideologies and design celebrity, died on Friday at his home in Manhattan. He was 92. His son, Peter Max Polshek, said the cause was kidney disease. In an era when so-called starchitects dominated the profession, using their acclaim to pick up lucrative projects around the world, Mr. Polshek went the other way, embracing a modest approach to architecture that prioritized a designs social value over its aesthetic worth. The true importance of architecture lies in its ability to solve human problems, not stylistic ones, he wrote in 1988. A building is too permanent and too influential on public life and personal comfort to be created primarily as public art. When it arrived from eBay, my copy of Auntie Mame was so feeble that the paper crumbled as I turned each page, causing the book to physically vanish at exactly the rate it was mentally incorporated. The resulting paper flakes were so tiny that I may have inhaled a few, which would make me the last person on earth to consume this particular copy of the book in both senses! How special. The novels title page calls it AN IRREVERENT ESCAPADE. Heres what it declines to revere: childhood, parenthood, heterosexuality, decorum, common sense and other such hallmarks of respectable midcentury existence. Patrick is 10 years old in 1929 when his father kicks the bucket. He is sent to Manhattan to live with his Auntie Mame, a tigress who paints her fingernails green and sleeps on black satin sheets. Mame considers 1 p.m. to be morning, 11 a.m. to be early morning and 9 a.m. to be the middle of the night. She is a tornado and Patrick is a lawn chair sucked into her updraft. Of course theres a movie of Auntie Mame and a Broadway musical and then a movie-of-the-musical, but for sheer density of epigrammatic comedy you gotta start with the source material. (Description of Mames mother-in-law: She was built along the lines of a General Electric refrigerator and looked like a cross between Caligula and a cockatoo.) BEFORE WE WERE TRANS: A New History of Gender, by Kit Heyam In Before We Were Trans, the nonbinary British academic Kit Heyam undertakes an inherently impossible task: to encompass the story of a planet in a single book. But this impossibility proves the value of the effort: As they demonstrate in this astute, self-aware and riveting study, the history of gender nonconformity around the world is so vast that no book can begin to contain its reaches. And yet, its worth a try. The narrow trans narrative we see emphasized in contemporary media, Heyam writes, makes it difficult to tell histories that fully reflect the reality of trans life today. To remedy this, the author who has a Ph.D. in medieval and early modern studies made the shrewd choice to forgo a linear or chronological account in favor of a more thematic and geographical approach. Each chapter analyzes a certain historical practice that has, intentionally or not, obscured or erased the roles and perspectives of trans and gender-variant people: from historians misidentifying World War I internment camps as all-male environments (Heyam: That isnt a fully accurate description of how internees experienced their lives), to the exclusion of early American intersex people from trans history. Heyam undertakes to amend these gaps in the record. In a chapter about colonialism and gender roles in West Africa, Heyam explains how Njinga, a member of the Ndongo royal family in modern-day Angola, who was assigned female at birth, became the king not the queen of the Ndongo kingdom. Another chapter explores the horror among 17th-century Protestants at the idea of changing sex rhetoric that wouldnt look out of place in a transphobic blog post today, Heyam writes by which people of the time simply meant wearing fashions traditionally reserved for another gender. Other chapters discuss the World War I internment camp theaters (hubs of gender nonconformity) and the ways that many cultures, from Tokugawa-era Japan to early Muslim societies in what is now Saudi Arabia, have perceived gender variance and homosexuality as inextricably linked, in contrast to contemporary perceptions of them as separate. The past is with us all, whether we like it or not. So says Arondir (Ismael Cruz Cordova), an elf soldier in Amazon Prime Videos The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Hes talking about the threat of evil in Middle-earth, which like a good action hero he correctly suspects is rising again. But he could just as well be describing current-day TV. The Rings of Power, a series that takes place thousands of years before the Lord of the Rings movies, is just the latest, priciest example of todays prequel-mania. On TV, the past is everywhere. HBOs House of the Dragon recently took wing as a bloody story of royal succession set generations before Game of Thrones. August saw the finale of the Breaking Bad prequel, Better Call Saul, which will contend at the Emmys on Monday. Fear the Walking Dead explored the early days of a zombie apocalypse. Star Wars re-revisited its past in Obi-Wan Kenobi. The show creator Taylor Sheridan has followed his hit Yellowstone with 1883; 1923 is next, and the calendar has plenty of years left. Felix Matos Rodriguez oversees the largest urban public university system in the United States. We have 11 four-year schools, seven community colleges, and seven professional and special schools, said Mr. Rodriguez, the chancellor of the City University of New York (CUNY). He was named to the role in 2019, becoming the first Hispanic and person of color to lead the sprawling organization. Its a great honor, he said. Youre aware youre opening doors for others, and you hope that leads to more inclusivity. Mr. Rodriguez, 60, who grew up in Puerto Rico, got his start teaching at Hunter College in 2000, including a course on womens history in the Caribbean. He lives in the Westchester town of Pelham, near the Bronx border, with his wife, Liliana Arabia, 58, a retired dentist, their cairn terrier, Bailey, and sometimes, their two sons, Lucas Matos, 20, and Juan Carlos Matos, 19, who are in college and come home regularly. Residents at a public housing complex in Manhattan spent a week without tap water following a report that it had elevated levels of arsenic. But on Saturday, New York City officials said that new tests confirmed that the water at the development had never been dangerous. The city also said that a separate report of Legionella bacteria in the water was also probably inaccurate. I know the last eight days have been unbearable for the residents of Jacob Riis Houses, Mayor Eric Adams said on Saturday in a statement announcing that the water was cleared for drinking. I would not ask the residents of Riis Houses to do anything I wouldnt do, which is why I have already stopped by Riis Houses and drank the water myself. The power of John Donnes words nearly killed a man. It was the spring of 1623, on the morning of Ascension Day, and Donne, long a struggling poet, had finally secured for himself celebrity, fortune and a captive audience. He had been appointed dean of St. Pauls Cathedral two years before. He was 51, slim and amply bearded, and his preaching was famous across the whole of London. His congregation merchants, aristocrats, actors in elaborate ruffs, the whole of the citys elite came to his sermons. Some carried paper and ink to write down his finest passages and take them home to relish and dissect them. Donne often wept in the pulpit, in joy and in sorrow, and his audience would weep with him. That morning he was not preaching in his own church but 15 minutes easy walk across London at Lincolns Inn, in the center of town. Word went out: Wherever he was, people came flocking to hear him speak. But too many flocked, and as the crowd pushed closer to hear his words, some men were shoved to the ground, trampled and badly injured. A contemporary wrote in a letter, Two or three were endangered, and taken up dead for the time. Theres no record of Donne halting his sermon; so its not impossible that he kept going in his rich, authoritative voice as the bloodied men were carried off and out of sight. A certain amount of ease around death would have been in character. John Donne was honest about death and its place in the task of living, just as he insisted on joy. Both his life and his work tell us the same thing: It is only by keeping death nearby that one can truly live. 16:04 | Cusco (Cusco region), Sep. 9. Mr. Castillo spoke with some reporters at the Archaeological Site of Quillarumiyoc in Cusco region. At the site, the Head of State recalled the previous experience when he was denied permission to travel to Colombia to attend Gustavo Petro's presidential inauguration ceremony something that Latin America and the rest of the world "did not welcome." "I expect it (Congress) to do so (grant me permission) because we have a plan; we (will) have meetings with sister countries and businesspeople, even some commitments with ministers that we are going to deliver, such as those of education, trade, among other sectors, because there is an entire delegation; not doing so would be unfortunate," he expressed. In this sense, the top official specified that he has work and family ties to Peru, adding that he is in the Government "to work for the country." Likewise, Mr. Castillo affirmed that a Binational Cabinet with Chile is pending, intended not only to boost common border development, but also friendship and brotherhood bonds. Democracy Moreover, Mr. Castillo said Congress of the Republic must understand that his administration "has not come (to power) to harm the country" in response to the possibility of the presentation of a new impeachment motion against him. "I would opt for us to continue being respectful of democracy, and I expect sanity and maturity from Congress, because the population is above all else," he affirmed. In this regard, Mr. Castillo called for horizontal spaces to be opened at parliamentary work commissions with each State minister. Brooke Siem Reno, Nev. The writer is the author of the memoir May Cause Side Effects. To the Editor: Missing from this article on the alarming rates of polypharmacy among teenagers is the equally alarming lack of physicians trained to treat mental illness in youth. In the United States, there are fewer than 8,500 practicing child and adolescent psychiatrists; current estimates suggest that more than 30,000 are needed. Any parent who has tried to find one can attest to the endless waiting lists and the closed doors of physicians unable to take on new patients. Why is this relevant to polypharmacy? When providers lack training, the default is too often to add yet another medication to an already extensive list. Knowing which medications to discontinue requires more expertise. A main role of most child and adolescent psychiatrists working with new patients is to peel back their polypharmacy keeping helpful medications while removing others. To reverse polypharmacy in youth, we need many more physicians trained to make this determination. Jonathan Posner Durham, N.C. The writer is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and vice chair for research in the department of psychiatry at Duke University. To the Editor: Medicating children is a philosophical issue and a medical one. We want medication to save our children from suffering. Instead, it stifles their coping skills and teaches them dependence, rather than resilience. Medication should be a last, temporary resort, used in conjunction with other approaches that develop the coping skills necessary for emotional growth. Consistent with your article, we see A.D.H.D. medication as the most frequent cause of polypharmacy. A.D.H.D. has become a catchall diagnosis to describe behavioral issues at home or in the classroom that cannot be medicated away. A.D.H.D. medication may improve academic performance, but it comes at a price. This week, my colleague Dana Goldstein reported that Head Start preschools and child care centers are still requiring teachers and children as young as 2 to wear masks. As she explains, this is out of sync with the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vast majority of schools and day care centers have made masks optional, even in the most virus-cautious regions of the country, Goldstein writes. This requirement is also out of sync with the World Health Organization, which says on its website: In general, children aged 5 years and under do not need to wear masks. However, there may be times when caregivers will choose to put a mask on a child for example, if the child has contact with a person who is at a high risk of developing severe disease or is around someone who is ill. Children of this age should not wear masks for a long duration or without supervision. Some caregivers of Head Start students that Goldstein spoke to are concerned that masks may impede their childrens development of language and social skills. Policy experts have shared similar concerns. In October, David Rubin, the director of PolicyLab at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvanias Perelman School of Medicine, told me, we dont have the data on what two years of masking children in an early learning environment has to do with their socio-emotional development. Amanda Worth-Colon, who works for Acelero Learning, which oversees several Head Start programs in New Jersey, told Goldstein that the different information from us, versus the C.D.C., versus the public schools all of that is contributing to mistrust. As Goldstein writes: Ms. Worth-Colon said that parents often asked why their young children had to wear masks when local kindergarten students were allowed to be mask free. The contradictory government mandates have contributed to confusion and skepticism not only about masking, but also about the efficacy of vaccines, she said, noting that only about 20 percent of her students have been vaccinated. Adding to this confusion is a recent Twitter thread from the American Academy of Pediatrics about masking and childrens development. One of the tweets says: If caregivers are wearing masks, does that harm kids language development? No. There is no evidence of this. And we know even visually impaired children develop speech and language at the same rate as their peers. Mr. Giuliani finds himself in this situation not in spite of his actions on Sept. 11 but rather because of them. The choices he made to leverage his fame from that period and his efforts to hold on to it when it started to slip away have led to his troubles today. Mr. Giuliani received overwhelming acclaim for his performance as mayor in the weeks following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. He was transformed from a term-limited politician to Americas Mayor, addressing the United Nations and receiving an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. New Yorkers long love-hate relationship with him turned into something closer to hero worship. He was a warrior who had spent a career fighting battles as a mob-busting prosecutor and crusading mayor, and they had prepared him for the greatest battle of all, his effort to save a stricken city. With his fame at its pinnacle following Sept. 11, every possible career door swung open. But instead of preserving his statesmans role a hero above mere politics he chose to cash in. His mercenary vehicle was Giuliani Partners, which was billed primarily as a management consulting firm, though neither he nor his group of former City Hall aides had management consulting experience. He was doubtlessly aware that it wasnt his expertise his clients would pay for, but rather his name. And yet, some Republican candidates are using the threat of censorship as a show of strength, evidence of their power to muzzle political opponents. Last year in Virginia, Glenn Youngkin won the governorship of that state after a campaign in which he demagogued the Pulitzer Prize-winning book Beloved by the Nobel Prize-winning Toni Morrison. Other candidates are looking to make it a centerpiece of their pitch to voters in the midterm elections in races from Texas to New Jersey. Some want to extend censorship far beyond the classroom. In Virginia, a Republican state representative tried to get a court to declare as obscene two young adult books frequently banned in schools, Gender Queer, by Maia Kobabe, and A Court of Mist and Fury, by Sarah Maas. The case was dismissed last week, but if it had been successful, it could have made it illegal for bookstores, libraries to carry the books or for private citizens to sell or share them everywhere in the state. Right-wing lawmakers are also looking to restrict what Americans can say about abortion. Model legislation from the National Right to Life Committee, which is circulating in state legislatures, aims to ban Americans from giving instructions over the telephone, the internet, or any other medium of communication regarding self-administered abortions or means to obtain an illegal abortion. That prohibition extends to hosting websites that contain such information. Even when such bills fail to censor can easily cascade into vigilantism. Across the country, libraries in small towns are being closed and library staff are being harassed and intimidated. The Times reports that librarians have been labeled pedophiles on social media, called out by local politicians and reported to law enforcement officials. Some librarians have quit after being harassed online. Others have been fired for refusing to remove books from circulation. The American Library Association has documented more than 1,600 books in 700 different libraries or library systems that have faced attempted censorship. Political factions on both the left and the right are insecure enough in their ideas that theyve tried to muzzle those with whom they disagree. But only right-wing legislators are currently writing censorship into law and enforcing it with the power of the state. For a vocal minority to ban discussion of certain facts or topics because they make some people uncomfortable or simply to score political points is deeply undemocratic, particularly in a nation founded on a commitment to free speech and the open exchange of ideas. Free expression isnt just a feature of democracy; it is a necessary prerequisite. The same goes for Doug Mastriano in Pennsylvania, the pro-insurrection Republican candidate for governor. Democrats gave him a boost as well. But he led the Republican pack for much of the race and his final tally nearly 44 percent of the vote in an eight-way contest reflects his very real popularity with Republican voters in the state. The other thing to consider is the actual content of Democratic ads on behalf of MAGA Republican candidates. The ad meant to support Mastriano, for example, simply stated his conservative views and emphasized his support for Trump. The ad said that Mastriano wanted to outlaw abortion and is one of Donald Trumps strongest supporters. It also points out that Mastriano wants to end vote by mail, and he led the fight to audit the 2020 election. If Mastriano wins, its a win for what Donald Trump stands for. It is not the Democratic Partys fault that Republicans are attracted to this message, and nothing forced Republicans in Pennsylvania or Illinois (or Michigan or Arizona) to nominate the most MAGA candidates in the field. Republicans voters like Trump and they want Trumpist candidates, and where theres demand, supply usually follows. Which is to say that even with Democratic intervention in Republican primaries, the thrust of Bidens story about the Republican Party still holds up. The party has been captured by extremists, and its up to the rest of us to ensure that it doesnt win more power than it already has. What I Wrote My Friday column was on President Bidens Philadelphia speech, why I think the objections to it are misguided, and what, if anything, was missing from his argument that the MAGA movement is a threat to American democracy. To divide against a radical minority that would attack and undermine democratic self-government is to divide along the most inclusive lines possible. It is to do a version of what Franklin Roosevelt did when he condemnedorganized money, economic royalists and the forces of selfishness and lust for power. And in the latest episode of my podcast with John Ganz, Unclear and Present Danger, we discussed the 1992 crime thriller Deep Cover with special guest Adam Serwer of The Atlantic. In Wisconsin, a group of doctors and lawyers is trying to come up with guidelines on how to comply with a newly revived 173-year-old law that prohibits abortion except to save the life of a pregnant woman. They face the daunting task of defining all the emergencies and conditions that might result in a pregnant womans death, and the fact that doctors could be punished with six years in prison if a prosecutor disagrees that abortion was necessary. A similar task force at an Arizona hospital recommends having a lawyer on call to help doctors determine whether a womans condition threatens her life enough to justify an abortion. Already, the hospital has added questions to its electronic medical forms so they can be used to argue that patients who had abortions would have died without them. And in Texas, oncologists say they now wait for pregnant women with cancer to get sicker before they treat them, because the standard of care would be to abort the fetus rather than allow treatments that damage it, but a state law allows abortion only at risk of death. Some hospitals have established committees to evaluate whether a pregnancy complication is severe enough to justify an abortion. LOS ANGELES For more than a week, Californians endured a heat wave that smashed records, pushed the states energy grid to the brink and parched the landscape, creating conditions ripe for catastrophic wildfires. Several new blazes ignited and quickly burned through bone-dry vegetation, sending thousands fleeing from their homes. So residents felt exalted when Saturday came cooler and wetter than the days before. Thankfully, this historic heat wave is coming to an end, said Cory Mueller, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento, where temperatures reached a record 116 degrees on Tuesday. Itll almost feel cold out there today compared to last week. He added: Thats obviously kind of a joke, because itll still be in the 90s. Temperatures in Southern California were mostly in the 80s on Saturday, and forecasters predicted scattered showers through the weekend from the remnants of Tropical Storm Kay. This article is also a weekly newsletter. Sign up for Race/Related here. ATLANTA Sonic the Hedgehog, Storm, a blue-haired Green Lantern and several Knights of Wakanda posed on the steps of the Hilton Hotel in Atlanta for a photo on Sunday afternoon of Labor Day weekend. They had come together for Dragon Con, a distinctly Southern take on the modern multigenre convention where the rules include always saying please and thank you and the beverage of choice is sweet tea. In this world, conventions, or cons, are large-scale events where fans of a particular interest gather to hear panel discussions, meet others with similar passions and often dress up as characters. When they first began in the 1980s, they traditionally focused on a single topic, like science fiction books or comics, and didnt leave room for overlap between fandoms. The audiences at these cons were also similarly homogeneous. A lot of the panels, early on, at a lot of sci-fi conventions, were, lets be honest, four or five white men up there talking about things, said Channing Sherman, who has been attending Dragon Con for over a decade. PLACERVILLE, Calif. The Mosquito fire, a 30,000-acre blaze raging through the Sierra Nevada foothills northeast of Sacramento, has calmed slightly Friday after explosive growth a day earlier, fire officials said. We are at a tipping point, Rob Scott, a fire behavior analyst at the U.S. Forest Service, said after a meeting with residents at a school auditorium in Placerville, about 20 miles south of the fire lines. No large fire growth, no giant column, no picture on Facebook at the end of the day looking like a volcano going off?, he told the residents. Thats a good day, considering what weve been seeing. The fire, the largest of several that have been burning across the state in the middle of an oppressive heat wave, remained uncontained. It had logged alarming growth on Thursday, growing by about 17,000 acres in just four hours, despite an all-out attack from firefighters, bulldozer crews and helicopters dropping water. Vigorously defending the client even one known for unscrupulous behavior or accused of an egregious crime is part of a lawyers basic job description. But attorneys are bound by a code of professional conduct that forbids them from crossing certain lines, including knowingly making false claims, filing frivolous lawsuits or motions, and doing anything to further a crime. The adage for lawyers representing clients accused of criminality, said Fritz Scheller, a longtime Florida defense lawyer, is that at the end of the day, no matter how bad it may have been for the client, the lawyer still gets to walk out the front door of the courthouse without any personal legal issues. That bad day for the criminal defense attorney becomes his worst day when he leaves through the courthouse door used for defendants on their way to jail, Mr. Scheller said. Long before he became president, Mr. Trump viewed lawyers as tools to carry out whatever unsavory errand he required. As president, his disdain for institutional norms and demand for unswerving loyalty meant that Mr. Trump expected White House lawyers to act in his personal interest, whether or not doing so was within the bounds of the law or in the interest of the country. He is also known for refusing to pay his lawyers for their work; last year, the Republican National Committee agreed to settle up to $1.6 million of Mr. Trumps personal legal bills. YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Defense of Armenia denies the accusations of the Azerbaijani side on opening fire at the border. The statement of the Azerbaijani defense ministry according to which on September 9 the units of the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at the Azerbaijani positions located in the eastern section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border has nothing to do with the reality, the ministry said in a statement. The situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border is relatively stable and is under the full control of the Armenian Armed Forces, it added. I havent talked to him in months, a chuckling Mr. Ruto told laughing supporters at his residence after the Supreme Court confirmed he would be replacing his former boss. But shortly I will be putting a call to him so that we can have a conversation on the process of transition. Already, Mr. Ruto has made soaring promises in eloquent speeches that his presidency will unlock the potential of Kenya, an East African economic powerhouse and regional anchor. But to Kenyans who look to his mixed record in office, blemished by violence and financial scandals, a Ruto presidency is a worrisome prospect. He has so many unresolved controversies, which affects how much people are willing to trust and believe in him, said George Kegoro, head of the Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa, a democracy-promotion organization. Thats a problem. Few doubt his political skills. On the campaign trail, Mr. Ruto loved to tell of his humble origins: his barefoot childhood in the Rift Valley; his first pair of shoes at age 15; the early adult years when he sold chickens by the roadside to scrape by. That underdog narrative lay at the heart of his populist pitch to the hustler nation young Kenyans striving to succeed on modest means, as he once did. It was also code for a kind of class warfare. Unlike other Kenyan leaders, educated at elite Western schools or ushered into politics by gilded bloodlines, Mr. Ruto grew up in a remote village where he raised cows and sang in the choir. In a freewheeling, alcohol-soaked political culture, he is a teetotaler who rises early, prizes punctuality and is unabashed about his Christian faith, attributing his successes to the hand of God. Eventually, the police determined that the killer was not in the area, and everyone spilled out into the yard. There, a new arrival had joined the horses, ponies, miniature horses, stables, horse trailers, racing chariots and trucks in various states of repair: a large white tent of the kind used for extended family events. [Read: In Canadas Bucolic Prairie Region, a Mass Stabbing Shocks the Country] It was erected to host a wake and feast to honor Waynes sister, Gloria Burns, 61, one of the killers 10 victims. Near the tent, a sacred fire in her memory burned in a firepit made from an old tractor wheel. While the leadership of James Smith asked journalists to stay away, a request we honored, Mr. Burns had invited Amber and me to his home because his family wanted to talk about what they believed was behind this weeks tragedy, as well as previous murders in the nation of about 1,200 people, which extends over 15,099 hectares of bush and prairie grasslands along the valley of the Saskatchewan River. Darryl Burns, another of Glorias six siblings, was an addiction counselor and an emergency responder, like his sister. But he had quit his job the day before so that he could speak freely about the issues surrounding addiction recovery programs and the scourge of addiction, particularly crystal meth, in his community. That decision would turn his grave into its own battlefield, with clashes erupting over a question that has long split France: Should Petain be remembered as the victor of Verdun or the traitor of Vichy? In my own family, as in so many across France, opinions diverge. Marcel, my great-uncle, said Petain should have been shot, but his wife, Madeleine, raised in the myth of Verdun, confessed that she used to like him and that she had attended Petains funeral as a teenager, slipping into the crowd despite her mothers objection. Often the divide is generational, with younger French people, educated at length about the Holocaust, typically considering Petain a stain on the countrys history, the man whose wartime government sent over 70,000 Jews to their deaths. Abroad, his name is more uniformly vilified, but in France, he can be admired and abhorred sometimes by the same person as captured by this quote from Charles de Gaulle, who described Petains life as successively banal, then glorious, then deplorable, but never mediocre. LONDON While Prince Charles became Britains new king automatically on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday, his role was officially proclaimed on Saturday morning in a ceremony laden with pomp and procedure at St. Jamess Palace, a Tudor royal residence near Buckingham Palace. Charles will spend much of the first 10 days of his reign leading his country in mourning the queen, whose state funeral will be held on Sept. 19 in Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace announced on Saturday. On Sunday, six gamekeepers from Balmoral Castle, the summer retreat in Scotland where the queen died, are scheduled to bear her oak coffin to a hearse, which will transport it on a six-hour journey to Edinburgh. On Monday, the king is to travel to Scotland, where his mother will lie in state in St. Giles Cathedral. But online, Russias failures were in plain sight underscoring the startling role that pro-Russian military bloggers on the social network Telegram have played in shaping the narrative of the war. While the Kremlin controls the television airwaves in Russia and has blocked access to Instagram and Facebook, Telegram remains freely accessible and is filled with posts and videos from supporters and opponents of the war alike. The widely followed pro-war bloggers some embedded with Russian troops near the front line amplify the Kremlins false message that Russia is fighting Nazis and refer to Ukrainians in derogatory and dehumanizing ways. But they are also divulging far more detailed and, analysts say, accurate information about the battlefield than the Russian Defense Ministry is, which they say is underestimating the enemy and withholding bad news from the public. One of the bloggers, Yuri Podolyaka, who is from Ukraine but moved to rimea following its annexation in 2014, told his 2.3 million Telegram followers on Friday that if the military continued to play down its battlefield setbacks, Russians would cease to trust the Ministry of Defense and soon the government as a whole. It was the bloggers who first rang alarm bells publicly about a possible Ukrainian counteroffensive in the countrys northeast. On Aug. 30, a Kremlin spokesman held his regular conference call with journalists and repeated his mantra: The invasion of Ukraine was going in accordance with the plans. The same day, several Russian bloggers were reporting on social media that something was very much not going according to plan. Ukraine was building up forces for a counterattack near the town of Balakliya, they said, and Russia did not appear in position to defend against it. KYIV, Ukraine In a war that has for months been defined by grinding battles between two armies along largely static front lines ranging 1,500 miles, the stunning speed of Ukraines advance in the countrys northeast has reshaped the conflict in a matter of days. On Saturday, Ukrainian soldiers retook a city that had long been a linchpin of the Russian military campaign in the east, Izium, and continued to raise their blue-and-yellow flags over dozens of towns and villages that were occupied by Russia days ago. The northern advance was carried out alongside another Ukrainian campaign, in the countrys south. There, thousands of Russian soldiers west of the Dnipro river appear to be increasingly isolated and cut off from resupply, as Ukrainian forces have gradually broken through frontline defenses and shelled Russian targets deep behind the front. LOCATED IN the graveyard of Borrisnafarney Church between Moneygall and Toomevara, the historic Bloomfield Mausoleum is being carefully and expertly restored. The structure was open during Heritage Week and I took the opportunity to have a look. There I met local man Willie Powell who told me that he, John Chadwick and others had been concerned about the deteriorating condition of the tomb for a long time. We raised the alarm about it a long time ago and we are really glad that something is now being done. We are very pleased with the restoration which has been carried out, and there's more to still be done. The tomb is an impressive piece of architecture, built in 1835 in the style of a miniature single cell Gothic Church. The Pepper and Bloomfield families of nearby Loughton House are buried within. The structure was built by the Pepper family (who were eventually succeeded by the Bloomfields). The foundations were in a bad way, said Willie. They were subsiding. It was in danger of collapse. The Phase 1 work started in March and the foundations were underpinned. The six buttresses were stabilised. Steel bars were put in place to stabilise the building. Lime pointing was carried out. Using lime is better than pointing with concrete as was previously done. The Borrisnafarney Church of Ireland committee sourced grants from Offaly County Council and other sources for the work. Willie pointed out that some of the decorative stonework needs to be repaired. Phase 1 cost 20,000. Phase 2 will cost 18,000 and it's planned to do the work next year. Willie showed me inside the tomb. The ceiling is vaulted. Six people are buried here. The work was carried out by Southgate Associates, Dublin, who said the mausoleum is a regionally significant piece of architectural and social history, portraying the high standard of traditional crafts and materials which were in use at the time and in the area. Southgate will also carry out repairs to the interior, including the doorframe, the floor and the brass memorial plaques. The Pepper family lived at Loughton House until Thomas Pepper died as a result of a hunting accident. Thomas was married to Ms Bloomfield and requested in his will that his brother-in-law, the 1st Lord Bloomfield, be given Loughton House. Borrisnafarney Church was built in 1829 with funding from Thomas Pepper. The inscriptions in the interior of the mausoleum list the following: Thomas Pepper 1828; Mrs Bloomfield 1828; Mrs Ryder Pepper 1841; Lieutenant General Benjamin Baron Bloomfield 1846; Harriet widow of Lieutenant General Benjamin Baron Bloomfield 1868. Lieutenant General Benjamin Bloomfield (April 1768 to August 1846) was an army officer in the British Military and served at the Battle of Vinegar Hill in 1798. He was a Member of Parliament for Plymouth from 1812 to 1818. He was an advisor to the Prince of Wales and served as Private Secretary to King George IV. King Charles III paid tribute to the reign of the late Queen, unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion, as he was formally declared the UK's new monarch. During a poignant and sombre meeting of the Accession Council, the King spoke movingly about his mother and the grief his family is experiencing, but said the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers had been the greatest consolation. Watched by the Queen, the new Prince of Wales and more than 200 privy counsellors including six former prime ministers the King pledged himself to the task now before him and the heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty. Charles began by discharging the sorrowful duty of announcing the death of his beloved mother, and told the council: I know how deeply you, the entire nation and I think I may say the whole world sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered. It is the greatest consolation to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers and that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss. Charles spoke of the late Queens selfless service, adding: My mothers reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. He went on to say: I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me. In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional Government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands and of the Commonwealth Realms and Territories throughout the world. The King ended by saying: And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God. The historic event was broadcast for the first time, giving the world a first glimpse of an ancient ceremony dating back centuries and one of the first changes to convention instigated by the new King. Following convention, Charles did not attend the first part of the ceremony when the clerk of the council Richard Tilbrook read the proclamation to the packed meeting that confirmed the new monarch. He said: Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now, by the death of our late Sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege lord, Charles III The meeting was staged in the state rooms of St Jamess Palace, and the clerk declared to the room: God Save the King, with the privy counsellors repeating the famous phrase. The new monarch became King the moment his mother died, but an Accession Council must be convened following the death of a Sovereign usually within 24 hours. YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Armenia Argishti Kyaramyan received a group of parents of servicemen who were killed during the 2020 Artsakh War, the Investigative Committee said. Issues relating to the preliminary investigation process of a number of criminal cases relating to different episodes of war operations were discussed during the meeting. During the meeting, which lasted more than three hours, the Investigative Committee Chairman answered to the questions of parents of killed soldiers and expressed readiness to regularly organize similar meetings to provide comprehensive clarifications about the respective activities carried out by investigative authorities. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The university is the result of a merger of the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research. The predecessor was established in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie as the Carnegie Technical Schools, and it became the Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1912 and began granting four-year degrees. In 1967, the Carnegie Institute of Technology merged with the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research, founded in 1913 by Andrew Mellon and Richard B. Mellon and formerly a part of the University of Pittsburgh. Carnegie Mellon has operated as a single institution since the merger. St James's Palace is the most senior royal palace in the United Kingdom. It gives its name to the Court of St James's, which is the monarch's royal court and is located in the City of Westminster in London. Although no longer the principal residence of the monarch, it is the ceremonial meeting place of the Accession Council, the office of the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, as well as the London residence of several minor members of the royal family. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will on Sunday lead a meeting of ministers which will formally recommend to the governor-general to proclaim King Charles the new sovereign. 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. New Zealand Herald 17 Sep 2022 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear to have been uninvited to a state reception hosted by the King and Queen Consort at.. They disagree on a price cap on Russian gas and want the EU Commission to rework proposals to shield Europeans from increasing energy prices. President Zelenskyy has said his troops have recaptured more than 30 towns and villages in the Kharkiv region. Meanwhile, fresh shelling at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has caused a blackout. Annalena Baerbock has made her second visit to Kyiv since Russia invaded. Meanwhile, president Zelenskyy has said his troops have recaptured more than 30 towns and villages in the Kharkiv region. DW has the latest. Annalena Baerbock has made her second visit to Kyiv since Russia invaded. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy has said his troops have recaptured more than 30 towns and villages in the Kharkiv region. DW has the latest. It may appear at times that the U.S. can call on a bottomless pit of military stores to supply Ukraine. Increasingly, however, western allies are balking at taking any more equipment out of their inventories to support the eastern European country's war against Russia. YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. Ambassador Philip Reeker, the United States Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations met with Armenias Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan, and Normalization Envoy Ruben Rubinyan during his visit to Armenia on September 8-10, the U.S. Embassy Yerevan said in a statement. Ambassador Reeker reiterated the U.S. commitment to promoting a secure, stable, democratic, prosperous, and peaceful future for the South Caucasus region. The United States will continue to engage bilaterally, with like-minded partners, such as the European Union, and multilaterally to support a comprehensive peaceful settlement of all issues between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Embassys statement says. Hundreds continued to gather throughout the night outside Buckingham Palace to pay tribute to the late Elizabeth II, who passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday. Ukrainian forces said they had entered the town of Kupiansk in Kharkiv region, as their counter-offensive unfolds. Meanwhile, Annalena Baerbock has made her second visit to Kyiv since Russia invaded. DW has the latest. The origin of a mysterious Canadian cartoon character in the back of a family photo from the early 1990s has been solved thanks to the internet and two brothers in Wisconsin. War has made wheat farming and export difficult. So local farmers are turning to oil-producing plants instead. Their government plans to build an innovative pipeline into Poland to help them. Germany, France and the UK have expressed doubts over Iran's sincerity in backing an agreement that would limit its nuclear capabilities. The speech therapists were sentenced to 19 months in prison for publishing books that explained the city's pro-democracy movement to children. Human rights campaigners have called the convictions an act of repression. Prince William has spoken up about the loss of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, pledging to support the new king in any possible way to keep her memory alive. Follow DW for the latest Several lawmakers from a district council are openly opposing Putin's war on Ukraine and facing serious consequences for it. DW spoke with two of them. The Los Angeles Chargers will host the Las Vegas Raiders at the SoFi Stadium as the two go head-to-head in their Week 1 matchup. Kickoff time for Chargers vs. Raiders is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on September 11. Both teams have improved since last year and will time to prove they are as impressive between the lines as they are... Kia has exported more than 1.5 lakh vehicles from India. They have five vehicles in the line-up, Sonet, Seltos, Carens, EV6 and Carnival. Kia India on Friday announced that they have crossed the 1.5 lakh export milestone and they continue to be the largest exporter of UVs in India. Kia has shipped 150,395 units to 95 countries, to date. It took them 3 years to reach this milestone. The manufacturer ships Seltos, Sonet and Carens to 95 different countries from India. Kia India has exported cars to the Middle East, Africa, Central & South America, Mexico and the Asia Pacific. Kia started exporting back in September 2019. The first vehicle to be shipped to other countries from India was Seltos as it was also their first vehicle for the Indian market. In August 2022, the company recorded its highest ever monthly exports, dispatching 8,174 units. Out of total exports, Kia Seltos contributed 72 per cent which was followed by Sonet and then Carens. The company has shipped 54,153 units in the first eight months of 2022, making it the largest Utility Vehicle (UV) exporter of the year. Kia India was also the highest UV exporter in 2021. FOLLOW US:Stay Updated with latest content - Subscribe us on FOLLOW US:Stay Updated with latest content - Subscribe us on Needless to say, Kia Motors has been very successful in the Indian market. In fact, the manufacturer was able to turn a profit in just 2 years of entering India. Kia reported a profit of 1,111 crore after tax for the year ended March 2021. Kia Motors currently has five vehicles under their line-up. There is Sonet, Carens, Seltos, EV6 and Carnival. The best-selling vehicle for Kia remains to be the Seltos, followed by Sonet. Kia is currently in the fifth position in the Indian market. They reported year-on-year growth of 33.27 per cent and sold 1,66,167 units in the first eight months of CY22. This figure is 27 per cent higher than the same period last year and much more than the industry growth of approximately 17 per cent. First Published Date: A federal judge dismissed former President Trumps lawsuit against Hillary Clinton, the Democratic National Committee, and a number of officials involved in creating the Trump-Russia narrative. A California appeals court sent a lawsuit challenging the states draconian infringement on Second Amendment rights to a district court in light of a June Supreme Court decision. The judge dismissed Donald Trump's case against Hillary Clinton, concluding that he was attempting to "flaunt" political concerns that have no place in a courtroom. A US federal judge in Florida has dismissed Donald Trump's lawsuit against 2016 Democratic rival Hillary Clinton and former top FBI officials, rejecting the former president's claims that they and others acted in concert to concoct... New Zealand Herald 16 Sep 2022 New Zealand troops performed an emotional haka in front of the Prince and Princess of Wales today. The newly named Prince and.. Nuclear Power Plants Update Emergency Plan Information The 2022-2023 Emergency Planning brochure for the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station and the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant is now online at www.oswegocounty.com/emo. Printed copies of the brochure are available from Constellation Energy by calling 1-800-220-2159. The public information brochure is published by Constellation Energy for neighbors of the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station and James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant. This important brochure provides information and resources for people who live and work within 10 miles of the nuclear power plants, said Oswego County Emergency Management Director Cathleen Palmitesso. Residents should keep this information easily accessible during a radiological emergency either bookmarked online, downloaded as a file onto an electronic device or as a printed hard copy. Constellation Energy mailed a postcard to residents within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) announcing the availability of the brochure. People who may need help during an emergency are urged to complete and return the card. The postcard includes a form for people with access and functional needs to alert us about what assistance they may need during a nuclear power plant emergency, Oswego County Emergency Management Coordinator Renee Fox said. If you know someone who may need special assistance during an evacuation, please return the form on their behalf. This information helps us plan ahead for transportation and other needs. Palmitesso also noted that potassium iodide (KI) tablets for people who live within the 10-mile EPZ are available at the Oswego County Emergency Management Office, 200 N. Second St., Fulton, 315-591-9150, and at the Oswego County Health Department, 70 Bunner St., Oswego, 315-349-3573. She urged people to call and schedule a time to pick-up the tablets. If there were a radiological emergency at a nuclear power plant, radioactive materials could be released into the atmosphere, she said. Potassium iodide is an over-the-counter mineral salt that can help protect the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine. The public information brochure also includes details about testing the plants siren system for emergency public notification. Testing in 2022-2023 includes full-sound tests scheduled at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022; Tuesday, June 6, 2023; and Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. Short audible (growl) tests will be held on the first Tuesday of the other months. If the sirens sound for a radiological emergency, people should turn to an Oswego County Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information. A complete list of EAS stations can be found in the public information brochure. Emergency information will also be posted at www.oswegocounty.com. The brochure also includes: Maps of bus pick-up points and evacuation routes in the emergency response planning areas within the 10-mile EPZ. Instructions for people with access and functional needs. Instructions for people in schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Examples of protective actions that people could be asked to take during a radiological emergency. The location of the Reception Center at the New York State Fairgrounds near Syracuse. More information on nuclear power plant emergency planning is available by calling the Oswego County Emergency Management Office at 315-591-9150 or going online to www.oswegocounty.com/emo. The Arizona Daily Sun and KAFF News hosted a candidate forum Thursday evening for Flagstaff's mayoral and city council candidates. A variety of Flagstaff residents gathered in the Orpheum Theater to hear candidates speak on topics such as housing, policing, and the city's response to recent fires and floods. The deadline for voter registration is Oct. 11 and early voting begins Oct. 12. The official day of the general election will be Nov. 8. Mayoral candidates There are two candidates for mayor of Flagstaff: incumbent Paul Deasy and the former vice mayor, Becky Daggett. Daggett has been in community leadership roles for 25 years, including work in city business retention and expansion efforts, nonprofit organizations (such as Friends of Flagstaff's Future), FALA and the Flagstaff Arts Council. She resigned from her position as vice mayor in April to run for the mayoral office, citing requests from councilmembers and the community that she do so. Im running for mayor because I have the experience and skills to help lead Flagstaff through the challenges ahead. All of the leadership roles that Ive taken on in this community have led me to this point, and Im eager for the next challenge, she said. Some accomplishments she listed in her introduction included involvement in efforts to purchase land on Observatory Mesa, Rogers Lake and Picture Canyon, as well as helping to build the amphitheater at Fort Tuthill County Park and expanding the Flagstaff Urban Trails System. As vice mayor, she led the housing commission and helped create the 10-year housing plan. She said affordable housing is her top issue. I lead by, first, listening, she said. When it's time to make a decision, it's important to me that my colleagues and I can have vigorous discussions and debate, and that we leave the dais with respect for one another. Deasy has been Flagstaffs mayor since 2020. He grew up in Flagstaff and is raising four kids here with his wife. Flagstaff has been facing an unprecedented situation in the last year, and what it takes for us to tackle our citys challenges as mayor with one foot inside and one foot outside the government, doing what is necessary to protect our community, even when our bureaucracy has barriers to doing things quickly," he said. Some efforts Deasy highlighted in his introduction included pandemic efforts such as distributing free masks and coordinating wastewater testing in schools. He also mentioned natural disaster response efforts that he both organized and participated in, including community preparation for 2021s Rafael Fire, and sandbag filling and placement for this years flooding from the Pipeline Fire scar. Accomplishments he listed over the past year included capturing Museum Fire scar debris, Sunnyside infrastructure improvements and partnering with Flagstaff Unified School District officials to create detention basins at Killip Elementary. I dont just sit at the dais making decisions, like authorizing funds for sandbags. Im out there slinging them myself, clearing debris and rallying volunteers to help, he said. ... We need action. It's the mayor's job to not just listen to the public, but to create innovative solutions and mobilize to address the problems we face in our community." Questions for both the mayoral and council candidates came from submissions made by Flagstaff residents ahead of the forum. Each section also included a few from audience members, covering topics that included traffic flow, the citys camping ban and funding for flood response. Both candidates said improving affordable housing in Flagstaff would require multiple strategies to address, referencing the housing bond also on Novembers ballot (Proposition 442) as one path. Daggett noted the almost 60 strategies listed in the citys 10-year housing plan. Proposition 442 is the first step before moving on to the other strategies listed in the plan, she said. In addition to Proposition 442, efforts Deasy mentioned as being currently underway were deregulating low-income housing tax credits and short-term rental licensing. Fires were also up for discussion. The Forest Services old way of determining when the forests get closed is outdated, Daggett said in response to a question about forest closures. Were in new times now and we need to see that our forest management is taking climate change into account. She said she supported shutting down the forests to motorized and overnight vehicles earlier in dry seasons, yet still allowing pedestrian day use. During these times, its too risky to have people making campfires in the forest near Flagstaff. Deasy referenced the citys approach to water restrictions, which have remained in Stage 1 due to ongoing drought and other concerns. He thought the city should take a similar approach to fire restrictions and stay at Stage 1 yearround and that it should be lobbying for the Forest Service to change its closure metrics, as well as for more authority from the state on creating restrictions in city limits. Neither said they supported defunding the police, though they were supportive of additional programs and services such as the recently created CARE team. Deasy said he thought creating CARE was the right kind of approach, using available resources to reduce the amount police need to respond to. Do I want to defund the police? Not necessarily, he said. I'd rather find the funds to be able to provide some support and to be able to create new mechanisms that allow the police to focus on what theyre trained to do -- dealing with criminal activity -- while taking off the load to deal with cases of mental health, substance-use issues that other professionals are better trained to do. Daggetts answer was similar, saying she did not want to defund the police, instead wanting to see an increased focus on mental health and having police respond to crimes against the health and safety of our residents. She said the team addressed part of the issue of treating all members of our community with more dignity and with more respect, and providing them with exactly what they need, rather than fully uniformed police turning out for every call -- which we know that we dont have the resources to do that anyway. Council candidates Six candidates are running for the four open seats this year: Kevin Dobbe, Deb Harris, Lori Matthews, Khara House, Austin Aslan and Regina Salas. Only two -- Matthews and Aslan -- collected enough signatures to get their names on the ballot. The rest are officially recognized write-in candidates, meaning that their names can be written on November's ballot. Sean Golliher was not able to attend the event, and Thea Karlin and Sydney Shevat withdrew from consideration. Any combination of the six can be elected to fill the openings. Three four-year seats are vacant, as is the two-year seat vacated by Daggett. The three candidates with the most votes will be in the four-year seats, and the fourth will take the remaining seat. Dobbe moved here from Wisconsin in 1991. In addition to his 23 years as an engineer and paramedic with Highlands Fire Department, he worked 20 years at Flagstaff Medical Center, through Guardian Medical Transport (12 years) and the emergency department (over eight years). He said his time as a union official made him well-versed in compromise. I've spent a lot of my time compromising, making things work for the majority of people, and that's what I want to do for you guys, he said. I want Flagstaff to be the Flagstaff I knew 30 years ago, when we were all neighbors. Everyone likes each other, everyone works together. Harris moved to Flagstaff from Wisconsin in 1993 with her son, who was 14 at the time. She spent almost 40 years working in higher education and spent six years each on the United Way board and Flagstaff Unified School District boards, serving as president of the latter for two years. Housing, neighborhoods and community engagement were some of the priorities she listed if elected. I want all of the members of our community to feel like this is their community and that they have a say in what goes on, because right now, frankly, a lot of folks dont think that their voices are being heard, she said. Matthews has spent 35 years in banking as a personal lender and started her own consulting business. She also began a nonprofit, ANEW Living, based on her experience as interim director of Flagstaff Shelter Services. She said she would bring this experience to the city council if she were elected. That also has given me a lot of insight and a lot of experience in what is needed out there with our unsheltered and unhoused community, she said. ... I speak to them a lot about what their challenges are and what their needs are, and I hope to bring that into the council chamber as well. House came from Pennsylvania for graduate school in 2009. She has been on the city council since May, when she was appointed to fill Daggetts former seat, and said service was one of her priorities for the role. I love the unique character of this community; I love the people of this community, she said. ... In any work that I do, whether it's in education, my current role in multi-family housing, the various boards and organizations that I serve and volunteer with, my goal is to be of service. I want people to feel heard, I want people to feel valued and I want people to feel seen. Aslan has been a councilmember since 2018. He has a master's in conservation and biology, and a bachelor's in wildlife and resource management. He said hes had family here for decades and he has been in and out of the city for 20 years with his wife and two kids. He said he hoped to bring continuity and stability to the council. The decisions we make carry weight, and it matters a lot to the future of Flagstaff and the trajectory were on, he said. ... These are long-term problems that need a bit of institutional memory to get them across the finish line eventually. Salas has also been on the council since 2018. She moved to Flagstaff from the Philippines in 2006 with her family and raised two sons here. In her time on the council, she has served on the parks and recreation, tourism and airport commissions, and is the city council liaison to the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona. She is also on the Metro Plan board, which is in the process of updating its regional transportation plan. I want to earn your vote again to continue with the work that I have been doing, she said, mentioning her goal of opening a trade apprenticeship center in Flagstaff to serve northern Arizona. When asked what issue deserves more attention in Flagstaff, most candidates mentioned housing. Harris said the city should be looking at all available resources and people to find solutions to Flagstaffs housing problems. I think that sometimes looking outside of the box, thinking outside the box, coming together with unlikely partnerships, that's the key to resolving a lot of issues, she said. If we don't get this housing issue under control and get it figured out, the climate, the jobs, all of that stuff is for naught, because there's not gonna be anywhere for all those folks to live. Matthews said in addition to building more affordable and workforce housing, the city should focus on bringing competitive jobs and companies into the area to raise resident wages. We need to be attracting more industry and we need to be bringing in more jobs and competitive jobs so employers are competing for good workers and good employees at every job level, so we can raise that median income," she said. Salas also focused on economics in her response, saying the city should be working to promote job success, job growth and business growth. She said this will require addressing three challenges: workforce housing, transportation access and childcare. If we address all those needs, plus provide the skills and trainings that are needed by the industries now and in the future, we will succeed in growing jobs and pursuing business success and creating a robust, resilient economy, she said. But that will require work from the entire community, private partnership, and bringing state and federal dollars to workforce training and industry development to our community. Dobbe similarly said the city should be bringing in companies to create more jobs -- which it can achieve through local higher education options such as Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College. In addition to housing, House said the city needed additional engagement with its residents, especially those less likely to have their voices heard. I think one of the things that we can struggle with as a city is hearing the voices of those who go unseen in our community, she said. Community engagement is so important, whether it's serving, whether it's hitting the streets and actually meeting the people who live in the neighborhoods that were looking to serve. Being part of those conversations is not just solving issues, but its actually seeing the issues. While he also mentioned housing, Aslans response focused on climate change, which he said needed more effort on both short- and long-term solutions. Part of why hes running for reelection, he said, is to see the citys carbon neutrality plan through. The issues with climate extend to our very neighborhoods and street corners, in the form of sandbags, in the form of culverts that should have been built correctly 20 years ago and now we have an $8 million problem we don't know how to fund and fix, he said. I think it's very important we keep our eye on the ball. ... Any future council could deprioritize the actions that were taken and we need to maintain a laser focus on these issues. More about the candidates and elections in Flagstaff can be found at flagstaff.az.gov/2105/Elections. FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) A bill to rename Mishawakas Veterans Affairs Clinic after late U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski is headed to President Joe Biden's desk for his signature. The bill passed the U.S. House last month, and Indianas two senators Republicans Todd Young and Mike Braun introduced an identical version in the Senate, which unanimously approved it Thursday, a news release said. Dave Smith, 58, owns Smith-Miner Funeral Home, located on West Wackerly Street, one-half mile from Eastman Avenue in Midland. Theyve been in that location for 14 years after being in the downtown area for almost 100 years. Smith said, We take care of our communitys death care industry needs. People have an idea of what they want to do when they come here, and we put them on the correct path. He said they do about 200 funerals in a year, and not one is the same as any other. Smith was born and raised in Midland. Hes a graduate of H.H. Dow High School. He attended Delta College and then transferred to Wayne State in Detroit, where he earned a bachelors degree in mortuary science. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 33 years. Shes a physical therapist at MyMichigan Health in Midland. They have two sons: Christian, 29, and Mitchell, 25. Christian owns a plastics company in Traverse City, while Mitchell is a police officer in Frankenmuth. How long have you owned your business? I purchased the funeral home from Gerald Miner in 1989. A.H. Bradley founded the funeral home in 1908 on West Main Street. Then, in 1926, they moved it to the other location at the corner of Rodd and Buttles. By then, it was owned by his sons, Bill and Deek Bradley. They sold it to Jerry (Miner) in 1971. What inspired you to own the business? I was working with my dad in Bay City. He had three funeral homes, two in Bay City and one here (in Midland), Ware Smith Woolever. He was Thomas H. Smith. Out of my (siblings), I was the only one to work in the funeral business. Worked for him for 11 years, so I decided to venture out on my own. Helping people at their absolute worst time is the most rewarding thing, helping them on their road to recovery. What makes Midland a great place to own a business? Its a family community. Its a safe place. Strong faith community. Very good business ethics. We treat people one-on-one. People are never a number. I wouldnt want it any other way. Cant imagine being anywhere else. We have good support, a good local hospital, good cemeteries. I dont do it myself; theres a whole bunch of people I work with. What are some ways your business is active in the local community? One example: when the hospital was flooded (in 2020), and they lost their morgue, they called and asked for help. We were honored to help them. We were the morgue for two years while they were rebuilding. When people ask you to help, your job is not to say no. The community has given me everything in my life. Im honored to give back. What are some of your interests and hobbies? Anything that has something to do with the outdoors. I still dive, do a lot of diving. Boat restoration, I take old boats and make them new. I love the winter outdoors. Help my sons the best that I can; family is most important. What are some local businesses you work with that help make your business a success? We work well with the medical examiner, Dr. Dennis Wagner. We have a wonderful ambulance staff. Good cemeteries and good people that run them. Good clergy in our town. Theyve been a wonderful support, our churches and pastors. Final thoughts to share with the community? I cant do this without a very dedicated, hard-working staff, including Bruce Badoni, our other licensed funeral director, our office manager, Suzanne Kadlec, and Tom Hollowell, our building manager, and a bunch of others Ive hired over the years. Part-timers who pick people up, transfer them, and help out. The past two to three years with COVID has changed our business. A funeral is important to a family unit. Many family traditions were taken away for a while. Were getting back to fulfilling those traditions, one of the most important things to do in life. We always encourage pre-arranging funerals when people can. Were honored to take care of their wishes and needs. File photo MANISTEE With the biddng for Manistee Area Public Schools' $30.855 million bond project soon to open, the district is creating an opportunity for local contractors to learn about the bidding process. MAPS will be hosting a contractor outreach open house to provide information about the scope of the project, the overall timeline and how local businesses may participate. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. The Cambodian-French beauty, who also just celebrated her 24th birthday, was accompanied by her national director Romyr Libo-on and her mother. When asked by Missosology about her impression of the Philippines so far, she said: "So far, well, it's big! It's different from Cambodia but we can see that it's still in Asia though, and it's really, well, different and I'm really excited to see a lot more of the country." "We all know that the Philippines is well-known for beauty pageants so I think this is the best country and a really good opportunity for me to be able to build up my skills for the competition," she replied to what made her decide to train in the country. Before her training kick off with beauty pageant camp Kagandahang Flores (KF), Manita has her schedule packed with traveling, attending various events, and engaging in advocacy-related activities. Manita, who is often being compared to former Miss World Megan Young, was crowned Miss Universe Cambodia in Phnom Penh last June. She will be the sixth woman to represent her country at the prestigious Miss Universe pageant. Photos: Miss Universe Cambodia Miss Universe Cambodia 2022 Manita Hang arrived in Manila, the Philippines on Wednesday, September 7 to train for the 71st Miss Universe pageant. Birthday wishes Call 281-422-8302 or email david.bloom@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun. Happy Birthday Wishes Port-Louis, Mauritius (PANA) - The Mauritius Economic Development Board and the Business Unity of South Africa will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on trade opportunities, the government said here Friday following the weekly meeting of Cabinet Photo: (Photo : Pexel/Rodnae Productions) Social media can be both a blessing and a curse. It can be informative and convenient yet addictive and destructive at the same time. Parents in this millennial timezone should be ready to navigate it the right way with their kids. They should know its limits to protect their kids from being too exposed to it. The University of Central Florida (UCF) and Indiana University Bloomington conducted a joint study that revealed parents' social media usage reflects their parenting style. How parents interact through social media and the frequency of posting photos of their children on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram plays a significant role in their children's usage and exposure to the digital realm, according to Maggie Clancy of Scary Mommy blog. The survey had 493 parents who have kids under the age of 10 and are regular social media users. The study showed that those parents who regularly post photos of their children on social media tend to have a more permissive and confident parenting style. These parents also allow their children to engage with social media at younger ages. Dangers of permissive parenting The research also divulged that these parents have no problem sharing their posts and their children's photos beyond small networks of family and friends and on more public platforms. And, they have no qualms with family and friends resharing their posts and photos. They do not see parental sharing, which is sharing photos of children, strongly different from regular photos or post sharing. These parents also rarely ask for their children's approval or thoughts about the photos they post. This parenting behavior has already created tension and controversies regarding children's privacy and safety concerns. One of the researchers, Mary Jean Amon, assistant professor in the School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training (SMST) at UCF, said, "Contrary to previous research that highlights the significant benefits of parental sharing, our study reveals that such sharing of children's photos is associated with permissive parenting styles. That means parental sharing is linked to those parents having more friend-like relationships with their children and offering less guidance than other parents. Notably, permissive parenting has been linked to problematic internet usage among children." She further stated that there is no doubt that parents are being careful with what they share online concerning their children. She also agreed that sharing photos with parents' support groups like grandparents, relatives, and close friends can have the significant benefits of building closer connections and opening doors of encouragement and inspiration. However, she raises concerns about privacy issues and the "unique risks" when sharing children's information online, the easy availability of and exposure to social media of kids at young ages, and its long-term impact on the children. Read Also: Parents Warned About Sharing Popular Back-to-School Photos on Social Media What do the children want, if they can decide? Another study result showed that these parents assume that their children enjoy the photos they have posted instead of being embarrassed by them. Questions and issues about children's privacy in social media are broad and wide, yet the central question remains. How much autonomy and control do children have, regardless of age, over their photos and information exposed and posted online? Here lies a vital problem that needs to be solved, Amon emphasized in an interview with UCF Today. The research team continually investigates the significant connection between parental sharing and its impact on children. The group aims to answer the speculation that one of the effects of parental sharing is children being insensitive and less careful of what and how they will share their own photos and information online. The team would want their study to help parents on how to use social media in ways that can positively support raising their children. Related Article: Mindy Kaling Explains Why She Doesn't Share Photos of Her Children on Social Media Photo: (Photo : Public Domain Pictures) A 17-year-old Iowa teen could face up to 20 years in prison after fatally stabbing her alleged rapist, per People. Pieper Lewis pleaded guilty in June 2021 to voluntary manslaughter and willful injury in the June 2020 killing of 37-year-old Zachary Brooks. Court documents cited that the teenage girl allegedly stabbed Brooks 30 times in the chest, arms, and groin after he sexually assaulted her multiple times in the days leading up to the killing. The teenager, who was 15 at the time of the incident, wrote on her plea agreement that she ran away from home three times between January and March 2020 before she started sleeping in the hallway of a building in Des Moines. She noted that she briefly stayed with a man in the building but eventually left after he became "verbally, physically and sexually abusive towards me shortly after I moved into his apartment." Read Also: What To Do When You and Your Partner Are Not on the Same Page? Reportedly arranged with men to have sex for money After leaving the man, she moved in with another man who lived just across the hall and stayed with him from mid-April until her arrest on June 2, 2020. Shortly after she moved in, the man started to create a dating profile for her and put it on a dating website. "[The man] would then arrange for me to have sex with men for money," Lewis said in her statement. The young girl was introduced to Brooks in May 2020 and stayed with him for only three days, wherein she alleged that she was sexually assaulted on multiple occasions. She also told the authorities that she was forced to return to Brook's apartment by the man she was staying with to get marijuana. NBC reported that when the girl refused to go, the man instantly grabbed a knife from the kitchen counter and pressed it against her neck. The man cut her neck with the knife, which frightened her. She was only freed when she agreed to meet with Brooks. Brooks picked her up in a parking lot on May 31 and brought her back to his apartment, where he forced her to drink some vodka and smoke pot before sexually assaulting her. The age of consent in Iowa is sixteen-years-old After the said attack, Brooks fell asleep. When she was about to leave, she saw a knife with a black sheath on his nightstand, and it dawned on her that he had raped her yet again and was filled with rage. Without thinking, she quickly grabbed the knife and began stabbing him. She was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, per Des Moines Register. According to the Register, the age of consent in Iowa is 16. Lewis recently graduated from high school while being held in juvenile detention. Related Article: Family of 16-Year-Old Teenager Seeks Answers After Police Held Him at Gunpoint While Unarmed Photo: (Photo : Baechi) The 11-year-old boy, Jameson Reeder Jr., said he was grateful and happy to be alive after surviving a bull shark attack off the coast of Florida. The doctors fought to save his life and had to amputate his leg just below the knee. Reeder told Good Morning America in an exclusive interview that he was sad that his foot is gone, but he's happy at the same time, considering that he is alive. Reeder and his family were vacationing in Florida in mid-August when they decided to have fun and snorkel in a reef off a boat. Reeder, the eldest among his siblings, was swimming on his own with a pool noodle when a nine-foot bull shark attacked him. According to his father, "The intensity and the ferocity of the bite was devastating...This was a nine-foot bull shark, close to 500 pounds, thrashing a 70-pound, 10-year-old boy around in the water, enough to take his life." Fortunately, Reeder survived and clung to the pool noodle while he was rescued onto his family's boat. The father said he and his wife sprang into emergency mode. He admitted going blank when the incident happened and only sprung into action when he thought of his son being at risk due to the severe bite. He immediately laid him down on the back of the boat and went in front to begin driving. The father knew they needed help and had seconds to get into action. He quickly flagged down other boats for help while he called 911. Read Also: Strategies To Help Children Cope and Manage Their Fears Reeder Jr. lost his right foot in the shark attack off the coast According to the recorded 911 call, the father said the bone was already showing in the young boy's legs, as it was a pretty big bite. He relayed that they'd put a tourniquet around his leg and wrapped it with towels. A nearby boat with a faster motor offered to speed the injured boy and his mother back to the shore, while the father stayed with their other three younger children. The father handed his son across the rail to the other boat and pleaded for them to save his son's life. He kissed him on the forehead, not knowing if he'd ever see him again alive. Emergency ambulances were waiting for Reeder when he got back to shore. He and his mother were immediately airlifted to Miami Children's Hospital. Reeder underwent four surgeries, including an amputation just below his right knee, People reported. The young boy remained positive despite the incident Reeder's mother, Mary, said she was impressed by her son's strength and positivity. Her son remained upbeat from the moment the incident happened. It was him who assured them that everything would be okay. He never cried but instead looked at them with optimism. Although he felt positive in his previous three surgeries, the young boy admitted feeling down during the last. Mary noted that she is very proud of her son. Approximately 137 shark-human interactions were recorded worldwide in 2021. International Shark Attack File confirmed 73 unprovoked shark bites on humans while 39 were provoked. More than half of the incidents took place in the United States. Related Article: Teenage Girl Fights Off Shark That Won't Let Go of Her; Brother Jumps to the Rescue in Florida Photo: (Photo : Matt Dunham - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, her son, King Charles III, expressed his love for his children, Prince William and Harry, in his first official speech after the death of his mother. The new monarch extended an olive branch to his second son and his wife and acknowledged that they will "continue to build their lives overseas," per Fox News. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been vocal about their rift with the family but Harry was able to join his father and brother, Prince William, to pay his last respects to his grandmother in private. Harry, however, was also the first to leave Balmoral hours after the Queen's death was confirmed to the public. The Duke of Sussex was later seen on the grounds of Windsor Castle, where he will be staying until the state funeral for the Queen on September 19. Meghan, on the other hand, has not been seen in public since their trip to Germany this week. Their children, Archie and Lilibet, are back home in the U.S. Read Also: Prince Harry Had an Important Conversation About Disabilities with Son Archie King Charles bestows Prince and Princes of Wales titles to William and Catherine The King also mentioned that William and Catherine will now be known as the new Prince and Princess of Wales. The couple, however, will also keep their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. Sources from Bazaar said that the prince and princess intend to deepen "the trust and respect of the people of Wales." Catherine is the first Princess of Wales since the death of William's mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. She is said to be appreciative of the history that goes with the role but plans to make her own mark as the new princess. Amid the title changes, the children of the Prince and Princess of Wales may also use Wales as their last name in school. Technically, members of the royal family do not need to use surnames but William and Harry were known as "William Wales" and "Harry Wales" in their school records when their father was then the Prince of Wales. William's children were known as George Cambridge and Charlotte Cambridge at school when their father was titled the Duke of Cambridge. However, according to Daily Express, school kids simply refer to George, who is now the second in line to the throne, as "PG" for Prince George. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan's children, who did not have titles when they were born, may automatically use prince and princess as their grandfather has become the sovereign. By virtue of the protocols established by the king's great-grandfather, King George V, in 1917, the children and grandchildren of the sovereign will automatically become HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) and prince or princess. King Charles thanks his mother As the King ended his first speech, he expressed his gratitude for his mother's love and devotion to their family and to the nations she served. The King said that he will continue to uphold what his mother has shown during her 70-year reign, per Daily Mail. King Charles III honored his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in his first speech as sovereign on Friday. Here's the full transcript. https://t.co/kevAUAO2fZ pic.twitter.com/959tOvWhKc The New York Times (@nytimes) September 9, 2022 The Queen, who died on September 8, dedicated her life to service until her last days. Even while on her deathbed, she performed her duty and held a private meeting to welcome Britain's new Prime Minister, Liz Truss. Related Article: Prince Harry to Address Rumors Prince Charles Isn't His Real Father in Upcoming Book Photo: (Photo : ALEX MITA/AFP via Getty Images) A 21-year-old Wisconsin man will spend the rest of his life in prison for killing the parents of his girlfriend because of arguments over social distancing. In May 2022, a jury convicted Khari Sanford of first-degree homicide for the deaths of Dr. Beth Potter and Robin Carre, the parents of Miriam, whom he was dating in 2020. Judge Ellen Berz of the Dane County Circuit sentenced him to life imprisonment in early September. Sanford's public defenders asked the judge to allow him to petition for parole after 25 years but Berz said he will never have this chance because he will be a public risk. In his court address, the judge said that the convicted young man had no regard for human life no matter how much kindness or generosity was shown to him, per People. Read Also: CDC Releases New COVID-19 Guidelines Ending Quarantines, Social Distancing, Remote Learning and Testing in Schools What happened between Kyle Sanford and his girlfriend's parents? Sanford and his girlfriend were living with Potter and Carre when the first wave of the COVID-10 pandemic broke. However, tensions escalated between the parents and the boyfriend because the latter was defiant about social distancing. Sanford, then 18, also admitted that Potter and Carre took him in knowing he has mental issues and was a substance abuser. He said that Miriam's parents tried to be the adult for him when he was behaving like a typical rebellious teenager. According to Madison.com, the parents decided to let their daughter and Sanford stay at an Airbnb until they can find their own place to finally be rid of the tension. The parents also offered to pay for the Airbnb fees. But sometime later, Sanford and an accomplice, Ali'jah Larrue, 20, abducted the parents from their house. Their bodies were discovered within the University of Wisconsin Arboretum with bullets to the back of their heads. The police determined that the crime was motivated by greed. Larrue was also convicted after pleading guilty to kidnapping and murder. The judge sentenced him to eight years in prison with 10 years of supervision. Estate of her parents wants Miriam's inheritance cut off Meanwhile, Miriam, who has since broken off with Sanford, issued a statement directed to the judge to never let Sanford free. The daughter said that she was also afraid of her ex-boyfriend because he was abusive and manipulative, and he used suicide as a threat. But the estate of her parents filed a separate lawsuit seeking to exclude Miriam from receiving any inheritance. According to a family friend, Miriam was complicit in the killings of her parents even though she was not charged in court. The daughter was extended immunity to any prosecution because of her court testimony against Sanford, per WKOW. Deputy District Attorney William Brown said in the trial that Miriam had no knowledge of Sanford's plans against her parents. However, the prosecutors said she became estranged from her parents when they were asked to transfer to an Airbnb and she also discussed her parents' "bands of money" with Sanford prior to the murders. Related Article: California Teenager Files for Emancipation but Mom Arranges Abduction To Move Son to Reform School Photo: (Photo : Scott Cunninghaml/Getty Images) Just days after Nick Carusillo was abruptly discharged from an addiction treatment center, he tragically died when he was hit by multiple vehicles on a Georgia interstate. His parents now hope a substantial jury verdict they got in their favor will prompt change that helps others who are suffering from substance abuse and mental illness, according to 11 Alive. Carusillo died on September 22, 2017 on that interstate collision. His parents then filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the facility that released him and several people who were responsible for his care there in 2019. A jury just outside Atlanta awarded the family a total of about $77 million last week, the breakdown of which was $55 million for the value of his life, $10 million for the pain and suffering of their son, $1 million in punitive damages and the remainder for their attorneys' fees and expenses. Verdict is validation for Carusillo family Tina Carusillo told the Associated Press in a phone interview on Wednesday that this verdict, for them, is validation. She said it was not his fault and that he was caught up in a bad system. She added that she is hopeful that the size of this verdict makes a lot of people pay attention, from facilities to insurance companies to loved ones to parents and to people seeking treatment. Heather Saum Ware, a lawyer for Metro Atlanta Recovery Residences (MARR), the facility that released the victim, said in an email that they plan to appeal the ruling. She added that they are not commenting further regarding the ongoing litigation. Carusillo struggled with substance abuse from the time he was a teen growing up in the state of North Carolina. He started to show signs of bipolar disorder in his late teenage years, and according to his father, his diagnosis was confirmed by the time he turned 20. Carusillo was 29 years old and had been in and out of treatment facilities when he was admitted to MARR on August 29, 2017. He was managing his bipolar disorder with a combination of Seroquel and lithium and was deemed medically stable when he arrived there, according to his family's lawyers in a court filing. Read Also: British Dad Pleased With Plan To Lower Risk of Suicide at Universities After Teen Son's Death Doctor took Carusillo off lithium despite warnings from his therapist and family The filing said that a doctor at MARR took him off lithium a week later on September 5, 2017, despite having been warned by Carusillo's longtime therapist and family that he should remain on his medications. His condition deteriorated and he was forced to leave MARR two weeks later, on September 19, 2017, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Staff said he had a cellphone, which was not allowed in the facility. MARR released Carusillo to a sober living residence but failed to tell the owner about his mental health issues. He left the sober living house early the next morning in violation of its curfew and was discharged that same day. Carusillo's whereabouts were unknown until he lay down naked on Interstate 85 outside of Atlanta and was hit by several cars early on September 22, 2017. Related Article: Young Mom Shot Six Times During I-57 Road Rage Incident Wants To Know Why No Charges Have Been Filed Against Suspect Photo: (Photo : Chelsea Carpenter/Pixabay) A Florida teenager is preparing to file a lawsuit against the public school system and the state Department of Law Enforcement after she claimed that her civil rights were violated. Emily Grover said she was falsely arrested in March 2021 because she allegedly hacked into the student's records to pad the votes for Homecoming Queen. Grover had help from his mom, Laura Caroll, who was also apprehended and charged for the tampering. However, Grover did not challenge her arrest and did community service. After completing the program, the lawyer of the Florida teen said that this was not an admission of her guilt but she willingly participated in the legal proceeding without an idea of the outcome. Grover and her lawyer managed to have the charges dropped, eventually. They then proceeded to file for a Notice of Intent to reclaim her innocence, per Daily Mail. Read Also: Mom Distraught With Daughter Who Made TikTok Videos With Racial Tones to Gain Followers She didn't do anything criminal In a statement on WEAR-TV, Grover's lawyer, Marie Mattox, said that her client has not done any criminal activity. She also said there was no thorough investigation or proper forensic evaluation to prove that the computers used to rig the Homecoming Queen results were tied to Grover. A spokesperson for the local enforcement agency admitted that they failed to verify the information received from the election monitoring company. The police investigations showed that 117 fraudulent votes were made on just one IP address for a short period. The police also found traces of unauthorized access on the school's voting system to Grover and Carrol's cellphones and computers. Carroll had access to the school system because she used to work as an elementary school assistant principal. She was suspended from work when this rigging issue came to light. The mother was booked at the Escambia County Jail, while Grover, who was then 17, was sent to the Escambia Regional Juvenile Detention Center. The teenager later pleaded no contest and was entered into a community service supervised program. Emily Grover, the Tate High School grad accused of rigging her homecoming election has filed an intent to sue the Escambia Public Schools and FDLE. The intent letter claims she was falsely accused and her civil rights were violated. @weartv pic.twitter.com/4g0HaGRnaj Brent Kearney (@BKearneyTV) September 2, 2022 She needs to rebuild her life However, Grover's lawyer has claimed that there has been a black cloud trailing the teenager since this incident. In fact, Grover lost her college scholarship when she was arrested and later released from jail as the charges were dropped. Mattox insisted that her client should be able to rebuild her life and live normally, without the shadow of the past wrecking her future. Mattox said that they will wait for the response from the public school and the police regarding Grover's intent letter. If there is no response, the lawsuit will be filed by mid-October. Escambia Public Schools confirmed they received the letter of intent but will not comment on a pending case. Meanwhile, the trial for Grover's mother is set to begin on Monday, September 19, per ABC 7. In June, Her lawyer fought for the case to be thrown out, alleging that the investigator coerced her to cooperate. Related Article: Florida Mom and Daughter Involved in Homecoming Queen Scandal Deny Rigging Results as Felony Charges Are Filed This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions The new Mission Chief for International Monetary Fund (IMF) Ghana, Stephane Roudet, has met with the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori Atta and his team, a few days after he arrived in the country. Mr. Roudet whose appointment took effect from September 1, 2022, was joined by the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari. Mr Roudets visit lays the foundation for a full mission towards the end of September 2022. He will also be calling on heads of key government institutions, as the nation prepares to enter an IMF programme this year. Mr. Roudet reiterated his commitment and that of his team to expedite negotiations toward supporting the government of Ghanas economic programme to boost investor confidence. Mr. Roudet is replacing Carlo Sdralevich, who will be taking on another assignment in the IMFs Finance Department. His arrival comes a day after the Managing Director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgiva, reiterated her outfits commitment to reaching an agreement with the government by the end of this year for an economic programme. Madam Georgiva said, Im very determined for us to indeed reach an agreement with Ghana by the end of this year [2022]. We started very constructive discussions already. And to the people of Ghana, like everybody on this planet you have been hurt by exogenous shocks; first the pandemic, then Russian/Ukraine war. And that we need to realise that its not because of bad policies in the country, but because of these combinations of shocks. Therefore, we have to support Ghana because you are a member, you are a strong country, you have fantastic people, she stressed. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Vice President, Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, and First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, joined mourners at the forecourt of the State House, Accra on Saturday for the funeral and burial rites of Opanyin Samuel Kwame Agyepong, the late father of the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong. Former PresidentsJohn Dramani Mahama and John Agyekum Kufuorwere equally present to commiserate with Dr. Agyepongs family. Opanyin Samuel Kwame Agyepong died on last June, aged 98, after a short illness. As early as 5: 00 a.m., the funeral grounds had been flooded by hundreds of mourners from across the country. Among the mourners were the Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Alban Kingsford Sumani Bagbin, Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, Chief of Staff, Mrs Frema Opare, high-ranking government officials, MPs, members of the diplomatic community and heavyweights from across the political spectrum. Also in attendance were some prominent chiefs and queen mothers, the clergy and sympathisers from the general public. Delivering the pre-burial service sermon, Apostle Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Kumi-Woode, admonished the gathering that the Lord will surely raise the dead. The man of God, who took his sermon from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, said death marked the end of mans journey on planet earth. He stressed that for those in the Lord, death was just the beginning of joy and hope, but added that pain and misery will be the portion of those who do not know God. If you are here and you dont have Christ, then your life is in crisis no matter what you have done or accomplished in life, he warned. When your last trumpet of death is sounded, the one with Christ becomes more hopeful while those without Christ start with a life of pain and misery, Lt. Colonel Kumi-Woode said. Early Life Opanyin Agyepong was born on the 7th of June, 1924 in Banka in the Eastern Region of Ghana to Opanyin Kwaku Kissi (aka Kwaku Nyame) and Obaapanyin Yaa Anumwah both distinguished natives and members of the Obo Aduana Clan. He was a son that in time will become an outstanding man through ingenuity, enterprise and hard work. He was a lovely child of the rich colonial-oriented purlieu woven with flamboyant photogenic heritage of being Obo Aduana. These emanated from values such as his sweet and amiable temper. Beyond many recounted details and various anecdotes illustrate the extent of young Samuels charm and influence on his peers with a great sense of responsibility and integrity. He possessed the hallmark of a distinguished gentleman who treated everyone humanely. Education For his education, Opanyin Agyepong enrolled in Obo Government School in 1934 to acquire elementary education. He exited the formal school system at Standard Seven. He did not continue his formal education beyond Standard Seven due to a multiplicity of factors such as his burning desire to manage his own affairs and engage in entrepreneurship. With this background preparation, Samuel Agyepong ventured into work. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video THE Chinese illegal miner, Aisha Huang, was arrested following a tip-off by her landlord in Kumasi whom she had rent issues with, it has emerged. According to credible reports, the landlord rented out Aishas rented apartment at Ahodwo in Kumasi to another Chinese national when she (Aisha) was deported to China. This action by the landlord, reportedly, angered Aisha when she managed to sneak back into the country, so she (Aisha) threatened to deal ruthlessly with the landlord for cheating her. For fear of being harmed by Aisha, the landlord and the new Chinese tenant, then rushed to Accra and alerted the police that the so-called deported Aisha was back in the country. The President of the Small-Scale Miners Association, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, who made the above disclosure on radio, said the security agencies then apprehended Aisha. He said Aisha, until her recent arrest, had been freely living and operating her illegal mining business in the country at the blindside of the security agencies, including the Ghana Immigration Service. According to him, but for Aishas decision to threaten her landlord over the rented apartment issue, there was no way that the Galamsey queen would have been arrested. False Reports Interestingly, Ghanaians were made to believe that the Ghana Immigration Service, through their security operations, apprehended Aisha from her hideout in Kumasi. However, if this latest revelation from the president of the Small-Scale Miners Association is proven to be authentic, then it would mean that the initial reports were just a hoax. Aishas Rent Brouhaha Throwing more light on the Aishas rent issue, Peprah said when Aisha was deported, the landlord perhaps thought that she would not return back to the country again. Therefore, the said landlord, whose identity Peprah did not disclose, secured a court injunction, removed Aishas belongings and rented the room out to another Chinese national. According to him, he doesnt know how Aisha managed to sneak back into the country at the blindside of the security agencies, stressing that Aisha has been in the country for a while now. On why Peprah and the other miners failed to report Aisha to the security agents, he said they knew that Aisha was highly connected to government officials, so there was no need to report her. It would be recalled that Aishas recent arrest has sparked wild debate in the country, especially in the media, about how porous the countrys borders are presently. The citizenry is stunned after learning that a deportee (foreigner) could easily return to the country and indulge in illegal mining without being noticed by the security agencies. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video There is growing public frustration over the impact of the punitive measures being implemented in line with the ongoing SIM re-registration exercise. As earlier announced by the Ministry of Communications, persons with unregistered SIM cards effective the beginning of the week have been restricted from some mobile network services such as outgoing and incoming calls. Some of these frustrated customers have reacted furiously to this development. In a video sighted by GhanaWeb, an aggrieved customer whose line was blocked is seen invoking curses in the middle of a highway. The furious customer is seen fully naked in the video which has since gone viral on social media, wielding a bottle of gin with which he recited incantations to invoke curses over his blocked SIM card. In a similar incident, another video shows a scene of pandemonium in the office of a service provider. An angry customer is seen in the video engaging in a heated confrontation with security officials at the office. On Friday, September 9, 2022, when GhanaWeb visited the Akweteyman and Kwame Nkrumah Circle branches of MTN where hordes of customers had massed up, some of these customers expressed displeasure about suffering the punitive measures despite successfully registering their SIM Cards. According to some of the frustrated customers who spoke to GhanaWeb, they started experiencing a cut in mobile services such as outgoing and incoming calls. This the customers said is having significant effects on their personal and working lives. I have had to leave my work just because of this. We are wasting productive hours for something that is due to no fault of ours, a customer at the Akweteyman MTN office said. Meanwhile, visiting the Kwame Nkrumah Circle branch of another service provider, Vodafone, there was relative calm with little number of customers present for their SIM registration. Some of these customers included those who had suffered the punitive actions for not registering their SIM cards. In the case of Vodafone customers, there were no incidents of registered users suffering the punitive measures. Meanwhile, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu in a Facebook post has stated that there will not be any extension to the September 30, 2022 deadline for the registration of SIM cards. I informed the media during my most recent meeting that the SIM registration exercise would not be extended past September 30. After evaluation at the end of August, it has been determined that starting the disciplinary steps outlined in the NCA press release is prudent. Additionally, any SIM that has not yet been completely registered will be unable to use voice and Internet services. Afterward, using unregistered SIMs will be more expensive. At a subsequent press conference in September, the full scope of the sanctions will be revealed. If you suffer that fate as a result of your own inaction, kindly do not blame your service provider. To be forewarned is to be forearmed, the minister said. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Electoral Commission of Ghana on September 6, 2022, presented Action Peoples Party with a Provisional Certificate of registration as a political party in partial fulfilment of the Political Parties Act,2000, Act 574 Section 8, Subsection 2. The Founder and Leader of the party, Kenneth Nana Kwame Asamoah is much grateful to the Electoral Commission for its professional work. According to him, APP as a political party will go by the rules and regulations governing elections in the Country. He, however, called on all party members to lace their boots for their upcoming Congresses, from the constituency, Regional then to National. He however called on all Ghanaians to hurry up and join APP to rescue Ghana from the current economic hardships. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video If commentaries on social media by comedy fans who thronged Snap Cinemas in Accra last November for the maiden edition of Lekzy Decomics headlined show, Too Cute to Be Mute is anything to go by, then it surely served its purpose. The comments were enough to fire up Lekzy Decomic and encouraged him to host a version of the show in Kumasi in February this year. The well attended event sent patrons cracking up with laughter right from the beginning to the end. Lekzy who believes he still has a lot to offer is gearing up for what he calls Chapter Two of Too Cute to be Mute show which will be hosted at the National Theatre on Friday, September 30. Other comedians OB Amponsah, General Ntatia, Oh Joe, Jerry Ashinyoh, PJ, Papa Yaw and female comedian, Afia Barcelona have also been billed for the show. In addition to the humour therapy, Chapter Two of Too Cute to be Mute promises for patrons, it will be laced with music performance by Dwe hitmaker, Mr Drew. Also on the night, actor and comedian Funny Face who has off the comedy scene for some time will make an appearance. In a chat with Graphic Showbiz, Lekzy Decomic, an old student of Takoradi Technical University College said hes really prepared for the day. If you think Too Cute To Be Mute was the best thing you ever saw in terms of comedy, then brace yourselves for a better experience with Chapter 2. I have been working on this for quite a while and I cant wait to share this incredible piece with the world on September 30, 2022, he said. Lekzy Decomic, real name, Emmanuel Nkansah Ansong, is making a steady progress with his craft after winning the confidence of people with presentations at events such as Easter Comedy Show and Night of Laughs. His works have been duly recognised through nominations and awards. He won the Best Comedian at the 2017 Peoples Celebrity Awards and Emerging Comedian of the Year at the 2016 Comedy Choice Awards. Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Once a place for shunting rail cars, the Kilometre Zero trailhead in Coldstream has now been transformed into the signature northern gateway to the Okanagan Rail Trail, above. In addition to a gravel surface, shade sails and sitting rocks, one of the first priorities was bringing back the Okanagan sunflowers, a.k.a. arrowleaf balsamroot, and other native plants representative of the dryland ecosystems along the route. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form A voter arrives at a polling station on a bike to cast their ballot in the provincial election in the riding of Vancouver-Fraserview, in Vancouver, B.C., on Tuesday May 9, 2017. Voters in the British Columbia riding of Surrey South go to the polls today to replace a longtime Liberal Party member of the legislature. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Why Are Brad Owen & Andrew Neeme Setting Sail on the High Seas in November? September 08, 2022 Connor Richards Editor & Live Reporter U.S. The World Poker Tour (WPT) is heading to the Caribbean this November for a six-day WPT Cruise through the Atlantic Ocean, and headlining the action will be ambassadors Brad Owen and Andrew Neeme. The Virgin Voyages cruise, which will take place Nov. 11-16, will feature plenty of poker with a poker room on The Scarlet Lady cruise ship and a slate of mid-stakes tournaments, including the $500 buy-in WPT Cruise Main Event. Virgin Voyages is the perfect partner for the return of the WPT Cruise, as their complete reimagining of the cruise experience is very much aligned with the new face of WPT and our celebratory atmosphere of our 20-year anniversary, WPT CEO Adam Pliska said in a press release. WPT ambassadors Brad Owen and Andrew Neeme on board the Caribbean adventure will assure this will be an unforgettable experience and our most spectacular cruise to date. Ambassadors On Board The six-day WPT Cruise will depart out of Miami on Nov. 11 and first take passengers to the shores of Peurto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Next, the Scarlet Lady will dock in Bimini in the Bahamas for an exclusive Beach Club at Bimini event, which will include a DJ-led flotilla pool party. The full itinerary for the WPT Cruise is as follows: Day 1 Miami Departs at 07:00 PM, local time Day 2 Sailing Day 3 Puerto Plata 09:00 AM 06:00 PM, local time Day 4 Sailing Day 5 Beach Club at Bimini 08:00 AM 08:00 PM, local time Day 6 Miami Arrives at 06:30 AM, local time Owen and Neeme, two poker content creators who recently signed on as WPT ambassadors, will be part of the fun and will be sure to host plenty of meet-up games and fire some tournaments. Im eagerly looking forward to my first WPT Cruise, taking on the Caribbean seas, Owen said in the press release. And what better to go along with a relaxing vacation, than some poker competition? I plan on playing in a good mix of cash games and will definitely fire the Main Event. Owen, who PokerNews chatted with recently at WPT Seminole Hard Rock, is fresh off a heater that he called the "best week of my life in poker," which included winning a ClubWPT bounty event he was hosting and later finishing second in a $1,100 SHRT event for $20,530. Let's see if Owen can continue his run-good at sea. Brad Owen Neeme, meanwhile, said he "cant wait for my first WPT Cruise experience, sailing to stunning Caribbean destinations while playing tournaments and mixing it up in some PLO cash games. A Handful of WPT Events The cruise will feature four WPT tournaments, kicking off with $120 Daybreak No-Limit Holdem on Nov. 12. The marquee $500 WPT Cruise Main Event will take place on Nov. 14, while a $330 Mystery Bounty event will take place the same day. Anyone interested in participating in the WPT Cruise events must book through WPTCruise.com. For more information, visit WPT.com. The full tournament schedule for the WPT Cruise is available in the table below. Be sure to also read about Corey Wade's recent victory in the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Tampa $3,500 Main Event for $471,686. WPT Cruise Tournament Schedule DATE TIME EVENT Nov. 12 10:00 AM $120 Daybreak No Limit Holdem Nov. 14 10:00 AM $500 WPT Cruise Main Event Nov. 14 7:00 PM $330 Mystery Bounty No Limit Holdem Nov. 15 8:00 PM $120 Survivor Tournament Hands of the Week: Phil Nagy Busts First Hand of Luxon Pay Mediterranean Poker Party September 10, 2022 Chad Holloway Executive Editor U.S. PokerNews is known throughout the world for our industry-leading live updates for both live and online events. In fact, right now we're offering various updates right here. Over the years, weve captured memorable hands, many of which have become a part of poker history. In this column, we will bring you some of the biggest hands that took place during the recently-completed Luxon Pay Mediterranean Poker Party Merit Cyprus. Remember, if youre playing an event PokerNews is covering, you can get in the updates via the MyStack App. You can download the app for iPhone or Android now to get started. Then, create a new PokerNews account or update your current one to start updating your status immediately. Your followers can see all the live action that you're involved in. Click here to download the My Stack app for iPhone, or click here to download the My Stack app for Android. Check out all updates from the 2022 Mediterranean Poker Party here! Koleznev Chips Up With Quad Aces On Day 1b of the 2022 Mediterranean Poker Party PokerNews Cup, it was Level 7 (400/800/800) when there was around 10,000 in the middle in a three-bet pot. Dmitry Koleznev was the aggressor from the small blind. The flop came and Koleznev down bet to 1,600. His opponent from the hijack raised to 6,000. Koleznev called. The was the turn and action checked through. The river was the and Koleznev bet 3,600 in which his opponent thought for a bit before calling. Koleznev turned over his cards one by one to reveal for quad aces for the nuts as his opponent mucked. "I'm Sorry, Straight Flush" Dmitry Koleznev On Day 2 of the PokerNews Cup, it was Level 24 (20,000/40,000/40,000) when Dmitry Koleznev opened to 100,000 from the button and Furkan Beg defended his big blind. Both players checked the flop but Beg came firing for 100,000 on the turn. Koleznev called. On the river, Beg jammed over the top of Koleznev. Koleznev replied: "I'm sorry, straight flush," as he put his chips in and turned over . Beg attempted to muck but the dealer turned over his , telling Koleznev: "That's the only card you call me with!" After the dealer counted out Koleznev's chips, the damage to Beg was an additional 530,000 chips. Koleznev went on to finish as runner-up in the tournament for a smooth $30,000. Maugini Doubles Up with Quads, Hasan Left with Scraps Vittorio Maugini In Level 30 (80,000/160,000/160,000) of the PokerNews Cup, just six players remained when Ercan Hasan shoved all in for 675,000 from under the gun and Vittorio Maugini called for 520,000 from the small blind. Vittorio Maugini: Ercan Hasan: Hasan was in deep trouble but found hope on the , picking up a flush draw despite Maugini making top set. All hope was lost on the turn, as the came to give the Italian quads. The completed the board and Hasan was left with less than one big blind. Hasan busted in the next hand. Nagy Busts in First Hand of the Day Phil Nagy In the $10,000 buy-in 2022 Mediterranean Poker Party The One Drop, it was Level 1 (100/200/200), and in first the very first hand of the day with 5,600 in the middle and a flop of . Albert Daher had checked from under the gun and Luc Bindel bet 1,800 from the middle position. Phil Nagy raised to 6,200 from the hijack only to have Daher to respond with a reraise to 13,500. Bindel folded but Nagy shoved. Daher called with the same stack. Phillip Nagy: Albert Daher: Nagy had flopped a set while Daher had picked up the nut flush draw. The turn was the to keep Nagy ahead but the on the river gave Daher the flush to eliminate Nagy. "Chips," Nady shouted out for a rebuy. Borovkov Stuns Tuna with Straight Flush Aleksey Borovkov On Day 2 of the 2022 Mediterranean Poker Party $10,400 MPP High Roller, it was Level 15 (6,000/12,000/12,000) and there was roughly 260,000 in the middle on a board. Aleksey Borovkov, from the big blind, put in a bet of 130,000, leaving 154,000 chips behind. Akin Tuna, in the button on a similar stack, moved all in over the top of Borovkov, who made the call. Aleksey Borovkov: Akin Tuna: Borovkov had flopped a straight but Tuna was drawing to a bigger flush draw. The river brought the , which had Tuna pumping the air until he realized Borovkov had hit an unlikely straight flush on the river, which whittled him down to about 14,000 chips. A distraught Tuna claimed that he was not going to come back after the dinner break. Sharelines Check out some of the biggest & game-changing hands from the @luxonpay MPP @Merit_Poker Cyprus. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Just within the last week, Trump was on Truth Social, complaining about the picture of the files on the floor, saying that it was terrible that people could see the information on the cover sheet (Only classifications, HIC, etc.), and Trump said it was a good thing he had declassified the documents. Trump floated the universal declassification defense from the day of the search. The defense was meaningless because, under the warrant, the government didnt even list keeping classified files as one of the crimes. They did list espionage and obstruction of justice, neither of which necessitate a finding that the files are classified. Regardless, it had been one of Trumps own stated defenses. And yet, Trumps attorneys filings yesterday implicitly acknowledge that some files remain classified, and thus, it would seem, the assertion is dropped. From the New York Times: The two sides also clashed substantially over the duties of the special master. Mr. Trumps lawyers argued that the arbiter should look at all the documents seized in the search and filter out anything potentially subject to attorney-client or executive privilege. By contrast, the government argued that the master should look only at unclassified documents and should not adjudicate whether anything was subject to executive privilege. Trumps attorneys didnt argue that every document is declassified, and so the classified/declassified distinction remains. The sides disagree as to whether there remains an executive privilege. The argument that Trump declassified all the documents now seems to be foreclosed. Good thing. Trumps attorneys faced serious consequences if they asserted that all the documents remained classified, a fact noted by many legal experts this morning. With yet another court filing, it is increasingly clear there is no evidence of Trump's alleged "standing declassification order", and no evidence that these particular classified records were ever declassified. Bradley P. Moss (@BradMossEsq) September 10, 2022 Gosh, I wonder why President Trump's side did not claim he declassified MAL documents, and instead just said this milquetoast line. Easy bet: Because they do not want to be caught in a false statement to a court subject to sanctions and 18 USC 1001. New Friday night filing: pic.twitter.com/g5tX4gKXqb Ryan Goodman (@rgoodlaw) September 10, 2022 Stephanie Hill is the education reporter for the Aiken Standard. Follow her on Twitter @stephanie_hill2 and Instagram @stephaniehillnews. The Technical Student Program allows students like Caroline Wilson, a senior engineering major at Clemson University, to continue gaining work experience at the Savannah River Site while in school. Aiken Technical College's Office of Human Resources leads the colleges wellness program. Pictured, front row, from left, are Katherine Redd, talent and organizational development manager; Aimee Schwartz, human resources specialist; Haley Waltz, administrative specialist; back row, from left, are Sylvia Byrd, vice president of human resources; and Mary Cordes, payroll clerk. Karl Odenthal retired from the Aiken Department of Public Safety four years ago, but people he served during his long career in law enforcement still remember and appreciate the impact he made on their lives. Working a case in his current job as a property code inspector for the City of Aiken illustrated that sentiment. I was working a property, and I came across a lady who said, Officer Karl, Officer Karl, you saved my life. You saved my life, Odenthal said. Initially I was trying to place her. You interact with so many people. Sometimes it takes a minute for me to remember the connection. After she gave him a few more details, I remembered like it was yesterday, said Odenthal, snapping his fingers. Early in his career with Public Safety, which began in 1990, Odenthal responded to a domestic call. The perpetrator had struck the woman and broken her arm. I got there just in time. She thought the perpetrator was going to kill her, he said. I was able to do my job, make an impact, stop the assault and arrest the perpetrator. She remembered that, and it had to be 28 years ago. She remembered my name, my face. Even though Ive gotten older and grayer, she still remembered who I was. What a life experience for me to have the honor of her being able to come back and relay that. I had no idea that I had that kind of impact on her and that she felt that way. To have our paths cross again, it just makes the work that much more meaningful when you realize, wow, I helped somebody. Community service oriented During his 28 years with Aiken Public Safety, Odenthal helped many people as a sergeant and a lieutenant in the patrol division and as a sergeant and a lieutenant in community services. About halfway through his career, he left and worked criminal investigations for Wackenhut at the Savannah River Site for about a year. But his heart was with Aiken Public Safety. It was a good job and a good company, Odenthal said about his time at SRS, I missed the personal interactions with the city. So I came back. Working in community services for Public Safety, in particular, gave Odenthal opportunities to develop personal relationships. There was a term when I was doing it: problem-oriented policing. Its got different names now, Odenthal said. The concept is that when I go to a call I work the call as if what do I have to do to never come back here again. Its really trying to resolve the issue. Odenthal cited an example of frequent calls to a house for alcohol issues. Normally, one of the standard solutions is if a guy is being disorderly and disruptive, we can arrest him and take him to jail. But he gets out, and next Friday, were at the same spot, he said. One of the more creative solutions is the fact that we can identify that the real issue is, not the way hes behaving now. The real issue is hes got an addiction issue. In that case, Odenthal referred the offender to the Aiken Center. In this particular instance, it worked, he said. The guy found sobriety. We didnt end up going back to him. Does it work every time? No. People have got to be ready, but at the same time, sometimes the police getting called is that bottom they were looking for to make them realize, oh, my gosh, Im going to jail again. I need to make a change in my life. Those things are what, to me, really makes the difference as far as that type of policing. In the community services role, I had a little more freedom with my time to be able to explore alternate solutions and really resolve issues. For me, that was one of my favorite roles. Through his work with community services, Odenthal helped residents of neighborhoods find solutions to neighborhood problems. I could come in with solutions, but if the neighborhood could come up with solutions and we supported what the neighborhood wanted to do, it was more likely to be a sustainable effort, he said. People oriented Odenthal also worked with special events planning, including road races, holiday parades, fundraisers on Newberry Street, festivals and events sponsored by the Aiken Downtown Development Association. That was really a lot of fun, he said. I love people. Some people dont like the big crowds, but I thrive on them. I love seeing people. I love interacting with people. Sometimes Odenthal used his community service just to be a good neighbor. As part of his training to be a patrol officer on bicycle, he took a three-week bike mechanic class in Colorado. He used that knowledge to help neighborhood kids hed meet while on bike patrol in Crosland Park repair their bikes or pump up flat tires. As a law enforcement officer, Odenthal also was a resource for information on or off duty. If someone has a question, theyre going to ask you. You can be at church or at Walmart, he said. If youre there where they are, theyre more likely to ask you since youre here. I love that role. Its great to be a resource to help people find what they need and a resolution to an issue theyre having. For Odenthal, the people he worked with were as important as the people he served. Wilson Dandy and Kirk Owen, with whom he patrolled in downtown Aiken on his bike, were partners. Jake Mahoney and Josh Faulkner facilitated training. Tom Galardi was his first supervisor in community services. He taught me a lot about being a good person, not just a good officer, being a good person, Odenthal said. Odenthal worked hand-in-hand with Cynthia Mitchell on community service projects, including a reading program at North Aiken Elementary School that paired Public Safety officers one-on-one with students to help them improve their reading levels. Although retired from the force, Odenthal stays in contact with Public Safety with the approval of Chief Charles Barranco. I still assist with their fitness program in the morning to help candidates get ready for the Police Academy, Odenthal said. My supervisor, Mike Jordan, allows me to come in at 5:30 in the morning to work out with the new recruits at Public Safety, and I help them get ready for the physical fitness side of the Police Academy. It gives me an opportunity to meet them and talk to them about law enforcement and pass along a few lessons that I learned along the way that might help them in their careers. I appreciate that. During his years at Aiken Public Safety, Odenthal was selected Officer of the Year by his peers. Your peers vote on whom they think from among themselves did the best that year, he said. To be selected for that honor by my peers is one of the things Im most proud of. Odenthal also received an award for leadership from his peers for his work during the time when his friend and colleague Master Cpl. Sandy Rogers was shot and killed during a traffic stop on the morning of Jan. 28, 2012. The way the awards banquet went that particular night, we wanted it to be Sandy-based, so there wasnt a good spot to give me that award, Odenthal said. I got the award, but I didnt get it in front of everybody. But, Im here to tell you that thats the one that means the most. Safety oriented In his role as a property code inspector for the City of Aiken, Odenthal works with a former colleague from Public Safety, retired lieutenant Teddy Umsted, looking at issues from overgrown lots to dilapidated housing to abandoned or disabled vehicles to rental properties with holes in the floor or no water or heat. Issues that make a property unsafe, not cosmetic concerns such as overgrown bushes or peeling paint, are the focus. Basically, what drives our machine in terms of property code is is it a safety factor, Odenthal said. If you dont have water, you cant wash. You cant groom properly. Theres no water to flush the toilet. There are a lot of different issues with that. Thats a safety factor. We can intervene on that. If youve got an abandoned vehicle with windows busted out and its sitting on blocks, that facilitates animals and rodents and different things that could be a detriment to the neighborhood and the people living around you. So we can take action on that. If youve got a house thats vacant next to you and the windows are busted out or the back door is kicked in, there might be homeless people in there. There might be drugs. Thats a safety concern. Sometimes, Odenthal facilitates communication between tenants and landlords on property issues. The landlord might say I didnt know anything about it. Whether they did or not, I dont know; but now you know, and you can get it fixed. Thats a success for me, he said. Thats some, to me, of the more impactful things we do. Odenthal said the difference between public safety issues and property code issues is enforcement versus compliance. I can write you a ticket for a 18750 violation, but Id rather you just cut your grass. If you just cut your grass, I wont write you a ticket, and Ill give you this much time to get it done, he said Once you get this certified letter from me, just contact me and say, hey, Im working on it, and well work with you on it. Were not here just to put the thumb on you. We want it to be a safe, aesthetically pleasing neighborhood. Family oriented You might say law enforcement is a family tradition for Odenthal. He grew up in Joliet, Illinois, outside Chicago, with six older brothers and a sister. Three of his brothers worked in law enforcement, and his grandfather was a battalion chief for the local fire department. It was just a natural draw, Odenthal said. Public service, growing up, was just what we did as a family. It kind of all fit in. Odenthal initially planned on a career in the military and applied to West Point, the United States Military Academy. He didnt get in but received a scholarship allowing him to receive a military education through ROTC at another university. Odenthal researched all the military academies and chose The Citadel in Charleston. I wanted the best insurance I could get in terms of survival in the military. I wanted as thorough a military education as I could get, he said. Odenthal described his years at The Citadel as pretty rigorous but added, I loved my time there. It was a great learning opportunity. I think one of the things about fourth-class systems like The Citadel is it helps you define who you are, Odenthal said of the schools program that creates artificial stress to accelerate and make second nature the habits of self-discipline, teamwork, and a collective sense of accountability for everyone on the team, according to its website. I mean, you have all of these qualities in you, but sometimes you need crisis to bring them out and really hone those skills and make them sharper, he continued. I think The Citadel did that for me, and Im very thankful for my time there. After graduation while waiting for officer basic training, Odenthal returned to Joliet and taught high school at his alma mater, following in the footsteps of his father, who was a high school principal and educator. His degree was in secondary education with an emphasis in history and social studies, but he taught a lot of math and science. For the last three months, he taught ROTC. I had been in Army ROTC in high school, so I knew all those topics. I didnt even have to do a review. I could teach those cold, he said. After officer training, Odenthal was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Armys Military Police corps. At the time, however, the military was downsizing and didnt have enough positions for all the lieutenants who had been commissioned. Odenthal got out and started looking for an opportunity outside the military. Having gone to college in Charleston, he wanted to stay in South Carolina. I just loved South Carolina. Once I came here, I fell in love with it., he said Essentially, Ive been here since I was 18. Odenthal found the opportunity he was looking for with Aiken Public Safety. Thats what brought me to Aiken, he said. Ive stayed since. I just love it. Its a great community. I enjoy it. Odenthal and his family have made their home in Aiken. His wife, Missy, whom he met in Illinois, works at Public Safety as the evidence technician, a position she helped create and has held for about 20 years. Missy is as pure as they come, he said. Its great being married to her because I know how honest she is. You dont have to worry about the integrity of that evidence at all. Their son, Patrick, works at Bridgestone in Aiken County, and their daughter, Kiersten, teaches English at North Augusta High School. Ive lived here 32, 33 years now, and I cant think of a better place to raise my kids, Odenthal said. Aiken is a great town. Im so glad I live here. Every town has things they could do better, but I think weve got some good people in Aiken who really try to make this town the best town there is. Faith oriented Outside of work and family, Odenthal is a communicant at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church and is a Secular Franciscan, Catholic men and women who observe the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives and work following the example of St. Francis of Assisi, according to its website. I dont push religion on anybody, but I try to live my faith. It helps me with whats right and is a guide to what I need to do, he said. Again, I dont judge anybody. I dont force my religion on anybody. It gives me some good guiding principles to live my life by and how to treat others. Odenthal said he tries to bring the compassion he learned from his faith to his work with the homeless in Aiken. I love working with the homeless coalition we have in Aiken, he said. There are a lot of great organizations that come together. Its a nonprofit. They dont have a budget. They dont have any true authority to do things, but it is a group of organizations that have come together to try to make a difference and have an impact on that particular issue. When not working, Odenthal likes to stay active, everything from kayaking to running to hiking. Not surprisingly from his experience as a Public Safety officer on bicycle, biking is one of his favorite ways to relax. When I need to unwind, there is nothing like problem solving on a bike, fixing a bike. Working on something thats not working right is very relaxing to me, he said, and its satisfying, too, because now youve got something that works that didnt before. Odenthal said his career with Aiken Public Safety was both satisfying and meaningful. You can go and punch a clock and make more money doing other things, but to truly have the opportunity to make a difference and help somebody even though those differences arent always readily apparent to you is really cool, he said. Its cool to look back and realize how youve affected someones life in a positive way. What a great job. I loved it. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Sun and clouds mixed. High 83F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms overnight. Low 71F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Riley G. McKelvey (pictured standing) represented residents of the Kitfield community at the Aug. 23 Moncks Corner Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. The local stakeholder asked for assurances against allowing new residents from accessing Vanihayn Drive, which was deemed a private roadway. The newest edition of the Staten Island Ferry an iconic New York City passenger service that's been lyrical inspiration to artists like Bob Dylan and Billy Joel and rescued by superheroes Spider-Man and Iron Man is calling North Charleston its temporary port until inclement weather clears. The Dorothy Day vessel, one of the boats that make up the ferry service between its namesake borough and Lower Manhattan, docked this week at the former Navy base to wait out storms on its voyage from Panama City, Fla., where it was built. It's headed for its Big Apple home at Whitehall Terminal. The boat, now at Pier K in North Charleston, and the five-member crew of the tug towing the ferry are expected to be in town through Sept. 12. The 4,500-passenger ferry was in the middle of a 14-day trip along the East Coast when it pulled into North Charleston on Sept. 8 anticipating bad weather farther north. When it gets to New York later this month, the ferry will be staged at Caddell Dry Dock for cleaning and another round of trials and training. It's scheduled to carry its first passengers by the end of the year. The Dorothy Day is the newest ferry to join a rotation of nine boats that carry 22 million people a year roughly 70,000 every weekday and fewer on weekends between Staten Island and Manhattan. The trip, which lasts about 25 minutes each way, offers great views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the skyscrapers of New York's financial center. And it's one of the best values the city has to offer it's been free since July 4, 1997. The Tripadvisor website ranks the ferry among the top 10 things to do in New York. Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. built the Dorothy Day and two other Ollis Class ferries for the City of New York Department of Transportation, which operates the 5.2-mile water shuttle. The Ollis Class is named for Michael Ollis, an Army sergeant from Staten Island who was killed in 2013 while shielding other soldiers from a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. The Dorothy Day is named for the Staten Island activist and journalist who co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement, which provided food and shelter to those in need during the Great Depression. These cutting-edge ferries are now the premier vessels of the world's busiest passenger-only ferry system that has reliably served the people of New York, New Jersey and the millions of tourists New York City welcomes each year," Joey DIsernia, president of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, said in a written statement. With the delivery of the Ollis Class, (Eastern Shipbuilding) is proud to continue this time-honored tradition for decades to come." The new ferries are larger, include modern technology and will operate more safely in extreme weather conditions. While they feature the popular design elements of past Staten Island ferries, they also have amenities such as phone-charging outlets, a walking track on the upper deck and state-of-the-art safety and environmental features. While the big-city vibe might be missing during the Dorothy Day's short stay in the Lowcountry, the city of North Charleston and the city that never sleeps have at least one thing in common New Yorkers. The Charleston area has been one of the top destinations for New York residents looking to escape the metropolis, according to the Census Bureau, a trend that's been particularly true during the pandemic. Caitlin Ashworth is a crime reporter for The Post and Courier in Columbia. She spent several years in Thailand before moving to South Carolina. COLUMBIA The capital city's plan to build a village of one-room shelters and create a hub for homeless services is a great first step toward addressing the unsheltered population, say local service providers, experts and homeless people. The next step, they say, should be more affordable housing and continued collaboration between the city and existing services. City officials announced Sept. 6 that Columbia will turn its Inclement Weather Center into a year-round short-term shelter called Rapid Shelter Columbia. It will include a hub of resources and have 50 tiny homes set up outside for short-term stays. The tiny homes, expected to be set up by Nov. 1, are created by Washington-based Pallet Shelter. The city chose the company in part because most of the company's team has personal experience with homelessness, substance abuse or the criminal justice system, City Manager Teresa Wilson said. The tiny homes can be built in under an hour, according to the company's website. They've been used to address homelessness in cities like Fayetteville, Arkansas; San Jose, California; and Boston, Massachusetts. Columbia will be the first city in the Southeast to use them. The idea is to offer people an alternative to a traditional shelter setting, where many people are living in the same space, Councilwoman Aditi Bussells said previously. It's meant to fill in current gaps in services, targeting people who may not want to use the city's existing resources. Bret Kloos, a psychology professor at the University of South Carolina who has spent 20 years studying homelessness, said he hadn't looked closely at the specific plan yet, but generally speaking, single-occupancy units have pros and cons. People tend to integrate more easily into scattered communities like the one the city has planned because people with significant needs are less concentrated, Kloos said. It also allows people who have had traumatic experiences in traditional shelters more privacy and security. But having people in one place can be more efficient for providing services, Kloos said. The city will have a taste of both, with a traditional shelter set-up inside the building and the tiny homes outside. "Some folks ... don't feel comfortable staying in a shelter because of past trauma histories," Kloos said. "So creating more resources is important. Creating them in a way that anticipates the needs and preferences of people is important." Ontay Williams, who has been staying with friends some nights and on the streets other nights, said a short-term village where people have their own rooms sounded like something he would use. "It's a great thing," Williams said. "(People) would have it to themselves in the house, and as far as the homeless shelter goes, ... it would be a definite plus because it could spread out through seasons." Anthony Mitchell, who is also homeless, agreed that it sounded like a good idea. He said he wanted to see the city give the people staying in the shelter something constructive to do during the day, like helping them fill out job applications. "It could be good if it's done right," Mitchell said. "You could put a little bit more constructiveness into it, where people aren't just lolly-gagging." City officials said this is its first step toward addressing homelessness. It isn't meant to fix everything, but it shows that the city is invested going forward, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann said previously. The city's Task Force to Prevent and End Homelessness will continue meeting and coming up with strategies for the city to use. Columbia also plans to hire a homelessness coordinator and revise its contracts with existing services to ensure everyone's on the same page, Bussells said. Charmaine Randolph-Primus, a social worker and founder of nonprofit Restoration803, said using the tiny homes to emulate what other cities are doing across the country is a good first step. "The blueprint has been successful in a lot of other states," Randolph-Primus said. "I think Columbia is great to have the initiative. It will definitely assist." Next, officials will need to incentivize more affordable housing so people will have places to go once they've spent a few months in the shelter, Kloos said. That means creating apartments that are attainable for someone working at minimum wage, he said. "Having more temporary shelter is helpful only if it links people to getting housing on the other side," Kloos said. James Aldrich said he's homeless despite receiving disability payments and Social Security checks because he can't afford the down payment to get an apartment. "People don't realize," Aldrich said. "They look at me and they tell me, 'Oh, why are you here?' I get a decent check. I can't afford the rent deposit, the water deposit, all in one month, and I've got to eat." More affordable housing has been coming into the city. The Columbia Housing Authority has been working to overhaul its public housing projects and create more affordable living developments. Other groups are working to address the need as well. Transitions announced last month that it plans to create permanent affordable housing options for elderly and disabled people. A new development in the Bull Street District also unveiled last month will create 90 affordable apartments and townhomes. But the city needs more, both for people getting back on their feet and people who have just graduated and are looking for somewhere cheap to live, said Lila Anna Sauls, CEO of local group Homeless No More. "You're going to find ... a huge need for both ends of the spectrum (of affordable housing). So, talent retention and our most vulnerable," Sauls said. "The city's going to seriously have to look at a plan that addresses both." Part of the city's plan involves creating a hub of homeless services in Rapid Shelter Columbia. Sauls and Randolph-Primus both said they hope to see the city continue to use existing resources as it moves forward. "I think this is an incredible attempt at what I would call the first step, which is the short-term solution," Sauls said. "I think they very much had to do this so they can now start focusing on the long-term solution." Click here for more news from Columbia, S.C. Maura Hogan is the arts critic at The Post and Courier. She has previously written about arts, culture and lifestyle for The New York Times, Gourmet, Garden & Gun, among other publications. SPRING GREEN, Wis. The land. It was all about the land for Americas most famous and visionary of architects. His designs seemed to emerge from the landscape organically. They adapted to it, reflected it, extended it. It was especially true of the residences he created, not least his own. The Taliesin (East) complex, nestled in the verdant Wisconsin countryside, is emblematic of so many of Frank Lloyd Wrights ground-breaking ideas. Combined with his sense of the natural surroundings was Wrights abiding reverence for natural materials such as wood and stone, his bent toward open floor planning, and his strategy for obscuring the distinction between interior and exterior space. Whatever its type, a building had to possess integrity. The 37,000-square-foot Taliesin estate, named after the mythic 7th-century Welsh poet, now is more than 100 years old and still strikingly impressive despite exterior signs of decay. A National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site set on 800 acres, Taliesin (pronounced Tally-ESS-en) harbored Wrights home, studio, and school from 1911 until his death in 1959. Additions and modifications continued on the estate until Wrights passing, never departing from its embodiment (albeit extended) of the Prairie School of architecture. Taliesin West, built in 1937, was Wrights winter home, and today is the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Born in Richland Center, Wis., in 1867 and thrice married, Wright was undoubtedly a genius, a man of great flamboyance and self-assuredness. But he always sought to learn and develop. Wright was deeply influenced by and a collector of Japanese art screens and wood block prints in particular and believed the naturalistic, economical Japanese design ethic reflected his own. Comfort was seldom his concern. This can be seen in the handsome but often angular furnishings of the Taliesin residence, artfully constructed of cheap plywood. Though not always a feature of his other homes, the low ceilings of several rooms in his residence a nod to his 5-foot-7-inch stature would make the average six-footer feel like Gulliver in a dollhouse. Though best known today for the Guggenheim Museum in New York City and the extraordinary Falling Water residence in Pennsylvania, Wright enjoyed triumphs around the world during a seven-decade career, including in the American South. Apart from the homes he designed in South Carolina Auldbrass Plantation near Yemassee in Beaufort County and Broad Margin in Greenville Wright was responsible for the Andrew B. Cooke House in Virginia Beach; the Rev. Jesse R. Zeigler House in Frankfurt, Ky.; Florida Southern College in Lakeland; the Stanley Rosenbaum House in Florence, Ala.; the Lewis House in Tallahassee, Fla.; and the Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas, Texas. Wrights career, especially his early struggles against design conformity and his final vindication, were very loosely recreated in the character of Howard Roark in Ayn Rands novel The Fountainhead, and the film adaptation of the same name starring Gary Cooper. Though neither could capture the full flavor of the man who exerted global influence. Taliesin East is administered on site by Taliesin Preservation, Inc., in the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, 5607 County Road C, 2.5 miles from the village of Spring Green. A regular schedule of tours of the buildings and grounds is offered. For more information, call (608) 588-7900, or go online at taliesinpreservation.org. Wrights South Carolina residences Auldbrass was designed in 1939 for C. Leigh Stevens, who wanted a self-sufficient, modern plantation for farming, hunting and entertaining. Also on the National Register, the complex of home, barn and stables remained in the family for a number of years and had several other owners before film producer Joel Silver bought it in 1987 his second Wright-built home after the Storer House in Los Angeles. It was Silver, with Wrights grandson Eric Lloyd Wright, who brought Wrights vision for the estate to full fruition. Broad Margin drew its name from a quote in Thoreaus Walden: I love a broad margin to my life. Wright designed it in 1951 and the residence was completed three years later. It is among the last exemplars of the Usonian school of design, a term first used by Wright to describe a large group of middle-income homes he designed for a community in New York State, and more generally used by him to mean American and its New World character. Both homes are dominated by natural materials and organic, landscape-influenced design. They are Wright through and through. GREENVILLE When LTO Burgers first opened five years ago it was more dive bar than high-end burger place. Now the owners have renovated, reimagined and reopened the concept as LTO Burgers and Bites. The new version is meant to be brighter with more of a neighborhood feel, General Manager Aidan Sokol said. In its original form, the restaurant in a shopping center at 2541 N. Pleasantburg Drive had drifted from the identity of an elevated burger concept the owners envisioned. The shades on the windows were usually drawn, blocking out the sun. The walls were dark, with neon bar signs offering the only directional visual. The vibe mirrored what was clear to the eyes. Now, a bright neon mural draws attention, along with other improvements completed by Greenville-based Southern Culture Hospitality Group over the summer. "We tried to brighten up the place and create a vibrant culture of neighborliness," Sokol said. "It was always a little dark and dingy in here." Sign up for our Greenville daily update newsletter. Sign up for daily roundups of our top stories, news and culture from the Upstate. This newsletter is hand-curated by a member of our Greenville news staff. Email Sign Up! The sense of a neighborhood spot suitable for families, though still with a full-service bar, was done through changes as simple as installing a community table. "It's kind of become a staple," he said. The menu features items with catchy names: appetizers like Flyin' High Wings, Italian flats like Corleone and, of course, a variety of burgers like The North Pleasantburger. Shortly after the pandemic hit two years ago and created a wave of restaurant closures, the group, which also owns Habitap and Southern Culture Kitchen & Bar, kept the doors to LTO shuttered. When it opened in 2017 across from Home Depot in the former home of Southern Cultures Dive N Boar concept, LTO which stands for lettuce, tomato and onion sought to be a pioneer in the upscale burger experience. The menu featured robust, locally sourced beef burgers but also ground duck and vegan options. Local art adorned the walls. Adult slushies were a staple. The idea was to create an environment of family-friendly approachability that could serve as destination dining north of downtown, as well as a local spot for surrounding neighborhoods like North Main, Montebello and Sans Souci. But over time LTO lost its come-all feel, Southern Culture chief operating officer Jonathan Mills said. The new concept will fill a much-needed niche in the area, Sokol said. "I think Pleasantburg needs a community watering hole," he said. "I know we can be that." LTO Burgers & Bites is open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Despite the passage of two decades, memories remain vivid. Smoke billowing from the twin pillars that had dominated the Manhattan skyline. From the Defense Department's five-sided Pentagon across from the nation's capital. From a field in western Pennsylvania. Four hijacked airplanes crashed into Americas collective conscious. "It's one of those things in your life where you remember where you were when this happened," said Robert Haefele, an attorney with Motley Rice, the Mount Pleasant law firm spearheading a sprawling lawsuit on behalf of 6,600 family members and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. "And I think that's distinctly true, and problematically true for my clients. "They can't get out of that moment." The ongoing legal battle seeks to answer some of the families' most enduring questions about the attacks: Who funded and supported the hijackers? How could they be held accountable? "I don't really know that there's any way to get full closure," Haefele said. But the goal is to get as much as possible. Haefele came to the Lowcountry in 2003. He was hired to handle the federal litigation that now has lingered on the docket in the Southern District of New York since 2002, filed 11 months after the attacks. With the litigation in its second decade, Haefele said he believes they have found some answers confirming what they have alleged since "day one" of the civil case: that Saudi Arabia and "the Kingdom's charities and officials all played a role in bringing about what happened on 9/11. Last year, President Joe Biden declassified most U.S. government investigations into the terror attacks, though parts still remained redacted. The documents became public beginning on the 20th anniversary and were added to the FBI website known as The Vault. Among the nearly 6,000 pages added was a FBI report that Haefele referred to as the "compendium." "The whole purpose of this document, this 131-page document, was to put together in one place information that the investigation uncovered about the connections between the Saudi government and 9/11," the attorney said. It details a militant network "created, funded, directed and supported by" the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia "and its affiliated organizations and diplomatic personnel within the U.S.," according to the report. "That's what the FBI said just a year ago," Haefele said. He hopes it is the proof the court needs to finally send the case to trial. But before any jury can hear that evidence, the team of attorneys must still successfully argue that a U.S. court has jurisdiction over the foreign government. They also must fend off the Saudi government's motion to dismiss the case. This means a trial, and any accountability that may come of that, could still be a long way off. On Sept. 11, 2001, Haefele was driving along the New Jersey turnpike on his way to interview law students for his firm's summer program. Had he not been there, he likely would have been in Manhattan, he recalled. His voice still carries the Jersey accent, even after 19 years in South Carolina. This lawsuit has been his main focus since moving to The South. He called it "a patriotic responsibility" one he inherited from Ronald Motley, the firm's charismatic founder who brought the lawsuit. He died in 2013. "It's just a struggle to get people to understand that we have actually met this burden," Haefele said. "And I think some folks are just afraid of what that might mean, because theoretically, that means that in some sense, we were attacked on 9/11 by some other government." Meanwhile, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that began in the aftermath of 9/11 have ended without stemming the tide of terrorism. Still, families and survivors remain waiting for an outcome on home soil. ISLE OF PALMS Churches often see a decline in attendance during the summer since families tend to go on vacation, taking advantage of the warmer weather and schools being closed. But a new Isle of Palms-based church saw its Sunday morning attendance grow dramatically this summer. Thats because the congregation has been meeting at a place where many people would prefer to be during the hot months: the beach. DeepWater Church, a congregation that formed in 2018, began hosting regular morning services at the Isle of Palms beach the intersection of 25th Avenue and Palm Boulevard on Easter. Since then, the church has more than doubled its attendance, from about 70 at the start of the year to now around 150 attendees. Pastor Paul Coleman attributes part of the growth to the fact people are attracted to the nontraditional worship setting. I think God is at work, Coleman said. We felt like we could get the good news to more people outside on the beach, especially on Isle of Palms where people ... are living here because they want to live near water." Other churches are doing this, too. Coleman has also connected with a Methodist church in Florida that hosts 7:30 a.m. services on a seashore. The closest congregation to the Lowcountry that's regularly engaged in beach worship services is an Anglican group on Fripp Island. Coleman went once to scout out the program. Seeing the event gave Coleman confidence that the model could be duplicated in the Charleston area. It really built our faith, Coleman said. The Isle of Palms pastor founded DeepWater with the support of The Church at LifePark, where Coleman had formerly served as associate pastor. DeepWater, affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and also a nonprofit, was founded with the idea of reaching those on Isle of Palms and the surrounding coastal communities. The location has its benefits. Though a new and small congregation, DeepWater is able to afford Coleman at a full-time salary, given the wealth of the area's residents. While not completely rare, pastors at startup churches are frequently bivocational and often serve in a part-time capacity since their new congregations can't yet financially support a full-time minister. Were in an affluent area, so the capability of giving is high," Coleman said. Like many congregations, COVID-19 helped force DeepWater to think outside the box. DeepWater had been meeting inside St. Marks Lutheran on Isle of Palms. But during the pandemic, the congregation moved services outside beneath the oak trees. DeepWater began having occasional beach services but never thought of the practice as a sustainable model. Last fall, the church began to consider making a drastic change in order to attract more people. Having worship services at the seashore could be a neat and creative way to engage new members, Coleman thought. After much prayer and fasting, the congregation relocated its services to the Isle of Palms beach. Not everyone was on board with the decision. A small number of parishioners left the church, feeling the regular outdoor services was a bridge too far, Coleman said. You got to count the cost when you make a change in church, Coleman said. We feel like this is what's best for the future of the church. Others were attracted by the nontraditional setting. Doug McNairy has been attending DeepWater's services for the past three months. He likes the idea of worshipping outside, where the sounds of crashing waves and sight of a blue sky help to enhance one's spiritual encounter with God, he said. McNairy also acknowledged that modern-day followers of Jesus aren't the first to engage in theological reflections at the water. The New Testament is filled with stories of Jesus teaching at the seashore. "I felt like this is a throwback to when Jesus used to preach on the seaside," McNairy said. Besides the beach setting, DeepWater's services are pretty much what one would expect from a church service. Congregants worship through religious songs and prayers. Coleman preaches a sermon. While the adults are tuned into the worship service, children gather under a tent and have snacks and learn Bible stories. But obviously, some things are different. Members at DeepWater bring their own chairs. Worship leaders also have to bring sound equipment and break it down when service concludes. Then there are the distractions. Some weeks ago during service, a waterspout formed off the coast. Another Sunday, a woman walked by the religious gathering with three Labrador puppies. Try to focus people on the sermon when the cutest thing youve ever seen is walking by, Coleman said. Other logistics include the fact that the church had to seek a sound permit from the IOP Police Department. However, any faith group can gather at seaside, he said. "Any religious group can meet on the beach because it's public place," Coleman said. The natural elements do pose a challenge. A temporary location for Sunday worship has to be found when rain is in the forecast. Other than that, the services have proven to be an ideal ministry for reaching the community, he said. Sometimes the worship events attract tourists who, during their morning strolls along the seaside, unexpectedly encounter dozens of people having church. DeepWater will have Sunday services at the beach until Sept. 25. Church begins at 9:15 a.m. and attendees need to bring their own chair. After September, DeepWater will return indoors at least until it warms up again. Coastal floodwaters swallowed Charleston roads Sept. 9 as heavy rainfall conspired with high tides to frustrate the city's commuters and dampen the spirits of late-night revelers. Rain began overnight Sept. 8 and continued through the morning. As tides peaked around 7 a.m., the Holy City's residents were once again reminded that the peninsula sits perilously within the ocean's reach. Several roads and intersections were shut down as water crept up onto some residents' front yards. The city's water woes subsided in the early afternoon, but the tides returned even higher reaching the major flood stage, which begins at 8 feet. The National Weather Service's Charleston office issued a coastal flood warning lasting into the evening A soggy morning Mark Starnes stood in his driveway Friday morning near the intersection of Wentworth and Barre streets, which was flooded by roughly 10 inches of water. The Charleston native said he loves living downtown he wasnt kidding. Once the flooding dissipates, he said, you forget all about it and lifes great. Its just one thing you have to deal with, Starnes added. As he spoke, a black Ford F-150 broke through the wake, causing ripple effects. Other bold drivers challenged their vehicles, including a man driving a Champagne-colored Ford Ranger. He flashed a peace sign out the window as he accelerated through the water. Others were more circumspect. A Tesla inched toward the flooded intersection before retreating. A resident on Wentworth street, Lydia Brown, got into the drivers seat of her Nissan, closed the door and proceeded to get out of the vehicle. The 26-year-old tenant of a brick house on Barre Street said she is able to walk to her job at a retail store on King Street, but she was hoping her manager would give her a ride due to the inclement conditions. She added that her boss had pushed the store's opening back so employees could be cautious on their commute. Browns boyfriend, Ryan Smith, had to cancel meetings throughout the city with clients. He said he was messaging his boss video footage of the street to support his claim he could not get to work. The Fort Mill native said the flooding was reminiscent of a snow day. Flooding risks continue By 8 p.m., dozens of roads on the peninsula were impassable as the deluge from above and from the rising sea concealed the asphalt. Dozens more bore warnings, according to the city's GIS closure map. At 8:18 p.m., the Charleston Harbor tide reached over 8 feet, high enough to cause major flooding even sending water into buildings for several hours in the downtown, the NWS warned. The warning was to remain in effect until 11 p.m. Sept. 9. The coasts could receive 1 to 2 inches of rain during the night, forecasters said, and heavy rainfall remained possible throughout the weekend. Flooding will remain a concern, particularly if the showers coincide with rising tides, according to the NWS. Hurricane Earl was contributing to the coastal chaos as it swirled by Bermuda, roughly 800 miles east of Charleston. Swells generated by the hurricane were expected to cause life-threatening surf conditions on the U.S. East Coast, including rip currents at Lowcountry beaches. "Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water," the NWS warned. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. This summer, the S.C. Ethics Commission fined a Raleigh businessman $25,000 for making more than $50,000 in illegal campaign donations to Attorney General Alan Wilson and Henry McMaster in the 2018 elections. Theres no evidence that Mr. McMaster or Mr. Wilson realized the money was all coming from Chad Price instead of the half-dozen businesses he claimed were donating the maximum $3,500 each in the primary, runoff and general elections, and the Ethics Commission order says they have returned the illegal donations. But the whole episode, reported by Raleighs News & Observer, is a reminder of how easy it is to violate our campaign finance law and how hit-and-miss it is to detect such crimes. And in a roundabout way, it points to an easy change to state law that could make it easier stop such nearly invisible crime. South Carolinas campaign finance law has a long-recognized loophole that allows one person who controls multiple businesses or even limited liability corporations that are just paper businesses to give a statewide candidate the maximum $3,500 donation from each of those businesses. But Mr. Price admitted that he didnt use that loophole; instead, he apparently just told the campaigns he was doing that and instead put all the donations on his personal credit card. He probably could have gotten away with that if he had gotten each of his businesses to reimburse him for the donations, as he initially told the Ethics Commission he had done, but he didnt do that either. Perhaps he simply didnt understand the law, but the newspaper found that he did essentially the same thing, to the tune of $560,000, in eight states, over five years. That suggests a calculation: that ethics police wouldnt catch him, and even if they did, the cost of violating the law wasnt high enough to bother to comply with it. Our Legislature should have closed the LLC loophole when it was first exploited two decades ago by Howie Rich, a New York real estate magnate who used about 30 paper companies to funnel money into South Carolina in an effort to buy himself a nice little Southern House, or Senate. It still needs to be closed, but lawmakers clearly want to keep the donation limit meaningless for those who are determined to violate it. And in any event, thats not the point for today. Todays point flows from an observation by Mr. Prices father, who brought the violations to the Ethics Commissions attention. Larry Price filed ethics complaints against his son in multiple states after reading news reports that identified the elder Mr. Prices daughter as a major campaign donor. His daughter for whom the younger Mr. Price had legal custody lived with a disability and the mental capacity of a young child, so wasnt capable of making such donations. Larry Price complained that the $25,000 penalty South Carolina assessed against his son looks like chump change compared to the $70,000 in donations. It makes you wonder, he said. You know this stuff probably goes on everywhere all the time. Is there a deterrent there for people not to do it? What it makes us wonder particularly since the crime never would have come to light if not for what appear to be strained family dynamics is why the penalty for giving illegal campaign donations isnt at least equivalent to the illegal donations themselves. And why the illegal donations are returned to the donor, rather than being forfeited to the state. Our goal in ethics law should be to deter the crime rather than punishing it. One of the best ways to do that especially when detecting the crime is dependent on serendipity or snitches is to make the penalty truly punitive. Requiring a dollar penalty for every dollar given illegally on top of forfeiting the illegal donations should be the absolute minimum penalty for giving or knowingly accepting illegal contributions. Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Krystle Matthews is rejecting calls to abandon her campaign, claiming recorded comments released by a conservative watchdog group where she is heard badmouthing White people were cut and spliced. In a Sept. 9 press conference, Matthews, who is Black, insisted she is not influenced by race and that the conversation recorded by Project Veritas without her knowledge and released this week is a mischaracterization. "These right-wing chaos agents can distort what I say and misrepresent my views all they want," she told Charleston media. "I will never stop fighting for working families all across this state." She charged the recording is presented out of context. "What they did was cut one sentence and put it with the 'S'-word to make it sound like I said they were that," she said. Matthews, who is challenging Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Scott in November, is facing calls to drop out of the Senate race and resign her Statehouse seat after Veritas released a recording of a conversation she had with someone they described as one of their undercover journalists where she talked about White people. You gotta treat them like (expletive)," she is identified as saying. "I mean, thats the only way theyll respect you. I keep them right here like under my thumbs. Thats where I keep like, you have to. Otherwise, they get out of control like kids. She also acknowledged representing a "mostly White district." In her press conference, Matthews said the thrust of her comments was aimed at Republican elected officials in the Legislature, not the state's White population as a whole or her Berkeley County House District 117 constituents. Project Veritas leader James O'Keefe this week stood behind the recording's accuracy and said nothing was done to doctor it. He rejected Matthew's call to release the entire conversation. A Veritas spokesman reiterated their defense of the recording Sept. 9. Matthews also gave more insight into how the conversation came about, saying it was with a mixed-race male and held at a restaurant in Nexton after he claimed to be interested in helping her Senate bid. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! "I never knew he was as a journalist," she said. "Never." She also rejected calls for her to step down, including from Republicans and also leading Democrats who expressed fears her comments would be a drag on the rest of the ticket. That included rebuffing Democratic nominee for governor Joe Cunningham, who is among those asking her to exit. "Joe Cunningham is already struggling with support from the minority community and I'm not sure where attacking a Black woman who has shown her worth not through words but through actions" is helpful, she said. Scott was asked about Matthews' recording during a campaign event in Myrtle Beach on Sept. 9. I think she should apologize for her comments," he told The Sun News. "The Democrats should condemn her comments. Racial bigotry in any form should be criticized and condemned by all people. Scott also said The voters of this state should be aware of who she is and what she said and let them decide her fate. Matthews, of Ladson, who won the Democrats' U.S. Senate nomination in the June primary, is also seeking to defend her Statehouse seat on the November ballot at the same time. She faces a challenge from Republican Jordan Pace for the seat she originally won in 2018. The district map has since been redrawn, going from 59 percent White and 41 percent non-White when she entered office, to 75 percent White and 25 percent non-White as a result of this year's reapportionment. Election Day is Nov. 8. The idea to create a new space at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln honoring members of the military, veterans and their families, was the offshoot of another act of remembrance. Four years ago, UNL unveiled a pair of plaques that now hang on either side of Gate 20 at Memorial Stadium, reflecting the venues original purpose to remember the Nebraskans who fought and died in World War I. At that time, UNL leaders signaled they had more ambitious plans to dedicate a space along Memorial Mall just east of the stadium for reflection on the service and sacrifice of all men and women who have served in uniform. The project slowly moved forward, through the start and completion of other projects in the area, the coronavirus pandemic and other challenges on campus, said Michelle Waite, UNLs assistant to the chancellor for government and military relations. But it never lost momentum. On Sunday, UNL will dedicate the Veterans Tribute that was installed by BIC Construction of Lincoln this week on the south side of the Pershing Military and Naval Science Building near 14th and Vine streets. The public ceremony is set to begin at 3:30 p.m., and will feature remarks from Chancellor Ronnie Green; Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard; Petty Officer 2nd Class Tara Maulsby; Noala Fritz, a Gold Star and Blue Star mother; and Jim Cada, a veteran of the Vietnam War who served as a member of the committee that designed the space. Waite said the tribute was conceived as UNL was working on the pair of plaques that commemorate the service of tens of thousands of Nebraskans during World War I, including 113 students from the University of Nebraska. We felt like it was our responsibility to do something like this, she said. We made a commitment and the chancellor intended to follow through with it. Thirty-five people were invited to take part in the design process, Waite explained, including members of UNLs Reserve Officers Training Corps, leaders of the Nebraska National Guard, veterans and others with connections to the military. The committee took inspiration from the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial that sits just west of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., drawing lessons from the design as well as how to raise private donations for the $3.75 million project. Confluence Design of Colorado was ultimately responsible for the final concept. The result is a series of semi-transparent glass panels that features quotes from current military, veterans and families that span everything from training to deployment either to combat or humanitarian missions around the world as well as life after the service. Granite benches will invite people to sit and admire the tribute in a serene space, Waite said, as well as a flag plaza that will feature American flags meant to link all branches of the military together. Likewise, the steps outside of the Pershing building have been rebuilt entirely and laid with pavers in a chevron pattern, Waite said would be recognizable by all members of the military, no matter the branch, as a common symbol of rank. The situation of the tribute complements both Memorial Stadium and Memorial Mall, according to Waite. Both, which were erected in remembrance of Nebraskas military dead, are in the middle of an area of campus that is being dramatically overhauled. Carolyn Pope Edwards Hall, the home of UNLs College of Education and Human Sciences, is opening this fall, while work is continuing on new and existing facilities for the College of Engineering. Hawks Hall, the home of UNLs College of Business, sits across the street from the Veterans Tribute, while work to the Go BIG training facility will continue for another year. Waite said the tribute also hearkens back to UNLs history as a land-grant university, which was established to teach agriculture, engineering and military science, and also honors the several branches of ROTC programs one of the few universities in the country with such a complement. We think it shows our commitment not only to our student veterans and active duty members of the military, Waite said, but also creates a space where all should feel welcome to come and learn about the military. Editor's note: We have detected a technical issue that is preventing some users from being able to log in to comment. We are working to have the issue resolved shortly. Thank you for your patience. Ellah Lakes Plc has announced its takeover of Adarice Farms and associated assets from the Enugu State Government. The firm said this in a notice published on the Nigerian exchange website and seen by PREMIUM TIMES. The announcement was made after a memorandum of understanding was signed between Ellah Lakes and Enugu State technical committee on privatisation and commercialisation. Ellah Lakes is pleased to announce the take-over of the management and operations of Adarice Farms & Associated Assets from Enugu State Government, the notice said. To extend the rice company into a Staple Crop Processing Zone, Ellah Lakes partnered with Adarice in 2021. The development was projected to generate at least 5,000 employment in two years, and construction was set to start right away. READ ALSO: Adarice Farms is a Five Thousand Hectare farming estate located in Adani, Uzo -Uwani Local Government Area In Enugu State, that has a Diversion Dam and a 15km main canal for irrigation, it also has secondary distribution canals, to enable farming all year round, the notice said. The Farm has operated sub-optimally for several years and the Adani Staple Crop Processing Zone Food Company (Adani SCPZ) a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), has been set up to oversee and manage the farm and its activities. Speaking on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Ellah, Chuka Mordi said, Today is a great day for the company, and we have achieved yet another of our set milestones for 2022. He said the company is ready to commence the management and turnaround of the fortunes of Adarice Farms. It intends to begin the cultivation and processing of rice, soybean and cassava. Ultimately, the plan is to turn the the entire area into a Staple Crop Processing Zone & bring economic growth and prosperity to the entire subregion, he said. That Izzar So, the Kannywood love-themed drama series, is currently the most watched Hausa movie on the internet, is not in doubt. It streams on YouTube and has become a household name in northern Nigeria and beyond. It is hosted on Bakori TV YouTube channel, which boasts over 953,000 subscribers. On average, an episode of the series garners as much as 400,000 views 24 hours after release. As of press time, 98 episodes of the weekly drama series have been hosted on YouTube. It is produced and directed by the acclaimed Kannywood filmmaker and actor, Ahmad Lawan. Kannywood stars Ali Nuhu, Ahamd Lawan, Aisha Najamu and Nana Izzar So feature in the production. Mr Lawan, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, said Izzar So is based on Islamic teaching and the ways of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The movie, Izzar So, is a success for me. I think it is this massive because it is fundamentally about how a true Muslim should behave in life and his love life. It is a film that has made many people rethink their ways of living. It was deliberate, and we did that to purposefully make people know and see how they should live their lives following what the prophet (SAW) has taught us. Many people have commended me because of the film. Let me also tell you something I am proud of, because of Izzar So; two people have joined Islam. The two females came from Gombe and told me they are fans of the film and feel they should be Muslims. They said they learned much about Islam from the movie and wished to be Muslims. They are now Muslims. Mr Ahmed said he is already working on another series while still giving his audience the best from Izzar So. Kannywood on YouTube Lately, YouTube has become the saving grace for many Kannywood film producers and actors. Many movie actors who are not producers have become one because of the easy accessibility of American online video sharing and social media platforms. Actors and producers now make films and host them on their dedicated YouTube channels for their followers to watch. Because their YouTube channels are monetised, they can earn money from the digital platform. Ali Nuhu, a famous Kannywood actor, says YouTube is a safer platform that allows his colleagues to make their money quietly. Money spinner Again, checks by PREMIUM Times have revealed that a Kannywood movie hosted on YouTube gets as much as 1 million views in less than a month. Fati SU, a Kannywood star, said, YouTube is free and accessible to all. No matter how small your phone is, you can access YouTube, so people would rather watch films on YouTube. And you get paid by YouTube, and you wont be afraid of losing money. Saira movies is also another popular channel. It has about 347 000 subscribers but also has as many as over 1 million views on some episodes of his famous series Labarina. Ali Nuhus YouTube channel, which has about 167,000 subscribers, hosts a popular series, Alaqa, which viewers never miss. Zango TV channel, owned by Adam Zango, has about 447,000 subscribers. Zango hosts all his music videos and films on the channel, and some of his music videos and movies have garnered over 1 million views. Other Kannywood actors like Tijjani Asase and Isah Alolo also own YouTube TV channels where they host their movies for their audience. A Kannywood analyst, Hassana Dalhat, said the YouTube route is a wise decision. He told the actors and producers had taken advantage of the digital platform to remain in business. Let me tell you; I cannot see how Kannywood movies will ever make it into the competitive market as it used to be. Piracy has taken over the whole industry. Only YouTube can save them and make them get good returns, Mr Dalhat said. Omolade Adunbi moved from Sajiyan camp, a farm settlement in Owo, Ondo State, in Nigeria, to be a bus conductor, newspaper vendor, bricklayers assistant, and now a director at the African Studies Centre at the University of Michigan in the US. Growing up in a farm setting under the care of his poor grandparents, the young Adunbi could only dream about a life outside Nigeria. PREMIUM TIMES in this interview spoke with the political and environmental anthropologist and professor of Afroamerican and African Studies at the University of Michigan. In this interview, Mr Adunbi shares his experience during his journey from the Sajiyan camp to the University of Michigan, including the challenges of losing his grandfather and failing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Excerpts PT: So tell us more about Omolade Adunbi who is now a professor at Michigan. Adunbi: I am an anthropologist and a political and environmental anthropologist. I started in philosophy in Nigeria. I did my undergraduate at the then Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti which is now Ekiti State University. I worked in the human rights and pro-democracy space for a while. PT: Which organisations did you work with within the space? Adunbi: I worked for the Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO) which was or is actually the first human rights group in sub-Saharan Africa. I served as the national organisation officer and moved up to becoming the head of the human rights education project where I had to work with groups. I designed a lot of programmes such as human rights educational programmes for teachers, Islamic groups, women and students. In that capacity, we organised a lot of programmes across the country from Maiduguri to Jos, Kaduna, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Akure and several other cities. PT: Tell us about the four years old Omolade Adunbi: How do you want me to remember four years old Omolade? PT: Omolade in primary school? Adunbi: Interestingly, my primary school is no longer in existence. It was called Local Authority Primary School, Sajiyan camp, Owo, Ondo State. I grew up living with my grandparents who were farmers and because they did not want to leave me in Owo with no one, they took me with them to a farm settlement called Sajiyan. There was only one elementary school in the area. It served the children of all the farmers in the camp and other camps located in that area. The camp is between Akure and Owo. I proceeded to Ansarudeen Comprehensive High School, Owo on completing primary education. PT: How did you leave Nigeria to become who you are today at the University of Michigan? Adunbi: My secondary school education is the set that benefited from the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) free education in the South West in the 1980s after Nigeria returned to democracy in 1979. That was when I was leaving primary school. The new government took over on 1 October, 1979. I was among the beneficiaries of the free education which was established by the UPN. Some of the programmes of the UPN were free quality education, integrated rural development, free health services and others. Free education was the most important of them. I benefited from that and then left secondary school in 1985. I did not make my WAEC and had to retake the examination in 1986. I made it finally and had to wait for the almighty JAMB for admission for two years. I eventually got admitted in 1988. I was the youngest in secondary school in those days because when free education was introduced, a lot of those who had abandoned school, a lot of those who did not think they would go back to school had to enrol for secondary school education. Then by the time I was in university, the military had taken over and all of those gains of democracy had been sculpted and free education ended and this was the first coming of Buhari and Babangida. I was in the university when Babangida was still in power. And coming from a background where I had lost a breadwinner, I did not know how I would fund my education. But of course, I loved education and I wanted to go to college or university, so I got admitted. That was when I encountered activism in a much more robust way. The students union in the school I got admitted to was advocating for people like me and people from not-so-robust backgrounds to have access to education. PT: Can I quickly ask why you did not make WASSCE in 1985? Adunbi: My grandfather died in 1983 while I was going to Form 3. He died and things became difficult for me. I was a newspaper vendor, bus conductor and a bricklayers assistant. I did a lot of those jobs in order to make ends meet. My grandmother was just a farmers wife and she was unable to sustain us. She could not all by herself take care of me and other family members. So you know I had to cater for myself and support the family. In most cases, I would skip school on Wednesdays and Fridays. That was when newspapers sold most. I skipped school on Friday in order to sell the newspaper, then I would also sell on Sundays. At times, when I did not go to work on Saturday and Sunday, I would work as a bricklayer and when I was not doing anything, I would help my grandmother to sell palm oil in the market. As an undergraduate, I was still doing that anytime I went to Owo, I would help her carry the palm oil to the market to sell. All those jobs took their toll on my performance. From Form Three, I was always the best student; from primary one to six, I was always making first position. In the class, no one competed with me, I was always one of the best students in my secondary school. Then things changed and I had to do a lot of menial jobs to survive. While in school I won several awards as best student in English, Business Methods and Accounting. But that did not amount to me passing my WASSCE. PT: You talked about being a beneficiary of free education at some point and when that stopped you joined the student union canvassing for zero tuition to allow people to go to school. Can you situate that in the current Nigerian educational system? We have been on strike for over five months and tuition has been increasing with little to zero value for tuition fees paid in Nigerian public universities. Adunbi: I think the reality of young Nigerians today is the fact that education is being priced out of their reach, which is very sad. Education should be the bedrock or foundation of any country that wants to develop because infrastructure building is not just about physical infrastructure; investing in the life of the Nigerian youths is also a form of infrastructure development. Unfortunately, a lot of our leaders do not see it that way. They feel that the more expensive education becomes, the more quality it brings. But expensive education sometimes does not bring quality. But more importantly, it is as if our leaders are mortgaging the future of our youth. The most important thing you can do to develop a nation is to invest in education right from elementary school to higher education. And it is hard to see that things have deteriorated so badly in Nigeria and that public education is being destroyed by our own leaders. Most of our politicians, if they do not have their kids in private schools in Nigeria, they have them in schools abroad and some of the schools abroad which they send their kids to are public schools funded by taxpayers money. It is hard for me to reconcile with the fact that they send their kids to public funded schools abroad but have refused to invest in public schools in Nigeria. That is a tragedy. PT: In terms of the ASUU strike, what lessons can Nigeria learn from the American higher education system? Adunbi: I am sympathetic to ASUU and I think many of their demands are legitimate and I think the government would have to do something about their demands. But at the same time, I think the way in which higher education is being organised in Nigeria needs a rethink. So I am in favour of autonomy for universities and when I say autonomy, I mean autonomy in all respects. I will use the University of Michigan for example. Like I said, the University of Michigan is owned by the State of Michigan. But the state is responsible for less than five per cent of our annual budget and tuition is roughly about three hundred million dollars. In 2021, research expenditure was about $1.5 billion and that is because of COVID-19 research projects within the university and around the world; which means without COVID and those lockdowns and those social distances, research expenditure is usually in the region of about two to three billion dollars and that is because the university is autonomous and it looks for ways of generating revenue and we generate revenue, not from students. Tuition accounts for about 10 to 15 per cent of what the university generates as revenue. So that is the level of autonomy that I am thinking about for Nigeria. We need some specialised universities; right now a lot of my colleagues in Nigerian universities do research but they are actually not being run as research universities. A lot of our universities are being run as what we call liberal arts universities in the US. Liberal art colleges and universities basically teach with little or no research enterprise and Nigeria cannot develop without establishing research. The autonomy I am advocating for Nigerian universities is such that the Nigerian government needs to rethink the university system and rethinking the system is to categorise the universities as research and teaching universities. That way, these research universities can be connected to the industry. So a situation where university labs in Nigeria are connected to industry and make products that can be marketed, where universities can also generate revenues rather than depending on the government to fund the universities. PT: The current Nigerian education system and the relevance of the outdated curriculum; what are your comments on this reality? Adunbi: The quality of education that we have in Nigeria is highly dependent on the quality of funding that we have in the educational system. For example, when I was a student at Yale University, Yale was spending about $200 million in buying books every year. Michigan has over 40 libraries there. So if I see any book anywhere in the world and I tell them I need that book, if it is not in the library, the librarian will look for it and buy copies for the library. In fact, they will tell us anytime you travel and you see any interesting book, if you can buy it and bring it, we will pay for it when you get back. And we will pay for the shipping and everything. So that is how to run a university. We can not blame the lecturers in Nigeria who do not have a lot of up-to-date material to teach. So if they have access to the resources, then they will use the resources to teach. PT: Your new position as the director of the African Studies Centre at the University of Michigan, what innovation are you looking to bring into the system? Do you have plans of building a relationship between Nigerians with the university, seeing that you are Nigerian in that position right now and also the Nigerian community in Michigan? Adunbi: Part of my plan is to strengthen our relationship with institutions and partners in Africa. And I have three-prong approaches to this; collaboration, consolidation and cooperation. What I mean by cooperation is this: I do not see my position as an avenue to tell Africans what to do. I want to see our partners and collaborators in Africa as equal partners because we have a lot to learn from many of those we intend to collaborate with on the continent. Basically, it is not a one-way traffic that I am trying to establish, rather it is going to be both ways where we see ourselves as equal partners. The second point; a lot of my predecessors have done a lot to build the African Studies Centre and to build collaboration with a lot of African institutions. So, I want to consolidate on this and it is not just consolidating on them but consolidating in ways that make the relationship much more beneficial to both parties that is for us at the University of Michigan, our students, our faculty as well as for colleagues in Africa. One of the programmes we run here is called the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Programme which brings early career faculty from African universities to Michigan for five to eight months. We have been running this programme since 2008 and we have had over 200 scholars from Africa and few from Nigeria. One of the things that I have done is to make Nigeria an open application country. Before now, a Nigerian scholar needed to be nominated by a faculty member here in Michigan. Now, you can just go and apply and see if you make it through. Angola, Botswana, Mozambique and other countries have also become open application countries. Chiamaka Okafor 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 Catechist of St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Jonathan Awolo, has said that the church committee on welfare bought caskets for the dead victims of the 5 June terror attack. Mr Awolo, who escaped unhurt during the shooting, told PREMIUM TIMES that the church also distributed money to the victims and their families. We distributed N33,000 for each person and the corpse (casket) of those that are dead. It was the church that bought it. The church paid for the mortuary and also gave families of the deceased victims 250,000 each, Mr Awolo said. At least 40 people were killed when gunmen stormed the church in Ondo State on 5 June, in the middle of a Sunday Mass, and opened fire on the congregation. The terrorists also detonated explosives as the worshippers scampered for safety. Police said the gunmen got to the church at about 11.30 a.m. Preliminary investigation revealed that the assailants approached the church during the service, started shooting from outside the church while others numbering about four shot directly into the church, the police said in a statement. While many of the injured victims were taken to the Federal Medical Centre and St. Louis Hospital, both in Owo for treatment, the dead bodies were deposited at different morgues in the state before they were buried. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who visited the scene of the attack, directed that flags be flown at half-mast in the state for seven days. Mr Akeredolu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, also announced the opening of a bank account to receive donations from individuals and corporate bodies interested in assisting the victims and their families. The governor assured that survivors of the attack would be given adequate medical attention. Some of those who donated to support the victims included the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, who gave N75 million N50 million to the victims and N25 million to the church to support the victims and the church. The Nigerian Governors Forum also donated N50 million as support through its Chairman and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also visited the church but did not announce a financial donation. Church committee Mr Awolo said a church committee, set up after the attack, was responsible for the disbursement to the victims and almost 120 people received food, clothes, baskets, and soaps. The injured victims later got another N20,000 each and we are still going to distribute more when we receive from the government, he said. I do not know the source of those monies we have shared , it is the committee that will tell you where the money is coming from. The money were just paid in the bank, they collected the money and distributed it to the people. Some people are rushed from the Federal Medical Centre to another place and their drugs, the church paid for those things. A member of the committee told PREMIUM TIMES that the funds distributed to the survivors and the deceased families were donations from philanthropists and non-governmental organisations. We distributed everything we got to the victims, none of them can say they didnt get it. The list of what we got is recorded and everything was received by the families accordingly, said the member who requested not to be named because no authorisation was given to speak on the matter. The committee members said the church also paid for medical treatment at the hospitals as well as for drugs at the pharmacies. I did not see any money I did not see any money physically and I did not receive any money, the member, whose child was also a victim of the attack, told this newspaper in August. She was discharged last week, she came to the hospital for a medical checkup yesterday. Whenever I want, if I go to the pharmacy they will give me (drugs). I have not paid a dime personally for her treatment since the incident. Any of the victims that claimed of paying for medical treatment means that they did not inform the church committee. I am a member of the committee and we have been attending to all the victims at the hospital. Anybody that reports that a particular thing is not available, we will call on the church authority and the church will get it and well distribute it. Government donation On 6th September, the Ondo State government donated cash and about 120 bags of cassava flour to the victims and their families. In August, Richard Olatunde, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akeredolu, told PREMIUM TIMES that the process of compiling the names of the victims took a long time because the government had never experienced such an incident. As I speak to you they have identified phone numbers, emails and addresses, Mr Olatunde said at the time. The purpose of identifying their names is to make sure that what is given to them is given to the right people. We have seen a situation where people come and say that they are the uncle of the deceased, so many distant families are coming to receive money on behalf of a dead person. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has given a new figure of what is says is the amount of petrol distributed across the country daily. The agency said Nigeria consumes 66.8 million litres of petrol daily, not 62.9 million it earlier quoted. Both the previous figure and the new one contradict the quantity announced by the state-oil company, NNPC Limited, as the volume consumed in the country. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had last Sunday insisted that the country consumes 68 million litres of petrol daily. Its response came after the Nigeria Customs Service said the NNPC released 98 million litres daily even when it previously claimed the country consumed 60 million litres of petrol daily. READ ALSO: The varying figures provided by different agencies of government have left many Nigerians concerned by the transparency over the management of the governments fuel subsidy programme. The NMDPRAs first figure was released by the agencys head of finance and account, Adebayo Adeniyi, while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Finance on Monday. He said 62.9 million litres was the actual daily truck out. In a statement on Friday, the NMDPRA said the earlier figure provided was used in 2021 to forecast the expected revenue for 2022 and did not translate to actual trucked-out volume this year. The authority, during a recent interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, quoted 62.9 million litres as the 2022 baseline daily truck out projection, the statement said. For clarity, the figure provided was used in 2021 solely to forecast the expected revenue for 2022 and does not in any way translate to the actual truck out volume for this year. In line with the NMDPRA mandate as provided in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to ensure transparency in the oil and gas industry, the Authority publishes on its website (www.nmdpra.gov.ng/daily-truck out) the actual daily truck out. As can be verified from the website, the actual daily truck out from 1st January 2022 to 31st July 2022 stands at 66.89 million litres. The authority assures the general public that it is committed to providing credible and transparent data on the supply and distribution of petroleum products, the statement said. Nigeria relinquished to Angola the glory it had held on to for over half a decade in August as the largely oil-dependent economy accounted for 1.13 million barrels in output relative to the Southern African countrys 1.17 million. Losing that ground last occurred in April 2017 to the same rival, when the two nations were production by both nations averaged above half a million barrels daily, according to Bloombergs data. Crude theft is a massive racket in Nigeria with roots in the Niger Delta region where thieves have built an industry of organised crime having links to politicians, officials in the public service and even the military. It has also come with immense implication for the regions environment. The crisis reached a head between January and March when Nigeria lost $1 billion to crude theft. That is about the sum the country needs to fight malnutrition among 4.1 million people needing urgent humanitarian aid in the countrys north-east this year according to the United Nations. Libya, which pumped 1.08 million barrels of oil last month according to the survey, might also displace Nigeria on the continents top oil production hierarchy if the trend persists. Data issued by the industry watchdog, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, for August showed output at 972,000 barrels, implying the figure jumped to 1.18 million barrels when condensate, a by-product of natural gas production not permitted to be factored into OPEC quotas, is added. The theft has in part denied Nigeria the windfall from the oil price boom fuelled by Russias conflict with Ukraine, which the likes of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and big oil corporations are fast cashing in on. The other reason is the costly amount the country spends on subsiding the cost of petrol. The says it may have to commit N6.7 trillion to fuel subsidy in 2023 if the arrangement is retained. Analysts say the scheme does not benefit the ordinary people so much as marketers using it for arbitrage. Businesses in Calabar, Cross River State, are under pressure, following the lack of power supply in the city for seven days. The situation was caused by a fire that occurred on 3 September, at the 132/33 KV Substation in Adiabo, Calabar. Ndidi Mbah, TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, had on 4 September, issued a statement, assuring residents of the city of the companys effort to restore power. The statement stated that TCN engineers were replacing the affected equipment to ensure the restoration of power to the city by 5 September. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that till 9 September, the city was still in darkness, with no hope in sight. A bank official who spoke to NAN, said the bank and others have shortened their hours of operation because of poor power supply and high cost of diesel. A lot of people may criticise banks but you need to know what they go through daily to ensure service provision. They run virtually on diesel and do you know how much a litre of diesel costs today, not to talk of other operational expenses? Poor power supply has made doing business difficult in this city. Similarly, Affiong Okon, a cold-room operator, said her business was declining because power was needed to ensure that all the items in the cold-room remained fresh. This is painful because a few months ago, there was no power in the whole of Calabar for a long time due to one problem or the other. I am still imagining how I survived it, today another one has started. To make matters worse, they are going round to share bills as we speak, even though, there is no light in the whole of Calabar. Are these people not telling us to lose our minds and become violent one day? she said. Calabar and its environs had suffered total blackout between 8 April and 16 May because of vandalism of a tower in Itu that evacuated power from Ikot Ekpene power plant to the Adiabo plant in Calabar. (NAN) The police command in Oyo State says the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is handling the investigation of the decomposing body of a landlord found in his bedroom at Awotan, Apete area of Ibadan. It would be recalled that the skeleton of the landlord later identified as Aderemi Abiola was discovered in his bedroom by some residents of Awotan Community after a long period of searching for him. The decayed body of the deceased was found glued to his beddings lying upward. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered from the residents of the community that the deceased was last seen four years ago. It also gathered that the late Abiola used to come to Ibadan occasionally from Abuja and does not relate with the neighbours. Commenting, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Adewale Osifeso, said that the states Commissioner of Police, Adebowale William, has deployed a team of crime and forensic detectives to the residents of the deceased. Mr Osifeso said that the Commissioner of Police has also directed the immediate transfer of the case to the CID to ascertain the cause of his death. He said that the scene of the incident had since been cordoned in the interest of public health and safety to enable the detective to carry out a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying the possible cause of the death. Mr Osifeso said that the command became aware of the incident when representatives from the Landlord Association of Idi-Orogbo, Adeosun, Life Forte Area, Awotan, Apete in Ibadan, reported the case to the command. He said that preliminary findings from residents of the community and the deceased drivers licence found in his wallet revealed the identity of the deceased as Aderemi Abiola. The police spokesperson said that the investigation revealed that the deceased was last seen around 2018, four years ago, which was corroborated by his family members. According to Mr Osifeso, the Commissioner of Police called on well-meaning members of the public for assistance regarding the provision of useful information about the incident. He said that case would be actively monitored, assuring the public that detailed updates would be provided accordingly. It would be recalled that the people of Awotan community became aware of the incident while clearing the bushy compound of the deceased, after seeking permission from the police to break into the house to clear it. It was the labourers employed to clear the compound who noticed that the window of one of the rooms was opened and they decided to peep into it, only to discover a totally decomposed body of the deceased. (NAN) Police say a man fatally shot a woman inside an apartment building in Sioux Falls, before turning the gun on himself Wednesday morning. Authorities say police were called to an apartment for a report of a family dispute about at 7:30 a.m. Police spokesman Sam Clemens says when officers knocked on the door and entered the apartment they were met by gunfire. Clemens says a 5-year-old child who was in the entryway was grabbed by officers and was not hurt. While police were negotiating with the man on the phone they heard another child and stormed the apartment. Officials say that's when the man shot himself. The mans condition was not immediately known. At least 20 passengers died in a fire in an accident on Friday involving a commercial bus and a Sienna car. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the accident occurred at Maya/Lanlate Junction in Ibarapa East Local Government area of Oyo State. NAN also gathered that the two vehicles were travelling in opposite direction when they had head on collusion following which the vehicles caught fire, immediately. READ ALSO: A witness said that 20 passengers involved in the incident were burnt beyond recognition. Confirming the incident, Gbenga Obalowo, the Chairman, Ibarapa East Local Government, said that he led a rescue team to the scene of the accident. Mr Obalowo described the incident as pathetic and unfortunate. He sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. However, the FRSC Sector Commander in Oyo State, Joshua Adekanye, could not be reached for comments on the incident as several calls put to him were not responded to. (NAN) A suspected criminal paraded by the police in Zamfara State has narrated how he robs people after they withdraw cash from banks. The police spokesperson in Zamfara, Muhammad Shehu, claimed the suspect, Umar Usman, 39, in a confessional statement, said he is a member of a syndicate that specialises in monitoring customers who withdraw money in cash from banks and other financial centres, only to rob them afterwards. The suspect allegedly confessed that he and other members of the syndicate operate in Borno, Bauchi, Kebbi and Sokoto states. The police said the suspects confession led to the recovery of N3,500,000 belonging to one Nura Shinkafi, attached to Zamfara State Investment Office, Gusau. The victim complained that unknown person(s) broke the left side glass of his Peugeot 406 vehicle and made away with his bag containing his black HP Laptop with serial number CND0515RPN, valued at N250,000, one Zamfara State Investment I.D Card and the sum of N3,500,000. The police said while they have succeeded in arresting Mr Usman, efforts are still ongoing to arrest a fleeing suspect, Abdul Sun, who is a resident of Zaria, Kaduna State. The police commissioner in Zamfara, Kolo Yusuf, tasked members of the public, especially those who make financial transactions in banks or any financial centres, to be conscious of this syndicate and ensure they report any suspicious person (s) to the police for appropriate action. The police said the suspect will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is completed. READ ALSO: Terrorist arrested Meanwhile, the police in Zamfara have also arrested a leader of a terror gang, Isiyaku Babangida, 31, while on a mission to attack some communities in Anka and Bukkuyum council areas. Mr Shehu said the police anti-banditry patrol acted on intelligence to arrest the terror leader. The police operatives swung into action and moved to the nearby bandits enclaves, which led to a serious gun battle between the bandits and the police operatives. The superior firepower of the Police successfully dislodged the bandits, a situation that forced them to flee with possible gunshot wounds. One of the most wanted bandits in the camp called Isiyaku Babangida, of Kabe Village of Kebbi State was arrested, the spokesperson said. The police spokesperson said after they dislodged the criminals, they recovered two AK47 rifles, two fabricated guns, and 2367.62 mm rounds of live ammunition from them In the course of interrogation, the suspect explained how he and his other group members that bear Ak 47 rifles invaded several villages in Anka, Bukkuyum, Gummi, rustled an unspecified number of cattle, kidnapped many innocent people and kept them in captivity until their relatives paid the ransom, the police said. The Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said it has arrested a Chinese for illegal mining in Ilorin, Kwara State. Twenty-nine-year-old Gang Deng was arrested by EFCC operatives on Friday, according to a statement by the commissions spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, on Saturday. The terse statement said Mr Deng was caught in possession of crude minerals without authority. A truck load of minerals, suspected to be lepidolite, was recovered from him. The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded, the statement said. Mr Deng is only the last among Chinese nationals who have been arrested for illegal mining in different parts of Nigeria over the years. In 2020, the Osun State Government announced the arrest of 27 illegal miners, 17 of whom were said to be Chinese nationals and 10 locals, including a local traditional ruler (Baale). Last year, the Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Uche Ogah, identified the complicity of security officers as one of the challenges facing the federal government in the fight against illegal mining. He listed lack of adequate manpower and low level technology for the ministry as other challenges faced by the government. Mr Ogah made the comments at a two-day public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Mines, Steel Development and Metallurgy in September 2021. The hearing was aimed at investigating the loss of $9 billion annually due to illegal mining and smuggling of gold. It was organised to allow relevant agencies make their inputs into four bills namely; Nigerian Minerals Development Corporation Establishment Bill 2021, Solid Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission Establishment Bill 2021, Institute of Bitumen Management Establishment Bill 2021, and the Explosive Act 1964 Repeal and Re-enactment Bill 2021. The Senate had, in December 2020, mandated the panel to probe the loss of N9 billion annually as reported by the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI). The mandate was sequel to the consideration of a motion on illegal mining and smuggling of gold in the country brought by Abia senator, Orji Kalu. In his presentation, the minister urged the committee to set up a panel or have authorised personnel like the EFCC or the police, to carry out the investigation. While he emphasised the need to establish a regulatory framework to monitor mining activities, he informed the panel that smuggling of gold is mostly done using private jets, hence the need to involve the aviation ministry. Efforts of the government include formalisation of informal mining operations, sensitisation and campaign, and strengthening zonal field offices. The challenges to curbing illegal mining are connivance of illegal miners with security officers, lack of adequate manpower, low level technology and invasion of mining communities, he said. Gunmen have abducted the traditional ruler of Isiala Umudi Community, Nkwere Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigerias South-east. The Monarch, Jewel Ndenkwo, was abducted in Owerri at about 7 p.m. on Friday. He was whisked away by the gunmen in front of one of his companies, Udekings Electronics, in the area. A shop owner in the area, who asked not to be named, told PREMIUM TIMES that the gunmen fired gunshots in the air when the monarch attempted to flee. So, he then stood still for the gunmen. They took him away while people were still moving about, he said. The abductors are yet to establish contact with his family as of Saturday evening, it was learnt. The police spokesperson in the state, Michael Abattam, did not respond to calls and a text message seeking comments from him on the abduction. Increase in abduction cases Abduction for ransom has been on the increase in Imo State lately. The latest incident occurred about three weeks after gunmen abducted four reverend sisters of the Catholic Church along Okigwe- Umulolo Road in Okigwe Local Government Area of state. They were freed by the gunmen about two days after their abduction. Last month, gunmen abducted a catholic priest and a seminarian along Okigwe-Umunneochi Road, which is between Imo and Abia States. The victims were released two days later after reportedly paying a ransom to their abductors. In July, gunmen abducted scores of passengers along the Enugu-Port Harcourt highway between Leru and Ihube Communities, another boundary between Imo and Abia States. Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike said he knows why the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu, is arrogant against the demand of some members of the party. Mr Ayu has been under pressure from a group of governors and some former governors of the party led by Mr Wike, to step down for a southerner to take over his position. But the national chairman has refused to resign, insisting he was elected for a four-year tenure. His position was further boosted on Thursday as members of the partys National Executive Committee passed a vote of confidence on the former Benue Senator. Speaking on Thursday while commissioning a Campus of the Rivers State University in the Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Wike disclosed why the national chairman was arrogant refusing to resign. Mr Wike also rejected the resignation of Walid Jibrin as chairman of the partys Board of Trustees (BOT). Weve never zoned BOT. It (BOT) is an advisory body not a decision making body. Those who run the party as of today are the chairman and the presidential candidate of the party. They are those who will sit down and take decisions. The candidate is from the north and the (party) chairman is (also) from the north, who will represent the south in decision making? Look at the insult, youve told the BOT chairman to resign. You now agree with us that these things cannot be in one place but the position were talking about which we all agreed is the (national) chairman of the party. Why are they being arrogant, I can tell you, is because they believe somebody in the Presidency is backing them. But what they dont understand is that the same person in the presidency backed somebody as APC presidential aspirant and the person failed. I will tell Nigerians at appropriate time whos that person in the presidency that is backing them that they are being arrogant. Mr Wike vowed to continue fighting the injustice in the party which he said was enough. Mr Wikes group had been complaining about the imbalance in the PDP leadership as Mr Ayu and the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, and the heads of major organs of the party are all from the north. But Mr Ayu had in a BBC interview described those calling for his resignation as children. When we started the PDP, we did not know these boys, they are children, they dont know how we founded the party. We will not agree with one person to come and destroy our party. The PDP has been enmeshed in crisis after the partys presidential primary last year. Messrs Wike and Atiku have been at loggerheads after the presidential primary where the former Vice President defeated the Rivers governor. The feud further deepened after Mr Atiku ignored the PDP committees recommendation of Mr Wike as the partys vice presidential candidate. The crisis rocking the party, however, entered a different phase when a group of party members led by Mr Wike, demanded the resignation of the partys national chairman to correct what they described as imbalance in the party leadership structure. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) says a 28-year-old Nigerian student has been reported missing in Northern Cyprus since August 2. The commission said this in a statement issued in Abuja by its Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, Abdur-Rahman Balogun. Mr Balogun said that the disappearance of the student was reported to the commission by his mother, Dije Ibraheem. The report of the missing student came barely 24 hours after NiDCOM repeated advisory to Nigerians against seeking educational succour in the Turkiye Republic of Northern Cyprus. He said that the missing student, AbdulSamad Abubakar, had called the mother on August 2, through another persons phone number, crying they have come to pick me up to a detention camp. Mrs Ibraheem said AbdulSamad is a 300-Level International Relations student of Cyprus Science University and was living off campus. She said since that call on Aug. 2, 2022 from an unknown number, with her son wailing and asking for help, she has not known his whereabouts or heard any news from him or the school authorities. Confused on what to do, she reached out to the agent who secured the admission and travelling documents for her son but he was not forthcoming too. The woman also said she had written a petition to the Consular and Legal Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before coming to seek for NiDCOMs intervention, Mr Balogun added. According to him, the womans prayer is to get her only son back to Nigeria alive. I am here today at NiDCOM to beg you in the name of God to help me bring back my son alive, as I am scared of hearing any bad news about my only child. Please help me, I am a single mother, she was quoted as saying. The Secretary of the Commission, Sule Bassi, received the petition on behalf of the Chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa. He assured Mrs Ibraheem that everything possible would be done to locate her son and bring him back to Nigeria. Mr Bassi, however, reminded her that diplomatic services would be difficult because Nigeria and the United Nations had no diplomatic relations with Northern Cyprus. He, however, assured her that further investigation would be carried out by the commission in conjunction with the Nigeria Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. Here at NiDCOM, we are concerned about the welfare of Nigerians abroad as well as encouraging them to invest back home for national development, he said. The secretary advised Mrs Ibraheem to take care of her health, as the commission investigates the matter. He reiterated the earlier advisory given by the commission against sending students to Northern Cyprus due to negative reports from there, especially from students. NAN reports that Turkeys Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, on Thursday issued an open letter describing the advisory by the commission as exaggerated. NiDCOM however responded by releasing the list of Nigerians murdered in Northern Cyprus within three years. (NAN) The Nigerian government has directed that all flags at government offices in Nigeria and abroad be flown at half mast on Sunday and Monday to honour Queen Elizabeth II. The sovereign of the United Kingdom and head of the Commonwealth died on September 8 at 96 years. Nigeria, a former British colony, is a member of the commonwealth. We commiserate with the government and people of the United Kingdom and all the affected people of the Commonwealth and the world, said a statement by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, on Saturday. READ ALSO: The Queen is dead. Long live the King, it added. Queen Elizabeths son, Charles, Prince of Wales, has been named the new king. The head of British government appointed Liz Truss as prime minister on September 6 and invited her to form a cabinet at Balmoral, Scotland. The queens health forced the event to be held at Balmoral. The World Bank has announced the establishment of a new Financial Intermediary Fund (FIF) that will finance investments to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) at the national, regional, and global levels. Officially established by the FIF Governing Board at its inaugural meeting from 8 to 9 September, the fund, according to the World Bank, will provide a dedicated stream of additional, long-term financing to strengthen PPR capabilities in low-and middle-income countries. The funds establishment follows approval by the World Banks Board of Directors on 30 June. The World Bank stated in a press statement Friday that it will serve as the FIFs trustee and host the Secretariat with technical leadership from World Health Organisation (WHO), noting that the first calls for proposals for investments to be funded will open in November. READ ALSO: The financial institution added that over US$1.4 billion in financial commitments have already been announced and commitments have been made by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, Wellcome Trust, European Commission, Australia, Canada, China and 15 other countries. In his comment, the World Bank Group President, David Malpass, said: COVID-19 has highlighted the pressing need for action to build stronger health systems. Investing now will save lives and resources for the years to come. We welcome the broad support from the international community for this new, multilateral financial intermediary fund at the World Bank to help low- and middle-income countries and regions become better prepared for global health crises and are pleased to have been able to proceed quickly in establishing the fund. About the FIF According to the statement, the new fund is overseen by a Governing Board, which will set the overall work program and make funding decisions. The statement read in parts: The FIFs Governing Board includes equal representation of sovereign donors and potential implementing country governments (co-investors), as well as representatives from foundations and civil society organizations (CSOs). The World Bank and WHO will intensify their work with the Governing Board in consultation with CSOs and other stakeholders, to help operationalize the fund and develop the FIF results in framework and priorities in the run-up to the first call for proposals. FIF financing could help strengthen and sustain PPR capacity in areas such as zoonotic disease surveillance; laboratories; emergency communication, coordination and management; critical health workforce capacities; and community engagement. Speaking at the boards inaugural meeting, the WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus said: The suffering and loss we have all endured will be in vain unless we learn the painful lessons from COVID-19 and put in place the measures to fill critical gaps in the worlds defences against epidemics and pandemics. The FIF is one of those key measures, and WHO looks forward to fulfilling its technical leadership role in advising the FIF Board on where to make the most effective investments to protect health, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The campaign of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has given reason why the chairman of the nations main opposition party, Iyorchia Ayu, cannot be removed at this time. The PDP has for months been rocked by internal crisis, with a camp loyal to Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, demanding Mr Ayus resignation to enable a replacement from the south of Nigeria to be appointed. That camp believes that is one of the ways of addressing the lopsidedness in the leadership of the party. But speaking through Charles Aniagwu, one of its spokespersons, the Atiku campaign said instead of removing Mr Ayu, the PDP was exploring other options in resolving the crisis rocking the party. Mr Aniagwu said as a listening party, the party was taking a second look at the issues based on what was permissible by the laws of the party. Speaking on Arise TV on Saturday, Mr Aniagwu said sacking Mr Ayu would create constitutional crisis for the party which would snowball into greater problems than what the party was currently faced with. According to him, the main issue being canvassed by the stakeholders is the stepping down of the National Chairman which has now been overtaken by events following the vote of confidence by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party. People may misinterpret it to mean calling the bluff of certain stakeholders but that is far from it because the party leadership examined the issues vis-a-vis the provisions of the partys constitution as amended in 2017, Mr Ayu said. When you look at that constitution, there are principal officers called the National Working Committee of the party led by the National Chairman and in the other of hierarchy, the Deputy National Chairman who must also come from same zone with the National Chairman is next in line. The third in line is the National Secretary and when you look at these positions, the National Chairman is from the North, the second in command is also from the North by virtue of the provision of the partys constitution. In section 45 of the partys constitution, in the event of removal or resignation of the National Chairman, the National Deputy Chairman takes over and acts in the position of that National Chairman pending when the party is able to organise another election or do a NEC meeting to be able to take a decision as to how to rearrange the hierarchy of the party. Mr Aniagwu said because the positions were elective positions, even if Mr Ayu were to step down for power to come to the South, the provisions of the constitution of the party would also be offended. That can only happen if you can also take a decision to remove the Deputy National Chairman of the party who the lot immediately falls on by provisions of the law. Even if the party is able to solve that puzzle by bringing both National Chairman and Deputy to South, the third person in the hierarchy of the National Working Committee of the party is the National Secretary and that is in the South specifically Senator Samuel Anyanwu from Imo State. Now if you decide to bring this two positions to the South, have you also made arrangements to take the National Secretary to the North? Because of these legal impediments the party examined it that given the time that we have which is just about six months to the general elections, that it may likely snowball into some form of crisis that could trigger a whole lot of discomfort within the party if we proceed to begin to make these changes that there is the tendencies that the party may be embroiled in a crisis that would be worse than the one we are seeing at the moment. That greater crisis is what the ruling APC is waiting to happen but the leadership of the party is intelligent enough and am happy that Governor Nyesom Wike and other leaders appreciate the need for the party to move as a whole into the 2023 general elections. The Atiku campaign spokesperson further said it was on the basis of this that the party decided to look at what was possible at the moment and that gave room for the resignation of Walid Jibrin and subsequent emergence of Senator Adolphus Wagbara as Chairman Board of Trustees. The emergence of Wagbara in the south to join the Vice presidential candidate and National Secretary had created some form of balance in the interim. But what is most important is that there is a bigger elephant here which is winning the 2023 general elections because Nigerians are looking up to the PDP to rescue the nation from where we are at the moment. I am convinced that our leaders who have been craving for these changes would appreciate the fact that the party is listening but because of time probably when the party may have won the elections in 2023 by the grace of God, we can now proceed to make some of these alterations that may not be injurious to our quest to win the general elections, Mr Aniagwu said. On the performance of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in Delta and the value he brings to the ticket as Vice-Presidential candidate, Mr Aniagwu, who is also the Information Commissioner in Delta, said Mr Okowa had performed tremendously with his five-point agenda, adding that job creation through skill acquisition has been profound. He noted that Mr Okowa had improved the standard of living of the people by reducing poverty in the state which attracted National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) ranking as the second least poor state in the counry in 2018. On infrastructural development, he said Mr Okowa has constructed well over 1,833km of roads with over 900km of drains across the three Senatorial Districts. But what is most important to us is what we have done in the creeks of Delta, area that where hitherto referred to as very difficult terrains to develop, we have made a whole lot of impact in that region which is why we are enjoying a whole lot of peace in the Niger Delta. For a very long time now we have been able to ensure that our brothers and sisters in the creeks are carried along and this is one the things that our principal the Presidential candidate saw and said I need a partner who is progressive in nature. A partner that can address the issues of the youths and a partner that can help address the issues of unity of our country because Delta is a microcosm of Nigeria where you have diverse ethnic groups. When we live in unity as a country, you will discover that we will return to winning ways, all these other symptomatic malaise in our country will be solved, because issue of corruption, bad economy, insecurity, they happen because our diversity was badly mismanaged by the APC, Mr Aniagwu said. Popular Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has faulted the raid by the State Security Service (SSS) on the Kaduna residence and office of his media consultant, Tukur Mamu, on Thursday. Mr Gumi at a religious gathering in Kaduna on Friday said the security operatives who raided Mr Mamus house acted like terrorists who break into peoples homes with guns without recourse to the law. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the SSS raided Mr Mamus residence and claimed that it recovered military uniforms and unspecified amount of money. The raid on Mr Mamus residence and office follows his arrest at the Aminu Kano International Airport on Wednesday. Mr Mamu, a newspaper publisher, negotiated the release of some of the hostages in the March 2022 train abduction in Kaduna. Mr Gumi said he and Mr Mamu are only concerned about peace in their immediate environment which guided their decision to mediate in the release of the hostages. Nigerias constitution did not say you cannot (can) arrest someone without any proven evidence criminalising him and without charging him to court. You cannot arrest and keep him in detention arbitrarily. We are fighting terrorists because they are outlaws, the security agent can also be regarded as outlaws if they refused to act based on the law of the land, Mr Gumi said. He said the security operatives must abide by the law and charge Mr Mamu to court if theyve found any incriminating items against him. Mr Gumi said keeping Mr Mamu in detention is illegal and an attempt to instil fear in him which is also an act of terrorism. I have spoken about the illegality of keeping people in detention arbitrarily in the country by the security agents not only on Tukur Mamu, but I have to also speak on this because I knew what you have not, Mr Gumi said. I was a security agent, I knew the conspiracy and lies being perpetrated by some of the security men, Mr Gumi added. Mr Gumi said he and Mr Mamu are worried about people being killed recklessly in this country, and instead of them to stand by and watch, they decided to go into the bush to mediate, but their efforts have been frustrated by some who dont wish them well for the country. The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party has been in disarray for several years, but it hit a new low with the situation involving Mark Haugen, the partys candidate for the U.S. House. Haugen stepped forward to challenge Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., for the House seat when the party was struggling to find candidates. In fact, the party failed to fill all the ballot spots. In 2020, Haugen ran for state treasurer and did better than all the other Democratic-NPL candidates in statewide races. He drew 34% of the vote, not a stellar showing, but the best the Democrats could muster. Haugen was willing to go to bat for the party again, which required his time and some finances. All candidates make sacrifices to run for office, and Haugen was doing so against steep odds. His chances of winning in this deeply red state were dismal. The partys convention endorsed him and he wasnt challenged in the primary. It was no secret he opposed abortion, when the party tends to support abortion rights. When Cara Mund, former Miss America and recent Harvard Law School graduate, announced plans to run as an independent for the U.S. House, she made her support for abortion rights the centerpiece of her campaign. The desire of national Democrats to have Congress pass a bill guaranteeing the right to an abortion has become a key issue in the fall elections. It appears to be the reason Democratic-NPL leaders and other activists on the left pressured Haugen to drop out of the race. According to The Forum, Haugen got calls from, among others, former U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad and former U.S. Rep. Earl Pomeroy. Haugen said most of the concern voiced by those who contacted him was related to his pro-life position which he refuses to compromise. He said without party support he didnt see a path to victory. The Democratic-NPL members are playing a tricky game which the odds favor them losing. Republicans have tried to tag Mund as a Democrat, something she denies. She said in a debate with Armstrong she supports many Republican policies. At the same time, she declared she wont let Republican or Democratic leaders dictate how shell vote. Mund also interned with Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., and still speaks highly of his leadership skills and performance in the Senate. In the same debate, Mund discussed her opposition to some of President Joe Bidens policies. She specifically noted her opposition to the presidents student loan forgiveness plan. North Dakota Democrats were willing to dump a loyal party member who had accepted a major challenge for another candidate because of one issue. The party says it wont help fund Mund's campaign or officially endorse her. At the same time there werent enough party members willing to stand by Haugen. If Mund should win, which appears to be an uphill battle, Democrats might discover shes more red than blue. The Democratic-NPL cant win even if Mund triumphs as it further tarnished its reputation with the shoddy treatment of Haugen. The party has had problems in the past finding candidates, and it likely will have a more difficult time in the future. Ita Enang, a former senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs, has said that Godswill Akpabio had informed some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the party would not have a governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State in the 2023 elections. The APC does not have a governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Mr Akpabio, an APC chieftain, is a former minister of Niger Delta Affairs. He is also a former governor of Akwa Ibom. Mr Enang said this in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES in July, in Uyo. The truth is that he (Akpabio) had told people on 26 March at Eagle Square (Abuja) during a convention to elect new leadership of the party that Akwa Ibom will not have a (governorship) candidate in the (2023) election. So he had already planned this to create a situation where there will be no other person coming up either as candidate or senator or anything, so that at every time they want to talk about APC in the state, he will be the biggest person, having been a former governor, Mr Enang, a former senator, said. The former senator said the Akwa Ibom delegates who attended the March convention could not vote because of the confusion over who was the APC chairman in the state between Stephen Ntukekpo and Austin Ekanem. Mr Ntukekpo, backed by Mr Akpabio, used forged documents to win a court judgement which ousted Mr Ekanem, who was elected the chairman of the APC in Akwa Ibom. The police headquarters in Abuja have confirmed that Mr Ntukekpo presented forged documents to the court, and have, therefore, recommended that he should be charged for forgery and impersonation. Mr Enang mentioned a chieftain of the APC whom he said was present when Mr Akpabio allegedly said the party would not have a governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom. When PREMIUM TIMES contacted the APC chieftain, he said he could not recollect the specific incident Mr Enang was referring to. But he, however, said that he had heard Mr Akpabio say it many times that the APC would rather not have a governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom, than for John Akpanudoedehe, a former interim national secretary of the APC, to get the party ticket. It is his (Akpabio) way of doing things, said the APC chieftain, who did not want his name mentioned in the report because of the controversy around the APC crisis in Akwa Ibom. Look at the confusion, the crisis, the shame he has brought to the APC in the state, and yet he is boasting that he will deliver Akwa Ibom for Tinubu (the APC presidential candidate). Deliver which Akwa Ibom? After destroying (the) APC in the state? he added. Akpabio not in control of my destiny PREMIUM TIMES asked Mr Akpanudoedehe if what was said about Mr Akpabio was true. Akpabio has blackmailed me. He has said all sorts of things behind my back. If you check his antecedents, he brings down people. If he had said that, that is why I left the APC for him, Mr Akpanudoedehe responded. He is not in control of my destiny. The God that used me to make him governor, no matter what he thinks against me, he will not succeed, he added. Mr Akpanudoedehe defected from the APC to the New Nigeria Peoples Party in June after a protracted political battle between him and Mr Akpabio over the control of the APC structure in Akwa Ibom, after a faction loyal to Mr Akpabio handed the governorship ticket to Akanimo Udofia, an entrepreneur who joined the APC a few days to the governorship primary. INEC has refused to recognise Mr Udofia as the APC governorship candidate because the commission did not monitor the primary that produced him as required by the law. Mr Akpabio too has failed to secure INECs recognition as the APC senatorial candidate in Akwa Ibom for the same reason. Messrs Udofia and Akpabio are in court over their political ambition. Akpabio reacts When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Jackson Udom, a media aide to Mr Akpabio, he challenged Mr Enang to provide evidence that the former minister made the remarks about the APC not going to have a governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom. We wont react to issues like that. We dont react to hearsay, Mr Udom said. PREMIUM TIMES asked him if Mr Akpabio was not worried that APC does not have a governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom. Are you aware that the case is in court? INEC has their own position. INEC is also subject to the law court. INEC does not have the final say, it is the court, he said. BEIJING, Sept. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated by millions of people on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, the day falls on September 10. The Mid-autumn festival is not just about family reunions. It's also about the joy of harvesting, romance and the harmony between humans and nature. CGTN: 2022 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala: a family feast for Chinese worldwide The Mid-Autumn Festival is a synthesis of seasonal customs in autumn, and most of the festival elements it contains have ancient origins. An essential part of the festival celebration is moon worship. In ancient agrarian societies, people believed that the moon's operation was closely related to agricultural production and seasonal changes, so the Moon Festival became a critical ritual activity. Since ancient times, there have been many legends about the moon in China. For the Chinese, the moon is symbolized as being holy, pure and noble. Over tens of thousands of poems describing the moon have been recorded. There are many interesting stories explaining the origin of the festival. The story of Chang'e and Hou Yi is the most widely accepted by Chinese people. Long ago there was a beautiful lady, Chang'e, whose husband was a brave archer, Hou Yi. But one day she drank a bottle of elixir that made her immortal to honor her husband's instructions to keep it safe. Then she was separated from her beloved husband, floating up into the sky, and finally landing on the moon, where she lives to this day. In modern times the festival has evolved to the point where eating mooncakes has become a custom throughout China. Folk customs feature a series of festive activities such as moon viewing with families, guessing lantern riddles, carrying brightly lit lanterns, performing dragon and lion dances and more. CMG's Mid-Autumn Festival Gala Presented by China Media Group (CMG), the annual gala, also known as Qiuwan in Chinese, began at 8 p.m. Beijing Time on September 10 and lasted over two hours, presenting a creative and excellent extravaganza to audiences from all over the world. The gala was divided into three chapters, started with Kunqu Opera and Pingtan (a regional musical/oral performance art). It presented a unique "Suzhou-style Mid-Autumn Festival" show with the cultural characteristics of waterfront towns south of the Yangtze River. The gala featured an all-star cast. In Jiyang Lake Park at Zhangjiagang of Jiangsu Province, the main venue, Chinese stars including Li Yugang, Huang Ling and Na Ying staged various styles of songs. Among the many moon-themed songs were new renditions of traditional Chinese poetry of the great poets of the past. Shenzhou-14 taikonauts Chen Dong, Liu Yang and Cai Xuzhe spent the first ever "Mid-Autumn Festival in Space" on China's space station. The three taikonauts recorded an exclusive video for the gala, sending their Mid-Autumn wishes and a "lucky star" to the Chinese people worldwide. As an annual event that unites Chinese people worldwide, CMG's Mid-Autumn Festival Gala has attracted widespread attention from domestic and international media since its official announcement. Over the Moon CGTN's Mid-Autumn Festival Live Show On the day of the festival, CGTN also brought the "Over the Moon Mid Autumn Festival Live Show" to global audiences to showcase the vigor and charm of traditional Chinese culture from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Live Show strung together a series of featured programs including The Chat Room, VIBE's Mid-Autumn special edition, Mid-Autumn Night in Dunhuang, and CMG's Mid-Autumn Festival gala. For thousands of years, the full moon and the reunion have been the consistent themes of the Mid-Autumn Festival, along with sipping tea, reciting poems, talking about different traditions in various countries, enjoy the "moon" and even interacting with "the jade rabbit" in the XR virtual scene and travel through ancient and modern times to celebrate the festival; the six-hour-long live show featured some of the best Mid-Autumn Festival programs and videos produced by CGTN and advanced audiovisual technology. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-09-10/2022-Mid-Autumn-Festival-Gala-A-family-feast-for-Chinese-worldwide-1ddwAiyY0sU/index.html SOURCE CGTN HOUSTON, Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CITGO Holding, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), today announced the expiration and final results of its previously announced offer to purchase (the "Offer") for cash up to $286.231 million in aggregate principal amount (the "Excess Cash Flow Offer Amount") of its 9.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (the "Notes") at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the settlement date, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, dated August 11, 2022 (the "Offer to Purchase"). The Offer expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 9, 2022 (the "Expiration Time"). As of the Expiration Time, $12.282 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes had been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Time. Because the aggregate principal amount for all Notes tendered in the Offer did not exceed the Excess Cash Flow Offer Amount of $286.231 million, the Company will purchase $12.282 million aggregate principal amount of Notes pursuant to the Offer. Payment for such accepted Notes will be made on September 16, 2022. After giving effect to the purchase of the tendered and accepted Notes, approximately $1.358 billion in aggregate principal amount of the Notes will remain outstanding. The Notes are governed by an indenture, dated as of August 1, 2019 (the "Indenture"), by and among the Company, the Guarantors party thereto and TMI Trust Company, as trustee (the "Trustee"). Under the terms of the Indenture, the Company is obligated to offer to purchase for cash an aggregate principal amount of up to the Excess Cash Flow Offer Amount of its outstanding Notes at the price described above. The Offer was made to satisfy this requirement. The Excess Cash Flow Offer Amount is equal to 50% of the Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Indenture) of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries for the Excess Cash Flow Period (as defined in the Indenture), minus the mandatory prepayment offer amount under the excess cash flow offer provisions of the Term Loan Facility (as defined in the Indenture). In this regard, the Company made a concurrent offer of prepayment equal to approximately $482.673 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness under the Term Loan Facility, of which $216 million was accepted. The Offer and the concurrent offer under the Term Loan Facility were not conditioned on one another. This announcement is not an offer to purchase or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell any securities in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. About CITGO Holding, Inc. CITGO Holding, Inc. ("CITGO Holding" or the "Company") is the direct parent of CITGO Petroleum Corporation ("CITGO"). CITGO Holding is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PDV Holding, Inc. ("PDV Holding"), a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. ("PDVSA" or "ultimate parent"), which is a Venezuelan corporation 100% owned and controlled by the Government of Venezuela. CITGO manufactures or refines and markets transportation fuels as well as petrochemicals, other industrial products and lubricants. We own and operate three large-scale, highly complex petroleum refineries with a total rated crude oil refining capacity of approximately 769,000 barrels per day, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Corpus Christi, Texas and Lemont, Illinois. Our refining operations are supported by an extensive distribution network, which provides reliable access to our refined product end-markets. We own 35 active refined product terminals with a total storage capacity of 18.3 million barrels and have equity ownership of an additional 3.5 million barrels of refined product storage capacity through our joint ownership of an additional eight terminals, spread across 22 states. We own or have an equity interest in four additional terminals, consisting of approximately 1 million barrels of refined storage capacity, which are currently inactive or only utilized to store feedstocks used in refining operations. We also have access to more than 140 third-party terminals through exchange, terminaling and similar arrangements. Our retail network consists of approximately 4,300 independently owned and operated CITGO-branded retail outlets located east of the Rocky Mountains. We and our predecessors have had a recognized brand presence in the U.S. for over 100 years. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "target," "will," "would," "should," the negative of these terms and similar terms and phrases. These statements relate to, among other things, expectations regarding revenues, costs and expenses, refining and other margins, profitability, cash flows, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources, our working capital requirements and other financial and operating items. These statements also relate to our industry, business strategy, goals and expectations concerning our market position and future operations. Any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Although we believe the assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of these assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions could be incorrect. In addition, our business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could result in our expectations not being realized or could otherwise materially affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We caution to readers that these forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results that are projected, expressed or implied. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or development, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. SOURCE CITGO Corporation Nearly 80 Korean War Veterans to Attend Reception that Honors Veterans of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and are known as 'The Chosin Few' ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- StarKist Co., which is headquartered in Reston, VA, and its parent company, Dongwon of Seoul, South Korea, was proud to sponsor a luncheon today for more than 80 Korean War veterans. The luncheon was conducted as part of the National Chosin Few Reunion, which is being held at the Hilton Crystal City at the Washington Reagan National Airport, September 7-11, 2022. Andrew Choe, President & CEO of StarKist and Colonel Warren H. Wiedhahn, USMC (Ret), with attendees at StarKist-sponsored luncheon honoring Korean War veteransTop Row: Young Choi, Dongwon; Tom Aslin, Vice President, Marketing; Andrew Choe, President & CEO; Earl Moynihan, Vice President, Supply Chain; Michelle Faist, Head of Corporate AffairsBottom Row: Colonel Warren H. Wiedhahn, USMC (Ret), The Chosin Few Chairman/CEO, accompanied by The Chosin Few Board of DirectorsPhoto Credit: Chip McCrea Andrew Choe, President and CEO of StarKist, speaks at a luncheon honoring nearly 80 Korean War veterans called 'The Chosin Few'Photo Credit: Chip McCrea "The Korean War veterans are American heroes and StarKist is honored to be a part of The Chosin Few Reunion," said Andrew Choe, StarKist President and CEO. "The Korean War veterans who fought in the battle of the Chosin Reservoir in November and December 1950, fought valiantly to protect and preserve freedom for the United States and South Korea. It is an honor to demonstrate our appreciation for their service and sacrifice." StarKist's support for the region's Korean War veterans started when the company held an annual luncheon for the Korean War veterans of Southwestern Pennsylvania more than 10 years ago. In April 2022, the company moved to Reston, VA, and is continuing its work to recognize and thank Korean War veterans. "It's wonderful that after all of these years the Korean community both locally and internationally have rallied around The Chosin Few to help us commemorate the battle of the Chosin Reservoir," said Colonel Warren H. Wiedhahn, USMC (Ret) and The Chosin Few Chairman/CEO. "It means so much for us that our sacrifices and service during the Korean War are appreciated. We are thankful for StarKist and Dongwon for their support and involvement." About StarKist Co. StarKist Co. is a socially responsible company that empowers people to live a healthy lifestyle by providing convenient proteins. An industry innovator, StarKist was the first brand to introduce single-serve pouch products, which include StarKist Tuna Creations, Salmon Creations and Chicken Creations. As America's favorite tuna, StarKist represents a tradition of quality, consumer trust and a commitment to sustainability. StarKist's charismatic brand icon, Charlie the Tuna, swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. StarKist Co. is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Dongwon Industries Co., Ltd. Michelle Faist StarKist Corporate Affairs [email protected] Phone: 571-441-8096 SOURCE StarKist Co. NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 31, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE: ABT), if they purchased the Company's shares between February 19, 2021 to June 8, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Get Help Abbott investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-abt-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit Abbott and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On February 17, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") announced that its inspection of the Company's Sturgis, Michigan facility, prompted by consumer complaints of infant illness, had yielded several positive contamination results for the Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria, linked to infant illnesses and death. On the same day, the Company, without mention of the FDA investigation, recalled certain infant formula products, including the popular brands Similac, Alimentum and EleCare, all manufactured in Sturgis. On this news, shares of Abbott declined by $3.79 per share, or 3.14%. Then, on March 22, 2022, the FDA reported that, although not "final FDA determinations," its most recent inspection conducted between January 31, 2022 and March 18, 2022 revealed that the Company failed to establish process controls "designed to ensure that infant formula does not become adulterated due to the presence of microorganisms in the formula or in the processing environment" and failed to "ensure that all surfaces that contacted infant formula were maintained to protect infant formula from being contaminated by any source." On this news, shares of Abbott declined by an additional $4.97 per share, or 4%. Finally, on June 8, 2022, it was reported that a whistleblower complaint identifying numerous serious examples of misconduct at Sturgis related to the above had been filed with the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration ("OSHA") in February 2021, and that OSHA had delivered that complaint to Abbott Laboratories and the FDA during the same month. On this news, shares of Abbott declined by an additional 3.5%, further damaging investors. The case is Pembroke Pines Firefighters & Police Officers Pension Fund v. Abbott Laboratories, No. 22-cv-04661. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. SOURCE ClaimsFiler NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 31, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Azure Power Global Limited ("Azure" or the "Company") ( NYSE: AZRE), if they purchased the Company's securities between June 15, 2021 and August 26, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Get Help Azure investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-azre/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit Azure and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On August 29, 2022, the Company disclosed that its Chief Executive Officer had resigned, less than two months after his appointment and that it had "received a whistleblower complaint in May 2022 alleging potential procedural irregularities and misconduct by certain employees at a plant belonging to one of its subsidiaries." During the Company's review of these allegations, Azure "discovered deviations from safety and quality norms" and "also identified evidence of manipulation of project data and information by certain employees." On this news, shares of Azure declined by $4.61 per share, or approximately 44.07%, from $10.46 per share to close at $5.85 on August 29, 2022. The case is Gilbert v. Azure Power Global Limited, No. 22-cv-7432. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. SOURCE ClaimsFiler NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The environmental law attorneys at Manning Law, APC proudly announce a settlement on behalf of Calsafe Research Center, Inc., a California non-profit corporation dedicated to keeping Californians safe from exposure to products that are alleged to contain chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm in violation of Proposition 65. Proposition 65, "The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986" is a "right to know" law intended to protect Californians. Through its required warnings, Proposition 65 alerts consumers in the State of California to the risk of potential exposures to substances causing cancer or reproductive harm and provides them with the ability to make an informed decision regarding whether to purchase, consume or use such products. Calsafe Research Center, Inc. acts in the public interest as a private enforcer of Proposition 65 through civil law enforcement actions initiated by its counsel, Manning Law, APC. Material details of settlement: Chemical: Lead Product Category: Food; Athena Stuffed Vine Leaves Used By: Children/Adults Settlement Year: 2022 Private Enforcer: Calsafe Research Center, Inc. https://www.calsaferesearchcenter.com/ Defendant: Kradjian Importing Co., Inc. Type: Out-of-Court Settlement which can be viewed at https://oag.ca.gov/prop65/60-Day-Notice-2021-02411 Relief: Clear and reasonable warnings regarding presence of lead. "Since California residents overwhelmingly voted to enact Proposition 65 in 1986 the act has generated substantial reductions in the content of toxic chemicals in consumer touching products. Where products inherently include a Proposition 65 listed chemical that cannot be removed, warning labels have empowered Californians to make an informed decision about being exposed to the product," said Manning Law, APC co-founder Michael J. Manning. Babak (Bobby) Hashemi, who also represents Calsafe Research Center, Inc. in advancing the public's interest through environmental litigation, said "I am proud to represent an organization dedicated to protecting the health and autonomy of California residents." Manning Law, APC is known for its civil rights, consumer, and environmental protection litigation including its precedent setting litigation under the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and the Unruh Civil Rights Act ("UCRA"). In particular, the firm is known for its role as plaintiff's counsel in the first federal appellate case to recognize the application of the ADA and UCRA to websites and mobile applications, see Robles v. Domino's Pizza, LLC, No. 17-55504 (9th Cir. 2019). Manning Law, APC has also been recognized by the Office of the Secretary of Defense of the United States as a "Patriotic Employer" for its support of employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve Force. SOURCE Manning Law APC - The exclusive event held in Havana, Cuba, was attended by people from 43 countries and renowned national and international artists, such as James Morrison, who was in charge of giving the closing concert of the evening - During the event, two unique humidors in the world were auctioned for which 2,900,000 were raised, funds that will go entirely to Cuban Public Health HAVANA, Sept. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The long-awaited celebration of the 55th anniversary of Cohiba, Habanos' most emblematic and prestigious brand, took place in Havana, Cuba, the birthplace of what is considered the best cigar in the world. For three days, Habanos, S.A. offered its guests a full program of activities starting with a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a visit to the El Laguito Factory and ended with the acclaimed Gala Dinner. Two years after the last Habano Festival, Cuba was once again visited by aficionados of Premium cigars, especially Habanos, with a Welcome Cocktail for 650 lucky people. Attendees were treated to a magical evening with an experiential journey through the brand's more than five decades of successful history and its main Lines: Classic, 1492, Maduro 5 and Behike. There was also a visit to the emblematic El Laguito Factory, where the Cohiba brand vitolas have been produced since 1966, ensuring the delicacy and quality of these Habanos. The final touch was provided by the exclusive Gala Dinner with 650 attendees from 43 countries and focused on the novelties that Habanos, S.A. presented on the so-called "Cohiba Year" with its launches Cohiba Ambar, Cohiba Coleccion Ideales and Cohiba 55 Aniversario Edicion Limitada. This dinner was the culmination of all the celebrations held around the world to commemorate Cohiba's 55th anniversary. An event full of tradition, luxury and moments of pleasure with the Habano as the protagonist, which has received international recognition from the most demanding aficionados. Since its birth in 1966, Cohiba has been synonymous with exclusivity, tradition and quality. The gala was attended by renowned artists with long careers such as Cesar Lopez, Miguel Patterson and Manolito Simonet, as well as by leading figures from the music scene such as Niurka Gonzalez, Haila, Lily Daly and Mayko D'Alma, and artists with innovative proposals such as Camila Rodhe, Geidy Chapman, Emilio Frias "El Nino," Vocal Renacer or Tenores Los Clasicos. The evening ended with a concert by the internationally renowned James Morrison. According to Leopoldo Cintra Gonzalez, Commercial Vice President of Habanos, S.A.: "In addition to luxury and exclusivity, Cohiba is synonymous with the work and effort of generations that have managed to make it the most recognized Habanos brand worldwide." He added: "How could it be otherwise, such a singular date deserved some launches at the height of what we call the "Cohiba Year" with three unique and special vitolas such as Cohiba Ambar, Cohiba Ideales, and Cohiba 55 Aniversario Edicion Limitada." During the event, and for the first time outside the framework of the Habano Festival, the auction of two unique humidors was held. All the Habanos they contain were made " Totally by hand with long filler" and by the best torcedores of the El Laguito Factory. The proceeds will go entirely to Cuban Public Health. The Cohiba 55th Anniversary Humidor, worth 2,800,000, contains 550 Habanos from all the prestigious brand lines and represents a tribute to Cohiba's success story. Made with precious woods, mother-of-pearl, and Swarovski on the outside and okume and mahogany on the inside. Humidor Rare Le Rituel & Cohiba Ambar, worth 100,000, was made to include a bottle of Champagne Rare Milesime 1988 and 44 Cohiba Ambar. It is the first of a series of 10 Limited Edition Humidors handcrafted on demand by the prestigious artisan workshop Elie Bleu, which has been making humidors for tobacco since 1976. The 2020 and 2021 Habanos Awards were also presented to Eulalio Bejarano and Riad Boukaram in the Business category, Walid Saleh and Angel Garcia Munoz in the Communications category, and Vicente Fausto Torres and Nelson Rodriguez Lopez in the Production category. Learn more about Cohiba's history here To download high resolution images click here. For more information about Habanos, S.A.: www.habanos.com https://www.instagram.com/habanos_oficial/ https://twitter.com/Habanos_Oficial https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCstGLy96wdZG7eCM4855_DA https://www.linkedin.com/company/habanos-sa/ SOURCE Habanos S.A NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM") ( NYSE: IBM). On October 20, 2021, the Company announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2021, disclosing total revenues for the quarter of $17.62 billion, a shortfall of $191.84 million based on analyst estimates, due largely to its Cloud & Cognitive Software segment, which had revenues of $5.69 billion - a shortfall of approximately $80 million based on analyst estimates of $5.77 billion. Thereafter, the Company and certain of its executives were sued in a securities class action lawsuit, charging them with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. KSF's investigation is focusing on whether IBM's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to its shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws. If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of IBM shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-ibm/ to learn more. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. Contact: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner [email protected] 1-877-515-1850 1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200 New Orleans, LA 70163 SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 17, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against MINISO Group Holding Limited ( NYSE: MNSO), if they purchased or acquired the Company's securities pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's October 2020 initial public offering (the "IPO"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Get Help MINISO investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-mnso/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit MINISO and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information in its IPO Registration Statement, violating federal securities laws. On July 26, 2022, market researcher Blue Orca Capital reported on a myriad of issues involving the China-based company, including that "there is overwhelming evidence that MINISO misleads the market about its core business" and that "Chinese corporate filings also indicate, in our view, that the chairman siphoned hundreds of millions from the public company through opaque Caribbean jurisdictions as the middleman in a crooked headquarters deal," among other things. On this news, the price of MINISO's American Depositary Shares fell $1.08, or 14.98%, to close at $6.13, on unusually heavy trading volume. The case is Ashraf v. MINISO Group Holding Limited, No. 22-cv-05815. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. SOURCE ClaimsFiler Can an individual North Dakota do anything to support Democracy? By volunteering to be an election worker, you can encourage all eligible voters to participate. Republican or Democrat, let's step up. Today, most election workers are paid by the county, and receive mileage also. Workers are needed for absentee boards and for assisting at the polls. Time commitments can be as little as a training session and one 12-hour shift at the polls or one training session and up to two shifts counting by-mail votes. Each volunteer usually has one task and often work in pairs. Training is necessary for that task and for understanding of the system, which is an education in itself. Call your county auditor to inquire. They will put your name on a list and you may receive a call. Be a part of the process. Rural counties are particularly short of volunteers. Marie Pozarnsky, Benedict WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted the importance of climate, human spaceflight, and STEM education during the Biden-Harris Administration's second National Space Council meeting Friday, held at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. National Space Council Meeting led by Chairwoman, Vice President Kamala Harris. Photo Date: September 9, 2022. Location: Building 9NW, SVMF. Photographer: Robert Markowitz. "For generations, with our allies and partners around the globe, America has led our world in the exploration and use of space," said Harris. "Our leadership has been guided by a set of fundamental principles cooperation, security, ambition, and public trust which is the recognition, of course, that space can and must be protected for the benefit of all people. There is so much we still don't know and so much we still haven't done space remains a place of undiscovered and unrealized opportunity. Our test and our responsibility is to work together to guide humanity forward into this new frontier and to make real the incredible potential of space for all people." For more than 50 years, NASA satellites have provided open-source and publicly available data on Earth's land, water, temperature, weather, and climate. Improving access to key climate information is a priority for the agency. Building on his previous announcement, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson released the first concept, and shared a new video for the Earth Information Center. The center will allow the public to see how the Earth is changing and guide decision makers to mitigate, adapt, and respond to climate change. "Just like we use mission control to monitor operations during spaceflight, we're embarking on this effort to monitor conditions here on our home planet, and it will be available to everyone in an easy-to-access format," Nelson said. Planning for the Earth Information Center is underway with the initial phase providing an interactive visual display of imagery and data from NASA and other government agencies. NASA Headquarters plans to house this initial interactive display with goals to expand in person and virtual access over the next five years. The Vice President also underscored the important research conducted on the International Space Station that will enable long duration stays on the Moon and future human missions to Mars, in addition to benefits to life here on Earth. "NASA uses the International Space Station to conduct critical research on the risks associated with future Mars missions space radiation, isolation, and distance from Earth, just to name a few. It's also a testbed to develop the technologies we'll need for long duration stays on the Moon, where we will build an Artemis Base Camp on the surface and Gateway outpost in lunar orbit," Nelson said. "Research on the space station demonstrates that the benefits of microgravity are not just for discovery. We also develop new technologies that improve life on Earth, like treatments for cancer." In conjunction with the meeting, NASA announced a new Space Grant K-12 Inclusiveness and Diversity in STEM (SG KIDS) opportunity that will award more than $4 million to institutions across the U.S. to help bring the excitement of NASA and STEM to traditionally underserved and underrepresented groups of middle and high school students. The announcement is a part of a broader set of commitments made by public, private, and philanthropic partners announced by the Vice President to help in the recruitment and development of the next generation of the space workforce. SG KIDS also addresses the White House Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, as well as NASA Administrator Bill Nelson's focus on providing authentic STEM opportunities to K-12 students. While at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Vice President Harris toured the agency's mission control with Nelson and Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche. The Vice President also spoke with NASA astronauts Bob Hines, Kjell Lindgren, and Jessica Watkins, living and working aboard the International Space Station about how their research benefits life on Earth, supports long duration space flight, and protects our planet. The Vice President also received a tour of the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility (SVMF), where space flight crews and their support personnel receive world class training on high-fidelity hardware for real-time mission support. The SVMF consists of space station, Orion, Commercial vehicle mockups, part-task trainers and rack interfaces, a Precision Air Bearing Floor, and a Partial Gravity Simulator. A recording of the full National Space Council meeting is available online at: https://go.nasa.gov/3eEGxEW SOURCE NASA VinFast delivered the first 100 VF 8s to customers in Vietnam The first global delivery is expected to be in December 2022 HAI PHONG, Vietnam, Sept. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- At the VinFast manufacturing complex in Hai Phong, VinFast held an event to celebrate the deliveries of the first batch of 100 VF 8 all-electric vehicles for VinFast's pioneer customers who made the earliest reservations. This event marked an historic milestone, as Vietnam's first global smart electric car was officially released and ready to enter the most demanding markets in the US, Canada, and Europe. With the theme "The Future is Now" the VF 8 Delivery Event was held at VinFast's manufacturing complex in Hai Phong in the company of VinFirst customers the first to reserve the vehicles. The event was also livestreamed globally, so VinFast's customers and viewers worldwide could witness the moment when Vietnam's first global electric vehicles officially rolled off the production line. After these initial deliveries in Vietnam, VinFast plans to export the next batch of approximately 5,000 VF 8s headed to the US, Canada, and Europe from November. The first international customers are expected to receive their vehicles as early as December 2022. Speaking at the event, Madam Le Thi Thu Thuy Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup and Global CEO of VinFast said: "Today's event marks a turning point for Vietnam's auto industry. In this historic moment, we are extremely happy to deliver the first batch of VF 8 all-electric vehicles to our pioneering customers in Vietnam. And very soon, the enthusiasm will be realized by more than 65,000 pioneering customers world wide." The VinFast VF 8 is an electric SUV made for global markets with a 5-seat configuration and overall dimensions of 187.00" (length) x 76.14" (width) x 65.63" (height). The VF 8 is equipped with ADAS, a series of advanced automated driving features that includes Highway Assist, Automated Lane Changing Assist, Smart Parking Assist, Smart Summon Mode, and Remote Parking Assist. In addition, the VF 8 is equipped with the "Smart Services" package, along with features for controlling and interacting with the vehicle through voice, remote vehicle control which can be accessed via the VinFast app. The package also includes other impressive high-quality user experiences, such as online shopping, and video games that synchronize with your phone. The VinFast VF 8 has two versions Eco and Plus. The VF 8 Eco version is equipped with a 260 kW-maximum-power electric motor reaching a maximum torque of 500Nm (approximately 369 ft-lbs) that sustains a range of up to 260 miles after each full charge (WLTP). The VF 8 Plus version is equipped with a 300 kW-maximum-power electric motor reaching a maximum torque of 620Nm (approximately 457 ft-lbs) with a range of up to 248 miles per each full charge (WLTP). A significant advantage of electric motors versus internal combustion engines is the ability to instantly achieve maximum torque, which helps VinFast VF 8 accelerate impressively, operate smoothly, and provide an outstanding driving feeling. In addition to the battery subscription policy announced earlier this year, as of September 1, 2022, VinFast officially offered an option to purchase batteries with cars to meet the diverse needs of customers. Customers who made reservations to purchase a VF 8 or VF 9 before September 1, 2022, can keep their original battery subscription option and enjoy a permanent rate for the lifetime of their vehicle. They also have the option to select a new option - purchasing the vehicle and battery together, to own the complete package. Customers who made early reservations under the VinFirst program also received attractive offers including a voucher worth 150-million VND (Vietnam), $3,000 USD (US), $3,500 CAD (Canada) 2,500 EUR (EU), a VinFast Smart Driving package worth 132 million VND (Vietnam), $6,500 USD (US), $8,125 CAD (Canada), 7,250 EUR (EU), and a 118-million VND Vinpearl's voucher (about $5,000 USD), and more. Customers who own a VF 8, or any VinFast vehicle, will receive an excellent customer care service and after-sales assistance, that includes VinFast's world-leading 10-year warranty, mobile charging, mobile service, 24/7 free rescue during the warranty period, and more. Launch of VinFast Community To encourage customers to come together for the global electric vehicle revolution, VinFast plans to launch an international forum on VinFast's website on September 16, 2022. This forum will be a meaningful community for VinFast owners and those who love VinFast to discuss, exchange driving experiences, and share the latest trends. Stay tuned for more information! About VinFast VinFast - a member of Vingroup envisioned to drive the movement of global smart electric vehicle revolution. Established in 2017, VinFast owns a state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing complex with globally leading scalability that boasts up to 90% automation in Hai Phong, Vietnam. Strongly committed to the mission for a sustainable future for everyone, VinFast constantly innovates to bring high-quality products, advanced smart services, seamless customer experiences, and pricing strategy for all to inspire global customers to jointly create a future of smart mobility and a sustainable planet. Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.com. About Vingroup Established in 1993, Vingroup is one of the leading private conglomerates in the region, with a total capitalization of $35 billion USD from three publicly traded companies (as of November 4, 2021). Vingroup currently focuses on three main areas: Technology and Industry, Services and Social Enterprise. Find out more at: https://www.vingroup.net/en. SOURCE VinFast Automotive Thousands of mourners who have flocked to the capital for the opportunity to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II have been told to stay away after the queue reached nearly five miles. The line was closed earlier today for six hours in order to reduce the length of the queue, starting at Westminster Hall with the end closer to Southwark Park. Here, according to the Daily Mail, some 2,000 people are being kept in a holding area until the queue shortens. Crowds of people were begging to join the main queue, with security letting roughly 100 people join every 10 or 15 minutes. According to the BBC, the queue is at capacity, although it is unclear exactly how many people that is. With that being said, the estimated wait time is about 14 hours, with those waiting told to expect little time to sit down as the queue is constantly moving. People will be able to visit up until 6.30am on Monday 19 September, the day of her funeral. Monday 19 The Queens state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey. Plans involve the Queens coffin to be carried along by carriage pulled by sailors rather than horses, with senior members of the Royal Family following behind. The military will line the streets and join the procession, as well as heads of governments, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key public figures. The service will be televised and a national two minutes silence is expected to be held. The Queens coffin will be taken to St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle, and her final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annexe to the main chapel. Here, her mother and father are buried, as well as the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Her late husbands coffin, the Duke of Edinburgh, will be moved from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen's. Berlin, Sep 10 : Fifty-four per cent of Germans would support keeping the country's remaining nuclear power plants running due to the worsening energy crisis, according to a survey. Against the backdrop of soaring prices for gas and electricity, Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck aims to keep two of Germany's three nuclear power plants on standby as an emergency option until April 2023, Xinhua news agency reported. Germany's nuclear phase-out would not be reversed, Habeck said. "Nuclear power is and will remain a high-risk technology, and the highly radioactive waste will burden tens of generations to come." The survey published by public broadcaster ZDF showed 12 per cent public support for the completion of the phase-out as planned by the end of this year. Economic experts are also questioning the decision to keep the plants on standby. "Every effort must be made to mobilize generation capacities that can be made available at short notice," Veronika Grimm of the German Council of Economic Experts told Funke Mediengruppe. Environmental organizations have warned against reversing Germany's nuclear phase-out. The lifetime of the country's remaining nuclear power plants should not be extended due to unresolved safety issues, a recent study published by Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND) found. Keeping nuclear power plants on standby until next year is "unacceptable and prevents the necessary energy transition," Martin Kaiser, executive director of Greenpeace Germany, said. The continued operation of the old nuclear power plants is a "significant safety risk." Los Angeles, Sep 10 : The explosive Mosquito Fire burning in the foothills east of Sacramento, capital city of the western US' California, grew to 29,585 acres (119.7 square km) on Friday noon, some 60 hours after it was first reported on Tuesday evening. "Today the Mosquito Fire showed extreme fire behavior and growth, more than quadrupling in size," the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said in its latest briefing, adding that aircraft continued to have difficulty accurately mapping the fire's perimeter due to heavy smoke, Xinhua news agency reported. The blaze has continued to erupt in size, up from 13,700 acres (55.4 square km) reported Thursday evening and 6,900 acres (27.9 square km) Thursday morning. Some 1,700 personnel were assigned to the huge wildfire as of Thursday evening, according to Cal Fire. The Forest Service said more than 260 bulldozers are working on the scene. As of Thursday evening, local authorities said the blaze was threatening 3,666 structures in El Dorado and Placer counties, while Georgetown, a historic gold rush town of close to 3,000 residents, was listed on the evacuation map. California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday evening declared a state of emergency for El Dorado and Placer counties due to the Mosquito Fire. A state of emergency was also declared early this week in Riverside County for Fairview Fire burning in Southern California, which consumed 27,463 acres (111.1 square km) of land as of Friday noon. Moscow, Sep 10 : Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is ready to donate its potash fertilizers to developing countries. "Our manufacturers, primarily producers of potash fertilizers, are willing to transfer them free of charge to developing countries that are in dire need of these fertilizers," Putin said at a regular meeting of the Russian Security Council. The President said that he wanted the Russian Foreign Ministry to work through this issue as well, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the Kremlin. Large quantities of Russian fertilizers have accumulated in European ports due to sanctions, Putin added. According to the President, Russia supplied 7 million tonnes of fertilizers to other countries from May to August, about half of them to countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Washington, Sep 10 : Two adults and three children were found dead at a residence in Cecil County, in the US' Maryland. The Cecil County Sheriff's Office said in a release that a male individual called 911 in the morning to report that three children and a female had been shot and were deceased, Xinhua news agency reported. Deputies arrived at the residence in the unit block of Hebron Court in Elk Mills and observed an unresponsive subject inside of the detached garage. They made entry into the residence where they ultimately discovered five deceased subjects in various locations inside the residence and the detached garage, according to the release. "All of the deceased appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds," the release read. "A semi-automatic handgun was located near the deceased adult male." "This is a tragic and terrible day for our county and our community," Cecil County Sheriff Scott Adams told reporters Friday afternoon. Investigators are currently on the scene executing a search and seizure warrant and actively investigating the incident. A reverse 911 call was said to have been put out in the immediate area to indicate that there was no threat to the public. Brussels, Sep 10 : The energy ministers of the European Union (EU) member states have agreed a common position on temporary emergency measures to curb energy prices, according to senior officials. They have tasked the European Commission to present "a robust and tangible proposal in a matter of days," Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Sikela said after the extraordinary Energy Council meeting in Brussels, Xinhua news agency reported. "We will do whatever it takes to help our citizens and companies who are facing high energy prices," he said. The ministers identified four main areas where the member states expect the Commission to act, including capping the revenues of electricity producers that face low production costs, a possible price cap on gas, measures for a coordinated electricity demand reduction across the EU, and measures that would help to solve the issue of decreased liquidity. EU's Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson told journalists after the meeting that "There is no one solution that will significantly lower energy prices and ensure our security of supply." "We need to keep up our work and our determination on all fronts: diversification of supplies, demand reduction and investments in renewables," she said. Simson said that the EU was working bilaterally with its trading partners to negotiate more affordable prices. She acknowledged that nothing was decided yet and said that "we will be proposing unprecedented measures next week." The ministers may meet again later this month to discuss and adopt the final plans. United Nations, Sep 10 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for efforts to protect the right to education in his message for the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. Education is a fundamental human right and "an essential driver for achieving peace and sustainable development," the top UN official was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. Unfortunately, this right continues to fall under attack, especially in conflict-affected areas, he said. "Classrooms must remain places of peace and learning," Guterres noted. In 2020 and 2021, the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack reported over 5,000 assaults and cases of military use of schools and universities. And more than 9,000 students and educators were killed, abducted, arbitrarily arrested, or injured, the majority of whom were women and girls. "These attacks deprive millions of vulnerable learners from accessing education and increase the risk of sexual violence and child recruitment by armed groups. They must stop immediately," said the UN chief. Guterres welcomed steps taken by many countries to protect educational institutions and urged "all member states to endorse and implement the Safe Schools Declaration." "International law and international humanitarian law obligations must be respected. We must pursue monitoring, investigate all attacks and hold perpetrators to account," he said. In marking the international day and in the lead up to the Transforming Education Summit, which will be convened at the UN headquarters in New York from September 16 to 19, Guterres encouraged everyone to "act together to guarantee safe education for all." Attacks on education and military use of schools increased by one-third in 2020 compared to 2019, and maintained the same rate in 2021. Six attacks on education or incidents of military use occurred each day. Explosive weapons were used in around one-fifth of all reported attacks on education during the reporting period, according to the United Nations. The International Day to Protect Education from Attack, which aims to raise awareness to preserve education and protect it from attacks, is observed on September 9 every year. Ottawa, Sep 10 : Canada's unemployment rate rose to 5.4 per cent in August for the first time in seven months, Statistics Canada has said. The unemployment rate, up 0.5 percentage points from the record low of 4.9 per cent observed in June and July, was the first increase not coinciding with a tightening of public health restrictions since May 2020, when the unemployment rate reached its pandemic peak, Xinhua news agency cited the national statistical agency as saying. The unemployment rate increased for four of the six main demographic groups in August, including young men aged 15 to 24, women aged 55 and older, core-aged men, and core-aged women. It was little changed among young women and older men, the agency said. The adjusted unemployment rate, which includes people who wanted a job but did not look for one, rose 0.5 percentage points to 7.3 per cent in August. This increase was largely due to the rise in the number of unemployed, rather than an increase in those who were outside the labour force but wanted work, according to the agency. Long-term unemployment, the number of people who had been continuously unemployed for 27 weeks or more, rose by 22,000, or 13.7 per cent in August, offsetting a similar size decline in July. Long-term unemployment expressed as a proportion of the total labour force was 0.9 per cent in August, the same as its February 2020 pre-pandemic level, the agency said. The unemployment rate of very recent immigrants has a particular impact on labour market conditions in Canada's largest cities, which attract a disproportionate share of new arrivals. In both the Toronto and Montreal economic regions, the unemployment rate surpassed the national average in August, said Statistics Canada. T-Mobile Netherlands was looking to establish a public cloud footprint within a tight timeline. But partnering with Cloudreach and AWS, the company used AWS Landing Zone, enabling them to automate the se up of new AWS workloads that can easily scale to support large-scale migrations. Access the case study to learn more about how Cloudreach can assist with your AWS migration. The Hague, Sep 10 : Companies and consumers in the Netherlands are using less natural gas and turning to coal and renewable energy sources as the country, like many other European countries, suffers from declining natural gas supplies from Russia. Prices are sky-rocketing and the authorities are searching for storage sites and alternatives. "Gas consumption has decreased across the society, from companies to consumers," Peter Hein van Mulligen, chief economist at Statistics Netherlands, told Xinhua news agency on Friday. "This will undoubtedly continue for a while, which also has to do with the rising price. Everyone needs gas, so the price goes up and companies are looking for alternatives." Natural gas consumption in the Netherlands amounted to 17.6 billion cubic meters (bcm) over the first six months of 2022, which is 25 per cent less than in the same period last year, according to Statistics Netherlands. Manufacturing and power plants in particular used less natural gas, falling by 30 per cent and 28 per cent, respectively. The drop in gas consumption coincides with changes in electricity generation. In the second quarter (Q2) of 2022, electricity generation from coal increased by 40 per cent and from renewable sources by 25 per cent year on year. At the same time, 19 per cent less electricity was generated from natural gas. Solar and wind power also showed strong increases, by 40 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively, in Q2. The sunny weather and the increased installed solar panel capacity have both resulted in an increase in electricity generation by solar. Wind farms also increased their output due to both greater installed capacity of onshore turbines and favourable weather conditions. The Dutch government has recently managed to fill the country's gas storages to around 80 per cent of capacity, achieving the European Union (EU) target. "It is good news that, despite the difficult circumstances, we have succeeded in filling our gas storages to more than 80 percent almost two months ahead of the European deadline," Minister for Climate and Energy Policy Rob Jetten said. Filling continues ahead of winter to avoid supply bottlenecks. Earlier this week, the Eemshaven port in the northern province of Groningen inaugurated a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal comprising two floating units operated by Dutch energy network operator Gasunie. The new terminal, together with an older LNG terminal in the port of Rotterdam, which has been expanded, has doubled the country's LNG import capacity. The Eemshaven floating terminal will convert LNG into gaseous form, which then can be fed into the national natural gas network or transported abroad. This way the country can import an additional 8 bcm of gas. Washington, Sep 10 : A US judge has dismissed former President Donald Trump's lawsuit against Hillary Clinton, his rival during the 2016 presidential election. On Thursday night, the judge said the suit was not an effort to seek "redress for any legal harm", but was instead an attempt to use the court to air political grievances, reports Xinhua news agency. Judge Donald Middlebrooks, at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, said Trump "is seeking to flaunt a two-hundred-page political manifesto outlining his grievances against those that have opposed him". "And this Court is not the appropriate forum," Middlebrooks wrote in his opinion. The lawsuit stemmed from the inquiry into any possible ties between the 2016 Trump presidential campaign and Russia. After two years and millions of dollars, the US government found no smoking gun. Last March, Trump accused Clinton, who ran against him in the 2016 presidential race, as well as dozens of other Democrats, of attempting to rig the elections by creating a false narrative that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia. The lawsuit alleged that Clinton and her campaign conspired with former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey, the Democratic National Convention, and others who "maliciously conspired to weave a false narrative". Middlebrooks said: "Many of the statements that Plaintiff characterizes as injurious falsehoods qualify as speech plainly protected by the First Amendment." "At its core, the problem with Plaintiff's Amended Complaint is that Plaintiff is not attempting to seek redress for any legal harm." A spokesman from Trump's office did not respond immediately to requests to comment on the case. The case comes as the former President is once again in the spotlight, a month after the FBI conducted an unprecedented raid on his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Republicans have been in an uproar, alleging that the FBI has gone above and beyond the norms of the United States political arena. Some notable Democrats, including former New York State Mayor Andrew Cuomo, also questioned the raid. Trump took to social media and said the US was now a "banana republic" - a corrupt country without rule of law. The FBI claimed it had "probable cause" that warranted a raid, as the agency believed it would find "evidence of obstruction", a crime in the US, at Trump's residence. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Athens, Sep 10 : Tourism in Greece, a vital pillar of the country's economy, is on track to yield record high revenues this year, exceeding pre-Covid levels, according to officials. "2022 has been an amazing year for Greek tourism... I'm very happy to say that both branded and alternative destinations, both on islands and the mainland, were full of travellers and tourists this year, and we are set to surpass this year the numbers recorded in 2019, which has so far been a record year in tourism," Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias told Xinhua news agency. In 2019, Greece registered 32 million arrivals and some 18 billion euros in tourism-related revenues, according to Bank of Greece (BoG) data. The data so far this year indicates a strong comeback. Tourism-related revenues were 224.5 per cent higher in June and 329.3 per cent higher in January-June 2022 than in the corresponding periods of 2021, according to the latest BoG announcement. Compared with 2019, tourism-related revenues increased by 2.3 per cent in June 2022. A recent analysis by local lender Alpha Bank expects Greece's tourism-related revenues to reach 20 billion euros this year, thanks to a travel frenzy after travel restrictions were lifted, giving a significant boost to the Greek GDP. "After two very difficult years for tourism, we had an extremely positive rebound this year that helps us a lot and helps the Greek economy a lot. As a sector we usually account for 25 per cent of the GDP, this is a very big number for a national economy," Alexandros Vassilikos, president of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH), told Xinhua on Friday. Tourism was a key driver in Greece of the 7.7 per cent GDP growth in the second quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 2021, according to data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). The impressive performance of Greek tourism -- despite prevailing challenges, such as the simmering Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and the energy crisis -- is the result of good planning, hard work and collaboration among all players, according to Kikilias. However, there are many challenges lying ahead, such as the upscale of tourism infrastructure to accommodate more visitors, which requires the implementation of a strong strategy, the minister said. "Circumstances are still very peculiar, which leaves a lot of question marks for the future. Nonetheless, we are extremely positive about the future," Vassilikos said. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Prague, Sep 10 : Finance and economy ministers of the European Union (EU) member states have agreed to support the swift adoption of additional financial assistance to Ukraine to the tune of 5 billion euros. "The new loan of 5 billion euros will be used for the day-to-day running of the state and to ensure the operation of the country's critical infrastructure, such as offices, schools and hospitals," Czech Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura said in a statement on Friday after the first day of an informal meeting of the member states' ministers and central bank governors. Stanjura added that he would also push for "a swift agreement on the provision of the remaining 3 billion euros". The EU has pledged 9 billion euros in assistance for Ukraine. In early August, Ukraine received 1 billion euros of the aid package in two tranches. Besides the loan package, the participants of the meeting also discussed here ways to protect citizens from high energy prices. "The current situation on energy markets requires an immediate EU-wide solution," Stanjura was quoted as saying in the statement. "Personally, I consider it reasonable to cap prices at European level for electricity from sources other than gas, which generates huge profits -- and also to separate electricity prices from gas prices," he said. The Czech Minister further said that his country is aiming to present a new set of measures next week, which it expects would work alongside any EU-level solution to be agreed by the member states. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War United Nations, Sep 10 : Giving a new impetus to the movement for UN Security Council reforms, US President Joe Biden will consult with other leaders during the General Assembly's upcoming high-level session to "forge a consensus" on expanding the Council, according to Washington's Permanent Representative Linda Thomas-Greenfield. "We should forge consensus around sensible and credible proposals to expand the Security Council's membership," she said while addressing the Future of the UN in San Francisco on Thursday. "During this month's General Assembly, President Biden, Secretary (of State Antony) Blinken, and I plan to consult broadly on our individual and collective responsibilities under the UN Charter, including critical questions around reform of the Security Council and other UN organs," she said. "You can expect to hear more from us on this issue." Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be at the General Assembly's annual high-level meeting that starts on September 20, instead External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India. "The Security Council should also better reflect the current global realities and incorporate more geographically diverse perspectives," Thomas-Greenfield said. The basic structure of the Security Council goes back to the geopolitics of 1945 when the five countries that had won World War II -- China (then represented by what became the leadership of Taiwan), France, the UK, the US and the Soviet Union (now succeeded by Russia) -- assumed veto-wielding permanent membership. "We should not defend an unsustainable and outdated status quo. Instead, we must demonstrate flexibility and willingness to compromise in the name of greater credibility and legitimacy," she said emphasising the need for reforms. The US has supported India's quest for a permanent seat in the Security Council and despite Washington's misgivings over New Delhi's neutrality over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there is no discernible change in Washington's stance. Thomas-Greenfield said that as a permanent member, the US "will enhance cooperation, inclusivity, and transparency". Since the Security Council got its mandate from the total membership of the UN and acts on its behalf, its "members should engage frequently and substantively with the General Assembly, with UN bodies, with relevant regional groups, and with a cross-section of UN Member States", she added. The efforts to reform the Security Council have been blocked by a small group of countries, who have blocked it from even adopting a negotiating text on which the negotiations can go forward. (Arul Louis can be contacted at aru.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Los Angeles, Sep 10 : Model Bella Hadid says she wept "every day" and was stricken with eating disorders and chronic anxiety as a teen before she shot to fame as a model. In an interview with i-D magazine, the 25-year-old opened up about her youth as she said that she was smoking heavily from the age of 14 and suffered body dysmorphia after she found success, reports aceshowbiz.com. "Growing up, I thought it was normal that I had this chronic anxiety and this disassociation, crying every day and not knowing who I was," she recalled. "Whether it was eating disorders or smoking a pack of Marlboros since the age of 14, I'm like, 'Oh, this is what all of the kids are doing'. I realised that maybe that was me trying to figure out why I felt that way. And in reality, all I needed was therapy." Hadid went on to talk about struggling with body dysmorphia in her early days as a model. "During that part of my life, I was so out of body, disassociating so much... I was so confused by what people saw of me," the younger sister of model Gigi Hadid added. She is now getting ready to make her acting debut in series 'Ramy', which tells of a first-generation American-Muslim torn between his family's traditional and modern American culture. Bella said about revelling in her Palestinian heritage during shooting. "To go onto a set and see multiple Palestinians, Arabs, and people that are cut from the same cloth as me was really, really beautiful." She added about her belief speaking out for Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict with Israel previously costing her work. "A few companies won't work with me anymore, and a few people may think I'm crazy. But that doesn't bother me and it doesn't compare to what Palestinians suffer on a daily basis." Bengaluru, Sep 10 : With an eye on the 2023 Assembly elections, the ruling BJP in Karnataka will on Saturday organise 'Janaspandana', a public rally to mark Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai government's one year and the party's three years rule in the state. The mega rally is being organised in Doddaballapur, a neighbouring town of Bengaluru. With the rally, the BJP hopes to set aside all recent drawbacks faced in the state. First it was the backlash by the BJP workers and Hindu activists over the murders of Hindu and BJP activists in the state, then it was the alleged royal treatment rolled out to killers of Bajrang Dal activist Harsha in the prison. The party workers had laid siege to the residence of Karnataka Home Minister. Social campaigns had been carried out to mock the inaction and failure to ensure safety for Hindu activists. Hindu Mahasabha and Sri Rama Sena announced that they will not let BJP win the upcoming Assembly elections. Also, reversal of textbook revision following backlash by the public, progressive thinkers and religious pontiffs is considered as a setback to BJP. Various community groups, including Lingayat Panchamasali sub caste, Kuruba and Valmiki are demanding reservation. Social unrest situation, following hijab crisis and boycott of Muslim traders, though polarised Hindu votes, top industrialists, including Biocon Chief Kiran Majumdar-Shaw warned that India would lose its leadership position in IT and BT sectors, if the situation continued. To add to the myseries, the recent rain fury in Bengaluru has shaken the ruling BJP. Party insiders say that they will overcome the setbacks. Chief Minister Bommai had stated that the massive rally would not only lift up the prospectus of the party, but boost the chances of BJP in the old Mysuru region, where the party is weak. The central leadership is talking about winning 150 seats in Karnataka, for which it has to win seats in south Karnataka districts, which are bastions of regional party JD (S) and Congress. The ruling party has new opposition in the form of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the state. The programme was postponed thrice and it was seen as a jinx. However, BJP is looking ahead to make the event a success and blow the trumpet for elections. The party is expecting a crowd of more than 3 lakh and party workers. Chennai, Sep 10 : The Greater Chennai police have rejected a request by deposed AIADMK coordinator O. Panneerselvam (OPS) for police protection to enter the party headquarters in the city. The police protection was sought by leaders close to OPS. On July 11, when the AIADMK general council meeting was held at Vanagaram, OPS and his associates had entered the party headquarters leading to major clashes between the cadres of Panneerselvam and Palaniswami. After the division bench of the Madras High Court reinstated the posting of Edappadi K. Palaniswami as the interim general secretary of the AIADMK, he visited the party headquarters on Tuesday. Heavy police contingent was deployed during the visit. Following Palaniswami's visit, the OPS faction announced that Panneerselvam will also make a trip to the party head office. D. Jayakumar, former minister and a close associate of EPS, later filed a petition with the Chennai police that OPS was expelled from the party and that he should not be allowed to enter the AIADMK headquarters. The city police have now directed OPS not to enter the party headquarters at the moment as he could face physical assault. The police also said that he could be provided security only after assessing the law and order situation. United Nations, Sep 10 : Deadly fighting between armed groups in South Sudan's Upper Nile state has prompted thousands to flee from their homes and triggered violence in displacement camps, a UN spokesman said. "This latest fighting has led to the deaths of civilians, injuries and further displacement," Xinhua news agency quoted Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as saying. "Up to 5,000 civilians had fled to (Adidiang) last month, following the fighting between rival armed groups." Several civilians fleeing the violence on boats and canoes reportedly drowned, Dujarric said. UN peacekeepers raced to rescue drowning civilians and protect the affected population. He said the UN peacekeeping mission, known as UNMISS, reported that the latest attack also triggered inter-communal fighting among some internally displaced people of different groups within the UN site set up to protect civilians. The spokesman said that the UN humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, reported that "the UN and our partners will continue supporting people in need to the best of their ability, but we need an immediate end to the fighting and a resolution to the conflict". San Francisco, Sep 10 : Tesla CEO Elon Musk has shot off a third notice to Parag Agrawal-led Twitter, aimed at terminating the $44 billion takeover deal. In the latest letter submitted with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Musk's legal team cited Twitter's multi-million dollar severance payment to former security chief and whistleblower Peiter "Mudge" Zatko. According to The Verge, the notice was sent to Twitter's chief legal officer Vijaya Gadde. "On June 28, 2022, Twitter entered into a separation agreement with Peiter Zatko under which Twitter made severance payments to Zatko and his counsel totaling $7.75 million," the notice said. Musk's lawyers cited this as yet another reason to terminate the deal. The Tesla CEO is also trying to buy more time from the court to kick off the Twitter trial, set for October 17, citing the upcoming testimony by Zatko. Musk's legal team has proposed a new timeline that would push the week-long trial to late November. Zatko is set to testify at the US Congress on September 13 about allegations he levelled against the micro-blogging platform. The former Twitter security head alleged that Twitter misled regulators about its security practices and actual number of bot accounts. Zatko also received a subpoena from Musk's legal team to appear for a deposition on September 9 in the ongoing lawsuit between Twitter and Musk. Musk has said that the testimony of Twitter whistleblower justifies his termination of the $44 billion deal to buy the micro-blogging platform. Police responded to Boston Children's Hospital late Friday after another phoned-in terror threat, reports NBC News 10, the second in two weeks. The nature of the threat was undisclosed, but it follows ongoing conservative fury, stoked by misinformation posted online about the hospital's treatment options for transgender youngsters. w Boston Children's is not the only hospital to experience these types of online harassment and threats, according to an NBC News report earlier this year. That report noted social media attacks against other children's hospitals in Omaha, Nebraska and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to a recent report by the Southern Poverty Law Center, while the LGBTQ+ rights movement found an ally in the Biden administration, there is continued evidence of hate groups mobilizing in 2021 to push anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and ideology in the country. Certain Twitter accounts are at the center of this campaign, directing the rage to specific targets in the knowledge that Twitter will do little to moderate in the absense of explicitly threatening or abusive language. They don't care who they hurt, including children, so long as they get the people they hate. Kiev, Sep 10 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting in Kiev with his visiting Latvian counterpart Egils Levits and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. At the meeting, Zelensky thanked Latvia and Poland for the political, defence, and humanitarian support they have provided to Ukraine since Russia began its invasion of Kiev on February 24, reports Xinhua news agency. In particular, he praised Latvia and Poland for their role in allocating Ukraine 5 billion euros in assistance from the European Union (EU) and in promoting Kiev's position in the 27-member bloc. The parties also discussed Ukraine's European integration, sanctions policy against Russia, energy issues and the assistance for Ukrainian refugees. Levits and Morawiecki had arrived in Kiev earlier in the day. Following his arrival, the Latvian President said in a tweet: Today I am in Kiev to assure Zelensky of Latvia's continued strong support to Ukraine until victory in this war. Latvia is your advocate. Latvia will help in the reconstruction effort." On his part, Morawiecki said: "I am in Ukraine. In a place where history is being made today, where the struggle for freedom and security of the whole of Europe is taking place. "In this fight, we will side with Ukraine until the only possible end: a full victory." Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War New York, Sep 10 : Spanish youngster Carlos Alcaraz made it to his maiden Grand Slam final, with the third seed battling past home favourite Frances Tiafoe 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-3 in four hours and 19 minutes to set up a winner-takes-all US Open clash against Casper Ruud of Norway on Saturday (IST). Ruud moved past Russia's Karen Khachanov 7-6(5), 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 to reach his second Grand Slam final, further boosting his chances of rising to No. 1 in the ATP Rankings. Alcaraz, who too is in line to become the new No. 1 should he win the summit clash, is the second teen to make the US Open final in the Open Era, joining the legendary Pete Sampras of the US. "To be honest in the semifinal of a Grand Slam you have to give everything... we have to fight until the last ball. It doesn't matter if we are fighting for five hours, six hours. It doesn't matter. You have to give everything on court," Alcaraz was quoted as saying by ATP. "Frances (Tiafoe) gave everything on court. This is amazing." Alcaraz has now won three successive five-setters lasting a total of 13 hours and 28 minutes, and if the Spaniard wins the title on Sunday, he will become the youngest world No. 1 in the history of the ATP Rankings since 1973. "It's amazing to be able to fight for big things. First time in the final of a Grand Slam. I can see the No. 1 in the world, but at the same time it's so far away," Alcaraz said. "I have one more to go against a player who is unbelievable. He deserves to play a final. He played the final of a Grand Slam in Roland Garros. This is my first time. "I'm going to give everything that I have. I will have to handle the nerves of being in a final of a Grand Slam, but obviously I'm really, really happy and as I said before every match, I'm going to enjoy. I'm going to enjoy the moment and let's see what happens." "I gave everything I had left tonight," Tiafoe said. "Too good Carlos, I am happy I got to share the big stage with you." Earlier, Ruud moved past Khachanov, soaking up the 27th seed's powerful hitting and winning an epic 55-shot rally to win the first set. Ruud, the fifth seed, who lost to Spanish stalwart Rafael Nadal in the French Open final, will become the first Norwegian to rise to No. 1 in the world if he defeats Alcaraz in the final. "This match was another great match from my side," Ruud said. "I think we were both a bit nervous at the beginning, a few breaks back and forth. But you have to take into account that this match is probably the biggest in both of our careers. Of course there will also be some nerves but I was fortunate to win that first set, which calmed my nerves a little bit. "I played phenomenal in the second and Karen stepped up in the third. It was back and forth like every five-setter is, but I am just so happy. After Roland Garros I was extremely happy but of course humble enough to think that could be my only final at a Grand Slam in my career. It doesn't come easy, but here I am back again a couple (of) months later." The 23-year-old had never gone beyond the third round in four previous appearances at Flushing Meadows. New Delhi, Sep 10 : Restaurateur Zorawar Kalra might have hosted several food reality shows but when dance based reality show 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10' was offered to him, he was in a dilemma. His family gave him different views: While his son suggested him to say 'no' to it, his wife Dildeep Kalra showed confidence in him. He said: "I am not at all a professional dancer and have nothing to do with dancing. So, honestly, I was in shock. I think there was a combined kind of dual feeling in my head. And I had divergent views from my family, so I didn't reply to them(makers) for two days." "My son said no, I think probably because he was scared that I'll embarrass him. And my wife said, 'You must do it, it's a very big show. It's a big platform, and you need to showcase multiple sets of skills.' I said I don't have dancing skills. What am I going to exhibit? She said, 'You will learn with time'. So, she showed a lot of confidence in me. And as a result, I said yes." Kalra credits his wife for his stint on the show. "So, I can say I am on this show because I think life is all about learning new things, and about accepting new challenges. And this is a very big challenge for me because I'm completely out of my comfort zone. I'm completely out of my element. And dancing is very alien to me, the only times I've ever danced is for my friend's sangeet ceremony. That's it." "And then I'm here on the show, which is the biggest dance reality show on TV. So, it's daunting. But I'm the kind of guy who usually doesn't get frazzled very easily. But I think dancing is a very technical art form and it is something that you have to have inside you." "I have a feeling that I have very little inside. And that's why I'm finding it more challenging, but I'm going to give it my best." Zorawar gives credit to his choreographer for perfecting his dancing skills: "It won't be easy to win the show because all the contestants here are really amazing and very challenging. "I am here to entertain people and my job is done. But at least I will grow and learn a lot of dancing skills with my choreographer Suchitra (Sawant Sangare), who is just incredible." Kalra said that the most exciting part of the show was meeting the judges: "I was so excited when I met Madhuri ji and of course Nora and Karan. Madhuri ji is a dancing queen and it is always great to look at her performing off or on screen." From hosting reality shows to being a contestant in one, how does he look at his journey? "I'm in the restaurant business. I have restaurants now in many countries and all over India. And that's never going to change. Even if I do much more TV. My day job will always be my business, which is now on a fairly large scale, so I can't let it go." "However, even 'Master Chef' came to me on its own, it was just luck, somebody contacted me, and they thought I would be a good fit for the show as a judge, I came on board, and I did a decent job." "And I enjoyed the process a lot, I enjoyed the entire journey a lot. Even this just came to me. And shows will come and go, I will do them whenever I have the time. Or if I feel I can add value. Even if I have to appear on 'Bigg Boss' as a guest, I won't mind doing it. But the food business will have been constant," he said. Lahore, Sep 10 : The Kartarpur Corridor has once again reunited another family after a man who separated from his parents when he was only a few months old in 1947, finally met his sister in Pakistan. Amarjit Singh was left out in India along with his sister while his Muslim parents came to Pakistan. All eyes went teary as they saw the emotional scenes of the brother-sister reunion in Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Geo News reported. Amarjit Singh arrived in Pakistan via the Wagah border with a visa to meet his Muslim sister and to remain as her guest. His sister, 65-year-old Kulsoom Akhtar, could not control her emotions after seeing Amarjit. Both hugged each other and kept crying. She had travelled from her hometown in Faisalabad along with her son Shahzad Ahmed and other family members to meet her brother. Kulsoom said that her parents came to Pakistan from the suburbs of the Jalandhar region of India in 1947, leaving behind her younger brother and a sister, Express Tribune reported. Kulsoom said she was born in Pakistan and used to hear about her lost brother and a sister from her mother. She said that her mother used to cry every time whenever she remembered her missing children. Kulsoom said that she did not expect that she would ever be able to meet her brother and sister. However, a few years ago, a friend of her father Sardar Dara Singh came to Pakistan from India and also met her. Kulsoom's mother told Singh about her son and daughter she left behind in India. She also told him the name of their village and the location of their house in the neighbouring country. Amarjit then visited her house in Padawan village of Jalandhar and informed her that her son was alive but her daughter was dead. Her son was named Amarjit Singh who was adopted by a Sikh family back then in 1947, The Express Tribune reported. After getting the brother's information, Amarjit and Kulsoom Akhtar contacted on WhatsApp and using the Kartarpur Corridor and the meeting between the two siblings became a reality. Now an elderly man, Sardar Amarjit Singh came to Gurdwara Sahib in a wheelchair. Kulsoom Akhtar also could not travel due to back pain, but she showed courage and reached Kartarpur from Faisalabad along with her son. Both the siblings kept crying while embracing each other and remembering their parents. Amarjit said that when he first learned that his real parents were in Pakistan and were Muslims, it was a shock to him. However, he comforted his heart that many families were separated from each other in addition to his own family. Many Muslim children became Sikhs and many Sikh children became Muslims, Express Tribune reported. He said that he always wanted to meet his real sister and brothers. He said that he is happy to know that three of his brothers are alive. However, one brother who was in Germany has passed away. He said he will now come to Pakistan via the Wagah border with a visa and spend time with his family. He also said that he will take his family to India as well so that they could meet their Sikh family. Both the siblings had brought many gifts for each other. Shahzad Ahmad, son of Kulsoom, said that he used to hear about his uncle from his grandmother and mother. He said that all of the siblings were very young at the time of Partition and no name was given to Amarjit or perhaps, after so many years, the name had slipped out of mind. "I understand that since my uncle was brought up by a Sikh family, he happens to be a Sikh, and my family and I have no problem with this," he added. Shahzad said that he is happy that even after 75 years his mother has found her lost brother. New Delhi, Sep 10 : What better way to commemorate the spirit of "bouncing back" than with a twist of nostalgia when the world around us starts to live, work, holiday and see family and friends outside of home once again? It's "The Time To Mickey", a collaboration collection that celebrates the delights of childhood experiences that bring Disney's iconic figure Mickey Mouse to life, has been released by 'The Label Life', India's well-known celebrity lifestyle brand! This edit of thirty styles, suitably titled "It's The Time To Mickey," is inspired by the iconic Mickey Mouse, although in a different form! This collection stands out for its atypical depiction of Mickey in the shape of intriguing graphics like doodles and scribbles that are embellishing the outfits in unusual locations and formats. Although Mickey is drawn in his trademark colours, the pop colours of the clothing give the image a cheery vibe. With a variety of designs in the collection, including airy dresses and transitional separates, you can easily transition into easy ensembles for work, your upcoming vacation, or even a fast Sunday brunch. The collection finds its muse in none other than the brand's Style Editor, Malaika Arora, in an avatar where nostalgia gets a cool upgrade! "There is nothing more nostalgic than Mickey Mouse and his fun, playful energy we have all grown up with! The Disney x The Label Life collection celebrates the joy of nostalgia and is everything you need now! And of course, the collection portrays my favourite Mickey Mouse in our signature elevated styles with jumpsuits and co-ords," says Malaika Arora, Style Editor, The Label Life. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) New Delhi, Sep 10 : The family of Mangolpuri stabbing incident victim on Saturday alledged that their son was murdered for being an ardent Lord Hanuman devotee and participating in Ganesha idol immersion. On Friday evening, Arman was brutally killed while his two brothers suffered injuries after being stabbed by a group of assailants led by one Shahrukh. The same group later stabbed two more youths -- Vicky and Ravi -- as they were associates of their rival. While police claim it to be a fallout of a personal rivalry, the family is giving a religious reason. "Arman was a devotee of Lord Hanuman, he used to go to Akhada and worshipped Lord Hanuman. He also participated in Lord Ganesha idol immersion. This irked Shahrukh, who along with his aides, killed him," the family alleged. A senior police official said that they got a call at 4.36 p.m. that three persons were stabbed in K Block in Mangolpuri. The injured persons identified as Armaan, Monty alias Moin Khan, and Fardeen were moved to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital where Armann was declared brought dead. Fardeen was admitted in the ICU of the hospital. Fardeen told the police that at around 2.15 p.m., he was going on his motorcycle when his vehicle touched one Shahrukh's bike. This led to an altercation with Shahrukh's aide Shahbir and Fardeen left the area after the argument. "Fardeen's brother Monty decided to resolve the matter peacefully with Sharukh. Monty, along with his cousin Arman, went to meet Shahrukh where they had a heated argument. Sharukh and Shahbir asked their associates to bring knives and finish the three brothers." The group then stabbed the victims and ran away from the spot. Later, the group went to O Block Mangolpuri to take revenge from one Matthi as he had thrashed the brother of one of the members of the group a few days back. They found two boys Anurag and Ravi there and asked them about Matthi. Later on the accused stabbed both the boys. Anurag sustained major injuries while Ravi was discharged from hospital. A murder and an attempt to murder cases have been lodged against the miscreants. "Shahrukh and two other accused -- Saif and Vineet, have been apprehended while efforts are on to arrest other accused persons," the police said. Patna, Sep 10 : Three people were arrested after a group of around 50 people, led by RJD ex-MLC Anwar Ahmed's son Asfer Ahmed, created a ruckus inside Pirbahore police station, police said on Saturday. Asfer Ahmed allegedly misbehaved with the police personnel and grabbed DSP Ashok Singh's collar and tore his uniform in the incident which took place late on Friday night. "We were investigating an incident wherein some police personnel were assaulted by local goons of Sabzibagh and Pirbahore area. During the clash, we managed to arrest two persons for attacking police personnel on Thursday night. When I went to the crime scene for the investigation on Friday evening and detained a trader for questioning, Ahmed and his supporters came to the police station and abused the cops. When I came out from the office of SHO, Ahmed also misbehaved with me as well and used abusive language," Singh said. "We were ensuring that he was detained on the basis of suspicion but he was not ready to listen to me. We also said that if his guilt would not be proved, he would be released. He continued to abuse me and other cops and created a ruckus inside the police station," Singh said. "We have arrested three persons in this connection and further investigation is on, '' he said. However, Patna police were unable to book Ahmed for obstructing government officials for doing their duty apart from creating ruckus inside the police station and misbehaving with cops. Incidentally, the incident took place hours after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar claimed that he is not running "Jungle Raj but Janata Ka Raj". He has called for a high-level meeting to assess the law and order situation in the state. Meanwhile, Sanjay Jaiswal, the BJP state president Sanjay Jaiswal questioned Nitish Kumar's claim of "Janata Ka Raj". "What kind of Janata Ka Raj is this when police themselves are not safe inside the police station?" he stated. Ramallah, Sep 10 : At least 37 Palestinians were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the West Bank city of Nablus, medics said on Saturday. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a statement that among the injured were three shot by live ammunition and nine by rubber bullets, while the others inhaled teargas, reports Xinhua news agency. The fierce clashes broke out on Friday between anti-settlement protesters and Israeli soldiers in the villages of Beita, Beit Dajan, and Kafr Qaddum. The protesters burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the perimeters of the villages, they said. Israeli authorities have not commented on the incidents yet. In the June 1967 Middle East war, Israel occupied the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, which are claimed by the Palestinians, and has controlled the areas ever since. Tension in the West Bank has been mounting over the past few days after the Israeli army intensified its military actions against Palestinian militants and activists. Washington, Sep 10 : Space remains a place of undiscovered and unrealised opportunity and it is our responsibility to work together to guide humanity forward into this new frontier and to realise the incredible potential of space for all people, US Vice President Kamala Harris said at a NASA event. She was speaking at the National Space Council meeting held at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on Friday. "Space can and must be protected for the benefit of all people. There is so much we still don't know and so much we still haven't done," said Harris. The Vice President also underscored the important research conducted on the International Space Station that will enable long duration stays on the Moon and future human missions to Mars, in addition to benefits to life here on Earth. For more than 50 years, NASA satellites have provided open-source and publicly available data on Earth's land, water, temperature, weather and climate. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that the new Earth Information Center will allow the public to see how the Earth is changing and guide decision makers to mitigate, adapt, and respond to climate change. "Just like we use mission control to monitor operations during spaceflight, we're embarking on this effort to monitor conditions here on our home planet, and it will be available to everyone in an easy-to-access format," Nelson noted. Planning for the Earth Information Center is underway with the initial phase providing an interactive visual display of imagery and data from NASA and other government agencies. NASA Headquarters plans to house this initial interactive display with goals to expand in person and virtual access over the next five years. "Research on the space station demonstrates that the benefits of microgravity are not just for discovery. We also develop new technologies that improve life on Earth, like treatments for cancer,a said Nelson. On the Artemis I mission, NASA has announced that it is considering two dates, September 23 or September 27, to attempt the launching of the Moon mission. On September 3, NASA attempted to launch Artemis I for the second time. However, it was called off after detecting a liquid hydrogen leak. The team was trying to work through a leaky fuel problem with the rocket, called the Space Launch System or SLS. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Ramnagar, : Sep 10 (IANS) Mild tremors jolted Ramnagar, the neighbouring district of Bengaluru, on Saturday morning forcing panic-stricken people to rush out of their houses. According to local district authorities, three tremors were felt at around 5.30 am. People across the district, especially in the rain-battered Ramnagar taluk, experienced the jolts. Impact has been more in Bejjarahallikatte, Padarahalli villages. District authorities have rushed to the villages and are taking stock of the situation. The people who had lost their cattle, crops due to heavy rains are worried about earth tremors. An official statement regarding the tremors is yet to be received. The Dutch city of Haarlem, which is roughly 20 miles from Amsterdam, is taking a controversial step to fight the climate impact of meat by banning ads promoting it in public spaces. The move, the world's first, would start in 2024. Other cities in Holland, including Amsterdam, have already prohibited airlines and other companies dependent on fossil fuels from putting ads on the city's buses, shelters, and screens. Naturally, not everyone is happy with the decision, according to BBC News: The motion drafted by GroenLinks a green political party has faced opposition from the meat sector and some who say it stifles free speech "The authorities are going too far in telling people what's best for them," said a spokesman from the Central Organisation for the Meat Sector. The right-wing BVNL party called it an "unacceptable violation of entrepreneurial freedom" and said it "would be fatal for pig farmers". "Banning commercials from politically born motives is almost dictatorial," Haarlem BVNL councillor Joey Rademaker said. Ziggy Klazes, a GroenLinks councilor told Dutch publication Trouw, "Meat is just as harmful to the environment. We can't tell people there's a climate crisis and encourage them to buy products that are part of the cause." Read More: Dutch city of Haarlem may be world's first to ban most meat ads; This City Just Banned All Meat Ads to Protect the Planet image: lukeruk / Shutterstock.com (Digg) Haveri, : Sep 10 (IANS) Villagers in Karjagi village of this district killed a fox after it attacked two persons on Saturday. The injured are undergoing treatment in a hospital. Angry villagers are blaming the authorities for doing nothing to prevent the foxes from straying into the residential areas. According to sources, 12-year-old Saleem Yalagacha and 35-year-old Veeranna Badada were attacked by it. Soon after the incident, the villagers chased and caught the fox and killed it. Fox attacks are being reported from across the state in various districts. On August 23, a 9-month-old baby went missing in Malli village of Yadrami taluk in Kalaburagi district and its half-eaten body was found after two days. Villagers suspected it to be a fox attack case. In August, people of Kaddaragi village close to Chittapura town in Kalaburagi district reported the threat of fox attacks in the second week of August. The foxes attacked people and livestock during the night. The development had created panic and tension in the region. Six persons were injured in the fox attack and a skulk of fox also injured a cow and its calf. The foxes entered residential areas in packs during nights, wee hours and early morning hours and attacked humans. The people are till date scared to come out of their houses during night, as a skulk of 4 to 5 foxes are spotted by local residents. Besides, fox attacks were reported from Raichur district in which 12 persons were injured. Earlier, it attacked people who had gone to attend nature's call early in the morning in Irakal village. Later, they started entering the residential area and attacking the people. The fox attack was also reported from Chilkaragi village of Maski taluk in the district. The villagers of Tingunti in Kushtagi taluk of Koppal district have killed a fox which attacked 10 persons. The fox attack was also reported from Chamarajanagar district. The people have appealed to the forest department officials to provide solutions to the menace. Los Angeles, Sep 10 : Billy Eichner's 'Bros' is breaking all kinds of barriers: It's the first gay rom-com ever made by a major studio, the first with an all openly LGBTQ cast and Eichner is the first openly gay man to ever write and star in a studio movie. Audiences finally got to see the movie for themselves in Toronto on Friday evening and, judging by the shrieks of laughter throughout the screening, it was a hit. "I want to thank TIFF for letting a comedy into a movie festival!" Eichner yelled into the audience before the film rolled, making a valid point about the dearth of studio comedies that world premiere at top international film festivals. Eichner stars in 'Bros' as Bobby, a frail museum head who's down on his luck with the complicated, modern dating world. That is, until he runs into Luke Macfarlane's Aaron, a buff lawyer who's the complete opposite of Bobby -- but changes everything for him. Like any rom-com, the two have their own meet-cute that turns into a whirlwind romance. Nicholas Stoller directs the film, which also features Bowen Yang, Jim Rash, Dot-Marie Jones, Harvey Fierstein and more hilarious cast members. 'Bros' played to an extremely enthusiastic audience at the Princess of Wales theatre, many of whom stuck around for the post-screening Q&A, reports 'Variety'. While Toronto audiences don't seem to engage in the lengthy standing ovations that are now becoming the norm at film festivals like Cannes and Venice, the crowd was on its feet for nearly two minutes when the cast emerged. "Keep it going longer than 'The Whale'!" shouted Eichner, referencing the six-minute standing ovation for the Brendan Fraser movie in Venice last week. "Only 20 more minutes of this!" In the Q&A, both Eichner and Macfarlane spoke to the wider significance of 'Bros' and what the movie will come to represent for the LGBTQ community. "I can't help but think of the journey Aaron goes on, and what I would be, watching this movie if I was 18, 19-years-old," said Macfarlane. Eichner added that the LGBTQ national history museum in the film is still very much a fictional concept and "exists in 'Bros' before it exists in real life in America". "When I was doing research for it, there were so many things even I as a middle-aged man didn't know, that I don't know about our own history, because we are never taught our own history. We're never taught it; straight people are never taught it. We don't know who we are in the context of history." In his Variety cover story last week, Eichner discussed the responsibility he feels for 'Bros' to do well. "I've worked so hard on it, I care so much about it, and I want it to do well for the sake of the LGBTQ stories getting greenlit. So there's a burden I feel, much as I want to sit here and just talk about how funny the movie is." Prior to the screening, the cast and crew, along with top Universal executives, convened at Le Germain for Variety's party honouring the movie and Eichner's cover. 'Bros' releases in theatres on September 30. Bengaluru, Sep 10 : Taking a jibe at BJP's mega event 'Janaspandana' to commemorate one year of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai at office and three years of BJP rule in Karnataka, the state Congress on Saturday termed it 'commission rally'. The jibe was based on allegations that the BJP leaders charge 40 per cent commission for any government-related work. Opposition leader Siddaramaiah questioned BJP's performance saying that the government is neck deep in corruption and charge 40 per cent commission for projects, he said. It is not a Janaspandana rally, but a commission rally, he asserted. Ruling government should reciprocate to people in crisis but sadly, no minister visits his/her constituency. People are in distress following heavy rains and floods. Instead of listening to the woes of people, the leaders are spending huge money on convention, he alleged. 'Janaspandana' is a politically motivated programme. The situation is so bad due to floods in Bengaluru that the people are forced to commute in boats, he said. Karnataka Congress unit on social media dubbed the 'Janaspandana' rally as "convention of commission." The convention is being organised with the money looted through 40 per cent commission by BJP netas. The Congress has further questioned the BJP whether its leaders are going to boast about killing its own party worker? Are you going to talk about how you finished off contractor Santhosh Patil? In response, BJP hit back at Congress and Siddaramaiah with Minister for Horticulture Munirathna questioning the celebration of 75th birth anniversary of Siddaramaiah. Had not the Congress spent money there? MLC H Vishwanath stated that for the birthday celebration of Siddaramaiah Rs 50 crore is spent. Why did they spend that amount of money, this could have been given to flood victims, he said. Chennai, Sep 10 : Actor Jayaram, who plays the important character of Alwarkkadiyan Nambi in director Mani Ratnam's upcoming magnum opus, 'Ponniyin Selvan' , recently disclosed a funny incident that happened while he was shooting for the film. During the audio and trailer launch of the film that was held recently, Jayaram said: "It was the last day of shooting and a significant sequence was to be shot. Thousands of artistes were to participate in the day's shooting and director Mani Ratnam was busy. "I was sharing a caravan with actor Prabhu while shooting for the film. At around 4.30 in the morning, I heard a deep-throated voice calling my name. It was actor Prabhu. "He said: 'I have two food packets here. One is for me and the other is for you. Let's eat now as we are unlikely to get food the whole day.' I replied to Prabhu sir, 'It is 4.30 in the morning sir. How can we eat at this time?" "Prabhu sir replied, 'You will not get time to eat tomorrow.' I stepped out, took a stroll and came back again and lied to Prabhu sir that I had asked Mani Ratnam about a break for food and that he had assured me that they were going to shoot just one shot and that after the shot, there would be time for a couple of hours when we could have refreshments. "Prabhu sir got convinced that there would be a break for refreshments, thinking director Mani Ratnam himself had said so. "Shooting began at six the next morning and went on and on. Hours passed but there was no sign of a break coming. At 10 a.m., I could hear Prabhu sir groaning, 'I am hungry Mani.' Yet, there was no break. By the time, it was two in the afternoon, there was no break. I snuggled into a corner, to avoid being seen by Prabhu sir." "It was then that I heard him say: 'Has anybody seen a bald man (Jayaram's character is bald, except for a small tuft of hair)? If you have, he'll be carrying a stick in his hand. Get that stick he has in his hand and thrash it on his head." Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 10 : The body of a youth, who reportedly went missing after a snake boat overturned in Kerala's Pamba river on Saturday, was recovered by scuba divers and rescue teams on Saturday. The deceased has been identified as 28-year-old Vineesh, a resident of Cherukol in Alappuzha district. Earlier, the body of another youth identified as 17-year-old Adidevan, a Class 12 student, was recovered from the Pamba river by the search and rescue teams. One more person is suspected to be missing and his identity is yet to be known. Heavy undercurrent in Pamba river due to incessant rains in the past few days which led to overturning of the snake boat, is also making the rescue operation difficult. However, locals have said that children were seen jumping in the boat which could have also led to overturning of the boat. Chengannur MLA and former Minister, Saji Cherian told the media that scuba divers, fire department and the police are jointly carrying out the search and rescue operations for one more person, who is suspected to be missing. Aranmula Panchayat president Vijayamma told the media that 50 people were in the boat while it toppled. The incessant rains in the central areas of Kerala have led to rise in the water levels in most of the rivers. Panaji, Sep 10 : With two failed attempts to catch the 'double engine' train, Congress MLAs in Goa who are interested in switching sides have still not abandoned hope. Both the times, they reportedly decided to join the ruling BJP but could not manage a two-third majority. On July 10, 2019, during the last term of BJP government, 10 MLAs of Congress along with Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavalekar had switched to BJP. However, Kavalekar and other six politicians lost the assembly election held in February 2022. The incident of Leader of Opposition joining the ruling fold had invited ire and criticism. As the example of switching the party was set by seniors, the old faces along with new faces of Congress elected in 2022, attempted to take the legacy of defection ahead on the same day, July 10, of 2022. However, early intervention of central leadership of Congress foiled their plans. Since then, Congress office bearers are keeping a close vigil on political happenings. The second move by these MLAs in defection mood also got foiled during Ganesh Chaturthi as they couldn't manage an eighth MLA. Congress has 11 MLAs in 40 members of the legislative assembly and require a flock of 8 MLAs (two-third) to switch sides. Speaking to IANS, central leader of Congress said that due to unmanageable number, their second attempt also failed. "Now if they wish to join BJP, then they will have to resign and go, a risk which they will not take," said a Congress leader on condition of anonymity. Interestingly, it is not only that Congress leadership wants these MLAs to stay in Congress, but even some BJP Ministers are in fear that they may be dropped from the Cabinet to accommodate new comers with top seats. Recently, there were reports that Congress MLA Digambar Kamat and Michael Lobo, against whom party has moved a disqualification alleging they tried to split the party, were in Delhi to meet BJP leaders. However, both have rejected it. Both have said that they are still very much with Congress. On July 9, 2022, amid speculation that some Congress MLAs were camping in the national capital and were in talks with BJP leaders to join their fold, Congress Goa desk in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao had said that those were just the rumours. But soon Rao had arrived in Goa to persuade the MLAs who had made up their minds to join BJP. The very next day on July 10, Dinesh Gundu Rao claimed that BJP was trying for two-third split in Congress. Rao had attacked BJP for allegedly offering money to MLAs to split. "In spite of offering huge money, six of our MLAs have stood firm. I am proud of them. BJP was trying for two-third split in Congress, so minimum 8 MLAs leave the party," he had said. Congress on the same day had removed Michael Lobo as Leader of Opposition, alleging that he was the one who hatched conspiracy, along with former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, by hobnobbing BJP to split Congress MLAs. On July 11, BJP unit in Goa had rejected allegations that they were trying to split the Congress MLAs and had said that their leaders were at their respective homes, when the political development was going on. "We have no role in this development, only Congress can tell you. I have no information if anyone is joining, if someone comes then we will see. Congress levelled many allegations. Maybe they were trying to keep their MLAs united as the assembly session started from today," BJP State President Sadanand Tanavade told reporters. However, BJP's Goa desk in-charge C.T Ravi had stated on May 28 that five MLAs from the opposition were interested in joining the ruling side. Congress on July 11, also filed disqualification petition with the Assembly Speaker against former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and Michael Lobo for anti-party activities. This indicates that all is not well in Congress camp and they have no trust in MLAs and see them as defectors. Political analyst says that those who had made up their minds to join BJP, will in future make a move again as it is a question of power and BJP needs more strength to win seats of Lok Sabha in 2024. Congress Senior leader Mukul Wasnik along with Dinesh Gundu Rao are likely to come to Goa on September 11 or 12 to choose the leader of opposition, take stock of the political situation and deter their MLA's from boarding on the 'double engine' train in future. Chennai, Sep 10 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin after inaugurating the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' of the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at Kanniyakumari on September 8 said that the star Congress campaigner was on a journey to 'retrieve India's soul'. Immediately after this, the DMK mouthpiece, 'Murasoli' came out with the story that Stalin had pitched for Rahul as Prime Minister candidate in 2019 just as his father Karunanidhi had voiced support for Indira Gandhi in the past. The move by Stalin is seen by political observers as a clear indicator on his political position to distance from the BJP and the saffron combine even as there were speculations of him having developing a personal bonhomie with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the body language of Stalin during the inaugural ceremony of Chess Olympiad sharing the dais with Prime Minister Modi was one of close camaraderie but at the ground level, he wants to be an alternative to the saffron combine. In Tamil Nadu politics, BJP is trying to replace the AIADMK which is facing internal squabbles and rift between two senior leaders, Edappadi K. Palaniswami and O. Panneerselvam. Also the DMK and Stalin find themselves against the BJP's Hindu majoritarian politics which is an antithesis to the politics of DMK. Dr. R. Padmanabhan, Director, Socio Economic Development Foundation, a think tank based out of Madurai while speaking to IANS said, "Stalin is pitching himself as a major connector to unify the national parties like the Congress and the Janata Dal (United) with the regional forces. He wants to put breaks on the BJP juggernaut and does not want the saffron party get any space in the state of Tamil Nadu. Secondly, he wants to be seen as a kingmaker in national politics rather than the king himself, a politics followed by his illustrious father, late Chief Minister M. Karunandihi." If Nitish Kumar emerges as the opposition candidate for the Prime Minister post, Stalin will be supporting him wholeheartedly as he is positively pushing for a movement against the BJP and saffron combine at the national level. Stalin knows that BJP is trying to replace AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and that the saffron party is trying to raise a challenge against his Dravidian politics in the state and does not want the party to grow with a repeated of its rule in 2024 general elections. C. Rajeev, Director, Centre for Policy and Development Studies, a think tank based out of Chennai while speaking to IANS said, "Stalin knows that Tamil Nadu politics is in murky waters and that AIADMK is pushed to a corner and BJP is trying to replace it, and hence wants to stop the BJP at the national level again from coming to power. For that he will align with any force including Nitish, and his main idea is to be a connector among all the other parties, not pushing himself to the top." With Nitish Kumar having conducted a first round of meetings in New Delhi with senior political leaders, in the second round, he is likely to reach Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and other Southern States and Stalin, given his excellent personal rapport with the Southern political leaders will act as a major facilitator for these meetings. New Delhi:Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar talking with media persons after meeting NCP chief Sharad Pawar at his residence in New Delhi, on Wednesday. September 07, 2022.(Photo: Qamar Sibtain/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Sep 10 : Days after ditching the BJP and forming the Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar with support from RJD, Left parties and Congress, Nitish Kumar is now trying to isolate the saffron party at the Centre as well by taking along Opposition parties. Although Pashupati Paras, the younger brother of late Ram Vilas Paswan, is a minister at Centre, his Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party has to prove its strength amidst the differences with his nephew Chirag Paswan. Considered as a clever politician, Nitish understands the role of Congress in the alliance formed against the BJP, so unlike Mamta Banerjee, K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Arvind Kejriwal, he wants the Congress to play an important role in the fight against the BJP. If Nitish succeeds in this campaign, then surely it will increase the troubles for the BJP. On the other hand, the BJP, with continues attack on Nitish, is trying tarnish the latter's image and weaken his campaign. Under this strategy, BJP has started targeting Nitish Kumar from Bihar to Delhi. Bihar BJP leaders as well as Central ministers have intensified their attack on Nitish. Raising questions on Nitish's campaign to unite the opposition parties, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi has said, "Do you find it logical that the number three party (JDU) in Bihar is talking about the First Front at the national level." Trivedi asserted that Nitish is doing all this exercise just to prove his political status. Similarly, Union Minister Giriraj Singh has said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of Bihar made Nitish Kumar the Chief Minister and he betrayed Modi ji and the public, how such deceitful ambitious person will give confidence to those opportunists who already have the ambitions of becoming PM." Former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also took a dig at Nitish, saying, "Nitish Kumar, a disciple of Ram Manohar Lohia, who talks about non-Congressism, is seen standing with the same Congress in personal ambition and greed for the chair." The BJP has prepared its strategy to sabotage Nitish's campaign both in the state and at the national level. Soon after the formation of the Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar, the saffron party deployed its Bihar-based Central ministers, MPs and senior leaders across districts for communicating with the common voters, party workers and civil society people. Taking lessons from the Nitish episode, the BJP has now decided that it will no longer form an alliance with any major political party in Bihar. Speaking to IANS, a BJP leader said that now on the lines of Uttar Pradesh, the party is trying to increase its base by strengthening its organisation in the entire state. The party will keep the caste, social and regional equations in mind while forming alliance with some small regional parties in the state. BJP leader Amit Shah and the party president J.P. Nadda had recently held a meeting with Bihar BJP core group leaders, explaining the party's strategy. The leaders have been told the party will be aiming to win over 35 seats in the state in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Only time will tell whether Nitish would succeed in bringing all the opposition parties on one platform against the BJP at the national level or not, but against these efforts of Nitish, the BJP has prepared its policy. Apart from Bihar, the BJP has also finalised a special 'Mission 144' strategy at the national level. Under, Mission 144, a special strategy has been drawn for 144 Lok Sabha seats in different states on which BJP's candidate stood second or third in the last election or on which BJP had won at some point. The saffron party has set a target of winning 50 per cent of these 144 seats i.e. at least 72 seats. Most of these seats are from the states ruled by opposition parties, where the BJP is not very strong. BJP's strategy is very clear -- where it is strong, it should fight more strongly, and where it is weak try to win as many seats as possible. Interestingly, the day when Nitish was meeting opposition leaders, on the very same day, Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda were finalizing the 'Mission 144' strategy at party headquarters in the national capital. Patna, Sep 10 : After the three-day visit of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar to Delhi, his alliance partner in Bihar, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) believes that he is the most suitable leader for the Prime Minister's post. Mritunjay Tiwari, the national spokesperson of the RJD, said: "Nitish Kumar of the JD(U) has the longest parliamentary life than any other leader. He is an experienced leader who knows how to govern the country. He has a clean political and socialist image and other leaders are nowhere near to him when we talk about quality leadership." "The parliamentary life of current Prime Minister Narendra Modi is less than Nitish Kumar. Besides, the latter has a socialist image which makes voters comfortable. Narendra Modi on the other hand has done nothing in the last 8 years other than communal politics. Moreover, the central government has many anti people policies which have created anti incumbency against the BJP. The Narendra Modi government has failed on every count including the economy. The prices of commodities are increasing and the income of the people is decreasing. The life of the common people has become hard and such a factor can act against Narendra Modi," Tiwari said. "As far as the opposition parties are concerned, everyone is in favour of a 'BJP Mukt Bharat'. The primary objective of every opposition party is to remove the BJP government from the Centre and not who would be the PM candidate of the opposition parties. Nitish Kumar himself has said that he is not the prime ministerial candidate at present. He also said that all opposition parties will sit together to decide the name of the prime ministerial candidate of the opposition parties to challenge Narendra Modi," Tiwari said. The opposition leaders know well the political style of the BJP. It believes in the character assassination of leaders who are in the opposition. They were with Rahul Gandhi and he was given the name Pappu. The only aim was to defame Rahul Gandhi and demoralize him. Rahul is still standing firm and taking on the BJP in his own style, they said. "For Nitish Kumar, he has not been involved in any scam or has any serious allegation or any baggage of corruption. Hence, it would not be easy for the BJP to target him. Moreover, he is a Hindi heartland leader capable of counter attacking Narendra Modi in his own style. If we remember, Narendra Modi during the 2015 Vidhan Sabha election commented on his DNA. Nitish Kumar immediately responded with Badka Jhutha Party for BJP," said Chitranjan Gagan, another RJD leader and spokesperson. As far as the RJD is concerned, it has been out of power for 15 years in Bihar. Moreover the party's national president Lalu Prasad may not have national ambitions as he is ill and suffering from multiple diseases. The second big leader of the RJD is Tejashwi Yadav and he is focusing on Bihar. In Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav is out of power. Hence, he is trying to consolidate his position in the state rather than thinking of national politics. His father and a big socialist face Mulayam Singh Yadav is also ill and not in a position to contest elections. Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Benerjee is a possible challenger to the Narendra Modi government but her acceptance in the Hindi heartland is a million dollar question. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal could be another challenger to Narendra Modi but his fate will be decided only after the AAP's performance in the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh assembly elections. If he manages to defeat the BJP in Gujarat, his chances as the opposition's prime ministerial candidate become brighter. For the Congress, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi are doing national politics and hence leaders like Ashok Gehlot and Raman Singh are not in the race. For leaders like KCR, MK Stalin and Sharad Power, it would not be easy to challenge Narendra Modi who is a very good speaker in Hindi. "Challenging Narendra Modi in his own style would be one of the key aspects for the opposition parties where Nitish Kumar is far more experienced than anyone else. He is also a supporter of RJD and it means its 79 MLAs and 12 MLCs are also favouring Nitish Kumar who is having 45 MLAs in Bihar and 17 Lok Sabha MPs," said a RJD leader requested not to be named. Mysuru : , Sep 10 (IANS) Popular Tamil actor and producer Vishal on Saturday visited the Shaktidhama orphanage run by late Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar's family in Mysuru city of Karnataka. Vishal also held talks with the staff and management of the orphanage centre. Shaktidhama, which takes care of 1,500 orphaned children was run by superstar Puneeth. But he never revealed about his philanthropic initiative and it came to light only after his untimely demise. After Puneeth's death, Vishal had announced that he would take charge of Shaktidhama and look after orphaned children. However, Puneeth's family maintained that they would continue to take care of the orphanage centre. After the visit, Vishal said that he would always remain a volunteer of the Shaktidhama and requested Puneeth's family consent. "Shaktidhama gave a similar experience as a temple. When we visit temple we could see god. Here, I saw God in every child," he added. "Children are happy and playful here. Puneeth and Geethamma (Puneeth's elder brother Shiva Rajkumar's wife) have done a great job. I have spoken to Shiva Rajkumar. I am in touch with Puneeth Rajkumar's family," he said. Vishal also added that he spoke to the orphanage children. "They dance, play and are in a spirited mood. They have a bright future," he said. "I was not able to visit Shaktidhama as I had to get admitted to the hospital after being injured during a shoot. I took a call to visit Shaktidhama at any cost and I am here with an intention of seeing the children. I am happy that I met them and always want to be a volunteer here," the Tamil actor added. How did Raoul Cantero III, a Harvard-trained lawyer and great-grandson of the US-backed Cuban dictator Fulgencia Batista, and who represented Orlando Bosch, the "unrepentant anti-Castro extremist who was labeled a terrorist by the U.S. government for his purported ties to bombing raids on Cuba," in a deportation hearing in 1989, end up becoming the first Hispanic Supreme Court Judge in the state of Florida? But first, who is Orlando Bosch? Born in 1926 in Potrerillo, Cuba, 270km South East of Havana, Orlando Bosch actively organized against the US-backed dictatorial regime of Fulgencio Batista in his student life in the 1950's, supporting the Cuban revolution in its early months as a pediatrician that provided clandestine support for Castro. His position changed significantly in 1960, however, when he moved to Miami, and joined and led anti-Castro groups supported by the CIA. His New York Times obituary reports, "In 1968, Mr. Bosch was convicted of using a makeshift bazooka to shell a Communist Polish freighter docked in Miami. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. At the same time, he was convicted of sending bomb threats to the heads of state of Britain, Mexico and Spain, and received a concurrent eight-year sentence." One of the vehicles that Bosch used to organize counter-revolutionary campaigns in Cuba, Florida, and other parts of the world was the Coordination of United Revolutionary Organizations (CORU). Founded in 1976 by Bosch and Luis Posada Carriles, CORU was behind the bombing that same year of Cubana Flight 445 that killed all 73 people on board, including the Cuban Olympic fencing team. Though Bosch and Posada Carriles were accused of being the masterminds of the bombing, both were acquitted by a Venezuelan court. From the same Times obituary: "In a C.I.A. report that was later declassified, Mr. Posada was said to have been overheard saying, 'We are going to hit a Cuban airplane' and 'Orlando has the details.' And in 2006, the Federal Bureau of Investigation released a report quoting an informant in Caracas, Venezuela, as saying that one of the men who had planted the bomb called Mr. Bosch afterward with the message, 'A bus with 73 dogs went off a cliff and all got killed.'" In the late 1980s, one Raoul Cantero III, born in Spain to Cuban parents, represented Bosch at his 1989 hearings, where the Justice Department sought his deportation arguing he was a security threat. This UPI recovered article from 1989 quotes Cantero, "'It's certainly damaging in the sense that he was doing these things, [b]ut there was a war going on. They were fighting communism. Bosch has repudiated this type of violence.'" The article continues, "he [Cantero] said there is no evidence Bosch has been involved in any terrorist acts in the last 10 years. The CIA reports indicate he organized several air strikes over Cuba in the 1960s. One of them resulted in the accident that killed four." In 2002, Florida governor Jeb Bush appointed Cantero III to the Florida Supreme Court. Bush declared in a press release: "Today all Floridians can take pride in the appointment of the first Hispanic justice to serve on the Florida Supreme Court. The significance of Raoul's achievement is important because it proves that service on our state's highest court is open to men and women of excellence from all backgrounds.Raoul has spent his entire career bringing honor to his family and community through his dedication to service. I know he will bring that same honor and dedication to service to the Florida Supreme Court." For more on the connections between domestic politics, scion families and ant-Castro formations in Miami, check out this Transnational Institute Report by the late journalist and filmmaker Saul Landau, who passed in 2013 at the age of 77. In 1974, Landau made film Cuba and Fidel. Interested in further research, consider consulting the Posada Carriles File from the National Security Archives for details on Posada's political activities and support from US politicians. This video with Bosch admitting to his actions is worth viewing for his unwavering support for using violence against civilians to achieve political ends. Voices from the Other Side: An Oral History of Terrorism Against Cuba, by Keith Bolender, details the impacts of the larger anti-Cuba terrorism organizations and campaigns on people living on the island: "With first-person interviews from more than 75 Cuban citizens who have been victims of these terrorist acts, or have had family members or close friends die from the attacks, this is a unique resource for activists, journalists and students interested in Cuba's tumultuous relationship with the US." Peter Kornbluh's books and articles offer the most in-depth study in English of US foreign policy toward Cuba, including The Bay of Pigs Declassified: The Secret CIA Report on the Invasion of Cuba and Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana, co-written with William M. LeoGrande. There is also the True Crime Series, "Omega 7: The Anti-Fidel Castro Bombings," on YouTube. Rohtak, Sep 10 : Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Saturday termed the Central government's decision to impose 20 per cent duty on export of non-basmati rice and ban on export of broken rice as anti-farmer. He said the farmers would not be able to benefit from the high prices of foodgrains in the international market owing to the Russia-Ukraine war. Hooda has demanded immediate withdrawal of this decision. Along with this, he also asked the BJP-JJP government in the state to start the procurement of paddy from September 20. Responding to a media query about a Maruti unit to be set up in Kharkhoda, Hooda said the approval for the project was given by the previous Congress government. "An in-principle agreement had been reached during his visit to Japan as Chief Minister. We had detailed dialogue for investment in Manesar, Rohtak and Kharkhoda, during the Congress government itself, but it got delayed by eight years due to the current BJP-JJP government," he said. About the names of MLAs coming up one after the other in the recruitment scams, Hooda reiterated that in Haryana jobs are being sold like goods at groceries store. "Open bidding of jobs is being carried out in this government, and ironically the government is calling this transparency. One after the other revelations have proved the allegations of the Opposition right." "The Congress raised this issue from the streets to the assembly. An assurance of action was also given by the government. But despite the evidence of corruption from HSSC to HPSC coming to the fore and lakhs of rupees were caught from the HPSC office, the government did not take any action," the Leader of Opposition said. He said the Congress had demanded a CBI investigation into the recruitment scam, under the supervision of the sitting judge of the high court. "However, this demand was not accepted due to the intent of the government. This is the attitude of the government on every scam. To appear that they are doing something, small fish are caught, while large crocodiles remain untouched. It is clear that the government is giving protection to scamsters." "From illegal mining to illegal drug trade, corruption is flourishing under the protection of the government," he said. He said the government is running away from conducting a CBI investigation even in the Sonali Phogat murder case while the family is repeatedly demanding the government to conduct a CBI inquiry. The former Chief Minister said it was also the responsibility of the government to allay the apprehensions of the victim's family. On the SYL canal issue, he said Haryana has full rights over water. "Haryana has won the case in the Supreme Court. Providing water to the state is the job of the Central and state governments. If the Punjab government is not providing water, then the Haryana government should file a contempt case in the Supreme Court," he added. New Delhi, Sep 10 : In a major breakthrough, Punjab Police and Delhi Police Special Cell arrested three absconding sharp shooter involved in Sidhu Moosewala murder case from West Bengal. DGP Punjab said that it was a joint operation between the Punjab and Delhi Police's Special Cell with the help of Central agencies which led to the arrest of Deepak alias Mundi and his associates Kapil Pandit and Rajender alias Joker. "Deepak, Pandit and Rajinder have been arrested today by AGTF (Anti-Gangster Task Force team at West Bengal-Nepal border in the culmination of an intelligence-based operation. Deepak was the shooter in Bolero module, Pandit and Rajinder provided logistical support including weapons and hideouts," said the DGP. Chennai, Sep 10 : Tamil Nadu's primary school teachers' associations want the posts of district elementary educational officer (DEEO) and assistant elementary educational officer (AEEO) to be revived for the smooth functioning of elementary education in the state. The posts of DEEO and AEEO were abolished in May 2018 and the powers were delegated to the district educational officers (DEOs) and chief educational officers (CEOs) via government orders 101 and 108. R. Doss, General Secretary of Elementary School Teachers' Association, told the media that the DEOs and CEOs cannot conduct inspections properly as they are already overburdened with their present professional commitments. He said the primary school teachers' associations have conducted three rounds of discussions with the state government in this regard. The teachers also said that presently it is difficult for the director of elementary education to implement any decision due to the slow pace of reporting from the DEOs and the CEOs. A meeting between Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi will take place soon in this regard. The Elementary School Teachers' Association expects that after the meeting, the posts of DEEO and AEEO would be revived and the government orders 101 and 108 scrapped. Bengaluru, Sep 10 : The police in Karnataka have arrested a 52-year-old man for marrying a 16-year-old minor girl, officials said on Saturday. The Women and Child Welfare Department on Saturday served notice to 60 relatives and friends who attended the 'child marriage' in Uttara Kannada. Police said that the accused husband Anil has been put behind bars, while the minor girl has been shifted to a government rehabilitation centre in Uttara Kannada district. Police said Anil attempted to commit suicide after coming to know that he will be arrested. Both Anil and the girl hail from Karwar city. The marriage took place on July 19 at a temple. The Anganwadi (nodal government study centres for children) workers have gathered information about the child marriage and after confirming that the girl is a minor, informed the police. The family and relatives of the minor girl have claimed that since the girl was physically well developed, they thought she could be married. They also claimed that they did not know about the age of the girl. Karwar Women police have registered a case and are investigating the case. San Francisco, Sep 10 : Gaming platform Roblox has detailed its vision to foray into metaverse, with revealing more plans towards social gaming to top 3D artists, programmers, builders and content creators. Knowing that advertising will naturally exist in the metaverse just as it does in other parts of people's lives, Roblox plan to launch Immersive Ads next year. "Brands and developers alike will be able to build never-before-seen ad experiences on Roblox, including portals that can seamlessly transport users back and forth between experiences," the company said during the Roblox Developers Conference (RDC) in San Francisco. This will create new opportunities for developers to generate revenue and enable brands to reach their communities more effectively, said the company. Roblox currently has 58.5 million daily active users in more than 180 countries. It announced to make Chat on Roblox more dynamic so it functions similarly to how we connect in the physical world. "People aged 13 and older can now speak with one another in voice-enabled experiences," said Roblox. The feature is built to mimic in-person conversations, and so is based on avatars' proximity to each other. "It means you might whisper to a friend nearby or raise your voice to carry across a room. Since rolling out this feature, close to one million experiences have enabled voice communications," the gaming platform revealed. Next year, people also will be able to use their webcam to express themselves in real-time through their avatars. "Your camera will automatically map your facial movements as you speak, so your avatar can express how you're feeling, adding a new layer of immersion and connection," said Roblox. In the coming weeks, Roblox will be releasing Facial Animations in the Marketplace, allowing users to create avatars to convey a wide range of expressions that best fit your mood and better capture emotions and gestures. The company has also added several new features to Cloud including Place Publishing, Data Stores, and Cross-Server Messaging. Kokrajhar, Sep 10 : Two linkmen associated with banned insurgent outfit Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) were arrested by Assam police from Kokrajhar district on Saturday, officials said. The two persons, who were nabbed by the police from the Serfanguri area of the district, have been identified as Bishnu Rai and Tapas Rai. A senior police officer informed that the accused KLO linkmen allegedly attempted to extort money from a local businessman, namely Sunil Mandal. Mandal lodged a complaint with the police against Bishnu Rai and Tapas Rai and claimed that they were demanding money on behalf of KLO. On the basis of his complaint, the police launched an operation to arrest the duo. A case under relevant sections has been registered against them. Police are investigating to find further linkages of the two arrested persons with the banned militant outfit. The Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) is a militant organisation based in Northeast India whose objective was to liberate the Kamtapur from India. The proposed state is to comprise six districts in West Bengal - Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, North and South Dinajpur and Malda - four in Assam - Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Dhubri and Goalpara - Kishanganj in Bihar and Jhapa district in Nepal. The cadres claim that organisation's aim is to address problems of the Koch Rajbongshi people such as large-scale unemployment, land alienation, perceived neglect of the Kamtapuri language, economic deprivation, etc. Earlier, just before Independence Day, KLO chief Jeevan Singha issued an appeal to the President and the Prime Minister to meet the outfit's longstanding demand for a state of Kamtapur. Chennai, Sep 10 : In a major setback for the two promoters of satellite channel company -- New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV), the Income Tax Department has said its permission is not needed for issuance of shares by the former's investment vehicle. The Adani group has initiated steps to takeover the NDTV by issuing an open offer for 26 per cent stake in the former and also by exercising its right to convert the share warrants issued by RRPR Holding Private Ltd. On 23.8.2022, Adani group's AMG Media Networks announced its subsidiary Vishvapradhan Commercial Private Ltd's (VCPL) decision to exercise its rights to acquire 99.5 per cent of equity shares of RRPR, the investment company of NDTV promoters - Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy. The VCPL holds 1,990,000 warrants of RRPR Holding entitling it to convert them into 99.99 per cent stake in the latter. The VCPL has exercised its option in part, resulting in acquisition control of RRPR Holding -- 1,990,000 equity shares or 99.50 per cent. RRPR Holding holds 29.18 per cent stake in NDTV that has three national television channels. This triggered the issue of open offer to acquire shares of NDTV from the public as per SEBI's (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011. On their part, the Roys had told NDTV that the Income Tax Department and SEBI's nod or clarification is needed for conversion of warrants issued by RRPL Holding into equity in favour of Adani group's VCPL. Rejecting the contention of the Roys, VCPL had written to the Income Tax Department on 7.9.2022. Meanwhile, in a regulatory filing, the channel company said VCPL has notified RRPR Holding and NDTV that it has sent a letter to SEBI, on September 8, 2022 about its communication with the Income Tax Authority and the latter's reply. "The letter from the Income Tax Authority dated September 7, 2022 states: the prohibition under the above-mentioned orders u/s 281B during the period of their operation is on M/s. RRPR Holding Private Limited for selling or transfer of its shareholding in M/s. New Delhi Television Limited and from creating/causing any charge thereon only, irrespective of the shareholding pattern of M/s. RRPR Holding Private Limited and who exercises control thereon and not on the issuance of shares of M/s. RRPR Holding Private Limited," NDTV said in a regulatory filing. In other words, the Income Tax Department has said there are no restrictions on RRPR Holding acting on VCPL's decision to convert its share warrants into 99.50 per cent equity. On hearing the news of Adani group's interest in taking over the NDTV, members of social media had commented that now NDTV will be called NDATV or New Delhi Adani Television. Further, Adani group promoter Gautam Adani is said to be close to BJP that is heading the National Democratic Alliance and whose acronym is NDA. Gen Bipin Rawat Military Garrison only the third to be named after people Image Source: IANS News Gen Bipin Rawat Military Garrison only the third to be named after people Image Source: IANS News Gen Bipin Rawat Military Garrison only the third to be named after people Image Source: IANS News Gen Bipin Rawat Military Garrison only the third to be named after people Image Source: IANS News Kolkata, Sep 10 : India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), late General Bipin Rawat, has now got a military garrison close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China named after him. On Saturday, the Indian Army garrison at Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh was formally named Gen Bipin Rawat Military Garrison. Gen Rawat (then a Colonel) had commanded a unit of the 5/11 Gorkha Rifles at this garrison in 1999-2000. There are few military stations in India named after people. INS Netaji Subhas - the Indian Navy's headquarters in Kolkata - was probably the first one. The second one was Air Force Station Arjan Singh at Panagarh, also in West Bengal. Now, Gen Bipin Rawat has got an Indian Army Garrison with his name on it. During his tenure at Kibithu, a strategic location, Gen Rawat named a nearby feature as 'Bogra' to commemorate Battle Honour Bogra conferred on the 5/11 Gorkha Rifles after the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Bogra was a stronghold of the Pakistan Army in East Pakistan that was captured by this Battalion before the onward march towards Dhaka and the Liberation of Bangladesh. During his tenure at Kibithu, Gen Rawat also improved civil-military ties and formalised the Border Personnel Meeting mechanism with China. On Saturday, the military station was formally named as Gen Bipin Rawat Military Garrison by Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig B.D. Mishra (retd) in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Gen Rawat's daughter was also present during the event. Chief Minister Khandu also named the 22-km-long road from Walong to Kibithu as Gen Bipin Rawat Marg. According to the Indian Army, this was a befitting tribute to the General who died in a tragic helicopter crash in December 2021. An official said that Gen Rawat contributed immensely in strengthening the security of the area. The infrastructural development and social growth he brought about also benefitted locals greatly. Bhopal, Sep 10 : Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief and former Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Saturday invited senior BJP leader Uma Bharti to join his party's ongoing 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' led by Rahul Gandhi. Kamal Nath made this comment while reacting to Bharti's comment that there is "imbalance of casteism in the BJP government". During a press conference at her official residence in Bhopal on Friday, Bharti claimed that leaders from different castes and regions are not given the place they deserve and it may create a big problem for the BJP in the comming days. Taking a dig at BJP, Kamal Nath said, "I agree with Uma Bharti's statement that the imbalance of casteism in Madhya Pradesh. Social justice is the need of the hour. This is just a begining, the BJP will face more challenges of casteism in the coming days. I would welcome Uma Bharti if she joins Congress' 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'." The veteran leader added that the Congress has set up as many as 34 'prakosth' (departments) so that people associated with all religions and castes can be added to mainstream poltics so that they get equal opportunity to represent their groups. Meanwhile, Kamal Nath also slammed the BJP for commenting on Rahul Gandhi's T-shirt. "Today BJP is looking at Rahul Gandhi's T-shirt...The day is not far when they (BJP leaders) will comment on his (Rahul Gandhi) shoes. They are not seeing the people supporting the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'," Nath added. New Delhi, Sep 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke on phone with his UK counterpart Elizabeth Truss, officials said. Modi congratulated Truss on assuming the office of the Prime Minister of UK. He also appreciated her contributions to the India-UK bilateral relationship in her previous roles as Trade Secretary and Foreign Secretary. Both leaders committed to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK. According to officials, the two leaders discussed various issues of bilateral interest including the progress in the implementation of the Roadmap 2030, ongoing FTA negotiations, defence and security cooperation, and the people-to-people ties between both countries. On behalf of the people of India, Prime Minister Modi conveyed deep condolences to the Royal family and the people of UK on the demise of Queen Elizabeth II. Lithium-ion batteries have allowed us to make some pretty impressive advancements in energy storage.They're not the most environmentally sustainable option, as they still lose capacity and degrade over time, and there is a slight risk of them exploding, but generally speaking, they've been the best option for our needs. Until now. Maybe. In a recent article in the journal Matter, a team of scientists at the University of Maryland and University of Houston explained how they created a stable and sustainable alternative using zinc ions derived from, of all things, crab shells. As The Daily Beast explains: Zinc-based batteries have yet to be commercialized because of a well-known problem: Zinc ions will crash out of the water-based solution in the battery and form protrusions called dendrites that over time cause the battery to short. Existing solutions to prevent dendrites from forming end up reducing the battery's performance. Hu and his team decided to test out whether chitosan, an abundant compound that comes from the exoskeletons of crustaceans, could stabilize the zinc without massively impeding the battery. They designed a porous structure of chitosan and zinc, which outperformed existing zinc batteries and remained nearly 100 percent efficient after hundreds of charging cycles. Then, the team buried the structures in soil. After two months, there were clear signs of the zinc and chitosan decomposing, and the structure fully decomposed after five months. No wonder we all become crabs in the end. They truly are nature's greatest achievement. The Future of Renewable Energy May Be This Battery Made From Crab Shells [Maddie Bender / The Daily Beast] A sustainable chitosan-zinc electrolyte for high-rate zinc-metal batteries [Meiling Wu, Ye Zhang, Lin Xu, Chunpeng Yang, Min Hong, Mingjin Cui, Bryson C. Clifford, Shuaiming He, Shuangshuang Jing, Yan Yao, and Liangbing Hu / Matter] Image: Public Domain via Pixahive Hyderabad, Sep 10 : Food security in the country is at risk and the lack of foresight in the policies of the Central government is the main reason behind this unfortunate situation, said the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) on Saturday. TRS working president K.T. Rama Rao stated that six months ago, the Central government boasted that it had enough wheat and rice reserves for four years. Ironically, the same Centre imposed a 20 per cent export duty on rice exports saying that the foodgrain stocks in the country are diminishing. This proves the policy failure of the Central government in the procurement of food grains, he said. He demanded union minister for food and public distribution Piyush Goyal to implement one nation and one food grain procurement policy. Rama Rao said the Narendra Modi-led government, which has already imposed restrictions on the export of wheat and wheat based products, recently levied 20 per cent duty on rice exports and imposed a ban on the export of broken rice as well. KTR said that the Modi government has taken this decision due to the huge reduction in stocks of food grains in FCI godowns and at various centres. The TRS leader alleged that the reason for the current state of affairs is the Centre's lack of awareness of the basic needs of the people and lack of a clear food grain procurement policy. "In a bid to portray Telangana as a failed state, the Modi government got caught in its own trap. Six months ago, when the Telangana government appealed to the Central government to buy the foodgrains from the state, the Centre outrightly refused saying that the country has more than the required reserves. The same Central government imposed restrictions on food grain exports now," said KTR, demanding an explanation from the Central minister. KTR, who is also a state Cabinet minister, said that India's food security is in jeopardy due to the discrimination of the Modi government against Telangana state and its farmers. "The current food grain crisis clearly indicates that the Modi government lacks a long-term plan for the country's food needs. It is people's misfortune that the inefficient BJP government at the Center neither has any clue about the development and welfare of the people nor does it have a strategic long term plan," the minister remarked. He alleged that six months ago, Union Minister Piyush Goyal spoke very insultingly to the Telangana team that visited Delhi with a request to buy paddy grown in the state. KTR criticised the Modi government's failure to have a comprehensive food grain procurement policy for the country. Not having food security in a country with a massive population indicates the short-sightedness of the BJP government. He demanded the Central government should now change its policies and give priority to welfare of the people and food security. He stated that the Telangana government has always advocated one nation one procurement policy for this purpose. But the Central government is causing a lot of trouble for the farming community by not implementing a clear policy on grain procurement. The Centre is giving more importance to politics than having foolproof procurement policies. This is why the country is facing the food grain crisis now. The Minister demanded that the BJP-led Central government, for the food security of the people of the country, should set aside politics and take unbiased decisions. KTR urged Piyush Goyal to take steps to procure the entire food grains from states like Telangana which are producing food grains in large quantities. Doddaballapur : , Sep 10 (IANS) Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, on Saturday termed the killers of BJP Yuva Morcha activist Praveen Kumar Nettare, who was hacked to death by bike-borne miscreants on July 26 in Dakshina Kannada district, as cowards. Addressing a large gathering at BJP's 'Janaspandana' mega event in Doddaballapur near Bengaluru to commemorate completion of one year in office of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and three-year tenure of BJP in Karnataka, Irani claimed that the intention of killers was to create terror in the minds of people. "Praveen has given his blood for the country. I congratulate the organisers for paying tribute to him by placing his photograph here," she said. "The grave of terrorist Yakub Memon was beautified during the tenure of the Congress government. Rahul Gandhi does not have the courage to question this. If Rahul Gandhi opposes terrorism, why did he fail to condemn this," Irani questioned. She also said the Congress has included those who raised anti-India slogans in the Bharat Jodo Yatra. "This is an anti-national act. It is betrayal to the nation to support those who raised slogans against the country. This anti-national act must be questioned by the Congress workers," the Union minister said. She also accused the Congress of discriminating against the people of Karnataka. "During its tenure at the Centre, Congress gave Rs 2,000 crore to Karnataka through the Central Finance Commission. The BJP, which runs a double engine government, has given Rs 5,000 crore to the state. St. Petersburg, Sep 10 : Several elected officials in Russia have been summoned by the police after they called for the impeachment of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a media report said. In a rare display of dissent in the country, local deputies from the Smolninskoye municipality in the St. Petersburg area appealed to the Russian Duma to impeach the President, for what they called crimes of high treason, CNN reported. The author of the appeal, Dmitry Palyuga, posted it on Twitter, alleging Putin was responsible for "(1) the decimation of young able-bodied Russian men who would serve the workforce better than the military; (2) Russia's economic downturn and brain drain; (3) NATO's expansion eastward, including adding Finland and Sweden to 'double' its border with Russia; (4) the opposite effect of the 'special military operation' in Ukraine." Palyuga and fellow Deputy Nikita Yuferev later posted on Twitter a summons issued to them by the St. Petersburg police for their "discrediting of the ruling establishment". Palyuga later reported that two of the four deputies summoned have been released by the police and all are expected to face fines, CNN reported. Kremlin has tried very hard to stifle any criticism of its invasion of Ukraine. After launching a full scale invasion in late February, the Russian government moved swiftly to shut down the remnants of Russia's free press and introduced a new law that imposed severe criminal penalties for spreading "fake" information. According to OVD-Info, an independent group that tracks detentions in Russia, 16,437 people have been arrested or detained for anti-war activism in Russia since the start of the invasion. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Washington, Sep 10 : Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at age 96, leaves behind assets worth $88 billion of the British Monarchy as estimated in 2017. Where it now goes is the question. The British Monarchy was valued at roughly $88 billion in 2017, according to brand valuation consultancy firm Brand Finance. The Queen's personal wealth is closer to $500 million from investments, art, jewels and real estate, according to a 2021 estimate from Forbes. But the queen's true net worth has never been disclosed. The Guardian reported last year that the queen successfully lobbied the British government in the 1970s to change a draft law in order to conceal her private wealth from the public, claiming the disclosure would be embarrassing. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told BBC that "any assertion that the sovereign has blocked legislation is simply incorrect". The castle is just one of the assets the queen leaves after 70 years on the throne. Her personal assets from investments, real estate, jewels and more have an estimated worth of $500 million, according to Forbes magazine. The entire royal family was estimated to be worth at least $88 billion as of 2017. The financing that makes up the wealth behind the crown is complex. Here's a breakdown of how much her majesty was worth, where the money came from and where it may go, USA today said in a report here. How rich was the queen? What happens to the other royals under King Charles III and his new slimmed-down monarchy? How much is the British royal family worth? These are questions often asked not just by just Britons but engaging the minds of the populations of the world especially the commonwealth countries of which she was the head. King Charles III is now officially the new monarch and head of the commonwealth after his installation by the privy council. Brand Finance reported in 2017 that the British Monarchy's worth has grown "every year" since it began tracking in 2012. The $88 billion figure includes the Crown Estate, the Royal Collection (including the crown jewels) and other assets. Who inherits the queen's fortune? King Charles III inherits the majority of the Queen's $500 million, according to Forbes. How did Queen Elizabeth get the money? The royal family collects fees from The Sovereign Grant Act, a taxpayer fund that is used to maintain royal palaces and royal duties such as receptions and travel. The Sovereign Grant for 2022 to 2023 is just under $100 million. Payments are based on profits from the Crown Estate, a property business that is owned by the monarch but runs independently, according to the BBC. Starting in 2017, the queen began receiving 25 per cent of the Crown Estate profits from the previous two years, a deal that was set to last 10 years to help pay for the refurbishment of Buckingham Palace. The remainder of the money goes to the government. The Crown Estate is also part of a $28 billion empire run by "The Firm," or a group of members of the House of Windsor. Along with the Queen, members included King Charles and his wife the Queen Consort Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall; Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge; Princess Anne, the queen's daughter; and the queen's youngest son, Prince Edward, and his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, Forbes says. The crown holds, but cannot sell, various assets including: The Crown Estate ($19.5 billion) Buckingham Palace ($4.9 billion) The Duchy of Cornwall ($1.3 billion) The Duchy of Lancaster ($748 million) Kensington Palace ($630 million) The Crown Estate Scotland ($592 million). The Firm, or "Monarchy PLC," pumps hundreds of millions of pounds into the United Kingdom's economy every year through tours of Commonwealth countries and other displays. Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex's 2018 royal wedding, for instance, was expected to benefit the British Economy by over 1 billion pounds, according to Brand Finance. The royal family doesn't personally benefit from the business, but Forbes reports that they do receive other financial benefits such as free media coverage, the USA today reported. How much money did the queen get from taxpayers? The Sovereign Grant was set at 86.3 million pounds (about $99 million) for 2021 to 2022, or about 1.29 pounds (about $1.50) per person in the UK, according to the BBC. This does not include security costs. How much property did Elizabeth own? Forbes reports that the queen's personal real estate assets include two castles: Sandringham House and Balmoral Castle. Doddaballapur : , Sep 10 (IANS) 'Janaspandana', the mega event organised by the BJP in Doddaballapur near here on Saturday to commemorate the completion of one year in office of Chief Minister Bsavaraj Bommai and three years of BJP rule in Karnataka, was successful in sending across a message to the party workers as well as the opposition. As per sources, more than 2 lakh people attended the programme, many of them from southern Karnataka where BJP does not have a strong base. The party had taken a conscious decision to hold the programme here to make inroads in the districts where JD(S) and Congress have a strong hold. Party insiders claimed that the event successfully sent out a message to the people living in this region. Addressing the gathering, former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa said that he will never let Congress come to power in the state till the time Prime Minister Narendra Modi is at the helm. "Rahul Gandhi talks about poverty and three of his family members have been Prime Ministers of the country," he said. Yediyurappa said that Opposition leader Siddaramaiah and state Congress chief D.K. Shivakumar are under illusion that they are going to become the next CM. Quoting a Kannada proverb, he said that before a child is born, the clothes are being stitched. He also slammed Siddaramaiah for criticising the BJP over the flood situation in Bengaluru. "You (Siddaramaiah) have been the CM, don't you know what happens when the city receives such excess rain rain," Yediyurappa asked. He said the mega event is a great success as party leaders have put in a lot of efforts to mobilise lakhs of people in a region where the party is not so strong. In the coming days, five to six such conventions will be planned to reach out to the people, he added. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bommai declared that the government would provide a job to a kin of Praveen Kumar Nettare, the BJP Yuva Morcha activist who was killed in Dakshina Kannada district in July. "I congratulate the massive crowd for attending the convention in such large numbers. We are sending across a clear message from here, which would reach every nook and corner of the state. The message is BJP will retain power in Karnataka. We will not break your trust," Bommai said. The Chief Minister also said that the state government has handled the Covid situation efficiently. "BJP has given vaccines free of cost. Congress claims it gave free rice. But the rice came from the Modi government, only the bags were yours (Congress')," he said. He also attacked the Congress over the 40 per cent commission allegations. "You have minted money without even doing any work. Yours was a 100 per cent commission government. Your dream of coming to power will remain a dream," Bommai said. New Delhi, Sep 10 : Sharad Pawar was on Saturday unanimously re-elected as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president during the party's national executive meeting that was held here. After the meeting, NCP general secretary Praful Patel said Pawar has been elected unopposed by the party's national executive. The party would hold national council meeting on Sunday during which Pawar is expected to lay out the road map for the national-level alliance of the opposition parties. Patel, meanwhile, said that OBC census should be done and all the parties should come together to challenge the BJP. He also said Bihar Chief Minister and senior Janata Dal-United Nitish has left the NDA and there was a need for unity. Nitish Kumar, who was in national capital this week, met scores of political leaders starting from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M Secretary General Sitaram Yechury, CPI's D. Raja and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal (AAP). Nitish Kumar's purpose of the visit was around the talks of opposition unity. He also intends to meet Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi when she returns from abroad. Before coming to the national capital, the Bihar Chief Minister had met RJD leader Lalu Prasad and TRS supremo K. Chandrasekhar Rao -- the Telangana Chief Minister. Bengaluru, Sep 10 : Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai announced on Saturday that President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara celebrations this year. "Mysuru Dasara, which will be celebrated from September 26, will be inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu. She has given her consent for this," Bommai said. On September 6, Bommai had written to the President inviting her to inaugurate the event. The President's office has now confirmed it, an official communication from the state government stated. The BJP government is celebrating Dasara with grandeur this time following two years' of Covid hiatus. Bioresources based economy is need of the Hour for Himalyan region : Experts Image Source: IANS News Bioresources based economy is need of the Hour for Himalyan region : Experts Image Source: IANS News Bioresources based economy is need of the Hour for Himalyan region : Experts Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Sep 10 : Experts and environmentalists feel that the Himalayan region is facing new challenges and going through rapid changes due to unplanned development for economic growth. Participating in a discussion on 'Bioresources to Bioeconomy for the Himalayan states' here, the experts said that these unplanned developmental activities cause frequent flash floods, melting of glaciers, loss of habitats, land slides and several other devastations. The event was jointly organised by the Centre for Himalayan Studies, Delhi University, and the Himalayan Study Circle, Hindu College, to mark Himalaya Day. Speaking during the panel discussion, environmental scientist Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director at the Centre for Himalayan Studies in Delhi University, said that a bioresources based economy is the solution for the growth and development of the Himalayan states. Sahoo said bioeconomy has the potential to create new jobs and can generate new solutions for the planet's major challenges in the field of health, food, water, climate change and can deliver social, environmental and economic benefits. "Himalaya is our common heritage and the entire humanity should try and contribute to save it," he pointed out. Sahoo said that the region has several plants, animals and micro organisms which can be used to set up bioresource based industries in the Himalayan states. "Bioeconomy is a relatively new concept and rapidly developing in several nations. India can be a major player with its unique resources from the Himalayan region, especially from northeastern Himalayas," he said. Anju Srivatava, Principal of Hindu College, said that students from the college would visit the Himalayas and explore the various possibilities. The college would also stress on Himalayan research, Srivastava said. Panelist and writer C.K. Nayak urged the youth to take up protection and preservation of the Himalayas for their own generation. New Delhi, Sep 10 : Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday offered condolences on the passing away of Queen Elizabeth II of the UK. "She was a great and much-loved figure of our times... it is a moment of sadness, but also a time to celebrate her long and devoted reign as sovereign of the United Kingdom and head of the Commonwealth," the Congress leader said. "For generations across the world, in a period of rapid change over seven decades, she was a symbol of constancy and continuity. Her passing is also an occasion to remember her warm association with our country, cherished by her and by us," she added. She said during her visits to India both symbolised and cemented the close relationship between the two countries, starting shortly after the Independence when the government of Jawaharlal Nehru played a determining role in establishing the Commonwealth. "The bilateral relationship between India and UK has evolved naturally with the passage of time, but it has remained durable and important for both countries," Gandhi added New Delhi, Sep 11 : A priest was attacked by a gardner inside the temple premises in Delhi's Pitampura area on Saturday evening. The incident occurred at Shree Ram temple Pitampura's Kohat Encalve. According to information received, the priest has been admitted to a nearby hospital where his condition is stated to be critical. "The priest, identified as Laxmi Narayan (52), was attakced by the gardner with a sharp-edged weapon, resulting in four stab wounds," said a source. The source said that Narayan had an argument with the gardner over coming late to the temple. The priest had asked the gardner to come ealry with flowers as devotees also come early. He was also asked to come for work daily, while he used come twice a week. This led to an argument between the two. The accused gardner in a fit of rage attacked the priest and injured him and fled from the spot. A hunt is on to nab the accused. After directing four entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Russo brothers are no strangers to massive budgets, and according to The Hollywood Reporter, they're importing the practice to television. Its reported budget of $235m might not be enough to get it done. It was set to be a flagship Amazon Prime Video series, with top Hollywood talent guiding what was envisioned as a major franchise for the ecommerce giant. However, cost overruns and creative differences are plaguing a series that has quietly become one of the most expensive shows ever produced. Multiple sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that differences in vision led to the exit of half the creative team and has forced the show a spy thriller that is meant to launch local spinoffs into a round of expensive reshoots. It's hard to believe that we're still knee-deep in the Golden age of television. Although the idiot box was always popular, critics and audiences regarded television as an inferior medium to film for decades. In the late 90s, thanks largely to distribution methods and looser censorship, television experienced a boom period that we're still in the middle of. Before the Golden age, equipping a television show with a budget equivalent to a blockbuster film was an unfathomable concept. Post Game of Thrones and Amazon's The Rings of Power series, we've seen budgets for television show balloon to unwieldy proportions. New Delhi, Sep 11 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday said it has filed chargesheet at a Special Court in Jammu in the case of the targeted killing of Sarpanch Shabir Ahmad Mir of Adoora village, Kulgam by the terrorists of proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). The chargesheet was filed against, Danish Ayaz Dar, Faisal Hameed Wagay, Nisar Rashid Bhat a.k.a. Nasir, Zubair Ahmad Sofi (eliminated) and two absconding terrorists Mushtaq Ahmad Itoo and Farooq Ahmad Bhat a.k.a. Farooq Nalli under sections 302 r/w 120 B & 121 A of IPC; sections 16, 18, 20, 38 & 39 UA (P) Act, 1967 and section 27 of Arms Act. The case was initially registered on March 11, 2022 at Kulgam police station, and re-registered by the NIA on April 8. "Investigations have revealed that the handlers of proscribed terrorist organization Hizbul Mujahideen(HM) operating from Pakistan, hatched a criminal conspiracy in collusion with terrorist associates and terrorists of HM active in Kashmir Valley, to carry out the target killing of Mir. "Apart from this incident, carrying out targeted killings in Kashmir Valley was part of larger conspiracy by terrorists of HM and other proscribed terrorist outfits to disturb peace and disrupt the democratic process established by the Panchayti Raj System in Kashmir Valley and also to create terror among the politically elected representatives," the NIA has mentioned in the chargesheet. New Delhi, Sep 11 : Two cell phones swallowed by a Tihar Jail inmate have been retrieved from his body, sources said on Saturday. The individual was made to undergo an operation after medical check-up at GB Pant Hospital, sources said. A source said that on August 29, an inmate of Central Jail no. 1 had claimed that he had one mobile phone inside his body which he had swallowed. On this, his medical examination including X-ray was conducted in DDU hospital, but no indication of any such foreign body was found inside his body. "His general health is also alright since then. But the inmate again claimed the same thing that he had swallowed a mobile phone. As such, he has been sent to DDU hospital once again for re-examination," an official said requesting anonymity. The official said that his medical examination in DDU, including an X-Ray test again, had also not revealed anything about foreign body. The doctors then recommended CT Scan for precise findings, for which he was sent to GB Pant Hospital where his medical condition was stated to be fine. "On September 7, his endoscopy was carried out in GB Pant Hospital, in which two mobile phones have been taken out from his body. Two phones have been brought out in GB pant. The inmate is back in jail. As per doctors, two more unknown objects are inside the stomach," said the official. Guwahati, Sep 11 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has alleged that there was a security breach during his rally in Hyderabad on Friday. Tension prevailed during Ganesh immersion procession at MJ Market in Hyderabad on Friday when a TRS leader confronted Sarma on the dais and tried to dislodge the mike. "A man with a personal security guard came close to me on stage and asked why I was criticising the Telangana Chief Minister. I told the person that I have not started my speech yet, how could you anticipate what I would say," Sarma told mediapersons here on Saturday. Taking a jibe at the TRS government, Sarma said, "We believe in Atithi Deva Bhava. There may be differences in political ideology, but in Indian culture, we never demean our guests." According to Sarma, the whole incident lasted for about 30 seconds before other people present there whisked the man away. Sarma said the entire incident showed that there were loopholes in the security arrangement. "Had someone from the general public came to the stage, it would have been a different issue. But when a ruling party worker is involved in such an incident, it looks really odd," he added. When asked about his immediate reaction after the incident, Sarma said, "I never fear any such situation." Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has sought clarification from the TRS government on this incident. Patna, Sep 11 : Patna police have arrested Asfer Ahmed, son of former RJD MLC Anwar Ahmed, on Saturday for misbehaving with DSP. Asfer has allgedly grabbed the collar of Patna DSP Ashok Singh inside Pirbahore police station on Friday night. Manavjeet Singh Dhillon, the SSP of Patna said: "We have conducted raids at several hideouts and managed to arrest Asfer." "Keeping in view of city's municipal corporation election, Patna police has been carrying out an operation to arrest notorious criminals and fugitives. In 1997, there was a riot in the Pirbahore area and two cousin brothers Chullu Khan and Gullu Khan were booked for rioting. They have been fugitives since then. We recently learnt about the hideout of Chullu Khan and managed to arrest him in that case on August 28. During interrogation, Chullu confessed his cousin brother Gullu Khan was living in ward number 40 of Pirbahore locality. Chullu also revealed that he has a good connection with Asfer Ahmed," Dhillon said. "Our team went to ward number 40 of Pirbahore locality on Thursday night. When they reached ward number 40, 4 youths, who were present at a tea stall, started running away from the police team. The police personnel acted swiftly and managed to nab them. Soon a large number of people headed by Asfer Ahmed who is also a local municipal councillor reached the spot and managed get them released. They have also attacked one police personnel as well," Dhillon said. "A team headed by DSP Ashok Singh went to the crime scene for investigation on Friday night. He managed to nab one of the accused Mohammad Sarfaraz and was taken to the custody in Pirbahore police station. Asfer reached Pirbahore police station and manhandled with police personnel on Friday night. The DSP was also present in the chamber of SHO there. When he came out from the chamber, Asfer abused and misbehaved with him. The incident was caught in the CCTV cameras installed inside the police station," the SSP added. "We have booked 13 persons in this connection and two of them including Asfer Ahmed are arrested till now. The other 11 accused are at large. Hunts have been launched to arrest them," he said. Meanwhile, RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav, in an official statement said that Asfer Ahmed's father Anwar Ahmed was an MLC of RJD but the party had expelled him eight years ago. Now, he has no connection with the party. "The opposition leaders are dragging the name of the RJD leader is completely false and baseless. We have zero tolerance against criminals. Law will take its own course." ImageCat, Inc. Frameworks such as ImageCats GEDI encourage more proactive disaster risk management and also support the emergence of parametric insurance as a means of protecting livelihoods, communities and natural assets underserved by traditional insurance mechanisms, Simon Young, Senior Director, WTW. ImageCat is pleased to announce its 2nd technical webinar on the newly launched Global Economic Disruption Index (GEDI), a framework for assessing the economic impacts of climate change and disasters. GEDI is a NASA, GEO, and GOOGLE-funded modeling framework that characterizes the broad economic impact of disasters, including economic restoration and critical infrastructure recovery time. GEDI offers a path to bypass the complexity of traditional modeling technologies and provides a simple index for widespread use. The changing climate and a growing appreciation of the social impacts of disasters has caused many to question the way economic impacts are calculated, said Charles Huyck, Executive Vice President at ImageCat. GEDI provides a unique way to characterize the disruption that follows disasters, with far reaching applications- from environmental justice to parametric-triggered insurance products. The framework leverages Earth Observation (EO), Catastrophe (CAT) models, and economic modeling to address a wide range of applications, including supplementing disaster advisories, Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and claims, community resilience assessment, prioritizing infrastructure projects, and compliance with recent executive initiatives, orders, and regulations addressing social justice and climate change (such as Justice40, SEC Proposal 33-11042 and Ex Order 14008). GEDI will be available to end users in the government, insurance, and the nonprofit sector through ImageCats advisory services and risk platforms Inhance and FACFinder. The coming together of earth observation, future climate projections, and catastrophe risk models is critical in order to understand and thus better manage the growing physical risks that a more volatile and extreme climate is bringing. Frameworks such as ImageCats Global Economic Disruption Index (GEDI) encourage more proactive disaster risk management and also support the emergence of parametric insurance as a means of protecting livelihoods, communities and natural assets underserved by traditional insurance mechanisms, said Simon Young, Senior Director in the Climate and Resilience Hub at WTW. To learn more about how GEDI can help your organization, please join our 2nd Technical Webinar on this topic specifically designed for the insurance audience on Wednesday September 14, 8:00 AM Los Angeles/10:00 AM New York/ 4:00 PM London. Please register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SjK027qJS3qfqREBWzy3wQ The speakers for this event are Shanna McClain, PhD, NASA Disasters Program Manager, Charles Huyck, Executive Vice President of ImageCat, and Rick Murnane, PhD, is the CEO of Kinetic Analysis Corporation. The speakers will discuss the NASA disasters program, the goals and objectives, current activities and future directions, and applications of the GEDI framework for the insurance industry. The Disasters program area of NASA's Earth Science Applied Sciences Program uses Earth-observing data and applied research to improve the prediction of, preparation for, response to and recovery from hazards and disasters around the world. ImageCat is an international risk management innovation company supporting the global risk and catastrophe management needs of the insurance industry, governments and NGOs. Kinetic Analysis Corporation provides a global, multi-model, multi-hazard view of deterministic and probabilistic hazard, damage and loss data. Multi-model, deterministic data are available in near real-time for ongoing events, as well as for historical or hypothetical scenarios. This complimentary webinar is presented by Resurances, an initiative of ImageCat. Waphyto Waphyto is committed to producing holistic wellness products that are Elemental, Ethical, Environmental, and Empowering. These four keywords encompass the companys definition of clean beauty and brand accountability. Japanese-based clean beauty brand Waphyto is pleased to announce that they will be a featured exhibitor at the prestigious Pitti Fragranze trade show this September, in Florence, Italy. At this years exhibition, Waphyto will be introducing its first home fragrance products, to be added to the brands overall collection of holistic health and wellness items. The event, which will be hosted from September 16-18, is an international conference held annually in Europe for the artistic perfumery and lifestyle community. Fragranze, officially known as La Citta delle Fragranze or The City of Fragrances, is part of the Pitti Immagine trade fair network, whose mission is to spark conversations and creative collaborations within the fashion, food, fragrance, and publishing industries worldwide. The Pitti Fragranze event has been hosted since 2003 and is an opportunity for visitors to be introduced to the latest fragrances as well as other industry trends. The 2022 exhibition is expected to draw as many as 2,000 professionals and representatives, including major fragrance industry leaders and debut brands such as Waphyto. Uniquely Inspired: About Waphytos Approach To Fragrance Waphyto is a holistic beauty and wellness brand founded by award-winning phytotherapist, Atsuko Morita, whose background includes extensive experience studying herbology and botanical therapies. Her formulations are based largely on phytotherapy, and she is a leading contributor to the field, having studied botanical therapy at the Medical School of Paris 13 University. In her home country of Japan, Atsuko Morita has contributed additionally to plant bio research, establishing an AMPP (LAssociation Medicale pour la Promotion de la Phytotherapie) approved phytotherapy school Le Bois, and developing products for her own brand, Waphyto, in more recent years. For creating truly unique scents and a multi-dimensional sensory experience, all products within the Waphyto collection contain specially designed aromatherapy fragrances derived from botanical essential oils. Additionally, many of the fragrances are inspired by ancient wisdom, traditional philosophies, and sciences, such as Yin and Yang, and the Theory of Qi, Blood, and Water. About Waphyto:The Power of Plants Meets Modern Cosmetic Science Waphyto is a self care and wellness brand that combines the finest natural ingredients with the most sophisticated cosmetic innovations. From skincare to body and hair care, the products embody an appreciation for Japanese Wa culture - promoting peace and harmony. With a passion for preserving the purity of nature, Waphyto works to ensure that all ingredients and formulas meet the highest standards of the companys scientists and herbalists, as well as those of todays socially responsible marketplace. All Waphyto products: Use 100% natural plant-based essential oils Contain no synthetic colors Contain no synthetic fragrances Contain no petroleum-based surfactants Contain no phenoxyethanol Are paraben-free Are ethanol-free Waphyto is committed to producing holistic wellness products that are Elemental, Ethical, Environmental, and Empowering. These four keywords encompass the companys definition of clean beauty and brand accountability. CMG Mid-Autumn Festival Gala are scheduled at 8 p.m. CST (China Standard Time), Saturday, September 10 CGTN America releases CMG Mid-Autumn Festival Gala Saturday, September 10 at 8:00 p.m. CST (China Standard Time) China Media Group invites you to its prime-time gala celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival Chinas second most important holiday. The broadcast will use cutting-edge technologies to transport viewers to exotic locations like Chinas ancient water towns with their tranquil canals, stone footbridges, and centuries-old buildings. CMG Mid-Autumn Festival Gala are scheduled at 8 p.m. CST (China Standard Time), Saturday, September 10. The event will showcase Chinese culture song, dance, orchestral music, and Xiqu traditional Chinese opera, interspersed with comedy sketches. The 3,000-year-old festival celebrates the fall harvest and is linked to lunar cycles. The ancient Chinese observed that the moon is fullest mid-month and brightest in mid-Autumn. It is a time for family reunions, featuring mooncakes filled pastries that are round like the moon. The gala promises to be a feast for the eyes. Hosted from Zhangjiagang, Suzhou in east Chinas Jiangsu Province, the television and radio broadcasts will highlight Suzhou, while drawing attention to Chinas rich and diverse cultures. CMG sent its special outside broadcast (OB) vans across China. Equipped to send 4K/8K UHD signals, these same vans helped bring the sizzle and spectacle of Beijings Winter Olympics to homes around the world. For communal viewing in China, CMG has installed about 270 large UHD screens in nearly two-dozen municipalities and provinces, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Shandong, Jilin, and Liaoning. CMG will stream the gala on social media platforms worldwide. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. (This material is distributed by MediaLinks TV, LLC on behalf of CCTV. Additional information is available at the U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.) Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against TABC, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. The Los Angeles employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action lawsuit against TABC, Inc. alleging the company violated the California Labor Code. The lawsuit against TABC, Inc. is currently pending in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 22STCV25696. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here. According to the lawsuit filed, TABC, Inc. allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse employees for required expenses, (f) failed to provide wages when due, and (g) failed to pay sick pay wages, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-204, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct. The Complaint alleges Defendant failed to fully relieve Plaintiff for her legally required thirty (30) minute meals breaks. Employees were also allegedly required, from time to time, to work in excess of four (4) hours without being provided the legally required ten (10) minute rest periods. The California Supreme Court defines off-duty rest periods as the time during which an employee is relieved from all work-related duties and free from employer control. For more information about the class action lawsuit against TABC, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is a labor law firm with law offices located in San Diego County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, Orange County and San Francisco County. The firm has a statewide practice of representing employees on a contingency basis for violations involving unpaid wages, overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and other types of illegal workplace conduct. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** Drivers Can Get $15 Off Battery Purchase and Installation in Manhattan Beach, California Toyota owners looking for genuine batteries can get them at Manhattan Beach Toyota, an automotive dealership in Manhattan Beach, California. The dealership is offering a special discount of $15 on the purchase and installation of genuine Toyota batteries. Interested parties can download the coupon from the dealerships website to present it at the time of purchase. This offer is not valid for Prius/hybrid batteries, and it cannot be combined with other discounts available at the dealership. Individuals can take advantage of this offer until Oct. 31, 2022. 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Toulme completes his Hakims Odyssey trilogy with From Macedonia to France (Graphic Mundi, Oct.), drawing from interviews with a Syrian refugee to chart a real-life journey from the war-torn Middle East to Europe. Was Hakim the first person that you interviewed when you had this project in mind? Yes. I didnt want to do casting; this wasnt a Hollywood film. It was not the goal to choose the most impressive story, or the most dramatic one. I wanted to tell one story among thousands. I wanted to be realistic and honestwith the interviewee, and with the public. Do you think of this as a work of journalism, or translation, or maybe a conversation between you and Hakim? I think its a mix. I had to explore, for example, the Syrian political situation. He was telling me his situationthe Hakim situationand I had to do journalistic research to understand the Middle East situation. He didnt participate in composing the book, but I had his way of expressing his odyssey, and with that I had to be like a filmmaker, to imagine the scenes and dialogue. But fidelity was important to meHakim told me that he wanted to transmit this story to his children, and respecting that wish was my guide. Throughout the series, there are moments you step away from the narrative to a present-day conversation with Hakim about what happened. Why? Its a story that, in itself, is dramatic, so I didnt want to increase the intensity or add special effects, but stay in the facts. But I also wanted readers to be in the head of Hakim. I wanted to represent how hes telling me the story, and there are emotions that we are sharing. He is passing to me emotions that I pass on to the readers. Hakim at one point compares exile to a potted plant that continues growing, but with less vigor. Have Hakim and his wife, Najmeh, been able to grow with vigor in France? When you have to leave your country because you have the obligation to leave your country, because you are in danger, and have to accept help [where it comes], it can feel like you are not a real person, you are only a refugee. You have to begin another life, to know new people, to learn new languages. The social aspect, to realize that he had a fall from his former position in Syria, was difficult for Hakim. His family has been in France now for several years, and their three children are today more French than Syrian. They are missing their country. They still have a lot of family in Syria. But I think theyre recreating the family here in France. Hes rebuilding his life. The Old Pink is iconic in Buffalo because it never changes. Count on these: The steak sandwich will be excellent, especially after a couple of Pabst Blue Ribbons; patrons smoking outside will stare at passersby; and the bar at 223 Allen St. will reliably fill up around 3:30 a.m. with customers from all walks of life. It will be dingy. And it was never actually pink. Now, there is something new at the Old Pink and it was not by choice. Served an "order of remedy" by the City of Buffalo to remove graffiti from the front of its building within 30 days or face a fine, Molly Brinkworth, whose family has owned the property since 1968, opted for a fresh paint job instead of painting over the spots of graffiti. Two days before the deadline, Brinkworth said her daughter went shopping for paint and struggled to find the original hue. She could not decide between one that seemed too blue and another that seemed too purple. She chose purple. The results are causing a stir in Allentown. Meet the woman who dressed up as The Old Pink and won Buffalo's Halloween The crowd at The Pink went wild when Dana Louise Silvestri arrived dressed as The Pink, in a dark purple dress with painstakingly drawn-on and painted electric green flames. The color proved a stark departure from its previous look, and a photo shared Sept. 5 on Reddit was captioned: "Look at how they massacred my boy!" Reactions ranged from jarred to disgusted. "I'm going to throw up," said @gothmess on Twitter. "The Pinks exterior is a part of our city, and I hate seeing our city take losses like this," said Cody Osborne, a Buffalo resident. The Pink's bartenders have been asked relentlessly if the green-and-yellow flames, snowflakes and lightning designs on the front would be repainted mostly because some Buffalonians boast tattoos with the flames, a few of which are spotlighted on Instagram (@theoldpinkofficial). Those inked for the Pink should not worry: The flames and other designs will return, Brinkworth confirmed, and even though a throwback to the cityscape on the front wall was considered, it was eventually dropped. "We won't make their tattoos irrelevant," assured Rob, an Old Pink bartender who declined to give his last name because "that's just not how we do it here." The paint saga did not seem to bother Rob. "Nothing's exact in this bar," he said. Bartender Nicholas Stilb said a lesson was learned when customers previously were upset by a move away from black-and-white tile flooring. "It was important to us to not change the exterior motif during the repaint," he said. The floor has stopped being a contentious issue, said Brinkworth. "Now people love it." Brinkworth said she has researched colors to mix with the purple to calm the public outcry. The bar has already been "tagged" with graffiti since repainting, Brinkworth said, and it's not something that really bothers her. "Maybe I want graffiti on my building," she quipped. The City of Buffalo has an Anti-Graffiti & Clean City program that works with Buffalo police and other city departments to beautify the city. A spokesperson said no tickets nor fines were issued, and that a 311 call prompted the action. With streetscape projects along Allen Street including a stretch between Delaware and Elmwood and the now-closed intersection of Allen Street and Elmwood part of the clean-up process appears to have extended to businesses. Away from the Pink's grill, the steak sandwich lives on during Covid-19 Tim Cavanaugh, manager at the Pink on Allen Street, might not be able to describe what makes the dive bars steak sandwich such a gem, but theres no question its in great demand even when the Pink isnt open for business. In collaboration with Thin Man Brewery on Elmwood the last two weeks, Cavanaugh rapidly sold out 120 Graffiti as art or sign of decay has long been debated. But for the quirky Pink, Osborne thought the city should be lenient. "That just adds to the overall character of the place and the area," he said. Brinkworth said the Pink has never been pink on the outside, and its official name is actually Allen Street Bar & Grill. In 1983, Mark Supples rented from the Brinkworths to open a bar called the Pink Flamingo. The distinction between old and new Pink came eight years later, when the Pink Flamingo moved to 1683 Main St., The News reported. The Main Street bar colloquially became the New Pink, while the bar on Allen was casually called the Old Pink, which could now live forever. Theres nothing funny about divorce, unless youre reading Canadian comedian and writer Monica Heiseys debut novel, Really Good, Actually (Morrow, Jan. 2023). Heisey captures all the trauma and humor of the situation through the story of her 29-year-old protagonist, Maggie, whose marriage, the culmination of a 10-year relationship, ends after 608 days (yes, shes counting). But we werent unhappy, Heisey writes, just unsatisfied... until we were so, so unhappy, and we couldnt laugh, and we couldnt have sex, and we couldnt order Thai food without looking at the other person... and not hating them, exactly, but wondering if they died without warningof natural causes or in some kind of horrible accident, not that that would be good, of course, it would be a tragedy... but if it did happenif maybe life would be easier. Heisey herself was divorced at 28 (shes 34 now) and tells me, I wanted to read something about divorce and heartbreak that I could relate to. Most of what I read was about older women with houses and children. I was in a different life space. As she writes: In the movies you are Diane Lane, or Keaton, or possibly Kruger, a beautiful middle-aged Diane who is her own boss and knows about the good kind of white wine.... Certainly you are not... actively planning a birthday party with the dress code Jimmy Buffet sluts. I wanted to read something about divorce and heartbreak that I could relate to. Most of what I read was about older women with houses and children. I was in a different life space.Monica Heisey Born and raised in Toronto, Heisey was interested in writing and comedy from a young age and went to London in 2010 for a graduate degree in Shakespeare. I performed comedy to meet people, she says. The comedy scene was incredible and I loved it, but my visa options ran out in 2014 and I came back to Canada. She wrote a funny advice column for the blog Shedoesthecity that became her first book, 2015s I Cant Believe Its Not Better: A Womans Guide to Coping with Life. And she started working on an improv comedy series with a group of women, the Canadian Screen Awardwinning Baroness von Sketch Show, which ran for five seasons on CBC Television. It was my first writing job for television, she says, adding, Theres no linear path to TV writing. You meet someone who knows someone who follows someone. While in Toronto, Heisey got married and divorced, then landed back in London where shes been living since 2019. I wanted to be somewhere where I wasnt an ex-wife. Heisey tells me all of her writing is about her life and her friends lives and whats important. Heartbreak, she says, feels like the end of the world, and its just as bad every single time. Its not the end of the world even if it feels like it, and in the midst of it, there are comic elements. She didnt want to write a memoir because a divorce has two sidesits a two-people story, and I was only writing about one. Making notes on feelings and little impressions, she started writing in January 2019. In spring 2020, Heisey told her agent at Janklow & Nesbit, Marya Spence, that she thought she had something and sent her 20,000 words. Monica and I have known each other for a decade, Spence tells me. I knew her writing and reached out asking her to get in touch if she was ever writing a book. She came to New York in August 2017 and we talked about a divorce book with a young character. We kept in touch, and then I got those 20,000 words, which were great. Spence and Heisey exchanged big chunks of material, talked about the characters, and by summer 2021, Spence submitted it widely, telling Heisey that publishing was a hurry-up-and-wait business, and seeing as the world was in a state of implosion, it might take some time. Instead, Spence says, I was getting emails from editors at all hours of the day and night about how they couldnt stop reading. It was so clear that the book was touching people in a personal way, opening up whole conversations and all kinds of feelings. Then I knew it would happen quickly; it was a whirlwind. Jessica Williams, executive editor at Morrow, read it over the weekend. Several people were reading it as well, she recalls. My colleagues in the U.K. had it. The book was churning! Williams says that everything was still virtual: I couldnt run down the hall, but there were flares over email. A bunch of in-house editors had it, and there was tremendous excitement. Its a rare submission thats a laugh-out-loud comic novel. I could see the appeal and also thought we all needed something funny. The book can be called millennial, but it resonates across age and gender. And Monica captures the face we present to the world while we are crumbling inside. Williams talked to Heisey over Zoom and fell in love. She preempted Really Good, Actually within five days of receiving the manuscript, according to Spence, in a two-book North American rights deal for a substantial amount. HarperCollins Canada signed on to publish separately, and a day later Fourth Estate in the U.K. acquired British Commonwealth rights in a preempt for a significant sum, as reported in the Bookseller. It was another beauty contest, Williams says of the U.K. deal. Williams and Kishani Widyaratna at Fourth Estate worked closely as an editorial team to ready the novel for publication. Every phone call was both of us, Williams says. It was great to have a second perspective. Really Good, Actually has to date sold in 10 foreign territories in addition to the U.S., U.K., and Canada, and, Spence tells me, although the details are under wraps, screen interest has been intense, with 24 bidders. Heisey says, I wrote a book during the pandemic. Its embarrassing! I tell her shes not alone in writing a book during the pandemic, and that Im the one who should be embarrassed. I didnt even manage to clean out a closet. DEAL OF THE WEEK Flournoy Gets Seven Figures at Mariner For seven figures, Angela Flournoy sold The Wounded Wilderness to Mariners Rakia Clark in a two-book, North American rights deal. Ellen Levine at Trident Media Group represented Flournoy (The Turner House), a National Book Award finalist and contributing writer at the New York Times Magazine. Mariner said Wounded Wilderness, a novel, follows four Black women over the course of 20 years of friendship, examining how gender expectations, race, class and the shifting dynamics of city life affect them. The second book in the deal, the memoir When Will I See You Again?, is about the authors first pregnancy, which coincided with her mother being diagnosed with a terminal illness. St. Martins Lands Merkel Memoir St. Martins Press acquired a currently untitled memoir by former German chancellor Angela Merkel. The book will be written with Merkels political adviser Beate Baumann and is set to be released simultaneously in Germany (by Kiepenheuer & Witsch, which has world rights to the book), the U.S., and the U.K. in fall 2024. SMP said the book will offer exclusive, personal insight into the political life and work of the former German chancellor. There was no agent involved in the deal. Hamrick Gets into Position for Berkley Former American Ballet Theatre ballerina Melanie Hamrick sold her debut novel, First Position, to Cindy Hwang at Berkley. Set for summer 2023, the book is, Berkley said, an examination of the insular, seductive, and cutthroat world of dance about a young ballerina who begins to unravel as her star rises. Annelise Robey at the Jane Rotrosen Agency represented Hamrick in the two-book, U.S., Canadian, and open market rights agreement. Beach Takes Drama to Hanover Hanover Square Presss John Glynn bought North American rights to Adult Drama: And Other Essays by Natalie Beach, author of a 2019 piece for the Cut about her friendship with influencer Caroline Calloway that went viral. The book, sold by Mollie Glick and Cait Hoyt at CAA, was pitched as in the vein of Jia Tolentino and Melissa Broder, and will, Hanover said, offer a fresh, relatable, and piercingly honest take on contemporary life. Beach, who lives in Los Angeles, will examine heartbreak, the gig economy, and the commodification of the self, among other wide-ranging subjects. Adult Drama will feature new essays and an expanded version of the piece on Calloway. Ballantine Goes Golden for Benjamin Melanie Benjamin (The Aviators Wife) sold world rights to California Golden to Susanna Porter at Ballantine Books, her standing editor. The novel is slated for 2023 and was sold by Alexandra Machinist at CAA. The publisher said it follows a pair of mother-daughter surfers on the states dazzling beaches during the vibrant counterculture of the early 1960s, when society was shifting as tempestuously as the breaking waves. Kelly Releases Her Doves at Ballantine For Ballantine Books, Kara Cesare bought North American rights to two titles by Martha Hall Kelly. Kelly, author of the 2016 bestseller Lilac Girls, was represented by Alexandra Machinist at CAA. Ballantine said the first book under contract is The Golden Doves, about two female British spies who meet during WWII and reunite to hunt down an infamous Nazi doctor who escaped after unspeakable crimes at the Ravensbruck concentration camp. The second book is about a widow who falls in love with an elite British officer sent to Marthas Vineyard to help train American soldiers for the invasion at Normandy. Forty years after Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 to raise awareness about censorship, the issue has taken on new importance for booksellers across the country. As the culture wars being waged in public schools, libraries, and bookstores over books referring to sexuality, gender identity, and the history of racism continue to escalate, booksellers increasingly find themselves on the front lines alongside librarians in defending peoples freedom to read. In a report, the American Library Association disclosed that it tracked 729 challenges in libraries, schools, and universities in 2021, resulting in 1,597 individual book challenges or removalsmany of them by Black or LGBTQ authors and/or featuring BIPOC or LGBTQ characters. It was the highest number of attempted book bans since the ALA began compiling the list in 2002. With that type of increase, it is not surprising that the American Booksellers Association reported that it has distributed 650 Banned Books Week promotional kits this summer to stores, up 24% from last years 525. While the ALA declares that its theme for Banned Books Week, which will run September 1824, is Books Unite Us, Censorship Divides Us, the ABAs 2022 tagline is I Read Dangerously. Many stores, like the Book Rack Quad Cities in Davenport, Iowa, are using social media to educate consumers about the aggressive efforts by some groups to censor books. In the case of the Book Rack, the store posted censorship FAQs on its Facebook page. Other booksellers are taking a different tack. Housing Works Bookstore in New York City, for example, is partnering with the National Council of Teachers of English for a series of events on September 20. Most indies are setting up in-store displays, with some specifically referencing recent incidents that have directly impacted their customers. Burkes Book Store in Memphis, Tenn., is setting up a window display spotlighting the removal of Art Spiegelmans Holocaust graphic novel Maus from shelves in the McMinn County, Tenn., school district; a table display will feature titles that have been challenged in local schools. Some indies are using Banned Book Week as an opportunity to raise funds to benefit organizations protecting civil liberties. Besides setting up displays in both its childrens and adult areas, Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, Vt., is selling store-branded Read More, Ban Less sweatshirts and donating the proceeds to the National Coalition Against Censorship. Itinerant Literate Bookshop in Charleston, S.C., one of a rotating group of indies conducting individual fund-raising campaigns for womens and abortion rights organizations under an umbrella organization called Bans Off Our Books + Bodies, has set up a slate of in-store events throughout the week, kicking off with a healthcare workshop, followed by an anti-censorship panel and a banned books pizza party, and concluding with a feminist magic market; Banned Book Week limited edition T-shirts will also be available. Itinerant Literate is also donating 10% of its sales to the Womens Rights and Empowerment Network of South Carolina. The regional bookseller associations are supporting their member stores Banned Book Week programs. Mountains and Plains Independent Booksellers Association is providing links to Banned Book Week resources on its website and will also amplify its member bookstores special promotions and programming on its public social media platforms. Larry Law, Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association executive director, has created a salty graphic for booksellers to use to draw attention to their Banned Book Week efforts. The California Independent Booksellers Alliances Mosaic Committee is sponsoring a Banned Books Scavenger Hunt throughout the week, with 18 CALIBA bookstores participating. Each indie is selecting one or two books that have been targeted for removal from school and library shelves, and providing clues about them on their websites and/or Instagram accounts. Customers are encouraged to guess each books title and then comment on why that book should not be banned. Winners will be announced on October 24. The New Atlantic Independent Booksellers and Southern Independent Booksellers Associations held a virtual panel session on banned books during their New Voices/New Rooms virtual conference in August that was so successful, NAIBA executive director Eileen Dengler said, that they are collaborating on another virtual gathering for booksellers on October 24. Strength in Solidarity: Booksellers Share on Responding to Hate & Book Banning will allow participants to discuss best practices for responding to negative customer interactions and community book banning attempts. The timing for this event is strategic, Dengler explained: We thought it would be good to do this just before the elections. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 09/10/2022 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. star Yvette "Yve" Arellano has appeared before a judge for the first time and entered her plea in her domestic violence case with estranged husband Mohamed Abdelhamed.Yve virtually appeared in Albuquerque Metropolitan court for her arraignment on Tuesday, September 6, In Touch Weekly reported Mohamed, 28, filed a police report and pressed domestic violence charges against Yve, 48, last month. She's now facing one count of battery and one count of assault against a household member in New Mexico."Yve pled not guilty," Yve's representative Dominique Enchinton of Dominton Talent House told In Touch about the hearing.Yve's pre-trial conference is reportedly set for October 4.Mohamed -- who moved from Egypt to the United States and married Yve in January on 's ninth season -- reportedly split from Yve and moved out of her Albuquerque, New Mexico, home on August 14, and they've been living apart ever since.Mohamed pressed charges following an alleged incident at Yve's home in Albuquerque on August 15 in which he claimed Yve had attacked him while he was trying to gain access to his cell phone.But Yve has denied the abuse claims, saying they were "falsified by Mohamed," and she also accused her estranged husband of "committing immigration fraud" because he had been cheating on her and even discussed how he could qualify for a U-Visa with his mistress, allegedly."Immigration attorney Kathleen Martinez is stepping in to file charges against Mohamed as he is committing immigration fraud," Dominique explained to the magazine."Kathleen plans to assist Yve to ensure he does not remain in the U.S. under false pretenses. Mohamed and the woman he has been speaking to have been plotting these allegations since June as a backup plan just in case Yve found out about his many indiscretions."Mohamed and Yve apparently have a long battle ahead of them in court, maybe even years, and Mohamed may be deported from the U.S. -- and possibly even blacklisted -- if he's convicted of immigration fraud.Mohamed was exposed during 's Season 9 Tell-All special for allegedly having sent a woman flirtatious text messages in which he had said he wanted to divorce Yve shortly after receiving his green card and wished he could be with this other woman instead and keep her in his bed for days.Mohamed's alleged cheating text messages with his secret girlfriend leaked out in the press in late July, before Part 2 of the show's Tell All aired in August on TLC.The Albuquerque Police Department had arrived at Yve's home around 2AM on August 15 in response to the alleged domestic dispute Mohamed eventually cited in his police report obtained by In Touch.Mohamed told Officer Jasmin Romero at the time how he had endured "emotional and physical abuse" from Yve, claiming that she becomes "very violent and angry" when drinking alcohol.Mohamed said he never called the police on Yve before because "he is afraid." Mohamed proceeded to play an alleged recording of Yve yelling at him and Mohamed asking his wife "not to hit" him again.Officer Romero wrote in the police report that Mohamed "broke it off with Andrea," who may have been the mystery woman he had been texting for months during his marriage to Yve.Mohamed told police that Andrea "extorted him saying she was going to tell his wife about their relationship if he ended things with her.""By this time," Romero continued in the police report, "Yvette had found out about Andrea and confronted him about it and said she was angry and tried fighting him for his phone.""Yvette tried to grab the phone from him and he fell onto the floor," the officer added."He said she sat on top of him and put her knee to his throat to try and force him to release the phone. He was able to get out from under her and said he did not physically hurt her while getting away."Yve, however, recalled a different version of events when sharing her side of the story with police following the altercation."She had been publicly humiliated by the female Andrea and another female from Minnesota with whom Mohamed has engaged in an affair. Due to his infidelity and her stress regarding the loss of a friend, she said she has been worried Mohamed would try to get her in trouble," Romero reportedly wrote.Romero went on to further describe Yve's account, writing, "She said Mohamed had been making plans with Andrea to get Yvette in trouble with the law... She is scared and worried because she does not know what he is capable of doing."Mohamed claimed he had initially left Yve's house in the early morning hours of August 14 because she was allegedly drunk and had placed both of her hands on his face and he was afraid Yve was going to hit him.But, according to the police report, Yve did not hit Mohamed, he left the residence willingly, and there were no visible injuries on either spouse.Mohamed also told police he had split from Yve after seeing text messages between her and another man. Mohamed accused Yve of cheating on him with a guy named Mike and sending pictures to him the evening of August 13.However, Yve's representative quickly shot down Mohamed's cheating allegation."The texts he found after he broke into Yve's apple watch were from someone Yve was looking for protection from as she was scared to go out alone at that point due to Mohamed's erratic behavior," Dominique explained."Yve wanted this to work but due to Mohammed's obsessive and controlling behavior, as seen on the show, it was impossible to get through to him."On the : Tell All for Season 9, Yve was shown crying to producers via Zoom over Mohamed's inappropriate messages to another woman and then Mohamed apologized to Yve for betraying her trust. He wanted a second chance and claimed he'd do better. (Yve discovered Mohamed's cheating texts shortly after the Tell All filmed in New York).Yve called Mohamed's alleged infidelity "shocking, raw, disappointing, [and] saddening.""He chose to spend his time focused on starting other relationships and engaging in activity that a married man should not be engaging in... I asked him if I could see his phone, and that happened, and I saw inappropriate things. I saw pictures and calls, and put the pieces together," Yve told producers.But Mohamed claimed he had asked the woman to stop texting him because he's a married man."I know I did wrong," Mohamed lamented on the show. "All I can do now is say 'sorry' to my wife, and I promised her that will never happen again. I do love Yve, and she doesn't deserve that. I am trying to fix it."Shortly after the episode streamed on Discovery+, Yve took to her Instagram Stories with a statement."Let me be clear. Of course I blame him as well," Yve reportedly wrote, before the episode also aired on TLC."First time I get to say anything though. Everyone was demanding I say something [and I] finally get to, so just take it as facts... [and] one of these women was still married as well."Yve also shared the following quotes on her Instagram Stories: "Queens don't compete with hoes," as well as, "And home wreckers, They, these!!!! Plural were both! #desperado."Yve later wrote, "Thank you ladies for sharing your stories of infidelity, heartaches & pain. Obviously, we are not alone. Why commitment for some isn't a commitment. There's lots of healing that needs to happen in this world on so many levels. If you don't want to be exclusive just say so, so people can make their own informed decisions."Yve also posted an image that read, "Let's be better humans."Later that day, Mohamed posted a message of his own to his followers, insisting "there are two sides to every story."Mohamed added in his Instagram Stories, "There is the truth where everyone will know soon enough... stay tuned."Mohamed subsequently wrote on Instagram, "A lot of people [are] asking why I'm not saying my part of the story. That's because I was trying my best to end my relationship with respect, that's all."When news of Mohamed's cheating scandal first made headlines in July, hundreds of alleged WhatsApp text messages between Mohamed and a woman he had been texting and speaking to on the phone daily for months leaked on social media.The alleged set of incriminating text messages, covering the period from May 2022 to July 2022, were posted by the fan account @MerryPants on Thursday via Instagram.Mohamed allegedly wrote to the woman, "You should visit me in Albuquerque hopefully soon so we can get to know each other... I seriously can't wait to actually meet you. I will go to the attorney right after I get the Green Card."Mohamed allegedly said he couldn't live with Yve for much longer."I would just keep you in bed for days," Mohamed's alleged texts read. "Let's go to Egypt... and apply for a green card from there and come back later."Mohamed appeared to call the woman "the moon," and they talked about kissing each other."The divorce will be tough... Do you agree to be the second [wife]? If yes, come here. I would be so honored... You are the best," the texts read.The woman promised to be there for Mohamed through his divorce, and Mohamed revealed, based on the texts, he had a secret bank account -- hidden from Yve -- to which he had been depositing his earnings from Cameo videos.On the topic of filing taxes, the woman wrote to Mohamed, "By April 15th she can file 'single divorced,'" along with crying-laughing emoticons, and Mohamed allegedly replied, "Exactly."Mohamed also allegedly texted of Yve's son Tharan, who has special needs, "It's her kid. I don't care what she wants to do," adding, "No, [Yve] will never have [my] Egyptian baby."@MerryPants also posted alleged direct messages that Mohamed's girlfriend had sent the Instagram account as proof of their relationship, suggesting the woman was also likely the source of the leaked WhatsApp messages.Mohamed had led fans to believe on 's Tell-All special that he was becoming more accepting and understanding of Yve's culture, allowing her to dress however she wants and be herself.Mohamed insisted that he loved Yve and wanted their marriage to work, and he even buried the hatchet with one of Yve's best friends, Tatiana, who initially disapproved of Mohamed's controlling nature and treatment of Yve.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage! By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 09/10/2022 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. alum Katie Conrad and husband Brandon Eaves have welcomed their first child into the world."John Zachary Eaves made his debut August 30th at 5:26pm and we're over the moon obviously," Katie captioned photos of her newborn son on Instagram recently."Thank you to everyone for the congratulatory messages and love! We're soaking up every moment with our sweet boy."Katie, who appeared on 's tenth season, announced she was pregnant and also revealed the baby's sex on March 2 by uploading a photo of Brandon giving her a piggyback ride as she held up several sonogram images."We've got a baby BOY on the way!! Baby Eaves making his debut early September and we couldn't be more excited," Katie captioned the cute picture.Katie and Brandon tied the knot on June 26, 2021.Brandon and Katie announced their engagement on Christmas Eve in December 2020. Brandon popped the question at Old Town Alexandria in Virginia on a rainy day, and Katie called herself "the luckiest girl in the world" at the time.Katie and Brandon began dating in March 2020, and Katie later shared how the outing to her favorite restaurant was "the best first date" she ever had.The couple went Instagram official in May 2020 when Katie posted her first photo with Brandon and his mother in celebration of Mother's Day.Katie gushed at the end of 2020 how meeting Brandon had changed her life."Although this year has definitely not been easy for anyone, for me, it's been the best one yet," Katie wrote on Instagram, referencing the start of the coronavirus pandemic."This year brought me my best friend, my person, the love of my life, and the person I'll continue to choose forever. Life is so unpredictable and so amazing. I can't wait to see what 2021 has in store, but mostly I can't wait to be your wife."At the time, Brandon, an Air Force officer from Chattanooga, TN, was attending Marine Corps University and living in the Washington, D.C. area. She met him on the dating app Hinge.Katie has come a long way since appearing on , when show experts had matched her with a total stranger, Derek Sherman , and they got married.Katie and Derek discussed the demise of their marriage on 's Season 10 reunion special that aired in April 2020 on Lifetime.Katie complained Derek had been acting "fake" and her marriage lacked physical intimacy because Derek allegedly never initiated in the bedroom. But Derek vented about how he couldn't trust Katie.Prior to "Decision Day," Derek and Katie weathered a lot of ups and downs.Katie spent a lot of the process complaining about Derek's boy-like personality and "unrealistic" dreams. She admittedly started fights with Derek to get attention from him and test his feelings for her.Although Derek also made some mistakes in their relationship, he was shown being attentive to Katie and caring about her needs.Derek never seemed to give up on the potential he and Katie had until his then-wife confessed to having slept with her ex after "Decision Day" filmed in 2019. Katie then dumped Derek one month after "Decision Day" during a vacation in Nashville, TN.Although Katie admitted to having a physical "slip-up" with her ex post-filming, she completely denied ever having an affair once she and Derek returned to Washington, D.C. from their honeymoon in Panama.After their split, Derek told alums Jamie Otis and Doug Hehner during a May 2020 episode of the couple's "Hot Marriage Cool Parents" podcast he was definitely "open to finding love."Also during the podcast, Derek revealed what he thought Katie's "biggest issue" was in their marriage and when he believed their relationship started going downhill.In addition, Derek admitted he felt like Katie had no intention of remaining married to him despite proclaiming her desire to do so on "Decision Day."Derek's social media accounts give no indication that he is currently in a relationship, and he appears to be single.Interested in more news? Join our Married at First Sight Facebook Group or click here to view our newspage!And click here for more updates on former cast members and info on where they are now! By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 09/10/2022 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. winner Nayte Olukoya has revealed that he broke up with Michelle Young and ended their engagement in a pretty brutal way."I broke up with her over the phone," Nayte confessed on Thursday's episode of "The Viall Files" podcast hosted by Season 21 The Bachelor star Nick Viall Nayte reluctantly admitted, "You don't want to break up with somebody, especially your fiancee, over the phone."Nayte proposed marriage to Michelle on 's Season 18 finale, which aired in December 2021, and the couple appeared blissfully happy. They were even gifted a $200,000 check for a down payment on their first house.However, Nayte never moved to Michelle's hometown in Minnesota like they had originally planned, and the pair announced their breakup on June 17 via separate statements on their Instagram accounts.Nayte said he called off his engagement shortly after celebrating Michelle's June 3 birthday in Los Angeles, CA, with a bunch of her friends."From the beginning of the weekend, things were kind of rocky. It got even more rocky when [the] Wango Tango [music festival in Los Angeles] happened, and her and I, we got into an argument right before we did all of those press interviews," Nayte explained."It was such a buildup, but long story short, the weekend was not a good weekend. Her and I were up late having very deep conversations. And I think the day before, I was having very deep conversations with her friends too because her friends, they weren't having a good time either."Nayte said it was "just a bad weekend for everybody" and he received some advice from Michelle's friends about his failing relationship and lack of compatibility with Michelle."So the last day in L.A., a conversation was kind of already heading towards a breakup... [But] it wasn't our first time having breakup conversations," Nayte revealed. "This is probably our third time having a breakup conversation."(Nayte recalled having his first breakup conversation with Michelle in early January, shortly after the public found out about their engagement in late 2021).Nayte said when he left L.A. to go back to Austin, TX, after Michelle's birthday, it was "already being said, without being said" that their relationship had run its course.Nayte recalled being "frustrated" and "so lost and so confused" in his feelings.Nayte said he called his mother crying in the airport because he didn't know what to do, and then he called his little sister and ended up crying on the plane ride to Austin.Nayte -- who got choked up when telling Nick the story -- said he and Michelle were supposed to attend CMA Fest concert festival together the following weekend, which ran from June 9 through June 12 in Nashville, TN.But Nayte told Michelle, "I said, 'I do not feel comfortable going to the CMAs, I don't,' because something happened right before Wango Tango. And I was just like, 'I'm not doing this... I do not feel comfortable doing the CMAs.'"Nayte shared how once he landed in Austin, he called his mother again as well as friends and other family."I was just like, 'I don't see the relationship working anymore,'" Nayte said. "I was frustrated as hell, and was crying on the phone with my mom."Michelle then called Nayte while she was still in the airport traveling back to Minnesota."She's like, 'Hey, if we're not doing CMAs next week we have to give them a reason why,'" Nayte noted. "And I just blurted out, like, 'We're not doing CMAs because I can't be with you anymore.'"He added, "So yeah, I broke up with her over the phone, which is a dick move."But Nayte said it took about six days to officially break up with Michelle."There was lots of conversations, lots of late-night conversations, texting, phone calls, FaceTimes and things like that," Nayte said. "And then it got messy. The post-breakup got messy, and so communication between Michelle and I ended, I don't know, maybe in, like, mid-July."Nayte previously insisted he never cheated on Michelle, and Michelle admitted she never saw the breakup coming . alum Kaitlyn Bristowe also confirmed how Michelle was "blindsided" by her breakup with Nayte.Nayte got into depth about why he broke up with Michelle during the podcast, and he told Nick, "We just stopped working... This sucks to talk about and this is hard, but at the end of the day, I think Michelle and I can go to bed knowing that... it was the right thing to do.""We just weren't right for each other," he concluded.As for what's next for the former couple, Michelle announced in late May that she planned to step out of the classroom in 2023 in order to take a breather from teaching and exit "survival mode."She said she wanted to try new things and pursue different goals, such as being a social-media influencer.A source told Us Weekly last month that Nayte reportedly moved to Los Angeles a couple of weeks after the split to pursue a career as a model Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group A Buffalo man involved in a fatal shooting outside a Broadway-Fillmore area tavern was sentenced Friday to 14 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision by Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office. On May 27, Jonathan E. Williams, 32, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the May 16, 2021, shooting of 48-year-old Thomas Martin outside the Wheels of Soul Motorcycle Club on Grimes Street, near Young Street. Martin, who was shot multiple times by Williams, died at the scene. Police described Williams as an associate/member of Wheels of Soul who went by the name "Blaze." District Attorney John J. Flynn Jr. commended detectives Ray Krug and Chris Pilzska of the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad for their work in investigating the case. Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul held a double-digit lead over her Republican challenger, U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, in a recent survey of likely voters nine weeks ahead of the Nov. 8 general election. The survey of New York voters conducted Sept. 4-6 showed Hochul led Zeldin 50% to 35%, which is largely unchanged from an early August poll that had the governor ahead of Zeldin 51% to 35%, according to data posted on the Emerson College Polling website. Six percent of voters polled said they plan to vote for someone else, and 9% said they remain undecided. Meanwhile, the polling revealed stark racial divides in New York State's gubernatorial election, according to Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling. Hochul gained her strongest support, 72%, from Black voters, followed by Hispanic voters at 59%. White voters were evenly split between Hochul and Zeldin, with both polling at 44%. Another Democratic incumbent running in the general election also continued to poll well, according to the survey. Twenty-four percentage points separated U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer from his Republican challenger, Joe Pinion, with Schumer, the Democrat, leading 55% to 31%. Five percent said they plan to vote for someone else, and 9% were undecided. The poll also showed President Biden with a 52% job approval rating among New Yorkers. Thirty-eight percent of likely voters in the state say the economy is the most important issue to them, followed by abortion access at 14% and health care at 10%. The presidents approval is highest among voters under 35 at 58%," Kimball said. "This 10-point increase in approval since last month could be reflective of Bidens recent action on student loans. If the 2024 presidential race were held today between Biden and former President Trump, Biden would hold a 15-point lead, according to the poll. In 2020, Biden won New York by 23 points, 61% to 38%. The poll by Emerson College/PIX 11/The Hill consisted of somewhat and very likely general election voters, with a margin of error three percentage points. Denise Merrill, the former longtime secretary of the state, is leading a coalition of Connecticut election advocates including the elderly and disabled, in attempt to persuade state voters to support an amendment to the state Constitution this November to allow early voting. Called the Yes for Freedom to Vote Early campaign, the effort aims to succeed where a similar, under-publicized effort to expand state voting opportunities failed in 2014. Connecticut is one of only four states without early voting, including New Hampshire, Alabama and Mississippi. We need attention to this issue, Merrill said in a phone interview on Friday. Its kind of a back-handed compliment that we are the only state this year trying to increase access to voting. The bipartisan legislation first won approval during the 2019 General Assembly, and lacking a super-majority, it needed to pass again in the House and Senate this year. Merrill described the Yes for Freedom to Vote Early campaign as a nonpartisan referendum committee registered with the State Elections Enforcement Commission that is allowed to raise money to promote the issue among the electorate. The question on the November ballot will ask voters: Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to provide for early voting? The exact language people will be voting on is quite simple and straight forward, Merrill said. On Thursday morning, a broad coalition joined Merrill outside the State Capitol. The biggest challenge would be that people might not know what it is, or might not turn over their ballots to see the question on the back, Merrill said. Our biggest goal is educating the public on the existence of the ballot questions. Merrill, a former Democratic House majority leader, was first elected secretary of the state in 2010, and was reelected twice. Earlier this year she resigned because of a medical issue in her family, but vowed to remain in the public realm, working on issues she supports. I couldnt really walk away from this, said Merrill, who expects to work with another group that filed with the SEEC last month called Vote for Democracy. Cheri Quickmire, executive director of Common Cause in Connecticut, the election watchdog who is a member of that group, said she expects Vote for Democracy to work hand-in-hand with Yes for Freedom to Vote Early. Were looking forward to combining our efforts and make sure this amendment passes at the ballot box and comes back to the General Assembly to hammer out the details, Quickmire said in a Friday phone interview, noting that groups including the consumer advocacy Connecticut Citizen Action Group will also be working on getting the amendment approved by voters. Merrill and Quickmire recalled that in 2014, many voters appeared to be under-informed on the amendment, which would have allowed more widespread use of mail-in ballots. The question failed by 491,447 votes to 453,070. In recent years, because of COVID-19, state lawmakers have allowed for more access to mail-in, or absentee ballots, and records number of voters used them. I think we have a much better chance this year because more people are aware of the issues around expanding the ability to vote in COVID, Quickmire said. I think people are interested in retaining more access to voting. Merrill on Thursday was joined by supporters including state lawmakers, labor representatives, members of the disability provider community, as well as voting rights activists and other supporters. Merrill said the constitutional amendment is also supported by The League of Women Voters of Connecticut, the AFL-CIO, SEIU State Council, AFT Connecticut, Connecticut State Building Trades, UAW, Uniformed Professional Firefighters of Connecticut, the Carpenters Union, and CT League of Conservation Voters. The CT League of Conservation Voters' work depends on voter engagement, said Lori Brown, executive director of the league, in a statement. Our support for pro-environment candidates includes removing any unnecessary obstacles or impediments to voting at election time. The more constituents see that their vote matters, the more they will be engaged in our democratic process, which can only strengthen support for the environment." kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT Area Boy Scout council leaders sought to reassure members that their organizations are strong and will remain financially viable after they pay into a $2.46 billion settlement for childhood sex abuse victims that was approved Thursday by a federal bankruptcy court judge. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laurie Selber Silversteins approval of a reorganization plan for the Boy Scouts of America effectively ends more than two years of court proceedings for the organization and 82,500 people who filed abuse claims, although some insurers who didn't agree to settle may appeal and a U.S. District Court must still review and approve the plan before it takes effect. Boy Scout bankruptcy may cost WNY councils, but no one knows how much Three Western New York Scout councils will have to pay into a $425 million pot to settle sex abuse claims, under a proposed bankruptcy reorganization plan. Victims will be eligible for minimum awards of $3,500 and up to a maximum of $2.7 million, depending on the severity and frequency of abuse and other mitigating factors, including whether the abuse happened in a state with statute of limitations windows that allowed for civil lawsuits in sex abuse cases from many years ago, according to federal court papers. It is not clear when claim payments would go out. The Tort Claimants Committee, which represented abuse claimants in the bankruptcy proceedings, has scheduled a virtual meeting for Thursday to discuss next steps. The Boys Scouts of America also must implement more stringent youth protection measures, such as hiring an executive-level employee dedicated to abuse prevention and establishing a national youth protection committee that includes survivors of childhood sex abuse. Former Boy Scouts voting on $1.8 billion bankruptcy plan to settle abuse claims Voting has been underway for weeks and, if approved, the plan could stave off most lawsuits against local councils, including three in Western New York. Minnesota attorney Jeff Anderson, whose firm represents about 800 former Scouts with abuse claims, characterized the settlement as a mixed bag for victims. Anderson accused the Boy Scouts and its insurers of revictimizing many survivors who live in states that did not suspend the statute of limitations in sex abuse cases. Those claimants will be eligible for awards, but at a fraction what is available to victims who reside in states, including New York, where they could sue in civil court. They hid behind it, and they used it as a club, Anderson said. But Anderson said survivors also won very strong child protection provisions in the settlement plan. Camps sold Boy Scout Council unloads two of its three camps for $3.2M to help pay abuse settlements The Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy case has yet to be finalized, but 252 local councils have agreed to contribute a combined $519.6 million. The national organization filed for Chapter 11 protection in February 2020 amid a cascade of sex abuse lawsuits. More than 250 local councils across the country that are separately incorporated nonprofit organizations were not part of the bankruptcy proceedings, but they were drawn into contributing to the settlement fund under a complicated reorganization plan that allows them to avoid litigation over the sex abuse claims. The Greater Niagara Frontier Council, which serves Scouts in Erie and western Niagara counties, already has sold two of its three camps to pay $1,537,485 into a settlement trust for abuse victims. The council was named in 258 abuse claims filed in bankruptcy court against the Boy Scouts of America. At least 38 former Scout volunteers were accused of sexually abusing children in about 60 Child Victims Act lawsuits filed in state courts in Western New York, according to a Buffalo News analysis. Greater Niagara Frontier Council Scout Executive and Chief Executive Officer Gary A. Decker declined to discuss the local impact of the reorganization and sent a prepared statement by email to The News emphasizing that the council was not filing its own bankruptcy. The Council did participate in the settlement that sought two key imperatives: to equitably compensate survivors of past abuse and to ensure that Scouting can continue for current and future generations of young people, Decker said in the statement. The safety and protection of the children in our programs is our absolute top priority as we remain committed to delivering Scoutings unparalleled experiences to young people throughout our community. Despite this challenge, Scouting is strong, the Council is stable, and Scouting will live on in WNY for generations to come. To fund its cash share of the settlement, the Greater Niagara Frontier Council agreed to sell Camp Stonehaven to the Town of Lewiston for $665,000. In a separate deal in May, it completed the sale of Camp Schoellkopf in Wyoming County to a private entity for $2.6 million. The council, which serves about 6,000 Scouts, is holding onto Camp Scouthaven on Crystal Lake in Freedom, Cattaraugus County. Sex abuse claimants torn over Boy Scout bankruptcy plan The plan would set up a $2.4 billion trust for 82,500 former scouts across the country who filed claims in bankruptcy court, but critics of the plan say there are too many loopholes. Other councils pay The 252 local councils across the U.S. agreed to contribute a combined $519.6 million in cash and property, plus a promissory note of about $100 million, toward the settlement trust. That amount includes $899,358 in property from the Allegheny Highlands Council, which has Scout troops in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, and in two Pennsylvania counties. The council is contributing its Elk Lick Scout Reserve in Smethport, Pa., to the settlement trust, Council Executive Nathaniel L. Thornton said. The property was appraised at $950,000, and all proceeds from the sale will go to the trust to cover the councils share of the settlement, Thornton said. Jury awards $25 million to child sex abuse victim of Boy Scout leader The jury of four men and two women decided Wednesday that Robert L. Eberhardt, a twice-convicted former Scout leader who lives in Arcade, Wyoming County, should pay $15 million for pain and suffering to the plaintiff and $10 million in punitive damages. Allegheny Highlands Council will continue to own and operate Camp Merz in Mayville, on the shores of Chautauqua Lake. The camp is deed restricted and could not be sold for the settlement, he said. Thornton said he hoped people recognize the value of Scouting, despite the revelations of past abuses and the financial and reputational implications for the national organization and local councils. Obviously, something like this, its always going to be there, but our hope is people are going to still join Scouting, and we still offer a great program. Were hoping to get back and serve the kids. Thats what were all about, he said. Allegheny Highlands Council membership is growing again, added Thornton, with about 1,500 Scouts now and a goal of 2,000 by the winter. Coming out of Covid, people are just looking to get back to some normalcy. Were offering a good program and people see that, he said. Scoutings going pretty strong down here in our area. Ex-Boy Scout leader calls $25 million sexual abuse verdict a 'bunch of crap' Robert L. Eberhardt, 80, is accused in 14 Child Victims Act lawsuits of sexually abusing scouts from 1965 through 1981. Eberhardt was a scout leader with Troop 701 in Cheektowaga during that time, according to court papers. An official for the Iroquois Trail Council, which serves eastern Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming counties, emailed a prepared statement in response to voice and email messages seeking comment. The Iroquois Trail Council is on the hook for $342,546, according to court papers. The council operates Camp Dittmer in Phelps, Ontario County, and Camp Sam Wood in Pike, Wyoming County. But the statement said that the camps were not on the market. We are pleased to learn that the BSAs plan for reorganization has met the next step toward full court approval," Council Executive James McMullen said in a statement. The Council set aside a "reserve" to contribute to the settlement. "No sale of camps is contemplated at this time. In the near future, the Council will be marketing a separate parcel of tillable farmland in southeast Wyoming County to help recover from financial losses brought about by the Covid pandemic, McMullen said. Wolcott Police Department /contributed photo WOLCOTT Police are looking for a man who they say robbed a gas station at knifepoint in broad daylight Thursday. The man jumped into a dark-colored sedan after the holdup and headed toward Waterbury, Wolcott police said. They released surveillance pictures of the man and the car. BOSTON A Connecticut man accused of cyberstalking and sending death threats to a woman and her family has pleaded guilty to federal charges, authorities said. Marshall Nicholas Fain, of New Haven, pleaded guilty on Aug. 31 to one count of cyberstalking and one count of transmitting threats through interstate commerce, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Massachusetts said. Authorities had arrested the 31-year-old on Feb. 2. He is due to appear for sentencing on Dec. 21. Prosecutors said the threats and cyberstalking began after Fains relationship with the woman ended. Soon after, in September 2021 and continuing through December 2021, Fain sent the victim multiple private messages through email and social media threatening to kill the victim and members of her family, the U.S. attorneys office said in a news release. Authorities allege Fain created a number of accounts on social media and different emails, which he used to harass and threaten the victim anonymously. Hes alleged to have messaged the victim: Ill kill you and You gonna get yours if its the last thing I do, over Facebook and Instagram, prosecutors said. The victim in this case did not let fear silence her. She courageously came forward and worked with the FBI to help bring Mr. Fains campaign of torment to an end, Joseph R. Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division, said in a statement provided by the U.S. attorneys office. People deserve to end relationships without fear. Too often, women are the targets threatening, controlling and/or violent behavior, U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins said in a statement. In response to the end of his two-year relationship with the victim, Mr. Fain terrorized her for several months, making her fear for her life and the lives of her family. In the face of aggressively disturbing and intimidating threats, this woman bravely notified federal authorities of Mr. Fains abusive behavior. Fain faces up to five years in prison on the cyberstalking charge and up to two years in prison for the charge of transmitting threats through interstate commerce, the U.S. attorneys office said. H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Connecticut Water, a public utility company that serves 60 communities throughout the state, is urging residents to take water conservation measures as the drought continues. Recommended measures include mulching to prevent soil from drying out; ensuring toilets and faucets are not leaking; cleaning sidewalks and other walkways with a broom rather than a hose; plus watering plants before 9 a.m. and covering swimming pools to combat evaporation loss. This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Cambodian Armed Forces deputy commander-in-chief Lt. General Hun Manet salutes as he listens to the national anthem during a ceremony to deploy 290 Chinese military trucks to Cambodia's security forces at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, June 18, 2020. The relatives of jailed opposition members and protesting casino workers in Cambodia are appealing for help with their cases from Prime Minister Hun Sens eldest son widely seen as next in line to lead the nation saying they no longer have faith in the current administration. A group of activists from the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose cases rights groups say are politically motivated, sent a letter to Royal Cambodia Army Commander Hun Manet in late August, urging him to ensure their freedom and allow them to participate in a general election slated for 2023. The wife of jailed CNRP activist Kong Mas, Kol Sat, who along with other relatives has held regular demonstrations calling for the release of their loved ones, told RFA Khmer that she had begun writing directly to Hun Manet to intervene in her husbands case because she had given up on Hun Sen and hopes that his son will be more reasonable if he becomes prime minister. To me when Hun Sen is out, there is only Hun Manet who can help because no one can challenge him. He controls the military and the country, she said, adding that she believes Hun Manet is influential enough to free her husband and restore democracy to the country. Kong Mas and the other jailed CNRP activists had been targeted by Hun Sen in the years following the Supreme Courts dissolution of the party in November 2017. The court also placed a five-year ban precluding 118 CNRP lawmakers from participating in political activities. Laid off workers from the NagaWorld casino in Phnom Penh who have been striking for the past eight months also recently reached out to Hun Manet for help in getting reinstated to their jobs. In August, authorities violently clashed with around 100, mostly female, of the workers as they sought to protest in front of their former workplace, injuring several of them. The groups petitions to the government for assistance have largely gone unanswered. One of the workers told RFA on condition of anonymity that she sees Hun Manet as a powerful figure within the ruling Cambodian Peoples party (CPP) who can help them resolve their labor dispute. Hun Manet is a prime minister candidate. I want him to help as a guardian or father, she said. We have already submitted petitions to Prime Minister Hun Sen and the National Assembly but we need additional intervention. RFA could not reach Hun Manet for comment and questions sent to him through Facebook messenger went unanswered on Friday. In July, Cambodias National Assembly advanced a proposed change to the countrys constitution eliminating the need for the legislature to approve a prime minister designated by the king. Critics said the change would all but ensure Hun Manet succeeds his father, who has ruled the country since 1985 and is now 69. Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, said the casino workers and opposition party activists are desperate for help and shifted their efforts to Hun Manet because they have lost hope in Hun Sen and other government leaders. He said he also believes that Hun Manet can help resolve the disputes if he intervenes. To show the public that the prime ministerial candidate can do the job, [the requests] should be honored, Rong Chhun said. However, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San on Friday dismissed calls by activists for Hun Manets help, saying he cannot intervene in the disputes because he is not prime minister. He also accused opposition party activists and workers from NagaWorld of breaching the law. I welcome their support [of Hun Manet] but if they support him only for illegal benefits, it cant be done, he said. His Excellency cant resolve illegal requests. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. The autumn harvest holiday requires fruit for family rituals, but the provinces are being left in the lurch. South Koreans originally from North Korea, and their relatives hold a memorial service for their ancestors at Imjingak pavilion in Paju, north of Seoul, September 30, 2012, on the occasion of Chuseok. Rural residents in North Korea are complaining that their government is unfairly giving the best quality apples and peaches to citizens of the capital Pyongyang ahead of Saturdays Chuseok holiday, sources in the provinces told RFA. Chuseok is the Korean version of the autumn harvest festival celebrated throughout northeast Asia. The holiday draws comparisons to Thanksgiving in the U.S. as people both in North and South Korea travel to be with their extended families and pay tribute to their ancestors by preparing a large ceremonial feast in a "jesa" ceremony. In a typical jesa, various foods are arranged on a table in a specific way to honor the ancestors, and no jesa table is complete without neatly stacked fresh fruits. But all of the best fruits in North Korea went to the privileged residents of Pyongyang this year, angering inhabitants of the provinces. The best apples have been supplied to all households in Pyongyang and were said to be examples of [North Korean leader] Kim Jong Uns compassion and love, a resident of Tanchon in the eastern province of South Hamgyong told RFA Korean on condition of anonymity for security reasons. Many people out here are outraged by the news that Pyongyang residents get the finest apples and peaches. It's like we in the provinces aren't really considered citizens, he said. Apples hang from trees during North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's visit to the Taedonggang Combined Fruit Farm in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Aug. 19, 2015. Credit: KCNA via Reuters. The military was even mobilized to deliver the fruits to the produce stores in the capital starting Aug. 26, according to the source. The fruits are then given to every household. Due to the large population of Pyongyang, only a few fruits are provided to each resident, but not even a single fruit has been given to the provincial residents, the source said. According to the source, the peaches come from Kwail county in South Hwanghae province, and apples come from the Taedonggang Combined Fruit Farm. The government used citizen labor to build fruit farms and processing factories in both locations, promising that an abundance of various kinds of fruits would be supplied nationwide. However, the fruits they produce are only supplied to high-ranking officials and Pyongyang citizens. I feel outraged that the Workers' Party has deceived the provincial residents, he said. It is not the first time that the authorities discriminated against provincial residents, the source said. Living in Pyongyang is a privilege reserved only for the most loyal citizens. Those lucky enough to live there have better access to food, jobs, and education, and receive other perks and benefits unavailable to their provincial counterparts. It is no exaggeration to say that [Pyongyang and the provinces] are two different countries, he said. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gives field guidance during a visit to a fruit orchard in Kwail county, South Hwanghae province in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sept. 21, 2017. Credit: KCNA via Reuters The people of Pochon county in the northern province of Ryanggnang, meanwhile, are angry and frustrated by the governments show of favoritism this Chuseok, a source there told RFA. I was selected as part of a mobilization effort in the construction of the Taedonggang Combined Fruit Farm over a six-month period, he said. I worked hard by leveling the land and planting fruit trees. There must be a lot of funds and materials that each provincial family was forced to donate for the construction of the fruit farm. Tremendous effort and sweat of countless provincial residents has gone into each fruit that comes out of Taedonggang, but the fruits are only supplied to Pyongyang, so who would not complain? the second source said. The second source was critical of Kim and the ruling Korean Workers Party for trying to solve the countrys problems by making life better in Pyongyang. The authorities favoritism for Pyongyang residents is unfair treatment that ignores and discriminates against provincial residents. We are more than eight times the population of Pyongyang, he said. Translated by Leejin J. Chung. Written in English by Eugene Whong. The rubber-stamp parliament also passed a law allowing an automatic nuclear strike if the country is attacked. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un addresses the Supreme People's Assembly, North Korea's parliament, which passed a law officially enshrining its nuclear weapons policies, in Pyongyang, North Korea, September 8, 2022 in this photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). North Koreas leader Kim Jong Un has vowed never to surrender the countrys nuclear arsenal despite what he said were efforts by the U.S. to destabilize his government, as parliament passed a law greenlighting an automatic nuclear strike in response to the threat of attack, state media reported. The aim of the United States is not just to eliminate our nuclear weapons themselves but also ultimately to bring down our [leadership at] anytime by forcing [North Korea] to put down nuclear weapons and give up or weaken the power to exercise self-defense," the official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted Kim as saying in an address to the 7th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly on Thursday in the capital Pyongyang. Kims comments came as the countrys rubber-stamp legislature passed a law authorizing an automatic and immediate nuclear strike in the face of what the KCNA described as an imminent attack against North Koreas leadership or important strategic objects within its territory. KCNA published a report explaining the law, which defined five situations under which North Korea would use nuclear weapons, three of which pertain to nuclear or nonnuclear attacks or imminent attacks against the leadership or strategic military targets. The other two conditions are more vague in the event that it was preventing the expansion and protraction of a war, and in a situation that causes a catastrophic crisis to the existence of the state. South Koreas Yonhap News reported that the new law allows for an immediate nuclear attack on any provocation that threatens the command and control of Pyongyangs nuclear forces. The law essentially gives Kim monolithic command, and all decisive power concerning nuclear weapons, the report said. Kims remarks and the new law are widely seen as a statement that Pyongyang refuses to negotiate with foreign powers over the denuclearization issue. But South Koreas government said it would continue its strategy of restraining the nuclear threat and efforts to achieve denuclearization on the Korean peninsula through dialogue with the North. "North Korea's continued nuclear weapons development will further strengthen the Seoul-Washington alliance, putting its own security at risk, and further isolating itself from the international community and worsening economic difficulties facing North Korean people," said an official of the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. South Koreas ruling People Power Party criticized the new law as a threat to South Korea and the international community. The enactment of a nuclear force beyond the will to possess nuclear weapons is different from previous provocations, and it is very regrettable that it is a threat directly related to national security and peoples lives, Park Jeong-ha, the partys senior spokesperson said. North Korea is still misjudging the international situation, isolating itself and causing sanctions on itself, he said, urging North Korea to denuclearize and expressing a firm willingness to respond to armed provocations. Deep Concern U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about the new law through his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric on Friday. The Secretary General has spoken often and recently about nuclear weapons. I think increasing the role of and significance of nuclear weapons and security doctrines is contrary to decades of efforts by the international community to reduce and eliminate nuclear risks, said Dujarric. The Secretary General reiterates his call to the DPRK (Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea) to resume dialogue with key parties concerned with a view to achieve sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the nuclear Peninsula, he said, using the official name for North Korea. South Korea and the United States should not be intimidated by North Koreas refusal to compromise on denuclearization, Alexander Vershbow, the former NATO deputy secretary general and former U.S. ambassador to South Korea, told RFA. Our two countries need to consult on what needs to be done to bolster the Alliances deterrence against nuclear coercion and ensure that Pyongyang is in no doubt that it will suffer devastating consequences if it uses its nuclear weapons, Vershbow said. It will not be surprising if the DPRK statement fuels the ongoing debate within [South Korea] regarding acquisition of nuclear weapons of its own, he said, adding that he believes the best strategy would be to focus on strengthening deterrence. Our countries should continue to support denuclearization as the only basis for enduring peace on the Korean peninsula and normalization of relations with the DPRK. The new law does not change North Koreas nuclear weapons policy drastically, because Pyongyang already declared itself a nuclear state in 2013 as a means to defend itself, Andrew Yeo, the Korean chair at the Washington-based Brookings Institution, told RFA. "There are two significant implications about the 2022 doctrine. First, North Korea has institutionalized the idea that it will not give up nuclear weapons, signaling to the international community that denuclearization efforts are futile, said Yeo. Second, North Korea seems to be showing more confidence and maturity in its role as a nuclear state based on the language in the preamble, and how it lays out its logic for the use of nuclear weapons - to deter war and defend North Korea sovereignty, he said. In reaction to North Koreas message that shuts the door to denuclearization efforts, U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Seok-youl will pursue more deterrence, Yeo said. For engagement to resume, Seoul and Washington may have to accept North Korea as a nuclear state first and move towards an arms control agreement. However, neither side seems prepared yet to move in that direction, he said. Pyongyangs message to the world comes as no surprise, former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris, told RFA. The notion that North Korea would ever willingly give up its nuclear program is naive, said Harris. Kim Jong Un has confirmed his intent. The U.S. and [South Korea] must continue to ensure the Alliance is prepared for any threat from the North, he said, adding that Seoul should continue to rely on U.S. deterrence, rather than pursuing its own nuclear weapons program. North Koreas new approach to nuclear policy was a step in the wrong direction, Robert Gallucci, the former chief U.S. nuclear negotiator with North Korea, told RFA. Kim Jong Uns statement does at least three things. First, it makes the chances of eventual engagement with the DPRK to improve relations and move the North to non-nuclear weapons status even more remote. Second, it clearly has the North embrace first use of nuclear weapons, making their deterrent value no longer their sole purpose, he said. Third, it raises the question of the adequacy of the U.S. extended deterrent to meet the security needs of Tokyo and Seoul, and thus the possibility of nuclear proliferation in Northeast Asia. The White House and U.S. Department of State issued statements on Friday denying any hostile U.S. intent toward North Korea. The statements said Washington continues to seek a diplomatic solution to the situation on the Korean peninsula while remaining fully committed to defending South Korea. Translated by Leejin J. Chung. Written in English by Eugene Whong. Two weeks after tropical storm Ma-On battered Southeast Asia, northern Laos is digging itself out of the devastation, as authorities contend with damaged infrastructure, inundated farmland, and hundreds of displaced people at risk of disease from lack of access to clean water. The ninth named storm of the 2022 Pacific monsoon season, Ma-On formed over the Pacific Ocean on Aug. 18 and became a severe tropical storm by Aug. 23, before slamming into Mainland Southeast Asia on Aug. 25. The storm brought heavy winds and rain to the region, and triggered flash floods in Vietnam and Laos. While the storm had mostly dissipated by Aug. 26, its impact on impoverished Laos with its limited capacity to rebuild in the aftermath of natural disasters was profound. Among the worst hit areas in northern Laos was Oudomxay province, where on Thursday, Provincial Governor Bounkhong Lachiemphone described the destruction as massive in an interview with the official Lao National Radio. The most devastated area is La district, followed by Nomor district and Xay district, where a lot of basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, the power grid, hospitals, health clinics, schools, farms, and irrigation systems are damaged or destroyed, he said. Our residents livelihoods are severely affected, especially in La district where more than 100 homes were swept away, and more than 500 others were damaged. Livestock are dead. Farmland especially rice and produce fields are covered with mud and debris. Residents of Oudomxay province watch recovery efforts in the aftermath of Ma-On tropical storm. Credit: Radio and Television of Oudomxay province Bounkhong said damage from the storm in the three hardest hit districts had surpassed 150 billion Lao kip (U.S. $10 million) and that resources have been stretched thin as authorities continue with recovery efforts. Right now, we have employed 300 soldiers to help build shelters and repair damaged homes for the displaced, he said. Weve had to rely on donations from domestic and international organizations. Khamseng Ali, the head of the Public Works and Transportation Department of Oudomxay province, estimated that repairs to 49 roads and 44 bridges damaged in flooding caused by Ma-On would cost at least 60 billion Lao kip (U.S. $3.8 million). This is the worst flood in 37 years in our province, he said. An official with the Public Works and Transportation Department in Xay district, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told RFA Lao that National Route 13 North, which cuts across northern Oudomxay from the border with Luang Namtha province in the west to the border with Luang Prabang province in the east, had been severed in several places. Highway 2E, which runs from the capital of Oudomxay to the border with Phongsaly province to the northeast, is also damaged in multiple stretches as the result of landslides and flooding, he said. Many sections of the highways have become impassable, he said, adding that recovery crews are repairing them as we speak. The devastation has severely hampered humanitarian efforts, according to health workers in the province, who told RFA that people displaced by the storm lack access to clean water and are vulnerable to disease. More than 1,000 people flocked to our hospital from Aug. 31 to Sept. 8, said a health worker in Oudomxays Namor district. These sick people are from the 13 worst-affected villages in Namor district. Most of them are children who are suffering from high fevers and diarrhea. Our health workers have also traveled to the affected villages and advised residents to only drink boiled water, eat thoroughly cooked food, sleep under mosquito nets, and wear masks. The health worker told RFA that many victims of the storm are also suffering from the flu, which has spread quickly within displaced communities. Our hospital spent 200 million kip (U.S. $12,700) to buy medicine, but much of it was damaged by flooding, he said. Now, the hospital has run out of money and medicine, so weve had to request more funding from the provincial government. A resident of Namors Tangdoo village told RFA that there is no longer running water in the area and said at least 20 residents are sick from flu and diarrhea. Those whose toilets werent washed away by flooding must use water from wells or creeks to flush them, said the resident, who declined to be named. When our village was flooded, there was a landslide too. The irrigation system is broken. Now we must fetch water for cooking and sewage. Motorists traverse a road inundated by flooding in Oudomxay province. Credit: Radio and Television of Oudomxay province Displaced at risk A health worker in Oudomxays La district told RFA that the flu is rampant. For treatment of flu, our district hospital and health centers in affected villages have run out of medicine, the worker said. The sick who come to the hospital have to buy their own medicine at the private pharmacy. We havent received any additional funding for extra medicine despite the increasing demand. An official with the Oudomxay Provincial Health Department said authorities are scrambling to assist those in need, but acknowledged that recovery efforts are slow-going. Several areas were buried by landslides during the flooding and all of the water networks including the irrigation systems in Namor and La districts are damaged and in need of substantial repairs, the official said. Ma-Ons impact on northern Laos came days after authorities released water from nine upstream dams in the provinces of Phongsaly, Luang Prabang, Xayaburi, and Vientiane. Residents told RFA at the time that the release flooded their homes, places of work, and farms, forcing many to escape to higher ground. Translated by Max Avary. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. The 12 died from starvation and lack of access to medicine, sources say. UPDATED at 7:59 A.M. EDT on 2022-09-10 As many as a dozen people have died from starvation or lack of access to medicine in northwestern Chinas Xinjiang region during a strict coronavirus lockdown imposed by Chinese authorities since early August, according to residents and local officials. Starvation had left the members of 10 families in Gurkiratma village, in Ghuljas (in Chinese, Yining) Araosteng township, in dire health conditions amid the lockdown, prompted by outbreaks of COVID-19 in the region, residents told RFA Uyghur. An official said that as many as 12 people died in Ghulja county within 20 days after the zero-COVID lockdown was implemented, including one man he identified as Mewlan Sidiq, a 62-year-old farmer from Qarayaghach village. China's zero-COVID approach is based on extensive lockdowns and testing of residents wherever new COVID-19 cases occur. But it has had negative effects on travel and local economies, and has triggered significant food shortages in some places, including Ghulja. "[Mewlan Sidiq] died 10 days after the implementation of the lockdown. Village and county officials were not aware of his situation on time and he didnt have any relatives left around him, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Mewlan is among 12 people who died during [this lockdown]. They all died [from starvation or lack of medicine] in the first 20 days of the lockdown," he added, without providing additional details. RFA was not able to independently confirm the number of dead reported by the official. A second official told RFA that Sidiq likely died because his prescription medicine did not arrive in time amid the lockdown. Sidiq had a pre-existing condition which deteriorated after the lockdown began, the official said. He was taken to the hospital but later died, he added. We heard that the officials found him sick [from hunger] in his home, he said. They took him to the county hospital, and he died there. He also had a pre-existing condition before the lockdown, said the official. I dont know if his death occurred only because of his pre-existing condition or because of his hunger. 'We are helping them' A security officer in Gurkiratma village told RFA that two residents there recently died as the result of a food shortage, while three others were transporting malnourished villagers to a hospital When asked about the identities of the two who died, the officer said he did not know them because there are 12 villages in the township. Im just a safety guard working here in Gurkiratma, and Im unfamiliar with all the villages, he said. He also said he could not provide information about the specific causes of death without information from relevant authorities. The chairwoman of women's affairs in Gurkiratma said that the deceased were both farmers a man named Tursun Sawut, who died more than a week ago from starvation and a lack of medicine, and a woman named Gulbahram. A village official in Ghulja told RFA that there are nearly 200 poor families, or about 800 residents, with incomes below the poverty line living there, but he claimed that the government had been assisting those who faced financial hardship during the lockdown period. We are helping them, [and] they are happy, he said. [The ones who died during this lockdown] dont even account for 1-2% of the people in this poverty category, he added, without providing an exact number of deaths. An elderly Uyghur resident told RFA that his medicine was being delivered on time, but that he and his partner had been given only five loaves of bread to sustain them for three days. I underwent two surgeries due to my illnesses, and I have high blood pressure along with other ailments, he said. We have to pay government officials to bring us medicine and other food items. We have some bread to survive for some days. We cant afford meat and vegetables, he said. We cant just live and spend all of our limited savings. 'Extremely difficult to watch' The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) expressed alarm over the severe COVID-19 measures in Xinjiang and called on the Chinese government to drop the policies. The Uyghur activist group based in Germany cited videos posted by Uyghurs on Chinese social media, showing that strict policies are denying them medical care and preventing them from getting food, leading to starvation in some cases. WUC also noted that residents could be seen complaining about the restrictions leading to starvation and a lack of help from local authorities on screenshots of exchanges on the messaging app WeChat. The current policies appear to indicate that Uyghur residents are under de facto house arrest with the government using the COVID-19 pandemic as justification, WUC said in a statement issued Friday. We have been seeing numerous videos posted online, and it is extremely difficult to watch and not be able to offer any humanitarian help, said WUC president Dolkun Isa. We appeal to the international community to stop the ongoing atrocities. Washington, D.C.-based Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) also demanded that the Chinese government stop the zero-COVID policy in Xinjiang, citing recent reports and videos of authorities confining Uyghurs to their homes and leaving them to starve. The videos show Uyghurs asking local government authorities to let them out and to bring food to feed their starving children as well as truckfuls of Uyghur naan bread being thrown away as waste, and fruits and vegetables being left to rot in warehouses, CFU said. There are also video messages saying families have gone without food for days. [Chinese President Xi Jinping has his election coming up very soon at the Peoples Congress, and one of his main promises was he would eradicate COVID through his outlandish zero-COVID policy, CFUs executive director Rushan Abbas said in a statement. Instead, he is eradicating people not just in East Turkestan but throughout China, she said, using Uyghurs preferred name for Xinjiang. We should be at the gates of the Chinese consulates and embassies everywhere, calling for an end to this genocide through starvation policy. Translated by RFA Uyghur. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. The story was updated to include statements from CFU. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russias Defense Ministry announced Saturday that it was pulling back troops from two areas in Ukraines eastern Kharkiv region where a Ukrainian counteroffensive has made significant advances in the past week. The news came after days of apparent advances by Ukraine south of Kharkiv, the countrys second-largest city, in what could become the biggest battlefield success for Ukrainian forces since they thwarted a Russian attempt to seize the capital, Kyiv, at the start of the nearly seven-month war. The Russian army in these days is demonstrating the best that it can do showing its back," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video released by his office Saturday night. And, of course, it's a good decision for them to run. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said troops would be regrouped from the Balakliya and Izyum areas to the eastern Donetsk region. Izyum was a major base for Russian forces in the Kharkiv region, and earlier this week social media videos showed residents of Balakliya joyfully cheering as Ukrainian troops moved in. Konashenkov said the Russian move was being made in order to achieve the stated goals of the special military operation to liberate Donbas, an eastern area home to two separatist regions that Russia has declared sovereign. The claim of a withdrawal to concentrate on Donetsk is similar to the justification Russia gave for pulling back its forces from the Kyiv region earlier this year when they failed to take the capital. Igor Girkin, a Russian who was an early leader of a Moscow-backed separatist uprising in Donetsk in 2014, sneered at the portrayal of the pullback being strategic. On the messaging app Telegram, he acidly called it the brilliant (clearly within the framework of the plan and even ahead of schedule) operation to transfer the cities of Izyum, Balakliya and Kupiansk to respected Ukrainian partners. Earlier Saturday, Ukrainian officials claimed major gains in the Kharkiv region, saying their troops had cut off vital supplies to Izyum. Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko also suggested troops had retaken Kupiansk, a town along the main supply route to Izyum, long a focus on the Russian front line and the site of heavy artillery and other fighting. Nikolenko tweeted a photo showing soldiers in front of what he said was a government building in Kupiansk, 73 kilometers (45 miles) north of Izyum. The Ukrainian Security Service posted a message hours later saying troops were in Kupiansk, further suggesting it had been seized. The military did not immediately confirm entering the town, a railway hub that Russia seized in February. Videos on social media appeared to show Ukrainian forces on the outskirts of Izyum at a roadside checkpoint. A large statue with the citys name could be seen in the images. Ukrainian forces did not acknowledge holding the city. Britain's Defense Ministry said Saturday that it believed Ukrainian troops had advanced as much as 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Kharkiv, and described Russian forces around Izyum as increasingly isolated. Russian forces were likely taken by surprise. The sector was only lightly held and Ukrainian units have captured or surrounded several towns, the British military said, adding that the loss of Kupiansk would greatly affect Russian supply lines. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, likewise referenced sweeping Ukrainian gains, estimating that Kyiv has seized around 2,500 square kilometers (965 square miles) in its eastern breakthrough. The institute said it appeared that disorganized Russian forces (were) caught in the rapid Ukrainian advance, and cited social media images of apparent Russian prisoners seized around Izyum and surrounding towns. The same report said Ukrainian forces may collapse Russian positions around Izyum if they sever Russian ground lines of communication north and south of the town. Vladislav Sokolov, head of the Russian-appointed local administration, said on social media that authorities in Izyum had started evacuating residents to Russia. The fighting in eastern Ukraine comes amid an ongoing offensive around Kherson in the south. Analysts suggest Russia may have taken soldiers from the east to reinforce the latter area, offering the Ukrainians the opportunity to strike a weakened front line. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov told the television channel Ukraina that the Russians had no food or fuel for their troops in the area as Kyiv had cut off their supply lines. It will be like an avalanche, he said, predicting a Russian fallback. One line of defense will shake, and it will fall. The Ukrainian military was more circumspect, claiming to have taken more than 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) from pro-Kremlin forces this week. It said that in some areas, units of the Defense Forces have penetrated the enemys defenses to a depth of 50 kilometers, matching the British assessment, but did not disclose geographical details. Officials in Kyiv have for weeks been tight-lipped about plans for a counteroffensive, urging residents to refrain from sharing information on social media. However, Zelenskyy said Friday that troops had reclaimed more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region since the start of the counteroffensive. Elsewhere, Ukrainian emergency services reported that a 62-year-old woman was killed in a Russian missile strike in the Kharkiv region when her home was flattened overnight. The Ukrainian governor of Kharkiv, Oleh Syniehubov, accused Moscow of pummeling retaken settlements. He said via Telegram that five civilians were hospitalized in the Izyum district, while nine others suffered injuries elsewhere in the region. In the embattled Donbas, the Ukrainian governor said civilians were killed and wounded overnight by Russian shelling near the city of Bakhmut, a key target of the stalled Russian offensive. Pavlo Kyrylenko said on Telegram that two people died and two were injured in Bakhmut and the neighboring village of Yahidne. In the Russian-held city of Enerhodar, home to Europe's largest nuclear power plant, electricity and water were restored after a four-day outage due to an explosion, the city's Ukrainian mayor, Dmytro Orlov, said. Enerhodar and its Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant have come under repeated shelling in recent weeks, which Russia and Ukraine accused each other of committing. The shelling has raised fears of a radiation leak at the plant, which has been cut off from outside power sources; the facility has been forced to rely on power from its only working reactor for systems cooling and other safety measures. Orlov said workers from the plant assisted in restoring Enerhodar's power, but it was not clear if the electricity was coming from the plant or from a nearby thermal generating station. Also Saturday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock paid an unannounced visit to Kyiv and said Europe would not tire of helping Ukraine, despite Russian President Vladimir Putins efforts to raise the pressure by withholding energy supplies. Baerbock said Germany will assist Ukraine in finding and removing mines and other unexploded ordnance left by Russian troops in areas where they have been pushed back. Despite Ukraine's gains, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the head of NATO warned Friday that the war would likely drag on for months. Blinken said the conflict was entering a critical period and urged Ukraine's Western backers to keep up their support through what could be a difficult winter. Kozlowska reported from London. Associated Press writer Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this report. Follow all AP stories on the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. Observers say bar owners often flout regulations to cut down on costs. Victims of a fire at a karaoke parlor are treated in a hospital in Thuan An city, Vietnam, Sept. 7, 2022. The death toll resulting from a fire at a karaoke parlor in southern Vietnam that claimed 33 lives earlier this week was likely made worse due to the owners disregard for safety standards and the failure of clientele to follow orders to flee the building, sources said Friday. The blaze broke out on Tuesday evening at the An Phu karaoke parlor in Binh Duong provinces Thuan An city while as many as 70 people were inside the four-story building, according to state media reports, which said firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within an hour. Several people jumped from the building to escape the flames, injuring themselves in the process, while others were able to descend rescue ladders, the reports said. Parts of the building collapsed during the fire, which killed 17 men, 15 women, and an unidentified person who sustained injuries during the incident and later died in the hospital, officials said at a news conference on Thursday. VnExpress quoted Provincial Police Director Col. Trinh Ngoc Quyen as saying that customers had ignored employees who entered the rooms where they were singing and ordered them to flee. Most of the clientele had been drinking alcohol, he said, and most of the rooms were locked from the inside. Officials said that the building had passed a safety inspection and that the cause of the fire had yet to be determined. On Friday, a resident of the area told RFA Vietnamese that while intoxication likely contributed to the high number of deaths, the owners of karaoke parlors and other similar establishments often ignore safety codes. Its frightening, everyone is scared of dying in case of a fire at the karaoke bars, said the resident, who asked to be identified as Mr. T. All permits granted to the karaoke bars require that fire safety requirements be met. But in reality, the owners build as many rooms as they can in multi-storied buildings because space isnt cheap in the city. If a fire starts higher up theres a chance to get out, but if it starts on the ground floor and rises, there are no exits to escape. Mr. T said that the confusing layout at the An Phu karaoke parlor caused customers to panic. The lack of exits is why the number of deaths was so high, he said. It is a natural reaction to run into a hiding place when you see fire, and that also led to some deaths. Some of them died because they locked the door to their room, while others ran up to a higher floor and jumped. I learned that some of those who jumped were hospitalized, but died in the hospital. Fire department trucks line up outside a karaoke parlor following a fire in Thuan An city, Vietnam, Sept. 7, 2022. Credit: VNA via AP Violations likely Nguyen Van Hau, a Ho Chi Minh City-based attorney with the Vietnam Lawyers Association, agreed that safety violations were likely to blame for many of the deaths at An Phu. The central government has issued a number of decrees about fire issues, he said, suggesting that local authorities have failed in implementing them. He acknowledged that the customers at the karaoke parlor likely ignored warnings to flee, but said the establishments owner and city officials bear responsibility for the tragedy. The fire authority should regularly carry out inspections after granting permits, especially when any new construction is done, he said. Furthermore, the management was not trained in how to react in case of a fire. The right to run a karaoke bar is contingent on making safety preparations. The manager of a store that sells fire equipment in Ho Chi Minh City, who spoke to RFA on condition of anonymity, said that fires at karaoke parlors and other venues that use significant amounts of power are typically caused by an electrical short. He said that while officials had yet to conclude their investigation of the An Phu blaze, the chain of events suggests safety protocols had been skirted. The preliminary report about the fire by the Binh Duong Police said that the An Phu karaoke bar met all fire prevention requirements, but the guests continued to sing after the fire started, he said. This suggests the building did not automatically cut off the electricity and there is a question of whether the fire alarm system even worked or not. There are a number of things to be examined, including whether there were lights at the exits and an emergency sprinkler system in the rooms and hallways. In 2016, a fire at an eight-story karaoke parlor in Vietnams capital Hanoi killed 13 people after spreading to several nearby buildings. Translated by An Nguyen. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Western diplomats have reacted with shock to the discovery of a mass burial site and evidence of torture in Izyum days after the city was retaken from Russian forces during Ukraine's successful offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region. The diplomats said Russia must be held accountable after officials indicated that most victims at the burial site were civilians. U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said on Twitter that the news of the mass burial site in Izyum "should reinforce our collective resolve to hold Russia accountable for its atrocities and to support Ukraine in its efforts to defend its homeland and liberate its citizens suffering horribly under Russia's forces." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Russia was behaving "horrifically" and was likely responsible for war crimes, while EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the European Union was "deeply shocked" at the discovery of the graves. "We condemn these atrocities in the strongest possible terms," Borrell said in a statement. "Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has been leaving a trail of blood and destruction across Ukraine." French President Emmanuel Macron added his voice to the outcry, saying that what happened in Izyum were atrocities. "I condemn in the strongest terms the atrocities committed in Izyum, Ukraine, under Russian occupation," Macron said on Twitter. Those responsible "will have to answer for their acts. There is no peace without justice." WATCH: RFE/RL's Maryan Kushnir visited the site and spoke with a missing-persons officer about the process of identifying victims. Subsequent exhumations uncovered bodies with ropes tied around their hands. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said at least 440 bodies had been found at the site in Izyum. The grim discovery prompted President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to again call on the international community to declare Russia a state sponsor of terrorism. "Russia has already become the biggest source of terrorism in the world, and no other terrorist power leaves behind so many deaths. This must be recognized legally. The world must act. Russia must be recognized as a state sponsor of terrorism," Zelenskiy said in a statement on Telegram. 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. Kharkiv Governor Oleh Synyehubov said 99 percent of the bodies exhumed so far showed signs of violent death. "There are several bodies with their hands tied behind their backs, and one person is buried with a rope around his neck," he said on Telegram. He added that about 200 law enforcement officers were working at the site, and the bodies will be sent for forensic examination to determine the exact cause of death. Ukrainian police chief Ihor Klymenko said that based on preliminary findings, most of the people buried at the site were civilians. Asked if the Izyum site contained mainly civilians or soldiers, Klymenko told a news conference: "On a preliminary estimate, civilians. Although we have information that there are soldiers there too, we haven't recovered a single one yet." Klymenko also said several torture sites were found in the newly liberated areas. "I can talk about the presence of at least 10 torture centers in settlements" in the Kharkiv region, he said. He said "two torture centers were found in Balaklia," a town in the northeast. Thousands of Russian soldiers fled Izyum last week after occupying the city and using it as a logistics hub in the Kharkiv region. They left behind large amounts of ammunition and equipment. Klymenko also said 204 criminal cases investigating possible war crimes committed by Russian forces had been opened over the past week. The UN human rights office said it would send a team to Izyum, and the human rights group Amnesty International said the discovery of the mass burial site confirmed "our darkest fears." There was no immediate comment from Russia on the discovery of the graves. Moscow has previously denied targeting civilians. Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first public comments on the war since Ukraine's counteroffensive after he attended a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Uzbekistan. Speaking on September 16, Putin vowed to press on with the war and said the "liberation" of Ukraine's entire eastern Donbas region remained Russia's main military goal. "We aren't in a rush," Putin said, adding that Russia had only deployed volunteer soldiers to fight in Ukraine. He also commented publicly for the first time on Kyiv's recent military push in the northeast. "The Kyiv authorities announced that they have launched and are conducting an active counteroffensive operation. Well, let's see how it develops, how it ends up," Putin said. He also warned that Moscow could ramp up its strikes on the country's infrastructure. Referring to recent strikes on a reservoir dam in Kryviy Rih and electricity supplies in the Kharkiv region, Putin said: "Let's assume they're a warning. If the situation continues to develop like this, then the response will be more serious." Putin also said Russia was gradually taking control of new areas of Ukraine. Putin also met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the SCO summit. Erdogan told the assembled leaders that efforts were being made "to finalize the conflict in Ukraine through diplomacy as soon as possible." Putin told Erdogan, who helped broker a deal struck in July to export grain and other commodities through Ukraine's Black Sea ports, that Moscow was interested in building closer ties with Ankara and ready to "significantly increase" all exports to the country. Elsewhere, Ukrainian forces repelled three Russian attacks north of the city of Donetsk, the military's General Staff said in a Facebook post. Sea-based missiles also targeted areas of the Odesa region but were destroyed by antiaircraft units, it said. Russian forces had launched attacks on several settlements on the Kharkiv front line, the Ukrainian military said. In its daily intelligence bulletin, the British Defense Ministry said on September 16 that after more than six months of war, "the impact of Russia's manpower challenge has become increasingly severe," prompting Kremlin-linked Russian private military company Vagner Group to attempt recruiting Russian convicts for service in Ukraine "since at least July." The British intelligence bulletin said convicts were being offered commutation of their sentences as well as cash incentives. The bulletin said Russian military academies are shortening training courses and bringing cadets graduation dates forward. "This is almost certainly so cadets can be deployed to support the Ukraine operation," it said. Late on September 15 the White House announced an additional $600 million in military aid for Ukraine as the United States moves to support Kyiv's counteroffensive. A White House memo said U.S. President Joe Biden would use his Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows him to authorize the transfer of weapons from U.S. stocks. The Defense Department said the aid consists of equipment and services, as well as training. With reporting by AP and Reuters ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- By the time they saw fierce flames from a forest fire encroaching on their village in Kazakhstans northern region of Qostanai, residents in the village of Amanqaraghai hardly had time to jump in their cars and flee. Yevgeny Kovalenko was coming in the other direction from work after a neighbor called to tell him that the raging inferno had reached his property. Opening the door of his smoke-engulfed barn, Kovalenko saw his cow being burned alive. The 29-year-old fainted and only avoided death or burns thanks to the arrival of firefighters and medics in the village right after he lost consciousness. The horrors of the fire that raged in Kazakhstan from September 2-7, killing one, injuring more than dozen others, and destroying or damaging nearly 100 homes in Amanqaraghai, were still fresh in the minds of evacuees holed up in a school in Aulieqol on September 5. Growing up in a state children's home, owning a house and livestock had been a lifelong ambition for Kovalenko, he told RFE/RL's Kazakh Service. Now his hopes of restoring his modest quality of life depends on the level of compensation the government can offer, he said. This corner of Kazakhstan, close to the border with Russia, is no stranger to wildfires, which threaten farmland as well as the forests that occupy a mere 4 percent of Kazakhstan. Anetta Kozlova, who also lost her home in the blaze, told RFE/RL's Kazakh Service that a fire two years ago had threatened the village of 2,000 people without reaching its outskirts. This time around, "Amanqaraghai was shrouded in smoke," Kozlova recalled, close to tears. "We only had time to save some documents and money. It was like a war. Then, the rescuers came. Everybody helped each other, we gave lifts to people on foot, bundled the elderly into cars. I wouldn't wish this on anybody." Back in smoldering Amanqaraghai, RFE/RL correspondents found some villagers venturing back through the ruins. "There is nothing left of my home," said one. "If I can find some metal I will collect it and sell it for scrap." Qostanai, where the fire burned some 43,000 hectares of territory according to the Emergency Situations Ministry, was one of several Kazakh regions where forest and steppe fires hit during an unusually warm week in September. Satellite data sourced by AgriTech Hub Kazakhstan and published by agriculture consultant Kirill Pavlov on the Kazchuvash Telegram channel showed that an additional 110,000 hectares of land had been damaged by fire in the Abay, Karaganda, and Pavlodar regions. But the fire in Qostanai was by far the most dramatic, affecting Amanqaraghai and four other villages in prompting some 2,000 evacuations and the closure of the road through the region. Farmland was also damaged, although the Agriculture Ministry was quick to a release a statement saying the fires would "not affect the country's food security, the projected yield, and the export agreements with foreign states," all of which are of increased global interest due to ongoing food-security concerns connected to Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Overall, the ministry said, the fires had affected less than 0.1 percent of the crop-rich region's farmland. Footage of the devastation soon gave rise to conspiracy theories about deliberate fires started by saboteurs, both local and foreign. Those theories were strengthened by political coincidence, as President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev had planned a visit to the region, ostensibly to mark the 150th anniversary of Akhmet Baitursunov, an intellectual and leader who was killed during Soviet dictator Josef Stalin's repressions. Toqaev instead ended up surveying the havoc wrought by a blaze from a helicopter before pledging state compensation and the rebuilding of homes in the space within two and a half months during a meeting with victims on September 5. However the Qostanai fire began, climatic conditions certainly played a role in exacerbating the blazes, some experts said. On the day the fire struck, the regional capital, also called Qostanai, experienced temperatures between 22 and 38 degrees, some 11 and 8 degrees higher, respectively, than last year, when Kazakhstan had just experienced a prolonged and destructive summer drought. Daytime highs in Qostanai in July, the hottest month of the year, typically hover around 27 degrees Celsius. In addition to hot, dry weather, powerful winds helped fuel the fire and put for firefighters in peril. In the eastern Abay region on September 7, three members of an Emergency Situations Ministry fire brigade found themselves encircled by a steppe fire that had suddenly changed direction, sweeping into an area surrounded by trees where they were refilling their firetruck with water. The men abandoned the truck but did not escape serious burns. Driver Aidos Toguzbaev, a 36-year-old father of five, died at the hospital, the ministry said. Last year, as Kazakhstan experienced a drought that caused mass livestock deaths in several areas of the country, large swathes of Russia's mostly uninhabited taiga areas were ablaze, with even a one-time climate-change skeptic, President Vladimir Putin, admitting the problem was "unprecedented." The fires in Siberia and the Far East had the hallmarks of a major climate event, with over 18 million hectares of forested area burned in total. But Russia remains the world's most forested country by some distance -- trees cover almost half of its territory. For its neighbor to the south, says Vadim Ni, chairman of the nonprofit Socio-Ecological Fund in Almaty, the risk posed by "more intense fires, covering larger areas" is the complete loss of limited forest land and the biodiversity accompanying it. A big contributor, Ni said, is the expansion of human activity toward forested areas, such as spa resorts and dachas. But a warming climate will increase the chances of tragedies such as the one in Qostanai, he added. "If traditionally in autumn we see sharp temperature drops from day to night, then the risk of climate change is that temperatures don't fall so much," Ni told RFE/RL. "That makes it easier for the blazes to gather strength and last longer." MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) The man charged with abducting and killing a Tennessee teacher this month was a suspect in a 2021 kidnapping and sexual case, but his indictment over those allegations didn't occur until Thursday because of the timing in testing his DNA. Cleotha Henderson was rebooked at the Shelby County Jail on Friday on charges of aggravated rape, especially aggravated kidnapping and unlawful carrying of a weapon. Details of the newest allegations against Henderson were not immediately available. The indictment came days after Hendersons arrest in the death of Eliza Fletcher, a mother of two and a kindergarten teacher. Fletcher disappeared while on a pre-dawn run near the University of Memphis campus on Sept. 2, and her remains were found Monday near an abandoned house. Henderson is being held in the Shelby County Jail without bond on the charges related to Fletchers death. In the earlier case, Memphis police took a sexual assault report on Sept. 21, 2021, the department said in a statement Saturday. A sexual assault kit was submitted two days later to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the statement said. An official CODIS (national DNA database) hit was not received until after the unfortunate event that occurred on September 2, 2022, the Memphis police statement said, referring to the jogger's abduction. Probable cause to make a physical arrest of any suspect did not exist until after the CODIS hit had been received." Memphis police provided no further details, citing an ongoing criminal prosecution. Hendersons public defender could not be reached for comment Saturday. The TBI confirmed Saturday that the sexual assault kit was submitted last Sept. 23. The evidence was put into the queue of unknown assailant kits, as no request was made for TBI analysis to be expedited, and no suspect information or DNA standard was included in the submission, the TBI statement said. The kit eventually was pulled from evidence storage along with 19 other kits for analysis this past June 24 and an initial report of the results was completed on Aug. 29, the TBI said. When the 2021 DNA was entered into the national database, it returned a match for Henderson on Sept. 5, which the TBI reported to Memphis police, the TBI said. The TBI accepts rush DNA cases when requested to do so by local law enforcement agencies, as was done in the Fletcher case, according to the TBI. Last weekend, Henderson was identified as the suspect less than 18 hours after receiving key evidence, which was critical in his subsequent apprehension. Because we rarely know the facts of the case when processing evidence, TBI relies on submitting agencies to identify cases that would benefit their investigation from our rush analysis, the TBI statement said. Henderson, who also has gone by the name Cleotha Abston, is charged with kidnapping and killing Fletcher, 34. Henderson is being held in the Shelby County Jail without bond on the charges stemming from Fletcher's death. Henderson was arrested after police detected his DNA on sandals found near the location where Fletcher was last seen, an arrest affidavit said. A funeral for Fletcher was held Saturday. Henderson, 38, previously served 20 years in prison for a kidnapping he committed at age 16. LONDON (AP) King Charles III was formally proclaimed sovereign of the United Kingdom on Saturday, as officials unveiled details of the meticulously choreographed ceremonies that will culminate in the state funeral of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Sept. 19. In this time of sorrow for the House of Windsor, there were hints of a possible family reconciliation. Prince William and his brother Harry, together with Catherine, now Princess of Wales and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, delighted mourners near Windsor Castle with a surprise joint appearance to thank the public for their floral tributes and condolences. It was the first time that quarrelling younger royal generation had worked together publicly since the Sussexes stepped aside from royal duties in 2020 and moved to California. The thousands who flocked to Windsor on a sunny day were in their thrall, as the couples gratefully accepted flowers, talked to parents and children at length, shook hands and accepted heartfelt condolences. Meghan approached a teenager in the crowd, who put her hand over her mouth in shock. The pair spoke briefly then the girl said: Can I have a hug? Meghan leaned in to give her a big hug. Catherine, for her part, focused on young children in the crowd, bending down low to speak to them warmly face-to-face. The late sovereigns coffin now rests at Balmoral Castle, the summer retreat in the Scottish Highlands where Elizabeth died on Thursday. Palace officials promised Saturday that the public will have opportunities to see the late monarchs oak coffin as it journeys from Balmoral Castle to Edinburgh and then to London, where her body will lie in state for four days starting Wednesday. Edward William Fitzalan-Howard, the official in charge of arrangements, said the ceremonies would be a fitting farewell to one of the defining figures of our times. The queen's eldest son and successor Charles was officially proclaimed Britains monarch Saturday in a pomp-filled ceremony steeped in ancient tradition and political symbolism and, for the first time, broadcast live on television and online. The 73-year-old Charles, who spent seven decades as heir apparent, automatically became king when his mother died and vowed to follow her example. But the accession ceremony was a key constitutional and ceremonial step that introduced the new monarch to the country, a relic of a time before mass communications. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me, Charles said as he took on the duties of monarch. New British Prime Minister Liz Truss and five of her predecessors were among scores of current and former British politicians who gathered at St. Jamess Palace for the meeting of the Accession Council. Saturdays accession ceremony ended with a royal official publicly proclaiming King Charles III to be the country's new monarch from a balcony at the palace. In centuries past, this would have been the first official confirmation the public had of their new sovereign. David White, the Garter King of Arms, made the proclamation, flanked by trumpeters in gold-trimmed robes before leading cheers hip, hip, hooray! for the new king. Gun salutes rang out in Hyde Park, at the Tower of London and at military sites around the U.K. as he announced the news, and scarlet-robed soldiers in the palace courtyard doffed their bearskin hats in a royal salute. The proclamation was read at other locations across the U.K., including in the medieval City of London. The new king formally approved a series of orders, including one declaring the day of his mothers funeral as a public holiday. Charles was accompanied at the ceremony by wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, and eldest son Prince William, who is now heir to the throne and known by the title that Charles long held, the Prince of Wales. In his first statement since his grandmothers death, William said the queen was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life a clear reference to the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real, William said. People came by the thousands to pay their respects outside Buckingham Palace in London. The scene was repeated at other royal residences across the U.K. and at British embassies around the world. The country has also just seen a change of leader. Truss was appointed prime minister by the queen on Tuesday, just two days before the monarch died. On Saturday, Truss and other senior U.K. lawmakers lined up in the House of Commons to take an oath of loyalty to the new king. Normal parliamentary business has been suspended during a period of mourning for the queen. The House of Commons held a rare Saturday session so lawmakers could pay tribute to the late monarch. Charles has struck a note of continuity, vowing in a televised address Friday to carry on the queens lifelong service, with his own modernizing stamp. The new monarch looked both to the past noting his mothers unwavering dedication and devotion as sovereign and the future, seeking to strike a reassuring note of constancy while signaling that his will be a 21st-century monarchy. He reflected on how the country had changed dramatically during the queens reign into a society of many cultures and many faiths, and pledged to serve people in Britain and the 14 other countries where he is king whatever may be your background or beliefs. For a second day on Saturday, Charles waded into the crowds to meet his subjects and shake hands. Trying to overcome a reputation for aloofness, he is signaling a more relaxed approach to the monarchy than that of his mother. It just felt like a really special moment in history,'' said Beverly Nash from Kent. And it was lovely actually seeing him. I didnt think I would feel as emotional as I did.'' Follow AP stories on Queen Elizabeth IIs death and other stories about the British monarchy at https://apnews.com/hub/queen-elizabeth-ii Any program that can bring more young people into teaching careers is exciting news. But then the caveats begin. What about retention? What about diversity? How comprehensive is the training? Will their fresh enthusiasm survive the stress levels and potential for burnout that have caused many to leave the profession? There are no guarantees in these days of great resignations and quiet quitting, but the University at Buffalos Teacher Residency Program, established in 2019, is seeing early success. The program allows anyone with a qualifying bachelors degree to receive intensive training, including a full school year of mentorship and co-teaching with a veteran teacher in a Buffalo public school classroom. Rigorous coursework is also part of it. This strategy differs significantly from traditional teacher certification programs, which rely on 15 weeks of student teaching, usually split between seven to eight weeks each in two different schools. Modeled after the medical student experience, the residency program allows a full year of observation, experimentation and relationship-building in the same classroom. After that, residents must teach three years in Buffalos public school system, a condition of the program. Its interesting that students who originally planned for very different careers have instead opted for a teaching residency, including those quoted in News reporter Janet Gramzas Sept. 5 story. One graduate of the program, Gary Crump, changed his career from law to education and now teaches social studies at Olmsted High School. Crump, who moved here from New York City, plans to stay in Buffalo, where hes making change and bringing joy to the classroom. The program prides itself on its diverse makeup, which includes in 2022-23 32% white, 47% Black/African American, 11% Hispanic/Latin and 11% Asian or multiracial residents. These aspiring teachers have backgrounds that reflect the residency programs commitment to educational equity, diversity in the teaching force and preparing teachers to work with historically underserved student populations. The deeper classroom experience and better mentoring afforded by this program is already reaping rewards in its early stages. It has placed 70 new teachers in city school classrooms and UB will make yearlong residencies a requirement throughout its teacher education program. While the pilot program comes with $18,000 stipends, its not a sure thing these will be universally offered; funding is being sought. Some of the residents feel this program has built a community in which the newly certified teachers can rely on each other to discuss curriculum ideas and ways to better involve their students. An early graduate of the program, Sydney Favors, gives an example of how she and her fellow social studies teachers from the program address issues in the classroom: Were teaching history and the Tops massacre, George Floyd, Asian hate, Covid and the Jan. 6 insurrection all happened while we were teaching in Buffalo public schools. We have to have those discussions. The pandemic exposed many of the ongoing gaps and needs in K-12 education. It worsened mental health issues and heightened stress levels for everyone: teachers, students, parents and administrators. Divisive societal issues, always simmering under the surface, became more starkly evident. Teachers must somehow struggle through all this to connect with their students and help ready them for lifes challenges. Doesnt it make sense that longer and deeper preparation for this task is needed? It will surely be difficult for other area teacher education programs to consider anything other than the traditional student teaching stints that are embedded in their curricula. But they should give some consideration to a program that easily doubles the classroom time included in traditional student teaching. Another Buffalo college, Canisius, is already on board. Canisius has had a teacher residency program in place for five years. It also includes one full year of supervised teaching in a multicultural high-needs school setting. and is adding Buffalo Public School classrooms in addition to its charter school partners starting this year. Other teacher education departments throughout Western New York should keep an eye on these programs. This is a concept that makes sense and should spread further. Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing. Charlotte volleyball fell behind host Virginia 2-0 before rallying back and forcing Virginia to the brink in a wild 3-2 (22-25, 21-25, 25-21, 25-23, 14-16) defeat to the Cavaliers on Friday night.was dominate again posting a match-high 24 kills hitting .305 in the loss. Both teams will battle it out again on Saturday afternoon with first serve set for 3:00 p.m."I was so proud of our fight tonight," began Head Coach. "We came out a little too tight in the first set and gave away too much momentum early. From the break, we adjusted well offensively and got in rhythm. It's not the outcome we wanted, but we will battle back in a raucous environment."Charlotte (5-4) found themselves in an 0-2 hole after a pair of close 25-22 and 25-21 defeats over the first two sets before making their comeback. The tides started to turn as ankill made it an 11-8 deficit early on. McArthur's kill started a run where the Niners scored five of the next six points to tie it up 12-12 thanks to aces fromand. Back-to-back kills by McArthur and Foster made it 15-13 before a block assist from Wetterstrom, along with, helped push the lead to 20-15. Keeping the multi-point lead, Foster closed it out with a kill and solo block to keep the Niners alive and onto a fourth.Virginia (6-1) carried a 20-18 lead late in the fourth before the Niners again persevered to force a fifth. A Kretschmer and McArthur kill tied it at 22-22 before a big solo block by McArthur tied it up soon after at 23-all. A crucial ace again by Washington and kill by Foster completed the comeback 25-23.The fifth set Friday night went back-and-forth as a 3-1 deficit for the Niners after a Foster kill turned into a 6-5 lead after back-to-back kills by Wetterstrom and. Virginia forced a Charlotte timeout after they went on a 6-0 run to take an 11-6 lead in the race to 15. Charlotte slowly started to chip away point-by-point beginning with a Kretschmer kill and block by McArthur/Wetterstrom trimming the deficit down to three. A Ricks kill followed by two-straight blocks with McArthur got the Niners to within one at 12-11. A McArthur kill fought off the first match point before Foster's final kill tied it at 14-14. A Niners blocking error and final kill by UVA gave the hosts the 3-2 win surviving the furious comeback.Foster also added a team-best 16 digs for another double-double with her 24 kills. Ricks added 11 kills, McArthur hit .389 with nine kills and team-best nine blocks while Wetterstrom dished out 42 assists.ACC Network Extra will once again broadcast the rematch Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Live stats will also be available at http://www.charlotte49ers.com San Pasqual High School students give new meaning to dog training classes, as they walk around campus with Labrador service dogs in tow. The students are raising the animals through their school agriculture department, for the San Diego chapter of the nonprofit Paws 4 A Cause, which trains guide dogs for the blind. I have him all the time, said Maggie Goodson, who is raising 18-month-old Sempre, a black Labrador retriever. He goes to school with me, he goes home with me. Anywhere I go, he goes. Advertisement The school has offered the program for three years, and has produced 10 service dogs during that time, said Sharon Buetow, a co-leader for Paws 4 A Cause. Four puppies and one young adult dog are in training now at the campus. Students at Valley Center and Ramona high schools are also participating in the program. Paws 4 A Cause uses only Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers, and breeds the dogs for intelligence and obedience. Students typically start as sitters, signing up to care for a dog when a classmate raising the animal cant watch it. That includes during certain classes, such as P.E., ceramics and wood shop, or during out-of-town trips. Once students become experienced as sitters, they can become raisers and train an animal themselves. Students participate through the schools FFA (Future Farmers of America) program, and gain class credit for their work. The dog training project, however, is a 24-hour per day commitment that goes far beyond normal coursework. Its been difficult, and I had to give up a lot of things that I did, but it has all been worth it because youre doing something to help someone in need, said sophomore Jenise Gonzalez, 15, who is raising Al, a 23-week-old black Lab puppy. I had to give up going out with my friends. The dog was not ready. I stayed home a lot. Now hes at the point where I can take him out to socialize. Caring for the dog is an exercise in responsibility as well as an opportunity for community service. For the first four to five months, until the dogs get their final vaccinations, students carry the animals from class to class. They teach them household manners and basic commands. As any parent of a toddler can tell you, potty training is the hardest part. The animals must not only be house-trained, but also able to relieve themselves on command a task that can take months. Teaching the playful puppies to stay focused is also key, so raisers work on training the dogs to resist distractions. When hes out walking with his owner, being distracted could guide the blind person to a wrong destination, said Ariana Fuentes, 16, who is raising Frasier, a 5-month-old yellow Lab. Maggie Goodson said that even as a puppy, Sempre wasnt distractible. But she acknowledges that it can be hard for other students and teachers to avoid his quirky charms during class time. When I got him as a puppy, he was tiny and small, Maggie said. I would put his blanket down and he would go to sleep. A couple times in class, he started snoring while teachers are lecturing. My teachers are all obsessed with him. As he got older, she said, Sempre remained calm and focused. When she attended a state FFA conference last year, he was at ease among thousands of teenagers, and slept on a blanket beside her during a concert. The only drawback of raising a service dog, she said, is also the most rewarding part the knowledge that shell soon hand him over to his eventual owner. If he passes his final training, Maggie will get to meet his owner, and then transfer Sempre during a graduation ceremony. I hope that the blind person will have the same connection (to Sempre) that I do, and that he helps them a lot, she said. Hes super loving, caring and mellow. Hes all I could ever ask for in a dog. deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan Manga has been one of our most popular collections in the Teen Space. In fact, Anime Club and our new Teen Manga Club have been requested by several teens who want more manga in the library. With the rise of mangas popularity, there are still some who question what manga is, the types of manga, and where they should start if they want to read manga. What is manga? According to New York Public Librarys, A Beginners Guide to Manga, manga is an umbrella term for a wide variety of comic books and graphic novels originally produced and published in Japan. Unlike American comic books, which are usually printed in full color, Japanese manga are almost always published in black and white. Full-color prints are often only used for special releases. Japanese manga is read right-to-left rather than left-to-right, which is the norm for English language publications. Manga is chiefly categorized by audience first, then genre. There are four types of audiences to which manga are marketed. If you are looking for more information on manga genres and sub-genres, then check out: Beginner's Guide to Manga 3: Genres and Subgenres. Shonen: often features lots of action, comedy, and some coming-of-age camaraderie between characters. Examples include Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist, My Hero Academia, & The Promised Neverland. Shojo: the focus here is less on the action and more on drama, emotion, and, usually, idealized romance. Like shonen manga, shojo manga usually features the coming-of-age story of a young protagonist. You can usually identify shojo covers by their use of pretty pinks, flowers, or other cutesy images. Examples include Sailor Moon, Fruits Basket, and Skip Beat! Seinen: just like shonen manga, seinen manga features action and violence, but with a more serious or darker tone, as well as adult content such as sexual situations, graphic violence, or foul language. Examples include Tokyo Ghoul, One Punch Man, and Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. Josei: this type of manga often features more mature narratives exploring romantic and personal relationships, told in greater depth than their shojo counterpartsbut this is not always true. Unlike shojo manga, which almost always follows a female protagonist, josei manga often features male and female protagonists. Examples include Honey and Clover and Princess Jellyfish. To learn more about manga and to find some manga suggestions, I recommend heading over to our new Columbus Public Library Guide to Manga webpage at https://sites.google.com/view/cplguidetomanga If you have any questions, please call me at 402-562-4203 or email me at Jessica.Wilkinson@columbusne.us. Reference: New York Public Library. (2018). A Beginner's Guide to Manga. https://www.nypl.org/blog/2018/12/27/beginners-guide-manga Domestic donkeys (Equus asinus) have been important to humans for thousands of years, being the primary source of work and transport for many cultures. Unlike horses, little was known about their origin and domestication. A research team led by Universite Paul Sabatier scientists has sequenced the genomes of 207 modern and 31 ancient donkeys, as well as 15 wild equids, and found evidence of an eastern African origin over 7,000 years ago. Domestic donkeys have been important to humans for thousands of years, providing a source of animal labor and long-distance transport for many cultures. However, despite their importance to ancient pastoral societies across Africa, Europe and Asia, little is known about their long history with humans, particularly regarding their origin, domestication and the impact of human management on their genomes. Although these creatures remain essential for developing low- and middle-income communities, particularly those in semi-arid and upland environments, they remain notably understudied, likely due to their currently undervalued status and loss of utility in modern industrialized societies. To address this gap, Dr. Evelyn Todd of the Universite Paul Sabatier and colleagues sequenced 238 modern and ancient donkey genomes. They found strong phylogeographic evidence supporting a single domestication event in eastern Africa more than 7,000 years ago (5000 BCE). This was followed by a series of expansions throughout Africa and into Eurasia where subpopulations eventually became isolated and differentiated, perhaps due to the aridification of the Sahara. Eventually, genetic streams from Europe and the Near East found their way back into western African donkey populations. Additionally, the authors uncovered a new genetic lineage from the Levant region that existed roughly 2,200 years ago and contributed increasing gene flow toward Asian donkey populations. Donkey management involved inbreeding and the production of giant bloodlines at a time when mules were essential to the Roman economy and military. These discoveries call for new archaeological digs to find the initial source of domestication in Africa, as well as the sequencing of other early donkey genomes on both shores of the Mediterranean sea, to better understand the role of this animal in the history of trade between Europe and North Africa, they said. The study appears in the journal Science. _____ Evelyn T. Todd et al. 2022. The genomic history and global expansion of domestic donkeys. Science 377 (6611): 1172-1180; doi: 10.1126/science.abo3503 A 16-year-old male has been charged after a fight in Lower Allen Township that involved shots fired. Lower Allen Township Police were dispatched to Highland Park Playground on the 1300 block of Chatham Road around 4:30 p.m. Police said the initial caller reported hearing a loud bang and that about 12 people fled the area. Officers identified two victims, who told police they were at the park when two other vehicles arrived. Police said the males from those two vehicles began fighting with the two victims and that it was during the fight that everyone heard the bang and ran from the park. Police located an involved witness who said that the two victims were already at the park along with a third male. Police said the males exchanged words and threw punches, and that the third male began fighting with an 18-year-old male. The 18-year-old and his friends began following the third male when that male produced a handgun and fired a shot, police said. The 18-year-old male was contacted by police, who told them that hed been getting messages from one of the other males and that the two had started fighting at a Saturday night incident and wanted to finish. The male asked the 18-year-old to meet him at the playground where they began fighting, police said. After being shot at, the 18-year-old ran away uninjured, though when he examined his pants later, he discovered a bullet hole in his pant leg, police said. Officers searched the area and discovered a 9 mm handgun in a dumpster of a nearby apartment complex. Police said the firearms serial number revealed it had been stolen in New Cumberland. Police determined that the shooter was 16 years old and arrested him at his residence. He was charged as an adult with attempted aggravated assault with a weapon, receiving stolen property, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of a firearm as a minor and reckless endangering, police said. His bail is set at $15,000. Consultations on the Coup dEtat in Burkina Faso Tomorrow (8 February), Security Council members will hold closed consultations on Burkina Faso under the agenda item Peace consolidation in West Africa. The meeting follows last months coup detat in Burkina Faso that deposed President Roch Marc Christian Kaborethe fourth successful coup detat in West Africa in the past 18 months. Special Representative and head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Mahamat Saleh Annadif is expected to brief during the session, which was requested by the A3 (Gabon, Ghana, and Kenya). Council members may issue a press statement on the situation. The coup detat in Burkina Faso, which has been fighting an insurgency by violent extremist and terrorist groups over the past six years, unfolded on 23 and 24 January. Initially, there were reports of mutinies at military barracks in the capital, Ouagadougou, and in the city of Kaya. By the evening of 23 January, gunfire was heard in the neighbourhood of President Kabores home. On 24 January, a group of soldiers appeared on state television from the previously unknown Patriotic Movement for Preservation and Restoration (MPSR) led by Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba. A military spokesperson announced that the MPSR had removed Kabore because of the ongoing degradation of the security situation and that it would propose within a reasonable timea timetable for a return to a constitutional order accepted by all. ECOWAS has been leading the international response. It held a virtual summit on 28 January, announcing Burkina Fasos suspension from the regional bloc. On 29 January, it dispatched to Burkina Faso a mission of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to meet with military authorities. This was followed on 31 January by a joint mission of ECOWAS and UNOWAS, headed by Ghanas Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, whose President Nana Akufo-Addo is the current chair of the ECOWAS Authority. On 3 February, ECOWAS held a second summit in Accra, Ghana. In a communique issued following the summit, ECOWAS reiterated its absolute condemnation of the coup and demanded the unconditional release of Kabore. It further called on the military authorities to establish transition institutions, adopt a transition calendar and return to constitutional order within the shortest time. Among other reactions of the international community, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) suspended Burkina Faso from the AU during a 31 January meeting on the crisis. In a communique adopted at that meeting, the AU PSC endorsed ECOWAS 28 January decisions and expressed strong support for the regional blocs efforts in addressing the peace and security challenges facing the region. As events continued to unfold, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the coup attempt in a 24 January statement. The Group of Five for the Sahel (G5 Sahel)which is comprised of Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Nigerstrongly condemned the coup in a 24 January statement issued by Chad, which currently holds the G5 Sahel presidency. During tomorrows consultations, Annadifwho attended both ECOWAS summits and accompanied the joint ECOWAS-UNOWAS missionwill provide an overview of developments and may share insights from his engagement with the military authorities and ECOWAS. In a 4 February statement, Lieutenant-Colonel Damiba said: Burkina Faso expresses its readiness to continue discussions with ECOWAS for the outcome of the transition process. At tomorrows meeting, most Council members are likely to condemn the military takeover and echo ECOWAS positions by calling on the military to work with the regional bloc to quickly establish a political transition and restore democratic governance. Members may reiterate their concerns about the security and humanitarian crisis facing Burkina Faso, which was already dire before the coup detat. Over 1.5 million people have been internally displaced by the violence affecting much of the country, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). In June 2021, Burkina Faso experienced its deadliest attack over the course of the insurgency when militants, including child soldiers, killed at least 138 civilians in the northern village of Solhan. An August 2021 attack on a military convoy killed 80 people, including 65 civilians. In November 2021, Burkinabe security forces suffered their single deadliest attack ever when suspected fighters of the Al-Qaida affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) killed at least 49 gendarmes, who were reportedly living in near-starving conditions, at a military camp in Inata, Soum province. The worsening violence led to a growing loss of confidence among the public and the military in the former governments ability to fight the insurgency. In December 2021, due to protests following the attack in Inata, Kabore dismissed the government and appointed a new prime minister and government. On 12 January, Burkinabe authorities announced the arrest of eight soldiers plotting to destabilise institutions. On 22 January, a day before last months coup, violent protests took place in Ouagadougou and in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso, with demonstrators calling for Kabores resignation. In addition to responding to the new political crisis, some Council members may recall tomorrow the need to address Burkina Fasos socioeconomic and governance challenges. These are challenges, members may note, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and that have underlain much of the instability in the country and hampered counter-insurgency efforts. Council members are also likely to highlight concerns over the trend of coups detat affecting the region. Developments in Burkina Faso follow coups detat in Mali in August 2020 and May 2021, a military takeover in Chad after the death of President Idris Deby in April 2021, and a coup in Guinea in September 2021. At a 9 January summit, ECOWAS reaffirmed that it would maintain sanctions on Malis transitional authorities and announced new economic and financial sanctions due to Malis continued delay in organising elections. Following an 11 January Council meeting on Mali, Council members were unable to agree on press elements that apparently would have reiterated their support for ECOWAS efforts, due to objections by China and Russia. ECOWAS has also been frustrated by the lack of progress in establishing an electoral calendar to restore constitutional rule in Guinea, where the regional bloc imposed travel ban and assets freeze sanctions last September on the coup leaders and their families. Moreover, Niger thwarted a coup attempt in May 2021, while last week, on 1 February, Guinea-Bissaus President Umaro Sissoco Embalo escaped an apparent attempted coup during an attack on the presidential palace. At its 3 February summit, ECOWAS announced that it would deploy a stabilisation force to Guinea-Bissau. While Burkina Faso is not on the Councils agenda, Council members have followed the deteriorating security situation in the country as part of their regular briefings on the G5 Sahel Joint Force and UNOWAS. This includes visiting Burkina Faso in October 2017 and March 2019 during Council visiting missions to the Sahel. In 2014 and 2015, Security Council members held four emergency meetings on Burkina Faso under any other business (in November 2014 and February, August and September 2015), following protests that ousted long-standing president Blaise Compaore and subsequent coup attempts seeking to thwart the political transition, which culminated in Kabores first election as president in 2015. In those instances, Council members regularly sought to coordinate their messaging with ECOWAS and the AU. Emmy-nominated actress Cynthia Geary was immediately drawn to her latest character Charley Copeland, a Hospice nurse in the compelling new drama series Going Home. Season one began streaming in June on Pure Flix, a faith and family-friendly media service (see https://bit.ly/3K4ISol). The death of a loved one is something we will all experience, but I feel like the show sends a positive message in a sad but cathartic way, said Geary from Palm Springs while traveling from her home in Seattle. Set in a Hospice care center with Geary as head nurse, the staff tackle the emotional, spiritual, and physical challenges facing end-of-life patients and their families, to ensure the loved ones pass on with compassion and dignity. Geary says the scripts attracted her to the role. They are challenging, demanding, and emotional, but so well-written, she said. We all cried a lot on the set because I think the actors and crew could relate to the stories. Shot in Spokane, Washington, Geary visited a local Hospice facility to prepare for the role. I was fortunate to meet many of the Hospice nurses whose job is to provide patients with a peaceful transition from this life, she said. I learned how important it was not to project personal issues into the situation to avoid putting any additional stress on the patients or their families who are already suffering. I tried to bring that to Charley, my character, who will be evolving with her own back-story in the coming episodes. Gearys own career back-story dates back to 1990 when she starred in the quirky CBS comedy-drama Northern Exposure. Her character, Shelly, appeared in all episodes over the shows six-season run, the series remaining a cult favorite today. I just loved everything about that show and would have been happy to do more seasons for years, she recalled. Theres been talk of a reunion or new series for a long time, but nothing definite yet I would love, love, love to do it! Meanwhile, despite the potentially gloomy theme, Geary is loving her new series. I know a show sending a message that death can be a positive experience sounds weird, but it can be an uplifting one, she says. Death is inevitable, but we dont have to be afraid of it. Being part of the series has changed my perspective if you have someone in a Hospice setting, at least you can prepare for whats coming and have that time with them. Millions of Americans became eligible late last week to get a reformulated COVID booster shot that targets both the ancestral and omicron strains of the virus a step that health officials hope will help mitigate a potential fall or winter surge. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone 12 and older get a booster at least two months after their last COVID shot or three months after recovering from a COVID infection. But some studies and experts in immunology and infectious diseases are coalescing around the idea that waiting longer roughly three to six months may be more optimal to obtain the biggest benefit from the additional booster. This is because getting a shot too soon after a previous injection, or after infection, doesnt give the immune system enough time to rest and prime itself to rev up again to respond to another shot. A recent study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that receiving a booster less than two months after infection appears to limit immune cells ability to respond to the shot because theyre still busy dealing with the infection. The study is small, having analyzed immune responses to a third mRNA shot of 66 people, and has not been peer-reviewed. Theres no harm to (getting a booster less than two months later), said Nadia Roan, an immunologist and investigator at San Franciscos Gladstone Institutes. Its just that it wouldnt be as beneficial as if you had waited longer and your immune cells are rested again, and ready to go full force when they see the viral protein again. The optimal time to get the new booster is hard to say, Roan said, but the consensus is that two months is probably too soon. There is compelling evidence suggesting that six months may be a more beneficial interval. A recent study in the Journal of American Medical Association found that antibody protection from the first booster shot a third dose of an mRNA vaccine lasts at least six months. So getting an additional booster sooner than that would not give ones antibodies enough time to mature, said Dr. Monica Gandhi of UCSF, who cited the JAMA study in an op-ed she co-wrote this week in Time magazine urging the CDC to recommend that people wait six months after vaccination or infection before getting the new updated booster. Such a recommendation would be similar to Canadas, which advises people to get it six months after vaccination or three months after infection. You dont want to interfere with your own immune response, Gandhi said. Gandhi said its really people 65 and older who should be the focus of the U.S. booster campaign, since they are the most vulnerable to severe disease and death. She recommends that everyone 65 and older get the booster six months after their last shot or infection. Gandhi said she plans to get the booster for her parents, who are in their 80s, but not for herself or her children. Indeed, not everyone is at equal risk or needs a booster as much as others, even though the CDC has recommended everyone 12 and older get one. Experts generally agree that the urgency of getting this booster depends on ones age, health, when they last got a COVID infection or vaccination, and their own appetite for risk. The message isnt that everyone needs to rush to get this booster, said Dr. Matt Willis, public health officer for Marin County. There is a continuum of risk. Here is some guidance from infectious disease experts on who should get a booster now, and who may want to wait. 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. Get a booster now: People who are more than six months out from their most recent shot or infection especially people 65 and older or residents of long-term care facilities. Public health departments in San Francisco and Marin counties are prioritizing the latter in particular, with Marin sending out mobile vaccination units to care homes throughout the month. If were successful there, thats going to be the highest yield for us in terms of preventing hospitalizations and deaths, said Willis, who encourages anyone 65 and older who hasnt gotten a shot in 2022 to put the booster at the top of their to-do list. Willis says he plans to get his this week; hed previously intended to get a booster of the original vaccine about a month ago but held off once federal regulators signaled theyd accelerate the omicron-specific booster. Immunocompromised people of any age. Consider waiting: People who got their most recent shot or infection less than three months ago. Roan, for instance, had COVID at the end of July, so she doesnt plan to get the booster right away. An additional consideration here is if you plan to participate in higher-risk activities soon such as flying, attending a large crowded event or going to a region with high case rates. If thats the case, you might want to get boosted beforehand, even if you havent passed the estimated three-month period, because it should lower your likelihood of infection. Roan said if she hadnt had COVID recently, she might consider getting boosted in some situations. If I were about to go to a conference that had 20,000 people and, say, it was only two or three months out, would I consider it? Maybe. It depends on the circumstances. Catherine Ho (she/her) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Cat_Ho Jessica Christian/The Chronicle A male suspect was arrested and taken into custody in connection with a fatal stabbing at a San Francisco BART station plaza last week, BART spokesperson Chris Filippi said Friday. Richard Henry, 42, was identified as the man caught on surveillance camera at the 24th and Mission streets station plaza arguing with another adult male before he stabbed him, Filippi said. The victim walked down the stairs and into the station before collapsing on the station platform. FORESTHILL, Placer County A wildfire raging in the Sierra foothills tripled in size Friday as it barreled across dry landscapes, destroying homes and sending thousands of residents fleeing with little or no time to collect belongings. The Mosquito Fire, which started Tuesday evening north of the Oxbow Reservoir in Placer County, had burned nearly 30,000 acres by Friday afternoon, making it one of the states largest wildfires of the season so far. It was continuing to burn out of control, with no containment, and temperatures expected to remain over 100 degrees with low humidity Saturday, making it difficult to attack the fire in steep terrain, officials said. At one point Friday, flames shot 100 feet into the air in Foresthill as firefighters tried to knock down the fire in the small mountain community of 1,500 people. The sky was orange, with little light seeping through early in the day, the streets empty, given mandatory evacuation orders in place. The fire scared the hell out of 81-year-old Larry Quigley, who has been fighting fires for more than six of his decades. He arrived in Foresthill on Wednesday to provide support water, food, fuel for the bulldozer operators cutting fire breaks around the town. He and his boss were delivering fuel that day when the fire jumped the line, trapping the pair. We were stuck, he said, his eyes filling with tears as he told the story. The flames crowned up into a canopy. There was a fire all around. He remembered thinking it was hot. Really hot. The fire roared and the two drove through a wall of flames to safety. Nobody got hurt, he said, as new tears started to fall. Like a freight train, the fire has continued to push across the steep, dry and rugged terrain, putting nearly 20,000 structures at risk as thousands grabbed what they could and left their homes. In the nearby town of Volcanoville, a historic Gold Rush ghost town, the 230 residents had been forced to flee early Thursday and at least some buildings had burned. Deborah Keever, 56, and her husband, Robert Alexander, 70, left their Volcanoville home at 2:30 a.m. when they heard helicopters overhead, their loudspeakers urging everyone to leave immediately. In a haze of sleep, the couple ran out, with Robert in mismatched slippers. They left nearly everything else behind. Keever sobbed Friday morning as she recalled the music box still in their home, a gift from her mom who passed away last month. They didnt know whether the house still stood. I have no clothes, she said tearfully. I left all my stuff. Andri Tambunan/Special to The Chronicle The weather forecast was unlikely to provide any comfort. There was a high risk for lightning on top of very flammable fuels across the Northern Sierra, according to Cal Fire. In Foresthill, not the weather forecast, the evacuation orders or the eerie orange glow dimming the midday sun could persuade Cynthia Wardleigh to leave the Everybodys Inn, a tavern shes owned for 27 years. Her three dogs and a customer who is like a son were the only ones in the bar Friday Tuesday taco night on hold for now. The 72-year-old stayed because shes worried about the protection of my business, not to mention being a self-described stubborn old woman. Cans of Bud Light and other beers were stacked up behind the bar, and dollar bills were tacked onto the ceiling of the tavern. Wardleigh said she had no intention of leaving. Ill stay as long as I have power, she said. Fire officials hate to hear those words and battle against them during every wildfire event to hit the state in recent years. They are the holdouts. They frustrate firefighters, who say those defying evacuation orders are endangering themselves and the first responders, too, who sometimes have to rescue them, but cant make them leave. On Friday afternoon, Michael Stellina, 47, sat in a chair on the back porch of his home in the Todd Canyon neighborhood, looking out at the smoky sky. The night before, he could see a red glow through the trees, but he and several friends decided to wait it out and hope for the best. His wife and many neighbors had evacuated and were sleeping on cots, he said. He had plenty of food and a 12-pack of beer, he said. He had taped a plastic bag to a wind chime to monitor the fires direction and had informed firefighters they were there in case things got dicey. We are not leaving until we feel like we are going to burn up or something, he said, adding that the fire still seems pretty far away. Our joke was that when the TV goes out then well know town isnt doing well. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in the area and secured a federal assistance grant Friday support thats available when theres a threat of major disaster. In the meantime, a big swath of Northern California was feeling the impact of the raging wildfire, which produced a massive pyrocumulus cloud that threw soot and ash up to 40,000 feet into the air. The particulate matter pushed air quality into hazardous levels and painted skies a hazy orange, with AlertWildfire cameras showing shades of orange, pink and gray covering the North Tahoe region and closer to where the wildfire is burning in Placer and El Dorado counties. In the regions surrounding the blaze, air quality was at hazardous levels, which could trigger serious health effects. Other areas, including the Sacramento Valley and locations closer to the Bay Area, also saw air quality decline. Southern California was also reeling from a large wildfire burning near Hemet (Riverside County) since Monday. The Fairview Fire was at 5% containment with more than 27,000 acres burned as of Friday afternoon. The region was reporting some rainfall from Tropical Storm Kay, which could ease the fire conditions, although the extreme weather system could also produce lightning and winds reaching up to 75 mph, which could start and spread new fires. Andri Tambunan/Special to The Chronicle Up to 7 inches of rain were forecast in Riverside County, where the Fairview Fire has already burned through, with officials calling for residents near Hemet to evacuate in case of flooding from runoff. A flood watch was in effect through Saturday evening. In the Sierra foothills, officials Friday continued to investigate the cause of the Mosquito Fire. A utility transmission pole was cordoned off near the blazes origin after Pacific Gas and Electric Co. filed an electric incident report with the California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday, reporting that its system detected an electrical fault on that pole around the time the fire started. PG&E personnel found no immediate evidence of problems, such as vegetation contact or damage, with power equipment on the steel transmission pole, a utility spokesperson said. 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. Chris Vestal, a Cal Fire spokesperson with the Mosquito Fire incident, said equipment might be cordoned off for several reasons, such as ensuring crew safety, preserving potential evidence or to protect infrastructure. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle He declined to say whether investigators suspect that power equipment started the fire. The transmission line serves the Placer County Water Agencys power plant on the Oxbow Reservoir. It had been inspected within the past five months, according to PG&E. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the investigation into the fires cause, according to Vestal. Officials said wind gusts clocked in at about 4 mph when the Mosquito Fire was first reported at 6:22 p.m. Tuesday. The temperature was 97 degrees at a weather gauge in Foresthill, down from an earlier high of 101. Andri Tambunan/Special to The Chronicle Placer County firefighters at the time were already battling a new fire that had started earlier Tuesday and several miles north. The Hill Fire reached about 11 acres and led authorities to evacuate people out of the Giant Gap, Big Reservoir, Shirttail Creek and Morning Star Lake campgrounds. As the Mosquito Fire started to explode into a massive inferno a day later, Mary Garbe was celebrating her 68th birthday in her Foresthill mobile home, the fire heavy on her mind. But when sheriffs deputies arrived the next day urging them to evacuate, she told her husband, Ken, 72, that she wouldnt go. Their seven cats, including five kittens, hadnt returned home, and she didnt want to leave them behind. Im not going, she told her husband. Theyre going to have to handcuff me. By Friday morning, however, the smoke grew heavier, the air choking them as the temperatures pushing into triple digits and her husband persuaded her to leave. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle I just kept yakking at her, he said. They left their front door open in hopes that the cats would return, grabbed their important documents and a safe filled with all the money in their mobile home, and headed to an evacuation center at the Baptist church in Auburn, joining thousands of residents forced to flee their homes. Mary wondered about her cats. I miss them, she said. Ken worried about the home. Were going to be homeless if the trailer burns out, her husband said, and 72 is too old to be homeless. Chronicle staff writers Hannah Hagemann and Julie Johnson contributed to this story. Jill Tucker and Sarah Ravani are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com, sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker, @sarravani Thousands of people gathered on an overcast Saturday afternoon at the Presidios main lawn for the fourth annual Korean Chuseok festival, one of several celebrations of the mid-autumn harvest moon in San Francisco this weekend. The event, hosted by the Korean Center, featured a stage with a variety of performers, a tent with a live cooking demonstration featuring different types of Korean jang, or fermented paste several locally made and booths for small Korean artists and businesses as well as city services. But the real draw was the food. Lines, some more than 50 people long, snaked around the field for each of the dozens of mostly Korean food booths and trucks. We were in line for an hour and a half to get this food, said Grace Yoo, holding a near empty bowl of noodles, alongside her friend, Valerie Soe, and her cousin, Betty Pio. But it was worth it. We all love Korean food! Yoo, who teaches in the Asian American Studies department at San Francisco State, said she was happy to see so many people who arent Korean at the festival enjoying and celebrating the culture. Im so glad so many people are here, she said. Its been fantastic. Jungho Kim/Special to The Chronicle It was Yoos cousin Pios idea to come to the festival, she said a cousin reunion of sorts. Pio said she wanted to bring her two toddlers, Chloe and Poppy, to experience the celebration. Theyve never seen anything like this before, she said. Their favorite part, she said, might have been watching the K-Pop-Up dancers, who performed contemporary dances on the main stage to Korean pop hits as people of all ages, including a group of seniors in the special senior citizen tent, watched, clapped and danced along. Eon-Jo Chang, who serves as an advisor and volunteer for the Korean Center, was thrilled to see so many people show up they were expecting around 8,000 to 10,000 throughout the day, she said. At the same event in 2019, which was the first of its kind in San Francisco, the turnout was about 5,000 people more than they were expecting even then, she said. The pandemic meant the last two years festivals were virtual, so this years was the first one back in person, she said. Chuseok, she said, is like Korean Thanksgiving, and is a very important holiday for the community. She was excited to have partnered with the Presidio Trust for this years event, who she said had been helpful in setting up the festival area, which spanned the whole Presidio lawn between the parks red brick buildings. We want to support Korean American businesses, food and organizations, she said, beaming as she looked around. I am so glad we have this recognition. This is really cool for the Korean American community. One new feature this year, she said, was a station dedicated to writing wishes to Chuseok moon, which is believed to be the fullest and brightest of the year, symbolizing prosperity. The wishes, written on cut-out pieces of neon construction paper, were hung on a sculpture of wooden clouds hanging below a Chuseok moon. Jungho Kim/Special to The Chronicle We wanted to do something special coming out of COVID, she said. Its about celebrating the resilience of the community. And the written wishes reflected that. Many simply said several words, like love, happiness, contentment, health. One child, who signed their own name, Lani, but seemed to have some adult help on the message, wrote I wish for lots of gifts. Another simply said, I wish for a grandchild! Amen! Artist Lightning Yumeku, who designed the sculpture, was helping people tie their wishes below the clouds. He said the inspiration for its design came to him quickly, even pulling out the sketchbook where it came to life. 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. I was thinking about what we do on Chuseok, and how we send our wishes to the moon, he said. From there, it was clear that the moon needed to be at the top, with everything moving up towards it. Yumeku explained that while he isnt Korean, his best friend from childhood was, so Yumeku learned to speak some with his friends parents. That time, he said, also cultivated his love for the Korean culture. Im making 40 pieces of artwork for the Korean Center in addition to this, he said, before dashing off to ask a young child which cloud she wanted her wish on. Jungho Kim/Special to The Chronicle For many families, the festival was a chance to get together with long-lost friends and family, often evidenced by children shrieking and running towards each other, arms extended, before grabbing hands and running off to play. But for some, it was an opportunity to feel closer to home during a holiday meant to be spent with family. Ji Hyun, who lives in San Jose, said that he made the drive to come to the event with his family all of whom were wearing matching Jelly Belly shirts from a recent trip to the Jelly Belly factory to experience a slice of where he came from, Korea, in his new home, the Bay Area. Were Korean, and its too far to go back to visit family in Korea, he said, smiling as he watched as his daughter Ellie, 6, played with a pink toy she had just gotten. But this is great. We love it. I think she especially loves it. Danielle Echeverria is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: danielle.echeverria@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DanielleEchev The Mosquito Fire burning in Placer and El Dorado counties grew more slowly Friday and overnight as it consumed dry landscapes, destroying homes and sending thousands of residents fleeing. The wildfire, which started Tuesday evening north of the Oxbow Reservoir, had burned nearly 34,000 acres by Saturday morning and remains 0% contained, making it one of the states largest wildfires of the season so far. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has expanded its air advisory through Saturday to account for the incoming plume of smoke and haze. Well be reporting on all the latest news on the Mosquito Fire and other major California wildfires throughout the day. Latest updates: Mosquito Fire bears down on tiny Volcanoville Fire officials said most of the action on Saturday was near Volcanoville, 17 miles northeast of Auburn and 35 miles west of Lake Tahoe as the crow flies. The unincorporated community of 231 residents is south of where the Mosquito Fire did its early damage in Michigan Bluff and Foresthill. Firefighters worked in and around the town, putting out hot spots and cutting down dead trees. Some fire engines were stationed in the driveways of nearby homes. On Volcanoville Road approaching the town, three firefighters hunched over a down tree and doused the inside of the trunk with water through a hole in the side. The ground around them was ashy and huge trees had fallen over everywhere. The fire destroyed at least one property in Trinity Trail in Volcanoville. A Beware of Dog and Smile youre on camera sign were untouched. But everything else was destroyed what once appeared to be a building was now a pile of debris. Tree trunks surrounding the property still smoldered. Homeowners leave sprinklers running as they flee the fire Near the Otter Creek School, some homeowners had left their sprinklers on as they evacuated. Pink flame retardant, dropped from the air earlier, blanketed lawns, vehicles and a No Trespassing sign. A haze of smoke billowed from the charred grounds surrounding the road as some firefighters worked with shovels to dig into the earth. Im sweating, one firefighter said, wiping his forehead. Andri Tambunan/Special to The Chronicle The fire destroyed several structures on Volcanoville Road. At one property, the only thing remaining were three American flags, still tacked onto a wood fence. Fire officials surveyed the destruction. Nearby, officials stapled a yellow piece of paper to a stump that read, 1 small cabin loss and 1 outbuilding loss. The fire raged through the neighborhood, toppling over trees and scorching the landscape. Smoke still billowed into the air. You never dream itll find your little area of paradise: Mosquito Fire turns nightmare to reality Jonathan Richards got the message he was dreading Thursday afternoon. Georgetown, a northeastern town in El Dorado County, was ordered evacuated as the Mosquito Fire raged through the Tahoe National Forest. He and his family moved into a house in Georgetown a year and a half ago, fully aware that California wildfires had incinerated communities like his. The fire insurance bill Richards paid monthly kept that threat front and center in his mind. Still, wildfire wasnt something he liked to imagine becoming a reality. Read more about an evacuees nightmare. Auburn evacuation shelter relocates to Rocklin A former Mosquito Fire shelter in Auburn has now relocated to Sierra College in Rocklin, roughly mid-way between Auburn and Sacramento, ReadyPlacer.org said this morning. The emergency shelter at 5100 Sierra College Blvd. opened today at 10 a.m. for evacuees, supported by the American Red Cross, California Gold Country Region. According to Placer Countys official Twitter account, the former shelter site at the Bell Road Baptist Church in Auburn is now closed. The RV/Trailer Temporary Evacuation Point Parking at Auburn Regional Park Gym (3770 Richardson Dr, Auburn) remains open for parking, bathrooms and shower access ONLY (no hookups, sleeping space, etc). Walker Fire in Mendocino County almost fully contained Firefighters battling the Walker Fire south of Willits in Mendocino County have reached 97% containment as of Saturday morning, according to Cal Fire. The vegetation fire ignited east of Highway 101 near Walker Road Sept. 1 and injured five firefighters. Officials are still investigating the cause of the 124-acre fire. Blue skies in evacuated Georgetown, where some locals are staying put The sky was clear Saturday morning in the town of Georgetown, 10 miles east of Auburn on Highway 193, which was evacuated on Thursday afternoon due to the Mosquito Fire. But Randy Erwin, who works at Georgetowns Gas and Go said the blue sky was a stark difference from the smoke on Friday. Yesterday it was so thick you could cut it with a knife, he said. Erwin kept the store open for law enforcement and firefighters working in the area. He said at any given time, at least three trucks are stopping for fuel. And its not just first responders coming to the small shop. Residents also stopped in to stock up on frozen dinners and cases of beer. Michael Guest, 31, a Georgetown resident, came to get fuel for his dirt bike. Guest said he refused to evacuate. I aint leaving my house, he said. Guest said hes been tracking the fire from certain lookout points in the forest. He said it appeared the blaze was still far from Georgetown. Its been one helluva week, he said, before returning to home to ride his dirt bike out to check on the fire again. If we burn, we burn, says woman evacuating with goats Lynnette Rollins-Brown, 71, and her 16-year-old granddaughter stood near the town of Cool, three miles outside of Auburn, next to a trailer filled with seven goats. The two women had evacuated along with Rollins-Browns daughter-in-law two days ago from Garden Valley when the Mosquito fire jumped toward Volcanoville. Since none of the shelters accepts goats, the three had been camping outside behind Cools fire station. Andri Tambunan/Special to The Chronicle Her goats are her yard babies better than dogs, she said. Rollins-Brown said it was her first time evacuating, after living on her 20-acre property for 31 years. If we burn, we burn, she said. All thats important is these things family and my goats. Change in weather Friday meant slower growth for Mosquito Fire While the Mosquito Fire exploded by more than 21,000 acres on Thursday and another 8,500 acres on Friday, its growth slowed to just 4,200 acres overnight to Saturday morning. Fire officials explained at a town hall with the El Dorado County sheriffs office that increased humidity paired with lower temperatures and slower winds helped slow the blaze down. Rob Scott, a fire analyst with Cal Fire, explained that Thursday was a big day for growth, with the temperature reaching 95 degrees with 15% humidity and six mile per hour winds, all contributing to the fires spread. But on Friday, he said, all of those conditions improved. The temperature dropped to 88, with 20% humidity and winds under 3 miles per hour. Thats a good day considering what weve been seeing, he said. Moving forward, the fires behavior will be dependent on what the wind and the smoke do, he said. If the smoke stays over the fire, that means the fire is capped, and its behavior will be more like Fridays calm behavior. Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California Mosquito Fire grows to 33,700 acres as of Saturday morning The Mosquito Fire burning in El Dorado and Placer counties grew to more than 33,700 acres overnight up from 29,500 late Friday and is still 0% contained, according to Cal Fire. The Sierra foothills wildfire, which started Tuesday evening north of the Oxbow Reservoir in Placer County, exploded on Friday, sending thousands of residents fleeing with little or no time to collect belongings. It was continuing to burn out of control, with no containment, and temperatures expected to remain over 100 degrees with low humidity Saturday, making it difficult to attack the fire in steep terrain, officials said. Cooler temperatures and rain in Southern California help quell deadly Fairview Fire Firefighters made significant progress against the Fairview Fire in Riverside County Friday as moisture from Tropical Storm Kay greatly reduced fire activity, according to Cal Fire, and the fire is now 40% contained. Cooler temperatures are also expected through the weekend as Californias scorching heat wave is in retreat. The deadly Fairview blaze has burned through nearly 30,000 acres, destroyed or damaged 17 structures, injured one and killed two people. Evacuation orders are still in place. Firefighters make progress on Mill and Mountain fires in Siskiyou County Just over a week after they started, firefighters have made progress against the deadly Mill Fire, which killed two and destroyed the Lincoln Heights neighborhood in Weed, as well as the nearby Mountain Fire. The Mill Fire has burned nearly 4,000 acres and is 85% contained, and the Mountain Fire has burned more than 11,000 acres and is 60% contained.The area where both fires are burning is under a Red Flag warning for Saturday due to high winds and low humidity, though temperatures are expected to cool over the weekend. One of Placer Countys two evacuation centers for animals reaches capacity The Placer County animal services shelter posted on Twitter Friday night that it was no longer accepting new intakes as thousands of people and their pets evacuate due to the Mosquito fire.We are currently caring for nearly 190 evacuated pets from the #MosquitoFire, the shelter said. Our dedicated team of staff/volunteers are providing the best care possible for these pets. The other Placer County shelter for pets, the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, is still open. How will the Mosquito Fire affect Bay Area air quality this weekend? The blazes impacts have quickly expanded well beyond the fire perimeter, with air quality reaching hazardous AQI levels over 300 in parts of the Sacramento Valley. Even the Bay Area is experiencing some of these impacts Saturday, with moderate air quality levels of 50-100 expected all the way to the North Bay, East Bay, San Francisco Peninsula, South Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Adding on to the smoke concerns, the remnants of tropical cyclone Kay that brought extreme weather to Southern California are now shifting the upper-level winds over the rest of California. Read more about how all these events will affect Bay Area weather and air quality this weekend. Pivotal Weather Nevada officials: Stay indoors with the windows and doors closed Washoe County health officials in western Nevada issued a stage 2 emergency episode alert on Friday afternoon due to the Mosquito Fire burning west of Lake Tahoe. The air quality in the Reno-Sparks area is expected to get progressively worse through Saturday and Sunday, according to the bulletin. Nearly 6,000 people evacuated from Mosquito Fire Approximately 5,700 people have been evacuated from areas affected by Mosquito Fire, according to Placer County Sheriff Lieutenant Josh Barhhart in an afternoon update. Evacuation orders are in place in Foresthill and the Todd Valley areas. More than 90,000 California schoolchildren affected by wildfires At least 14 California school districts in six counties have closed classrooms this week due to the wildfires burning across the state according to a report from the education site EdSource. More than 90,500 students in 119 schools were sent home, said Tim Taylor, executive director of the Small School District Association. LONDON (AP) King Charles III was formally proclaimed sovereign of the United Kingdom on Saturday, as officials unveiled details of the meticulously choreographed ceremonies that will culminate in the state funeral of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Sept. 19. In this time of sorrow for the House of Windsor, there were hints of a possible family reconciliation. Prince William and his brother Harry, together with Catherine, now Princess of Wales and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, delighted mourners near Windsor Castle with a surprise joint appearance to thank the public for their floral tributes and condolences. It was the first time that quarrelling younger royal generation had worked together publicly since the Sussexes stepped aside from royal duties in 2020 and moved to California. The thousands who flocked to Windsor on a sunny day were in their thrall, as the couples gratefully accepted flowers, talked to parents and children at length, shook hands and accepted heartfelt condolences. Meghan approached a teenager in the crowd, who put her hand over her mouth in shock. The pair spoke briefly then the girl said: Can I have a hug? Meghan leaned in to give her a big hug. Catherine, for her part, focused on young children in the crowd, bending down low to speak to them warmly face-to-face. The late sovereigns coffin now rests at Balmoral Castle, the summer retreat in the Scottish Highlands where Elizabeth died on Thursday. Palace officials promised Saturday that the public will have opportunities to see the late monarchs oak coffin as it journeys from Balmoral Castle to Edinburgh and then to London, where her body will lie in state for four days starting Wednesday. Edward William Fitzalan-Howard, the official in charge of arrangements, said the ceremonies would be a fitting farewell to one of the defining figures of our times. The queen's eldest son and successor Charles was officially proclaimed Britains monarch Saturday in a pomp-filled ceremony steeped in ancient tradition and political symbolism and, for the first time, broadcast live on television and online. The 73-year-old Charles, who spent seven decades as heir apparent, automatically became king when his mother died and vowed to follow her example. But the accession ceremony was a key constitutional and ceremonial step that introduced the new monarch to the country, a relic of a time before mass communications. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me, Charles said as he took on the duties of monarch. New British Prime Minister Liz Truss and five of her predecessors were among scores of current and former British politicians who gathered at St. Jamess Palace for the meeting of the Accession Council. Saturdays accession ceremony ended with a royal official publicly proclaiming King Charles III to be the country's new monarch from a balcony at the palace. In centuries past, this would have been the first official confirmation the public had of their new sovereign. David White, the Garter King of Arms, made the proclamation, flanked by trumpeters in gold-trimmed robes before leading cheers hip, hip, hooray! for the new king. Gun salutes rang out in Hyde Park, at the Tower of London and at military sites around the U.K. as he announced the news, and scarlet-robed soldiers in the palace courtyard doffed their bearskin hats in a royal salute. The proclamation was read at other locations across the U.K., including in the medieval City of London. The new king formally approved a series of orders, including one declaring the day of his mothers funeral as a public holiday. Charles was accompanied at the ceremony by wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, and eldest son Prince William, who is now heir to the throne and known by the title that Charles long held, the Prince of Wales. In his first statement since his grandmothers death, William said the queen was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life a clear reference to the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real, William said. People came by the thousands to pay their respects outside Buckingham Palace in London. The scene was repeated at other royal residences across the U.K. and at British embassies around the world. For many Britons, the queen's passing, though long expected, is a destabilizing experience. Queen Elizabeth II is the only monarch most have ever known, and her death comes as many Britons are facing an energy crisis, the soaring cost of living, the uncertainties of the war in Ukraine and the fallout from Brexit. The country has also just seen a change of leader. Truss was appointed prime minister by the queen on Tuesday, just two days before the monarch died. On Saturday, Truss and other senior U.K. lawmakers lined up in the House of Commons to take an oath of loyalty to the new king. Normal parliamentary business has been suspended during a period of mourning for the queen. The House of Commons held a rare Saturday session so lawmakers could pay tribute to the late monarch. Charles has struck a note of continuity, vowing in a televised address Friday to carry on the queens lifelong service, with his own modernizing stamp. The new monarch looked both to the past noting his mothers unwavering dedication and devotion as sovereign and the future, seeking to strike a reassuring note of constancy while signaling that his will be a 21st-century monarchy. He reflected on how the country had changed dramatically during the queens reign into a society of many cultures and many faiths, and pledged to serve people in Britain and the 14 other countries where he is king whatever may be your background or beliefs. For a second day on Saturday, Charles waded into the crowds to meet his subjects and shake hands. Trying to overcome a reputation for aloofness, he is signaling a more relaxed approach to the monarchy than that of his mother. It just felt like a really special moment in history,'' said Beverly Nash from Kent. And it was lovely actually seeing him. I didnt think I would feel as emotional as I did.'' ___ Follow AP stories on Queen Elizabeth IIs death and other stories about the British monarchy at https://apnews.com/hub/queen-elizabeth-ii Frankclay resident and veteran James Jim Trotter joined the U.S. Army in June 1985 as a way to pay for college. He took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test in high school and received a high score. At that point, the only thing I had ever worked on was bicycles, said Trotter, and I knew I wanted to learn skills to have a successful career. He left for the Army in October 1985 and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The physical part of basic training wasnt bad because I was just out of high school, said Trotter, but the mental part was tough because they try to make you quit. They try to break you down. He was a squad leader for six of the eight weeks of basic training. Trotter trained to become a heavy wheel vehicle mechanic. He was the first in his mechanics class to receive orders to go to Fort Ord, California, where he was stationed at the 7th Infantry Division for 26 months. After that, Trotter was then sent to the U.S. Army Garrison-Humphreys, also called Camp Humphreys, located in South Korea. Camp Humphreys is home to one of the busiest U.S. Army airfields in Asia. Trotter served as a mechanic in a transportation unit in Korea for a year. He worked on military trucks and also drove a five-ton wrecker. Trotter recalled a few situations from Korea which involved one of his least favorite things snakes. One time he was servicing an M915, a regular road tractor used to haul missions by the Army. I had just gone underneath it on a Creeper [a frame on wheels which slides under a vehicle] and came out to get a wrench to adjust the brakes, he said. Suddenly I saw a white snake coiled up staring right at me, and it was in the spot where I had just been. Trotter said he grabbed the driveshaft and shoved himself out of that spot lightning fast. It was then when he was informed the snake is one of the most poisonous in the country. While serving in Korea, Trotter injured his knee and required surgery. He shared a hospital room with four other soldiers while he recuperated. Each time the soldiers meals were delivered, Trotter was confused as to why his four roommates enjoyed things like hot dogs, hamburgers and other American food. But he was the only one who received Korean food for each meal. So, each night Trotter snuck out of his hospital room and hobbled down the hallway to the vending machine. They were feeding me Kimchi and other Korean foods, he said. I was starving. I even lost weight while I was in the hospital. After two of his roommates were discharged and the third was getting ready to leave, he walked over to Trotter and said, Man, its been a real blast trying to watch you eat all of that Korean food but I just cant do it anymore. Confused, Trotter asked him what he meant. The soldier pointed out the menu that was located beneath Trotters tray. You could have been filling that menu out the whole time, the soldier said. To this day, Trotter still shakes his head at the fun the soldiers had at his expense. I could have been eating American food the whole time with them, he said. I just didnt know because nobody bothered to tell me and I never looked under my tray. While Trotter was in Korea, he did enjoy authentic Korean food when they traveled to some of the nearby villages. He said vendors set up on the corners sold delicious foods like Yaki Mandu, a steamed or fried dumpling similar to a Chinese pot-sticker, or Korean bulgogi, thinly sliced tender barbecue beef. Trotters service in Korean ended in 1989 and he returned home to get married in July. He was stationed for about a year at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in the ammunition company as a forklift mechanic and assistant wrecker driver. The U.S. invaded Panama starting in December 1989. Trotter was not deployed at this time, although half of his unit was. Once soldiers returned from Panama, they resumed their on-base daily routines until the Persian Gulf War against Iraq in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait began. This was the beginning of Desert Shield, the initial troop buildup to Desert Storm. This took place from August to January. On a Monday in 1990, Trotter went in at 5:30 a.m. for routine physical training. Instead of soldiers exercising and starting their day in a normal way, they were running around with their weapons and gathering their field gear. Apparently, an alert had been called at 3:30 that morning after Saddam Hussein had ordered the invasion and occupation of Kuwait. I had accidentally missed the alert call, said Trotter, so I had to go back home because I lived off-base and got all of my equipment and told my wife goodbye because I was leaving the country. He quickly packed his things and prepared to ship out of the country. His platoon was on alert status, and they were preparing all of their equipment to take with them. That included about 6,000-pound rough-terrain forklifts. I was a forklift mechanic and we were sending those one at a time with a mechanic, he said, because they were so old and required a lot of maintenance to get on a plane. The Air Force is pretty strict about no oil leaks, etc. The first alert was given in August, and Trotter left the U.S. in September. After a brief stop in Spain to refuel, he finally arrived in Saudi Arabia. I got there and was the only one from my unit, so I didnt know if I was going to get attached to a different unit or see any of my friends from my unit, he said. Trotter said when they finally landed, the air conditioning on the plane was stuck at 42 degrees. He drove the fork lift straight off the plane onto the tarmac which was almost 130 degrees. Your first job in the Army is to be a soldier, and my second job was to be a mechanic, he said. Thats what basic training is for, to teach you how to become a soldier. So everything reverts back to the first basic training you receive in the Army when you go overseas. In January 1991, Trotter realized how volatile the current situation was when he and other soldiers were servicing their equipment in preparation to travel north. They were stationed at a Korean workers compound. It was an overcast day. The air war had already started, but war on the ground had not yet began. Trotter was working on a Chevy pickup and was covered with grease up to his elbows. All of a sudden they heard what sounded like fireworks. They looked to the south to see three yellow fireballs shooting into the sky. A few seconds later, just to the outside of the compound, a massive explosion erupted and the sky turned orange. Immediately, all of the soldiers yelled, Gas! This initiated the gas warning. The soldiers knew that was their nuclear biological chemical warning and they had to immediately suit up in protective gear. We had to get our MOP suit on immediately, which was what we wore in case of nuclear or chemical weapons, he said. We were trained to put all our gear on in eight minutes, from insulated coveralls to rubber boots and everything. Trotter moved so rapidly that he had all of the grease wiped from his arms and was suited up in less than three minutes. Thats how scared I was, he said. Trotter completed his active-duty military service after six and a half years, in April 1992. He earned numerous awards and citations for his service, including the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, two Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Ribbon, Southwest Asia Campaign Ribbon with both stars for Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Liberation of Kuwait Medal, Mechanic Badge, Driver Badge, Sharpshooter Badge, and two Presidential Unit Citations. He said his military experience taught him a great deal about loyalty, seniority, teamwork and perseverance. Just when you think youre done and you have nothing left to give, theres still more to give, he said. Trotter also learned to pay attention to details, particularly in cleaning and preparing his uniform. If youve been in the military, you understand, he said. You do everything exactly. You abide by all the rules. Youre very disciplined. Trotter said when he returned from the Gulf War, people expressed their appreciation for his service. I was a veteran and had just returned from the war and people were appreciative of our service, he said. But my wifes brother came back from Vietnam and it was completely different for him. He should have been treated like we were. Trotter said hes grateful for his experience in the military. But its not a joke, he said. You have to be prepared to drop everything and say goodbye to your family at a moments notice. When you tell your loved ones goodbye, you dont know if youre coming back. You dont know what youre going into. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Bay Area hospitals treated dozens of people for heat-related ailments this week, during what may have been the worst hot spell ever in Northern California, but the true public health impact is unknown because there are few coordinated efforts to track illnesses and injuries caused by weather events, health experts said. As temperatures soared into the triple digits across the region, hospitals and other emergency care providers reported a spike in people seeking care for conditions including heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration. As of Friday, no Bay Area counties had recorded any deaths directly due to heat, though health officials said those reports tend to lag a few days. The weeklong heat wave was expected to subside this weekend. But unlike with COVID-19 and other reportable health conditions, heat-related ailments arent routinely tracked by counties or the state. Even for hospitals and other providers that report cases of illness or injury caused by weather, officials said theyre almost certainly undercounted. This weeks scorching conditions, many health officials say, underscore the urgent need to improve surveillance of the effect of extreme heat on public health as climate change drives up temperatures and leads to longer and more frequent stretches of hot weather. That surveillance, officials say, is critical in order to anticipate the burden on hospitals and other providers and shift resources to communities most affected by hot weather. And as severe weather events become more common, the need for better information will become even more essential. The health harms of climate change-related weather whether its cold or hot dont get documented the way COVID and other diseases are, said Dr. Matt Willis, the Marin County health officer. What it boils down to is that we probably are underestimating the impact. If we want to really wrap our arms around the true burden, we need to measure it. Extremely hot weather can lead to a variety of health problems, most directly heat exhaustion and heatstroke, the latter of which can be fatal. It can also cause dehydration, severe sunburns, fainting and altered mental states, and it can worsen chronic conditions, especially kidney and heart diseases. Bay Area hospitals reported treating patients for all of those conditions this week. The body has ways to compensate with exposure to extreme environments, including heat, said Dr. Kevin Rolnick, an emergency medicine resident who works out of UCSF and San Francisco General Hospital. But that puts a lot of stress on the body, and its not something the body can undergo for extended periods of time without ill effect. Its challenging to track heat-related ailments because symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness and nausea often are fairly broad and could apply to many conditions. Also, health care providers arent required to report heat exposures. If patients come to the emergency room because they fainted, theyre dehydrated or they are confused or otherwise mentally altered, their cases may not be recorded as heat related even if thats the obvious cause, health experts said. The same applies to tracking 911 calls. There is always a surge in call volume when there is a heat wave, said Neetu Balram, a spokesperson for Alameda County Public Health Department. But even when calls are clearly heat-related, they are rarely coded or categorized as such. They are usually categorized based on symptom rather than causation. With spotty surveillance, its impossible to say, for instance, whether this record heat wave affected public health more gravely than earlier events. But across the region, health officials said there were generally fewer people requiring medical treatment than they had expected, even in places where temperatures were well over 100. Only a handful of patients had symptoms serious enough to require hospitalization, according to informal reports from counties and health providers. At John Muir Medical Center in Contra Costa County among the hottest places in the Bay Area this week 13 people were treated in the emergency room for heat exhaustion or heatstroke, and 41 others were seen for dehydration due to heat exposure as of Thursday, a spokesperson said. One person was hospitalized for hyperthermia, where the body temperature is over 107 degrees. 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. I had the general sense that we didnt see a big impact, which is really good news, if in fact thats true. I expected them to be quite a bit higher, said Dr. Daniel Peddycord, chief climate and health policy officer for Contra Costa County, who agreed with Willis that heat-related cases may have been under-reported. We had seven, eight, nine days thats a long heat stretch. Probably one of the reasons we managed to squeak through was it did cool off in the evenings pretty well, most of those days. In Sonoma County, where temperatures also climbed well over 100 for most of the week, officials at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital said there was a notable increase in people seen for heat-related conditions, though they didnt have exact numbers. Dr. Omar Ferrari, chief of emergency medicine, said there were fewer patients than hed anticipated, but added that more people came in later in the week, even as temperatures cooled a bit, suggesting that the duration of the extreme weather was a factor. The predominance of the folks coming in has been just recently, Ferrari said on Friday. Nothing really dramatic, but as this has gone for a prolonged period of time, I think people are succumbing. Theres no respite. Willis said he was aware of three people hospitalized in Marin County with heat-related issues, though he suspects more patients may have been admitted for conditions indirectly tied to the hot weather worsening heart or respiratory problems, for example. Of the three hospitalizations directly tied to heat, one was an older person with early dementia who lives alone and who wandered onto a porch, where the person stayed outside for too long and ended up with hyperthermia, dehydration and a bad sunburn. A second person was found intoxicated and unconscious on the street and later diagnosed with heatstroke. The third individual was home when the air conditioning stopped working; as the indoor temperature slowly climbed, the person became dehydrated and developed symptoms of severe heat exhaustion. All of the individuals have since fully recovered, Willis said. Those are the most extreme scenarios, he said. There are presumably others where it was less acute. Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @erinallday MEXICO CITY (AP) Tropical Storm Kay became a post-tropical cyclone Friday night after veering away from the U.S.-Mexico border region, though it continued to cause rain in parts of northwestern Mexico and the U.S. Southwest. Kay came made landfall as a hurricane near Mexico's Bahia Asuncion in Baja California Sur state Thursday, but it quickly weakend into a tropical storm after moving back out over open and cooler water. It was forecast to weaken into a remnant low by Saturday morning as it moved farther from land. On Friday night, it had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph). It was centered about 145 miles (230 kilometers)southwest of San Diego, California, and was moving west-northwest at 8 mph (13 kph). The storm was expected to turn to the southwest and then the south in the next few days. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said that flash, urban, and small stream flooding" was a threat across Southern California and southwestern Arizona. The center said southernmost California could see 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated areas getting 6 to 8 inches. It said the Sierra Nevada, Arizona and Southern Nevada might receive 1 to 2 inches, with isolated spots at 3 inches. Meanwhile in the Atlantic, Hurricane Earl continued heading out into the open seas after passing southeast of Bermuda. Late Friday, Earl was centered about 610 miles (985 kilometers) south-southwest of Cape Race, Newfoundland. It had maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 kph) and was moving northeast at 29 mph (46 kph). 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. Earl knocked out power to 1,500 customers as it brushed past Bermuda early Friday, downing several trees in the British territory. Crews had cleared roads by midday and worked to restore power to the few homes still in the dark. Government agencies and public transportation operated as usual, with ferries scheduled to restart service Friday afternoon. It was early 2021, and Guadaloupe Aguilar-Benegas was in trouble. The 28-year-old was pregnant with her third child and needed to get an ultrasound appointment at a low-income clinic in the Tenderloin. But if a civil injunction filed by the San Francisco City Attorneys Office was approved by the courts, 50 square blocks of the neighborhood filled with all the health care, legal aid nonprofits, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and low-income housing she needed would be off limits to her. Aguilar-Benegas was one of 28 people named in a civil injunction suit by then-City Attorney Dennis Herrera in 2020, most of them Latinx. Shed been arrested several times for dealing drugs after her husband died suddenly earlier that year. The district attorney was pursuing charges, but overnight, she and 27 others became the focus of a new effort from the city attorney to quell what he called brazen open-air drug dealing plaguing the Tenderloin neighborhood. In a fiery press event in 2020, attended by Mayor London Breed and San Francisco police Chief Bill Scott, among others, Herrera slammed the predators on his list, pledging to ban them permanently from the Tenderloin and stop drug dealing in the neighborhood. That never happened. Instead, over the past two years, the city waged a heated and no doubt expensive battle over the injunctions in court. Opposing them were the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California and two private law firms who took on the case pro bono: Swanson & McNamara and DLA Piper. Last week, City Attorney David Chiu, who inherited the civil suits, quietly dismissed them, ending a two-year plan that went nowhere. His office told me its unlikely it would file anything similar anytime soon. Herrera did not respond to a request for comment. From the get-go the injunctions stood on weak ground. Not all of the 28 people listed in the original suits, many of whom were immigrants from Honduras, had even been convicted of a crime. And slowly, they disappeared. In the months after the suits were filed, one defendant died of an overdose and three had their criminal cases paused. Twenty were unable to be found or served. In the end, only four people, including Aguilar-Benegas, were left. Who made the original list appears to have been somewhat arbitrary. At the time, Herrera claimed it was people the city had ample evidence dealt drugs. But, as anyone who visits the Tenderloin knows, there are far more than 28 people dealing drugs there on any given day. Mamta Ahluwalia, a deputy public defender in San Francisco who helped convene the pro bono team to represent the defendants, called the lawsuit ridiculous. Why these 28 and not the other 2,800? she said. The fact that they couldnt locate most of those people makes it very clear that they were not making an impact in the Tenderloin, which is just swarming with police. It completely undermined the entire premise of their lawsuit. The list consisted of largely low-income members of the Honduran immigrant community, who had no resources to hire their own lawyers. If the ACLU and the two law firms hadnt stepped in to represent the defendants, the injunctions could have been implemented by default with potentially sweeping consequences. Instead, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Ethan Schulman ruled in May 2021 that Herreras suits interfered with the constitutional right to intrastate travel, or the ability to move freely. When the City Attorneys Office brought the case to the California Court of Appeal last year, it upheld the earlier ruling. Its a really scary tool that the city attorney was trying to pull the lever on, said Chessie Thacher, a senior attorney with the ACLU, calling it a constitutional slippery slope. Regardless of ones views on drug dealing, the ability to bar people from certain neighborhoods simply for creating a public nuisance could be used recklessly to ban people experiencing homelessness, for example, from entire geographic areas, even if they have nowhere else to go. I believe that Dennis Herrera was having a bit of a push and pull with the former district attorney, Thacher theorized, referencing Chesa Boudin and his policies around not charging lower-level drug offenders. But in the end, she said, This litigation fell on the people who could least afford to have that political fight be waged on their backs. The injunctions could have set a dangerous precedent for expanding the citys ability to control who is free to exist where. Instead, it achieved the opposite. One of the really beautiful things that has come out of this is we have a published opinion from the court of appeals, Ahluwalia said. That has precedential value. It should send a clear message to other cities looking to be complicit in the targeting of vulnerable populations in this way. While the exact cost of the city attorneys injunctions is unclear, Thacher told me that in the end hundreds and hundreds of pieces of paper were filed in the trial court and in the Court of Appeal by multiple lawyers, racking up time and public funds. Even though current City Attorney Chiu has decided not to follow in his predecessors footsteps on this issue, Ahluwalia thinks the Board of Supervisors should take steps to prevent these types of overreaches from happening out of the office in the future. A city attorney should be involved in the business of protecting and upholding the interests and concerns of the working class, not targeting them for banishment using public funds, she said. The results of this case should give pause to those San Francisco politicians feeding a tough on crime narrative to voters this election season. Its easy to run a campaign to crack down on predator Honduran drug dealers; it isnt tough to rally voters behind fighting a merciless behemoth of evil. But its hard to be successful, and the details get messy when you look beyond the posturing to the Constitutional rights and the stories of some of the actual human beings at risk of losing them. As for Aguilar-Benegas, she gave birth last spring. Charges against her for drug possession are proceeding in criminal court. But for now, her ability to access the services she and her family need in the Tenderloin is preserved. Noncitizen parents will be allowed to vote in the Nov. 8 election for school board in San Francisco after a state appeals court rejected opponents request to decide a case about the legality of the citys voting ordinance before then. Conservative activists behind a lawsuit challenging the ordinance had asked the court to expedite its review of the case and, in the meantime, grant an immediate injunction to block the city from providing ballots to noncitizens. But the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco rejected both requests in an order Thursday. The three-member appeals panel noted, in its brief order, that opponents of the ordinance allowed four elections to take place with noncitizen voting before filing the instant lawsuit. But the fate of San Franciscos ordinance still hangs by a thread. The ordinance allows noncitizens including undocumented immigrants and legal residents to vote for school board candidates if they are a parent or guardian of a school-age child and are not in prison or on parole for a felony conviction. In August, a Superior Court judge struck down the ordinance and said only U.S. citizens are permitted to vote. Conservative groups have cited a provision in the California Constitution that declares, A United States citizen 18 years of age and resident in this State may vote. San Francisco challenged that ruling to the First District Court of Appeal, which restored noncitizen voting, at least for now. The appeals court granted the citys request for a stay to set aside the judges ruling and leave the ordinance in effect while the case is on appeal. The justices said opponents of the law had not shown they would suffer irreparable damage in their business or profession if the law remained in effect during the appeal. City voters approved the ordinance, the first of its kind in the state, with Proposition N in 2016. The law took effect in 2018, and was extended indefinitely by the Board of Supervisors in 2021. The lead plaintiff in the case, James V. Lacy, said in a statement Friday that the Court of Appeals decision to not expedite its review of the case would likely result in noncitizens casting ballots that will unconstitutionally dilute the voting power of all citizen voters, including those of ethnic minority groups. Noncitizen voter turnout has been low in past elections, possibly due to fears about sharing their identities with the government. Election officials said noncitizen voters accounted for 238 of the 180,000 ballots cast in the February election that recalled three school board members from office. Attorneys for San Francisco contend the provision in the California Constitution stating that citizens may vote does not prevent a local government from allowing noncitizens to vote. All parents should have a say in the direction of their childrens education, regardless of citizenship, City Attorney David Chiu said in a statement last month. We have said time and time again that noncitizen voting is not only legal but beneficial to all of our communities. Chronicle staff writer Bob Egelko contributed to this report. Dustin Gardiner (he/him) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The number of big-ticket permits that builders have filed at San Franciscos Department of Building Inspection has plummeted since the pandemic, as projects ranging from office towers to apartment complexes to multi-floor tenant improvement projects in the Financial District have been put on hold or canceled. Data from the department shows that so far in 2022, through the end of August, just 42 permits for work worth more than $5 million have been filed, a total of about $1.4 billion in electrical, plumbing and building jobs. If that pace continues, this year will be weaker than 2021 when 86 permits worth $2.9 billion were filed. And it will be about the same as 2020, when the pandemic lockdown rules didnt allow for nonessential construction, which included commercial and retail projects. That year there were 60 permits over $5 million, totaling $1.3 billion. The number of big construction projects this year is on track to be 70% less than the high-flying days of 2018 when there were a whopping 184 permits pulled for projects in excess of $5 million, a lineup that totaled $7.3 billion. While the focus in San Francisco has keyed on restarting stalled, multifamily projects that help tackle the regions housing shortage, construction industry leaders say its a less sexy and unheralded category of tenant improvement projects that is also responsible for the drop-off in construction work. With office buildings still at less than 50% capacity and the majority of Financial District workers still at least partially remote, the city saw 2.6 million square feet of office leasing activity through June, on pace to end the year with about 5 million square feet. That is less than the 6.5 million square feet of leasing that took place last year and a far cry from the 13 million square feet of deals that were completed in 2018, or the 11 million in 2019. A whole ecosystem of workers who rely on tenant improvements architects, carpenters, electrical contractors, drywallers, painters, plumbers, movers, HVAC technicians are hustling to make up for the lost income. Currently about 1,300 San Francisco union construction workers are out of work, according to Rudy Gonzalez, San Francisco Building Trades Council secretary-treasurer. For some crafts, (tenant improvements) may be one-third of their hours and for others it might be half, said Gonzalez. Most of that work has dried up. Alex Lantsberg, research and advocacy director with the San Francisco Electrical Contractors Association, said downtown office (tenant improvement) work was bread-and-butter work for a lot of the contractors. The collapse of in-office employment has had its downstream effects on the people behind the scenes who get these offices ready for occupancy, said Lantsberg. He said the shortfall in jobs has prompted union electricians to crack down on nonunion contractors who win work through wage theft, and pursuing new markets like large photovoltaic storage installations, electrical vehicle infrastructure and advanced control for energy efficient technology. (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 6 has several hundred members ready to go to work and were looking at every opportunity to get union work going, Lantsberg said. Patrick ORiordan, director of the Department of Building Inspection, said some of the slowdown can be attributed to the pandemic, but that its also a reflection of natural economic cycles in a city that going back to the Gold Rush has always been susceptible to extreme booms and busts. Everyone who has ever worked in construction knows its a cyclical business, ORiordan said. I dont know a single person who works with their hands who hasnt benefited from overtime during a boom and endured a layoff during the slow times. As a former carpenter, I know this cycle firsthand. ORiordan pointed out that the the current permitting activity is actually busier than it was in 2010 and 2011, as the city was recovering from the Great Recession. In 2010, the city saw 28 permits filed for work that exceeded $5 million, a total of $728 million in work. You can see that were in better shape than in years past, ORiordan. said Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. He also said that the level of frenetic activity reached in 2019 was overheated and not entirely healthy for the economy. On paper, that looks great. But, on the ground, there were substantial strains on the construction industry with the costs of materials going up and the scarcity of labor, ORiordan said. He looked to Hayes Point at 30 Van Ness Ave. a $1 billion project that just broke ground and other developments that are preparing to start work, including 10 South Van Ness, a 55-story tower that will have 966 units. While a few projects are bucking the trend and moving forward like the Mission Rock development across from Oracle Park some of the citys biggest projects are on ice. This includes eight major developments in the Central SoMa area, where the city passed a plan in 2018 to allow massive growth to accommodate more than 30,000 jobs and 20,000 new residents. The rezoning is centered around the much-delayed Central Subway project. Gonzalez said that he thinks 2023 could very well be a comeback year for the construction industry but it will depend on economic forces beyond the purview of city bureaucrats and local lawmakers. You have developers who are willing to take risks and contractors who have a workforce ready and willing to go, Gonzalez said. But you have financiers looking at profits and going, Not so fast. They are looking for maximum profit and for them its a question of when it will be the most profitable time to start. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the value of the 86 electrical, plumbing and building permits filed in San Francisco in 2021. They were worth $2.9 billion. Also, an earlier version of the graphic misrepresented the value of the permits filed in San Francisco in 2022. They were worth $1.5 billion. The Mosquito Wildfire continues to grow in the Tahoe National Forest and Placer and El Dorado Counties and has expanded to over 29,000 acres as of Friday. Its impacts have quickly expanded well beyond the fire perimeter, with air quality reaching hazardous AQI levels over 300 in parts of the Sacramento Valley. Even the Bay Area is experiencing some of these impacts Saturday, with moderate air quality levels of 50-100 expected all the way to the North Bay, East Bay, San Francisco Peninsula, South Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Kays remnants are still tracking north. Adding on to the smoke concerns, the remnants of tropical cyclone Kay that brought extreme weather to Southern California are now shifting the upper-level winds over the rest of California. Weatherbell Weather models are calling for winds at around 10,000 to 15,000 feet that will blow from the east toward the west and transport the heavy load of smoke over the Tahoe National Forest into the Sacramento Valley and Bay Area Friday and Saturday. The Bay Area Air District has expanded their advisory through Saturday to account for the incoming plume of smoke. Weatherbell Could Kay remnants bring moisture? So, will the Bay Area see any rain or Tahoe area get enough moisture out of this event to help with firefighting operations? The main driver for any rain in the Bay Area or around Tahoe will be from any isolated storms that form along Kays remnants, starting as early as Saturday night and then lasting through Sunday. These chances remain very low less than 10% with even the most aggressive weather models only hinting at up to nine-hundredths of an inch falling out of isolated thunderstorms near Tahoe or around the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo Range. These models signal an even lower chance for lightning from dry thunderstorms in Northern Sierra and parts of the Big Sur Coast. The highest chances remain at 5% for Sunday. If any of these dry storms do develop anywhere, new wildfire starts cannot be ruled out. For now, the immediate concern is the air quality impacts for the Bay Area and Sacramento Valley on Saturday. Saturday breakdown San Francisco: The sea breeze will raise wind gusts up to 20 mph Saturday on the west side. Kays remnants will bring high altostratus clouds and haze into the city, making a partly-to-mostly-cloudy Saturday with west side temperatures in the mid-60s, while 70s dot everyone east of Sutro. The Pacific Coast: A comfortable Saturday for residents traveling on Highway 1 between Half Moon Bay and Pescadero, with temperatures hovering in the mid-60s in the afternoon. Hazier skies will dominate the rest of the Peninsula, along with widespread upper 60s and low 70s in from Brisbane down to Belmont. 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. North Bay: Hazy skies with temperatures in the upper 70s in Napa, Santa Rosa and Petaluma. South of Novato, Tiburon and San Rafael are looking for similar temperatures but expect air quality to be moderate for most of Saturday. East Bay: Moderate air quality will make for hazy skies and highs in the upper 70s to low 80s every Saturday in Oakland and along the I-880 corridor. Residents east of I-680, including those who live in Concord, Fairfield can look for daytime temperatures below 90 degrees but hazy, moderate to unhealthy air quality for most of Saturday. South Bay and Santa Cruz: Santa Clara Valley cities like Mountain View and San Jose can expect a hazy Saturday with widespread 80s for much of the valley. Over the hill, residents along Highway 17 will see upper 70s on Saturday along with the chance of smelling smoke from the distant Mosquito Fire. Low- to mid-70s will dominate the Santa Cruz coast Saturday, and skies will generally be a little clearer thanks to the smoke barrier caused by the Santa Cruz Mountains. Gerry Diaz (he/they) is a San Francisco Chronicle newsroom meteorologist. Email:gerry.diaz@sfchronicle.com Twitter @geravitywave California is a hotbed for extreme weather. A historic heat wave brought a punishing 10 days with record-shattering high temperatures. The Mosquito Fire in Placer and El Dorado counties created a huge plume of smoke visible from 60 miles away. Atmospheric rivers produce torrential downpours and can cause widespread, damaging floods. Hurricanes rotating storms with sustained winds 74 mph and over typically arent a concern on the West Coast. And history shows that its incredibly rare for a hurricane to get close to California. Arguably this week is the closest we will have come in decades, said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA and the Nature Conservancy. The only tropical cyclone known to make landfall in the state was the 1858 San Diego hurricane. Tropical Storm Kay, recategorized on Thursday from a hurricane, has been edging along the Baja California peninsula since Wednesday and creeping toward Southern California. While the storm isnt expected to make landfall in California, it is causing intense rain that could lead to floods. Remnants of moisture could mean some precipitation in Northern California, with a slight chance the conditions could produce dry thunderstorms. Conditions along the coast typically protect us from hurricanes. But these defenses can falter and open the door to a tropical storm touching down in California. I dont think its ever going to be a common or likely outcome, Swain said. But it is out there in the distant range of possibilities. Multiple lines of defense Hurricanes collect heat energy from water at the oceans surface. This is why the storms form over tropical waters that are at least 80 degrees or higher. Waters along the California coast are comparatively cold, chilled by winds that churn up frigid water from below. In Southern California, the Pacific Ocean usually only gets up to around 65 to 70 degrees. The colder waters sap hurricanes of their strength as they move north from the tropics. Jae C. Hong/Associated Press California has additional defenses aloft. Wind high up in the atmosphere blows from west to east. Theyre particularly strong west of California, and can lop the tops off tropical cyclones. It basically kills hurricanes, said Shang-Ping Xie, a climate scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Trade winds, those that blow closer to the Earths surface from east to west, carry tropical cyclones that develop in the Atlantic Ocean toward the East Coast. But storms that develop in the Eastern Pacific, like Tropical Storm Kay, are typically blown away from the continent and farther west than California. So whats changed for Tropical Storm Kay? Kay, however, has managed to head north. One reason is that a zone of high atmospheric pressure hovering over the Pacific Ocean the Pacific High has moved south toward the equator. That removes one obstacle that normally steers hurricanes away. Another blob of high pressure was parked over much of the western United States, creating the heat dome thats produced sweltering temperatures across California. This high-pressure system rotated clockwise, due to forces generated by the Earths spin. The movement of this giant mass of air disrupted the west-to-east winds high up the atmosphere that shear the tops of developing tropical cyclones. The shield is down, Xie said. The calmer conditions currently dominating in the upper levels of the atmosphere make it easier for tropical cyclones to develop. 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. Water temperatures have also been unusually warm off the coast of Southern California lately. Xie proposes this was because Tropical Storm Javier came past the Baja California peninsula a week earlier and interfered with the upwelling that pulls cold deep water to the surface. The result: warmer waters that set the stage for Tropical Storm Kay to move closer than normal to California. While Kays center wont cross over the state, thunderclouds on the outer edge of the storm rained down over swaths of southeast California on Friday. Continued downpours through Saturday could produce flash floods and landslides. What about climate change? It isnt clear that global warming will cause more tropical storms and hurricanes to come closer to California, or even make landfall. But warmer temperatures will lead to more moisture in the air. That means more energy available to fuel storms. Theres been a long-standing prediction that climate change would increase the intensity of hurricanes, the storm surges associated with them [and] the rainfall associated with them, Swain said. That includes higher winds. While there may be a general increase in storm intensity around the world, the impacts at the regional level arent as clear. And, Xies research shows the connection between rising ocean temperatures and tropical storms has played out in California before. A recent study found that a Southern California marine heatwave in August 2018 was due in part to two tropical cyclones passing by in quick succession. A strong El Nino event could also produce the warm water temperatures needed to sustain a tropical cyclone. I do think someday California will see a landfalling tropical storm maybe even a hurricane in our lifetime, Swain said. Jack Lee (he/him) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jack.lee@sfchronicle.com NEW YORK This Monday, the cast and crew of the Broadway musical Come From Away have an appointment, as usual, with an aircraft carrier. Every year, to honor Sept. 11, they help box thousands of meals for food banks across the city and perform for the volunteers aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid. 9/11 was a worldwide event. It was a time when we all felt helpless, and it was a time when we all wanted to help. And I think those sentiments continue right now, said David Hein, who with his wife, Irene Sankoff, wrote the book, music and lyrics to Come From Away. The musical is set in the small Newfoundland town of Gander, which opened its arms to some 7,000 airline passengers diverted there when the U.S. government shut down airspace during 9/11. In a matter of a few hours, the town was overwhelmed by 38 planeloads of travelers from dozens of countries and religions, yet locals went to work in their kitchens and cleaned up spare rooms to offer space and food to the newcomers. This years visit to the Intrepid by the New York cast will be bittersweet; its the last time the show will send representatives from Broadway. The show closes Oct. 2 after a five-year run. But its fitting that one of its last acts will be giving. Few shows have left such a legacy of connecting with the community concerts for cancer victims, fundraisers for farmers facing drought and even cast members handing out dollar bills to the needy in the New York subway. Its been incredible to see us be inspired by the Newfoundlanders and then have this story inspire other people to do even more good, said Hein. Its humbling to see that Shakespeare quote in action: How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world. Giving back was baked into the show since the first workshop at Sheridan College in Ontario, where a hat was passed to raise money for animal shelters overwhelmed with new kittens. A benefit concert planned for later this month at the Gander airport will do the same, because kittens never stop, Hein said, laughing. Since its debut, the musical under director Christopher Ashley, who won a Tony for his work has not changed, but it has seemed to take on different issues, depending on real events swirling at the time. The shows first preview at its pre-Broadway run at Seattle Rep Nov. 13, 2015 came just hours after 130 people were killed in a coordinated terrorist attack in Paris. Offstage, the creators wondered what to do. Should they say something? Change the show? I think it was Chris Ashley who said, I think we just put on the show. I think this show says look for the helpers. It says, remember theres more of us trying to do good than there are people trying to do harm. It says so much just by telling the story. When Ivanka Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saw it in 2017 on Broadway, the issue was immigration and walls. Trudeau got onstage and said he was pleased the world gets to see what it is to lean on each other and be there for each other through the darkest times. The COVID-19 pandemic gave the musical a different color, a sense of entering a period of uncertainty and reinforcing the notion of a community coming together. It was no surprise to Sankoff and Hein that the shows costume department immediately started sewing masks for frontline workers. At a time when people were actually out of work and terrified that their industry wasnt going to come back, so many of our company were saying, How can I also help? recalled Sankoff. While the terror attacks are ever-present in the musical, the focus is on the Canadian response. The words World Trade Center and terrorist are each uttered only once. The creators like to call it a 9/12 story. We really did not want to do a show that was about 9/11, said Hein, who was with his wife in New York on that fateful day. We wanted to do a show about Newfoundland and how they had responded because that gave us hope, contrasting what we had felt on that day. The Broadway version may soon be gone, but the future is still bright for Come From Away. Theres a North American tour, a production in London and one touring Australia. A version in Finland opens this month, one recently opened in Holland, another in Argentina and one in Sweden. Whats amazing is how universal this story is. You have to change elements of it within a language and within a culture. But the concept of welcoming strangers and a world coming together is something that people are, I think, really hungry for, said Hein. He and his wife and their 9-year-old daughter will be spending the 9/11 anniversary in Gander, at one of several concerts and benefits planned to commemorate the 21st year after the attacks. 9/11 is a national day of service. But I think what weve also learned is that any day can be a day of service at any moment, said Hein. Kindness is a daily practice and one that we can all use a reminder for each day. Prominent Beaumont rare coin dealer Michael Fuljenz, president of Universal Coin & Bullion, was honored at the recent 2022 Chicago Worlds Fair of Money for a reference book he wrote about historic 19th century United States gold coins. His book, Type Two Double Eagles 1866-1876, a Numismatic History and Analysis, was named Best Investment Book of the Year by the Numismatic Literary Guild, an international organization composed of reporters, editors and authors who write about money. The Type Two design coins were the first $20 denomination gold pieces, known as Double Eagles, to include the motto, IN GOD WE TRUST. They are an important part of United States coinage, Fuljenz said. Known as America's Gold Expert, Fuljenz has won dozens of prestigious national and regional awards for his consumer education and protection work in rare coins and precious metals. He has also served with distinction as a consultant to the Federal Trade Commission, Attorney General of Texas, United States Mint and Royal Canadian Mint. He is on the boards of directors of the National Coin & Bullion Association and Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas, and is a member of the Professional Numismatists Guilds Accredited Precious Metals Dealer program. For additional information and to order a copy of the book, contact Universal Coin & Bullion at (800) 822-4653 or go online at www.UniversalCoin.com Hart Energy today announced the appointment of Beaumont native Hadley McClellan as Vice President, General Manager of Hart Energy Conferences, one of the company's core business units within its multi-channel network. Beginning with the industry-leading A&D and DUG Conference franchises, Hart Energy has produced exclusive, information-rich and engaging conferences in the energy industry for over 20 years. McClellan most recently served as Associate Director of the Offshore Technology Conference, and has more than 20 years of experience in the industry for event strategy, budget and forecast management, program and agenda development, marketing strategy, advisory board development, contract negotiations and client/sponsor relationships. "Hart Energy Conferences are experiencing a 200% increase this year due to increased demand for top quality information in a highly disruptive market," said John Hartig, CEO of Hart Energy. "As Hart Energy expands its conferences franchise into new areas such as offshore, natural gas, renewables and cybersecurity, Hadley's leadership and deep operating experience will be instrumental in accelerating our growth." Hadley said, "I've continually developed deep relationships across the energy industry and I look forward to building on the incredible legacy of Hart Energy's conference business to further their premier position in the industry." Gov. Greg Abbott has reappointed Charles E. Charlie Holder of Vidor and William G. Will Jenkins III of Beaumont to the Jefferson and Orange County Board of Pilot Commissioners for terms set to expire on August 22, 2024. The board has exclusive jurisdiction over the pilot services provided in Jefferson or Orange County, including intermediate stops and landing places for vessels on navigable streams wholly or partially located in the board's jurisdiction. Holder is president and CEO of Advantage Testing, Home Instead Senior Care, and Share Holders, LLC. He is a member of Entrepreneurs Organization, Chairman of the Betterment for Seniors Foundation Board, board member of Meals on Wheels of Jefferson, Orange and Hardin Counties, and the Founder of the Be a Santa to a Senior program in Southeast Texas. Holder attended Lamar University and received a Masters in Entrepreneurship from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Jenkins is Vice President and General Manager at Giglio Distributing Co. He is Chair of the Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas Board of Directors, Executive Board Member of the Hazel and Floyd Mack Scout Foundation and Assistant Scout Master to Troop 85. He is also a board member of Coastal Conservation Association Golden Triangle and Vice President of Marketing for Three Rivers Council. Jenkins received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas A&M University. ISLAMABAD (AP) At least three Afghan crew members were killed Saturday when a U.S.-manufactured Black Hawk helicopter they were flying crashed, the Talibans defense ministry said. The statement said that five others were wounded in the accident during a training session overseen by Afghanistan's defense ministry at the capital of Kabul. It is not known how many U.S. choppers remain in the hands of the Taliban government. As the U.S.-backed Afghan government collapsed in mid-August last year, dozens of Afghan pilots fled to Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghan air force pilots played a key role, alongside their U.S. counterparts, in the 20-year war against Taliban insurgents that ended with the departure of foreign troops last year. The airstrikes inflicted heavy casualties among the Taliban and repeatedly drove them from positions they had seized in different parts of the country. Last year about 140 Afghan pilots and others were flown out of Tajikistan then to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and their final destination in the U.S. Separately, three civilians were wounded when a bicycle bomb exploded in Kabul, said Khalid Zadran, spokesman for the the capital's police chief. The attack occurred in the Shai neighborhood and there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast. Recently, the Islamic State group has claimed similar attacks in the country. IS has waged a bloody campaign of attacks on Taliban targets and minority groups, particularly Shiites whom the extremist IS considers heretics. NEW YORK (AP) Payment processor Visa Inc. said Saturday that it plans to start separately categorizing sales at gun shops, a major win for gun control advocates who say it will help better track suspicious surges of gun sales that could be a prelude to a mass shooting. But the decision by Visa, the world's largest payment processor, will likely provoke the ire of gun rights advocates and gun lobbyists, who have argued that categorizing gun sales would unfairly flag an industry when most sales do not lead to mass shootings. It joins Mastercard and American Express, which also said they plan to move forward with categorizing gun shop sales. Visa said it would adopt the International Organization for Standardizations new merchant code for gun sales, which was announced on Friday. Until Friday, gun store sales were considered general merchandise. Following ISOs decision to establish a new merchant category code, Visa will proceed with next steps, while ensuring we protect all legal commerce on the Visa network in accordance with our long-standing rules, the payment processor said in a statement. Visas adoption is significant as the largest payment network, and with Mastercard and AmeEx, will likely put pressure on the banks as the card issuers to adopt the standard as well. Visa acts as a middleman between merchants and banks, and it will be up to banks to decide whether they will allow sales at gun stores to happen on their issued cards. Gun control advocates had gained significant wins on this front in recent weeks. New York City officials and pension funds had pressured the ISO and banks to adopt this code. Two of the country's largest public pension funds, in California and New York, have been pressing the country's largest credit card firms to establish sales codes specifically for firearm-related sales that could flag suspicious purchases or more easily trace how guns and ammunition are sold. Merchant category codes now exist for almost every kind of purchase, including those made at supermarkets, clothing stores, coffee shops and many other retailers. When you buy an airline ticket or pay for your groceries, your credit card company has a special code for those retailers. Its just common sense that we have the same policies in place for gun and ammunition stores, said New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a former police captain who blames the proliferation of guns for his city's deadly violence. The city's comptroller, Brad Lander, said it made moral and financial sense as a tool to push back against gun violence. Unfortunately, the credit card companies have failed to support this simple, practical, potentially lifesaving tool. The time has come for them to do so," Lander said recently, before Visa and others had adopted the move. Lander is a trustee of the New York City Employees Retirement System, Teachers Retirement System and Board of Education Retirement System which together own 667,200 shares in American Express valued at approximately $92.49 million; 1.1 million shares in MasterCard valued at approximately $347.59 million; and 1.85 million shares in Visa valued at approximately $363.86 million. The pension funds and gun control advocates argue that creating a merchant category code for standalone firearm and ammunition stores could aid in the battle against gun violence. A week before the mass shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, where 49 people died after a shooter opened fire in 2016, the assailant used credit cards to buy more than $26,000 worth of guns and ammunition, including purchases at a stand-alone gun retailer. Gun rights advocates argue that tracking sales at gun stores would unfairly target legal gun purchases, since merchant codes just track the type of merchant where the credit or debit card is used, not the actual items purchased. A sale of a gun safe, worth thousands of dollars and an item considered part of responsible gun ownership, could be seen as a just a large purchase at a gun shop. The (industry's) decision to create a firearm specific code is nothing more than a capitulation to anti-gun politicians and activists bent on eroding the rights of law-abiding Americans one transaction at a time, said Lars Dalseide, a spokesman for the National Rifle Association. Over the years, public pension funds have used their extensive investment portfolios to influence public policy and the market place. The California teacher's fund, the second largest pension fund in the country, has long taken aim on the gun industry. It has divested its holdings from gun manufacturers and has sought to persuade some retailers from selling guns. Four years ago, the teacher's fund made guns a key initiative. It called for background checks and called on retailers monitor irregularities at the point of sale, to record all firearm sales, to audit firearms inventory on a regular basis, and to proactively assist law enforcement. ___ Associated Press writer Bobby Calvan in New York contributed to this report. DETROIT (AP) United Auto Workers union members went on strike Saturday at the Stellantis casting plant in Indiana, citing health and safety issues including the company's alleged refusal to repair and replace the plants air conditioning and heating systems. The 35-acre plant in Kokomo makes parts used in the power trains of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM vehicles and a long-term strike could affect vehicle assembly lines across North America. Stellantis says production had not been scheduled for this weekend and it hoped to resume negotiations as soon as possible on a contract with striking UAW Local 1166. In a statement, Stellantis said it was committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. After bargaining in good faith for two days and presenting an offer we believed addressed the unions concerns, we are disappointed by the UAWs decision to walk out. The 1,200-worker plant, Kokomo Casting, is the world's largest die cast facility, according to Stellantis. It makes aluminum parts for components including transmissions and engine blocks. The UAW local complained in a statement that Stellantis claims it has no money to meet its membership's basic needs" including providing clean uniforms while making record profits and investing billions in a new battery plant across the street." In May, Stellantis announced a $2.5 billion joint venture with Samsung to build an electric vehicle battery factory in Kokomo that is to employ 1,400 workers. UAW local president David Willis did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. A person who answered the phone at union offices said he was preparing for a resumption in negotiations. The casting plant is to be retooled to produce engine blocks for hybrid-electric vehicles. Stellantis, formed last year with the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Frances PSA Peugeot, had said it would build two electric vehicle battery factories in North America. The other is slated for Windsor, Ontario. For Vivek Ramaswamy, co-founder and executive chairman of Strive Asset Management, investor focus on ESG Environment, Social and Governance is drowning out the voices of the real investors the everyday people whose capital is invested with the asset management firms pushing ESG initiatives. Participating in the monthly Oilfield Strong webinar presented by OTA Environmental Solutions, he discussed three of the largest firms: BlackRock, State Street and Vanguard that together manage more than $21 trillion in assets, on par with the US gross domestic product. Those funds received investment capital from everyday citizens who trusted them to make smart stock choices for them. Instead, he said, the leaders of these companies have become self-proclaimed enlightened determiners of how to structure society. Even more alarmingly, theyre using money from everyday citizens, many of whom dont agree with the agenda being advanced in boardrooms. Ramaswamy likened it to a group of oil and gas company executives holding a Zoom meeting to agree on production cuts to boost gasoline prices, which he said is not only violates antitrust laws but price-fixing laws. This is such a convoluted set of issues that you need something for folks to understand to provide a foundation, commented Grant Swartzwelder, president of OTA Solutions, who moderated the webinar. To effectively comply with what ESG advocates want, he said companies would need to eliminate the use or at least growth of fossil fuels, which seems backwards and oppressive. The US energy industry has been the sector most damaged by ESG demands, Ramaswamy said, because theyre not applied equally to energy sectors across the globe but to the US. Even in Europe, a lot of these initiatives are dictated by law. But in the US, theyre not dictated by law but through shareholder pressure. If the US did not ratify the Paris climate accords, its not Chevrons job to ratify it instead. What were seeing passed is not through the halls of Congress but through the halls of corporations. The soaring demand for energy as the global economy emerges from the pandemic and the expected continued demand for fossil fuels has created a generational opportunity for the nations energy companies to fill the void by producing more energy, he said. That is why his company has launched its first energy index fund DRLL to compete with the likes of BlackRock. Its bringing a new voice I call it a post-ESG voice -- to focus on delivering excellent products and services to customers and providing returns to shareholders rather focusing on ESG, Ramaswamy said. The key is, our message to the US energy industry is to drill, frac, whatever you need to do to be maximally successful, financially successful over the long run without concern for ESG issues. Even in hiring and compensation, they should be made based on job qualifications not other factors like gender, race or sexual persuasion. Many ESG initiatives do not serve a companys shareholders nor its fiduciary commitments, he said. Indeed, he pointed out there may be conflicts of interest. For example, Exxon may cancel a project in the US because of ESG concerns that will instead be built in China by PetroChina, which is far less environmentally clean than US operators. Well, he pointed out, top Exxon shareholders who own 6% of Exxon also own 6% of PetroChina. Having recently acquired Chevron stock, Ramaswamy issued a letter to the companys chief executive officer detailing some of these concerns. He in particular expressed concerns about Chevrons shareholder-imposed Scope 3 emissions caps. First, Scope 3 emissions calculations effectively double, tripe and even quadruple-count the same unit of emissions, he wrote Chevron. Suppose a gallon of gasoline is used to deliver a pizza. That represents 8,800 grams of emitted carbon dioxide. Those 8,800 grams count not only in Chevons Scope 3 emissions but also in the Scope 3 emissions of Dominos, who made the pizza, Uber, who delivered the pizza, Ford, who manufactured the car leased by the Uber driver and Facebook, which ordered it for an employee meeting. Its like McDonalds agreeing to be responsible for the body weight of anyone who ever ate a Big Mac, he added. Wondered Swartzwelder, who gets the Scope 3 emissions from the pizza? The delivery service, the fuel or the pizza? It seems very amorphous and hard to improve upon. Said Ramaswamy, I hope our voice isnt just a recitation of slogans learned in the 1980s but an assessment of what it means to be an oil company, a gas company, an energy company and what it means to pursue excellence as an energy company and a way to open dialogue without talking out of both side of your mouth touting sustainability efforts while also talking about shareholder returns. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, he said, and part of the problem with ESG is it tries to be one-size-fits-all, Ramaswamy said. Each company should ask itself what allows it to be most successful at selling its products and services, what makes it the most financially successful in the long wrong not because it solves all the worlds problems but solves some of the worlds problems. Other actors other companies, governments, non-profits can address other problems that theyre positioned to address. At least, he concluded, open debate should be held in the boardrooms and in society. Concluded Swartzwelder, At the end of the day, arent we just trying to improve the environment? Does adding all of these random calculations lead us to best practices or specific improvements? I cant see how. Like a scene out of an apocalyptic movie, a raging California wildfire pumped out a monster cloud towering 40,000 feet into the atmosphere on Thursday. As the Mosquito Fire tore across Tahoe National Forest, making a 5,000-acre run across the American River and pushing into the El Dorado County town of Volcanoville, the cloud grew and grew. At one point on Thursday afternoon, the Mosquito Fire belched out a second cloud, and twin plumes rose above the blaze. From miles and miles away, people on the ground caught sight of the monster clouds, with many posting astonishing images on social media. Alan Brewer, a scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, got a much closer look from a plane with a team of scientists who were flying along the side of the massive wall of sooty air to better understand fire behavior and its impacts. It really hit everybody in the plane pretty hard just how massive and destructive the fire was, Brewer told SFGATE on the phone. It was like flying right alongside the wall of the Grand Canyon. NOAA These so-called pyrocumulus clouds are formed when air around a fire heats up, creating an updraft that pushes smoke, ash and moisture upward. They usually appear over a fire in the afternoon, when daytime temperatures peak and afternoon winds pick up. When fires are especially large, the clouds can grow so high into the freezing-cold atmosphere that ice crystals form in the top layer. These larger pyrocumulonimbus clouds can generate their own weather, including lightning, hail and strong winds. The clouds generated by the fire on both Wednesday and Thursday fell into this category. Both of these types of clouds are a sign of severe fire activity and growth on the ground. But on Friday afternoon, no cloud formed because of a shift in the weather and a temperature inversion, which acted as a cap, trapping smoke close to the surface. The Mosquito Fire, which first ignited on Tuesday near the Placer County town of Foresthill, grew minimally on Friday. Brewer and researchers from San Jose State Universitys Fire Weather Research Laboratory and the University of Nevada have traveled to the scenes of fires around California, such as the Mountain Fire in Siskiyou County, since August. He and the other scientists are part of a project called the California Fire Dynamics Experiment, which is looking at the way fire and atmospheric processes feedback on one another to generate extreme wildfires. This was by far the largest fire weve done, he said. We look at the dynamics around the fire, the heat, were taking infrared images of the fire to look at spread and then were looking at the chemistry and the emissions coming from the fire. With the Mosquito Fire, he said the NOAA Twin Otter plane had to fly along the sides of the plume and couldnt travel over the top because the cloud was too tall. Were trying to understand fire behavior, he said. Ultimately, its to improve models that predict fire behavior as well as air quality models. Were taking measurements to improve those models. Noah Berger/AP The project also has scientists on the ground observing and taking measurements of the clouds. Neil Lareau, an atmospheric scientist and professor at the University of Nevada, was less than a mile away from the Mosquito Fires edge on Thursday. He was also wowed by the clouds size, though he said it wasnt quite as big as the 50,000-to-55,000-foot-tall pyrocumulonimbus cloud that formed above Californias 2020 Creek Fire as it devoured 379,895 acres in Fresno and Madera counties. While these clouds turning into breathing monsters shooting out lightning and intense gusts of wind used to be an unusual phenomenon in California, Lareau said theyre becoming more common due to parched, overgrown forests and a changing climate. Fires like this are suddenly feeling kind of normal, he said. The Caldor Fire, the Dixie, the Creek these are just a few recent examples of fires that behaved like this. Lareau said the team was able to make some new unprecedented level of observations on Thursday as the cloud grew so powerful that it churned like a vortex spewing whirls of fire. There was a very strong fire-generated vortex that extended from the surface and generated winds equivalent of an EF1 tornado, he said. John Mantegna/Getty Images/iStockphoto A man residing in Californias Central Coast was found dead on a hike during this weeks punishing heat wave, seemingly while trying to seek aid for his girlfriend. On Sunday, 29-year-old Tim Sgrignoli of Ventura was on a hike with his girlfriend at Tresspass Trail, which leads to the summit of Gaviota Peak. She began experiencing symptoms that corresponded with heat exhaustion, Noozhawk.com reported Thursday. The peak, part of the Santa Ynez Mountains, is about 36 miles west of Santa Barbara. Ming Avenue in Bakersfield is an ordinary street. Bisecting the towns southwest corridor, it becomes a multi-lane arterial road that connects Bakersfields post-World War II exurban developments to its newer shopping and office complexes, as well as to the freeways that act as the valley hubs unofficial borders. At its apex, the wide-laned, car-friendly strip swells with development, where, starting in the late-1950s, it divided the city into two. The western part thrives, while the east stagnates. Ming Avenue also acts as the frontage road for the Valley Plaza, Central Valleys historic single-story shopping mall. Over the last few decades, nearly every kind of fast food chain local, regional and national has set up in Mings epicenter. Ive driven up and down that miracle mile of mass-marketed goodies dozens of times, watching lines of cars form in drive-thru lanes that appeared unique. Even so, I had a tough time identifying what was really happening. Spencer Weiner/Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag A little more research uncovered that in recent years, Bakersfield and Ming Avenue specifically has become the proving ground for some of your newest fast food faves and (more often) near misses. And Id been absent for all of them. In the last few months alone, the residents of Bakersfield have had the opportunity to experience the Del Taco Takis-inspired menu, the Wienerschnitzel's Veggie Dog and the Long John Silvers Lobster Bites. In 2018, Taco Bell offered fans the opportunity to book parties at its Bakersfield locations. In what could be any fast food-loving childs (or adults) ultimate wish, you can now book a party at Taco Bell, a November 2018 story in the Bakersfield Californian said. The fast-food chain just launched a pilot program for its PARTY by Taco Bell, allowing guests to book a party with nine of their closest taco-loving pals with reserved seating and breathtaking views of tacos. Guests who book the party will have a reserved table with themed party decor including a festive table runner, plates and fun photo props. The concept, one Ill refer to from now on as the only plausible future wedding venue for me (virtual or IRL), was available at the Ming Avenue location in Bakersfield and a handful of other spots across the country that represented a diverse set of urban, suburban and rural markets, spokesperson Anastasia Lukiman, one of the events marketers, told the publication. Photo Courtesy Taco Bell Photo Courtesy Taco Bell (Photos courtesy of Taco Bell) (Photos courtesy of Taco Bell) Ultimately, the all-caps Taco Bell PARTY, which included the option to celebrate amongst coveted 90s-themed Taco Bell decor and ephemera like sauce packet balloons and taco shades, came out just prior to the launch of the restaurants party packs: three or more of the same item in a carryout box, still featured on the main menu today. The fact that a velvet rope Taco Bell PARTY had gone on not far from my own doorstep and I had completely missed out became a burden. Not that I have a ton of occasions or any milestones worthy of a mylar Fire sauce packet balloon, but for only $25 an hour, I could have had the Taco Bell meal of my dreams. Soon, I came down with what can only be described as a terminal case of trial-run fast food FOMO. At first, I reached out to the fast food chains themselves. From emails and voicemails to nowhere to sliding into the DMs of McDonalds, Del Taco, Taco Bell and Carls Jr. like the thirsty patron that I am, nothing seemed to elicit a response. While there is some information out there Del Tacos news page and Taco Bells test market roll-out releases lead the way with specifics on where and when new items drop fast food bloggers are quick to point out theres no real way to predict what item will actually be there or for how long. The only way to find it out is to actually go. And so I went. Wienerschnitzel was my first stop in large part because I was parched. I stepped into a rush of AC and did a quick scan of the menu. Besides a fresh array of Veggie Dogs that werent featured on Weinerschnitzels websites basic menu, it seemed that this outpost of the hot dog stand that first opened in Wilmington, Calif. in 1961 was only serving up the classics that day. I quickly grabbed a drink and moved on. Photo By Andrew Pridgen Del Taco, which opened in Yermo, Calif. in 1964, was next. As I approached, banners for a new item caught my eye: the Epic Torta(). At the counter, the cashier confirmed that the torta was nearing the end of its roll-out phase. It was not quite at every Del Taco, but a majority of locations had one at this point, a week before its launch. I wouldnt be the first to step onto the red carpet for the premiere of Del Tacos take on the traditional grilled meat sandwich served on a soft roll, but I was still getting a sneak preview. You could tell what phase an item was in, the cashier said, by the wrapper. Test items usually didnt come with the finished branding on it, and from the polish of the packaging, it looked like the Del Taco torta was ready to make its prime-time debut. All 600 locations would have it on the tortas official launch on Sept. 1. I ordered the Crispy Chicken and Guac. The sandwich was mammoth, about twice the size of one from a Mexican eatery. Served on a grilled hoagie roll and handled more like a Quiznos sub, it came, as advertised, overflowing with toppings, including real chunks of avocado in the guacamole. Add in the lettuce, cheese, Pico de Gallo and some faintly spicy ranch-type drizzle, and it was an impeccable combination. I gobbled up the item and took note of the bold lettering on the tortas oversized box, which could have fit one of my shoes. This was an item destined for greatness, or at least a prominent spot on the menu for now. A couple of diners next to me, who self-identified as Ming Avenue Del Taco regulars, asked me what I thought. I told them the item was more than enough food for two and presented more like a sandwich than a traditional torta. I asked if they had seen a lot of unusual items come and go over the years. Brandon Lincoln, a Chicago-born Bakersfield resident for the last 21 years, nodded. Oh, all the time, he said, all the time, man, theres something new. You try not to get involved with all of it. Photo Courtesy Taco Bell Lincolns current menu favorite actually had its test origins in Bakersfield, he claimed. The cheesecake bites, they started at this store a while back, then they took them away then they came back, he said. ...Used to be different flavors, now just caramel. Still my favorite. (SFGATE was unable to independently verify if the cheesecake bite had had its launch at the Ming Avenue Del Taco location.) This wouldnt be the last time I heard a patron refer to a fast-food location as a store insider lingo for those who are accustomed to being guinea pigs under the watchful eye of fast-food conglomerates. In Bakersfield [there are] a lot of people who come from a lot of places, whether to live or to stop over, Lincoln said. Theres just so many different kinds, with different kinds of opinions here. It makes sense to me that we set the tone. Lincolns dining partner, Julian Garcia, agreed. Though he was enjoying his favorite, the classic Del Combo Burrito, he said hed tried the torta recently. Its good, he said, almost as good as the real thing. As pleasant and filling as Del Tacos take on the torta was, it was all just a warm-up to the main event as Taco Bell beckoned. The current location of the megachain, founded in Downey, Calif. in 1962, is just a block and a half from the old-school California mission-style original Bakersfield location. The building now houses a local favorite called Tacos La Villa a 24-hour-a-day Central Valley stand-out for tacos and burritos. (Continuing the trend of re-imagining fast food spaces of yore, Tacos La Villa also has a converted Winchells Donut House location on Union Avenue a little farther east.) Photo Courtesy Taco Bell The current Ming Avenue Taco Bell is housed in one of those flat-fronted early 21st century cubes, clean and sterile, with a conference hotel vibe. I went in searching for new menu items, but aside from the addition of green (verde) sauce by request on any menu item, I didnt spy anything unique about the offerings of this Taco Bell. Disappointed, I admitted defeat and moved on. My final stop on the Ming Avenue fast food test strip run was Carls Jr. The chain first opened as Carls Drive-in Barbecue in Anaheim in 1945. Id gotten a tip the week prior to my visit that Carl's may have something special cooking in Bakersfield. As I parked, it immediately called to me from window-sized banners: the new Spicy Cowboy menu. Through a quick reference check on my phone, I discovered there were only three places where you could find this menu: at this store in Bakersfield, as well as Hardees locations in Terre Haute, Indiana, and Little Rock, Arkansas and that was it. Photo By Andrew Pridgen At last, Id stumbled upon what appeared to be a true fast food test kitchen experience. I ordered the Spicy Cowboy Breakfast Sandwich which is eggs, sausage and pepper jack on a toasted jalapeno cornmeal bun and the Spicy Cowboy Cheeseburger: a beef patty, pepper jack, jalapenos, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and BBQ sauce, again, served over a toasted jalapeno cornmeal bun. I was on my way to test market glory. Unfortunately, I arrived well beyond the breakfast cut-off, but the cashier put in for the cheeseburger. When I asked her if the Spicy Cowboy offerings had been popular thus far, she shrugged. She said that thought the burgers were selling pretty well, but she couldnt speak for the breakfast item. Too much kick too early in the day, I joked. The meal was brought to me itd been a while since I dined in at a Carls and had forgotten they had table service (a feature which was also tested in 2015 in 18 Kern County McDonalds franchises.) It felt luxurious. From first sight, the item was exactly what Id been looking for: a generic, Special Promo branded wrapper with a yellow sticker affixed to the top that also read Promo. Photo By Andrew Pridgen I unpeeled my treat like Charlie Bucket would his last Wonka Bar with caution that quickly gave way to outsized anticipation and abandon. What greeted me on the other side was a beef, cheese and jalapeno extravaganza. The cheeseburger rewarded me on the first bite: the meat was tender, the veggies crisp, the barbecue sauce tangy and the jalapenos juicy and prominent. The sandwich did, in fact, have a kick, delivering on the lurid-sounding Spicy Cowboy promise making the whole trip worth it. The patrons next to me introduced themselves as husband-and-wife duo Michelle and Eric Brummett, steeped in the test kitchen culture of that specific strip of road. The Brummetts referred to this particular Carls Jr. location as the Ming store, and regaled me with tales of items that have come and gone from the strip. Some became legends, while others were never seen again. We know we have lots of choices here, Michelle said, along with that you put up with lots of menu changes in the area. Its worth it overall though. Michelle said she, like me, has always been big on Taco Bell. Right now though, shes slightly disappointed with her favorite restaurants recent endeavors. Taco Bell has a lot rotating through, she said. Sometimes they bring in something here and it only lasts a few weeks. Sometimes you see [it] again. Photo By Andrew Pridgen Like the Mexican Pizza. I was glad to see that come back. Then it went away. Then available everywhere, only now its sold out. Its sold out everywhere. Thats the way it goes. Speaking of the classics, shes waiting, she said, for the permanent return of the fabled Enchirito. Thats, you know, the burrito with enchilada sauce. I ...that was a favorite growing up. I havent seen it come back. Im waiting. Eric chimed in with his own experience in a fast food test kitchen. When he worked at McDonalds as a teen, he saw first-hand how testing fast food items and what takes hold and what doesnt has an effect on a national market. Nobody would come in on Fridays, he said. We werent selling. So they came up with someone invented the Filet-O-Fish you could sell on a Friday. And it started at one and went through the whole corporation. So, I guess the point is these things have to start somewhere. Ernest Coleman/AP His recollection was accurate. The Filet-O-Fish was created in 1962 by Lou Groen, a Cincinnati-based McDonalds franchise owner who needed an item to sell to Roman Catholics and Methodists who abstained from meat on Fridays. Thus began a 60-year tradition of adding items to menus that catered to consumers changing tastes with many fabled items that have made it to the big time. Some were even poached from local drive-ins here. My fast food test kitchen run wasnt a complete success, but it was also far from a failure. As I drove away from Ming Avenue, I swore Id soon be back to be Big Fast Foods crash test tummy once more. Now, if I could only make it home before the jalapenos kicked in. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LONDON (AP) Charles became king immediately upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday. He was officially proclaimed King Charles III on Saturday during a ceremony at St. James's Palace in London, and many more formal steps will follow until his coronation, which may not come for months. A look at the centuries-old traditions and rules surrounding the accession of a new British monarch: WHO FORMALLY DECLARES NEW MONARCHS? In Britain the death of a sovereign and their successor is officially proclaimed by the Accession Council, formed of a large group of senior politicians and officials. Traditionally the council is summoned within 24 hours of a monarch's death for a ceremonial meeting at St. James's Palace. But the accession ceremony for King Charles III was delayed because the queen's death wasn't announced until early evening on Thursday, and there was not enough time to set the plans in motion for Friday. The Accession Council is formed of members of the Privy Council mostly past and present politicians, including all living prime ministers, as well as Church of England leaders and senior royals and other ceremonial leaders, such as the Lord Mayor of London. The Privy Council advises the monarch and is one of the oldest parts of government. It can be traced back to the time of the Norman kings when the monarch met with a group of advisers in private, predating the modern functions of a government cabinet. Historically the entire Privy Council is called to the Accession Council to oversee the new monarch's proclamation. But just 200 were summoned Saturday because the number of Privy Council members now stands at 700. The ceremony was broadcast live on television for the first time Saturday. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER CHARLES IS PROCLAIMED? Shortly after a new monarch is formally confirmed, the sovereign holds his first Privy Council meeting, makes a personal declaration and then signs an oath to maintain the Church of Scotland, according to the Act of Union of 1707. Afterward, a heraldic official known as the Garter King of Arms publicly reads out the proclamation of the new sovereign from a balcony at St. James's Palace and gun salutes are fired around London. The proclamation is also read aloud in locations across the U.K., including in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast the capital cities of the other three nations that make up the United Kingdom. Union flags will be flown at full-staff for about 24 hours, before returning to half-staff in mourning for the queen. Parliament is then recalled as soon as possible for senior lawmakers to take their oaths of allegiance to the new monarch. The new monarch must make another oath to declare that he is a faithful Protestant and will maintain the Protestant succession later at the state opening of Parliament. The oath is mandated by the Accession Declaration Act of 1910. WHAT ABOUT THE CORONATION? After the initial flurry of formalities, there will be months before the next big event the king's coronation. This is to allow for a period of mourning and to leave time for officials to organize the ceremony. Queen Elizabeth II was crowned on June 2, 1953 some 16 months after her accession on Feb. 6, 1952, when her father, King George VI, died. The date for Charles' coronation is not yet known. It will most likely be held at London's Westminster Abbey, where coronation ceremonies have taken place for the past 900 years. NASA is helping the earthbound set enjoy recently unveiled images of deep space in a new, immersive way, releasing a series of audio tracks that translate photos and data captured by the James Webb Telescope into beautiful and haunting music. Through a process called sonification, scientists captured imagery and dataincluding photos of the cosmic cliffs of the Milky Way's Carina Nebula and a dying star in the Southern Ring Nebula, which were revealed in Julyand turned the results into complex soundscapes. The data was interpreted by a team of musicians and scientists who worked with members of the blind and visually impaired community. "Music taps into our emotional centers," said musician Matt Russo, a physics professor at the University of Toronto who worked on the project, in a NASA release. "Our goal is to make Webb's images and data understandable through soundhelping listeners create their own mental images." Images of the Carina Nebula, a large cloud of gas and dust where stars are born, was transformed into a sparkling, melodic track, which NASA team members described as "vibrant and full, representing the detail in this gigantic, gaseous captivity that has the appearance of a mountain range." The projects scientists explained in the release that "the gas and dust in the top half of the image are represented in blue hues and windy, drone-like sounds. The bottom half of the images, represented in ruddy shades of orange and red, has a clearer, more melodic composition." Sonification of the Southern Ring Nebula created a more eerie track featuring wind-like whooshs accompanied by plucking noises. The track is separated into two parts to represent the the two different infrared views of the Southern Ring Nebula captured by Webb. The colors in the images "were mapped to pitches of soundfrequencies of light converted directly to frequencies of sound," NASA team members wrote. "Near-infrared light is represented by a higher range of frequencies at the beginning of the track. Mid-way through, the notes change, becoming lower overall to reflect that mid-infrared includes longer wavelengths of light." Webb's data on the atmosphere of hot gas giant exoplanet WASP-96 b, which is located 1,150 light-years away from Earth, was also interpreted into an audio track that featured the sounds of water droplets falling to represent the water signatures discovered in the planet's atmosphere. "These sounds simplify the datawater is detected as a signature that has multiple data points," team members wrote. "The sounds align only to the highest points in the data." Scientists say the compositions provides a different way to experience detailed information in Webb's data, and also makes its discoveries more accessible to blind and low-vision space enthusiasts."When I first heard a sonification, it struck me in a visceral, emotional way that I imagine sighted people experience when they look up at the night sky," Christine Malec, a member of the blind and low vision community who worked on the project. This isn't the first time NASA has explored recent images of space through sound. Last month, NASA shared an audio clip that captured eerie sounds emitted from a supermassive black hole more than 250 million light years away from Earth. While some Virginians relish memories of a royal visit, Virginias connection to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who died Thursday, goes back even farther than her 1957, 1976, or 2007 visits to Virginia, according to Barbara Perry of the University of Virginias Miller Center. Here we sit in Charlottesville, Virginia, named for the wife of King George III, from whom we revolted and in the hometown of Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence, breaking us away from the empire of England, which had colonized Virginia. Perry, who studied British politics and history at Oxford University, points out that even our state name is a royal family matter. The Commonwealth of Virginia is named for the previous Queen Elizabeth, who was called the virgin queen because she never married, says Perry. We are steeped in British history. As the Miller Centers director of Presidential Studies, Perry says she has found the queen to have made remarkably few missteps in her record-breaking 70-year reign. Those missteps, Perry says, were her failure to immediately grieve with the public after the 1997 death of her estranged daughter in law, Lady Diana, and similar slowness after over 100 Welsh schoolchildren were killed when an unstable coal heap demolished their school in 1966. We look to our president to comfort us, says Perry. In Britain, they look to the monarch. And while Winston Churchill typically gets credit for leading the allies over the Nazis in World War II and then developing the alliance that grew into NATO, Perry says Elizabeth, who served the War in a quasi-combat role, deserves some credit. That ceremonial role cannot be gainsaid, says Perry, noting that Hitler came frighteningly close to victory. So theres an alternative history that could have taken place. One arena that may interest many in Charlottesville, particularly with University of Virginia scholars studying such topics, is the new kings interest in fighting climate change and promoting greatness in architecture and urbanism. Will being king rob Charles of his bully pulpit? I think hell gain a bigger pulpit and a bigger stage, but there is one drawback: He might have to be a tad more careful, says Perry. He may have to add in a soupcon of diplomacy now that he wears the crown. Perry says noted that the queen worked with 15 prime ministers and every American president from Truman to Biden, with the exception of Lyndon B. Johnson. She said the queens reign reminds her of a quotation from 19th century British essayist Walter Bagehot who wrote you must not let in daylight upon magic. She never did interviews. She didnt go on Oprah. She didnt write a memoir, Perry said. And theres another thing. In her own personal life, there was never a taint of scandal, and how many leaders can you say that about? As for her own connection to the queen, Perry was a college student with a summer of 1976 internship with a Senator in D.C. when her friends decided to take a road trip to Charlottesville for the American Bicentennial. Big mistake. We drove all the way to Charlottesville, and everything was shut down for the queens visit, says Perry. You couldnt get near Monticello and all I saw of the university was the Range. Despite her own misstep, Perry draws one lesson in particular from the monarchs 1976 visit to Charlottesville. Isnt it amazing that our enemy on that day July 4, 1776 came back 200 years later to celebrate with us? asks Perry. We developed into friends and allies. PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Some retailers are taking lobster off the menu after an assessment from an influential conservation group that the harvest of the seafood poses too much of a risk to rare whales and should be avoided. Whales can suffer injuries and fatalities when they become entangled in the gear that connects to lobster traps on the ocean floor. Seafood Watch, which rates the sustainability of different seafoods, said this week it has added the American and Canadian lobster fisheries to its red list of species to avoid. The organization, based at Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, said in a report that the fishing industry is a danger to North Atlantic right whales because current management measures do not go far enough to mitigate entanglement risks and promote recovery of the species. Thousands of businesses use Seafood Watch's recommendations to inform seafood buying decisions, and many have pledged to avoid any items that appear on the red list. A spokesperson for Blue Apron, the New York meal kit retailer, said the company stopped offering a seasonal lobster box prior to the report, and all of the seafood it is currently using follows Seafood Watch's guidelines. HelloFresh, the Germany-based meal kit company that is the largest such company operating in the U.S., also pledged shortly after the announcement to stop selling lobster. HelloFresh is committed to responsible sourcing and follows guidelines from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program, said Saskia Leisewitz, a spokesperson for HelloFresh. Seafood Watch assigns ratings of best choice, good alternative and avoid to more than 2,000 seafood items based on how sustainably they are managed. The organization's recommendations have been influential in the past, such as when it red-listed the Louisiana shrimp fishery, prompting efforts to better protect sea turtles. The fishery was later removed from the red list. The lobster fishing industry has come under scrutiny from Seafood Watch because of the threat of entanglement in fishing gear. The North Atlantic right whales number less than 340 and entanglement is one of the two biggest threats they face, along with collisions with ships, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other groups have said. The population of the giant animals, which were decimated during the commercial whaling era generations ago, has fallen in recent years. Members of the lobster fishing industry, which is also coping with increased federal fishing restrictions to protect the whales, pushed back against the Seafood Watch rating. The lobster industry in Maine, where most of the U.S.'s lobster comes to land, has not had a documented interaction with a right whale in almost two decades, said Patrice McCarron, executive director of the Maine Lobstermen's Association. Lobster is one of the most sustainable fisheries in the world due to the effective stewardship practices handed down through generations of lobstermen. These include strict protections for both the lobster resource and right whales, McCarron said. American and Canadian lobster fishermen target the same species, the American lobster, which is popular as live seafood and in processed products such as lobster rolls and lobster ravioli. The vast majority of the world's American lobster comes to the shore in New England and eastern Canada, and the crustaceans are both a key piece of the economy and a cultural marker in both places. The U.S. lobster fishery is also one of the most lucrative in the country and was worth more than $900 million at the docks in 2021, when fishermen caught more than 130 million pounds (59 million kilograms) of the crustaceans. Seafood Watch partners with numerous major seafood buyers on its recommendations. Some of the buyers, such as Compass Group and Cheesecake Factory, did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press. A spokesperson for one, Mars Petcare, said the company doesn't have lobster in its supply chain. Environmental groups said Seafood Watch's decision places a spotlight on the fishery and the need to do more to protect whales. Fishery managers must increase protections to save North Atlantic right whales so seafood retailers, consumers, and restaurants can put American lobster and crab back on the menu, Oceana campaign director Gib Brogan said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 AP Show More Show Less 2 of 3 AP Show More Show Less 3 of 3 SAN DIEGO (AP) The U.S. government posted a $40,000 reward Friday for information leading to the arrest of the Malaysian defense contractor nicknamed Fat Leonard," who disappeared weeks before he was set to be sentenced for one of the largest bribery scandals in the nations military history. Leonard Glenn Francis cut off his ankle monitoring bracelet around 7:35 a.m. Sunday at a San Diego home where he was being held, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Neighbors reported seeing U-Haul trucks coming and going from the home days before he disappeared. MANILA, Philippines (AP) Human rights activists in the Philippines rejected on Saturday President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s move to proclaim the birthday of his late father, an ousted dictator, a special holiday in their northern home province. Marcos Jr., who took office in June after a landslide election victory, authorized the declaration of the non-working public holiday in Ilocos Norte province on Monday for celebrations marking the 105th birth anniversary of his namesake father. The dictator was ousted in an army-backed pro-democracy revolt in 1986. It is but fitting and proper that the people of the province of Ilocos Norte be given the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies, said the presidential proclamation, which was signed by Marcos Jr.s executive secretary and posted on Facebook. Marcos Jr.s predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, had also authorized the late presidents birthday to be observed as a holiday in Ilocos Norte. But rights activists have been especially alarmed by moves of the new president they suspect are meant to whitewash the image of his father and the Marcos family. Satur Ocampo, who was arrested as a suspected communist insurgent in the 1970s and tortured under the Marcos dictatorship, criticized in an online news conference Marcos Jr.s move to glorify his father when the victims of the dictatorship have not even attained justice despite our campaign, plundered wealth has not been returned and there isnt even a hint of apology up to now. We will not allow them to get away with this, he said. Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana, a former Commission on Human Rights official, said Marcos Jr.s holiday proclamation was another step to revise history. Her late father, an opposition politician, was imprisoned after Marcos placed the Philippines under martial law in 1972. Rights activists announced during the news conference a series of protests on Sept. 21 to mark the 50th anniversary of Marcos's martial law declaration. Filipino historian Francis Gealogo said Marcos Jr.s holiday declaration was in stark contrast to steps taken by other countries to use historical sites associated with dictators as a warning against tyrannical rule. He cited a stone marker outside Adolf Hitlers birthplace in Austria that promotes democracy, condemns fascism and pays homage to the massive number of his victims. What is being celebrated here?" Gealogo asked. This is like spitting on history and the memory of the people who had been victimized by the dictatorship. There was no immediate comment from Marcos Jr. but his key officials have cited his May 9 electoral victory as a reflection of the Filipino peoples trust and confidence in him despite the allegations against his father and his family, which Marcos Jr. had called lies. Critics say a well-funded social media campaign to burnish the image of the Marcoses has helped the familys stunning political comeback. The elder Marcos, his family and cronies were driven to U.S. exile after he was ousted by a 1986 People Power uprising. He died in Hawaii in 1989 without admitting any wrongdoing amid allegations of plunder and human rights atrocities. A Hawaii court later found him liable for massive human rights violations and awarded $2 billion from his estate to compensate more than 9,000 Filipinos who filed a lawsuit against him for torture, incarceration, extrajudicial killings and disappearances. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) A Black pastor who was arrested by white police officers while watering the flowers of a neighbor who was out of town filed a federal lawsuit alleging the ordeal violated his constitutional rights and caused lingering problems including emotional distress and anxiety. Michael Jennings filed the lawsuit Friday night against three officers and the central Alabama town of Childersburg requesting a jury trial and seeking an unspecified amount of money. Jennings lawyers held a news conference outside the Birmingham federal courthouse on Saturday to discuss the lawsuit, and the NAACP, the nations oldest civil rights organization, and other groups planned a rally afterward at a downtown park. Im here for accountability, and Im here for justice, Jennings told the news conference. The suit alleged the actions of Officers Christopher Smith and Justin Gable, Sgt. Jeremy Brooks and the city violated rights protecting against unlawful arrest and guaranteeing free speech. He cited multiple continuing problems including post traumatic stress disorder and humiliation. Childersburg city attorney Reagan Rumsey didnt return an email seeking comment. Jennings, 56, was arrested in May after a white neighbor called 911 and said a younger Black male and gold SUV were at a house while the owners who are friends of Jennings and had asked him to watch their home were away. Jennings identified himself as Pastor Jennings but refused to provide identification to the officers, who arrested him on a charge of obstructing government operations after a 20-minute confrontation that included raised voices on both sides. Filed in municipal court, the charge was dismissed within days at the request of the then-police chief. Jennings attorneys last month released police body camera video that was obtained following a records request to the city, located 55 miles (88 kilometers) southeast of Birmingham. Benard Simelton, president of the Alabama branch of the NAACP, said the officers who arrested Jennings did so many things that weren't in line with good community policing tactics. These poor judgment decisions reflect poorly on the type of training the Childersburg police officers receive if they were acting in accordance within police guidelines, Simelton said in a statement. While Jennings could have filed a claim against the city seeking damages, attorney Harry Daniels said that wasn't done because the arrest was well within the time frame allowed by law for a lawsuit. LODGE GRASS, Mont. (AP) Luella Brien initially wanted to be a school teacher, but never thought shed be one after taking a different career path. Shortly after graduating high school, she pivoted from education to pursue journalism. Now those paths have converged in her new position as the journalism teacher at Lodge Grass High School. No one was more surprised by the career change than Brien, who was offered the job weeks before the new school year by her predecessor Ben Cloud during a summer audio reporting workshop with students. Towards the end of the camp he just sort of says to me, By the way, Im retiring. Do you want to teach next year? she said with a laugh. Juggling time between working as the tour manager for the Crow Tribe and editor for the online news company Four Point Media, she was initially hesitant to take the position. But, she ultimately accepted it, realizing the opportunity to expand local journalism with her students. In addition to her career as a Montana journalist, Brien also worked as an instructor at Little Big Horn College and a media consultant for the Crow Tribe and Apsaalooke Legislature. Despite not seeking the job, she feels uniquely qualified for it. Its always been news, she told The Billings Gazette. I was either covering news or I was teaching others about news, so its always been a part of my work. Journalistic pursuits Briens interest in reporting started while growing up in Hardin. Skimming her fathers daily newspapers once he was finished with them. What started out as skipping to the comics led to finding her name in the scholastic achievers list and eventually to learning about current events through local articles. As she grew older, she noticed the lack of news focusing on the Crow Indian Reservation. She said it was her curiosity about a family member who went missing that spurred how her own journalistic pursuits. She pestered family members who were reluctant to discuss it and neighbors to find out what everyone knew about the disappearance. She learned that people went missing from her community, often without much of a follow-up investigation, more often than she thought. As I got to talking with more and more people, I found out that a lot of families have similar stories to mine, she said. So I wanted to tell the stories of our community that no one tells. Brien graduated from Hardin High School in 1999 and earned a liberal arts degree from Little Bighorn College in 2004. The lack of interesting job opportunities and her enjoyment of journalism courses led her to earn a bachelors degree in journalism at the University of Montana in 2006. This would land her reporting jobs with the Ravalli Republic, Billings Gazette and, most recently, the Big Horn County News. It was back in her home county where she finally realized her goal of highlighting Crow Reservation news in a way it hadnt previously. Her position as the papers editor and general manager led to the papers coverage of tribal affairs to increase significantly. She believes the rapport she developed with the community over the years also gave her the chance to tell their stories, which other reporters may not have gotten to. I dont speak Crow, but the people there know me, she said. It didnt matter if I had moved away for a few years or not. They remember me and they trust me. Dead Indians or feathered Indians Brien said tribal communities like those in Big Horn County had grown disillusioned by most news outlets coverage of their lives and communities due to its limitations and depictions. Specifically, she said, most of these stories reported on either crime or tribal events highlighting their history and culture. Were either dead Indians or feathered Indians, she said. Too often these news outlets will fly in or drive in to town, get what they want or need and go on to tell the story they want to tell. This trend of misrepresentation and sensationalizing extends to nationally published papers like the New York Times, who reported on the disappearances of Crow women Kaysera Stops Pretty Places and Selena Not Afraid. Brien said reporters were quick to speak with Stops Pretty Places family shortly after she went missing but didnt report it until after Not Afraid went missing the following January. So, Kayseras story is just sitting there for months, nothings getting done, and then Selena goes missing and theyre back immediately to talk with her family, she said. Then the story comes out and Kaysera is only mentioned towards the end. How much longer was that story going to sit there before they decided to run it? Coverage like this and previous stories led Native communities to avoid talking to news reporters and rely more on local sources like Big Horn County News. Her shift toward more reservation coverage wasnt welcomed by everyone. Almost daily conflicts between the broader community and the paper prompted Brien to leave the paper in 2021 and launch Four Points Media. The online news outlet focuses solely on the Crow Reservation in Big Horn County and to date has been funded through various grants. It was quickly met with positive results with over 3,000 readers visiting its website in the first month. Funding inconsistency and Brien being its only contributor lead to initial hiccups, however. The companys website Four Points Press is due to re-launch this month while a recently hired reporter and additional board member will help sustain operations going forward. The need is there Four Points Media is far from the only local news outlet struggling to find its financial footing. Sam Sandoval is the editor of Char-Koosta News, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes official newspaper, and says they could cover more news throughout their community with additional staff and resources. The paper has reached out to the University of Montanas journalism program about potential tribal reporters, but travel distances, lack of familiarity with the community and its small population has made it a less-attractive option for reporters. Sandoval has also reached out to nearby high school newspapers in Pablo, Ronan and Polson for potential contributors, but said declining student interest has resulted in inconsistency in recent years. The popular thought these days is that journalism is dying, newspapers are shutting downbut the need is there, he said. Its just not stable enough and theres not enough people committed enough to do the work. Journalism-publications teacher at C.M. Russell High School in Great Falls Beth Britton says shes noticed a steady decline in student interest in her journalism course over the past 10 years. This will be the first year since 1965, when the school was founded, where there wont be a paper, Britton said. Thats more than upsetting. Also president of the Montana Journalism Education Association, Britton said shes heard similar cases from other schools that competing new electives, high teacher turnover and students preference for social media apps over news have led to multiple school papers either becoming web-based only or getting phased out entirely. They dont get the paper. A few students said they read some magazines, but only one or two said their parents read the paper, Britton said of her students today. They have no role model of a newspaper. The Lodge Grass Gazette At Lodge Grass High School, Brien is addressing these gaps in both tribal reporting and student reporting through her classwork. This year, the school is offering journalism, photojournalism, audio/visual production and yearbook classes that will use contemporary storytelling approaches. For their first journalism assignment, students were asked to introduce and describe themselves through a TikTok video. Throughout the school year, students will also learn the fundamentals of multimedia journalism and write their own print articles, design the schools yearbook, produce podcasts and short films. They will also get hands-on experience contributing original reports to both Briens Four Point Press and the school newspaper, the Lodge Grass Gazette. Senior student Angelina Toineeta decided this year to pursue a career in journalism after writing a piece on the Little Bighorn FFA program for last springs photojournalism class. It was a cool feeling, getting to see what I had written on the page, Toineeta said. Id like to continue to write about my experiences and the things going on in my community. Brien hopes to continue teaching at Lodge Grass High School and increasing this interest for years to come. I want them to be excited about this class, Brien said. I want this to be the elective that students tell other students they have to take. Although some groups have resumed meetings, others schedules may have changed because of pandemic restrictions. It is recommended you contact the group in advance to verify details. Any changes in meeting schedules can be emailed to JJCsocial@myjournalcourier.com. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 217-370-4002 Jacksonville locations: First Baptist Church, 1701 Mound Ave. Wheelchair-accessible. Club HOW, 638 S. Church St. Monday Closed discussion, 7:30 a.m. at Club HOW. Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW. Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Bowen Group. Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. Tuesday Open discussion, noon at Club HOW. Womens open meeting, 5:30 p.m., First Christian Churchs Fireside Room. VIRGINIA: Closed discussion, 7 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Main and Washington streets. ROODHOUSE: Closed discussion, 12-step/12 traditions, 8 p.m. at Grace Center, 114 W. Palm St. Wednesday Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW. Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. Thursday Closed discussion, 7:30 a.m. at Club HOW. Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW. Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. Newcomers Group. Friday Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW. TGIF Group. Closed discussion, 5:15 p.m., Big Book Study at Club HOW. VIRGINIA: Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 401 E. Broadway Ave. Saturday Open speaker, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. Open meeting, noon at Club HOW. Sunday Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. 12 & 12 Group. Closed discussion, 10 a.m. at Club HOW. (Second Sunday is open) SPRINGFIELD: AA for Women, 10 a.m. at Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St. AL-ANON Meetings are nonsmoking and open to anyone. The only requirement is that there be a problem of alcohol with a loved one or friend. 217-248-6434. Wednesday 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, 331 E. State St. (use Morgan Street entrance). NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS All meetings are nonsmoking. Not affiliated with any religious organization. Jacksonville location: Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf, 104 Finley St. (enter through back door). 217-883-1975. Monday Open discussion group, 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf. Wednesday Open discussion group, 8 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf. Friday Open discussion group, 7:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf. OTHER MEETINGS Monday Addicts Victorious, 7-8 p.m. at Faith Tabernacle, 571 Sandusky St. Use side entrance to church hall. PITTSFIELD: Addicts Victorious, 7-8 p.m. in the basement of Subway in Pittsfield. 1-800-323-1388. Tuesday Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary, 7 a.m. Holiday Inn Express meeting room, South Jacksonville. 217-243-6895. Bereavement support group, 10-11 a.m. Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Meeting Room 4. Jacksonville Area Landlords Association (JALA), 6 p.m. at the Morgan County Fairgrounds grandstand. Social time at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 217-243-1409 or 217-248-5416. Wednesday Breastfeeding support group, 6 p.m., Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Meeting Room 2. ROODHOUSE: Women with Hearts of Love (WWHOL), 6-7 p.m. at House of Restoration, 208 W. Franklin St. 217-602-1670. Thursday Jacksonville Area Chess Club, 6-9 p.m. at Jacksonville Public Library. 217-370-0882. Jacksonville Kiwanis Club, noon at Hamiltons. WHITE HALL: Addicts Victorious, teens 5:30-6:30 p.m.; adults 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of New Life Church, 626 Curtis St. Friday Jacksonville Rotary Club, noon at Hamiltons. PITTSFIELD: Addicts Victorious, 6 p.m. at Assembly of God, 575 Piper St. 800-323-1388. Saturday Jacksonville Amateur Radio Societys Net, 9 p.m. Transmitted on K9JX repeater. K9JX.com. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate DALLAS (AP) After Itza Pantoja's severely disabled son died at age 16, she made it her mission to ensure that the wheelchairs, beds and other equipment and supplies that had helped him would get to others in need. Pantoja's lengthy struggle to find an organization that would take the large donation ended when she got word that a group in Chicago was interested. So she and her family packed up a U-Haul and drove the 1,240 miles (1,995 kilometers) from San Antonio to drop it off. It kind of soothes us because other families that are going through what we went through kind of have a helping hand, Pantoja said. The mother's effort highlighted not only how hard it can be to get such equipment even with insurance but also the difficulty that can be encountered when trying to donate it. The journey also shows the community built around not only need, but a desire to help. The head of the at-home care company that took the donation, ASI/NE Healthcare Services, said that just seeing the number of items that Dylan Yadriel Cruz-Pantoja needed made her emotional. It was deeply moving to see that this one child needed so much just to be able to live, said Marta Cerda, ASI's chief executive officer. At 15 months old, Dylan was left with brain damage after emergency room staff didnt realize that a shunt placed in his head at birth to remove fluid was malfunctioning. Pantoja said they sought out therapies and equipment to make his life better, scrambling to raise money when insurance wouldnt pay. I used to make cookies and cupcakes, Pantoja said. I used to babysit kids while my husband was working two to three jobs in a week. Many of the items, including a car seat, standing chair and bed, went to Felipe Aguilar, a 12-year-old Chicago boy with cerebral palsy. Felipes mother, Karina Aguilar, said it has often been difficult to get the equipment her son needs. Theres always some excuses for insurance not to pay, not to consider that equipment as a medical necessity, she said. Among items from the Pantoja family that have been especially helpful are a car seat thats big enough for Felipe, a chair that helps him stand up and a bed designed so he doesn't fall off. Before the new bed, Aguilar said they were making "a barrier with pillows and things around the bed. The path that led the Pantojas to Chicago was a winding one. In the months after Dylan's death in November 2019, the pandemic began changing daily life and Pantoja had trouble finding a local organization that would take the donation so big it filled a garage. Her first idea was to try to get the items to Puerto Rico, where the family lived before moving to Texas when Dylan was 10. She turned to Pedro Soler, the attorney in Puerto Rico whod handled a medical malpractice case the family filed over Dylan's condition. But Soler found that the cost would be too high, and there were no guarantees when it would arrive. So Soler got in touch with a law firm he works with in Chicago, Clifford Law Offices, which reached out to a judge who got in touch with ASI. A Chicago-area group that helps children with physical disabilities helped bring everyone together, while another that redistributes medical equipment moved the donation from ASI's storage unit and conference room to the Aguilar family. Pantoja said it was like reliving her own life when she met the Aguilars at a news conference centering on the donation held a year ago last month. Erin Clifford, a partner at Clifford Law Offices, said that knowing how much the donation meant to each family, she started tearing up a little bit as she watched the mothers that day. Over a decade ago, Dr. Will Rosenblatt, a professor at Yale School of Medicine, recognized a need to help connect people who had medical supplies and equipment to donate with not-for-profits. Its a heartache to take this stuff to the landfill, he said. Rosenblatt founded Med-Eq, an online site that matches those looking to donate items with a group that needs them. He said that even though they work with 300 to 400 organizations, about two-thirds of the items offered up aren't ever placed. Finding a match, he said, has a lot to do with geography and funds. For instance, many groups will only take items they can pick up because shipping items can be difficult and costly. Jason Chernock, director of programs and partnerships at MedShare, which distributes surplus medical supplies and equipment from the U.S. around the world, said his group gets daily inquiries from people looking to donate large medical equipment previously used at home. And while his organization generally doesn't take such donations, they work to find groups in the donor's community that will. "That makes sense just because of the logistics involved, Chernock said. These are big, bulky items. ASI's operations manager, Ana Alvarez, said helping facilitate donations isn't something ASI usually does. But in this case, they made an exception. We couldn't walk away from it, she said. NEW BERN, N.C. (AP) A former engineering company executive has been sentenced to one year and six months in prison for his role in a bid-rigging scheme to defraud the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Brent Brewbaker, who worked for Contech Engineered Solutions, also was sentenced on Thursday to two years of supervised release after his prison term, court records show. U.S. District Judge Louise Wood Flanagan in New Bern, North Carolina, ordered Brewbaker to pay a $111,000 fine and report to prison in approximately three months. NEW ORLEANS (AP) Heartfelt stories of a man's courage, generosity, faith and love for his family were heard Saturday as family and friends bid farewell to former New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu, whose legacy includes standing against segregation at a time when some preferred the status quo. Landrieu died Monday at the age of 92. His son, former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, talked about his father without any notes, saying if he'd had some, his father would jump out of that coffin and strangle me." The remark drew laughter from the hundreds gathered inside Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church on the campus of Loyola University New Orleans. Among those in attendance were Gov. John Bel Edwards, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, U.S. Rep. Troy Carter and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Landrieu said his father gave him his first political lesson when he was a child after diving off a shed and getting stuck. I yelled, Somebody help me, somebody help me and my father ran out and said Just let go, Ill catch you.' So I let go, and my father backed up. I said, I thought you said you were going to catch me. My father said Son, the second you came out of your mama I knew you were going to be a politician and I had to teach you a lesson. I said What is it? and he said 'Don't trust nobody, not even your daddy!" The crowd roared with laughter. Landrieu later admitted the story was only half true, but noted the one true thing was that his father was always there for his family. "My father's life was pretty simple although it was very hard to do what it is he did," Landrieu said. My father's life was a life of service. That's all he wanted to do from the time he was born." Born Maurice E. Landrieu on July 23, 1930, he was called Moon, a family nickname, throughout his life and eventually made that his legal first name. He served three years in the Army before opening a small, walk-up law office with law school classmate Pascal Calogero, who later became the chief justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. Landrieu won a statehouse seat in 1960 and held onto it in 1963 after opposing Gov. Jimmie Davis moves to keep students in New Orleans separated by race. He then won a city council seat in 1965 with strong support from Black voters. After becoming mayor, he pushed to racially diversify city government and supported the states construction of the Louisiana Superdome, which opened in 1975. After his two terms as mayor expired in 1978, Landrieu became President Jimmy Carters secretary of housing and urban development. He then became a judge, serving on Louisianas 4th Circuit Court of Appeal from 1992 to 2000. He was a trailblazer and had the courage of his convictions, Edwards said of Moon Landrieu. He made it easier for us to do the right things. The things he did were revolutionary at the time. Moon Landrieu was a legend, a history maker, said former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial, who now leads the National Urban League. He set the framework for every mayor since him. Not only was he a mayor of accomplishment and competence, he said what he believed and had a deep conviction of fairness that never wandered. Landrieu called his father a great politician in service to his country. But however good he was as a public servant, he was a much greater father, he said. What many of you dont know is that Moon Landrieu has a family that he has adored his entire life. Former state Sen. Jon D. Johnson said he considered Landrieu to be a mentor but above that a good person and a dynamic leader for the City of New Orleans." Just after being elected to the state Legislature, Johnson recalled taking a trip to Washington and deciding at the spur of the moment to visit Landrieu, then the head of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. I didn't have an appointment, I just walked in and said I wanted to meet with him, he said, smiling. He spent about 20 minutes with me, just talking with me. That was the kind of man he was. Sheila Berniard Burns said Landrieu was responsible for putting her into a career with city government. He gave me the opportunity, this little black girl from New Orleans, to get a foot in and get promoted through the ranks to eventually run the Transit Administration which later morphed into the Regional Transit Authority," said Burns, who also served in Ernest N. Dutch Morial's administration and as a consultant during his son's term. Moon's legacy was that he gave African Americans like me an opportunity. MEXICO CITY (AP) A fiery crash between a tanker truck carrying fuel and a passenger bus Saturday killed at least 18 people in northern Mexico, authorities reported. Prosecutors in the northern border state of Tamaulipas said the crash might have been caused by one of the truck's two tank trailers coming lose. The collision left both vehicles completely burned. Police photos showed the bus was reduced to a tangle of smoking, charred metal. Tamaulipas state police initially found nine sets of remains, but by early afternoon prosecutors said nine more had been recovered. The death toll could rise, they said. The crash occurred before dawn on a highway that leads to the northern city of Monterrey. The driver of the fuel truck apparently survived and is under investigation. The bus had apparently set out from the central state of Hidalgo and was headed to Monterrey. The semi-truck was towing two tank trailers in tandem. Such double-container freight trucks have been involved in numerous deadly crashes in the past. Because weight restrictions and safety inspections in Mexico are lax, there have been calls in the past to ban the extremely heavy and unwieldy trucks. State prosecutors said in a statement that the crash may have occurred because one of the fuel tanks came loose. A social media threat made toward Western Albemarle High School early Friday morning will result in criminal charges of threatening, according to Albemarle County police. Police officials said they received notice of the threat Friday before school and immediately investigated. After an investigation, officers determined this threat not to be credible, said Bridgette Butynski, police information officer in a prepared statement. The responsible juvenile will be charged with the following: Threats of death or bodily injury to a person or member of his family; threats of death or bodily injury to persons on school property; threats of death or bodily injury to health care providers, she said. Police did not release the persons name because of the age. Butynski said the juvenile who made the treat will be charged under a state law with penalities ranging from a class 5 felony, if terrorism-related, or a class 1 misdemeanor. The law specifically allows any person younger than 18 years of age to be charged with a misdemeanor. Butynski said police want anyone who sees a threat on social media, in a text or an internet site, to notify a school administrator and the police. [Police] will work with the school to develop a plan of action. At no point should anyone share it with friends or post it online, Butynski said in the statement. She noted that while there is a certain amount of anonymity online and with certain internet-based apps, most are not entirely private. Some may think that school threats are funny, but the community and police do not, she said. Those who make these posts will be held accountable and there will be criminal consequences. A Quincy-headquartered banking company is opening a new division to focus on financing for mobile home communities. First Bankers Trust Co. is launching MHC Funding initially to focus on properties in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Indiana. "This is an industry that has exciting growth potential," First Bankers Trust Co. President Allen Shafer said. Our company has years of experience financing in this area. We feel it is important to provide a specialized team with unique products and services to not only meet, but exceed the needs of these customers." First Bankers Trust Co. has branch locations in Quincy, Macomb, Mendon, Carthage, Rushville and Springfield and a loan production office in OFallon. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Four Republicans who have promoted false claims about the 2020 presidential election and are running for top state election offices said Saturday they were fighting against a corrupt system even pointing a finger at mysterious forces within their own party. The candidates -- Arizonas Mark Finchem, Michigans Kristina Karamo, Nevadas Jim Marchant and New Mexicos Audrey Trujillo -- said they want to overhaul how elections are run in their states. They appeared at a conference inside a South Florida hotel ballroom that featured numerous speakers falsely claiming that the 2020 election was stolen from former President Donald Trump. Our biggest enemy is our own party, said Marchant, a businessman and former state lawmaker who was among Trumps most ardent supporters challenging President Joe Biden's 2020 win in Nevada. Even though we are Republicans, we are kind of the outsiders. We have a battle, but were not giving up. All are members of the America First Secretary of State Coalition, which calls for large-scale changes to elections. While not officially tied to Trumps America First movement, its part of the broader effort promoting conservative candidates who align with the former presidents views. Eliminating voting machines, mailed ballots and early voting are among their goals. The coalition also supports hand-counting of all ballots and a single day of voting for all Americans with few exceptions. They did not say whether Election Day should be a national holiday. Many of their ideas are based on unfounded claims that voting machines are being manipulated. Nearly two years after the 2020 election, no evidence has emerged to suggest widespread fraud or manipulation while reviews in state after state have upheld the results showing Biden won. The four are among the nearly 1 in 3 Republican candidates running for statewide offices that play a role in overseeing, certifying or defending elections who have supported overturning the results of the 2020 presidential contest, according to an Associated Press review. Election experts say candidates who dispute the results of a valid election in which there has been no evidence of wrongdoing pose a danger of interfering in future elections. They warn it could trigger chaos if they refuse to accept or challenge results they dont like. With less than nine weeks before the November election, the candidates took time off the campaign trail in their own states to appear at the event, organized by the secretary of state coalition and the Florida affiliate of The America Project. The America Project was founded by Michael Flynn, the retired lieutenant general and Trumps former national security adviser, and Patrick Byrne, founder of Overstock.com. It was the latest in a nationwide effort to question the results of the 2020 election and promote conspiracy theories about voting machines and the workings of election offices. The forums, held for well over a year, have helped to undermine confidence in elections among broad swaths of the Republican Party. A few hundred people attended Saturday's conference, which featured numerous panels claiming that elections are being manipulated in a variety of ways. One panel was comprised of former candidates -- Democrats and Republicans from around the country -- who sought to cast doubt on their election losses in bids to challenge elected officials in their states. Karamo, a community college professor, gained prominence after the 2020 election for claiming she saw irregularities in the processing of handling mailed ballots while serving as an election observer in Detroit. She called the election system corrupt. This is not a partisan issue. Its a liberty issue, Karamo said. Thats why you see people in our own party, claiming to be Republicans, trying to silence us and stop us. Even though we are the Republican nominees of this office, we have people in our own party trying to make us lose. Because they are in on it. A wide-ranging review of the 2020 election in Michigan by Republicans who control the state Legislature found no systemic fraud and no issues that would have changed the results. Similar reviews in other battleground states have come to the same conclusion. Dozens of court cases brought by Trump and his allies were turned away, and even the former president's own Justice Department found no evidence of widespread fraud. Nevertheless, the Republican secretary of state candidates speaking Saturday spoke of a system they see as hopelessly corrupted. Finchem said he did his job as a state lawmaker in calling a public hearing to discuss election concerns and noted how Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican in his final term, dismissed the effort: How do you like me now, Doug? Finchem said. He added: We are in battle against a cartel. Finchem was at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, before Trump backers attacked Congress and has pushed for Bidens win in Arizona to be withdrawn, something the law provides no way to do. False claims about the 2020 election have led to death threats against election officials and workers, prompting some to leave the profession and raising concerns about a loss of experienced professionals overseeing elections in November. The repeated false claims of a stolen election also have eroded confidence in U.S. elections. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll in 2021 found that about two-thirds of Republicans say they do not think Biden was legitimately elected. Trujillo, a small business owner from the central New Mexico town of Corrales, said she wants the states officials to follow the law when it comes to elections and to increase transparency. For example, she raised concerns about the security of drop boxes used to return mailed ballots, even though there is no evidence of widespread problems with drop boxes. She also criticized election officials for being dismissive or even condescending to voters who have doubts. We have questions as voters and we should get to ask them, Trujillo said in an interview after speaking as part of the panel. We shouldnt feel like, OK, we cant ask that because its taboo and well look like were trying to question the elections. Because the integrity needs to be there. It needs to be very transparent. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GREENWICH When it comes to acquiring and preserving open space in town, Greenwich is falling behind the efforts of its neighbors to keep land free from development, according to one local official. Despite the size of our town and our resources, we are not keeping up with our neighbors, Director of Environmental Affairs Patricia Sesto said. We are not keeping up with the Joneses even when you look at other towns that are similarly developed, like Fairfield or Westport, and coastal towns that tend to have a higher degree of development. We still lag behind those. Sesto recommended to the Board of Selectmen that the town make a greater effort to get more open space, proposing a Conservation Commission 2022 Open Space Plan that would update the current plan, which dates to 2002. She presented a draft of the new plan to the board Thursday, but a vote will not come until public feedback can be heard. Greenwichs most recent open space acquisition came in 2020, when the town and the Greenwich Land Trust each contributed $1 million toward the purchase of more than 72 acres of land on Lake Avenue from Aquarion Water Co. The land trust now manages that open space. Greenwich has been pretty quiet for a long time in our open space preservation, Sesto said. Its time to change. Theyre not making any more land. First Selectman Fred Camillo said he agreed with Sesto and said there are some big tracts of land that, if developed, would tax the towns infrastructure and exacerbate flooding. We are up against it, Camillo said. I know when I speak to other mayors and first selectman and women around the state, you hear the same thing about how their infrastructure was never meant to have all this development. This has to be a priority. Overall, there is nearly 3,900 acres of dedicated open space in town that is protected from development by restrictions. Open space has ecological benefits, Sesto said. We think of it as a nice thing to have, but it really is an area of our town that benefits us in many ways. We know from our flooding history, which is changing, that what we dont develop is really important in how we manage our storm water. Large parcels of land with good vegetative cover hold that water. If there are wetlands or flat areas, those can stage our flood waters and prevent damage downstream. Open space can also contribute to pollution management, she said. Also, habitats can be created on open space that are beneficial for pollinators and mammals. We owe it to those organisms to have a place for them, Sesto said. Those species support us in our developed areas. Additionally, Sesto pointed to the value of protected open spaces, where residents can enjoy passive outdoor recreation and which were popular destinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also said that communities with larger amounts of open space have higher property values. While no vote was taken on the draft plan, which lays out goals for open space acquisition but is not a formal action plan, the board members indicated support. (Having preserved open space) is an insurance policy, Selectwoman Lauren Rabin said. What we do today is going to save us money and heartache and destruction in the future. Camillo said he expected pushback on the efforts . Youre not going to see money coming back from this, he said. But it does enhance values. It does enhance the quality of life here. The state of Connecticut set a goal in 1997 of protecting 21 percent of the states land as open space by 2023. But the it is not likely to achieve the goal in April the state was only 76 percent of the way there. The towns last open space plan was approved in 2002. The most recent Greenwich Plan of Conservation and Development calls for a new plan to serve as the guidelines for action. The action plan must be nimble so the town can be responsive when open space is on the market, Sesto said. Both the RTM and Planning and Zoning Commission must approve the plan, too. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (AP) Southern California welcomed cooler temperatures and spotty rain Saturday as a tropical storm veered off the Pacific Coast and faded, helping put an end to a blistering heat wave that nearly overwhelmed the states electrical grid. Thunderstorms were forecast for the Los Angeles region Saturday that could linger in mountainous areas on Sunday. But after Hurricane Kay made landfall in Mexico this week it quickly was downgraded to a tropical storm and weakened further until it largely disappeared, said John Dumas, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Oxnard, adding the scattered rain falling in the region is leftover moisture from a has-been storm. Is the worst of it over? Yes, Dumas said. In Southern California, cooler temperatures and moisture brought respite to firefighters battling the massive Fairview Fire about 75 miles (121 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles after sweltering heat pushed temperatures past 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in many locations this week. The blaze has destroyed two dozen structures and threatened more than 10,000 homes and other structure. But firefighters have made progress and said they expected full containment on Monday. Fire officials warned, however, that Northern California communities are still at risk for a heat wave and wildfire conditions and there is the potential for lightning Sunday in the Northern Sierra. In the foothills east of Sacramento, the Mosquito Fire spread to nearly 53 square miles (137 square kilometers) Saturday, threatening more than 5,000 structures in Placer and El Dorado counties and blanketing the region in smoke. Were not seeing a corresponding drop in fire activity at this point, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Issac Sanchez said. The National Weather Service forecast an end to the grueling heat wave in the Los Angeles area Saturday. A flood watch remained in effect in mountainous areas previously charred by wildfires through the end of the day, and there was the potential for coastal flooding because of high surf, Dumas said. Officials in Southern California's coastal cities posted warning signs and made sandbags available to residents fearing flooding. Minor flooding was reported in a beach parking lot and some local roads in parched desert communities around Palm Springs. In Los Angeles, about 28,000 customers were reported Saturday to have lost power, with more than half restored by the afternoon, according to the city's department of water and power. Some mountain communities east of San Diego reported several inches of rain by early Saturday, while low-lying coastal areas saw less than an inch. In Orange County's Huntington Beach, it was hot, muggy and drizzling Saturday as Aaron French, 30, played disc golf with friends. A midday breeze made playing more comfortable after a week of stifling heat and humidity. Its been a wild, wild week of weather, French said, while sending a disc whizzing through the unusually quiet park. You just kind of have to accept the weather is the weather and live your life regardless of what is going on. September already has produced one of the hottest and longest heat waves on record for California and some other Western states. Nearly 54 million people were under heat warnings and advisories across the region this week as temperature records were shattered in many areas. Californias state capital of Sacramento hit an all-time high Tuesday of 116 degrees (46.7 C), breaking a 97-year-old record. The state set a record for power consumption Tuesday as air conditioners whirred amid the heat and authorities nearly instituted rolling blackouts when the electrical grid capacity was at its breaking point. Scientists say climate change has made the West warmer and drier over the last three decades and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. In the last five years, California has experienced the largest and most destructive fires in state history. And the rest of the West hasn't been immune. There were 18 large fires burning in Oregon and Washington Saturday, leading to evacuations and targeted power outages in Oregon as the challenge of dry and windy conditions continued in the region. According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, there are nearly 406 square miles (1,051 square kilometers) of active, uncontained fires and nearly 5,000 people on the ground fighting them in the two states. California firefighters said Saturday they have so far been unable to corral any part of the Mosquito Fire, which has prompted evacuations in communities including Foresthill and Georgetown. Jonathan Richards, a church pastor, told the San Francisco Chronicle he moved to Georgetown a year and a half ago aware that wildfires had charred mountain communities, but didn't want to think about it happening when he got the dreaded evacuation message this week. He took his two dogs and a cat but said he left behind nine chickens because he didn't have a way to transport them. "You never dream that itll find your little area of paradise," he said. The fire has covered a large portion of the region with smoke. California health officials urged people in affected areas to stay indoors where possible. Organizers of the Tour de Tahoe canceled the annual 72-mile (115-km) bicycle ride scheduled Sunday around Lake Tahoe because of the heavy smoke from the blaze more than 50 miles (80 km) away. Last years ride was canceled because of smoke from another big fire south of Tahoe. The Mosquito Fires cause remained under investigation. Pacific Gas & Electric said unspecified electrical activity occurred close in time to the report of the fire on Tuesday. ____ Associated Press journalists Julie Walker in New York, John Antczak, Stefanie Dazio and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles, Julie Watson in San Diego, Noah Berger in Auburn, California, Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, and Rachel La Corte in Olympia, Washington., contributed to this report. The ability to work remotely has opened up different opportunities for the millions of people who work 9 to 5 each day. While the advantages to remote work are too numerous to count, logging hours from the sofa is not necessarily a panacea for all working ills. In fact, many remote workers often lament how much their work-life balance has been adversely affected by their decision to avoid the office. According to the career resource Zippia, 27 percent of United States employees work remotely as of 2021. There are expected to be 36.2 million American employees working remotely by 2025. In its 2020 Household Pulse Survey, the U.S. Census Bureau found that more than one-third of U.S. households reported working from home more frequently than before the pandemic. Longer hours Switching to remote working certainly may have improved flexibility for many workers, but it also has led to them putting in longer hours something that may affect home life. According to a survey of 2,800 workers by the Los Angeles-based staffing firm Robert Half, 45% of respondents said they regularly work more hours during the week than they did before transitioning to remote work. Also, 70% of professionals reported working on weekends. Americans are not alone in this phenomenon. The business support company NordVPN Teams says the average length of time an employee working from home in the U.K., Canada, Austria, and U.S. is logged on at their computer has increased by more than two hours a day since the coronavirus crisis. Lines blurred As home offices have become a more common feature, workers admit to taking shorter lunch breaks, working through sickness, and being "available" during times that would normally be devoted to leisure or family. Technology has made it possible to get alerts on mobile phones even when workers have seemingly logged off for the day. Reclaim control Mastering control of one's time can take some trial and error. However, there are some tips that can make it easier to achieve. Set limits (and stick to them). Don't overschedule yourself. Figure out what you can handle in terms of work and home responsibilities and limit those actions. Detach from work. Try to keep work equipment in a separate area from the living room or kitchen. This way you can turn off the computer and call it a day. Turn off alerts on your phone when the work day ends. Schedule fun times with the family. Make it a priority to fill the calendar with plenty of activities to enjoy in your leisure time, which can help to offset the demands of work. Prioritize and assess frequently. Everyone has different priorities. Remote work may help you realize those priorities more easily, such as working specific hours to be able to care for an elderly parent or an infant. Don't feel the need to compensate by taking on more work. Remote work benefits many people. But to benefit fully from such situations, professionals may need to make a concerted effort to achieve a greater work-life balance The Michigan Department of Health and Human services has reported a new rise in COVID cases in its latest weekly report. Michigan reported 15,854 new cases the week of Sept. 6, with an average of about 2,265 cases per day. The states positivity rate was around 20% as of Aug. 30. Last week, Tuscola County issued a COVID notice due to the county being at a "high" level. The CDC recommended that that everyone wears a mask indoors in public locations. Since the last report issued the week of Aug. 28, cases in Tuscola County increased by 75. The Huron County Health Department has labeled the level of COVID-19 as high and also recommends using masks when indoors. We do want to recommend them at this time due to the high level of community transmission, Huron County Health Officer Tip Macguire said. Michigan as a state is at a medium level, according to the new reports. Through the last two weeks, Huron county has seen 224 new COVID-19 cases, with a 13 seven-day average. Now that kids and teachers are back in school, the CDC and Huron County Health Department wants people to be careful and space, especially when indoors around a large group or amount of people. Here at the office, we have N-95 masks that are available to pick up for consumer use, Macguire said. At the office we will be wearing masks until the transmission level goes down back to medium or low. To stay up to date with COVID-19 cases and information, visit the Huron County Health Department website or the Michigan Health Department site. A teen accused of murder likely will remain in jail. The 16-year-old is one of three people indicted in connection with the shooting death of Richard Shillow, 31, on March 27, 2022. Five people two adults and three children were arrested following the fatal shooting at the Virginia Estates apartment building. The group was allegedly traveling in a stolen car. Kaylon Johnson, who will turn 17 in October, along with 23-year-old Port Arthur resident Ronald Babino Jr. and 19-year-old Beaumont resident Charles Verdine Jr. were charged with murder. Two 14-year-old boys were also charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon and evading on foot. The three children were taken to Minnie Rogers Juvenile Detention Center, police previously said. In Johnsons case, a motion was recently filed by his defense lawyer to reduce the bond, which is currently set at $250,000. At this time, based on the nature of the offense, charge and the information that I have also taken into consideration the probable cause affidavit just to have a little information about the offense, I am going to deny the motion for bond reduction, West said. Before the judge denied his request, Johnson and his defense lawyer provided their rationale to the judge. Johnson informed the court that he lived with his grandmother for about four years and was going to school before the offense occurred. He said he had never had any prior convictions or legal trouble before, and he made good grades in school -- at least 70s, he said. to make sure I was smart and to make sure I could write, he said. If the court reduced the bond to $10,000 or set it for getting a personal recognizance bond, Johnson said he planned to get a "good job" with an interest in getting trained or certified to work at the port or the plant. Johnson, a lifelong Jefferson County resident, confirmed to his lawyer in court that he had not always hung out with the individuals or engaged in such behavior prior to the offense. He shared he has other family members in Jefferson County, including his mother, that he could live with if he was released. He also promised to follow any conditions that were set by the court, including for court appearances and wearing a GPS device. However, State Prosecutor Ashley Molfino informed the judge that at $250,000 the bond was already set lower than what the court typically sets for the type of offense. Recent hearings have included bonds for a murder charge set at $500,000, $750,000 and $1 million, Molfino said. The same court previously reduced Babinos bond from $1 million to $500,000, while Verdines bond remains at $1 million, according to West and Jefferson County jail records. Related: Police: Five arrested in stolen vehicle for Beaumont homicide I think the bond as it is set is sufficient and I would ask the court not to lower it, Molfino said. According to court documents, Beaumont police officers found Shillow lying on his back next to a red Cadillac car with gunshot wounds shortly before 7:30 p.m. at the apartment building located at 2250 West Virginia St. He later died at the hospital. Based on witness testimony, photographs and video surveillance, police determined two people walked up to the red car and began shooting. One of the two people were described as having a long gun with a curved magazine on his side after the shooting. The two then entered a grey two-door Infinity vehicle with an already-open door. While reviewing surveillance video footage from the apartment complex, I was able to view two people walk up to the red Cadillac, police said. They walked to the drivers side and then the passenger side. The passenger door was open by them and moments later you see both subjects walking away. You then see Shillow open the drivers door and fall to the ground. meagan.ellsworth@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/megzmagpie The passing of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom truly marks an end of an era. It really hits my family hard, since my family had a close working relationship with the Queen. Back in 1958, my dad was working at both Wichita Precision Tool Company and Cessna Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas. During that same time, his fourth-cousin Ernest Marples was Postmaster-General for the entire United Kingdom. At that time, people using telephones had to use a "central operator" to dial phone numbers for them. But beginning in late 1958, trunk-dialing (or direct-dialing) became possible. In the photo above, Ernest Marples is shown demonstrating how it could be done with the Queen. Attorney General Jason Miyares on Friday announced the formation of an Election Integrity Unit. Composed of more than 20 attorneys, investigators and paralegals, the unit will provide legal advice to the Department of Elections as well as investigate and prosecute violations of state election law. I pledged during the 2021 campaign to work to increase transparency and strengthen confidence in our state elections, Miyares said in a statement. It should be easy to vote, and hard to cheat. The Election Integrity Unit will work to help to restore confidence in our democratic process in the Commonwealth. The unit will also work with the election community throughout the year to ensure uniformity and legality in application of election laws, and work with law enforcement to ensure legality and purity in elections. Under Virginia law, the attorney general has authority to do whatever is necessary or appropriate to enforce election laws or prosecute violations thereof. The announcement comes after reports of law enforcement investigations into alleged misconduct in the Nottoway County election office and disputes between an electoral board member and registrar. Virginia has 133 local electoral boards and general registrars that operate in a nonpartisan manner. However, state law requires that two of the three electoral board seats are for people that belong to whichever political party is in control of the governors office. Election integrity has been a talking point for some Republicans following President Donald Trumps loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 election and false claims of widespread election fraud. Around the country, some Trump supporters belief in voter fraud sparked protests at polling precincts, legal challenges, and the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In Virginia, the state Senate rejected a proposal by Sen. Amanda Chase, R-Chesterfield, to spend $70 million in state tax funds on a forensic audit of the 2020 presidential election. State Sen. Jen Kiggans, R-Virginia Beach, was among six Senate Republicans who backed the audit. Kiggans is now the GOP nominee in a closely watched congressional contest with Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd. Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, whose district now includes part of Hanover County, voted against certification of the election results in January 2021. At a convention this summer where he secured the GOP nomination, attendees voted to have the 5th District Republican Committee send the General Assembly a resolution asking for an audit of the 2020 election. Additionally, the GOP in Campbell County where Good previously served as a local supervisor sent a resolution in a news release to area media. But no formal resolution requesting an audit by the committees has been sent to the General Assembly, according to Division of Legislative Services attorney Brooks Braun. Though election integrity has generally been a concern for Republicans, Jay Jones, who sought the 2021 Democratic nomination for attorney general, proposed a similar unit last year. It would have worked with the Department of Elections to investigate complaints ranging from voter harassment or intimidation to alleged improper denial of registration or improper election administration. The unit would have also conducted outreach to communities around the state to ensure eligible voters knew their rights. This group would have been empowered to really go all over and sort of spread the gospel of free and fair elections, Jones said. These are your rights. This is how you get in touch with us if you see something that is abnormal. Jones said that he had the idea, in part, after watching footage of the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection and realizing how far mistrust in democracy had spread. Amid the fallout of the 2020 election, a wave of GOP-proposed laws surfaced around the country, including one signed by Georgia governor Brian Kemp last year that Democrats nationwide have called voter suppression. Jones is skeptical of Miyares unit, citing what he termed election interference by other Republican attorneys general around the country. Miyares spokesperson Victoria LaCivita, said that members of the public should reach out to their local election officials or law enforcement with election-related concerns and that they can also reach out to the attorney general office. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Beate Oma Dahle/AP Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Beate Oma Dahle/AP Show More Show Less 3 of 3 HELSINKI (AP) Hundreds of people marched through the Norwegian capital on Saturday in an LBGT solidarity event to honor the Pride parade that was canceled in June after a deadly shooting outside a popular gay bar. Marchers in The Rainbow Train passed the central Oslo nightlife district where a man identified as Zaniar Matapour shot and killed two men and injured several others outside the London Pub on June 25, just hours before the planned start of the Pride parade. Julio Sandoval tells parents he wants to help their wayward sons get on the right path. He assures them, through the website for his transport business, that he will deliver their children safely to a boarding school. So parents hire Sandovals company Safe Sound Secure Youth Ministries to remove their so-called troubled teens from their homes and transport them to the schools. Sandoval also is former dean of students at Agape Boarding School and current leader of another unlicensed facility, both in Missouri. His goal with his transport company is to be a blessing to your home, and Sandoval shares with parents the philosophy he says he uses with his own seven children: I dont care if you like me, I am not raising you for YOU to like ME. I am raising YOU, for ME to like you. Now, Sandoval, 41, awaits his next court appearance, arrested last week after a federal grand jury indicted him for violating a restraining order issued at the request of a minor boy against his mother by transporting him against his will to Agape in southwest Missouri. The jury also indicted the estranged mom of the teen, who was dropped off at Agape last summer after a 27-hour drive from California, the indictment says, his hands cuffed behind his back the entire way. The arrests underscore concerns many have with transport companies whose agents often show up at homes in the middle of the night with the parents consent dragging scared youth out of bed, sometimes restraining them with handcuffs and threatening physical force if they dont comply. They then cart them off to boarding schools across the country, including Missouri. Thats literally kidnapping, said Rep. Keri Ingle, D-Lees Summit, who initiated hearings in Jefferson City on boarding schools and co-sponsored legislation that now regulates them. I would be incredibly traumatized by being taken from my home in the middle of the night and handcuffed and threatened and all of that and then jetted states away. Thats absolutely crazy. Thats the stuff of movies. Its unbelievable. Yet its been going on in Missouri and throughout the nation for decades, causing what students describe as extreme trauma that stays with them into adulthood. Jill Toyoshiba/TNS Youve got the dean of students thats running a transport service, Aimee Groves, a former student at two unlicensed girls boarding schools in Missouri, told The Kansas City Star last year. These people are paid to kidnap children and traumatize them. Sandoval pleaded not guilty Wednesday in California federal court via video conference and was released on a personal recognizance bond. His next court date is scheduled for Oct. 5. Agape issued a statement through its attorney, John Schultz, regarding Sandovals indictment. Agape does not own, control or operate any transport service, nor does Agape sponsor or endorse any transport service, it said. Agape was unaware of the California protective order but as soon as Agape learned of it discussions were had with the boys father to have him picked up from Agape. The boy was at Agape for 7 days and then turned over to his father when he arrived. Sandoval was Agapes dean of students when he incorporated his transport company in June 2020 as a nonprofit with a Stockton, Missouri, address, state corporation documents show. Agape is located in Stockton. On Jan. 12, Sandoval registered his company under a slightly different name Safe Sound Secure Transport Agency using the address of Lighthouse Christian Academy. That boarding school is in Piedmont, a town of about 1,900 in the remote Ozark foothills of southeast Missouri. Sandoval left Agape last fall and took a job as an officer at Lighthouse. Sandovals company has employed two off-duty Cedar County Sheriffs deputies to help pick up the youth from across the country. One of those deputies, Robert Graves, has worked at Agape and is the son-in-law of its late founder, James Clemensen. Horror stories about transports surfaced several times last year in testimony that former students submitted to Missouri lawmakers as they considered measures to give the state some oversight over unlicensed boarding schools. Students represented several schools, not just in the Show-Me State. When I was 13 years old I was picked up out of my bed in the middle of the night by strangers who threatened me with mechanical restraints if I resisted, Hannah Kay wrote in her February 2021 testimony. I didnt know why or where I was going. My parents were instructed to ignore my pleas for help. The California girl, then weighing just 65 pounds, was whisked away to the Florida Panhandle. She told The Star, I honestly thought I had gotten involved with terrorists, and thats why this was happening. Parents can pay hundreds and up to thousands of dollars to have their children picked up by transport companies and delivered to boarding schools. Ingle said several former students shared with her their transport company stories and how the experiences still affect them today. She questions the legality of such methods. That opens things up to trafficking, false imprisonment, kidnapping, all of those things, Ingle said. Its horrifying. And if these are kids with alleged behavioral problems or histories of trauma, this is just going to exacerbate that. Taken in the middle of the night Niles Short was asleep in his Chicago-area bedroom in October 1999 when two men woke him up around 2 a.m. Unbeknownst to him, his mom had secretly packed his things. These guys came in my room in plain clothes, Short told The Star. They handcuffed me with real handcuffs and threatened me with a Taser. I got into survivor mode, told them I had to (go to the bathroom). They made me leave the door open and watched me. Soon, he was in a car and on his way to Stockton, Missouri. Short doesnt know who the men worked for, but it wasnt Sandovals company because he was transported about 10 years before Sandoval started at Agape. I was cornered in my bedroom it was a shocking thing, Short said. I remember that day like yesterday. My sister had warned me about it but I didnt believe her, because Mom always threatened me with boarding school. Student after student recounted similar scenes in vivid detail. Middle of the night. Scared. Unsure of where they were going. Not knowing when they would be able to come home again. During an investigation into Missouris unlicensed Christian boarding schools, The Star interviewed more than 70 former Agape students. At least a dozen said the transport itself left them traumatized and unable to trust people. Five former students of boarding schools Agape and other locations submitted testimony to Missouri legislators that detailed their experience with transport companies. David Patterson ended up at Agape on Fathers Day 2002. I was police escorted there by off duty cops, he said in written testimony to the House Children and Families Committee last year. Waking me up at 4:30 in the morning telling me we can do this the easy way or the hard way while showing me a pair of handcuffs. They picked out my clothes and made me wear a belt backwards in case they needed to handcuff me to myself, and made me wear a transport boot, a shoe you would get if you had a broken foot and a cast to walk in. The boot, he said, would keep him from running away. Upon arriving in Agape I was strip searched naked in a room full of grown men Id never seen before and then I was taken to get my head shaved, he said. I would be restrained multiple times for not conforming and submitting to the schools strange and oftentimes peculiar interpretations of the Bible. Four years later, on the day after Christmas, Colton Schrag was sent to Agape for a second time from his parents home in New Mexico. He was 14. Two dudes woke me up at like 4 in the morning, he told The Star, zip-tied me and escorted me out like I was a hardened criminal. And Gabe Miller arrived from St. Louis, after a drive with two men from a transport company who entered the 15-year-olds bedroom at 6 a.m on Labor Day in 2017. He quickly discovered that his grandparents had already packed his bag. They pulled out handcuffs and handcuffed me with my hands behind my back, Miller told The Star. They said, If you act up, we can shackle your legs. I didnt even get to say goodbye to my grandparents. One state takes a stand One northwestern state decided that something had to be done. Oregon lawmakers passed a bill that went into effect earlier this year to strictly regulate transport companies. It was the first state to adopt such legislation. Its law requires companies that provide secure transport services for the purpose of placing a child in a residential program to be licensed as a Child Caring Agency in the state. The companies also must comply with all the requirements of such an agency. That includes being incorporated and obeying the states restraint and seclusion policies. All prone, supine and mechanical restraints including hoods, blindfolds and handcuffs are prohibited. So is the infliction of pain and ridiculing of youth. The transport experience is so shocking and horrifying because its associated with home, your safe place, said Oregon state Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin, a Democrat who sponsored the legislation. And so your ability to trust, like, Who do I trust? How do I know that Im safe? I cant be safe at home. The people that are supposed to protect me are watching this happen to me. You cant get over that. Its trauma on so many levels. What Sandovals company is accused of doing handcuffing the Fresno teen and driving him to Agape would 100 percent be illegal in Oregon for a whole bunch of reasons, Gelser Blouin said. I think whats interesting about that case, though, is the way that these places make their activities legal, she said. The contracts that the parents sign with the company give them the right to basically abuse their children. What made this illegal with this kid and thats what is frustrating is it wasnt really the transport, it was the restraining order. The mom didnt have the authority to delegate the transport, Gelser Blouin said. But she argues that the transport itself is wrong. Youre taking kids and youre moving them involuntarily across state lines for profit, she said. What happened to that kid was and should be illegal. It is assault, and it is abuse, and it is imprisonment. But whats absurd is that the only reason it was a crime was because his mom signed the papers. If his dad had signed transport papers, Gelser Blouin said, the exact same thing would have happened to the boy, and it wouldnt have been a crime. As for Agape, Gelser Blouin said shes familiar with the school and allegations of abuse. I dont know that theres anybody that hasnt heard about Agape, she said. I believe that it is a national embarrassment to the state of Missouri. There is no reason that it should be open. It is a demonstration of corrupt politics and clearly shows a disregard for the well-being of children. The evidence couldnt be more clear. While working on her bill, Gelser Blouin spoke extensively to former boarding school students, including Brett Harper, an Oregon resident who attended Agape from 1999 to 2003. Last year, Harper told the Oregon Senate Committee on Human Services, Mental Health and Recovery which Gelser Blouin chairs about his experience being transported to the southwest Missouri boarding school. He explained how one day his adoptive dad drove him home. His dad had just gotten off work at a parole and probation office in Oregon. We got inside and all of a sudden two men came out of the bathroom and showed me these badges, Harper said. They said they were here to take me to a boarding school and that I could go the easy way or the hard way. They informed me they were hired by my dad. The men told Harper that they typically didnt allow parents to be present during the pickup but because my dad is in law enforcement, they felt it would be OK, Harper told the committee. At the time, Harper said he chose the easy way and allowed them to cuff me and put me in the van with my dad. He said his dad apologized and told him that he was going to a boarding school that would help me get my attitude right and get right with God. The transport itself, although not overly violent, is traumatic enough where I still have night terrors to this day at age 35 and this was 21 years ago, Harper testified. Most people who are transported to residential treatment facilities, boarding schools, wilderness camps have night terrors, and some for the rest of their lives. Ive spoken with survivors that have had night terrors about being transported 30 years later. Temira Lital, a mental health professional who was taken to a boarding school by transporters when she was a teen, also testified in support of the legislation. Were talking about the act known as teen transport, Lital said. Its not transport. Its licensed kidnapping. I say that as a therapist and as a survivor. Imagine being torn from your own bed, mostly naked, by strangers of the opposite sex. For many years, I slept with my bed in front of my door. I slept with a knife under my pillow. I slept in my clothes, ready to run and live on the streets rather than suffer through this again. Teen transport almost destroyed my life. By banning it, you can protect the children of Oregon from similar experiences. In the end, Gelser Blouin said she hopes other states do what Oregon did and pass meaningful legislation to regulate transport companies and stop the abuse that youth endure. I think it should be illegal, period, Gelser Blouin said. I dont see any world in which this is appropriate. We would not do that to adults. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate TORONTO (AP) Marsha Hunt, one of the last surviving actors from Hollywoods so-called Golden Age of the 1930s and 1940s who worked with performers ranging from Laurence Olivier to Andy Griffith in a career disrupted for a time by the McCarthy-era blacklist, has died. She was 104. Hunt, who appeared in more than 100 movies and TV shows, died Wednesday at her home in Sherman Oaks, California, said Roger Memos, the writer-director of the 2015 documentary Marsha Hunts Sweet Adversity." A Chicago native, she arrived in Hollywood in 1935 and over the next 15 years appeared in dozens of films, from the Preston Sturges comedy Easy Living to the adaptation of Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice that starred Olivier and Greer Garson. She was well under 40 when MGM named her Hollywoods Youngest Character Actress. And by the early 1950s, she was enough of a star to appear on the cover of Life magazine and seem set to thrive in the new medium of television when suddenly the work dried up, she recalled in 1996. The reason, she learned from her agent, was that the communist-hunting Red Channels publication had revealed that she attended a peace conference in Stockholm and other supposedly suspicious gatherings. Alongside Hollywood stars Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart and Danny Kaye, Hunt also went to Washington in 1947 to protest the House Un-American Activities Committee, which was conducting a witch hunt for communists in the film industry. Id made 54 movies in my first 16 years in Hollywood, Hunt said in 1996. In the last 45 years, Ive made eight. That shows what a blacklist can do to a career. Hunt concentrated on the theater, where the blacklist was not observed, until she began occasionally getting film work again in the late 1950s. She appeared in the touring companies of The Cocktail Party, The Ladys Not for Burning and The Tunnel of Love, and on Broadway in The Devils Disciple, "Legend of Sarah and The Paisley Convertible. Marcia Virginia Hunt (she changed the spelling of her first name later) was born in Chicago and grew up in New York City, daughter of a lawyer-insurance executive and a voice teacher. Slender and stylish, with a warm smile and large, expressive eyes, Hunt studied drama and worked as a model before making her film debut. An early marriage to director Jerry Hopper ended in divorce. In 1948 she married film writer Robert Presnell Jr., and they had one daughter, who died soon after her premature birth. Her husband died in 1986. Hunt's first movie was 1935s The Virginia Judge. She went on to play demure roles in a series of films for Paramount, including The Accusing Finger and Come on Leathernecks, but, as she told The Associated Press in 2020, she was tired of sweet young things and begged for more substantial work. Hollywood proved a painful education. In Marsha Hunts Sweet Adversity, she remembered almost getting the part of Melanie Wilkes in Gone with the Wind, even being assured by producer David O. Selznick. Within days, Olivia de Havilland was announced as the actor who would play Melanie for the 1939 epic. Thats the day I grew up, Hunt said in the documentary. Thats the day I knew I could never have my heart broken again by this profession of acting. She left Paramount for MGM around the time of Gone with the Wind and had lead or supporting roles in These Glamour Girls, Flight Command and The Human Comedy among other movies. MGM was sheer magic, she recalled in a 2007 Associated Press interview. When I arrived at the studio for a one-day role, they parked my car. I went on the set and found a directors chair with a sign on it, Miss Hunt. Another sign was on my dressing room. "I said to myself, Any studio that treats a one-day player that way, really knows how to make pictures. They won my loyalty. Work unraveled quickly after she openly embraced liberal causes, such as joining the 1947 protest against congressional hearings on the reputed communist influence in Hollywood. I was never a communist or even interested in the communist cause, she declared in 1996. I was a political innocent defending my industry. With a couple of exceptions, such as producer Stanley Kramers 1952 family comedy The Happy Time, she was unseen on the big screen for most of the 1950s. She later appeared in many TV series, including My Three Sons, Matlock, All in the Family and Murder, She Wrote. She remained vigorous and elegant in old age. In 1993, she put out The Way We Wore: Styles of the 1930s and 40s and Our World Since Then, a lavishly illustrated book of the fashions during her Hollywood heyday. A lifelong political activist, Hunt had a brush with terror in 1962 when she took part in a forum on right-wing extremists and two other participants homes were damaged by homemade bombs the very same evening. The ashen-faced actress said her home probably escaped the bomb attack only because the terrorists were unable to find out where she lived, the Los Angeles Times reported. Police were sent to guard her home. More recently, she helped create a refuge for the homeless in Los Angeles Sherman Oaks neighborhood, where she lived and was feted with the title honorary mayor. Looking back on her activist years, Hunt remarked in 1996: I never craved an identity as a figure of controversy. But having weathered it and found other interests in the meantime, I can look back with some philosophy. ___ This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Humphrey Bogart's first name. ___ The late Associated Press writer Bob Thomas contributed to this obituary. BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) Montanas fishing economy has proven resilient amid the impacts of drought, but a new study suggests that 35% of its cold water habitats could become unsuitable for trout by 2080, costing the state an estimated $192 million in annual revenue. Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the University of Montana contributed to the new study titled Socioeconomic resilience to climatic extremes in a freshwater fishery. It ran in the journal Science Advances on Wednesday, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported. Trout fisheries have enormous cultural, economic and ecological importance in Montana and worldwide, yet even Montanas resilient trout fisheries could be vulnerable to future climate change, said Timothy Cline, a USGS scientist and the papers lead author, in a news release. Cline and authors Clint Muhlfeld, Ryan Kovach, Robert Al-Chokhachy, David Schmetterling, Diane Whited and Abigail Lynch used Montana FWPs recreation monitoring data to analyze how climate change impacted 3,100 miles of the states rivers between 1983 and 2017. They found that the concentration of anglers doubled overall within that 34-year time period, and severe drought conditions, which drive stream flows down and water temperatures up, significantly impacted how that fishing pressure was distributed across the landscape. When temperatures warmed and flows dropped on certain rivers, anglers flocked to other areas where waters were colder. These cold-water segments supported 10 times more anglers than warm-water segments, and most of them were from out of state. By moving to other fishing areas that were more favorable during drought, visitors kept trout fishing revenue in the state rather than choosing to travel elsewhere, Cline said in the press release. Trout fishing in Montana has been remarkably resilient to changing conditions. In contrast, resident anglers were less willing to travel to other areas in response to drought, and they often continued to fish along rivers by their homes, even when the conditions were stressful on trout, according to Cline. While Montanas fishing economy has demonstrated resilience during past periods of drought particularly those in the late 1980s, early 2000s and in 2017 Cline said he expects new challenges will emerge as the climate warms throughout the coming decades. Montanas fisheries are renowned for their trout, and trout require cold, clean, connected habitat to survive, he said. As the climate warms, a lot of those attributes are changing rapidly. Trout generally require water with temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. As temperatures rise, they dont do as well, and other species tend to thrive, Cline said. About 35% of Montanas cold water habitat could become unsuitable for trout by 2080, and the losses could put 30% of current angler spending at risk, which amounts to about 21% of the total annual fishing economy in the region, according to the study. Critical pieces of cold-water habitat have allowed anglers to keep fishing for trout when other major rivers are closed, and maintaining as many of those features on the landscape as possible can help ensure that the fishing economy remains robust, Cline said. When we think of the most productive rivers, we think of places like the Madison and Blackfoot, but under stressful conditions like drought, anglers need to find different opportunities, he said. Smaller, colder habitats like streams that are fed by groundwater are critical, but they often get overlooked. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) An inmate at a North Carolina prison has been killed in an attack by other prisoners, authorities said. The News & Observer reports that the Central Prison in Raleigh was placed on lockdown on Friday while police investigated the death of the inmate, 35-year-old Ronald S. Rhodes. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) There were 18 large fires burning in Oregon and Washington Saturday, leading to evacuations and targeted power outages in Oregon as the challenge of dry and windy conditions continued in the region. According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, there are nearly 406 square miles (1051 square kilometers) of active, uncontained fires and nearly 5,000 people on the ground fighting them in the two states. The blazes are among more than 90 active fires across the country, including in Montana, California and Idaho, the National Interagency Fire Center said. Scientists say climate change has made the West warmer and drier over the last three decades and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. In Washington state, the Goat Rocks Fire, south of Mount Rainier National Park, was started by lightning and has led to the closure of U.S. Highway 12 and the evacuation of neighborhoods east of the city of Packwood. Evacuations were also issued for several communities in Cowlitz County in response to the Kalama fire in Gifford Pinchot National Forest southwest of Mount St. Helens. Another mountain pass on U.S. Highway 2 was closed Saturday because of the Bolt Creek Fire, which sparked evacuations for 300 to 400 homes and was dropping ash in Everett and blowing smoke into the suburbs of Seattle. ,That fire grew quickly throughout the day, doubling over about two hours to about 3 square miles (nearly 8 square kilometers), and was burning timber in rugged terrain, according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Peter Mongillo, a spokesman with Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue, was nearby as part of the overall incident command center, and said that high-voltage transmission lines owned by Bonneville Power Administration that run across the Cascade Mountains were at risk because of the amount of smoke and particulates in the air, which can affect the lines. It increases the chances of arcing and starting a fire or even shutting down the power line, he said in a phone interview. Mongillo said that it was recommended that Bonneville turn the lines off, but he said that for now Bonneville is keeping the lines on and will continue to monitor. Bonneville spokesman Kevin Wingert said that there are three lines in the area, and that right now the location of the fire and the density of smoke is such that we do not have an operational or safety need to take those lines out of service. Wingert said that if conditions changed and those lines did need to be taken out of service, there would likely be no loss in service to customers due to other transmission lines that are in service. Both Puget Sound Energy, which covers customers in Seattle and elsewhere and Snohomish County Public Utility District are Bonneville customers. Mongillo said that there are firefighters on the ground all up and down Highway 2 but they havent been able to get aerial support on the fire because of the high level of smoke and whipping winds. Its a wait and see right now, he said. Were looking at about 24 hours of winds coming from the east blowing to the west. A red flag warming in Washington remains in effect through Sunday night, meaning that high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds will complicate fire conditions. In Oregon, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office announced the evacuation order of campers from Milo McIver State Park late Friday night, which is about 24 miles (38.6 kilometers) southeast of Portland. Early Saturday morning, residents in several communities west of the park were told to be ready to evacuate. In hopes of lessening the risk of more fires, Portland General Electric initially halted power to about 30,000 customers in 12 service areas but that number increased to more than 37,000 by Saturday. By late Saturday afternoon that number had dropped back down to about 30,000. Pacific Power shut down service to more than 7,000 customers in a small community on the Pacific Coast, where a wildfire burned two years ago, and in pockets southeast of the state capitol of Salem. The number of Pacific Power customers without service increased to 12,000 on Saturday. The largest fire in Oregon is the Double Creek Fire burning in the northeastern part of the state near the Idaho border. As of Saturday, the fire had burned more than 230 square miles (595 square kilometers). The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center said that the fire grew by 65 square miles (168 square kilometers) overnight. In central Oregon, the Cedar Creek Fire east of Oakridge has burned nearly 81 square miles (210 square kilometers). On Friday, officials ordered residents to immediately leave the greater Oakridge, Westfir and High Prairie areas due to increased fire activity. ___ AP reporter Gillian Flaccus contributed from Portland, Oregon, and Andrew Selsky contributed from Salem, Oregon. Illinois long has been criticized for a perceived lack of arts and culture. But the state has produced a surprising number of acclaimed artists, writers and musicians. Among the state's foremost artisans is Leonard Crunelle, whose sculptures are found in parks, museums and centers of government across the nation. This summer marked the 150th anniversary of his birth. Among Crunelles work is the Civil War monument on the Jacksonville square. The bronze and granite creation featuring a likeness of Columbia was dedicated in 1920. Crunelle certainly came from humble beginnings. Born on July 8, 1872, in Pas de Calais, France, Crunelle was 10 when his family immigrated to the United States, first settling in Brazil, Indiana. The family then moved to Pana, where young Leonard worked in the coal mines. In 1889, the family moved on to Decatur, where Leonard continued working in the mines. But his artistry was evident. After a hard days work at the mines, he spent evenings drawing on, as one account tells it, crude paper. Several Decatur women took notice of his skills. One was Sarah Waughhop, who encouraged him to take lessons from Laura Johns, a local artist and art teacher. Inspired, Crunelle began to focus on sculpting, using clay from the mines as his medium. At age 19, Crunelle received a gift that helped shape his life. Elmira Stoner, the wife of a Decatur physician, gave Crunelle a ticket to a local demonstration in clay modeling by Lorado Taft, widely considered the greatest sculptor in Illinois history. Born in Elmwood, near Peoria in 1860, Taft opened a studio in Chicago in 1893 and won international acclaim for his work. Among Tafts most famous creations is The Eternal Indian, a striking 50-foot statue of Black Hawk overlooking the Rock River near the Ogle County community of Oregon. In 1898, Taft founded Eagles Nest Art Colony, a summer retreat near Oregon for Chicago artists; it operated until 1942. His "History of American Sculpture," published in 1903, was a standard work on the topic for years afterward. After the clay-modeling demonstration, Crunelle was introduced to Taft, who was quickly impressed. He invited Crunelle to assist him with sculptures at the Chicago Worlds Fair of 1893, a move that began a longtime association between the two artists. Crunelle moved to Chicago that same year and found whatever daytime work he could secure. At night, he attended the Art Institute of Chicago, where he studied under Taft, an instructor at the school. Crunelle eventually flourished in his own right and earned a place alongside the top sculptors in the state. Among his specialties were childrens sculptures, frequently using his five children as models. His best-known works, however, capture historical figures ranging from the American Revolution to the 20th century. Two noteworthy examples are statues of Abraham Lincoln, including Lincoln the Debater, which was erected in August 1929 in Freeport, the site of the second Lincoln-Douglas debate. Another, Captain Lincoln and the Black Hawk War, was dedicated in August 1930 in Dixon. Other Crunelle works include a statue of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, erected in March 1917 at Vicksburg National Military Park. One of Crunelles most striking creations is a statue of John M. Palmer a Civil War major general, Illinois governor and U.S. senator which stands on the grounds of the current Illinois statehouse. The Palmer statue was dedicated in October 1923. Another Illinois chief executive, Richard Oglesby, was depicted by Crunelle in a statue that graces Chicago's Lincoln Park. An appropriation of $25,000 from the Illinois General Assembly funded the Oglesby statue, which was dedicated in 1919. Elsewhere in Chicago, there is the Victory Monument, a Crunelle design that honors African-American soldiers from the Illinois National Guard in World War I. Erected in 1927, the monument stands in the fabled Bronzeville district. Bronze bas-relief plaques by Crunelle also adorn the massive bronze doors at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Among Crunelles most acclaimed statues is one depicting Sacagawea, the legendary American Indian guide on the Lewis and Clark expedition. The Sacagawea piece stands on the statehouse grounds in Bismarck, North Dakota. Other Crunelle designs include a statue of Revolutionary War Gen. Artemas Ward in Washington. D.C., and a statue of William Worrall Mayo, the father of the founders of the Mayo Clinic, on the clinic campus in Rochester, Minnesota. There also is a bust of longtime Decatur teacher and principal Enoch Gastman that greets visitors in the reading room of Macon County Historical Museum. Crunelle died in Chicago on Sept. 10, 1944. SEATTLE (AP) On the third day of a teacher strike in Seattle on Friday, picketing staff members at Hazel Wolf K-8 compared their stats. Some had logged 35,000 steps. Jessica Thomashow, a third-grade teacher, noted that she'd walked the equivalent of a half-marathon each day. The first day was rough, said Carrie Widener, a special education teacher. You can't imagine what it does to your body to walk up and down the sidewalk for eight hours. But your body adjusts, and we feel strongly about what we're doing." The strike over issues that include class size, support for special education students and those who are learning English, and pay has delayed the start of school since Wednesday for some 49,000 students. But Superintendent Brent Jones said in a video message to families Friday that Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Education Association had made tremendous progress toward ending it. The sides were prepared to bargain through the weekend, and a decision on whether to begin classes Monday was expected over the weekend. We agree on the what, the fundamentals: adequate support, safe environments and high quality instruction, Jones said. We want the same things. Our ongoing negotiations are about how we achieve that support, safety and quality. Districts around the country have faced labor challenges as the pandemic put extraordinary stress on teachers and students alike. An infusion of federal stimulus money has helped stabilize school district budgets, and teachers unions have sought to improve pay, resources and working conditions after a difficult few years. Many districts, though, have fretted about using short-term funding to pay for long-term costs, such as increased salaries. In Seattle, teachers have seen healthy raises since their last strike in 2015, with many making more than $100,000, thanks largely to a new state education funding model. The union has said it is primarily focused on winning raises for its lower-paid members, including instructional assistants and front office staff. Paraeducators in Seattle Public Schools start at $19 an hour nowhere near enough to afford to live in the city, many say. Picketing teachers have stressed that their main concern is educational and emotional help for students, especially those with special needs or learning difficulties. The union said 95% of its voting members approved the strike. Seattle Public Schools has sought to increase the amount of time disabled children spend in general education classrooms, and also to eliminate ratios dictating how many students may be assigned to each special education professional. The district says that would allow it to focus on student needs rather than fixed staffing ratios, but teachers worry it would mean less support, higher case-loads and less time to spend with each student. In his video message, Jones said he recognized the pandemic had made the jobs of educators more complex and demanding. The district is working toward a contract that will add social workers to middle and high schools, provide intensive support for first-year teachers, move away from a special education model that disproportionately impacts students of color, and offer meaningful raises for paraeducators, instructional assistants and teachers. Will Hershman teaches fourth grade at Northgate Elementary, which has a large number of students with high needs including immigrant students who don't speak English and students who have suffered trauma such as homelessness. When you're trying to meet the needs of your class, however big it is, if you have to focus on one child with very high needs, the other students who need attention aren't getting that, he said. Even without any changes, it's really impossible. But if you introduce more high-needs students into the classroom with less support, that problem becomes even more pronounced. Holly Bryant-Morehead, a special education teacher at Northgate, said she was paid a stipend last year for having 23 students five more than the approved ratio. But, she added, I'd rather have extra support for the kids than the money. JUBA, South Sudan (AP) South Sudans government has declared flood-affected parts of the country as national disaster areas and appealed for assistance. Fridays appeal came after torrential rains in the Upper Nile and Bahr el-Ghazal regions. A local author and president of the Pittsylvania Historical Society was vacationing in London when he and the rest of the world learned of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and now finds himself on the front lines witnessing the mourning of a beloved monarch. Bill Guerrant, who wrote the historical novel Jim Wrenn set in the Danville/Pittsylvania County area, had visited Buckingham Palace the official residence of British monarchs and St. Paul's Cathedral on Thursday. In fact, Guerrant wrote on Facebook he was likely in the palace when the queen died. "The Queen's death was announced just as we returned to our hotel last evening," Guerrant wrote in a Friday morning message to the Register & Bee. He described the news as "shocking and sad." Guerrant and his wife, Cherie, began the trek to London on Tuesday. Now they are in the midst of seeing first-hand an unfolding historical moment. "A large crowd has gathered at Buckingham Palace," he told the Register & Bee on Friday. "Many tributes and memorials have gone up." Guerrant said the mood there was somber. "We had planned to visit Westminster Abbey today but it is closed as the period of national mourning begins," he explained Friday morning. He shared a photo of a notice outside the National Gallery announcing its closure following the queen's death and noted many other places were shuttered. "We were at Westminster Abbey for the tolling of the bells at noon and at Hyde Park for the 96 gun salute an hour later," he said. "What a time to be here." In addition to leading history preservation efforts in the county, Guerrant also wrote a historical fiction novel inspired from an eye-catching headline of the past. While pursuing microfilm of the Jan. 4, 1918, edition of the Danville Register, this caught his attention: BOY AND GIRL TO ADOPT Mother, Weary of Hopeless Struggle of Providing For Them. Wishes to Find Them Homes. While his original vision was to write a 100-year history of Danville over the winter season, the book took a different path. I was driving to pick up a piece of equipment from the shop before I decided to write this novel, and the first scene of the book came into my head, Guerrant, also an organic farmer, told the Register & Bee in 2011. I took the phone out of my pocket and I hit the voice memo and I dictated." While Queen Elizabeth II visited Virginia three times, there's no known local connection to the royal family. However, Danville was the birthplace of a legendary British politician. A Danville native, Nancy Langhorne Astor became the first woman to serve in the British Parliament in 1919. Known as The Langhorne House, her childhood home in Danville, now serves as museum and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Born in 1879, she married Waldorf Astor, of the prominent Astor family, in 1906. In 2011, Lord William Waldorf Astor, the grandson of Nancy Langhorne Astor, visited the The Langhorne House in Danville home with his family. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has joined a proclamation from President Joe Biden that U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff until sunset the day of Queen Elizabeth II's interment. The queen died Thursday at age 96. She was the longest-reigning British monarch. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) The United States on Saturday announced $40 million in aid to buy fertilizer and other key agricultural inputs in time for the next cultivation season in crisis-hit Sri Lanka. USAID Administrator Samantha Power, who is visiting Sri Lanka, made the announcement after she met farmer representatives in Ja-Ela outside the capital, Colombo. She said the money will be in addition to the $6 million announced earlier to assist low-income farmers. The recent rainfall in the region not only turned Midland a rarer shade of green, but also appears to give Midland County leaders a reason to end a burn ban after approximately 120 days. The burn ban currently in place is expected to end this month, and extending it doesnt appear to be in the cards, according to Emergency Management officials. More than 4 inches of rain fell at Midland International Airport in August, impacting the drought that plagued the area. In the latest air travel developments, Google researchers pored over five years of pricing data and came up with recommendations for ways to book the lowest airfares, including Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Years trips; the TSA reports that Labor Day passenger numbers finally exceeded pre-pandemic 2019 holiday weekend levels for the first time; United warns that it might put an end to its San Francisco-New York JFK and LAX-JFK routes next month; United puts money into a second manufacturer of electric-powered air taxis and orders hundreds more; low-cost Breeze Airways adds several new Las Vegas routes; Southwest and Frontier plan new San Diego service; Alaska Airlines ends home-printed baggage tags; Qantas eyes more U.S. nonstop destinations for its new long-range A350-1000s; JetBlue and Emirates end their partnership; Lufthansa comes to term with its pilots, preventing a two-day walkout; and Fresnos airport starts major renovation and expansion projects. Now that Labor Day is behind us, leisure travelers are getting a breather until they firm up their plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Years trips. And some new research from Google Flights could help them find the lowest fares for those holiday journeys. The company said in a blog post that its researchers took an exhaustive look at airfare data from the past five years, noting that since April of this year, Google has been deluged with consumer searches asking about how to find the cheapest airfares. Lets begin by looking at their advice for booking upcoming holiday trips: According to Google Flights, historical data suggests that the cheapest domestic fares for Thanksgiving travel are booked 52 days in advance, or around Monday, Oct. 3, although it said low prices could more generally be found 36 to 74 days in advance of travel. For Christmas, the lowest average fares are found 22 days in advance, or around Dec. 3 although that may be cutting it close, Google said. Prices have tended to drop anywhere between 20 and 88 days before departure. Looking at non-holiday travel, prices for domestic fights have usually been their lowest 21-60 days out, with average prices bottoming out 44 days before departure, Google said. But keep in mind that these patterns may not hold true for your specific route, so planning and booking early is usually a good idea. The research also laid to rest a common notion expressed in numerous magazine and newspaper articles over the years: that searching fares and booking a flight on a Tuesday will generally find the lowest price. If you shop for flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays instead of Saturdays or Sundays, prices have only been 1.9% cheaper on average over the past five years, Google Flights said. A more important consideration is which day of the week you will fly. On average, flights that depart on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday have been 12% cheaper than weekend departures. If you exclude international destinations, the potential savings jump even higher to 20%. If you dont mind including a stopover on the way to your final destination, the company said, you could save an average of 20% from the cost of a nonstop flight. Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images The Labor Day weekend marked a significant milestone for airline travel, according to the Transportation Security Administration, as passenger numbers finally rose beyond pre-pandemic levels. TSA said that the number of travelers screened at airports from Friday (Sept. 2) through Monday (Sept. 5) reached 8.76 million, or 2% more than Labor Day weekend three years ago the first time that a holiday weekend passenger screening volume exceeds that of 2019. The agency noted that most TSA PreCheck members had an average wait of less than five minutes to get through screening, while the vast majority of those in the regular security lines waited less than 15 minutes. Guns in carry-ons continue to be a problem, TSA said, with its officers catching 67 of them over the weekend before they got onto the aircraft. At the current rate of seizures, TSA anticipates that firearm catches at checkpoints will eclipse the current full-year record of 5,972 firearms intercepted at the nations checkpoints in 2021, the agency said. United Airlines, which revived transcontinental service from San Francisco and Los Angeles to New Yorks JFK Airport early last year, is now planning to drop those routes in late October if it cant secure more takeoff and landing slots at the congested East Coast airport. Thats according to a report from Reuters this week that cited an internal United email outlining the plan. The email from United management said that if the airline cannot get additional (slot) allocations for multiple seasons, we will need to suspend service at JFK, effective at the end of October. United stopped flying out of JFK in 2015 when it made a strategic decision to consolidate all its New York-area operations into its Newark hub. Over time, Uniteds management realized that by flying all its transcon routes out of Newark, it was losing out on a big piece of the metro New York market in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island that can get to and from JFK much more easily than Newark. Without increasing capacity on the SFO and LAX routes, United said, We cant serve JFK effectively compared to the larger schedules and more attractive schedules flown by our competitors. For example, United currently operates just two daily nonstops between SFO-JFK vs. four for American, five for Delta, and five for Alaska Airlines. The same disparity is true in the LAX-JFK market. Ted S. Warren/Associated Press In other United news, the company is doubling down on its commitment to electric-powered air taxis. Last month, United made a $10 million deposit on its order for 100 eVTOL aircraft from Archer Aviation, a deal that it agreed to last year. (The e is for electric-powered and the VTOL stands for vertical takeoff and landing.) And this week, the company announced a $15 million investment in another manufacturer Eve Air Mobility along with a tentative order for 200 four-seat eVTOLs and an option for 200 more. United sees the small eVTOL aircraft as a fast and sustainable way to carry passengers to and from its hub airports. Next week, Eve will begin a three-week Urban Air Mobility (UAM) simulation in Uniteds hometown of Chicago, using helicopters instead of eVTOLs, to figure out how a future air taxi network might develop and operate. Following the simulation, the city of Chicago will gain knowledge about the infrastructure and ecosystem needed to enable the launch and expected long-term growth of UAM in the area, Eve said. As the post-pandemic travel era continues to evolve, hard-hit Las Vegas is gaining more new airline capacity. Low-cost Breeze Airways this week introduced twice-weekly flights from LAS to Charleston, South Carolina; Hartford, Connecticut; and Jacksonville, Florida. And Breeze just announced new Las Vegas service from eight more cities beginning in late October or early November, including Richmond, Virginia; Syracuse, New York; Fort Myers, Florida; Westchester County, New York (from Sept. 20 to Oct. 2 only); Huntsville, Alabama; Norfolk, Virginia; Akron-Canton, Ohio; and Provo, Utah. The routes are currently scheduled to continue through Feb. 14. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines said this week that starting in March of next year, it will offer its largest-ever schedule from Las Vegas, operating up to 243 daily departures there. In other domestic route news, Southwest said it will start new seasonal service on March 11 between San Diego and Eugene, Oregon, and Frontier Airlines said it will operate daily flights from San Diego to Orlando from Nov. 5 through Jan. 3. Frontier also announced new seasonal service from Phoenix to Detroit and Cincinnati and from Cleveland to Fort Lauderdale, all beginning Nov. 5; and from St. Louis to Tampa starting Nov. 16. SOPA Images/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Effective Sept. 12, Alaska Airlines passengers will no longer be able to print checked baggage tags at home. They can still check in for their flight online and print a boarding pass, but not the bag tags, according to The Points Guy. The airline has offered the print-at-home option for several years, at dozens of airports, but according to a statement from Alaska to The Points Guy confirming the change, Usage of guests who print bag tags at home is low and oftentimes required them to still see an agent at the airport. At-home bag tag printing is being retired so that we can focus on the new Electronic Bag Tags coming later this fall as well as other enhancements to the lobby experience that will allow guests to quickly generate their bag tags. As it receives new ultra-long-range A350-1000 aircraft from Airbus in the coming years, Qantas is planning to expand the scope of its so-called Project Sunrise to include more long-haul nonstops from Sydney and Melbourne to the U.S. and Europe. Thats what Qantas CEO Alan Joyce told The Times of London in an interview this week. The Australian carrier is due to revive one-stop Sydney-New York flights next year with a 787, replacing the previous Los Angeles stop with one in Auckland, New Zealand. But the A350-1000 will make even longer nonstops possible, and Project Sunrise is due to begin in 2025 with nonstop, 21-hour flights from Sydney to London, followed by Melbourne-London, followed by service from both Sydney and Melbourne to New York, Miami, and Chicago as well as Paris, Frankfurt, Cape Town and Sao Paulo, Joyce said. He noted that the A350-1000s are being specially adapted for the long hours in the air, offering free satellite Wi-Fi, a small stretching and exercise area, more humidity in the cabin air and hydration stations. He said the airline will also try to discourage alcohol consumption during the long flights. With United and Emirates expected to announce a new partnership on Sept. 14, the existing code-sharing and loyalty program pact between JetBlue and Emirates will end next month. According to JetBlues website, Effective October 30, 2022, TrueBlue members will no longer be able to earn points for Emirates-operated flights. Bookings made prior to October 29 for travel on or prior to October 29 will continue to earn points. Bookings made for travel on or after October 30 will not accrue points. Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images Lufthansa pilots staged a one-day strike on Sept. 3 as their union contract talks with management stalled, forcing the airline to cancel hundreds of flights that day, and they had planned another two-day walkout on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. But at the last minute, the pilots reached a tentative agreement with Lufthansa on pay increases, so the carrier was able to maintain its full schedule. The agreement should give nervous passengers confidence in Lufthansas schedule in the coming days. After opening a new 900-space parking garage last fall, Californias Fresno Yosemite International Airport is moving ahead with an ambitious program of improvements and expansion, according to the Fresno Bee. By next spring, work should be finished on a $10 million extension of the tarmac east of the terminal building, to be followed by a $120 million passenger terminal expansion that will continue through 2024. The terminal work will include enlarging the TSA security checkpoint, updating the checked luggage system and baggage screening technology, adding an upper-level concourse with new jet bridge gates, and expanding the arrival and customs inspection area for international travelers. New food and beverage outlets and retail concessions are also part of the plan. Airport officials said passenger volume at the airport is expected to reach 1.2 million this year, beating the pre-pandemic record of 965,000 in 2019, and to increase to 1.4 million by 2030. WFO LOS ANGELES Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Saturday, September 10, 2022 _____ WIND ADVISORY URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard CA 222 AM PDT Sat Sep 10 2022 ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM PDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...East winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected. * WHERE...Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands. * WHEN...Until 6 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. ...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING... ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM PDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, temperatures in the mid 80s to lower 90s. For the Wind Advisory, southeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * WHERE...Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches and Santa Barbara County Inland Central Coast. * WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, until 8 PM PDT this evening. For the Wind Advisory, from 9 AM this morning to 6 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. * WHAT...Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph * WHERE...Santa Ynez Valley. * WHEN...From 9 AM this morning to 6 PM PDT this evening. ...HEAT ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... * WHAT...Temperatures in the 80s to lower 90s. * WHERE...San Luis Obispo County Beaches, San Luis Obispo County Inland Central Coast and Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast. * WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO LOS ANGELES Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Saturday, September 10, 2022 _____ HEAT ADVISORY URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard CA 1017 AM PDT Sat Sep 10 2022 ...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING... ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM PDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, temperatures in the mid 80s to lower 90s. For the Wind Advisory, southeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * WHERE...Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches and Santa Barbara County Inland Central Coast. * WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, until 8 PM PDT this evening. For the Wind Advisory, until 6 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. * WHAT...Temperatures in the 80s to lower 90s. * WHERE...San Luis Obispo County Beaches, San Luis Obispo County Inland Central Coast and Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast. * WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur. * WHAT...Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected. * WHERE...Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands. * WHEN...Until 6 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * WHAT...Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph * WHERE...Santa Ynez Valley. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO MEDFORD Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Saturday, September 10, 2022 _____ HEAT ADVISORY URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Medford OR 812 PM PDT Fri Sep 9 2022 ...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT SATURDAY... * WHAT...High Temperatures between 98 and 109 degrees with lows in the mid 60s. * WHERE...In California: West and Central Siskiyou County. This includes the Shasta, Valley, Mt. Shasta City Area, Scott Valley, Lower Klamath River Valley and the cities of Fort Jones, Etna, Klamath River, Happy Camp and Somes Bar. This also includes areas in and near the Mountain, Mill, and McKinney Fires. In Oregon: Most of Jackson and Josephine Counties, including the cities of Medford, Grants Pass, Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Jacksonville, Selma, Butte Falls, Shady Cove, the Applegate, and the Rum Creek Fire. * WHEN...From 11 AM Friday to 11 PM PDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While smoke from area wildfires may prevent temperatures from reaching their highest potential, the smoke will also prevent people from finding relief at night through open windows. * 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. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO PHOENIX Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Saturday, September 10, 2022 _____ FLASH FLOOD WARNING The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Northwestern Imperial County in southeastern California... Riverside County in southern California... * Until 115 PM PDT. * At 911 AM PDT, Doppler radar indicated 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...Life threatening flash flooding. Heavy rain 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... Salton City, Salton Sea Beach, Desert Shores and Coolidge Springs. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO SAN DIEGO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Friday, September 9, 2022 _____ FLASH FLOOD WARNING The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Riverside County in southern California... San Bernardino County in southern California... * Until 1030 PM PDT. * At 728 PM PDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 0.5 to 0.75 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. 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... Moreno Valley, Redlands, Yucaipa, Forest Falls, Mount San Gorgonio, Hwy 243 Between Banning And Idyllwild, Highland, San Jacinto, Beaumont and Banning. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... This is a life threatening situation. Heavy rainfall may cause extensive and severe flash flooding of creeks, streams, and ditches in the El Dorado and Apple Burn Scars. Severe debris flows can also be anticipated across roads. Roads and driveways may be washed away in places. If you encounter flood waters, climb to safety. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather The University of Virginia Police Department is trying to identify a person caught on video late on Sept. 7 in connection with a noose left around the neck of Lawns Homer statue. Sometime around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, someone hung a noose around the statue, which anchors one end of the Lawn near Old Cabell Hall. The incident was later discovered by a UVa Grounds Security officer shortly after 4 a.m. on Thursday morning. UVa police released photographs of the man, possibly in his 20s, wearing a dark-colored jacket, jeans and dark-colored shoes. Surveillance camera footage show someone climbing the Homer statue, placing the noose around its neck, and walking away from the area Wednesday night. Investigators believe that the person depicted in this photo may have information regarding this incident, said Sgt. Ben Rexrode, of the university police. Anyone with information regarding the identity of this person or any information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact university police at (434) 924-7166. Virginia Code makes the public placement of a noose intending to intimidate a low-grade felony. Virginia law also deems it illegal to display a noose in public at all. Because the suspect has not been identified yet, UVa officials have not yet determined how the suspect will be disciplined once they are caught, UVa spokesperson Brian Coy has said. Virginia Code defines a hate crime as a criminal act, illegal act or any other incident directed against people or property and intended to intimidate or harass any individual or group because of their membership in a protected category. Such categories include race, religion, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or ethnic or national origin. A noose is widely recognized as a symbol of white supremacy and racist intimidation, a weapon commonly used to lynch Black people throughout American history. The university may also have internal rules for students banning acts of intimidation, but officials still do not know whether the perpetrator is a student. Homers statue is a prominent part of the Lawn and is often climbed upon by students and is the center of a variety of traditions. Among those are Lawn streaks in which students run naked from the Rotunda to Homer and then around the statue three times. They then kiss its behind and run back to the Rotunda. WFO MIDLAND/ODESSA Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, September 11, 2022 _____ FLOOD WARNING BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Flood Warning National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX 103 PM CDT Sat Sep 10 2022 ...The National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa TX has issued a Flood Warning for the following rivers in Texas... Rio Grande at Castolon affecting Brewster County. .High flows coming out of the Rio Conchos and into the Rio Grande over the next week is expected to result in considerable flooding of the Rio Grande from Presidio downstream through Big Bend National Park. For the Rio Grande...including Castolon...Minor flooding is forecast. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. 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. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. The next statement will be issued late tonight at 115 AM CDT. ...FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE... * WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Rio Grande at Castolon. * WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 13.0 feet (4.0 meters), the river reaches bankfull, and no significant damage is expected. At 15.0 feet (4.6 meters), the river reaches minor flood stage, and lowland flooding begins. The river begins to flood the road between Santa Elena Canyon and Cottonwood Campground in Big Bend National Park. The river begins to flood the parking lot at Santa Elena Canyon, and cut off the nature trail into the canyon. Campers in Cottonwood Campground need to prepare for possible evacuations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 12:15 PM CDT Saturday the stage was 13.0 feet (4.0 meters). - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage early Tuesday afternoon and continue rising to 15.8 feet (4.8 meters) Thursday morning. Additional rises are possible thereafter. - Flood stage is 15.0 feet (4.6 meters). - Flood History...No available flood history. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood Below are the latest river stages and forecasts (feet): Fld Observed Sat Sun Mon Tue Location Stg Stg Day/Time 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm Rio Grande Castolon 15.0 13.0 Sat 12pm 13.1 13.7 14.4 15.2 Below are the latest river stages and forecasts (meters): Castolon 4.6 3.9 Sat 12pm 4.0 4.2 4.4 4.6 _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! The 1972 Black History Week program at Charlottesvilles Lane High School had been tranquil. But during a medley of songs, including the James Weldon Johnson hymn Lift Every Voice and Sing, Esther Vassar noticed rows of white students walking out of the auditorium, and shed silent tears. Vassar, a young English teacher new to Lane, had organized the history observance. The same program had gone off the day before without a discordant note. Lift Every Voice and Sing is reverently known as the Black National Anthem, although Vassar says she did not refer to it as such on this occasion. The walkout by about 50 white students was followed by a counter-protest by Black students. Id go to my mailbox every day and Id have hate mail, simply for doing what the principal asked me to do, Vassar recalled. A committee was charged with investigating the white walkout and following Black counter-protest. Ultimately, no disciplinary action was taken against any of the students involved, according to a March 12, 1972, story in The Richmond Times-Dispatch. Vassar and two Black members of the Lane High class of 1972 James Bryant and Ronnie Johnson feel an estrangement from Lane that endures. Neither alum attended a Lane class reunion in August; judging from photos of the event, few Black alumni did. This weekend, Johnson and Bryant, a retired educator and vice chair of the Charlottesville School Board, will convene a program in the building that houses their former segregation-era elementary school. The Jefferson School Forever Reunion, 1960-72 will be held at what is now the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. Vassar will be Saturdays keynote speaker. Jefferson Elementary closed in 1965 after Charlottesville desegregated its schools. We felt that going back to Jefferson, a lot of our classmates, they would feel safe, they would feel valued and they would feel wanted. They didnt feel that with the regular class, Bryant said during a recent interview that included Vassar and Johnson. If separate reunions strikes you as a sad denouement, consider this: Some Black people wax nostalgic for the segregation era because integration brought the continued trauma or racism without the supportive cocoon of community that segregation imposed. And yes, Ive experienced similar Black History Week assembly discord. That integration in 1966 was an eye opener because at that point in time, none of us had had white teachers, Bryant recalled. So it was a culture shock for us. And during that period from sixth grade on, we were almost treated like second-class citizens. He recalled a guidance counselor attempting to dissuade him from attending college, urging him to pursue a trade instead. Vassar would go on to teach college for 20 years. Shed head the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise, chair the states Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority Board and serve as national ombudsman of the U.S. Small Business Administration before her retirement. At Lane, she was the mentor alienated Black students craved. When Mrs. Vassar arrived at Lane High School in 1971 with her turbans and her dashikis and her Afrocentric look, we said, Wow, this is what we have been waiting for, Bryant recalled. She introduced Black literature such as Ralph Ellisons Invisible Man and Richard Wrights Native Son, as well as the poetry of Nikki Giovanni. Despite receiving some very lovely notes from students amid the hostility, Vassar wanted no part of a School Board meeting to address the controversy. Black parents persuaded her to attend. People in the packed room made comments such as, This teacher ... made our students pledge allegiance to the Black national anthem, which wasnt true, she said. I was this 25-year-old girl who was this monster in their minds. Near the meetings conclusion, the Rev. Henry Mitchell, the School Boards lone Black member, read the words to Lift Every Voice and Sing, Vassar recalled. And he said, What is offensive about that? Not another word was spoken and the assembly was dismissed. Im so glad that we have had a chance to give her an opportunity to tell her story, a tearful Bryant said. Vassar and her husband had planned to make a permanent home in Charlottesville. But after the Lane incident, they decided they could not stay. She had long suppressed her memories of that tumultuous time. But this weekend will represent a kind of homecoming. Ive had a lot of honors in my career, said Vassar, who now lives in Florida. This one is the most important. Its a cleansing thats taking place here, its a healing, Johnson said of the reunion. On Saturday, I dont think theres going to be a dry eye in the place. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This story is part of the September 11 Edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories. After winning the inaugural Triple J Unearthed National Indigenous Award in 2012, Thelma Plum went on to release her debut album Better in Blak in 2019, quickly becoming one of the countrys most successful artists. At 27, Thelma finds herself at a stage in her career where she has learnt to prioritise her mental health and wellbeing. How have you grown since your debut album Better in Blak came out in 2019? Im definitely much calmer than I used to be. We are all on our own life journey but I think as I have grown up, I have come to accept myself a lot more. When I wrote Better in Blak there was a lot of angst I wanted to get out. My new EP, Meanjin, was written while sitting on my balcony looking at the river at home in Brisbane during the pandemic. It came from a reflective place that wasnt so agitated. How have fame and recognition changed your life? It feels overwhelming, to be honest. To be recognised still makes me feel weird. I try not to think about it too much! I have noticed a small difference recently in terms of people recognising me when I am out. Sometimes I get anxious and feel nervous about losing that anonymity. Most of the time people are nice and come up to say hi. But fame has made me use the internet differently to what I would have done before. Sometimes I feel awkward using social media such as Instagram deciding what parts of me I want to share with my followers. I am now sharing with more people than I used to, and its all about trying to create those boundaries for myself. Loading How easy is it to maintain friendships or make new friends? I am lucky to have the most amazing friends and family around me. I think I have become good at weeding out those sorts of people who arent genuine. I am very lucky to have friends who have my back and who are good at saying, Thelma, dont hang out with that person! You recently took part in a Maybelline New York foundation campaign on diverse skin tones and now youre an ambassador for Melbourne Fashion Week. What does being part of Fashion Week mean to you? Its quite an important moment for me, and I am excited to be involved. This has been a good year for conversations around diversity for First Nations people. To bring my voice to the fashion realm is another great step. There has been a lot of progress in fashion overall, but there is still a lot of under-representation and lack of diversity. Having a front-facing role like mine will help, I hope. Do you have a favourite Australian fashion designer right now? I love First Nations label Maara Collective and always feel great in their power suits. I go to Gammin Threads for a parody power shirt they make the funniest T-shirts and Nungala Creative is another go-to. I also love the custom designs by Melbourne label Sabatucci they create big beautiful bows which I love to wear. I also love HoMie in Fitzroy, especially what they do as a not-for-profit, giving back to community. Advertisement You work very closely with your stylist, Karinda Mutabazi. How did that friendship form? I have always had my own style and sense of style. I first worked with Karinda when I was 17. I was a poor struggling musician who couldnt afford a stylist and we did a photo shoot in a Melbourne warehouse together. I felt beautiful in the clothes she chose for me and loved every minute of the process. Years down the track I had the chance to work with her again, and now she is across everything I do fashion-wise. She is like an aunty I look up to. I always have been pretty good at advocating for myself and its something that Mum taught me from a very young age. She knew that as a young black kid it was important that I knew how to stand up for myself. Who are among your other role models, and why? I am a big fan of First Nations model and Mob in Fashion advocate Nathan McGuire. I also look up to Jessica Mauboy. She is incredible a beautiful black woman who inspired me as a teenager. Seeing a black woman succeed in the mainstream was very empowering. We got to work together and wrote a song, which was a pinch-me moment. Courtney Barnett is another artist I look up to. I was very nervous when we performed Homecoming Queen together at WOMADelaide in March this year during an A.B. Original set. We got together the day before in our hotel room going over the song. She is an incredible human and musician and made me feel most comfortable. Loading What is the best advice your mother Lieszel has given you? My mum is my biggest supporter. I always have been pretty good at advocating for myself and its something that Mum taught me from a very young age. She knew that as a young black kid it was important that I knew how to stand up for myself. I have always had a strong sense of what is just, and standing up for myself all comes from Mum. So, its not so much about advice, its about observing her actions and leading by example always being true to yourself. How do you stay on top of your mental health as life and your career go full-steam ahead? For me, its about knowing that I can count on my friends and family, and surrounding myself with loved ones makes me feel safe. I have ADHD and recharging is very important to me. I cant function unless I carve out time to rest and recover. Not feeling bad about wanting that time is something I am learning to do. It took me a long time to not beat myself up about it. There is this idea of toxic productivity that we need to be constantly moving and doing things. I dont necessarily think thats true, and it has taken me up until now to figure it out. How has ADHD affected you? School was very difficult for me. I really struggled. It was very tricky, but I was lucky that in grade 11 and 12 I went to an alternative learning school and it catered to kids like me. I had to find a way to get through it, putting systems in place that worked for me. I know that when I go on tour and have to play four nights in a row, I need time to recharge and to feel okay within myself afterwards. I often need to be alone in this time, which is funny because I dont like being alone! For me to do what I do without burning out means I need these boundaries and strategies. My cat Buddy is also really good for my mental health. He was my neighbours cat and he wouldnt stop coming around to mine, so she suggested I have him. I love him so much. Advertisement Companies had to scramble to secure trucks to move their goods to Chinese ports, while Chinas food importers hunted for more trucks and trains to carry their cargo into the countrys interior. The heat and drought have wilted many of the vegetables in southwestern China, causing prices to nearly double, and have made it hard for the surviving pigs and poultry to put on weight, driving up meat prices. Recent rainfall allowed power to be temporarily restored to houses and businesses in western China. But drought persists across much of central and western China, and reservoirs remain at one-third of their usual level. Dropping water levels have curbed electricity production. Credit:Bloomberg That means less water not only for hydropower but also for the regions chemical factories and coal-fired power plants, which need huge quantities of water for cooling. China even resorted to using drones to seed clouds with silver iodide in an attempt to trigger more rain, said Zhao Zhiqiang, the deputy director of the Weather Modification Centre of the China Meteorological Administration, at a news conference on Tuesday. At the same time, the coronavirus and Chinas insistence on a zero-COVID policy continue to pose supply chain risks by restricting movement in significant portions of the country. Last Thursday, Chinese authorities locked down Chengdu, a city of more than 21 million in southwestern China, to clamp down on coronavirus outbreaks. These frequent disruptions in Chinese manufacturing and logistics have added to concerns among global executives and policymakers that many of the worlds factories are far too geographically concentrated, which leaves them vulnerable to pandemics and natural disasters. An exposed riverbed along the Jialing River near the confluence with the Yangtze River in Chongqing, China. Credit:Bloomberg The Biden administration, in a plan released on Tuesday outlining how the United States intends to bolster its semiconductor industry, said the current concentration of chipmakers in Southeast Asia had left the industry vulnerable to disruptions from climate change as well as pandemics and war. But setting up factories in other parts of the world to offset those risks could be costly, for both businesses and the consumers to whom companies will pass their costs on to in the form of higher prices. Just as the pandemic has resulted in higher prices for consumers, Meng said, so could climate change, particularly if extreme weather affects large areas of the world at the same time. Companies could also face new costs from carbon taxes when shipping goods across borders, as well as higher transport costs for moving products by sea or air, experts say. Both ocean and airfreight are major producers of the gases contributing to climate change, accounting for about 5 per cent of global carbon emissions. Companies in both sectors are quickly trying to find cleaner sources of fuel, but that transition is likely to require big investments that could drive up prices for their customers. Natural disasters and coronavirus lockdowns in China have been particularly painful, given that the country is home to much of the worlds manufacturing. But the United States has also felt the rising impacts from extreme weather. A multiyear drought in much of the western United States has weighed on US agricultural exports. West Coast wildfires have jumbled logistics for companies like Amazon. Winter storms and power outages shut down semiconductor plants in Texas last year, adding to global chip shortages. US wildfires this year disrupted logistics. Credit:Bloomberg White House economists warned in a report this year that climate change would make future disruptions of the global supply chains more common, citing research showing that the global frequency of natural disasters had increased almost threefold in recent decades. As networks become more connected, and climate change worsens, the frequency and size of supply-chain-related disasters rises, the report said. The National Centres for Environmental Information, a federal agency, estimates that the number of billion-dollar disasters taking place in the United States each year has skyrocketed to an average of 20 in the last two years, including severe storms, cyclones and floods. In the 1980s, there were only about three per year. The drought is affecting drinking supplies in Chongqing. Credit:Xinhua Academics say the effect of these disasters and of higher temperatures in general will be particularly obvious when it comes to food trade. Some parts of the world, like Russia, Scandinavia and Canada, could produce more grains and other food crops to feed countries as global temperatures rise. But those centres of production would be farther from hotter and more densely populated areas closer to the equator. Some of those regions may struggle even more than they do now with poverty and food insecurity. One danger is that increasing competition for food could encourage countries to introduce protectionist policies that restrict or stop the export of food, as some have done in response to the pandemic and Russias invasion of Ukraine. These export restrictions allow a country to feed its own population but tend to exacerbate international shortages and push up food prices, further aggravating the problem. Loading The World Trade Organisation, citing the damage that protectionist policies could pose, has urged countries to keep trade open to combat the negative effects of climate change. In a 2018 report, the WTO pointed out that the global food trade was particularly vulnerable to disruptions in transportation that might occur as a result of climate change, like rising sea levels threatening ports or extreme weather degrading roads and bridges. More than half of globally traded grains pass through at least one of 14 global choke points, including the Panama Canal, the Strait of Malacca or the Black Sea rail network, the report said. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the WTOs director-general, has described trade as a mechanism for adaptation and resilience that can help countries deal with crop failure and natural disasters. In a speech in January, she cited economic models estimating that climate change was on track to contribute to severe malnutrition, with as many as 55 million people at risk by 2050 because of local effects on food production. But greater trade could cut that number by 35 million people, she said. Trade is part of the solution to the challenges we face, far more than it is part of the problem, Okonjo-Iweala said. Loading Solomon Hsiang, the Chancellors Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley, and a co-director of the Climate Impact Lab, agreed that trade might simultaneously make the world more resilient to these disasters and more vulnerable. In some situations, trade can help soften the effects of climate change for example, allowing communities to import food when local crops fail because of a drought, he said. Thats on the good side of the ledger, Hsiang said. But the bad side is, as everyone really acutely understands, we are so interconnected from our supply chains that events on one side of the world can dramatically impact peoples wellbeing elsewhere. After a leap into the big time at New York Fashion Week, the founders of Australian label Aje are confident their business can stretch further than a pair of athletic tights. The intimate showing on Friday for magazine editors, influencers and buyers was a push into the crowded capital of consumerism for founders Adrian Norris and Edwina Forest. This presentation was part of our bigger plan to hopefully, one day, show on the New York Fashion Week schedule, Norris says. But we needed to build up to it. Aje co-founder Adrian Norris at the labels debut presentation for New York Fashion Week. Credit:Sean Davidson This running jump on the US market started with acclaimed shows at Australian Fashion Week and an explosion of Aje boutiques around Australia, including nine dedicated Aje Athletica stores since August last year. Alongside their increasing popularity at home, Ajes optimistic and overwhelmingly feminine designs have also found favour in the US. Top road safety and trauma experts are calling for the introduction of adaptive speed locks in new cars that would stop young inexperienced drivers from using their accelerators as deadly weapons. Research in NSW and South Australia showed intelligent speed adaptation smart warning devices that can also be set to stop a car from exceeding the speed limit could save 200 lives a year, and reduce speeding by 89 per cent if it was fitted to all cars. Intelligent speed adaptation uses GPS to determine the speed limit and warn the driver, and in some cases intervene, if they exceed it. Credit:NSW Centre for Road Safety After this weeks deaths of five young Picton High students aged 14 to 16 in a car crash, the experts also renewed calls for more programs to encourage learners and P-platers to drive the familys best and safest car rather than older vehicles, which are overrepresented in fatal crashes. Professor Raphael Grzebieta and Dr George Rechnitzer from the UNSW Transport and Roads Safety Research Centre issued a joint statement to The Sun-Herald saying the deaths of five young people when 18-year-old driver Tyrell Edwards, the only survivor, crashed into a tree on a country road at Buxton was tragic. An e-scooter rider has suffered critical injuries after a crash with a vehicle south-west of Brisbane. Police believe the rider was travelling west on Finucane Road in Capalaba when it collided with a black 2014 Volkswagen Scirocco hatchback travelling south along Moreton Bay Road about 3.30pm on Saturday. The 24-year-old Alexandra Hills man was rushed to the Princess Alexandra Hospital with critical injuries. Credit:Jocelyn Garcia Multiple bystanders and the driver of the vehicle rendered immediate assistance to the rider ahead of the emergency response. The 24-year-old Alexandra Hills man was then rushed to the Princess Alexandra Hospital with critical injuries. Melbourne events and hospitality groups are scrambling to fill thousands of job vacancies ahead of the citys major events season as it returns fully for the first time in three years. The Victoria Racing Club has more than 1000 job vacancies in hospitality alone for its $434 million spring racing carnival, according to one industry source. The VRCs racing carnival, including the Melbourne Cup, forms the centrepiece of the events season which includes AFL finals, Christmas, new year, the Australian Open and the Formula 1 grand prix. The VRC would not confirm the number of job vacancies during its staff recruitment phase. We have been working for some time with our supply partners on their recruitment plans and are receiving weekly updates on staffing to ensure a smooth Melbourne Cup carnival, said VRC chief executive Steve Rosich. The last full crowd at the Melbourne Cup carnival was in 2019, when 25,000 staff and contractors worked across 880 companies and brought in $434 million in economic benefit to the state, according to the VRC. This year, it is expecting 300,000 attendees and a boost of 29,000 members making it the largest racing club in the world. The mother of a teenage girl who was targeted by a serial online predator has hit out at the judge who granted him bail, despite the man admitting to a string of offences. Saying she felt utterly let down by the legal system the mother, who lives in Melbournes northern suburbs, demanded that the name and image of the man whose offending was labelled highly depraved by the judge be made public. The offender posed as a teenager on Snapchat. Credit:Getty Her daughter was first contacted by the predator in April 2020, with Victoria in the grip of its first COVID-19 lockdown, when she received a flurry of 14th birthday notifications via social media platform Snapchat. Most of the messages were from school friends, but one request came from a stranger who claimed to be an 18-year-old male. A tightly held family home in North Epping has fetched a boom-time price thanks to two determined buyers who bid for it neck and neck at auction. The original three-bedroom house at 22 Bailey Crescent sold for $2,235,000 well above the reserve of $1.85 million and the suburbs median house price, which hit $2,137,500 in the year to June on Domain data. The house at 22 Bailey Crescent, North Epping, which sold at auction for $2,235,000. Credit:Rhett Wyman The house sold to a young local family looking to build their dream home. They were among six registered bidders for the home, which was originally built by the owner, who bought the land for 825 in 1957. Half of the bidders placed bets, but only after the auctioneer made numerous calls for an opening offer. Loading Those encounters were brief but illuminating. And they illustrate how the Queen, despite her age, already understood the myriad of human complexities that came with the crown. That she needed to be all things to all people. To her mother, a loyal daughter. And to the disgraced Windsors, both Queen and niece. In her 70-year-long reign, this pattern would be repeated over and over. As Queen, she was there to police the continuity of the crown. She disapproved of the abdication but eventually made peace with the human characters in its story. She disapproved of her daughters-in-law Diana and Sarah, but, in different ways, understood their challenges. And while she ordered the severing of ties (and titles) for the Sussexes, her role as Prince Harrys grandmother was unchanged. The Queen (second from left) speaks with the exiled Duchess of Windsor at Edward VIIIs funeral in London. Credit:Press Association The distinction between the two roles mother (or grandmother) and monarch was made evident barely a year and a half into her reign when she embarked on a formidable six-month world tour, visiting 13 countries, including Australia. Her children, Charles, then five, and Anne, just three, stayed at home. In one of the most photographed and subsequently analysed moments of her reign, she met her children upon her return with a handshake, and not a hug. To frame that moment as maternal failure, as many do, misunderstands the multi-faceted nature of the role. With the cameras rolling, Elizabeth II was immutably Queen and nothing else. Her relationships with her two younger children, Andrew, born in 1960, and Edward, in 1964, would be quite different. Less formal. This suggests that even as she inhabited these multiple roles, like a tiara-laden Sybil, over time she had also come to understand them more, and to understand the intricacies of their connection. We understood what the limitations were in time and the responsibilities placed on her as monarch, in the things she had to do and the travels she had to make, her daughter Princess Anne said in a 2002 interview. I dont believe that any of us, for a second, thought she didnt care for us in exactly the same way as any other mother did. I just think its extraordinary that anybody could construe that that might not be true. The Queen with grandchildren James and Louise, and great grandchildren Mia Tindall, Princess Charlotte, Savannah Phillips, Prince George and Isla Phillips. Credit:Annie Leibovitz via AP Indeed the multiple roles of monarch and mother have been intertwined for centuries. Even for members of her family, something as simple as permission to marry must be formally obtained from the Queen. The 2013 amendment to the Succession to the Crown Act restricted that to the first six members of the Royal Family in line to the throne. And it is the reason in 2018, for example, that Prince Harry required the Queens permission to marry Meghan Markle, but Princess Eugenie, for her marriage to Jack Brooksbank, did not. Loading This fusion of different aspects of the one woman came into sharp focus as far back as June 1969, when the documentary Royal Family aired. In purely numerical terms it was a hit. Broadcast on the BBC and ITV, it was watched by 30 million viewers in the UK, and later an estimated 350 million around the world. And yet it has faded into history, largely because after that initial broadcast the Queen who, sensibly, owned the rights withdrew it from circulation. Equal parts Undercover Boss and Survivor: Balmoral Edition, it contained a revealing look at the woman behind the crown: in her office dealing with staff and official correspondence, travelling on the Royal Yacht Britannia, meeting with US president Richard Nixon and, at times, engaged in side tasks such as trimming the Christmas tree at Sandringham and choosing dresses and jewellery. Queen Elizabeth II with the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William. Credit:Geoff Pugh/Pool via AP The last of those perhaps exposed a less relatable side of the Queen, who, while handling the Timur Ruby, an unfaceted 361-carat polished red spinel set in a necklace whose legend dates back to the Emperors of Persia, remarked: I think one really ought to get a dress designed so that one could wear it. One should indeed. But the 89-minute film also illustrates the emerging role the Queen would play: head of The Firm, as she called it, the operation that runs the Royal households, including its lavish palaces, at the centre of which is the 775-room Buckingham Palace, with a staff of thousands. But she is also mother and grandmother, fussing over salad dressing while Prince Philip cooked sausages during a riverside BBQ in Scotland. I think we were very lucky as a family to be able to do so much together, Princess Anne said in 2010. I also think that because its a relatively unique situation, and the level of interest from elsewhere, it does push you back slightly inwards on those who have the same experience and understand what those pressures are. So, it was both a defensive [and] appreciative group. The death of the Princess of Wales in Paris in 1997 would trigger the most challenging clash of the Queens many roles. The Queen with the Princess of Wales in London in 1987. Credit:Martin Cleave/AP The death of Diana was a particularly difficult and almost dangerous period for the Queen and Prince Philip and the whole royal family, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, a cousin and close friend, said in 2010. Despite the expectation that her role as monarch should come first, the Queen decided to remain at Balmoral in Scotland, away from public view, with Dianas sons, William and Harry. The impact and the headlines were devastating. Show us you care. Your People are suffering. Speak to us Maam. And, on the front page of The Sun, with a damaging image of a flag-less pole atop Buckingham Palace: Where is our Queen? Where is our flag? In her address to the nation, which was as much an acknowledgement of Dianas death as it was a not-so-subtle mea culpa for her hesitancy, the Queen said: What I say to you now, as your Queen and as a grandmother, I say from my heart. I, for one, believe there are lessons to be drawn from her life, and from the extraordinary and moving reaction to her death. For the future king Prince William, particularly, the distinct roles of grandmother and monarch would become much clearer after the death of his mother. When I was younger, and being a small boy growing up, I would probably say [she was] Queen first, then grandmother, William said in a television interview in 2012. But now its definitely grandmother first, Queen second. The Queen Mother (left) and the Queen (second from right) at the funeral of the Princess of Wales. Credit:Reuters The distinction between the two was given even greater clarity, William said, during the planning of his marriage to Catherine Middleton, now Duchess of Cambridge. There was very much a subdued moment when I was handed a list of 777 names, not one person I knew or Catherine knew, and it was very much a case of, right, its like that, is it? William recalled. As any grandson might, William turned to his grandmother for help. I went to her and said listen, Ive got this list, not one person I know, what do I do? And she went, get rid of it, start from your friends, and well add those we need to in due course. Its your day. As the Queen grew older, and the moving parts of the monarchy slowly re-aligned around her, with the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge shouldering more of the workload, the roles of grandmother and monarch found new balance. I think thats often true of grandparents, its in theory one of their great advantages because theyre not strictly speaking responsible, they can have more fun, and it if all goes horribly wrong, you can have it back, you know, Princess Anne said in 2010. Prince Philip, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, the Queen, Prince Andrew and the Prince of Wales in 1972. Credit:Press Association I think its extraordinary really, she seems to have time for all of them, Princess Anne added, referring to the Queens eight grandchildren William and Harry, Annes children Peter and Zara, Andrews daughters Eugenie and Beatrice and Edwards children Louise and James. But her grandchildren have also grown up in a very different family environment, which is a more casual environment than she was brought up in, or to some extent we started in, Anne added. I suspect to begin with that was a bit of a change to deal with, I think shes got used to that. Queen Elizabeth II also became a slightly less formal monarch, more willing to let her multiple worlds fold into each other, appearing in a 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony sketch with James Bond (Daniel Craig), and in an infamous mic drop clip filmed with Prince Harry in 2016 before the Invictus Games. Hey Prince Harry, challenged Barack and Michelle Obama in a clip with the punchline Boom. Boom, really, please, the Queen deadpanned in reply. Loading It also goes some way to explaining why he had such an early start on Friday. Had he returned on a private jet, he would have been afforded the luxury of a later departure time, but instead left Balmoral at 8.30am to catch a 10am British Airways flight back to London Heathrow. Had he been on better terms with his nearest and dearest, he may have left at lunchtime, when William, 40, departed. But as has been well documented since he and Meghan stepped down from royal duties in March 2020, relations between the couple and the rest of the House of Windsor remain strained, not least after Meghans salvos in a podcast and a 6500-word interview with The Cut, in which she warned the royal family that she was free to say anything. Having claimed that Harry lost his father in the Megxit process and suggested that just by existing she and her husband were upsetting the dynamic of the hierarchy she appeared to fan the flames of last years Oprah Winfrey interview by declaring that it was taking a lot of effort to forgive her in-laws. William and Harry are accompanied by Charles as they inspect the flowers placed outside Kensington Palace in memory of Diana Credit:AP The outbursts combined with an autobiography Harry promises will be accurate and wholly truthful has understandably made the royal family reluctant to be in the couples company. As one royal insider put it: Its quite hard to spend too much time with someone you know is about to publish a tell-all book about you. I think people appreciate that the Queen was Harrys beloved grandmother, but she was the CEO of the institution they have spoken negatively against. Having cut a lonely figure as he was driven into Balmoral, hand against his furrowed brow, to join his estranged family in mourning the Queens death, he was alone again as he made his way back to Windsor, where his wife Meghan, 41, is understood to have been waiting for him at their Frogmore Cottage home in the UK. The couples spokesman had initially said the couple would travel together to Scotland, although separately from the rest of the royals. But less than 30 minutes later, an unnamed source was quoted as saying that Harry would be making the trip by himself. Omid Scobie, the Sussexes self-styled unofficial spokesman, suggested afterwards that Meghan was staying back in England like [Catherine] the Duchess of Cambridge but as the BBCs veteran royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell pointed out: She might not be terribly warmly welcomed, to be perfectly candid about it. Harry and Meghan now live in California with their son Archie. Credit:AP With Catherine, 40, having opted to personally break the news of Gan Gans death to Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, seven, and four-year-old Louis at the end of their first day at Lambrook Prep, their new school, it would have looked odd had Meghan had been present at Balmoral but not the wife of the heir to the throne, a future Queen in her own right. Despite an insistence from the Sussexes people that they were working in coordination with the royals, the about-turn reflects a growing sense that communications have all but broken down between the couple and the palace. Whereas once the so-called men in grey suits included Harry in their planning ensuring that he was factored into the official arrangements for the funeral of his grandfather, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, in April last year, now the father of two appears to have been largely left to his own devices. Loading The approach may change as the royal household manages the many moving parts involved in coordinating attendance at her majestys funeral in 10 days time but it is fair to say the couples presence remains a significant cause for consternation not just among staff but the family itself. As one well-placed source put it: I think the general reaction to Harry and Meghans behaviour has been one of incredulity, to be honest. Even if you just look at the last few weeks, theyve had the duchess once again making outspoken remarks in interviews. They seem quite detached from reality, living in a sort of LA bubble. It is incredible really. Prince Harry arrives at Balmoral several hours after his grandmothers death. Credit:AP It is not confirmed if Meghan and Harry will stay in the UK until the state funeral, expected to be on Monday, September 19, or return to the US to see their children Archie, three, and one-year-old Lilibet having already been away from them for a week, although Scobie has insisted that Harry will of course remain in Britain. A spokesman declined to comment on their plans. Meghan did not attend Philips funeral because she was seven months pregnant with Lilibet. However, an olive branch was extended by the King on Friday as he mentioned the Sussexes and his love for them in his speech. During the ceremony for Philip at St Georges Chapel in Windsor, William and Harry were reunited for the first time since the Sussexes appeared on Oprah a month earlier, when they accused a member of the royal family of being racist towards Archie. Loading Their cousin Peter Phillips, the late Queens eldest grandchild, acted as peacemaker, a role he could fulfil again, according to one insider. Peter is used to acting as a bit of a buffer, said the source. He may play that role again in a bid to pull them along together. Meghans attendance at the funeral is one of several conundrums facing the palace powers that be. When the Queen Mother died, a then Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and their cousin David, Viscount Linley stood guard by her coffin for 20 minutes before they were relieved by the Yeoman of the Guard. This Vigil of the Princes is set to be repeated by her four children when Queen Elizabeth lies in state but it is yet to be confirmed whether her grandchildren will also take part in their own vigil. Will Harry be invited to be in it, and if so, what will he wear? PM, Governor-General lay wreaths in honour of Queen Elizabeth II Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Thank you for reading! To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99. NEW BRITAIN A local man on Wednesday was sentenced to 18 years in prison for first-degree possession of child pornography, according to the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice. Michael Inzitari, of New Britain, was sentenced by Judge Laura F. Baldini. Inzitari was found in possession of suspected child pornography 1,395 images and 285 videos stored on a cellphone seized by police in the summer of 2020 while still on probation for a 2012 child pornography possession conviction, according to evidence presented at trial, the DCJ said. He was convicted by a jury in April. Child pornography, in any format, creates a memorialization of child abuse. Individuals like Mr. Inzitari sustain the illegal marketplace for the sexual exploitation of children which, in turn, further demands more children be subjected to its abuses, New Britain Assistant States Attorney Gregory Borrelli, who prosecuted the case, said in a DCJ news release. The New Britain Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Safetys Division of Scientific Services were thanked by Borrelli and New Britain States Attorney Christian M. Watson for their assistance, according to the DCJ. Inzitari previously worked for the Springdale Volunteer Fire Company in Stamford. In 2001, he was convicted of first-degree arson for setting fire to an empty building in an attempt to re-create a scene from the movie Backdraft. He was sentenced to eight years in prison followed by seven years of special parole. In 2011, Inzitari, then 33, was charged with second-degree possession of child pornography after his parole officer discovered two thumb drives containing 100 images of nude children engaged in sexual activity on his person. Inzitari was convicted and sentenced to 2 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation in 2012. Incensed by the probation sentence, he had to be restrained by judicial marshals in the courtroom. caroline.tien@hearst.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SHELTON A member of the citys police department died suddenly while off-duty on Thursday, officials said. Shelton Police Lt. Robert Kozlowsky confirmed Officer Jesse Butwell, 41, of Naugatuck, died at Waterbury Hospital. Kozlowsky did not provide further details aside from saying Butwells death was sudden. It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Officer Jesse Butwell, Shelton police wrote on Facebook. Condolences to his parents and family. Police Chief Shawn Sequeira said Butwell was dedicated to his job and serving his community. He was a natural leader and had a great relationship with all the officers, Sequeira said. Beyond being an exceptional police officer he was also recognized for his expertise as a firearms instructor and was our training officer that had a direct impact on each officer. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten as our brother police officer. Our condolences to his parents, fiance, family, and all those who knew him, Sequeira added. Butwell, a firearms instructor, loved the outdoors, Kozlowsky said, adding that he was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hiking. Jesse was a dedicated officer who had a positive attitude and cared for others, Kozlowsky said. More importantly, he developed close friendships with many of his coworkers and was well-liked by all members of the department. He was always willing to help his fellow employees, Kozlowsky added. This was one of the reasons he was selected as the training officer. Butwell was credited with saving a life in March 2019. Days after receiving training on the use of Narcan, which reverses the effects of a drug overdose, Butwell was able to put the lessons into practice. Kozlowsky said Butwell was one of the officers called to a one-car accident on Shelton Avenue and Meadow Street on March 16, 2019. The officers found the male driver unconscious so they used the Narcan, Kozlowsky said. Based on the investigation at the scene, it appeared [the driver] may be overdosing, so the officer (Butwell) used the Narcan. (The driver) appeared to wake up. It worked, and he was sent to the hospital. brian.gioiele@hearstmediact.com Becky Goetsch grows hemp. She has since 2019, after U.S. Congress passed the Agriculture Improvement Act, which made hemp a legal cash crop. Since then, the price of hemp has crashed. That has, in turn, reduced the number of hemp farmers in Connecticut from a high of 140 in 2020 to about half that now. A lot of people got into it thinking that it was going to be a cash crop, Goetsch said. Certainly there is an oversupply of hemp for CBD. Goetsch, like many hemp farmers, thought she would dive into the recreational cannabis market, but she decided against it, ultimately. I was so disgusted with the lottery system, she said. I decided that my time and my energy and my money could be better spent being an advocate for hemp producers. Goetsch, also the newly appointed president of the Connecticut Hemp Industry Association, said hemp producers were left out of the state's process for granting licenses to grow cannabis. Jordan Fenster/Hearst Connecticut Media Those companies growing THC-laden marijuana for medical use were given preferential treatment, she said, and she believes existing hemp growers should have as well. It just seems to me that they left out this entire community of people who have devoted four years now to honing the craft, she said. Included in the law that made recreational adult use of cannabis legal is a provision to create a hemp working group, the purpose of which, according to an Office of Legislative Research analysis, is to investigate the way neighboring states have integrated hemp and its products and producers into their recreational cannabis programs, statutes and regulations, and to consider possible legislation to integrate hemp and its products and licensed producers into Connecticuts recreational cannabis statutes. Both Goetsch and another hemp farmer, Brant Smith, have been appointed to that group. It was supposed to convene at the beginning of the year, they said, but has not met yet. The way the bill is written, it was all supposed to happen within 30 days of the law going into effect, Goetsch said. But here we are a couple of months later, and we haven't even had our first meeting. Its not a new idea. Other states have incorporated hemp farmers into their roll-out of adult-use cannabis. We're already growing cannabis, Smith said. New York State has already done this. I mean, it's not like this would break new territory. Know-how There are, Goetsch and Smith believe, some compelling reasons to allow hemp farmers to grow THC-laden cannabis. The first is the farmers existing knowledge base and infrastructure. They call the medical marijuana producers the legacy growers, but so are the hemp producers, Goetsch said. We've been growing cannabis, it's the same techniques that you need to grow marijuana. We've fine-honed our skills, we've built out our facilities and our and our and our capabilities. Recreational cannabis retail sales are supposed to begin by the end of this year, but Smith, a hemp farmer in Cheshire, said he doubts growers will be ready. I don't see how they can supply a state of three-and-a-half million people anywhere near what the demand will be, he said. The medical growers have to continue growing for the medical market, and it will take time for any new grower to get up to speed. Once you do get your facility and you have your license you have to grow it and that takes approximately six months, Smith said. So, I don't believe that they will have marijuana in the timeframe that they're talking about. CP090422weedhemp Allowing hemp growers to shift to marijuana would allow marijuana to get to the market way faster, he said. Because we already have the abilities and the technology and the know-how to grow it because were growing it. Mike Goodenough works with Connecticuts hemp farmers. We have about 47 farmers in the state of Connecticut that we support today, he said. We help them to grow the hemp. We help them to extract and then we help them manufacture products. We help them to build the brand. New farmers, he said, will have a tough time getting up to speed. Quite frankly, the fact is that these new cannabis cultivators, they have no clue what they're doing, he said. One of the biggest problems is mold. One of the biggest problems are the products themselves and the conditions, bugs, plastic, other things that have been found in these products. We know how to do this right. We've been doing it since 2018. We can stand up tomorrow with a quality product that is grown organically, because Department of Agriculture requires us to grow organically. A new and struggling industry Smith also began growing soon after Connecticut passed its own version of the farm bill. As soon as it became legal in Connecticut, I started growing, he said. In Connecticut, hemp farms are still largely locally owned, but elsewhere in the country large corporations have begun to swoop in and buy local farms so they can operate at scale. That, and what some believe is an oversaturation of CBD products, has crashed the value of a bushel of hemp putting many of Connecticuts hemp farmers out of business. Smith said when he first began growing hemp, he was able to sell it for $500 a pound. The price has dropped considerably since then, but adult-use cannabis sells for closer to $3,000 per pound wholesale. Thats why they had hoped to be grandfathered in as cannabis growers when the state began considering legal recreational use. Same costs, same whatever, six times the price, Smith said. CP090422weedhemp Meanwhile, all four of the states licensed medical marijuana growers are multi-state operators, who were given a leg up when it came to selecting growers for recreational cannabis licenses. Theres a lottery process to determine growers for the states soon-to-be recreational market but, as the state Department of Consumer Protection said in January, currently licensed medical marijuana producers converting to engage in the adult-use cannabis market are not subject to the lottery process. I am struggling to break even, to be honest, Smith said. You've got this nascent industry in Connecticut that is getting driven under, meanwhile the recreational marijuana side of things is basically being given to multi-state operators. CBD versus THC Smith has acres of hemp greenhouses in Cheshire. He sells a few brands of CBD products, salves and the like, but mostly sells trimmed hemp in bulk. CBD won't get you high, but it's used as a sleep aid, a muscle relaxant in salves and for other medicinal purposes. The hemp he grows is low on THC, the substance in marijuana that gets you high. In fact, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 specifies that every plant must contain less than .03 percent THC. If it has more than that, it's technically a marijuana plant, and so has to be destroyed or has to be remediated, he said. The problem with that, Smith said, is that to get a good amount of CBD in a plant on the order of 15 percent you cannot get the THC below, say, .06. People involved in hemp know that, he said. Honestly, there are many places in the world where the threshold level is 1 percent, which makes sense to me because you cannot get high on a plant that's less than 1 percent. But the chemical composition of a cannabis plant is not so binary. Its not just a question of THC and CBD. Jordan Fenster/Hearst Connecticut Media There's also something called THC-A in a plant, which is basically what will turn into THC if you combust it, Smith said. The federal law doesn't take into account that at all. The Connecticut regulation that legalized the production and sale of hemp does, however, take THC-A into account. To determine the legal levels of THC-A, they take the amount of the chemical in a dried plant, multiply it by .84 and then add it to the amount of THC. If you're growing something with 15, 16, 17 percent CBD, it will end up being .06, .05, Smith said. Still, you're not going to get high on it. Smith does grow plants with CBD, but because of the regulations he leans on plants high in another chemical, called CBG. It's called the master cannabinoid, he said. That cannabinoid doesn't have THC because all the other cannabinoids come off of it. So there's no THC and CBD. So we're able to grow that. If you want the most out of it the best, most effective CBD is what we call full-spectrum, where CBD is the primary cannabinoid, but there are a lot of other cannabinoids as well, including THC, and they all work together, Smith said. The fact that all those chemicals come from different strains of the same plant, but that hemp farmers have been left out of the cannabis cultivation process is what bothers Goodenough. There's 140 molecules in this plant. I can't grow one. I can grow 139 of them. But I can't grow one, he said. The goal is to be able to integrate within the entire market. Why am I ripping the diamonds out of my pile of potential opportunity? 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I am concerned about my thinning hair. I tried Rogaine and it worked well until I developed an allergic reaction. I just read about low-dose oral minoxidil. What can you tell me about it? A. Science writer Gina Kolata stirred up a lot of excitement in her New York Times article (Aug. 23, 2022). She described the off-label use of low-dose oral minoxidil as an alternative to topical Rogaine (minoxidil). Several dermatologists have reported success prescribing very low doses of this blood pressure pill for people with hair loss. The usual oral dose ranges from 5 to 40 milligrams per day for high blood pressure. There can be serious side effects at those doses. Some dermatologists are prescribing amounts that range from 0.25 to 1.25 milligrams (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, March 2021). They often add the diuretic spironolactone (25 milligrams) to reduce fluid retention and counteract facial hair growth. Q. You criticized certified medical assistants for inaccurate blood pressure recordings. It is offensive to single us out. All medical personnel, including doctors, are guilty of hurrying through this measurement and not positioning the patient properly. Using an outdated or uncalibrated sphygmomanometer is not the CMAs fault. Patients would be wise to purchase their own home blood pressure devices or go to their pharmacies for weekly or monthly readings. Most doctors respect a person who can produce a written record of readings. This might make a difference in their treatment protocol. A. We apologize for criticizing CMAs for improper blood pressure measurement technique. As you have correctly pointed out, many health care professionals may fail to follow the appropriate procedures. We have described in detail all the correct steps for proper blood pressure monitoring in our eGuide to Blood Pressure Solutions. They include time to relax, a bathroom break, proper positioning, correct cuff size, no talking, multiple measurements and home verification with an accurate device. You can find this online resource under the Health eGuide tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. There are many personal blood pressure monitors available ranging from about $25 to $150. We list our favorite in the guide. Q. I am so confused. My husband takes Humira for his arthritis. He is 68 and on my health insurance. I am 67 and still working. He is retired. I am looking at retirement, but it doesnt look like Medicare covers Humira. What do people do? Its so incredibly expensive! Do I have to keep working just to pay for his drugs? A. Welcome to the Alice-in-Wonderland world of prescription drug insurance. According to GoodRx, a months supply of self-injectable Humira could cost over $9,000 without insurance. Even with a coupon, the cost could be over $6,000. Before you retire, you and your husband will need to sign up with Medicare, including a Part D plan that pays for your prescription drugs. There are many different providers offering Part D plans and each covers a different list of drugs on its formulary. Comparison shopping is essential to make sure that the plan you select covers the medicines you take. There should be a program that will cover biologics such as Humira. There are several options including Actemra, Cimzia, Enbrel, Orencia, Remicade or Simponi. Your husbands doctor will need to determine if any of these would be a suitable substitute in the event that he cannot find a plan that covers Humira. Write to Joe and Teresa Graedon in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: PeoplesPharmacy.com. ST. LOUIS A local advocacy group for Muslim Americans called upon the city's police department to release officer body camera footage of the fatal shooting of a man at an apartment complex on Wednesday. St. Louis police shot and killed 61-year-old Bada Ali a Muslim Sudanese immigrant after an hourslong standoff Wednesday on Hodiamont Avenue in the city's West End near Wellston. Police said they used tear gas and other nonlethal weapons before Ali charged at officers with a knife. Officers fired their guns roughly seven times and hit Ali at least once in the chest, killing him. Residents told the Post-Dispatch Ali struggled with mental illness and questioned whether police had a role in escalating the situation. On Saturday, Yasir Ali, chair of the Missouri Council on American-Islamic Relations, urged the police to release more information about the incident "so that the community can assess whether all available measures were taken to prevent such a tragic outcome." Police shoot and kill man during standoff in St. Louis West End neighborhood Police say the man charged at officers with a knife. Community members say the man struggled with mental issues. ST. LOUIS The city's health department is recommending euthanizing three pit bulls suspected of attacking two people in July. Police found a 62-year-old man dead on July 10 in the 4800 block of San Francisco Avenue with injuries to his body that appeared to be dog bites. They later found a 92-year-old man in the same area who had been taken to the hospital to treat dog bites. On Friday, a health department spokeswoman said medical examiners had determined that the 62-year-old died of a heart condition that was exacerbated by the dog attack. Officials declared the dogs dangerous and were notifying their owner of the euthanasia recommendation. The owner has five days to appeal and request a hearing, according to city ordinances. - Nicole Paulk, an expert in gene therapy, joins GRObios Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) as It Advances its ProGly Immunomodulation Chemistries into Gene Therapy - BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GRO Biosciences Inc. (GRObio), an emerging biotechnology company leveraging synthetic biology to expand the amino acid alphabet and deliver on the promise of protein therapeutics, today announced the appointment of distinguished gene therapy expert, Nicole Paulk, PhD, to its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220907005127/en/ Dr. Nicole Paulk (Photo: Business Wire) GRObio is expanding its SAB as it advances its ProGly approach to immunomodulation into gene therapy. Immunogenicity is a primary impediment to the safety and efficacy of gene therapy vectors. Already in use to reverse autoimmune disease and to prevent the emergence of anti-drug antibodies, the company is now applying ProGly to eliminate preexisting neutralizing antibodies against gene therapy vectors and to enable redosing for viral-based gene therapies. We are thrilled to have Dr. Paulk join our SAB. Her expertise in developing and commercializing gene therapy vectors together with her prominent leadership in the field will be instrumental as we leverage ProGly to address critical challenges in gene therapy, commented Daniel J. Mandell, PhD, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of GRO Biosciences. I am very pleased to join GRObios dynamic, industry-leading group of scientific advisors as it advances its innovative immunomodulation approach into gene therapy to bring life-saving medicines to patients, said Nicole Paulk, PhD. GRObios ProGly approach to immune tolerance has the potential to bring gene therapies to millions of patients who are currently ineligible due to pre-existing antibodies, or who cannot receive additional doses that are essential to their treatment. Dr. Paulk is an Assistant Professor of AAV Gene Therapy at the University of California San Francisco, Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics. Her research focuses on pioneering next-generation AAV gene delivery and gene editing platforms. She has developed therapies for gene repair and gene transfer for numerous rare diseases and cancer and has applied high-throughput comparative proteomic and epigenomic approaches to address challenges in fundamental AAV biology. Dr. Paulk earned her B.S. in Medical Microbiology from Central Washington University, her PhD in Viral Gene Therapy from Oregon Health and Science University and completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship in Human Gene Therapy at Stanford University. Dr. Paulk joins GRObios SAB that brings together some of the best minds in synthetic biology and drug development, including: George Church, PhD: Dr. Church is a synthetic biologist with foundational contributions to genome sequencing, DNA synthesis, multiplexed genome editing, and protein engineering. He is Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, Director of the Wyss Institute Synthetic Biology platform, and recipient of awards including the Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science, the Scientific American Top 50, the Time100 Impact Award, and election to both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. Dr. Church led the development of the companys genomically recoded organism (GRO) platform and is a GRObio co-founder. Dr. Church is a synthetic biologist with foundational contributions to genome sequencing, DNA synthesis, multiplexed genome editing, and protein engineering. He is Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, Director of the Wyss Institute Synthetic Biology platform, and recipient of awards including the Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science, the Scientific American Top 50, the Time100 Impact Award, and election to both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. Dr. Church led the development of the companys genomically recoded organism (GRO) platform and is a GRObio co-founder. Andrew Ellington, PhD: Dr. Ellington is the Fraser Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Texas at Austin and is a renowned expert in using evolutionary techniques to engineer biopolymers and cells. Dr. Ellington led the development of key protein translational machinery to incorporate non-standard amino acids into proteins using GROs. Dr. Ellington is the Fraser Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Texas at Austin and is a renowned expert in using evolutionary techniques to engineer biopolymers and cells. Dr. Ellington led the development of key protein translational machinery to incorporate non-standard amino acids into proteins using GROs. Niels Kaarsholm, PhD: Dr. Kaarsholm has 21 years of experience at Novo Nordisk leading development and commercialization of metabolic therapeutics. He has delivered several key metabolic disease therapeutics serving in senior leadership roles in protein engineering. Dr. Kaarsholm provides scientific and commercialization expertise for GRObios DuraLogic technology. Dr. Kaarsholm has 21 years of experience at Novo Nordisk leading development and commercialization of metabolic therapeutics. He has delivered several key metabolic disease therapeutics serving in senior leadership roles in protein engineering. Dr. Kaarsholm provides scientific and commercialization expertise for GRObios DuraLogic technology. Tracy Lodie, PhD: Dr. Lodie serves as Chief Scientific Officer at Quell Therapeutics, and was previously Chief Scientific Officer at Gamida Cell, Ltd. Prior she held senior leadership roles at Blue Rock Therapeutics, Syros Pharma, and Sanofi/Genzyme where she led immunology efforts from discovery through early clinical development. Dr. Lodie provides scientific, early clinical translation, and commercialization expertise for GRObios ProGly technology. About ProGly GRObios ProGly platform chemistries comprises glycan-containing non-standard amino acids (NSAAs) that can induce or inhibit an immune reaction. The GRO platform enables precise placement of defined ProGly compositions on a protein surface necessary to elicit a defined immune response. The Companys first ProGly NSAAs reeducate the immune system to recognize a protein as self or non-self a totally new modality for eliminating autoimmunity and anti-drug antibodies. About GRO Biosciences GRO Biosciences (GRObio) is leveraging groundbreaking science to expand the amino acid alphabet and deliver on the promise of protein therapeutics. The Company is transforming treatments in diverse areas including autoimmune and metabolic diseases to improve the lives of patients. GRObio is applying its platform to advance partnered and collaborative programs, as well as its own pipeline of protein therapeutics bearing unique non-standard amino acid (NSAA) chemistries. The Companys NSAA therapeutics feature previously unattainable capabilities including unprecedented duration of action and precise regulation of the immune system. GRObio, co-founded by Dr. George Church of Harvard Medical School in 2016, is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. Find GRObio on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and the web at grobio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220907005127/en/ Investor & Partnering Contact: Kristi Bruno LaVoieHealthScience Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-865-3940 Media Contact: Shani Lewis LaVoieHealthScience Email: [email protected] Phone: 609-516-5761 Source: GRO Biosciences Inc. TORONTO, Sept. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alkaline Fuel Cell Power Corp. (NEO: PWWR) (OTCQB: ALKFF) (Frankfurt: 77R, WKN: A3CTYF) (AFCP or the Company), a diversified investment platform developing affordable, renewable, and reliable energy assets and cleantech, is pleased to announce that Fuel Cell Power NV (FCP NV), the Companys wholly-owned Belgium subsidiary, has earned ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system from BQA NV in accordance with international standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The application field for FCP NVs certification is the development of alkaline fuel cells. Figure 1- Fuel Cell Power NV staff gathers in Belgium for the ISO 9001:2015 certification announcement. Achieving the certification of ISO 9001:2015 quality management system is a reflection of the focus of the entire team to become best-in-class in the industry. The integration of this quality management system with customer demands and consumer needs, combined with pace-setting engineering is the perfect basis for achieving our goal to become a cost leader in our global operating environment, stated Jo Verstappen, Managing Director of FCP NV. "I want to congratulate our Belgium team for this tremendous accomplishment; they have worked tirelessly to maintain our development schedule and expand our product development into fuel cell generators," stated Frank Carnevale, Chief Executive Officer. Achieving ISO 9001 certification represents another key milestone in AFCPs journey, and provides important third-party validation of the Companys emphasis and unwavering commitment to reliability, quality assurance and safety. About ISO 9001:2015 ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognized quality management standard developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The certification provides a model for companies of all types and sizes to use in building an effective quality management system. The standard is based on several quality management principles, including having a strong customer focus, involvement of high-level company management, an outlined process-based approach, and ongoing improvement of the aforementioned approach. For more information on the standards, please visit www.iso.org. ABOUT ALKALINE FUEL CELL POWER CORP. (NEO: PWWR) AFCP is a diversified investment platform developing affordable, renewable, and reliable energy assets and cleantech. We bring Power to the People today, combining a stable revenue stream with a future- forward vision to commercialize our advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology to meet the massive global market need, and ultimately generate compelling returns for investors. AFCP operates through two global entities: Fuel Cell Power NV, a wholly owned subsidiary in Belgium, and PWWR Flow Streams (PWWR Flow), an AFCP brand in Canada. Fuel Cell Power NV is focused on the development, production and commercialization of micro- combined heat and power (micro-CHP) systems and off-grid and back-up power generators based on advanced alkaline fuel cell technology that generates zero CO2 emissions. Fuel Cell Power NV is working through milestones to deliver a commercialized alkaline fuel cell in 2024. is focused on the development, production and commercialization of micro- combined heat and power (micro-CHP) systems and off-grid and back-up power generators based on advanced alkaline fuel cell technology that generates zero CO2 emissions. Fuel Cell Power NV is working through milestones to deliver a commercialized alkaline fuel cell in 2024. PWWR Flow is focused on the development, ownership and operations of combined heat and power (CHP) assets. PWWR Flow assets deliver efficiency improvements of over 20% with reduced costs to customers in multi-residential and commercial applications. PWWR Flow has contracted existing CHP assets in Toronto, Canada, and has an additional pipeline of potential contracts valued at over $50 million currently in development. AFCP is well positioned to deliver Power to the People in the global energy transition while offering a diversified cleantech growth platform for investors. Further information is available on the Company website at https://www.fuelcellpower.com/, and the Company encourages investors and other interested stakeholders to follow it on: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Common shares are listed for trading on the NEO Exchange (NEO) under the symbol PWWR, the OTC Venture Exchange OTCQB under the symbol ALKFF and on the Frankfurt Exchange under symbol 77R and WKN A3CTYF". For further information, please contact: Frank Carnevale Chief Executive Officer +1 (647) 531-8264 [email protected] Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, believes or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might, occur or achieve. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Companys technology, intellectual property, business plan, objectives and strategy. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward- looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. NEITHER THE NEO EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE NEO EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b44b0c07-255a-478b-a827-792c5750cb11 GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., Sept. 09, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ProStar Holdings Inc. (ProStar or the Company) (TSXV: MAPS) (OTCQX: MAPPF) (FSE: 5D00) announces that the Companys Board of Directors has approved the grant of 2,229,000 stock options, each exercisable at a price of $0.25 per common share for a period of five years, of which 1,350,000 stock options are being granted to directors, senior officers and investor relations providers of the Company. In addition, the Board has approved the repricing of a total of 2,940,000 stock options of the Company to $0.25 per common share (collectively, the Repriced Options). In a challenging staff retention environment, the Company has elected to reprice certain stock options granted to employees and consultants of the Company. Stock options previously granted to directors and senior officers of the Company will not be repriced. The repricing of the Repriced Options is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV). About ProStar:ProStar is a world leader in Precision Mapping Solutions and is creating a digital world by leveraging the most modern GPS, cloud, and mobile technologies. ProStar is a software development company specializing in developing patented cloud and mobile precision mapping solutions focused on the critical infrastructure industry. ProStars flagship product, PointMan, is designed to significantly improve the workflow processes and business practices associated with the lifecycle management of critical infrastructure assets both above and below the Earths surface For more information about ProStar, please visit www.prostarcorp.com. ProStars PointMan is offered as a Software as a Service (SaaS) and seamlessly connects the field with the office and provides the ability to precisely capture, record, display, and manage critical infrastructure, including roads, railways, pipelines, and utilities. Some of the largest entities in North America have adopted ProStars solutions, including Fortune 500 construction firms, Subsurface Utilities Engineers (SUE) firms, utility owners, and government agencies. ProStar has strategic business partnerships with the worlds leading geospatial technology providers, data collection equipment manufacturers, and dealer networks. The Company has made a significant investment in creating a vast intellectual property portfolio that includes 21 issued patents in the United States and Canada. The patents protect the methods and systems required to digitally capture, record, organize, manage, distribute, and display the precise location of critical infrastructure, including buried utilities and pipelines. ProStars Executive management team has extensive experience in the management of both early-stage and Fortune 500 technology companies in the private and public sectors. For more information about ProStar, please visit www.prostarcorp.com. On behalf of the Company,Page Tucker, CEO and Director Contact:Joel SutherlandInvestor Relations970-822-4792[email protected] Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Such information includes, without limitation, information regarding the terms and conditions of the Companys future plans. Although the Company believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to: the state of the financial markets for the Companys securities; the state of the technology sector; recent market volatility; the COVID-19 pandemic; the Companys ability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies; and other risks and factors that the Company is unaware of at this time. The reader is referred to the Companys recent Annual Managements Discussion & Analysis filed on SEDAR on April 14, 2022, for a more complete discussion of applicable risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Companys issuer page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Source: ProStar Abilene, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2022) - The New River Electric Corporation recently completed work on an Ohio River crossing between Ohio and West Virginia. In this project multiple tasks were performed on the structure at 255 feet using Blade Platforms aerial work machines. This work was performed by Linemen in the Blade Platforms Basket along with helicopter support. "During the Ohio River Valley Crossing Project, where Blade Platforms partnered with New River Electric Corporation to provide them with equipment, those onsite praised Blade's machinery." To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8909/136417_728fad1ca4134a24_001full.jpg The Transmission Superintendent onsite spoke highly of the speed and efficiency of the 295 ft Ruthmann. The unit was operated onsite by Certified Technicians and NREC Linemen. This Operated Rental also allowed NREC to avoid some extra insurance cost. Independent Site Safety personnel also noted the quality and safe operation of this high lifting equipment. They spoke to the safer operation of the basket operated machine compared to the typical crane or boom mounted baskets. About Blade Platforms Blade Platforms is well known in the wind energy sector. The company's Aerial Work Platform machines assist wind energy companies in the installation, repair, and maintenance of wind turbines throughout North America. Some of the other industry sectors that Blade machines are commonly used in include Oil and Gas, T&D, Aerospace, Infrastructure, and more. Being the market leader for Truck and Track Mounted Access Platforms is demonstrated in Blade Platforms having the tallest and largest Reach Access Platform in North America. For example, the Palfinger WT1000 All-Terrain 103m Access Platform with 336 feet of reach is the largest in North America, featuring the highest reach and the most side outreach available on any machine of this capability. For more information about Blade Platforms and the services they offer, please visit www.BladePlatforms.com. The company services all of the United States and Canada. Corporate Contact Information: Petr Bartusek [email protected] +1 (469) 371-4284 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/136417 Zabul Province, Afghanistan, July 18, 2007: Spc. Colin Hankinson, 20, of Richardson, Texas, left foreground, hustles from the belly of a Chinook helicopter during an air assault. Hankinson and his men are members of 1st Batallion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. MEXICO CITY Mexico's Senate passed a bill early Friday handing control of the country's recently created National Guard over to the military. When the National Guard was created under a Constitutional reform in 2019, it was placed under civilian control. But most of its training and recruitment has been done from within the army. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says the guard must now be under military command, to prevent corruption. The lower house of Congress already approved the measure, and Lopez Obrador is expected to sign it into law. Opposition parties said late Thursday they will file court appeals, claiming the measure violates the Constitutional guarantee on civilian control. "Public safety is not achieved by violating the rule of law, by violating the Constitution," said Sen. Claudia Anaya Mota, of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, who vowed that opposition would quickly file a court challenge. For years, Mexican politicians had widely agreed the country needs to improve its often corrupt, underpaid and ill-trained civilian police forces, and stop relying on military forces to fight drug gang violence. Even Lopez Obrador had, earlier in his career called for soldiers to return to the barracks. He later said he changed his mind. In 2019, the president dissolved the old civilian Federal Police and promised the National Guard which unlike the United States, is completely federal and never commanded by state governors would remain under the control of the civilian Public Safety Department. But that created a bureaucratic headache for the armed forces, who supplied most of the National Guard officers from the ranks of the army and marines; those officers retained their place in the military, and were considered on-loan to the new force. Lopez Obrador no longer has enough votes in the Senate to change the constitution once again that would require a two-thirds majority and so his party simply changed the secondary laws governing the guard on a 71-51 vote. Amnesty International said Friday's vote "will lead to more human rights violations." "We have already seen the disastrous results of the militarization of public security forces in Mexico over the last 16 years," Edith Olivares Ferreto, director of Amnesty International Mexico, wrote in a statement, referring to rights violations and increased violence. Of the more than 110,000 members of the National Guard, more than 80% came from the army and the navy. The National Guard is only functioning because of the military leadership that organized it and the military's extensive logistics capabilities. Nada Al-Nashif, the U.N. High Commissioner on Human Rights, wrote that "the reforms effectively leave Mexico without a civilian police force at the federal level, and further consolidate the already prominent role of the armed forces in security in Mexico." Lopez Obrador responded angrily to criticism of the move Friday, saying he was "surprised by the attitude of some conservative legislators, their level of hypocrisy and cretinism." He brushed off criticism by outside groups, saying "the human rights and international organizations that kept silent like accomplices during the whole period of massacres and torture, and protection of organized crime, they never said anything and now they are so worried about militarization in Mexico." The president has entrusted the military with more responsibilities than any Mexican leader in recent memory putting them in charge of not only battling drug cartels, but also fuel theft. He had them build a new airport for the capital and a tourist train on the Yucatan Peninsula. They build bank branches in rural areas and were key in the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The military has been in the streets in a critical security role for years, well before Lopez Obrador took office. It has been accused of human rights abuses and the United Nations has long called for it to be taken out of policing. Neither the National Guard nor the military have been able to lower the insecurity in the country, however. Critics say the National Guard lacks the investigative and intelligence capacities of a police force. They are a visible presence on patrols and respond to violence, but do little to prevent it. TOKYO Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away at 96 on Thursday, had over the years formed a close friendship with members of Japan's Imperial family. Her friendship with the Emperor Emeritus, 88, in particular, spanned nearly 70 years, during which they both dealt with the scars that British and Japanese people bore from World War II. The strong bond between the two monarchs provided a needed push toward the people of the two countries becoming true friends. According to the Imperial Household Agency, the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita were deeply saddened by the news of the queen's death. They expressed their gratitude for her friendship over the years and prayed for the repose of her soul. In 1953, the Emperor Emeritus attended the queen's coronation ceremony. The then crown prince, 19, spoke without an interpreter to the queen, 27, about the events of his journey. In 1998, the Emperor Emeritus made his first visit to Britain after his accession to the throne. In Britain at that time, many people still harbored bitter feelings against Japan for its role in World War II. A group of Britons taken prisoner during the war by the now-disbanded Imperial Japanese Army protested against the then Emperor of Japan and turned their backs as he rode by in a carriage during a welcome parade in London. At the dinner banquet held at Buckingham Palace that evening, the Emperor Emeritus said, "At the thought of the scars of war that people bear, our hearts are filled with deep sorrow and pain." In response, referring to the long history of bilateral relations, Queen Elizabeth said Britain is no fair-weather friend, but a true friend to Japan. Her warm reception of the Imperial couple was widely reported in Britain. "I felt that the bitter feelings in Britain against Japan gradually diminished as the Emperor Emeritus strove to interact with the British people," said Masahiro Sato, 81, who accompanied the Emperor Emeritus on the trip as a chamberlain. "I believe the long-standing and close relationship between the Emperor Emeritus and the queen made this possible." In 2012, the Emperor Emeritus visited Britain to attend an event to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's accession to the throne. He had just undergone heart surgery three months earlier and was not in perfect health, but he had been determined to make the trip. The current Emperor, 62, had also built a close relationship with the queen since her visit to Japan in 1975. He studied in Britain from 1983 to 1985. She gave him a warm reception every time he visited the country, and in a statement released Friday, the Emperor expressed his deep appreciation for her kindness and hospitality on those occasions. The Emperor had planned to visit Britain for his first trip abroad since his accession to the throne, but the trip was postponed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. In his statement, he also expressed his sincere gratitude for the queen's invitation to visit her country. GRONINGEN, Netherlands Earthquakes in this velvety green patch of the Dutch countryside cracked homes, made businesses uninhabitable, even broke up marriages. After billions of euros worth of damage, and protests that included local farmers rolling into The Hague on tractors, the Dutch government finally agreed to phase out the natural gas drilling that had triggered more than 1,000 temblors since the 1980s. But now, as Russia cuts gas flows and energy prices remain high, Europe is resting a covetous eye on this corner of the Netherlands where 12th-century churches, rustic farmhouses and storybook villages sit atop the continents mother lode, a gas field harboring the equivalent of three years of Russian imports. The United States and Germany in particular have raised a fraught question: Could the Dutch keep drilling in Groningen for Europes greater good? It should be forbidden to ask us this question, said Jan Wigboldus, chairman of the local activist group Groninger Gasberaad. But they do. And so this enclave of nearly a half-million people, with 26,000 severely damaged homes, is emerging as a stark test of how far governments are willing to go, and how much people are willing to put up with, in the interest of supporting Ukraine and isolating Russia. European leaders accuse the Kremlin of weaponizing energy exports in retaliation for the money and weapons the European Union has provided to Ukraine and the sanctions it has imposed on Russia. Russias threats to shut off the gas to Europe entirely this winter, and the E.U.s desire to limit Kremlin leverage, have European governments scrambling and rethinking the once unthinkable. The use of coal, a fossil fuel disparaged in green Europe for its high carbon emissions, is surging. Talk of fracking is resurfacing in countries including Germany and Britain that had banned the earth-slamming, ground-contaminating extraction of shale gas. Germany the continents largest economy by far is also weighing a controversial extension of the life of its nuclear power plants. Everything is on the table now, said Olga Khakova, a European energy expert with the Atlantic Council. Ideas that seemed extreme or insane in the past are now being considered. Nowhere in Europe would the sacrifice be greater than here in Groningen, a province on the North Sea. On a recent afternoon in the quake-battered hamlet of Woltersum, Laurens Mengerink, a 64-year-old electrical engineer, effortlessly plucked loose a red brick from an outside wall of his dangerously warped home. See? he said, laughing darkly. It comes apart. Further tremors could critically weaken his house and ruin his neighbors newly completed restorations. Yet Mengerink is among those who support renewed drilling. I think we need to reopen the gas tap, he said. We need the gas because of the war in Ukraine, because of Russia, he said. We need our own solutions, our own energy, not theirs. Other residents strongly dissent some of them openly questioning the European sanctions against Russia. Restarting the gas would kills us, said Ate Kuipers, a dairy farmer whose business has sustained nearly $800,000 worth of quake damage. Asked if the gas shortages were worth it to punish Russian aggression, Kuipers paused, then said: I dont think so. Its not realistic. We need the gas from Russia. We need the oil from Russia. We cant handle everything here with just renewables. . . . And [Europe] cant have Groningen. Dutch officials have sought a middle ground, backtracking on plans to shut down wells this year, while maintaining that drilling will only ramp up in the event of worst-case shortages that cause hospitals, schools and homes to go dark. Extraction from the sprawling field that once harbored more than 2,700 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas started in the 1960s. Since the late 1980s, residents have complained of rumblings in the earth that spooked cattle, startled pets and caused what often began as hairline cracks on walls. They say they were told by the Dutch government and the commercial partnership of companies that extracts the gas that there was little to fear from drilling. At least as far back as the 1990s, official reports documented a relationship between temblors and extraction from the soft, boggy earth of Groningen which is breached by faults that shudder when withdrawn gas causes the ground to contract like a squeezed sponge. But the common opinion at the time was that the impact and maximum magnitudes were relatively low, said Tom van der Lee, head of a parliamentary committee that is now probing the official response to decades of quakes. It wasnt taken very seriously. That changed 10 years ago, after a 3.6-magnitude quake that felt stronger because of its shallowness in the soft earth. Another relatively strong quake rattled the province in 2018 the year Groningen farmers, their stables and homes cracking, rolled into The Hague on tractors in protest. That same year, the national government agreed to a phased shutdown. The main street in Loppersum a village of 2,500 is now a grim tableau of the quake years, including small tremors that continue today despite much-reduced extraction. The Lopster Kroon cafe, where locals once nursed mugs of Dutch beer, was forced to close, its brick building marred by cracks that made it unsafe. The bike shop and butcher shut, too, along with a bevy of other businesses, some temporarily, others for good. The Peter and Paul Church built in 1217 is covered in massive scaffolding. Some residents have been relocated to clusters of temporary housing. Many locals are still waiting for the Dutch government in charge of who gets damage and reinforcement aid, and how much to definitively agree to claims, a process that for most residents has dragged on for years. The struggle has taken its toll. Studies by the University of Groningen found that at least 10,000 adults in the region exhibit stress-related health problems due to quake damage. Ger Warink, a 60-year-old guitar store owner on Loppersums main street, said he suffered a heart arrhythmia last year while dealing with an official over restoration plans for his damaged showroom and home. Hes been forced to temporarily move his wares and living quarters to a sturdier structure across the street. He said he doesnt want more gas extraction, but believes a restart is inevitable given Europes energy crisis. Part of him, he said, would understand. Who am I to say its not okay to extract the gas because people are dying in Ukraine and the price of gas is exploding, he said. Its horrible. Its really horrible. There are calls for the Dutch to step up. Groningen . . . has the potential to weaken Russias energy grip over Europe, Alice Stollmeyer, executive director of The Hague-based Defend Democracy think tank, and Lukas Trakimavicius, an expert at the NATO Energy Security Center of Excellence, co-wrote in an op-ed last month. The Dutch could come to the rescue, they wrote. Just how much Groningen could ease Europes energy crisis is another question. At the peak of extraction, Groningen supplied Europe with roughly 10 percent of its gas. Nearly 450 bcm remains underground, enough to power the E.U. for an entire year, according Jilles van den Beukel, energy analyst with the Hague Center for Strategic Studies, a Dutch think tank. He estimates the maximum ramp-up technically possible at Groningen is 40 bcm per year or about a quarter of the gas the E.U. purchased from Russia last year. But Dutch officials call those levels seismically dangerous. Beukel said a ramp-up to 10 or 20 bcm was politically more realistic, predicting such a move could lower the benchmark price in Europe by 10 to 20 percent. You could say that as Groningen has reduced production in recent years [for its phase-down], Europes dependence on Russian gas has grown, as has Putins leverage and ability to use gas as weapon, he said. I get the feeling the Dutch government is reluctant to increase Groningen production, because they see it as a political nightmare. But as a citizen, I say, they should do it. In January, as fears of a Russian invasion built, German suppliers stoked the ire of Dutch officials by seeking to buy more Groningen gas. That same month, U.S. officials sought to discuss energy options with Dutch officials, including what role Groningen could play in easing the regions gas crisis. In responses to The Washington Post, U.S. and German officials denied any pressure on the Netherlands to restart production, portraying conversations as exploratory. In recent months, the German government has asked the Netherlands to explore more gas extraction in Groningen, said Hans Vijlbrief, the Netherlands state secretary for the extractive industries. They indeed mentioned Groningen, he said. But basically, we explained to them what Im saying now. Yes, you can ask for solidarity. But its dangerous to extract gas there. Vijlbrief said there were technical limitations to how much gas could be sent to Germany, but standing agreements could still compel a ramp-up in production in the event of an emergency: If in Germany people are freezing to death because of a lack of gas, and the Germans have taken all other measures like shutting down industry, and we can solve that by transporting gas from Groningen. But he called such an event unlikely. If a Groningen ramp-up did happen, he said, it would be limited and temporary with the aim of still sealing wells by 2024. If emergency drilling did restart, residents in favor say it should be done with new technologies that can stabilize the earth and limit the potential scope of future quakes and with revenue diverted to aiding the damaged community. But more extraction is a non-starter for residents like Annette Sins, a 65-year-old nurse whose Loppersum house is cracked from quakes. She is deeply sympathetic to Ukraines plight and has joined weekly community meetings to gather donations and aid. But she is also certain that more gas extraction here will not help Ukraine, or European consumers. The Dutch government which gets the lions share of gas profits as well as the partnership between Shell and ExxonMobil that does the drilling, she said, would surely reap any rewards. We are still having earthquakes, and they cannot predict what will happen if they take more out, she said. Oh, it might mean a little bit of damage, they say. But theres still a chance of a big earthquake, and then our houses will collapse. The Washington Posts Michael Birnbaum in Washington contributed to this report. European ministers sounded defiant as they met in Brussels to deliberate plans aimed at halting the spiral in energy prices. "We will prevail," European Union Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said, even with "a difficult winter ahead of us." In reality, defiance may soon give way to desperation. Friday's meeting in Brussels capped a frenzied week of government activity across the 27-nation bloc in which it became clear just how complex it is to forge a common response to the energy crisis given the breadth of challenges. The refrain was that the clock is ticking for action. That's even more the case after Russia upped the ante just over a week ago, when Gazprom cut off gas deliveries to Europe via the Nord Stream pipeline indefinitely. That sparked another round of budget-straining measures as governments announced additional aid to help people pay their bills. They were also forced to deal with a new financial threat from the crisis. As soaring energy prices leave some businesses struggling to find enough cash to meet margin calls, countries announced billions of euros in liquidity funding. At the EU gathering, consensus remained elusive and solidarity in short supply as ministers sought to agree on measures to support citizens and businesses without wrecking the entire energy market. Tensions bristled over proposed mandatory cuts in power demand and German calls for a mechanism to share any excess supply. Plans for a price cap on Russian gas were met with skepticism and a cap on all imported gas discussed instead. But it's unclear how lower prices could be implemented. The discord among European leaders was amplified by a growing sense of anxiety over the economic and political fallout from the crisis. In the Czech Republic, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, the justice minister warned that the political system was under threat. In Hungary, Cabinet Minister Gergely Gulyas raised the specter of mass unemployment if key industrial companies are forced to suspend production or shutter altogether, creating a domino effect. The biggest concern in France is of a potential new chapter similar to the Gilets Jaunes, or Yellow Vest movement, which will haunt any government for the next two decades, according to a person familiar with the thinking in President Emmanuel Macron's administration. Anything related to purchasing power is highly sensitive in France, and it simply can't afford to be in a situation like the U.K. or Belgium, where energy bills have doubled or tripled, said the person, adding that the government will continue to do all it can to avert such a scenario. The energy crisis has been building and building since before Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine early this year, prompting successive rounds of international sanctions and an EU decision to phase out its dependence on Russian coal, oil and, most difficult of all, natural gas. After Nord Stream was cut off, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz convened his cabinet early Saturday to piece together a third relief package for households and companies. The negotiations with coalition allies lasted almost 20 hours until the early hours of Sunday, when they emerged with aid measures worth 65 billion euros, including higher subsidies for lower-income households and cash payments to students and pensioners. Scholz also decided to throw Germany's weight behind EU efforts to put a levy on so-called "windfall profits" of utilities as surging earnings fuel public outrage. Germany, he said, has a good chance to get through this winter "by the skin of its teeth." A poll later found that voters don't share that optimism, saying the measures are not enough. According to Bloomberg Economics, Russia's decision to completely halt gas flows through Nord Stream will raise the euro area's gas bill by an extra 50 billion euros. That's on top of a 460 billion-euro hit from earlier price increases. All told, the squeeze will exert a drag on GDP of about 2.2% annually, rising to as high as 4% if the winter is unusually cold and there's a breakdown in European unity. Even with the government support, the economy is still heading for a recession at the end of the year, say economists Maeva Cousin, Jamie Rush and Martin Ademmer. Progress is being made. Before the invasion, Europe relied on Russia for 40% of its gas imports; now pipeline flows only account for 9%, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this week. Record imports of liquefied natural gas from Norway, the U.S. and Qatar have helped offset the gap, while LNG infrastructure is rapidly being set up. But it can't come soon enough. The talk in Brussels is of the risk of social upheaval. National governments have already earmarked billions of euros, and the energy crunch may run for years. "Burn almost everything," Poland's de facto leader, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, told a meeting with voters last weekend, adding that the country needs to "stay warm." In one small bit of good news, gas prices declined this week, extending their drop from August records. But they are still eight times higher than normal for the time of year, and extremely volatile. These wild movements are causing huge liquidity problems for utilities as they are asked to put up cash to guarantee their trades. On Sunday, Sweden and Finland announced a $33 billion emergency liquidity facility to help struggling utilities and stave off what Finnish Economy Minister Mika Lintila dramatically called "the ingredients for an energy-industry Lehman Brothers" moment. It was start of a cascade of government measures. On Tuesday, Finnish utility Fortum got 2.35 billion euros of bridge funding to ensure adequate liquidity. Switzerland granted Axpo a credit line of up to 4 billion francs ($4.2 billion). Thursday saw the U.K. Treasury and Bank of England launch a 40 billion-pound ($46 billion) fund for energy traders to help provide market stability. The situation in energy markets has been on the agenda of every meeting of EU leaders in the past several weeks. Von der Leyen brought forward the outline of the commission's emergency plan, but the detail will have to wait for her annual State of the Union speech on Sept. 14. Her credibility depends on success. For Europe, though, it's existential. "A few weeks like this and the European economy will just go into a full stop," Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said. Bloomberg's Piotr Skolimowski, Michael Nienaber, Zoltan Simon, Jasmina Kuzmanovic, Jan Bratanic, Peter Laca, Elena Mazneva, Anna Shiryaevskaya and Simon Kennedy contributed to this report. A group of district council members in St. Petersburg, President Vladimir Putin's hometown, called for the Russian leader to be charged with treason and removed from office in a rare but brazen protest against the war in Ukraine. The brave move by the Smolninsky District Council drew a predictably swift and unfriendly reaction. A day after the resolution against Putin was made public, a local police station told the lawmakers they were facing legal charges "due to actions aimed at discrediting the current Russian government." The district council's statement came in the form of a request to the Russian parliament, the State Duma, and asserted that Putin's decision to invade Ukraine on Feb. 24 led to a massive loss of life, turned countless Russian men into disabled veterans, hindered the national economy, and fast-tracked NATO's eastward expansion. A second municipal council in Moscow's Lomonosovsky district followed suit and voted on a similar motion calling on Putin to resign. Outspoken criticism of Putin is rare, and while the two motions were little more than symbolic statements, they represented a remarkable public rebuke. They also served as evidence that public support for the war in Ukraine is not universal, and could be eroding as a recent survey of Russian public opinion found. "We believe that the decision made by President Putin to start the special military operation is detrimental to the security of Russia and its citizens," the Smolninsky document filed on Wednesday evening said. "We ask you," the lawmakers wrote, "to initiate a treason charge against the president of the Russian Federation to remove him from office." Putin grew up in the Smolninsky neighborhood and began his career in St. Petersburg, where he served as a deputy mayor. Many of the Russian president's closest friends still live in St. Petersburg where some of them have grown fabulously wealthy during Putin's 22 years as the country's supreme leader. The State Duma is controlled by Putin's United Russia party and is effectively his rubber stamp, at times adopting his policies by unanimous vote. The resolution's authors conceded that they had little hope their request would be acted but that they believed they achieved their largely symbolic goal: to let other antiwar Russians know that they are not alone in their sentiment, which is often drowned out by the state's militaristic rhetoric, echoed by propagandists on state-controlled television. The Kremlin has outlawed criticism of the war, and has initiated a further crackdown on dissent, including from journalists. "We understand that Putin won't shed a tear and stop the operation," Nikita Yuferev, one of the seven councilors who wrote the document, said in an interview with The Washington Post. "These requests are written for people who are still in Russia and for whom the propaganda tries to assure that they are the minority, that there are no people who are against this." The Lomonosovsky district's statement slammed Putin's rhetoric and urged him to step side. "The rhetoric you and your subordinates use is full of intolerance and aggression," the statement said. "People once again fear and hate Russia while we threaten the whole world with nuclear weapons." The Lomonosovsky district added: "Therefore, we ask for you to be relieved of your duties as your views and governance model are hopelessly outdated." Yuferev said that after their request went viral on Russian social media, the councilors received a "flurry" of letters of support from people offering anything from legal help to donations to cover the fines that will likely be imposed on the politicians. In March, the Smolninsky councilors also wrote a letter to Putin urging him to stop the war as "the fate of thousands of Russian servicemen and millions Ukrainians are at stake." Shortly, after Russian troops marched across the border, the Kremlin dialed up the level of the repressions against its opponents, outlawing the use of the word "war" when talking about the invasion and threatening those who publicly criticize the Russian army with fines and jail terms. Thousands fled the country, and hundreds have been fined or detained for antiwar demonstrations. While Putin is unlikely to face any charges, the lawmakers are already under pressure and face at least a fine. Just a day after the document went public, Yuferev received a text message from a local police station ordering him to come in to testify in proceedings launched against him and other council members "due to actions aimed at discrediting the current Russian government." "We are sure that we have not violated anything as we acted strictly in accordance with the lawful procedure written in the Constitution," Yuferev said. "Of course, we live in a country where even if everything is done legally but there is a desire to punish us, it will be done . . . but we can manage a 50,000 rubles fine." (At current exchange rates, the fine amounts to about $850.) EVERETT (Tribune News Service) After a monthslong journey that took them from Ukraine to Poland to Mexico to Everett, Ivan Lopatskyis family of eight squeezed into a crowded house. There were 16 people in all. They shared beds and laid mattresses on the floor happy nonetheless to be away from bombings and in the home of Lopatskyis brother, and grateful to the U.S. for offering refuge. But four months later, the 42-year-old Lopatskyi, who owned a plant nursery in the western Ukrainian city of Rivne, finds himself in a bind. He has yet to receive permission to work and will likely have to wait months more. So hes not sure how his family can continue to afford their Everett town house, which they moved into after a nonprofit provided several months rent. Their dilemma is similar to that of many new Ukrainian arrivals as of July, estimates show roughly 7,500 have come to Washington, a top American destination because of the large Ukrainian population already here and stems from their status in the U.S. Despite escaping destroyed cities and war atrocities, eliciting enormous American sympathy, recent Ukrainian arrivals are not considered official refugees. Instead, they are humanitarian parolees, granted visas for one or two years and relegated to a patchwork of support without automatic entitlement, like refugees receive, to work. At least thats the way immigration authorities see it, directing Ukrainians to apply for permits through a logjammed system with a wait time of six to eight months. Lawyers for a group of Ukrainians in Washington and across the country filed a federal lawsuit in August in Illinois, arguing that Ukrainians should be able to work immediately by virtue of a May congressional act making them eligible for the same benefits as refugees. It doesnt make sense to me, said plaintiff Oleksiy Ostapenko, who operated a wellness center in Ukraine with his wife, a doctor, before coming to live with his brother in Spokane. Why put people on welfare for months when they could be working instead? he asked. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services declined to comment on the lawsuit, but pointed to a new online work permit application process that may be more efficient. Some Ukrainians could likely step into a job easily. Oleksandr Kucherenko is a mechanical engineer who supervised hundreds of people at a steel plant in the now Russian-occupied city of Mariupol. Long fascinated with planes, he said he had a promising interview with Boeing for a well-paid assembly mechanic job. I want this job. I need this job, said Kucherenko, whose newly built house in Mariupol was bombed to rubble several months before his family of four came to the U.S. and moved into his sisters two-bedroom Everett apartment. But he later learned he needed to be a citizen, permanent resident, refugee or someone granted asylum for the job. Employers, struggling to find workers during a labor shortage, are also frustrated. I couldnt tell you how many voice messages and emails I have from different companies who are looking forward to hire Ukrainians, said Oleg Pynda, executive director of the Ukrainian Community Center of Washington. Pynda helped organize a job fair Aug. 25 and 26 in Renton for new arrivals from Ukraine and Afghanistan, with dozens of employers, including T-Mobile, Amazon, Starbucks and the Hyatt Regency, hoping to at least facilitate connections for when work permits come through. Of some 2,000 work permit applications his organization helped file for Ukrainians since the war began, Pynda said in late August he didnt know of any that had been approved. Afghans who fled the Taliban takeover also received temporary humanitarian visas rather than refugee status. But most admitted to the U.S. so far have been evacuated to military bases, where their work permit applications were processed during monthslong stays. The permits were ready soon after Afghans left the bases for Washington and other parts of the country. While Ukrainians wait for their permits, federal and local governments have scrambled to provide aid, giving them access to welfare, food stamps, medical benefits and job-training programs. Washington in June also launched a short-term rental assistance program for new Ukrainian and Afghan arrivals. (Many Afghans, though working, have found minimum-wage jobs and are struggling to support their families.) The state is now rolling out a follow-up program. Yet with more Ukrainians arriving in Washington by the day, Sarah Peterson, the states refugee coordinator, acknowledged: The need will far exceed the resources available. Dad, take us out of here Lopatskyi awoke to the sound of military airplanes, grabbed his phone and checked the time: 4:29 a.m. It was Feb. 24, the first day of Russias invasion of Ukraine, and an airstrike targeted a city about an hour away. More bombings followed, one so close he thought his homes windows would blow out, he said, relaying his familys journey to the U.S. through an interpreter. People rushed out to get food. It took three hours to buy a loaf of bread. School was canceled. If something happens, dont run around and look for us, Lopatskyi and his wife Mariia told the kids. Mom and Dad will find you. The children, ages 11 months to 18 years, were not reassured. Dad, take us out of here. Were scared, some pleaded. So when a friend called to ask whether Lopatskyi and his family wanted to join a trip to Poland, he accepted. With only a couple of hours to pack, his family took a few treasured possessions: Ukrainian-language Bibles, mementos from trips to Jerusalem and Korea, a clock with a religious inscription. The family stayed at an American Red Cross shelter, then with a Polish family volunteering to host Ukrainians. About a week later, I said, I cant just sit here idle and do nothing, Lopatskyi recalled. Leaving his family in Poland, he went back to Ukraine to deliver emergency supplies. Lopatskyi eventually returned, and at the urging of his brother, who lives in Everett, he and his wife decided to move to the U.S. The best route, the Lopatskyi family determined, was through Mexico. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians were making the same choice. The U.S., awash in news coverage of the war, let them in eliciting criticism of preferential treatment for Europeans while scores of asylum-seekers from Central America and elsewhere were turned away. But that didnt make these Ukrainians eligible for the American refugee process, reserved for people outside the country. Once accepted, individuals are loaned money to travel to the U.S. and referred to a resettlement agency that greets refugees at the airport, finds them housing, connects them with services and orients them to American culture. Peterson, the state refugee coordinator, said Ukrainians passing through the Southern border thought to be the largest group escaping the Russian invasion to arrive in Washington so far have even less structured support than compatriots who came to the U.S. through other avenues, primarily via a federal program that allows Americans to sponsor Ukrainians with a pledge to provide initial support once they arrive. The federal program, Uniting for Ukraine, still doesnt confer refugee status or work authorization, and sponsors who pledge support often have limited knowledge of how to access resources. Ukrainians at the border didnt have that formal support though many, like the Lopatskyi family, had relatives offering an initial place to stay, and an amazingly coordinated volunteer effort stepped in to help. Slavic church members greeted the Lopatskyi family at the Tijuana airport, bringing them to a camp providing hundreds of Ukrainians with hot meals, tea and cots to rest. The volunteers set up a waiting list. When peoples numbers came up, they got on buses and were taken to the border. Around 8 p.m., we started losing hope, Lopatskyi said. It was April 24, and at midnight the U.S. was closing the border to Ukrainians, directing them instead to the Uniting for Ukraine program. One more bus, thought to be the last, rolled into the camp a couple of hours later. It had room for 80. Seventy-seven people filed on, and then Lopatskyis number came up. They asked me how many people. I said eight. There are only three places left, he was told. Those are my lawful seats and I am not ready to give them up, Lopatskyi insisted. All eight were allowed to pack into the bus, making it to the border at 11 p.m. Visas in hand, the family crossed the border, to the cheers of volunteers on the U.S. side, and met Lopatskyis brother, who had driven from Everett to pick the family up. Once they made it to Washington, the Lopatskyi family joined Mukilteos Sulamita Slavic Pentecostal Church, which sent volunteers and two buses to the border and has continued to help Ukrainians new to the U.S. As families have arrived, many of the roughly 1,500 church members have taken turns hosting them in their homes. One day, senior pastor Vladimir Monich took Lopatskyi aside and asked him if the family needed help with housing. He even offered to co-sign a lease. I was shocked, said Lopatskyi, who took him up on the offer. The Lopatskyi family inquired about some 20 houses before finding a landlord willing to rent to people with no work history or authorization in the U.S. While Mariia said shes likely to stay home with the kids, Lopatskyi is eager to get to work as soon as possible. And although hes just learning English, he has some prospects. Monich and his son both own contracting companies and are eager to hire Ukrainian newcomers and Lopatskyi has extensive construction experience. I could build everything in this house, he said, wood floors, tile, no problem. No problem, that is, except without a work permit, he cant. (c)2022 The Seattle Times Visit The Seattle Times at www.seattletimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. CHUHUIV, Ukraine After months on the edge of Russian occupation, and two days of heavy bombardment, residents of this beleaguered town came out Saturday to clean up and celebrate, as a fast-moving Ukrainian counteroffensive pushed Russian forces into a stunning retreat from key strategic areas in the northeast Kharkiv region. As the advancing Ukrainian troops regained lost territory with shocking speed, liberating the town of Balakliya and raising their blue-and-yellow flag over the city of Izyum, jubilant Ukrainians and officials in Kyiv and Western capitals indulged in a daring hope: maybe the grinding, stalemated war was swinging their way. "Everything is going to be Ukrainian again," cried Natalia Khubezhova, 48, who was one of dozens of festive residents of Chuhuiv out sweeping up glass and repairing doorways on the village hospital, which was struck by a rocket Friday. Tears ran from her eyes as she hailed the progress of Ukrainian soldiers, including her husband and son. "We are all ready to go into battle!" she said, brandishing her broom. The Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday confirmed that it had pulled forces out of Balakliya and Izyum, after a decision to "regroup" and transfer them toward the regional capital of Donetsk in the south "in order to achieve the goals of the special military operation." The stunning rout of Russian forces by Ukraine's flash counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region does not, on its own, signal a decisive shift in the war to Ukraine's advantage. Russia still occupies extensive Ukrainian territory, including the cities of Mariupol, Zaporizhzhia, Melitopol and Kherson, and Russian troops still control Putin's coveted "land bridge" to Crimea, which Russia annexed illegally in 2014. And on Saturday afternoon, Russia immediately began to pummel the reclaimed territories with a fierce barrage of high-powered missiles. But the Ukrainian campaign has cut enemy supply lines, revealed disarray in the Russians' ranks, electrified Ukrainians, forced occupying authorities to flee and infuriated Kremlin boosters. "A major defeat," Igor Girkin, a hard-line former commander of separatists in Ukraine, lamented in a pro-Russian military Telegram channel. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said his country was still far from claiming any triumph. "A sign of victory for me will be boarding a plane in Kharkiv and landing in Mariupol," Reznikov said in a speech Saturday at a conference in Kyiv. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, speaking at the same conference, cheered Ukraine's gains. "Troops are moving forward; they are not only gaining back territory but liberating people," Baerbock said. "I think it's really a moment of hope, even though maybe it's a small moment of hope. This is what we need." In Washington, a Pentagon official called the advances "highly encouraging." At the very least, Ukraine's surprise thrust into the northeast region of Kharkiv, after launching a separate counteroffensive that drew thousands of Russian troops to the southern Kherson area last week, has allowed the country to seize momentum in what had become a grinding artillery standoff. Only two months ago, Ukraine was forced to withdraw from the city of Lysychansk, ceding the entirety of the region of Luhansk to Russian control. Since then, however, Russian artillery has made only incremental advances. But on Saturday evening, the Luhansk governor, Serhiy Haidai, tweeted that Ukrainian troops had reached the outskirts of Lysychansk. Now, Ukrainian troops in the northeast have blitzed through dozens of towns and villages within the space of days, at times advancing 30 to 40 miles in a single day, a pace not achieved by Russia since the earliest days of the invasion. It has the potential, at least, to change the course of the war, military experts said. "This is a significant event," said Rob Lee, a military analyst at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. "It doesn't mean Russia will be forced out of Ukraine anytime soon. But they keep not learning lessons right, keep not doing basic things right." "The overall situation now favors Ukraine, especially in the medium term," Lee said. Military analysts said that Ukraine had retaken more than 965 square miles of territory in the Kharkiv region and that Ukrainian troops appeared close to controlling Kupyansk, an important rail hub. Officials and "volunteers" working for the Russian-installed occupation administration in the Kharkiv region were retreating to the Russian border and setting up temporary camps amid the Ukrainian breakthrough, and pro-Russian officials were urging residents to flee. The leader of Russia's governing United Russia party, which runs quasi-government bodies in occupied Ukrainian territories, announced on Telegram that it moved its "volunteer detachment from Balakliya, Kupyansk, Izyum and Volchansk to the border with the Belgorod region." "Refugees arrive here, massively leaving the Kharkiv region due to increased shelling launched by Ukrainian nationalists," the party leader, Andrei Turchak, wrote on his Telegram blog. "People are leaving with their families; there are many children. There are now more than 400 vehicles at the border." The governor of Russia's Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, confirmed that border checkpoints were trying to cope with the hectic influx of people fleeing the area of the Ukrainian counteroffensive. "There are long queues of civilian cars with refugees from Ukraine," Gladkov wrote on Telegram. "Mobile food stations have already been deployed and food and water delivery to the Kharkiv side has been organized." Just days ago, Turchak had suggested that the staged referendums Moscow had planned to carry out as a pretext for annexing occupied territories could occur on Nov. 4 to coincide with Russia's Unity Day. Instead, Russian units have fled in disorder, giving Ukrainian soldiers a chance to hoist blue-and-yellow flags over freshly liberated town squares and take selfies with the large number of ammunition crates and military vehicles the Russians left behind. The advances have come at a cost, according to Ukrainian commanders. Anatoli Pryhrusha, who led a unit in the fight to take back the town of Balakliya, said in an interview that the fighting had been fierce and bloody. "It's good the Russians ran away, but we paid with a lot of lives," Pryhrusha said. The local victories could add up to a broader strategic shift if Ukrainians continue to press their sudden advantage, analysts said. Ukrainian troops were pushing southeast along the M03 highway, which would eventually allow them to reconnect Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, with the adjacent Donbas region, joining two key front-line theaters. On Saturday, before the Russian retreat, the mayor of Izyum, an occupied city just 44 miles north of the Donbas city of Kramatorsk, said in an interview that Ukrainian troops had entered his city and were battling Russian troops street by street with small arms and automatic weapons. "I'm speechless," the mayor, Valeriy Marchenko, said of the Ukrainians' rapid and unexpected progress in the region. "No one was expecting this to be so fast." The pullout from Izyum, which Russia had used as a resupply hub for its offensive through the eastern Donbas region, marked one of the biggest setbacks for Russia since its troops rolled into Ukraine in February. With Russian troops out of Izyum, Russia's ability to fulfill its objective of seizing the entirety of the Donbas region the only publicly declared goal of Putin's proclaimed "special military operation" is now in doubt, said Kirill Mikhailov, a Kyiv-based analyst with the Conflict Intelligence Team, a Russian military research group. Izyum is an important command and supply hub for Russia's northern front and Russia's only major bridgehead on the right bank of the Donets River, he said, and losing it would eliminate an entire front the northern front in its efforts to conquer Donetsk. "The bottom line is that it really improves Ukrainian chances of retaining Donetsk," he said. Russia's confirmation of the Ukrainian advances sparked furious rebukes by its supporters on what normally would be a day of jubilant celebrations of City Day, an annual holiday, in Moscow. "Tonight, the capital of our Motherland the city of Moscow will salute the surrender of Balakliya, Izyum and half of Kupyansk to the enemy with 25,000 high-altitude fireworks," Girkin wrote on Telegram. Indeed, throughout the afternoon, high-powered explosions were being felt as Russia pounded the Kharkiv region with rockets. Girkin complained bitterly about extravagant celebrations for City Day in Moscow, where Putin visited a new martial arts center and presided over the openings of a section of new highway and a giant, 460-foot tall Ferris wheel called the Moscow Sun. "There is nothing like that in Europe," Putin said, according to the Tass news agency. "It is very important for people to have a chance to chill out with their family and friends." Girkin has long warned that Russia cannot win the war without a massive military mobilization, a move the Kremlin has avoided because it would be deeply unpopular to require conscriptions in the urban centers of Moscow and St. Petersburg. "For Russia, things are only going to get worse," said Lee, the military analyst. "For Russia, this is going to cause a morale problem. There aren't any good reasons for Russia to believe it can achieve any more in Ukraine than it already has." The Washington Post's Isababelle Khurshudyan in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Mary Ilyushina in Riga, Latvia, contributed to this report. The last time Svitlana Povalyaeva saw her son alive was at a funeral. Roman Ratushnyi returned to Kyiv for a few days in May to say goodbye to his friend from the front line, a soldier with the call sign Achilles who had been killed when a Russian tank opened fire. They had served together near Russian-occupied Izyum, and while Ratushnyi had become accustomed to death and loss by this point in Russia's war against Ukraine, his mother could sense this time was different. "I know my child," she said. "I know what sort of a cry from the heart it was. It was clearly a shock for him." More than six months after Russia invaded, Ukraine's defense against a larger and better-equipped military has earned admiration at home and abroad. But it has come at a cost. Ukrainians are grieving. Civilians die every day in Russian shelling and missile attacks, but most casualties are young military men who represented Ukraine's future. At the bloodiest phase of fighting in the eastern Donbas region, Ukraine was losing up to 100 soldiers per day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials have said. And with Ukraine now on the offensive to reclaim occupied territory in the south and east, casualties are spiking again. The head of Ukraine's armed forces, Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, said last month that nearly 9,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in these six months - a figure that cannot be independently verified. In the eight years of fighting Russian proxy forces before Moscow's full-scale attack on Feb. 24, Ukraine had lost fewer than 5,000 soldiers, according to United Nations estimates. Ratushnyi was unusually quiet during that brief visit to Kyiv, but seemed to have so much on his mind, Povalyaeva said. He asked her to wash some clothes for him. She did, then folded them neatly. "Somehow, it was such a grand thing for him, I don't know why," she said. "We spoke very little, he was saying all the time, 'Mother, don't worry, we'll come back again.'" Povalyaeva didn't want to break down in front of her son. She hugged him goodbye, smiled and said, "See you." Two weeks later, Ratushnyi was killed in action. He was 24. His loss was felt in his hometown of Kyiv, in the area near Izyum where his brigade is fighting, in northern Ukraine where his father is serving, and in Kramatorsk, near the front line in eastern Ukraine. There, Ratushnyi's older brother, Vasyl, has started wearing Roman's old chest plates in his bulletproof vest. "He didn't belong there," Vasyl said of his brother, two years younger. "We would need him very much in peacetime. But it turns out like this." Roman woke his mother on the morning of Feb. 24. It was still dark. As she groggily squinted up at her son, she realized he was already dressed. "Mother, get up, they are firing ballistic missiles," Povalyaeva recalled him saying. "I didn't understand anything," she said. The next time she saw him was in the evening. He was wearing a military uniform. He and others from the neighborhood, Protasiv Yar, had formed their own unofficial militia. Now, he was off to fight. "For the first time in my life, after he had left, of course, I got truly hysterical," Povalyaeva said. "I just had a psychotic breakdown. I was screaming like a beast. The entire Protasiv Yar could probably hear me. "I don't know why. I had a feeling I wouldn't see him again." Povalyaeva is Buddhist and raised her sons in the same faith. But she isn't one to shun all violence; she believes killing is sometimes justified. For years, she taught her children to fight, but away from the battlefield. Povalyaeva, who is a well-known Ukrainian novelist and poet, accepted invitations to read at festivals and other events on one condition: her boys had to come, too. That's how Roman was constantly exposed to a pro-Ukrainian community of artists and politicians who longed for a homeland out from under Russia's thumb. When Povalyaeva was on Maidan, Kyiv's central square, during Ukraine's Orange Revolution in 2004 protesting presidential elections rigged in favor of the status-quo candidate, then-Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, 7-year-old Roman was at her side. "He believed in our victory and in the growth of Ukraine," she said. "And that one should do everything for that, whatever it takes, even sacrifice one's life." Roman's generation had its own revolution on Maidan nearly 10 years later. He was one of the student protesters beaten by riot police in the first days of the pro-western demonstration. He was just 16 and joined the protests for months, occasionally lying to his parents about where he was so they wouldn't worry. One night, Roman called his father, Taras Ratushnyi, to say he was on his way home. But then Taras saw his son on the local news, describing how he and others were about to storm a building with a pro-Yanukovych militia inside. He knew there was no way to hold Roman back. "The difference between us, my generation, and our children is that they don't stop," Taras said. "I'm not sure if they realize it or not, but if one weighs the risks, if one thinks what's going to happen, one may lose. "So one has to act here and now, until the end. This is where the difference lies. This is what Roman is about." In the aftermath of the revolution that successfully toppled Yanukovych's government in 2014, fighting erupted in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region between Russian-led separatists and Ukrainian government forces. Vasyl Ratushnyi, then 18, volunteered for front-line duty. Roman felt the same pull, but he was still too young for official service. Over the years, he had often considered enlisting in the military. But instead he focused on a different kind of fight in his own community, protecting the neighborhood's green space from development. Outside his apartment building, Roman created a memorial with a Ukrainian flag for the men and women who died defending Ukraine from Russian aggression. Povalyaeva walked past it recently and noticed someone had placed candles around it, along with a picture of her son. Eugene Cherepnya often chatted about death with Roman. They were at the front line of a war, Cherepnya said, so they thought about their own mortality. But something about this particular conversation with Roman would later strike him as odd. Roman had just returned to their unit, the 93rd Mechanized Brigade, after his trip to Kyiv for his comrade's funeral. His first stop when he got back was a visit to Cherepnya, 23. They'd been friends for more than a year at that point and even joined the 93rd together. Roman brought Cherepnya his favorite brand of soda from a restaurant they liked in Kyiv. At first, the chat was typical - discussing mutual friends Roman had seen while back home. Then he turned more serious and left instructions for Cherepnya: "If anything happens to me, take my things and give them to my brother." Cherepnya agreed. "Everyone jokes about death, right? Well, we had such jokes - not jokes really, rather discussions," Cherepnya said. "I didn't feel anything at that moment, everything was just as usual. But, actually, somehow it did sound strange." In late March, after participating in some battles around Kyiv, Roman, Cherepnya and several other friends decided to link up with the 93rd Brigade in the northern Sumy Region. Roman had been drawn to the brigade's other name - Kholodnyi Yar, a reference to the last territory where Ukrainian partisans resisted joining the Soviet Union in 1922. Though Roman had little combat experience, he became a scout with a reconnaissance unit - one of the most dangerous jobs in the armed forces because it requires getting close to the enemy. "We had a lack of personnel, so we would take both young and old - everyone," said the unit's commander, whose call sign is Bob. "They met our health requirements, so we accepted them." For Ruslan, a 46-year-old soldier in Roman's brigade, Roman and his friends reminded him of the reason he enlisted. It was 2014, and he walked by a recruitment office. He saw a group of young men, some just 18, lining up to join the military. Ruslan told them he should be there instead. He said he didn't want to see their generation wiped out: "It's the same thing as a genocide." Roman was resourceful, Ruslan said, and was constantly sourcing cars and equipment for the battalion through his connections in Kyiv. The day Roman died, June 9, he was supposed to visit Ruslan's trench position for tea. Ruslan teared up at the memory - not just of Roman's death, but of other friends he's lost in more than eight years of combat. In the first company he served with, nearly 35 percent of the soldiers died. This time, he has lost at least four he knew well. For Ukraine, the territories occupied by Russia can one day be returned. Roads, bridges and buildings can be repaired. But the lives lost are an irreversible price of this war. "In this sense, we won't win the victory," said Lt. Oleksandr Sosovskyy, Roman's deputy battalion commander. "Because even a single death is awful." Roman's last mission was to creep close to Russian positions and pinpoint the location of their tanks. He was able to place mines along the road before the Russians spotted him. Cherepnya was in his barracks when he heard the announcement over a walkie-talkie. Seneca - Roman's call sign - was dead, the voice said. Roman's body had yet to be retrieved because it was too close to the Russians, who had left it lying there as a trap. "Then the saddest part began," Cherepnya said. "I didn't really want anything. The first two days, I wasn't going anywhere. I didn't leave for assignments, I was just sitting here. And it had a really bad effect on me." Cherepnya eventually remembered Roman's instructions - to collect his things and give them to his brother. By his bed, Roman had left a handwritten verse - "Patagonia" by Ukrainian poet Mykhaylo Semenko: "I will not die of death, I will die of life. I will die - life will die, the flag will not waver." On a note with the poem, Roman had written: "Do not rush after me." "When people say this hackneyed phrase that the best get killed in war, unfortunately, it really is like that," said Oleh Finogenov, 31, a soldier in the 93rd Brigade. Like Roman, Finogenov was from Kyiv and an activist. "It's just a tragedy," Finogenov said in an interview in June. "The cream of the nation is getting destroyed. After the war is over, we will have to build this country all over again - and that will probably be quite hard." A month later, Finogenov was killed in action. Ruslan and Bob attended his closed-casket funeral on Aug. 31 in Kyiv. A Ukrainian flag covered the coffin, in keeping with military tradition. Some who attended the service didn't even know Finogenov; they just came to pay their respects to another lost soldier. As the procession moved into the cemetery, the wail of an air-raid siren started. The casket was lowered into the ground, and Bob tossed a single yellow flower onto it. Ruslan stood to the side, his expression pained. Even before Roman's body had been recovered, rumors of his death started to spread on social media. His friends were nervous: If the Russians realized they had the body of a prominent activist, would they do something awful to it? Word had reached Taras Ratushnyi, serving in northern Ukraine. His text exchanges with Roman had always been brief, mostly to confirm the other was still alive. The unanswered messages now sent him into a panic. He wrote to Povalyaeva. Had she heard from their son? She said it had been two days, not unusual. When on missions, he could be out of touch for longer. But military officials soon confirmed his death - and then more agonizing news. Roman's body remained out of reach. Within days, personal documents he had carried with him appeared on Russian Telegram channels. But there was no photo of his body. His parents feared the worst. To retrieve Roman's body, his commander, Bob, waited four days for a heavy thunderstorm that made him harder to detect. Worried that the Russians might have booby-trapped the corpse, Bob carefully moved it with a rope until he was sure it was safe, then carried Roman back to base. When Taras got the news that the remains had been retrieved, he remembered Roman's warning to "not rush after" him. He saw it as a sign. Since Roman died, Taras said he had been living in a "different reality." But at least "Roman was able to come back and people could come say farewell to him. That was really unforgettable." The night before that last mission, Roman wrote a will. He left detailed instructions, like leaving someone a particular book. He listed the organizations he wanted to receive donations. He described exactly how he wanted his funeral. He requested to be buried with a Cossack cross. "Love you," he signed it. Hundreds attended his funeral, including Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and prominent activists and artists. Many knew Roman personally. Others were there to mourn a symbol of a bright generation being lost to war. In his old neighborhood, Roman's name and "Heroes never die" were painted across a stone wall. To the side, there was a quote from one of Roman's Facebook posts: "The more Russians we kill now, the fewer our children will." Taras said he still keeps in touch with Roman's friends from his brigade. "Every time I call them or text them, I'm really worried that they won't reply," Taras said. "Sometimes it takes them really long to respond, and then they say, 'Sorry, we just had a really bad day here. Our people got killed again.'" Vasyl was always the quieter and more reserved Ratushnyi brother. While Roman stepped into the spotlight as an activist, Vasyl shunned it. He never even opened social media accounts. But he watched Roman with pride. On the day of Russia's invasion in February, Vasyl looked for a way to get to Roman, to protect him. He was well north of the city, and before he could get to his brother, the Ukrainian military blew up the bridge he would need to cross - a tactic to slow any Russian advance to the capital. Vasyl ultimately organized a local defense force in his area, but he worried about his brother and if he even had proper body armor and medical kits. When the two reunited after several weeks, it was Roman who brought Vasyl more bulletproof vests and medicines. In Kramatorsk, a city near the front lines and a target of the Russians, Vasyl described how Roman left him military gear in his will, including pouches that attach to his body armor, which Vasyl uses to carry a grenade. Their mother manages her grief with anti-anxiety medications, sleep aids and long walks with her dog. Vasyl copes with his sadness by "waiting dispassionately for an opportunity," he said, to kill the enemy that killed his brother. Whitney Leaming contributed to this report from Kyiv, Kramatorsk and near Izyum. FRANKFURT, Germany France, Germany and Britain have urged Iran to agree to a proposed relaunch of the agreement limiting its nuclear program, saying final texts of a deal have been readied but Iran "has chosen not to seize this critical diplomatic opportunity." The three European governments said in a joint statement Saturday that Iran has instead raised "separate issues" and "continues to escalate its nuclear program way beyond any plausible civilian justification." The statement comes amid efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which eased sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear program. The United States unilaterally pulled out of the accord in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump and reimposed sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to start backing away from the deal's terms. The U.N. atomic watchdog said Wednesday it believes Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium that is highly enriched to one short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. Iran last week sent a written response in negotiations over a final draft of a roadmap for parties to return to the tattered nuclear deal, though the U.S. cast doubt on Tehran's offer. Neither side elaborated on the contents. WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) President Joe Biden assailed his predecessor, Donald Trump, for promising to pardon rioters who attacked the U.S. Capitol, and warned voters against putting Trump's followers in charge of the House or Senate in November's elections. "To this day, they defend the mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6," Biden said Thursday night, and referred to recent remarks by Trump that if he became president again, he would issue full pardons and an official apology to people convicted of crimes arising from the riot. He would "pardon them all. He'll pay their legal fees. How can you call yourself a democrat with a small d? How can that be?" Biden told a meeting of the Democratic National Committee in a Maryland suburb of Washington. He spent much of his address at the National Harbor resort assailing the former president and those who continue to back him after the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021. "They tried to do it 20 times when the last guy was here, what was his name? I can't remember," he quipped. "This guy never stops. We'll never stop, either, because we can't let this happen." Warning that Social Security and the Affordable Care Act could be imperiled if Republicans win control of Congress this November, Biden implored his listeners to "just get out and vote." The political event was the president's first public remarks since the death of Queen Elizabeth II. He signed a condolence book at the British Embassy on his way to National Harbor. "I had the opportunity to meet her before she passed and she was an incredibly gracious and decent woman," he told the crowd before swinging into a denunciation of Republicans and their platform. He again portrayed GOP candidates running in the November elections as outside the political mainstream and on the wrong side of issues like climate change and abortion rights. In recent weeks, he has sought to reframe that contest as a referendum on Republican loyalty to Trump, which endures despite the former president's efforts to overturn his electoral defeat, as well as the Supreme Court's ruling overturning the Roe v. Wade abortion decision, rather than his own economic performance. During a prime-time speech last week outside Philadelphia's Independence Hall, Biden said Trump and his adherents threatened the foundations of the republic. Republicans have countered Biden's assertions, with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy saying the president should apologize for his suggestion at a fundraiser last month that the philosophy that underpinned Trump's politics was "like semi-fascism." "President Biden has chosen to divide, demean, and disparage his fellow Americans. Why? Simply because they disagree with his policies," McCarthy said in a speech last week. 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. HOUSTON A visit to Houston on Friday by the Dutch queen highlighted a long friendship between Texas and the Netherlands that grew from their fight against a mutual enemy: flooding. While meeting with Houston's mayor, Queen Maxima learned how the Netherlands has worked with local officials on efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding following the deadly destruction that Hurricane Harvey wreaked on the city in 2017. Harvey dumped more than 50 inches of rain on parts of the Houston area. The storm caused $125 billion in damage in Texas. The queen also met with state and federal officials and heard about how Dutch engineers and academics have been helping Texas in the development of what could be the largest storm surge barrier in the world. The coastal barrier system in nearby Galveston, which has been in discussion since Hurricane Ike in 2008 battered the Texas Gulf Coast, was inspired by structures in the Netherlands. Queen Maxima, who also visited the San Francisco Bay Area and Austin, Texas, this week, said she was impressed that the two countries' strategies for flood mitigation could preserve the economy and the environment, "but also (produce) knowledge to actually help the rest of the world." "We need you, so thank you very much and I hope you continue this fantastic cooperation," she said. Texas and the Netherlands are natural partners in the fight against flooding. Houston, the nation's fourth-largest city, floods frequently because it doesn't have sufficient infrastructure to handle heavy rain. Development of the area has sharply reduced the natural wetlands that previously soaked up storm water runoff. Every hurricane season, the Texas Gulf Coast faces potentially devastating storms. Hurricane-fueled storm surges can pose a flooding danger to the Houston Ship Channel, which is home to 40% of the nation's petrochemical industry. The Netherlands is a global leader in flood-management design and initiatives. About 26% of its 17 million people live below sea level and the country has spent billions of dollars to build a system of dams, levees and storm surge barriers. Michael Braden, chief of the mega-project division with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District, said his agency's efforts to build the barrier system along the Texas Gulf Coast would not be where they are today without help from the Dutch. The barrier system, which borrows from a similar project nicknamed the "Ike Dike" and was first proposed by a Galveston professor, is expected to soon get final approval by Congress before being forwarded to President Joe Biden for his signature. Funding for the nearly $31 billion project, which could take up to 20 years to build, would have to be approved separately. "We're addressing a regional issue here with the coastal project, but the things we learn in the design and the construction will eventually be needed by coastal communities all around the world," Braden said. Dutch and U.S. officials said Friday that their efforts to tackle flooding have become more important because global warming has made torrential rainfall and stronger hurricanes more common. A United Nations report released in March warned that states along the Gulf of Mexico, including Texas, are under serious threat from rising seas, collapsing fisheries and toxic tides due to climate change. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said many of the flood mitigation strategies that have been developed with the help of the city's Dutch partners, including prairie conservation efforts that will help reduce water runoff and neighborhood resilience plans, will soon be implemented. "But we want our community not only to respond and to recover but to grow and to thrive, to build forward from recovery. We don't want to build back. Building back is building for failure. We want to build forward," Turner said. PHILADELPHIA -- The last weekend of August, party promoter Jeremy Taylor hosted a dance at a Broad Street club in Philadelphia featuring tracks from Beyonce's latest album and cards telling guests where to get monkeypox vaccinations. Protecting people from a new virus spreading rapidly over the summer was a priority for Taylor, who hosts events under the name JayLaTay. His dances draw many people who identify as Black and LGBTQ a population in Philadelphia that's more likely to contract monkeypox, and less likely to be vaccinated against it. Warnings about the virus transmitting through sustained physical contact didn't phase Taylor, who saw little risk that dancing at the venue beneath the Divine Lorraine would endanger guests. "That type of casual contact, it's highly unlikely for people to transmit," Taylor said. Evidence suggests Taylor is right. The real risk comes from sex, according to increasing data on the outbreak that's primarily spreading among men who have sex with men. It remains unclear if semen is specifically playing a role in transmission. The Centers for Disease Control's online guidance continues to highlight physical contact as risky, or contact with objects that touched the skin lesions caused by monkeypox, Yet in an update to their online guidance posted Wednesday, the CDC stated transmission is "almost exclusively associated with sexual contact in the current outbreak." "We just haven't seen a substantial number of people saying my only exposure is going to this shirtless sweaty dance party," said Jeffrey Klausner, a doctor and expert in sexually transmitted diseases at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine. Steven Thrasher, a professor of journalism at Northwestern University's Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, wrote an article last month in Scientific American arguing that monkeypox should be called a sexually transmitted infection. In an interview, he questioned whether the CDC has been doing more harm than good with its messaging, noting that while contracting monkeypox through different types of extended physical contact is possible, the federal health organization's own data has found that 94% of cases were associated with sex or similarly intimate contact. "It's very dangerous ... to make people very afraid of activities that are very low risk," Thrasher said. There has been concern that emphasizing the role of sex in transmission could ostracize men who have sex with men and encourage homophobia, since monkeypox has primarily spread within this population. Members of the LGBTQ community remember all too well how society initially dismissed the first people to contract HIV because that virus, like monkeypox, started spreading in the gay community. Other experts say a frank acknowledgment of how the virus is transmitting would prevent unnecessary isolation for infected people and avoid panic that itself could lead to discrimination. Some health guidance to date has resulted in people unnecessarily "freaking out about blankets and dorm rooms," Thrasher said. The evidence for sexual transmission of monkeypox Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are broadly defined by the CDC as "diseases that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact." They are often spread through semen, though not exclusively. Some sex-related infections, like pubic lice known as crabs, HIV and syphilis can spread through other means. Whether monkeypox is an STI is largely irrelevant to its treatment, said Michael LeVasseur, a Drexel epidemiologist and an HIV expert. "It's splitting hairs," he said. Prevention is a more complicated question. Calling monkeypox an STI could imply for some that condoms are effective at preventing spread, LeVasseur noted, but in fact transmission could still occur through contact with lesions elsewhere on a person's body. A number of studies, many of them from the United Kingdom, point to sex being central to the spread of monkeypox. Two studies, including one with data from Europe, the United States, Central and South America and Australia, found 95% or more of cases appeared to stem from sexual contact. An August study in the medical journal The Lancet found live monkeypox virus in semen, but it's not clear if that is causing infections. Other researchers note there have been cases of household transmission that did not involve sex. Stuart Isaacs, dean of animal studies at University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, said these cases argue against calling monkeypox an STI. Still, he thinks the frequency of sex as a mode of transmission probably should be emphasized. "The CDC lists contact first and sexual transmission second in their list," Isaacs said. Behavior, not identity More than half of gay men in America have three or fewer sex partners each year, said Klauser of USC. People in that range aren't very likely to contract monkeypox. Those more at risk from monkeypox are men who regularly have multiple sex partners sometimes three or more partners a week. With a focus on sex, people can do a lot to reduce their risk. Klauser noted cases in the United Kingdom and Europe began dropping in August even though governments there weren't aggressively pushing vaccination. "The only real explanation is people have changed their behavior," he said. Thrasher, the expert who wrote about the need to identify monkeypox as an STI, would like to see health guidance that acknowledges the link between sex and monkeypox without stigmatizing those at risk of catching it. "In the United States we've gotten so used to talking about LGBTQ people as an identity, it's become removed from the act of sex," he said. "Sex itself is an action, and this is the action where it's being seen." This approach could also help people in Philadelphia to protect themselves amid poor vaccine access and limited supply. The slow rollout of tests and treatments for the virus, and poor access to vaccines, has resulted in racial disparities. "The vaccine rollout process we have used has not reached the most marginalized, oppressed communities," said Elle Lett, who established Philly MPX Action with a small group of health professionals to do outreach to at risk communities. Lett, a trans woman, agreed that health agencies should talk less about which groups are at risk, and focus more on what actions are risky, including sex. Awareness of monkeypox is high in the local LGBTQ community, said Taylor, the party promoter who is himself gay. Since the outbreak began he's seen changing habits in the community of men who have sex with men. Some have shrunk the circle of people they're having sex with, limiting intimacy to a group they know well. And by the end of his recent dance party, many of the cards with information on monkeypox vaccines had been taken. 2022 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Visit at inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. NELIGH, Neb. - One recent still summer night in this tiny city on the Nebraska prairie, more than 60 people showed up at a senior citizens center to hear attorney David Clements warn of an epidemic of purported election fraud. For two hours, Clements - who has the rumpled look of an academic, though he lost his business school professor's job last fall for refusing to wear a mask in class - spoke of breached voting machines, voter roll manipulation and ballot stuffing that he claims cost former president Donald Trump victory in 2020. The audience, which included a local minister, a bank teller and farmers in their overalls, gasped in horror or whispered "wow" with each new claim. "We've never experienced a national coup," he told the crowd, standing before red, white and blue signs strung up alongside a bingo board. "And that's what we had." Clements, who has no formal training or background in election systems, spent months crisscrossing the back roads in his home state of New Mexico in a battered Buick, trying to convince local leaders not to certify election results. His words had an impact: In June, officials in three New Mexico counties where he made his case either delayed or voted against certification of this year's primary results, even though there was no credible evidence of problems with the vote. Now, Clements has taken his message nationwide, traveling to small towns in more than a dozen states, with a focus, he said, on places that are "forgotten and abandoned and overlooked." His crusade to prove that voting systems can't be trusted has deepened fears among election experts, who say his claims could give Trump allies more fodder to try to disrupt elections in November and beyond. Republican primary candidates embracing Trump's stolen election rhetoric have flourished this year. Clements's strategy is to target his message locally: to county commissioners and clerks, jobs that are lower profile but that wield an outsize role in administering America's decentralized election system. If local jurisdictions fail to certify their votes, it could throw the outcome of an election into chaos, raising doubt about the results and giving ammunition to losing candidates who refuse to accept their defeat. Clements is one among a tightknit circle of Trump supporters who travel the country as self-appointed election fraud evangelists. They embrace the instructions of leaders like former Trump adviser turned podcaster Stephen K. Bannon, who has urged election deniers to run for local races and sign up to be poll workers in what he calls his "precinct-by-precinct" takeover strategy. Like others preaching the gospel of election fraud, Clements has attracted a large following online, where he mixes conspiracies with Christian nationalist and sometimes violent rhetoric. He has appeared on Fox News and on Bannon's podcast. He's dined with Trump and Mike Lindell, the chief executive of MyPillow and high-profile election fraud conspiracist. "We've got enough evidence to have indictments, people tried for treason and have the remedy of firing squads. That's what we need," Clements told an audience at a New Mexico church in February. A recent report from congressional Democrats on election misinformation highlighted Clements' activities, and concluded that "the greatest current threat to democratic legitimacy now comes from lies by domestic actors who seek to convince Americans that their election systems are fraudulent, corrupt, or insecure." New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, who has clashed repeatedly with Clements and his wife, said the "misinformation and disinformation" were being "seeded as core beliefs, not just with elected officials but the general public." "I do worry about potential violence toward election officials, in particular around the upcoming general election," she said. Clements said in a brief interview in Nebraska that he believes his efforts are noble. "Why?" he asked. "Because I care about the truth. Because I want to make sure our voices are accurately captured. Because the rule of law needs to exist." Pacing the room at the senior center in Neligh, microphone in hand, Clements put the matter in stark terms. "We've figured out how they're screwing you out of your vote," Clements said. "That's the battle. So what's the solution?" "Sledgehammers!" a woman at the back of the room yelled out. Clements, 42, was a popular tenure-track assistant professor teaching law in the business school of New Mexico State University on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob loyal to Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol. As news of the attack came, he was in his cabin in the mountains of New Mexico with his wife and three young children. Distraught that Biden's victory would be validated by Congress despite the riot, he has said that he ran outside and fell on his knees, next to the fire pit. "I said, 'God save us, please, please save our country,' " he recalled in a speech in Michigan last year. He looked back and saw his wife and children standing in the window watching him, weeping. "And something happened. My heart filled . . . and I heard, 'We are going to win.' " Clements came down from the mountain filled with zeal and - sitting down in his garage armed with nothing more than a laptop and a "crappy microphone" - soon began posting about alleged election fraud on YouTube. He said he began examining the alleged evidence of fraud in contested states like Georgia and Pennsylvania in the days following the election, and later had some of those who claimed to have observed it firsthand appear on his YouTube videos. Clements said in an interview that as an attorney he was "eminently qualified" to talk about the legalities surrounding voting machines, and that his wife, Erin, has two decades of expertise working with data as a civil engineer. Neither, however, has experience running elections or formal education in voting machine systems. No fewer than 86 judges rejected at least one post-election lawsuit filed by Trump or his supporters, a Washington Post review of court filings found. Clements, who was born in Seattle, grew up the child of itinerant parents who worked blue-collar jobs. Early in his life, he struggled with drugs, alcohol and an assault conviction, he has said. "I'm a child of the trailer park. My mom worked at Kmart and Lowe's, my dad bagged groceries," he said. "Dysfunctional family. At times I felt cursed. I'd see other happy families on vacation while I would bus their tables as an underage kid and say, 'is this it, Lord?' " But, he said he realized, "God was preparing me for something, to see artifice, to see lies." He delved into politics too, serving as a county Republican chair and as an unsuccessful Republican primary candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2014. Later, he served as the vice chair for legal affairs of the state's Libertarian party. At New Mexico State University, Clements was known for his engaging lectures, being available to students and grading papers late into the night, according to David Pecchia, a former student and retired Air Force master sergeant who was close to Clements and considered him a mentor. Pecchia wrote a recommendation letter for Clements for a teaching award that recognizes excellence in pre-tenure professors. Clements won last year. Just weeks later, in October 2021, he was fired, by his own account, for refusing to wear a mask in class. In his disciplinary hearing, which Clements posted online, the university said he violated the school's covid-19 mask and vaccination policy. Pecchia said his respect for Clements evaporated one day when he saw his former teacher leading an anti-mask march through a craft market where Pecchia sold his woodworking, causing a disturbance. "Clements was saying, 'You're zombies, man. You're zombies,' " Pecchia recalled. "This guy has gone off the deep end. It's like he's been radicalized somehow. It was a complete change. I never ever got the impression he was so radical about things like that and I felt stupid I had submitted a letter for this guy nominating him for this great award." Anti-vaxxers quickly embraced Clements, with far-right Colorado podcaster Joe Oltmann creating an online fundraiser for him and calling him "a lightning rod of truth and courage." The appeal has since brought in more than $304,000 in donations, including from donors who say they support his "election integrity" crusade. Clements says he is not paid for his appearances but asks for donations for travel expenses at the door. As his zeal over election fraud heightened, other associates fell away. "Given his intelligence and accomplishments, the fact that he's decided to pursue this provably false theory is tragic and surprising," said Chris Luchini, the head of the Libertarian Party of New Mexico and a former colleague of Clements. In October, around the time he was fired from his university job, David and Erin Clements mailed a 261-page document to commissioners and county clerks across New Mexico alleging widespread issues with the voting systems - what the congressional report called "imaginary fraud." Asked for comment, Erin Clements sent a video of Democratic lawmakers raising concerns about election security. Many of the comments predated the 2020 election and focused on the potential for foreign interference. The U.S. intelligence community has continued to warn that foreign actors are likely targeting American elections. David and Erin Clements claimed that the state's voting tabulators are insecure and miscount votes. They also alleged that unnamed bad actors "massively" manipulated voter registration rolls, allowing people to illicitly vote in the last presidential election. The couple soon found an ally in Couy Griffin, a flamboyant former Disneyland Paris rodeo cowboy who until this week was a member of the county commission in Otero, a rural New Mexico community of 69,000 along the Texas border. Griffin, who was once thanked by Trump for saying "The only good Democrat is a dead Democrat" and who was convicted of a misdemeanor for entering a restricted area during the Capitol riot, has long alleged the 2020 presidential election was stolen. A state judge on Tuesday ordered Griffin removed from office, citing his role in having "aided the insurrection" on Jan. 6, 2021. "This is a nonpartisan issue," Griffin said in an interview. "Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican we should all want to make sure our elections are secure." Griffin said David Clements "knows what he's talking about," and that he is the kind of expert Griffin wants to explain complicated voting systems to him, rather than the election officials in his own county. By March, volunteers organized by David and Erin Clements calling themselves the New Mexico Audit Force were going door-to-door in Otero County asking citizens about how they voted in 2020. The canvass was part of a controversial third-party audit that commissioners had voted to spend nearly $50,000 on in January, despite the fact that the county went overwhelmingly for Trump, with the incumbent winning nearly 62 percent of the vote. The effort sparked a voter intimidation inquiry by the House Oversight Committee. The audit later fell apart, with the firm hired to analyze the results agreeing to return part of its initial payment, stipulating they had found no evidence of fraud. But David and Erin Clements pressed on, appearing before the three-member, all-Republican Otero commission with a new target: the state's June 7 primary. David Clements urged commissioners not to perform their statutory duty to certify the results, arguing that doing so would place them in legal jeopardy because of the problems they alleged with the machines. The county's attorney disagreed, calling the argument "highly unlikely." Yet two independent election security experts who have examined the Clements' work - Susan Greenhalgh, senior adviser on election security for the nonprofit Free Speech For People, and Kevin Skoglund, president and chief technologist for the nonpartisan Citizens for Better Elections - said the fraud charges are baseless and misleading. New Mexico's Secretary of State has also rejected the allegations. A document that David Clements claims shows a failure to update voter check-in machines for 11 years is inaccurate, since the state uses a different check-in system, the Secretary of State's office said. The claim that the volunteer canvassers found dozens of "ghost voters" at one address turned out to reference the post office box at a nearby military base. Clements also asserted that the digital file containing the ballot from the 2020 elections had been deliberately "wiped" from the voting machines when in fact separate files are created for each election and the ballots and other records are preserved. "Their reports on election fraud are a jumble of conspiracy theories and full of errors. They are wrong about voting technology, election processes, certification, and legal requirements," Skoglund said. "They even quote me and cite my work on voting systems with modems and internet connectivity, but I disagree with every conclusion they draw from my work." "I don't think he understands what he's talking about most of the time," said Greenhalgh. "He takes things and extrapolates them to a place that comes completely out of thin air. It sounds good and people believe it because it sounds authoritative if you don't know much." The "fanciful arguments" of conspiracists obscure the country's real need to continue to address election vulnerabilities, she said, such as internet voting - 31 states and the District of Columbia allow it for overseas, military and in some places disabled voters - as well as outdated paperless voting machines. Clements' allegations extend to voting machines made by multiple companies, including Dominion Voting Systems, which are used in New Mexico and have been the target of claims by Trump supporters. Those claims are rooted in a 2020 election night error by the clerk in a Michigan county that resulted in the heavily Republican area briefly reporting that Biden had beaten Trump there. The error was quickly corrected, but the damage was done. Dominion officials have denied all allegations made against the company, filing multibillion-dollar defamation lawsuits against various people who spread the claims. "This is yet another example of how lies about Dominion have damaged our company and diminished the public's faith in elections," Dominion spokeswoman Stephanie Walstrom said of Clements. At the June hearing in Otero, David and Erin Clements turned up to a crowded meeting room to give the commission a nearly three-hour update on their "findings." The couple's conclusions prompted Griffin to chastise his own clerk, Robyn Holmes, a Republican who has thirty years of experience running elections in the county. "If I was in your position I wouldn't be able to sleep at night," Griffin said to Holmes. "You're in the middle of elections that are fraudulent right now if what they're telling us is true." "If what they're telling us is true," Holmes said, shouting, "IF!" Toward the end of the meeting, Donna Swanson, a former presiding poll judge in Otero County who worked with Holmes for years, stepped up to speak. "I totally take exception to the idea that Robyn Holmes - our Republican clerk - doesn't know what she's doing. So who is the leader here today?" Swanson asked. "Is it my county commissioners or these people sitting here who had lunch with Donald Trump and the MyPillow guy?" On June 17, the state's deadline to certify election results, Clements drove several hundred miles in his old Buick, hoping to stop commissions across New Mexico from okay'ing the votes. He appeared first in Torrance County, where he led off comments at a raucous meeting. Citizens hurled insults at leaders voting for certification, calling them "cowards," "traitors to our country" and "rubber stamp puppets." In Sandoval County, Clements had so riled residents that the commissioners had to be removed from the hearing room by sheriff's deputies for their safety after voting 4-1 to approve the results, according to County Commissioner Katherine Bruch, a Democrat. In Otero, two commissioners who had voted not to certify earlier in the week reversed their decisions and approved the results, bowing to an emergency order from the state's Supreme Court that mandated them to follow their statutory duty. Griffin, the only dissenter, called his vote in from Washington, where he had just been sentenced to 14 days in jail - time served - for his role in the Capitol attack. "My vote to remain a no isn't based on any evidence, it's not based on any facts, it's only based on my gut feeling and my own intuition, and that's all I need," Griffin said, his drawl tinny on the speakerphone. The Otero controversy is far from over. On Aug. 11, Clements and his wife presented the final findings of their "audit" in a special five-hour commissioners meeting, during which he got into a shouting match with the county attorney and told Holmes she should resign because it was "disgusting how you fight the people." She left the meeting in tears. Holmes has grown so disheartened by the couple's oft-repeated allegations that she has stopped coming to meetings unless asked for. "I was to the point that, 'You guys aren't even telling half-truths anymore,' " she recalled. "It's all falsehoods and speculation. I'm not going to sit and argue with that." In the end, the commissioners voted to sue the secretary of state's office for forcing them to certify the primary results. Their county attorney, R.B. Nichols, advised that the "frivolous lawsuit" would "not pass muster" in court and would cost the county more than $100,000. That day, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released their report into the threat of election misinformation. It singled out "fraudulent" audits in Maricopa County, Ariz., and Otero County as key drivers in an effort by "malicious domestic actors" to erode trust in American democracy. At the meeting at the Nebraska senior center in early August, Clements appealed to his audience to get on social media and to keep showing up at county commission meetings, again and again, until local leaders are worn down and give in. All they need to do to change the system, he assured them, is to win over a handful of commission votes. "We're in a contest of wills. Who is going to break whose will?" Clements said. "I'm not asking you all to storm the beaches of Normandy, to suffer a bloody death to save our republic. I'm asking you all to consider showing up to an air-conditioned building, organizing, opening your mouth and saying: 'These machines suck. I know they do. I don't want them. Make them go away.' " One woman told him she and others in her county were planning to have a days-long outdoor slumber party near her county's one ballot drop-box before the November election to guard it from being stuffed with ballots - a fear propagated by the debunked film 2000 Mules. A rancher named Dave Wright raised his hand to say that it was obvious to him the Democratic National Committee had figured out how to cheat, so why couldn't the Republicans do so as well? Clements ended on a mournful note just before the audience began trickling out into the quiet evening, the sun setting over fields of thirsty corn. "I stand before you as someone who used to be an award-winning professor, an award-winning prosecutor - who is unemployed," Clements said. "I come to you as someone who had a future. And if we don't fix our country, I can't go back to that world." The Washington Post's Magda Jean-Louis and Alice Crites contributed to this report. (Tribune News Service) As communities across the country remember the Sept. 11 terrorist attack that took place 21 years ago Sunday, a local counselor is advising those who may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to reach out for help. Christopher Pease, a licensed professional counselor and U.S. Army veteran, says its important for people to be around those who love and support them during times like this. Call your battle buddy, call your friend, talk to your pastor, Pease said. Dont run. Dont hide. The solution is not a bottle, its not a pill and its not the barrel of a gun. Pease said he works with clients who are veterans as well as their children. I work with people who question their ability to be parents, they question their sanity daily, Pease said. Some of the kids want nothing to do with them. They question why their dad is the way that they are. Last year, about 25 percent of the deaths by suicide in Ottawa County were veterans. There are men and women that are trapped in alcoholism, drug addiction and ending in suicide, Pease said. There are families that have been absolutely torn apart because of the deployments and because of their parent coming back destroyed with PTSD. Pease joined the Army three years after the 9/11 attacks. He said that event started a global war on terror. We must forgive our mistakes and our failures and embrace that our experiences have changed us and not be embarrassed by our mental health struggles, he said. As GWOT (global war on terror) veterans, we must remind our fellow citizens that there is a cost to war. We must hold our government accountable for needless bloodshed. This weekend, a couple of local fire departments plan to raise an American flag in honor of the anniversary of 9/11. At both the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety and Grand Haven Township Fire/Rescue, a flag will be displayed on a truck outside their departments on Sunday. Its always a very important time of the year to remember and its constantly on our mind as a group, said Spring Lake Township Fire Chief John Stalzer. This year, Spring Lake Township first responders and their spouses attended a training on PTSD and the effects on not only the firefighter, but their family, too. (9/11) tends to bring awareness of what happens to personnel, Stalzer said. Its a guidepost for people to understand that it has an impact on us, and does every day. The fire service has come a long way in the recognition of its OK to not be OK. Like many fire-rescue departments, the Grand Haven Township staff are able to get mental health assistance. We take the well-being of our staff very seriously and do check-ins with them and have open conversations about whats going on and how we can help, Grand Haven Township Fire Chief Shawn Schrader said. Schrader says he was working his first full-time shift at the department 21 years ago when the 9/11 attacks took place. Quite a few of our staff were here and involved in some way in delivering public assistance during that time, he said. The public is invited to attend a memorial ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday at the American Legion Post 28, 700 S. Harbor Ave., Grand Haven. Local first responders, community dignitaries, and Post 28 leaders and members will provide honors and recognition of the heroic actions of the public servants that day, according to a press release. This memorial service is designed to honor and remember the 3,000 that were killed, almost 400 of those were first responders, said the Grand Haven posts chaplain, Duane Smith. Acknowledging the tremendous loss of life in these attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and the crash of United Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (c)2022 the Grand Haven Tribune (Grand Haven, Mich.) Visit the Grand Haven Tribune at www.grandhaventribune.co m Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Maeve Hamilton (39) was told the judge would spare her criminal convictions if a restorative justice report was favourable. Maeve Hamilton (39) was prosecuted after a fake Louis Vuitton bag was seized in a controlled purchase, with replica beanie and bobble hats found in a search of her home. A court heard Hamilton had been selling second-hand clothing online as a hobby when she advertised the counterfeit goods with a lack of thought as to whether there were any copyright issues. Saying what she did fell between inadvertence and recklessness, Judge David McHugh told the garda with an otherwise unblemished record he would spare her criminal convictions if a restorative justice report was favourable. Hamilton, from Clonee in west Dublin, pleaded guilty to selling trademarked goods that she was not entitled to sell. The charges were under Section 92 of the Trade Marks Act Handbag. Library photo Detective Sergeant Ronan Waldron told Blanchardstown District Court that the investigation followed an anonymous call. A clutch-style Louis Vuitton handbag that had been put up for sale for 40 on adverts.ie was seized following a controlled purchase. Genuine bags would sell for around 550, the court heard. Gardai obtained a search warrant and found further goods at Hamiltons address, including counterfeit Canada Goose beanie hats, gilets and bobble hats. The total approximate value was 910. Det Sgt Waldron agreed with defence solicitor Damien Coffey this was entirely unconnected" with Hamiltons work as a garda. There was no sophistication and no attempt was made to hide the accuseds identity. It had not been difficult for the gardai to identify her and she cooperated fully. The three charges before the court were not sample counts but the totality of the offences. Hamilton had not sold the items for extreme financial gain, Mr Coffey said. The goods had been bought for a low amount of money and sold for a very low amount, he said. This was not some factory shop, Mr Coffey said. Nobody was deceived, as the goods were advertised and sold as replica items. Hamilton had begun selling her own second-hand items online as a hobby as many people do and then came across a website selling replica items. She bought them for her own personal use, before selling them onwards. It was difficult to explain how someone so well-regarded in the gardai allowed herself to end up in this situation, Mr Coffey said. Hamilton had been having personal issues at the time. She never turned her attention to the fact that she was in breach of copyright, he said. Judge McHugh said the facts of the case were unique. Hamilton had an unblemished career and the judge noted her commendations for excellent police work. While a serving garda should indeed have known, he gave her the benefit of the doubt and said what she did lay somewhere between inadvertence and recklessness. Hamilton brought 3,000 to court and the judge said 1,000 of this would go to charity with the rest split between the two companies Canada Goose and Louis Vuitton. The judge adjourned the case and said he would strike the charges out if a restorative justice report was favourable. Alex Payne Craven told the court he didnt want another opportunity to engage with the Probation Service Judge McKiernan said she didn't think a custodial sentence was appropriate, but she had no other option. Alex Payne Craven, with an address at the time at Windsor Lodge, North Road, Drogheda, pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing stolen property at Windsor Lodge on a date unknown between 21 January and 12 February 2021. Evidence was presented that at 9.13am on 21 January 2021 it was reported to gardai that a Kia Sportage had been broken into at Shamrock Villas, Ballymakenny Road during the early hours. Property worth 605 was taken. The owner subsequently saw the stolen goods for sale. It was discovered Mr Payne Craven used Facebook Marketplace to sell the items, with the profile Alex Hutch. A search warrant was obtained, and he was arrested and questioned. He admitted selling all the property. The court heard that the person who bought the property, not knowing it was stolen, was contacted by gardai and it was recovered. There were no previous convictions. Solicitor Eleanor Kelly said during a previous hearing that her client was originally from Coolock. He grew up in care and then fell in with a bad crowd on turning 18. He dropped out of a Culinary Arts course in DIT. Payne Craven moved to Drogheda two years ago and homeless services placed him in B&B accommodation. He had been moving between Drogheda, Dublin and Cavan and had experienced periods of homelessness. He had tried to rekindle a relationship with his parents. At Drogheda Court on 5 September the defendant instructed that he didnt want to engage with the Probation Service and felt that time in custody might help him get his mind straight. There was an unfavourable probation report and Payne Craven told Judge McKiernan that he didnt want another chance. I dont think I will be able to engage (with the probation service). I think custody is the thing for me at the moment. The judge said she didnt agree. The accused continued that he had been going to The Red Door Project for a month. I went there six times, but it didnt help me. Im taking tablets. Im living in a friends house. Im all over the place, to be honest. Judge McKiernan said she didnt think custody was the answer and when the defendant reiterated that he didnt want to engage with the Probation Service he was remanded in custody to Dundalk Court on 7 September for sentence via video link. On the adjourned date the judge recalled she had put this case back on a number of occasions because of Alex Payne Cravens age and the fact he had no previous convictions. It was unfortunate he hadnt dealt with services. He got an opportunity to reconsider his position. Judge McKiernan said there was no other option but a custodial sentence. It was a very serious matter to break into a car and then advertise the items for sale. Other charges stemming from separate incidents, including public order and theft of perfume, were taken into consideration. A SYRINGE-wielding mother-of-seven attempted two robberies in Dublin city centre in the space of 20 minutes, a court has heard. Michelle Moloney (38) threatened a young woman with the syringe and followed her, demanding money before trying to steal from a man at an ATM while brandishing a sharp implement. Judge John King jailed her for six months and gave her another 10-month suspended sentence at Dublin District Court. Moloney, with an address at a city centre hostel, admitted two attempted robberies on the same date, March 7 this year. The court heard she approached a woman on OConnell Street at around 7am and asked her for money. When she refused, the accused followed her, produced a syringe, threatened her and demanded money. The victim left the scene but was followed for some distance by Moloney, the court heard. The victim eventually fled and Moloney did not get any money. Some 20 minutes later in the same area, Moloney approached a man at an ATM and produced an unidentified sharply pointed object, shouting at him for money. He also fled and Moloney was again left empty-handed. Separately, the accused went to Spar on Dame Street on February 25 and took a tablet belonging to a sales representative. She left with it concealed in her jacket. It was later recovered. Moloney also shoplifted 640 worth of cosmetics from Boots on Dawson Street on March 3. She had 11 previous convictions, including for theft. The accused had had a difficult life with a very tough upbringing and a history of drug abuse and homelessness, her lawyer said. All the offences before the court happened in a 40-day period, and it was a very bad month. Moloney had herself been a victim of violence and she feels terrible about the damage that she has inflicted, he said, adding that she was deeply apologetic. Moloney was already serving another sentence when she appeared in court; she was clean and sober and custody was doing her a world of good. The judge said the attempted robberies were very, very serious. He made the 10-month sentence consecutive but suspended it for two years. The man has later released without charge with a file being sent to the DPP. Gardai arrested one man and seized cocaine with a value of 60,000 yesterday following a search in Tuam, Co.Galway. The search was carried out as part of Operation Tara by officers attached to the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit. A garda spokesman said gardai carried out a search under warrant at a home during the afternoon where they discovered the cocaine along with drug paraphernalia. A man, aged in his 30s, was later detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at the North Western Regional HQ. He later released without charge and a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. The drugs seized will now be sent to undergo further analysis and garda said Investigations are ongoing. A major technical problem has prevented passengers from checking in, causing huge delays and queues at the airport. Aer Lingus has cancelled all flights departing Dublin Airport for British and European destinations for the rest of the day. A major technical problem has prevented passengers from checking in, causing huge delays and queues at the airport. The airline is now cancelling its short-haul flights and telling those passengers not to come to the airport today. A statement from Aer Lingus said: Due to a major incident with a network provider, our cloud-based systems enabling check-in, boarding and our website are currently unavailable. A UK network provider servicing the cloud-based system has experienced a major break in connectivity impacting both primary and secondary connectivity. At this time the provider has not been able to give Aer Lingus an estimate of the time when the break in connectivity will be restored. Unfortunately, this is causing severe disruption to Aer Lingus services today. Consequently, all flights originally scheduled to depart from Dublin Airport for European and United Kingdom destinations from 2pm onwards today have had to be cancelled. As we are currently unable to communicate directly with customers, we are asking customers booked to travel on those flights not to come to Dublin Airport. We sincerely apologise to all customers impacted by todays disruption and cancellations. Any customer impacted by todays disruptions will be able to change their travel plans, free of charge either through our call centre or social media channels. We will advise customers when IT systems are restored and this change option is fully available to our customers. "As soon as systems are restored our teams will work to re-accommodate those impacted as efficiently as possible, and share information regarding customers rights and the airlines obligations under Regulation (EC) 261/2004. We are working intensively with our system partners and their network partners to resolve the connection issues as soon as possible. Passengers had been facing long queues at Dublin Airport this morning due to the technical fault in Aer Lingus check-in system. People waiting in terminal two have been venting their frustration online. One twitter user wrote: I got here around half seven, I just want to check in and not miss my connection in London. While another said: For the past 2h. We are just here sitting on the floor while people tell us that they are working on the fix. Just before 11.30am, Dublin Airport said on Twitter: "Due to an IT outage AerLingus is experiencing an internal issue at present impacting their check in and boarding processes. "As they work to resolve the issue we ask Guests to cooperate with our teams. This is not impacting any other airlines. We thank everyone for their patience. One way of keeping landlords in the private rental sector could be to give greater tax incentives Homelessness campaigner Fr Peter McVerry has warned that Ireland has passed the tipping point in relation to landlords in the market. He was speaking as the Government could offer tax incentives to landlords if they offer tenants a longer lease, as part of the upcoming budget. He welcomed the suggestion that the Government may incentivise private landlords to give tenants a longer lease. But he added there would need to be stricter conditions to protect tenants. Im open to anything that will improve the situation, and if this works of course I'm in favour of it, he told The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk this week. I have certain reservations though - landlords are constantly terminating leases in the middle of the lease because they want to sell their property, or they want to use it for their long-lost aunt who's just come back from Australia. So there would need to be strict conditions attached to this. However, McVerry added that reforms may come too late as many landlords are already exiting the market and will not return. I think with regard to the private rented sector, I think weve passed the tipping point actually. I think more and more landlords are going to exit, and there's not much we can do about it. He added that one way of keeping landlords in the private rental sector could be to give greater tax incentives. As Fr McVerry said he believes landlords are taxed too high as it stands. "I would favour offering landlords, who would reduce the rent by 30%, I would offer them a 50% rebate on the tax paid on their rental income. "That's a win for the tenants and it's a win for the landlord. "Even though their rent goes down by 30%, they still make more money", he added. Met Eireann said today will be dry and sunny, with a small possibility of showers in the southwest, however, the forecaster has issued a nationwide yellow rainfall warning for tomorrow, Sunday. Top temperatures today will range from 18C to 22C. Early tonight will see long clear spells but cloud will thicken from the south overnight with rain developing in Munster and south Connacht before dawn. Minimum temperatures of 10C to 14C are expected overnight. Met Eireann has issued a 22-hour yellow rainfall alert from 2am on Sunday morning until midnight. "High amounts of rainfall may cause some disruption and spot flooding, with highest amounts in mountainous areas, the forecaster said. The warning comes as thousand of country music fans will descend on Croke Park on Sunday evening, to see Garth Brooks perform at his third Irish concert of the weekend. Met Eireann said rain will extend nationwide on Sunday morning, turning heavy and persistent in places. Isolated thundery downpours are possible along with the potential for localised flooding. It will be humid and breezy on Sunday with highest temperatures of 17C to 20C. Further outbreaks of rain are expected on Sunday night, with heavy downpours in places. It will be mild and humid overnight with lowest temperatures of 12C to 16C. On Monday, patchy rain and drizzle will become largely confined to the southeast of the country with sunny spells developing elsewhere. Met Eireann said top temperatures will range from a rather fresh 15C or 16C in the north to 20C or 21C in the south. It will be mostly dry on Monday night, with long clear spells and the chance of a few showers in the northwest. Lowest temperatures will drop back to between 7C or 10C. The forecaster said Tuesday looks mainly dry with long spells of sunshine and highest temperatures ranging from 16C to 20C, warmest in southern counties. It will continue mainly dry overnight with long clear spells and lowest temperatures of 6C to 9C. Wednesday is expected to be another dry day, with sunshine and highest temperatures of 16C to 20C. Wednesday night will remain mostly dry, with clear spells and lowest temperatures of 6C to 10C. "Early indications suggest high pressure will build near Ireland bringing mostly dry and settled conditions for the remainder of the week, Met Eireann said. UK Dont Pay movement is advising cancellation of direct debits with gas and electricity suppliers The comments by People Before Profits Paul Murphy came as Government sources signalled that supports to help with energy bills will be massive when they are formally announced at the end of the month. However, Mr Murphy warned that he will urge people to boycott paying their energy bills if the State does not take drastic action to lower costs. In the UK a movement called Dont Pay has urged people to cancel their gas and electricity direct-debit payments from October 1, with thousands already pledging their support. Mr Murphy said that while his party is not urging a boycott yet, a protest group supported by People Before Profit called the Cost of Living Coalition, will consider it if the State does not take action. The group is also supported by Sinn Fein, USI, Students for Change, Access For All Ireland, ESB pensioners, Pensioners Parliament, Joan Collins TD, Socialist Party, Security Workers United, Unite Dublin branch and more. Mr Murphy said: We think that people would have every justification in the world for not paying; the profiteering and price-gouging that is going on is absolutely outrageous. Taoiseach Micheal Martin PA At this stage were not calling on people not to pay, that isnt a strategy or tactic that has been adopted, by example, by the Cost of Living Coalition. Were focused on a major national protest on September 24. Mr Murphy said his party has been calling for price controls and nationalisation of energy companies for months. Organising a boycott would be a more difficult and complicated thing but if the Government doesnt act, in terms of price controls, in terms of nationalisation, then thats something that we will be discussing with campaigners down the road, he said. At the People Before Profit think-in earlier this week, the party called for a 1,000 cost-of-living payment to be paid to every household, at a cost of 2.5bn. Mr Murphys comments come as Taoiseach Micheal Martin told reporters yesterday that interventions by the EU to tackle rising energy costs will stabilise the industry. However, he said the key intervention will be the Budget and the cost of living package. Its a different type of crisis [to the pandemic] but if we work collectively as a society and as a nation we can weather this very severe storm in respect of exponential increases in energy prices. A three-year-old boy and his six-year-old sister died in the blaze, which officers believe may have been started deliberately. The tragedy happened near the town of Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath, at around 4pm yesterday. The childrens mother was also severely injured during the fire. She was airlifted to a hospital in Dublin. Emergency services rushed to the scene but were too late to save the children. The body of the girl was discovered at the scene, and while the boy was brought to hospital he died from his injuries. Gardai in Mullingar are probing all the circumstances in relation to the tragedy. The scene was examined last night by the Garda Technical Bureau and remained preserved overnight. The car was removed and will be further forensically examined over the weekend. The scene has also been examined by the state pathologist, Dr Sally Anne Collis. Dr Collis will carry out postmortem examinations on both deceased. The results and the forensic examinations will determine the course of the investigation. Last night the mood was sombre in the Multyfarnham area - a small town around 15 minutes from Mullingar - with one man saying "everyone is numb as locals attempted to come to terms with the tragedy. It's understood GAA matches at the local club have been cancelled this weekend. Sinn Fein TD for Westmeath-Longford, Sorca Clarke, described the incident as "desperately sad. She said her "thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased. Thoughts also with the emergency services and all who came to their aid, Ms Clarke added. Brian Crum, Fianna Fail representative for Multyfarnham, said the thoughts and heartfelt sympathies of everyone in the area are with the family involved. You hear of tragedies like this happening in other countries or in other counties, but you never expect something like this to happen where youre from, or know what it feels like until it comes from your own area - especially when you have children of your own. Multyfarnham is a very tight knit community, everyone sticks together and helps each other out. This tragedy will be felt right across the community, Mr Crum said. Clooney and Roberts play a divorced couple who fly to Bali to stop their lovestruck daughter making the same impulsive mistake they once made George Clooney talked about how he discovered his Irish roots while on a road trip here - and revealed that relatives he had never met looked like family. The actor told Ryan Tubridy in a previously recorded interview for The Late Late Show that he found it uncanny how the resemblance was so obvious. It was a couple of years ago, just before Covid. I was going there with my father to see some old relatives, he said. There were a lot of Clooneys, yeah it was pretty fun actually, I mean its a funny thing where you go to meet people who you are related to who you have never met beforeso many look like my uncle George. His co-star in new rom-com Ticket to Paradise, Julia Roberts, also spoke about her ties to Ireland. Roberts spent many months here while filming Michael Collins - in which she played Kitty Kiernan - in 1996. She has visited frequently in the years since. That whole experience was so beautiful, she said. To work with Neil Jordan was such a treat and on a story like this to be invited into that kind of history, I just remember I was just so bowled over really. I just couldnt believe it really and I had worked with Liam once before and I remember when Neil offered me the part and I said so Liam (Neeson) is good with this too? Like everybody is on board with this? Clooney and Roberts join forces in the forthcoming rom-com as a divorced couple who fly to Bali to stop their lovestruck daughter making the same impulsive mistake they once made. Speaking about the movie, Julia said it was their mission to do something to make people escape and laugh and get caught up in other peoples lives in a way that was really gentle. George added: When I was sent this script, they said it to me because clearly, I am sort of like the king of romantic comedies and people know me as that. I called up Julia and I said look like I am going to help you out and I am going to show you how to do a romantic comedy and she was like oh. And I said, I will show you how to be funny. Julia laughed: He was a very patient and benevolent teacher to which George joked: Yes, benevolent Ryan asked Julia and George, particularly in their performance in 'Ticket to Paradise', if they would compare themselves to Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn: Julia said : Well they are [our] personal idols; I mean they are the highest barin our dreams... George added: We dont want to be compared to that because that is a little too high, that bar! Speaking about their drunken dance scene in Ticket to Paradise, Julia said: I think people are going to have re-evaluate us almost entirely when they see our performance on the dance floor... I think we really seemed like we were [hammered]. George added: Since I am actually Irish, I spend the days hammered [laughing]. The oar also revealed there close friendship with U2 front man Bono. George: said: I have Eastered [with him]. Listen I dont enjoy him, he has the sunglasses on you know, I dont know [joking]. They are really great guys; they are really great guys and good fun. Julia said: I love all those lads; they are really great and so talented. And its so exciting you guys are all being honoured on the same night. Asked if they would consider a summer house in Ireland, Julia replied: I am hoping George will get one and then I will have one. Ryan suggested he could probably move into Bonos shed while Julia joked ANDI will take his [Bonos] other shed. An easterly airflow lies over the North Island today bringing showers, says a WeatherWatch spokesperson. Rain in the northeast may be heavy. The South Island though has a ridge of high pressure with mainly settled weather. For Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, the day is partly cloudy. Afternoon isolated showers are possible, but they will be clearing in the evening. The Bay of Plenty region has some rain, which will be clearing at night, and all four regions have east to southeasterly winds. Temperature highs are between 15 and 17 degrees Celsius. Western North Island including Central North Island Partly cloudy, a few isolated showers or spots of rain, especially afternoon and evening. Easterly winds. Highs: 9-15 Eastern North Island Mostly cloudy with showers, some rain for Hawkes Bay and Gisborne with the chance of a heavy fall or two. Easterly winds. High: 13-15 Wellington Partly cloudy, chance of a shower, mainly late afternoon and evening. Light southeasterlies. Highs: 15-16 Marlborough & Nelson Cloudy periods for Marlborough, a few light showers or drizzle patches about. East to southeasterly winds. Nelson has a mix of sun and cloud, light winds tend northerly around midday. Highs: 13-16 Canterbury Morning low cloud or fog, perhaps some coastal drizzle then mostly sunny, cloud thickens again at night. East to northeasterly winds. Highs: 13-14 West Coast Sunny, light winds. Highs: 13-16 Southland & Otago Morning frosts and perhaps some fog then sunny, light winds. Afternoon northeasterlies for coastal Otago. Highs: 13-15 Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. Forward-looking: A White House meeting held a broad discussion about Big Tech companies, privacy, discrimination and social media, highlighting the risks posed by the online world and preparing six principles to put a far-reaching reform of the technology sector down in actual law proposals. Members of Joe Biden's cabinet, tech executives and experts have recently joined a listening session at the White House, in a meeting held to discuss the challenges of "tech platforms" and the possible improvements lawmakers can bring to the current market situation. At the end of the meeting, representatives from the Biden-Harris Administration announced six "core principles" which should inspire future reforms. According to the official White House write-up, attendees at the meeting included several members of Biden's cabinet, president and CEO of Center for Democracy and Technology Alexandra Reeve Givens, CEO of the Mozilla Corporation Mitchell Baker, and Sonos CEO Patrick Spence. The discussion was focused on the dangers and harms brought by the biggest tech platforms, a growing cause for concern that should be addressed with effective law initiatives and greater accountability. While the rise of technology platforms and big tech companies has helped people get connected, created a vibrant marketplace of ideas, and opened new product and market opportunities, the White House argues new challenges were introduced as well. Today's technology is also being used to spread "online toxic cultures," which fuel tragic acts of violence, and to violate basic rights of Americans and communities worldwide while mental health and wellbeing are deteriorating. Another important issue tackled at the White House was the effect of anti-competitive conduct by large platforms on small and mid-size businesses, as well as restrictions on how major products operate and sheer market power can -- and usually do -- influence consumer prices. Other meeting participants raised alarming concerns about the "rampant" collection of vast troves of personal data, a true digital treasure that social media platforms are using to maximize user engagement by showing tailored and often "sensational, extreme and polarizing" content to keep users' attention and drive profits. After discussing these pressing topics, the Biden-Harris Administration drafted six "core principles" of what could be a comprehensive reform of the entire tech market in the United States. Worth reading, Techdirt's Mike Masnick takes issue with the six proposed principles, which are as follows: (Photo : Heater Pro X) These days, room heaters have proven to be an essential requirement in cold winters. Global warming has made extreme temperatures more frequent over time. People have different methods to keep themselves warm and cozy in their home during winter. One more option is room heaters. Room heaters can keep the whole space warm, not just one person even over long periods of time. However there are many kinds, models and options available in the market at present and it can be difficult to select the perfect room heater that you require. If this is the reason you're here, then we have good news for you. Have you heard of the Heater Pro X? It's a modern heater that can heat up any room in a matter of seconds. Many households are thrilled at the record breaking heater designed to blast chilly winters. A lot of reviews of Heater Pro X USA have said that it's an excellent method for cold weather conditions. But, is it truly effective? Does this Heater Pro X works effectively? Do you think it is worth the price? We're about to discover the answer through the following Review. Get Your "Heater Pro X" Portable Heater From The Official Website! What is Heater Pro X? Heater Pro X is a brand new space heater that will keep your warm during winter months. It is a small, lightweight and portable gadget. It is able to give hot air in just three seconds. The Heater Pro X is capable to hold an average temperature just because of its impressive and powerful 800 watts. The massive space heater wall outlet has an adjustable thermostat, which has the capability of heating the space to keep it warm and cozy. It also uses ceramic heating elements as well as an internal air ventilator to push hot air throughout the room. If you're looking for an affordable and reliable heater for the home or office you're in, you can add up on this heater for your space. To fully understand the Heater Pro X, it is necessary to get deeper into the characteristics that make it trustworthy. How does it Works? Just like other top quality space heaters, Heater Pro X is made to keep your home warm in cold temperatures, especially in winter months in order to keep your family warm and comfortable. It makes use of its cutting-edge ceramic heating technology and this is why it is able to ensure that it can heat an area of around 250 sq feet within just 10 minutes because of its powerful 800 Watts. Heater Pro X is very easy to install and operate. Contrary to the conventional heating system that require experts but while using this Heater, you do not have to spend any money on expert services because the plug and play setup will make you an expert in the field. All you need to do is connect the Heater and allow it to start heating your home within a few minutes. This device also comes with an adjustable thermostat. This feature gives you the power to achieve perfect temperature as well as feel in any space. You can alter the thermostat anywhere between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. => (SPECIAL OFFER) Click Here To Order "Heater Pro X" For The Best Discounted Price Today From The Official Website! Technical Specifications: 3 Second Quick Heat up Time Dimensions: 5.6 in. (W) x 5.6 in. (D) x 3.5 in. (H) Auto Shut-off and Timer No messy wires Energy-efficient and powerful 800 Watts ETL Safety Tested Advanced Ceramic Technology 360 degree Rotating Outlet Provides Other Socket Access Heater Pro X is equipped with a three blade plug Quiet Operation 2-speed Fans & Timer Adjustable Digital LED Thermostat (60 degrees F - 90 degrees F) To clean, wipe the exterior surface using a non-abrasive and moist cloth Key Features: Easy to use: The company of this Heater designed it differently from a regular heater that is bulky and low quality. Because Heater Pro X is extremely compact and it controls various Heater function that are easy to find while making the operation extremely easy. Safe Heater: This Heater provides safety to its users throughout the day. Alongside its rapid heating and instantaneous capabilities, it also has a built-in thermostat. The Heater is also equipped with an antimicrobial filter which removes bacteria and germs from your device. This means that you'll never have the unpleasant odour of musky as other heaters. Capability to quickly warm up Small Areas: In contrast to traditional heating systems which could take up to an hour to warm one room, the Heater Pro X's output of 800 watts will provide quick heating in just 10 minutes. This is suitable for rooms that are with a minimum space of 250 square feet. Adjustable Thermostat and Built-in Timer: A temperature-adjustable thermostat has been added to help people to decide on the ideal temperature. The temperature range for this product can be anywhere between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally the Heater Pro X can be set running for at least 12 hours continuously or scheduled to shut down when a certain time period has passed. Space Saving & Straightforward Design: The Dimensions of this Heater are 3.5" by 5.6" by 5.6." This is pretty much smaller than the majority of handheld devices. It was designed in order to put up on a wall outlet without creating unnecessary clutter. For its use, it is as simple as plugging it and turning it on and letting the device perform as it should. Silent Operations & Rotating Capacities: Heater Pro X has been devised to generate heat without any of the clinking and the gurgling sounds that are common to traditional heaters. So, interruptions of all kind are probably minimal which allows people to take advantage of warmth at work or even while asleep. With regards to its ability to rotate it is capable of achieving the 360-degree turn without effort. According to the manufacturer of the device, this has been included to make sure that other devices are able to use the same socket. Energy-saving: This cutting-edge and fashionable Heater is perfect for any household but particularly for those who always wanted a way to cut down on their power consumption in cold weather. Many people are shifting to this compact ceramic heater for their personal comfort during the winter months. You can be part of this group of users by purchasing the Heater Pro X for an even lesser cost. Visit - The Official Website of Heater Pro X & More Details How to Use this Heater? To utilize the Heater Pro X, you simply need to follow the steps mentioned below. To place an order you need to go to the official site. Enter your information in a precise manner. We request that you should wait until you receive your order. After you have received your package, then open it. Take it to the area where it is to be utilized. Make sure that the device is connected to a power source and the tip-over button is not activated. On the back side of the unit, turn on the power button. The Heater Pro X's flow hot air and can be directed to any angle. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of the fresh air. Where to Buy? To purchase an original Heater Pro X unit, go straight to the official website to place an order. By purchasing from the official website, you not only ensure that you receive the genuine device but it also guarantees that Like : Protetox, Keto Blast Gummies And Amarose you get huge discounts and offers. The manufacturer has warned that they have limited supply of the product. The limited units that are available could be gone in the blink of an eye in the near future. So don't wait for too long and place your today! Final Conclusion: Overall, we would want to suggest this Heater and think that Heater Pro X can be an excellent option for those looking for an alternative to the traditional heater. It is able to heat up on a specific spot, while delivering easy operation that anyone could effectively get benefit from. Furthermore, it comes with technologically sound features that you will not have any issues dealing with. It's strong, portable small, compact device and it produces an enough amount of heat. It will help you to save cash since it takes only 10 minutes to warm the room. It is a great option for any room of your home, to get away from freezing cold and to keep you warm and cozy. With this gadget, it is not necessary to worry about rising energy costs when you try to keep your home warm. This is due to the fact that you'll only spend only a few dollars to run it for the course of a single day. Overall, reviews of customers were extremely favorable, so we recommend this Heater Pro X with a positive note! 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : NASA, ESA, A. James (STScI)) (Photo : NASA, ESA, A. James (STScI)) Somewhere in a stellar nursery, newborn stars dazzle amidst the dust of glowing purple hues, making it seem like an enchanting and recurring starry dream. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope was able to capture this magnificent moment thanks to its powerful space capabilities. In the neighboring Small Magellanic Cloud, the telescope has observed stars and gas spiraling towards the center of a vast, oddly shaped stellar nursery. A Window to Early Star Formation As seen in the recently released image taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers believe that the outer arm of this spiral of stars and gas may be supplying a river-like flow of gas that is fostering star formation in the NGC 346. The finding may offer a window to how stars formed when the 13.8 billion-year-old galaxy was only a few billion years old and went through a stellar "baby boom" of vigorous star formation. "Stars are the machines that sculpt the universe. We would not have life without stars, and yet we don't fully understand how they form," Elena Sabbi, study leader and an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, said in a statement with NASA. NGC 346 has a diameter of only 150 light-years and is made up of star material with a mass of 50,000 suns. Astronomers have been baffled by the area's rapid star production and have been a constant subject of interest in astronomy. Since NGC 346 is housed in the Small Magellanic Cloud, about 200,000 light-years from Earth, astronomers can observe the light that is more recent than that from galaxies farther away, which can provide information about the early universe. The dwarf galaxy, however, resembles early galaxies in several aspects. Read also: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Captures 'Orion Nebula's Dreamy Cloudscape' With Over 500 Exposures! Tracking The Stars' Movement Two methods were used to determine the stars in NGC 346's motion. Sabbi and her team used Hubble to track the stars' movements for 11 years. With an average speed of 3200 kilometers per hour, the stars in this region cover 320 million kilometers in just 11 years. This is roughly twice as far Earth is from the Sun, according to NASA. However, this cluster is located inside a nearby galaxy, which is rather far away. As a result, the motion is exceedingly tiny and challenging to measure. Only Hubble's great resolution and high sensitivity made these exceedingly precise observations feasible. The second team, for the European Space Agency, was directed by Peter Zeidler of AURA/STScI. They employed the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) instrument of the ground-based VLT to detect radial velocity, identifying whether an object is nearing or retracing from the viewer. This investigation of NGC 346 used archival Hubble data for half of its analysis. It's been 11 years since the initial observations were made. The stars' motion through time was recently tracked by repeating them. Due to the telescope's lengthy lifespan, the Hubble data archive now has more than 32 years' worth of astronomical data, enabling unheard-of research. Related Article: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Captures 'Butterfly Nebula' In Stunning Motion | Fun Facts About This Beautiful Space Butterfly This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. China's Chang'e-5 mission brought back some moon rock and dust samples back in 2020, the same year when the China National Space Administration (CNSA) launched it. (Photo : Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) A plane flies past the moon at sunset on March 3, 2015 in London, England. Who would have thought that these lunar samples will allow the country of China to become the third nation that discovered a new moon mineral? On Friday, Sept. 9, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) confirmed that the rock and dust samples contain a new element called Changesite-(Y). Thanks to this discovery, China now joins Russia and United States as the countries that discovered new lunar minerals. China Discovers New Moon Mineral! According to The South China Morning Post's latest report, CNNC conducted various experiments to identify the new lunar element. (Photo : Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Earth rises above the horizon of the moon, as seen by the crew of the Apollo 8 mission, December 1968. Also Read: China's Rocket Engine Launch a Success, More Powerful Than NASA's Artemis The Chinese research organization isolated a single crystalline particle of mineral from the lunar particles (around 140,000) that the Chang'e-5 brought back. To do this, they relied on X-ray diffraction and other high-tech processes. After that, CNMNC (Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature, and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association) confirmed that this mineral hasn't been recorded yet. The new Changesite-(Y) is around 10 microns in diameter, which means that the element is about one-tenth the size of a human hair. This moon mineral is considered a phosphate element, which is found in lunar basalts. A Breakthrough in Mineralogy Research Wang Xuejun, a CNNC party official, shared his excitement regarding China's new lunar mineral discovery. He claimed that the moon element is a breakthrough in mineralogy research. He added that the latest Changesite-(Y) provided important new support for the moon's evolution, as well as deep space explorations. Interesting Engineering reported that it is the sixth new lunar mineral discovered on the moon. All these elements helped many space agencies and other organizations to have a better understanding of how the moon formed. As of writing, the United States and China are still preparing for their lunar launches. Once they take off, there's a high chance that new discoveries will happen once again. Meanwhile, the space weapons of China and Russia prompted the U.S. Pentagon to hold a confidential meeting. On the other hand, China's space nuclear reactor may be able to power around 10 International Space Stations. For more news updates about China and its upcoming space discoveries, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: China's Moon Base to be Built in Volcanic Caves-How Safe is This Plan? Target Schedule and Other Details This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Tesla is aiming to deliver a significant boost on its repairs for the electric vehicles and other products of the company, expanding to more than 50 percent operations for its "same hour" service in North America. The famous tech CEO, Elon Musk, claimed this earlier today, stating that rapid assistance is coming to customers on their visit to repair centers. Elon Musk: Tesla NA to Deliver More Than 50% Same Hour Service (Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) According to a recent tweet by Tesla's big boss, there is a new setup coming to the company's service on its auto repair shops in North America that aims to save a lot of time for all, both customers and employees. Tesla NA would focus on bringing a faster repair time, ramping up the service to more than 50 percent of the region to have a same-hour process. What does this mean? Musk claims that when users bring their EVs to one of its repair centers in the North American region, they are most likely getting their vehicles back in not more than an hour. No specific branches were revealed by the Tesla CEO regarding this expansion of its repairs. Additionally, it did not say whether it includes diagnostics and other services, or if it pertains to the repair itself only. Read Also: Tesla is Asking You to Vote on Supercharger Locations - Find out How! Tesla Repair Centers Bring More Damage After Service? However, as Musk announced this, it caught the attention of one user who claimed that there is more damage to electric vehicles after the service from its auto repair shops. The user said that Tesla should focus more on customer service and repair quality, and not only speed, as there are significant changes to the vehicle, with more damage done. Here, the top billionaire said that users should let him know whenever an incident occurs during its repairs that bring more damage to the EV. Tesla's Service and Offers Apart from the quality vehicles that Tesla boasts to deliver on its electric mobility fleet, the company also boasts of a reliable service every time users bring their EVs to the auto repair shops of the brand. Back in June, there were talks regarding the company focusing on a same-day service for all EV repairs done by its automotive shops. However, now the tech CEO is offering a same-hour service, something which aims to cut a significant time for its diagnostics and processes for repair. According to a previous report, there has been a rampant problem that Tesla faced before, and it is its service which saw a long time for its repair due to lack of manpower before. Tesla's solution is for the company to allegedly send out untrained workers to get their hands on vehicles to deliver on what EV owners ask for their car's needs and requirements. It is a massive time to save for the company's service, mutually benefitting the EV owners for their immediate use of the electric car, and more time for its employees to work on other concerns, should this venture work. Related Article: Tesla May Start Constructing a Lithium Finery for EV Batteries in Texas Soon This article is owned by TechTimes Written by Isaiah Richard 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google is expanding its services to more than 26 countries that will focus on delivering 5G coverage for their unlimited mobile data plans, centering on selected Android smartphones for its access. The internet access is expanding more on 5G access for the customer needs, whether they are on the Flexible or Unlimited Plus plan from Google. Google Fi's 5G Coverage Expands to More Countries (Photo : Google Official Blog) According to Google's latest blog post, there is a boost coming for its Google Fi, which centers on making its subscription mobile data plans getting access to 5G connections available in 26 more countries. There are a total of 39 countries where users may connect to 5G using Google Fi, but it will only be available to select Android smartphones at present. Google's support document details the compatible 5G smartphones for its Google Fi plans for unlimited mobile data connections. However, only the Pixel 4a (5G) and later Pixel model, as well as the Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra, are the only devices that may connect to 5G when traveling outside the US in the said countries above. The company also said that users who do not have the Pixel 4a (5G, or later) and Samsung Galaxy S22 models to connect to 5G overseas may still access its unlimited 4G coverage in over 200 countries. Read Also: Google's Pixel Android Tablet is Likely to Get a 'Pro' Variant in 2023 Google Fi: Is it a Quality Service to Avail for 5G? Google Fi is a known significant service that brought users a massive mobile data plan that centers on internet connections for the smartphone and nothing more. It provides a quality service for US users, the country in which it is available, that delivers on 5G and 4G LTE data connections for Android devices, bordering on its massive data allocation plans at a low monthly subscription rate. Google Fi and its Offers Google Fi is a service that aims to provide mobile data connections for internet use and access via Android smartphones, offered in multiple locations already outside the United States. So far, the service brings significant Flexible and Unlimited Plus plans, which aim to adhere to user needs on cellular data access, with a temporary boost to 30GB during the pandemic. The famous mobile data plan allocation from the internet company brought a significant service for users globally, but it previously offered 4G coverage only, which still present for some of its services now. The recent update talked about its availability for select Android devices at present, and it means that incompatible users are still stuck with 4G connections despite owning 5G devices. The latest announcement from Google brings a significant boost for its 5G service, but it is not exactly available for all as it is for select Android devices, mostly from Samsung and Google. Nevertheless, this is a massive expansion of Google Fi's services, particularly as it aims to deliver on the global market for its 5G offers for all. Related Article: Android 13 QPR1 Beta Might Be Hinting on the Release of Google Devices Codenamed 'Felix' and 'Lynx' This article is owned by TechTimes Written by Isaiah Richard 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Samsung Electronics America Inc. now faces a federal class action lawsuit filed at the US District Nevada Court after affected consumers allege that the tech company failed to protect the private information of thousands of users whose information was stolen in an August cybersecurity incident. According to Android Central, Samsung is being sued for neglecting to notify affected consumers of a data breach in July. The problem was found in August, but it took Samsung a month to inform the affected clients. Names, contact and demographic information, dates of birth, and product registration information were among the private information stolen in the breach. Delayed Data Breach Notification In late July 2022, unknown attackers got information from Samsung's US networks. Around Aug 4, the tech company learned that the personal information of around 3000 consumers had been compromised. In an important notice, the corporation indicated that it had made efforts to secure the hacked systems, including employing a reputable independent cybersecurity firm and collaborating with law enforcement. Despite this, Samsung is under fire for failing to notify affected users about a month after the incident occurred. According to Bloomberg, plaintiff Shelby Harmer and other concerned consumers were not alerted for over a month, according to the complaint filed on Sept 6 in the US District Court for the District of Nevada. Read Also: DoorDash Admits Personal Information of Customers Were Stolen After Data Breach While Samsung was right in quickly moving to secure their systems in order to fix security loopholes caused by the breach, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires companies that encounter a data breach to notify people that their personal information has been compromised promptly. This is so that these impacted individuals can take steps to reduce the likelihood that their information will be misused. What's Next? The South Korean tech conglomerate informed its clients in a public notice that the data security issue did not jeopardize information such as Social Security numbers or credit and debit card numbers. Samsung also stated that it had begun personally contacting customers affected by the cyberattack to inform them of the situation and the risks it may pose. The corporation also told its consumers that their investigations will be continued and that they will be keeping users updated with recent developments. Meanwhile, Samsung advises users to be cautious while dealing with questionable links and accounts with suspicious online activities. Uber, a well-known food delivery service in the United States, was one of the most recent cyberattacks disclosed to its customers. As part of a negotiated settlement with the US Department of Justice, the company admitted to concealing a large cybersecurity incident that occurred in Oct 2016, exposing the sensitive data of 57 million customers and drivers. Samsung, like Uber, is facing a lawsuit for failing to notify affected constituents about a result of a breach on time. We will find out in the coming days why Samsung decided to notify customers about the breach a month late. Related Article: Possible UK Enforcement Orders Against Four Tech Firms Might Be Implemented! Here's What ICO Shared 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 5 movies (that have succeeded in theaters) and you can see in Movistar Plus + According to Turkish media reports, the Greek coast guard opened fire on a Turkish cargo ship in the Aegean. The event is one of a number of incidents in the region. According to Turkish information, the Greek coast guard opened fire on a cargo ship in the Aegean Sea. The Turkish state broadcaster TRT reported on Saturday, citing a member of the Turkish coast guard. Accordingly, the ship "Anatolian" came under fire in international waters eleven nautical miles off the Turkish island of Bozcaada. The two Greek ships involved would have disregarded international law. According to TRT, the Greek ships had pulled away when the Turkish Coast Guard reached the scene of the incident. The broadcaster published recordings intended to show the shelling. They could not be independently verified. The Turkish coast guard escorted the "Anatolian", which is flying the flag of the Comoros. The local prosecutor's office launched an investigation into the incident, according to Anadolu News Agency. There were 18 crew members on board the ship, including from Turkey, Egypt, Somalia and Azerbaijan. The relationship between the two NATO partners Greece and Turkey is at a low point due to a series of conflicts. The two countries accuse each other of airspace violations. Turkey is also angry about the militarization of Greek islands in the east Aegean. In addition, there are repeated disputes about Turkish natural gas drilling in the Mediterranean. A Victorias Secret model from Western Australia has revealed a music teacher at a prestigious all-girls school in Perth has had his teachers licence suspended for serious misconduct against her while she was a student there. Bridget Malcolm revealed via social media on Saturday the news the former director of music at Methodist Ladies College, Bobby Gallo, lost his teachers licence in WA for three years for serious misconduct against a student. I am that student, she said in a video which has already garnered over 12,000 likes. Ive gone back and forth on whether or not to waive my right to anonymity because I was a minor when it all happened. Batavia, NY (14020) Today Partly cloudy. High near 80F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 64F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Californias Education Department Recommends Transgender Books for Kindergarteners As California students head back to school this year, they may encounter books and materials promoting LGBT topics, transgenderism, and gender ideology for children as young as preschool and kindergarten. Dozens of books with such topics are promoted for use in classrooms by the California Department of Educations recommended literature list, under the topic Gender/Sexuality. Brenda Lebsack, a teacher of 30 years and a former school board member for the Orange Unified School District, told The Epoch Times that LGBT groups have expanded the word queer to encompass hundreds of different sexualities and gender identities and that those are now being taught to children in schools. Last year, the California State Board of Education approved its model curriculum for ethnic studies, which includes the acronym LGBTQ+ as a marginalized group. The states health education framework explains this concept further: Historically, the acronym included lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender but has continued to expand to include queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, allies, and alternative identities (LGBTQQIAA), as well as expanding concepts that may fall under this umbrella term in the future. A childrens book on gender in Irvine, Calif., on Sept. 7, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Now, the states education department is recommending books to students that teach expanded sexualities and gender identities. For example, the department recommends the book Julian is a Mermaid for preschoolers and pre-kindergarteners. The book describes a young boy named Julian who wants to be a mermaid after he sees a parade of people dressed up as mermaids while out with his grandmother. Julian has a good idea, the book reads as it shows Julian shedding his clothes and donning lipstick and curtains for his mermaid costume. When Julians grandmother sees his costume, she gives him a beaded necklace to complete his outfit. She then takes him outside to join the other adults dressed up as mermaids. A transgender affirming childrens book in Irvine, Calif., on Aug. 30, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) For children in kindergarten through second grade, the list recommends Call Me Max, a book about a child who lets his teacher know that he wants to be called by a boys name. Call Me Max was written by Kyle Lukoff, a transgender writer. In the book, Max says, When I look in the mirror, I see a boy who is transgender. When a baby is born, a grown-up says, Its a boy! or Its a girl! the book reads. When a baby grows up to be transgender, it means that the grown-up who said they were a boy or a girl made a mistake. At the end of the book, Max says, Being a boy isnt better than being a girl. But being myself is the best. Along those same lines, It Feels Good to Be Yourself is another book on the list aimed at children in kindergarten through second grade that explores identities across the spectrum as it introduces various children. The book was written by Theresa Thorn, host of the comedy podcast One Bad Mother, and illustrated by Noah Grigni, a nonbinary transgender writer. It introduces Ruthiewho was born a boy but later declared her gender identity was a girland her brother, Xavier, who was born a boy and whose gender identity is cisgender. A childrens book on gender in Irvine, Calif., on Sept. 7, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) The siblings have a pair of friends who are both nonbinaryone is both a boy and a girl, while another is neither a boy nor a girl. Some kids dont feel exactly like a boy or a girlthey feel like neither, the book reads. Some kids feel that their gender identity isnt always the sameits often changing. And even with all these possible ways to be, some kids dont feel any of the words they know fit them exactly right. At the end of the book, theres a list of helpful terms, including the terms intersex, transgender, gender identity, gender expression, non-binary, and cisgender. Your feelings about your gender are real. Listen to your heart, the book reads. It feels good to be yourself, doesnt it? For middle-schoolers, Rick is a novel about an 11-year-old boy who joins a Rainbow Spectrum club at school where he can discover his own identity, which may just be to opt out of sex altogether. In the book, Rick joins a Rainbow Spectrum club at school, where members discuss their gender identity, sexual orientation, pronouns, and LGBTQIAP+ rights. Rick learns about the terms asexual; aromantic, which describes people who arent sexually or romantically attracted to anyone; graysexual and grayromantic, which refer to people who are occasionally attracted to people; and demisexual and demiromantic, which describe those who are only romantically or sexually attracted to people after developing a deep connection. In another part of the book, Ricks grandfather dresses up as a woman and does Ricks makeup for an event. Some people who wear skirts and makeup are women, Ricks grandfather says in the book. Me, Im a guy, no matter how Im dressed. Toward the end of the book, Rick comes out to his father as asexual. When Ricks father replies that Rick is too young to be something like that, hes dismissed by Rick, who insists that right now, my path is that Im not interested in anyone. Across the nation, these titles have made their way into schools in other states, such as New York and Oregon. A childrens book on gender in Irvine, Calif., on Sept. 7, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Last year, New York City announced a $200 million plan to develop standardized math and English curriculum with a focus on diversity. The curriculums Independent Reading Collection contains several books that feature LGBT and gender ideology for young children, according to an investigation by Fox News. Some of the books in the collection include Julian is a Mermaid; Love is Love, a story about gay relationships aimed at first graders; and Im Not a Girl: A Transgender Story, also aimed at first graders. In the North Clackamas School District near Portland, Oregon, It Feels Good to Be Yourself and Julian is a Mermaid are available in elementary schools, according to screenshots of an online portal obtained by Fox News. The districts high schools have books such as Fun Home, a graphic novel about a lesbian teenager, and the graphic memoir Gender Queerboth of which depict scenes with sexual acts and masturbation. Betsy McCaughey, an author and public policy expert who previously served as the lieutenant governor of New York, said the spread of such materials doesnt proportionately reflect the actual number of people who experience gender dysphoria. A rack in the Barnes & Noble bookstore at the Tysons Corner Shopping Mall promotes banned books in McLean, Va., on August 27, 2022. (Terri Wu/The Epoch Times) About 0.6 percent of the U.S. population older than age 13or about 1.6 million peopleidentifies as transgender, according to a June study by UCLAs Williams Institute. A 2020 study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles found that gender dysphoriathe distress caused by a discrepancy between a persons gender identity and their biological sex at birthmanifested in about 75 percent of transgender individuals before the age of 7. Because of this, McCaughey suggested in an op-ed for the New York Post that teachers and school counselors become trained to help children with gender dysphoria but discouraged schools from introducing such topics into classrooms. These books dont belong in our elementary schools, McCaughey told The Epoch Times in a statement. Gender dysphoria is an extremely rare affliction. Those who have it deserve our respect and sympathy. But telling all children about it is unnecessary, confusing to them, and hurtful. Claiming Innocence, Alabama Death Row Inmate Seeks New Trial MONTGOMERY, Ala.Toforest Johnson, 49, has spent half his life on Alabamas death row for the murder of a sheriffs deputy, a killing he says he did not commit. Johnsons attorneys asked the Alabama Supreme Court on Friday to right a grievous wrong and grant him a new trial. The filing is the latest effort in a case that has seen former judges, prosecutors, and the local district attorney join in calls to reexamine the 1998 conviction and death sentence. Johnsons attorneys are asking the justices to review a lower court decision denying the new trial request. They argued that the conviction rested on the testimony of a single witness who was paid a reward and that her testimony was at odds with the physical evidence and directly contradicted by the states theory of the case in other proceedings. The first thing to know is that he is innocent Former prosecutors have said it themselves, that there needs to be more eyes on this case and he deserves a new trial, Johnsons daughter, Shanaye Poole, said in a telephone interview. Johnson was convicted and sentenced to death for the killing of Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff William Hardy. Hardy was shot twice in the head while working off-duty security at a hotel in 1995. The conviction came after Johnsons first trial ended with a hung jury. A co-defendant in the case was acquitted. Poole was just 5 when her father was sentenced to death. She sat on someones shoulders to peer through the window on the courtroom door to see her father. That was the last time I saw my Dad in person before his freedom was taken from him, she said. Former Alabama Attorney General Bill Baxley, former Chief Justice Drayton Nabers, and several former judges and prosecutors submitted briefs to the circuit court, or wrote editorials, supporting a new trial for Johnson. Danny Carr, the district attorney in the county where Johnson was convicted, also called for a new trial. Baxley, who worked decades ago to have the death penalty reinstated in Alabama, said he is usually skeptical of such innocence claims filed by what he called do-gooder lawyers. But he said he was astonished at the case. I couldnt believe what I was reading. I was just dumfounded that, in Alabama, a case as weak as that would have gotten to the jury, much less a death sentence, Baxley said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2017 ordered a new hearing to take place on Johnsons claim of suppressed evidence. The key prosecution witness at the 1998 trial testified that, while eavesdropping on a phone call, she heard a man she believed was Johnson admitting to the crime. She was paid $5,000 in 2001 for her testimony, and Johnsons lawyers argue that the state withheld evidence of monetary motivation for the testimony. A judge denied the new trial request in 2020, and the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals upheld that decision in May, ruling that Johnsons attorneys had not established that the witness came forward with information in hope of the reward or that the state ever knew of such a hope before Johnsons trial. The Alabama attorney generals office has opposed the request for a new trial. Attorneys for the state argued that the witness testified that she was unaware that a reward had been offered when she contacted law enforcement. The recent court proceedings have been narrowly focused on the issue of the reward, but Baxley said the case merits a fuller look. Every breath this guy draws on death row is an indictment to the people of Alabama that I love so much, Baxley said. If some proper court will look at it, they are going to come to the same conclusion. From Alabama Chief Justice Drayton Nabers Jr., wrote in an opinion piece this spring that, theres now substantial evidence that Mr. Johnson is innocent. Carr wrote in 2020 that he took no position on Johnsons innocence or guilt but said there are concerns about his trial. He wrote that those include a key witness being paid a reward, a fact not mentioned at trial, as well as alibi witnesses who placed Johnson in another part of town at the time of the shooting. A prosecutors duty is not merely to secure convictions, but to seek justice, the brief stated. It is the district attorneys position that in the interest of justice, Mr. Johnson, who has spent more than two decades on death row, be granted a new trial. By Kim Chandler Cramer, Civil Liberties Advocates Say Schumer Same-Sex Marriage Bill Threatens Faith Groups Senate approval of the House-passed Respect for Marriage Act that codifies same-sex unions the Supreme Court recognized in 2015 will seriously weaken freedom of religious expression and practice across America, according to Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and civil liberties advocates. The bill also repeals the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996, with its federal definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, and redefines marriage for all levels of government in the United States as a union of any two or more individuals. Cramer and civil liberties advocates who defend traditional marriage worry the Schumer bill will open the way to imposing secular values at the expense of faith-based principles in multiple sectors of American life. Lets take a faith-based college or university whose students apply for admission based on Christian values, Christian principles, or Judeo-Christian, or even Muslims for that matter, and then they are told, oh by the way, you cant get a Pell Grant or a federal student loan to attend that university, Cramer told The Epoch Times. The students will be told that because not only does the university not allow faculty members that may be involved in a marriage we dont support, or they actually speak out against them. This is, in my view, a practical consequence, Cramer said. I remind my hyper-secular friends to remember, its the same faith that supports traditional marriage and opposes abortion, that creates food banks, soup kitchens, adoption agencies, hospitals and healing ministries, he continued. All of these are things that reduce the burdens on taxpayers and provide services in direct competition with the government, but they provide them in a compassionate wayits the same heart, Cramer added. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) told The Epoch Times that people of all faiths and opinions must be respected and protected as Americans. Congress should never pass a bill that does not guarantee the full rights of religious freedom afforded to all Americans under the Constitution and laws of this nation. But he warned that the Biden administration already uses the power of government to cut off funding and program benefits to any entity that does not agree with their liberal policies. Religious liberty means faith-based organizations and individuals have equal rights to every government benefit or program, even when they do not agree with the president. Passage of the controversial measure is far from guaranteed. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y) promised on Sept. 7 that the Senate will vote in the coming weeks on the bill that was approved on July 19 by the House, with the support of all Democrats and 47 Republicans, including National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) and House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.). The Senate version of the proposal is co-sponsored by Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.), Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). Passage in the Senate, however, requires 60 votes, meaning the bill must gain support from all 50 Democrats and Independents, plus 10 of the 50 Republicans. While Portman and Collins are pushing for passage and others are expected to do so as well, its far from certain that 10 Republican senators will vote for the Schumer-backed measure. Schumer had previously talked of linking the same-sex marriage bill with an expected must-pass Continuing Resolution (CR) on federal spending that will be needed by the end of the current fiscal year on Sept. 30 to keep the federal government open. But Heritage Action Vice President Garrett Bess told The Epoch Times on Sept. 9 that he thinks the decision to de-link the two measures gives us all the information we need to know about why Schumer wants this vote in the first place and that is that hes not really trying to achieve some sort of law-making outcome on this issue, he really just wants it as a political wedge. Bess said Schumer knows that he doesnt necessarily have the Republican votes to pass it but he doesnt want to be the one to shut the government down at the end of September. Cramers concerns were seconded by multiple civil liberties advocates interviewed by The Epoch Times. Kassie Dulin, Director of Government Affairs and Counsel with the Plano, Texas-based First Liberty Institute, said the Schumer bill will open a Pandoras Box of litigation against faith-based groups, including churches, non-profits, adoption agencies, and social service groups. One of the most dangerous provisions of the bill is the private right of action. That provision would empower activist groups to drag faith-based organizations into court over the organizations beliefs on marriage. Any organization that receives a federal contract, license, or funding will be vulnerable, Dulin told The Epoch Times. Thousands of faith-based adoption agencies, womens shelters, and soup kitchens across the nation could face costly lawsuits simply because they want to operate according to the religious beliefs they have always held. This provision makes the bill a Pandoras Box that, once opened, could unleash activist attacks against faith-based organizations nationwide, she said. Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) Senior Counsel Gregory Baylor agreed. The bill does much more than simply codify [Obergefell v. Hodges]. First, it requires everyone acting under color of state law to give full faith and credit to same-sex marriages, Baylor told The Epoch Times. One example can be a faith-based adoption and foster placement agency that works with the government. The concern we have is that these faith-based social service organizations will be subject to this requirement that they recognize same-sex marriage. Second, Baylor pointed out that the previous law, the Defense of Marriage Act, told states they did not have to recognize other states same-sex marriages and it defined for federal purposes marriage in traditional terms. What the Respect for Marriage Act does is it repeals both of those and replaces them. Instead of giving states the freedom to not recognize same-sex marriages, it requires not just states but also anybody acting under color of state law, Baylor explained. Baylor further noted that, while the Schumer-backed bill does not redefine marriage for federal purposes, it does require the government in Washington to recognize whatever marriages are recognized by state authorities. Now that includes same-sex marriage, but its already true under Obergefell that the federal government has to recognize same-sex marriage. So what other kinds of marriages might we be talking about? Polygamous marriages, Baylor said. There is a noticeable omission in that part of the bill that tells the federal government what marriages it has to recognize. In the first part of the bill, it talks about two-person marriages, but the second part omits that language, so if a state recognizes polygamous marriage, the federal government would be required to do so as well. Baylor is also director of the Arizona-based ADFs Center for Religious Schools and Senior Counsel for Government Affairs. Jonathan Alexandre, senior counsel for Liberty Counsel Action, told The Epoch Times the redefinition of marriage by the Respect for Marriage Act also goes beyond polygamy to include relationships involving minors. Fundamentally, it restructures anything we understand marriage to be, to include marriage by more than two individuals and of any age. Where marriage was recognized before Obergefell as one man and one woman, now that is no longer the standard and this law will come in and force recognition of multiple individuals as well as marriages that include individuals that are of minority age, Alexandre said. Illegal immigrants, who boarded a bus in Texas, are dropped off within view of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Aug. 11, 2022. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Democrats Request $50 Million to Cope With Illegal Immigrants Bused From Texas, Arizona A group of House Democrats on Friday requested an additional $50 million for FEMAs Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) as Washington, New York City, and Chicago to cope with an influx of illegal immigrants. In a letter signed by 23 House Democrats, Reps. Jesus Garcia (Ill.), Adriano Espaillat (N.Y.), and D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton said that nearly 60 percent of the $150 million EFSP budget remains amid the request for the funding increase. Norton said that the Democrats wrote to the heads of the Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee requesting an additional $50 million be included in FEMAs 2023 budget for EFSP. The EFSP provides federal funding for food, shelter, and other necessities. In FY 2022, Congress provided $150 million to this program for humanitarian assistance for migrants, they wrote in the letter (pdf). A bus carrying illegal immigrants who claimed asylum arrives at Port Authority Bus Terminal from Texas, in New York City, on Aug. 10, 2022. (Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images) As of July 21, 2022, approximately $85 million of this funding remained available. However, the busing of migrants to D.C., New York City, and Chicago and resettlement in cities like Boston has increased funding requests across the Northeast and the Midwest. Without additional funding, the EFSP may exhaust its funding. The Democrats took aim at Texas and Arizonas Republican governors, Gregg Abbott and Doug Ducey, for their programs to bus apprehended illegal immigrants who claim asylum to Democrat-run cities with so-called sanctuary policies. Since mid-April, the governors of Texas and Arizona have exploited and harmed approximately 10,000 vulnerable people fleeing desperate and dangerous situations in their home countries for political gain by busing them to D.C., New York City, and Chicago, the Democrats wrote in the letter. Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts Mission to Secure Border Abbott launched Operation Lone Star in March last year in response to a rise in illegal immigration. He has consistently cited U.S. President Joe Bidens open border policies for the rise. To help border communities in Texas deal with the influx of illegal immigrants Abbott issued a disaster declaration in 48 counties in May to augment additional resources to efforts addressing the immigration crisis at the border (pdf). The White House in late August denied that illegal immigrants are simply walking across the border, but Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Lt. Chris Olivarez has said, that is completely false. They are walking across, in fact, Oliverez told Newsmax on Sept. 2. They are walking across from their country of origin, where theyre coming from. When they get to Mexico theyre paying a criminal organization to be smuggled into the United States, where they have to cross a river, or in most severe cases, theyre having to cross the desert or mountainous terrain, like in West Texas. Oliverez said illegal immigration numbers shot up to unprecedented numbers in early 2021, including of unaccompanied minors. Border Patrol apprehends illegal immigrants at Penitas, Texas, on May 10, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Under Operation Lone Star, state law enforcement were directed to interview unaccompanied minors, or children who illegally enter the country without an adult, to identify victims of human trafficking. More than 7,900 illegal immigrants have been bused from Texas to D.C. since April and over 2,200 to New York City since August, and 300 to Chicago, according to Abbotts office. The busing mission is providing much-needed relief to our overwhelmed border communities, the Texas governors office said in a statement on Friday. It has cost the Texas Division of Emergency Management over $12 million to transport migrants processed and released by the federal government in Texas border communities, the agency told the El Paso Times. During Operation Lone Star, Texas DPS and the Texas National Guard apprehended 302,600 illegal immigrants and made more than 19,700 criminal arrests, with over 17,200 felony charges reported, according to Abbotts office. Authorities have also seized over 340.5 million lethal doses of fentanyl during the border mission, which would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and the nation due to President Bidens open border policies. Local law enforcement officers in front of the home of former U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., on Aug. 9, 2022. (Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images) Trump Team, DOJ Submit Special Master Candidates, Disagree on Scope of Duties in Mar-a-Lago Raid Case Former President Donald Trumps legal team and the U.S. Justice Department on Friday each proposed two candidates to serve as a neutral third partya special masterto review documents the FBI seized when it raided Trumps Florida residence Mar-a-lago last month. Besides proposing different people for the role, the two sides disagreed over the scope of duties the special master should have. In particular, they disagree on whether classified records should be excluded from the review. The Trump legal teams proposed candidates are Raymond Dearie and Paul Huck Jr. Dearie, now retired, was the former Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and was also the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. He also previously served on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. Huck is a prominent Florida lawyer who was a former General Counsel to the Governor and a former Deputy Attorney General for Florida. The Justice Departments two proposed candidates are retired judges Barbara Jones and Thomas Griffith. Jones previously served on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and was previously a special master in two previous high-profile investigations involving two of Trumps former lawyers. Griffith was a former Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Disputing Special Master Boundaries The Justice Department told U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon in a joint filing late Friday (pdf) that Trumps team wants the special master to be allowed to review all seized materials, including documents with classification markings that the FBI seized at Mar-a-Lago. Trumps team also wants the special master to filter out any documents that may be protected by potential Executive Privilege claims. The Justice Department indicated that it does not believe the special master should be allowed to review any classified records or consider potential claims of executive privilege. The Governments position is that the Special Master should not review documents with classification markings; should not adjudicate claims of Executive Privilege (but should submit to [National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)] any documents over which such claims are made); and should consult with NARA on the determination of Presidential records, the filing reads. According to the filing, Trumps team does not believe that the Special Master should, or needs to, consult with [NARA]. It adds, To the extent that the Special Master determines such a need, the Plaintiff would suggest that the parties be heard by the Special Master, and possibly this Court, before that step is undertaken. Documents seized during the Aug. 8 raid by the FBI of former President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla, in a photo released on Aug. 30, 2022. (FBI via The Epoch Times) Trumps Request Granted The latest filing comes after U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon on Sept. 5 granted Trumps motion to insert a special master into the review process for the records that the FBI seized without warning from Mar-a-Lago on Aug. 8. She directed the Justice Department to temporarily halt its review of records for investigative purposes, and gave the two sides until Sept. 9 to submit a potential candidate for the special master role, as well as proposals for the duties and schedule of their work. Cannon, who was nominated by Trump in 2020, said on Sept. 5 she sided with Trump over the objections of the Justice Department in part because the U.S. governments filter team, which was supposed to identify all potentially privileged items, failed to do so. Cannon had cited at least two instances in which members of the Justice Departments investigative team were exposed to potentially privileged material from the filter team, something she said raised questions about the adequacy of the process. Cannon said the special master would be responsible for reviewing the records the FBI took from Mar-a-Lago on Aug. 8 and filtering out any documents potentially covered by claims of attorney-client or executive privilege. The Justice Department is investigating whether Trump has retained government records, some of which were marked as highly classified, at Mar-a-Lago after he left office in January 2021. The department is also probing whether he tried to obstruct its investigation. Christina Bobb, a Trump lawyer, previously told The Epoch Times that the FBI agents were looking for presidential records, what they deemed to be presidential records and anything that could potentially be classified. Donald Trump arrives at Trump Tower in N.Y. on Aug. 9, 2022, the day after FBI agents raided his Mar-a-Lago Palm Beach home, in Fla. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters) Trump has said the FBI raid was a continuation of attacks against him, and accused Biden of having had prior knowledge of the raid, but Biden and the White House both denied knowing about the raid in advance. According to an inventory released on Sept. 2, the FBI agents at Mar-a-Lago had seized 11,179 materials that were not marked classified, and also took 103 documents marked classified, including some marked top secret. Justice Department Objects The Justice Department had objected to Trumps request for a special master. It said that its own review had already identified a limited subset of records that possibly involve attorney-client privilege. The department has argued that the executive privilege doesnt apply in the investigation, saying that Trump is no longer president and has no right to claim the documents as his. On Thursday, the Justice Department filed a notice of appeal indicating that it would contest Cannons order to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. Government officials asked the judge to lift the hold she ordered on their investigative work pending their appeal, as well as the requirement that the Justice Department must share with the special master the classified records the FBI took on Aug. 8. After the Justice Department warned late on Thursday that appointing a special master could slow the governments effort to determine whether classified documents were still missing, Cannon said in a court filing she was willing to consider limiting the special masters role so that the person wouldnt be able to review classified documents. Zachary Stieber, The Associated Press, and Reuters contributed to this report. Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta at the National Press Club in Canberra, Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Mr Ramos-Horta is in Australia on a 5 day official visit. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) East Timorese President Takes Swipe at Solomon Islands Leader Over Pact With Beijing East Timorese president Jose Ramos-Horta has criticised Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare over his security pact with Beijing while urging serious pacific leaders to be sensitive to their neighbours. Dont bring in extraterritorial, regional, interest powers that might not be welcomed by our neighbours, Ramos-Horta, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and president of East Timor, said at the National Press Club on Sept. 7. Any rational Timorese leader would never do anything without taking into consideration the sensitivities of your neighbours. So that would be my message to my brothers and sisters in pacific islands, he said. Ramos-Hortas comment came a day after Sogavare lambasted Australias Foreign Minister Penny Wong for offering to fund his countrys election, calling the offer foreign interference and an assault on the Solomons democracy. The timing of the public media announcement by the Australian government is in effect a strategy to influence how members of Parliament will vote on this Bill, he said. Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended her governments actions when pressed in the Senate, saying the offer for assistance was respectful of the island nations sovereignty. Support for an election, which is held when the Solomon Islands government and parliament determine when that election will be, is an offer respectful of the sovereignty of Solomon Islands, she said. It has been the longstanding practice of governments of both political persuasions to provide support for democratic processes in the Solomon Islands. Nevertheless, Sogavare said he would accept Australias offer, while his criticisms of Australia have been viewed as ammunition to distract from the countrys internal issues, reported The Examiner. Meanwhile, the decision by Australian, New Zealand, and Fijian forces to step in was seen by some experts as alleviating pressure on Sogavare and giving him breathing space to placate his Cabinet and deepen ties with Beijing. Sogavare is scheduled to make an official visit to Australia in October. New Fears of Beijings Growing Influence Ramos-Hortas criticism of Sogavare came in reference to the security agreement that was signed in April between the Solomon Islands and Beijing. The agreement would allow Chinese Communist Party troops, weapons, and naval ships to be stationed in the Solomonslocated near Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S. territory of Guam. Moreover, the recent docking permission denial of the British patrol boat HMS Spey and the US Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Henry has prompted further suspicion of Beijings encroachment. This move has been described by South Pacific expert Cleo Paskal as Sogavares latest power play. In spite of this, Ramos-Horta previously said that his country would consider a partnership with Chinese investors if the Australian government refused to have a gas pipeline constructed from the Timor Sea in the Greater Sunrise gas field to the countrys southern coast. Ramos-Horta has since back-peddled on this statement, saying that he will likely first seek funding from Indonesia and look to South Korea and Japan. On June 3, East Timor signed series of agreements with Beijing in the areas of the economy, capacity building, infrastructure, agriculture, health, and the media. However, Ramos-Horta has ruled out a security pact with Chinas ruling communist regime. Ramos-Horta is currently in Australia on an official five-day visit as he discusses with leaders the development of his countrys economy and regional stability. Daniel Y. Teng contributed to this report. Pan-democratic politician, Lam Cheuk-ting (C) is removed by security after throwing papers torn from the Legco rulebook during a scuffle between pro-democracy and pro-Beijing lawmakers at the House Committee's election of chairpersons, at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on May 18, 2020. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images) End of the United Front Commentary The Hong Kong national security law (NSL) gives impetus to laam chau (also called burnism), which means mutually assured destruction, a term first used by the radical protesters in the anti-extradition movement to describe their ideal means of checking the government. That is, any harm done to Hong Kong also harms mainland China, a strategy that many deem is being paradoxically materialized by the government itself under the draconian NSL. Laam chau is a saying of the Hongkongers. How might it be understood in the Chinese communist culture? Last week I had tea with some friends and we talked about this. We agreed that one possibility is the end of the united front. The united front is one of the three magic weapons of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), along with armed struggle and party building. It is not familiar to the people in this ex-British colony, and agents of the communists in this city tend to be shy about discussing it. I can still remember that on an educational tour to mainland China, a man from the pro-Beijing Hong Kong Federation of Education vaguely referred to the united front as cooperation with all sectors. The communists stress that revolution is not entertaining guests, and one can be certain that the united front is not a matter of being polite and gentle. Mao Zedong said explicitly that the united front is by nature a class policy; thus, uniting with whom and how to unite have to be based on class analysis. According to Mao, during the Republican period, China was a society with two small ends, that is, the proletariat was the CCPs real ally and landlords and big bourgeoisie were its real enemiesboth were minorities. Those in the middle, namely peasants, urban petty bourgeoisie, and other middle classes, constituted the majority; they had dual characters, hence the first characteristic of the united front was to make use of the positive side of such characters to serve the interests of the CCP. For example, during the Republican period, the bourgeoisie was revolutionary but prone to conciliation with the regime, and so the CCP could make use of its revolutionary side to unite with it. After the founding of the PRC, the bourgeoisie needed to yield to the CCPs demand for socialist transformation if they still wanted to exploit the working class for profits and survive as allies of the regime. From the above one can infer the second characteristic of the united frontits targets are not the CCPs real allies. In principle, they are enemies that eventually have to be eliminated, and at a certain time in history, the CCP has to deal with a major enemy; so any temporary alliance is deemed beneficial. With the major enemy gone, the CCP needs to find a new enemy, and the old ally may need to change from friend to foe. Besides the bourgeoisie, this friend to foe transformation also happened to those residing in the countryside. At the Jinggangshan base in the early 1930s, Mao initially implemented a moderate policy of relying on the poor peasants, uniting with the middle peasants, and restricting the rich peasants, but when the internationalists came to the fore, many rich peasants were reclassified as landlords and middle peasants as rich peasants, causing unnecessary suffering. Given the fluidity of class labels, some joke that in China, in the age of politics in command, only serfs can really be politically safe and attract no struggle. Well-known examples of the united front include the anti-Japanese united front of the 1930s and the still functioning political consultative conference (CPPCC). In fact, one country two systems is also meant to be a united front, as the design, according to the CCP, is an alliance and cooperation between two fundamentally different social systems. Under the perceived common goal of unification with the motherland, one who does not support socialism should still be a target of the united front as long as one supports the unification. This explains why directors of the Xinhua News Agency, the CCPs de facto embassy in Hong Kong before 1997, have made friends in all sectors in Hong Kong and recommended suitable people to the CPPCC. However, according to Ching Cheong, a senior Hong Kong journalist, the communists had already begun planning the crackdown on the moderate pan-democrats before the July 1, 2003 rally, which was Hongkongers response to the governments attempt to push forward the legislation of the controversial Article 23 of the Basic Law to prohibit treason, secession, sedition, and subversion against the China government. After the anti-extradition movement of 2019, even the Democratic Party, which was politically mild and willing to work with the Liaison Office, was labelled as anti-China and causing troubles in Hong Kong. Subsequent purges in the political, judicial, educational, and other professional sectors in Hong Kong also conformed to Chings observation about the communists fighting with the intensity of a quasi-war. In other words, the united front strategy has actually ended in Hong Kong, with the communists judging that the moderates dual character has disappeared and they are now classified purely as enemies. The communists now take a hard line on all fronts in Hong Kong. All these create a paradox: on the one hand, the communists are celebrating in mainland China the centennial anniversary of the united front policy; on the other, Hong Kongs chief executive John Lee does not know where to start telling the mandatory positive Hong Kong story, which is no different from admitting in the grand foreign propaganda (da waixuan) that the united front has failed in the special administrative region. The NSL has led to waves of emigration, which remind me of what Mao said in 1935 when arguing for the united front and against close-doorism: driving swarms of people to the enemies side will only make the enemies applaud. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Fortescue Solomon iron ore mine, located in the Valley of the Kings in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. In 2020, more than 60 percent of China's iron ore imports came from Australia. (David Gray/Reuters) Exclusive: CCP Keystone Project Seeks Global Domination by Centralizing Chinese Industries Chinese authorities re-emphasized the regimes goal of achieving one enterprise for one industry, one industry with one enterprise in a recent meeting. According to a source close to Beijings top official circle, after the 20th National Congress, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) plans to centralize various Chinese sectors through the deployment of the one enterprise for one industry blueprint, with the ambition of influencing and dominating the whole world. Its going to be the main theme of the CCPs political and economic strategy after the 20th National Congress, and all future policies will be arranged accordingly, the source revealed. On Sept. 1, Weng Jiming, deputy director of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), spoke at a special meeting on the reform of state-owned enterprises, and claimed that it was necessary to strengthen the integration of centrally-administered state-owned enterprises (central enterprises) and to shift resources to the top performers. He encouraged more enterprises and regions to realize one enterprise for one industry, so as to eliminate the problems arising from small enterprises and weak technology. The CCPs centrally-administered state-owned enterprises refers to those that are financed by the State Council or the SASAC, and wholly owned or controlled by the capital of the CCP central government. They are directly managed by the central government or entrusted to central ministries and commissions. The phrase one enterprise for each industry refers to the integration of central enterprises to achieve a monopolistic position in the industry. Weng also said at the meeting that the authorities encourage cross-regional and cross-tier integrations, with a focus on improving competitiveness. Chinese authorities often instigate anti-Western sentiments, and tell Chinese citizens that the West is domineering because it has discourse powerthe power to reshape values and norms globally. The regime is clearly after that power when it proposes the establishment of giant monopolies. Central Enterprises Dominant Status in China The SASAC released its latest list of central enterprises on July 25, consisting of 98 companies. China Mineral Resources Group Ltd, which was founded on the day of the release, was included. With a registered capital of 20 billion yuan (about $2.97 billion), it ranked 36th on the list, second only to China Baowu Steel Group Corp., Ltd in the mineral industry. China Baowu Steel Group officially turned into a state-owned capital investment company in June, claiming that it aims to become a global leader in the steel and advanced materials industry. According to China Steel News, the history of Baowus development is of constant integration and restructuring, and it has absorbed steel enterprises such as Bastel, Shaogang, Masteel, TISCO, Shigang, and Kunsteel, resulting in a combined crude steel output exceeding 100 million tons, placing it first among global steel companies in crude steel production. Mike Sun, a North American investment strategist and China expert, told The Epoch Times that China Baowu is now truly the world leader. China has at least five of the top ten steel companies in the worldthats the direction the CCP wants to go and the goal it is pursuing. It is the result of the three-year restructuring of state-owned enterprises from 2020 to 2022, Sun said. He believes that one enterprise for each industry does not mean that in absolute numbers, there is only one central enterprise for each industry; instead, it is for a central enterprise to achieve absolute monopoly in the industry. The CCPs proposal to break the geographical restriction is to not allow local governments to have local protection, which is tantamount to taking away the pie from private enterprises and local governments, he added. Mergers and acquisitions in Chinas steel industry began during the CCPs last five-year plan (2015-2020). The key objectives laid out for the Development of the Raw Materials Industry in the CCPs ongoing five-year plan (2021-2025) include the formation of more than five world-class advanced manufacturing clusters in the field of raw materials. According to the source close to Beijings official circles, the Chinese regime wants to help central enterprises become larger and more competitive. The CCPs ambition goes way beyond making these companies national leaders, he said. Its goal following the 20th National Congress is to enable these gigantic monopolies to have absolute influence on the world. Keystone Project The newly established China Mineral Resources Group is part of the CCPs Keystone Project. This project intends to achieve a say in the supply and pricing of iron ore through the development of new iron ore mines in China coupled with the development of new iron ore and steel scrap resources in foreign countries. The term Keystone Project first appeared in Chinese media on Jan. 10 this year, when the China Iron and Steel Industry Association (CISA) stated at its general meeting that it had submitted a report on the Keystone Project to four CCP ministries and commissions. The report specified the supply targets for the three major sources of iron resources, namely scrap steel, domestic iron ore, and overseas iron ore, for the years 2025, 2030 and 2035. Chinas major steel companies have all participated in the Keystone Project, according to China Metallurgical News. Global Deployment A July 21 report in The Australian revealed that the CCP authorities have set up a new central enterprise with the task of centralizing iron ore procurement to increase its bargaining power, and expressed concerns that the CCPs move will hurt the Australian iron ore industry. In January this year, the Securities Times, a Chinese media, quoted a Chinese steel executive as saying, If we can reach 60 percent concentration by merging the top 10 steel companies, we will be able to enhance our bargaining power when negotiating with the [international] iron ore giants in the future. Mike Sun told The Epoch Times that presently, the CCPs central enterprises, because of their resource advantages, can be described as big and comprehensive, and therefore possess a far-reaching capability. For example, China Minmetals Corporation engages in real estate and property management businesses. These central enterprises are now required to return to their main business and become big but focused instead. In other words, they must become larger and more powerful, so as to monopolize domestically, control all industries in their hands, as well as compete with foreign enterprises with Chinas whole-nation system. As the Western countries are predominantly private enterprises, the CCPs central enterprises have their advantages, Sun said. In the past year, Chinese authorities have established several giant central enterprises, such as the China Logistics Group Co., which was established on Dec. 6 last year. It is composed of the former China Railway Materials Group Co. Ltd. and four well-known companies formerly belonging to China Chengtong Holdings Group in the logistics sector. Its investors are also industry giants such as China Eastern Airlines Group Co., Ltd. and China Ocean Shipping Group Co., Ltd., and China Merchants Group Co., Ltd. Official reports claimed that the newly established China Logistics has more than 600 branches, 120 railroad lines, 42 futures delivery warehouses, and nearly 3 million professional road trucks. Its operating network is widely distributed in 30 provinces in China and on five continents abroad. Such a scale certainly gives it a clear competitive advantage in the international logistics market. In addition, on May 8, 2021, China Sinochem Group Corporation and China National Chemical Corporation were merged to form China Sinochem Holdings Corporation. With total assets of over 1,000 billion yuan (about $157 billion), its the worlds largest integrated chemical company. Troy Universitys Sorrell College of Business has named its School of Accountancy in honor of Enterprise native William Carr, founder and managing partner of the accounting firm of Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC. Carr was honored Thursday during the Schools Accountancy Day festivities on the Troy campus, where the schools name was officially changed by Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. On behalf of our Board of Trustees and Foundation Board, and the entire Troy University family, today, and on this occasion, the William H. Carr School of Accountancy is created, Hawkins said. Founded in 1992, Carr has led CRI to become one of the fastest-growing accounting and advisory firms in the nation, experiencing consistent year-over-year growth. Under his leadership, CRI rose to become the 19th nationally ranked accounting and advisory firm in 2018 by Accounting Today magazine. Bill Carr, is a true gentleman and highly respected throughout the country as an ethical and entrepreneurial leader, Sorrell Dean Dr. Judson Edwards said. It is our honor to be home of the Carr School of Accountancy, and I am certain Bill would never allow his name to be associated with any institution that did not meet his high personal standards of excellence and integrity. The firm has offices in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Chihuahua, Mexico. It employs more than 2,300 people and represents more than 100,000 clients in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and overseas military installations. The Carr School of Accounting is one of the few in Alabama to hold AASCB Accounting Accreditation. Troy University has been extremely important to our firm our fertile ground is Troy University. Thats where we get our foundation, Carr said. Weve got lot of partners from Troy and its really in leadership positions; (Troy University) has meant a lot to us. Carr told the students and guests assembled that hes never seen such a demand for CPA and advising services. You are the supply, and we have the demand (for your skills), he said, adding four pointers for students entering the marketplace. First, what you do here at the university is important your grades matter because they demonstrate work ethic and intelligence. Second, when you finish at Troy, the flag you carry doesnt matter anymore and youre on a level playing field. At that point in time, its up to you to continue to learn, to continue to accept change and be successful, he said. Carr added that students should always practice with integrity and practice with vision. Our world is changing so fast and what we do today will not be what were doing 10 years or even five years from now. Keep yourself relevant, he said. You are entering a great profession and Im envious of that. I came across a quote that said if you enjoy what you do, youll never work a day in your life I can say that Ive never worked a single day. A sign for the Food And Drug Administration outside of the headquarters in White Oak, Md., on July 20, 2020. (Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images) EXCLUSIVE: FDA Refuses to Provide Key COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Analyses U.S. drug regulators are refusing to provide key analyses of a COVID-19 vaccine safety database, claiming that the factual findings cannot be separated by internal discussions protected by law. The Epoch Times asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July for all analyses performed by the agency for the COVID-19 vaccines using a method called Empirical Bayesian data mining, which involves comparing the adverse events recorded after a specific COVID-19 vaccine with those recorded after vaccination with non-COVID-19 vaccines. According to operating procedures laid out by the agency and its partner in January 2021 and February 2022, the FDA would perform data mining at least biweekly to identify adverse events reported more frequently than expected following vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines. The agency would perform the mining on data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). In a recent response, the FDA records office told The Epoch Times that it would not provide any of the analyses, even in redacted form. The agency cited an exemption to the Freedom of Information Act that lets the government withhold inter-agency and intra-agency memorandums and letters that would not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with the agency. The agency also pointed to the Code of Federal Regulations, which says that all communications within the Executive Branch of the Federal government which are in written form or which are subsequently reduced to writing may be withheld from public disclosure except that factual information which is reasonably segregable in accordance with the rule established in 20.22 is available for public disclosure. Its not clear why the FDA could not produce copies of the analyses with non-factual information redacted. The Epoch Times has appealed the determination by the records office. The FDA declined to comment, citing the appeal. Unacceptable Kim Witczak, co-founder of Woodymatters, a nonprofit that advocates for a stronger FDA and drug safety system, said the agencys refusal to provide the analyses was not acceptable. The secrecy is unacceptable for an agency that said it is transparent with the public about vaccine safety, Witczak, who sits on one of the FDAs outside advisory panels, told The Epoch Times. Whats the point of having VAERS if youre not releasing it to the public? she added. Witczak said her concerns about vaccine safety were heightened by a recent paper from Dr. Joseph Fraiman and others that found a higher incidence of serious adverse events in vaccinated participants in the original Pfizer and Moderna vaccine trials than in placebo recipients. She noted that the FDAs 2004 warning for antidepressants that the drugs could increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior came over 10 years after the trials on which it was based. If this data is available, shame on you for not making it known to the public, Witczak said. Its as if they dont trust the people to make their own best decision for whats good for them and their families. A healthcare worker prepares a COVID-19 vaccine in Southfield, Mich., in an Aug. 24, 2021, file image. (Emily Elconin/Getty Images) CDC The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to the documents outlining operating procedures, was going to perform a different type of data mining analyses, called Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR) mining. The CDC has also refused, so far, to provide the results for those analyses. It has also twice provided false information when responding to questions. The agency initially said that no PRR analyses were done and that data mining is outside of th[e] agencys purview. The agency then said that it did perform PRRs, starting in February 2021. Later, the agency acknowledged that wasnt true. The agency did not begin performing PRRs until March 2022, a spokesperson told The Epoch Times. Roger Andoh, a records officer, gave the initial response, citing the CDCs Immunization and Safety Office. Dr. John Su, a CDC official, gave the second response. It remains unclear with whom the information originated. The Epoch Times has submitted Freedom of Information Act requests for internal emails that may provide answers. Data Mining Reports The Empirical Bayesian (EB) is focused on identifying disproportional numbers of adverse events, CDC scientist Dr. Tom Shimabukuro said in January 2021. It identifies with a high degree of confidence, adverse event-vaccine pairs reported at least twice as frequently as expected for a COVID-19 vaccine compared to the VAERS database, he said, or a comparison between the incidence of a specific event such as kidney disease after COVID-19 vaccine compared to the incidence of the same event after all other U.S.-licensed vaccines. The FDA and CDC have provided periodic updates on the EB data mining effort. Importantly, there were no Empirical Bayesian data mining alerts detected for any adverse event COVID-19 vaccine pairs as of the last data mining run that the FDA performed on February 18th, Shimabukuro told members of the FDAs vaccine advisory panel on Feb. 26, 2021. In a review memorandum (pdf) for an expansion of the emergency authorization granted to Pfizers vaccine, FDA researchers said that data through April 16, 2021, showed only a possible signal for body temperature. In the journal Vaccine in June 2021, FDA researchers said an analysis of cases of blood clotting after the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines did not suggest a safety concern. The FDA and CDC paused the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in April 2021 over cases of blood clotting, some fatal, but lifted the pause just 10 days afterward. The FDA later restricted use of the Johnson & Johnson shot. In a paper in the CDCs quasi-journal in August 2021, FDA and CDC researchers said that the FDA used EB mining to monitor events in children aged 12 to 17 after vaccination. The results indicated a lack of a safety signal for post-vaccination heart inflammation, or myocarditis, though other surveillance systems had detected the issue as an adverse event. In a preprint study in October 2021 later published in The Lancet, government scientists said no adverse health outcomes were identified with the EB mining. And in a preprint in May 2022, scientists, including Su, said that EB mining analyzing data through Nov. 12, 2021, revealed only one signal for VAERS death reports, for vaccination failure after receipt of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is not authorized in the United States. Steve Bannon, former adviser to former President Donald Trump arrives at the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in New York City on Sept. 8, 2022. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) EXCLUSIVE: Theyre Trying to Take Me out of This Election: Bannon Responds to New Indictment Former Trump administration strategist Steve Bannon said fresh New York state charges against him over a scheme to raise money to build border barriers on private land are an attempt to silence him ahead of the November midterms. Theyve got a populist revolt thats out of control, and theyre trying to take me out of this election, Bannon, host of the War Room podcast, told The Epoch Times. They were trying to de-platform me and shut me down. Its not gonna happen. Bannon made the comments one day after he appeared in a New York state courtroom in Manhattan on Sept. 8 and pleaded not guilty to charges of money laundering, fraud, and conspiracy relating to a private crowdfunding campaign, known as We Build the Wall that sought to create a privately-owned section of the U.S.-Mexico border. He was released without bail. Prosecutors allege that Bannon defrauded donors of the fundraising drive that raised more than $15 million by diverting more than $100,000 to the campaigns chief executive, who had pledged not to take a salary. It is a crime to profit off the backs of donors by making false pretenses, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said at a Sept. 8 joint press conference with New York Attorney General Letitia James. Both are Democrats. Bannon was hit with similar charges by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2020, but he was pardoned by President Donald Trump on his last night before leaving office in January 2021. Presidential pardons, however, do not prohibit state prosecutions. Two other men who were charged by the DOJ pleaded guilty. The men, Brian Kolfage and Andrew Badolato, are awaiting sentencing for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. They each face up to 20 years in prison. The trial of a third man, Timothy Shea, ended in a mistrial. Political Targeting Bannon said the latest charges were clearly political targeting, noting that none of the other three men were indicted in the New York case. I never had an official role with We Build the Wall. Its a separate company, he said. The former Breitbart News chief called the case a total complete joke and a complete nothing burger. None of our donors ever had a problem with any of this. We Build the Wall is a fantastic project; one of the things Im most honored to be in, he said. With about 60 days to go before the November midterm elections, authorities are singling out Bannon for targeting due to the success of his War Room podcast, the former Trump strategist alleged. They understand that the War Room is a very dangerous apparatus because it gives a little guy a voice. It gives a platform to all the grassroots people, he said. They understand that they need to shut that down. They cant do it. Its only getting bigger, he added, noting that the audience jumped at least 10 percent in all shows on Sept. 9 in the wake of his court appearance. Bannon, who faces up a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison on the money laundering charge, remains defiant in the face of the new prosecution. Were never going to back down from Soros-backed, left-wing radicals that are in the New York administration, he said. Trump Allies Targeted Bannon also claimed, citing an unnamed very senior source, that over Wednesday and Thursday, at least 35 MAGA leaders and Trump associates were raided by the FBI. Most of them had lawyers that had been already in touch with DOJ or working with DOJ, he said. These people came to their homes and hassled these people in a show of force and trying to intimidate people. The FBI served subpoenas on these people, and in some cases took their electronic equipment, Bannon said. Bannons comments corroborate reports by the Washington Post and New York Times that a federal grand jury in Washington on Sept. 7 issued subpoenas to a range of former campaign and White House staffers requesting information about the Save America PAC, Trumps fundraising vehicle set up after the 2020 election. The Epoch Times could not independently verify the claims. The subpoenas form part of a federal investigation into the events surrounding the Jan. 6 Capitol breach and efforts by Trump to dispute the election results. This investigation is separate from another DOJ investigation into potential breaches of record-keeping laws, which saw the FBI raid the former presidents Mar-a-Lago home in early August in search of classified records allegedly held by Trump. The targeting of Trump and his allies is part of an effort to shut down all opposition political voices, said Bannon. The elites in this country have taken over and have assumed the same techniques of the lawless Chinese Communist Party. They have to be defeated at the ballot box, he added. In July, a jury found Bannon guilty of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the House Jan. 6 committee. For that case, he faces a minimum sentence of 30 days of jail and a fine, according to the Department of Justice. The Epoch Times has reached out to New York Attorney General Jamess office for comment. Zachary Stieber contributed to this article. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis displays the signed Parental Rights in Education bill flanked by elementary school students during a news conference at Classical Preparatory school in Shady Hills, Fla., on March 28, 2022. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP) Heritage Foundation Releases Inaugural Education Freedom Report, Florida Ranks First WASHINGTONThe Heritage Foundation released its inaugural Education Freedom Report Card Friday, ranking Florida the highest and the District of Columbia the lowest among all states. Arizona and Idaho followed Florida as No. 2 and 3. Along with the District of Columbia, New Jersey and New York were at the bottom of the list. Lindsey Burke, director of the Center for Education Policy at the Heritage Foundation and the lead author, told The Epoch Times that the report measured parent empowerment: While we consider academic outcomesparticularly as a return-on-investment for taxpayer dollars measurethis report card is really about assessing the power that parents have in directing their childrens learning. This report is distinct from everything else out there because we measure education freedom, she added. The overall ranking was measured on whether parents can choose a school to send their children to, be it a public, private, or charter school that is also public but not run by the school districts; transparency of school curriculum and programs; regulatory freedom in curriculum options; and per-pupil spending. In the transparency category, the Foundation used the IndoctriNation Map by Parents Defending Education (PDE), a parental rights advocacy group. The map tracks the number of parent organizations and the number of reported indoctrination incidents. An incident, for example, is listed on PDEs website as a school donating $25,000 to a teaching conference claiming all society members participate in racism and white supremacy. The regulatory freedom category tracked the number of chief diversity officers (CDO) in school districts with 15,000 students or more and whether schools used Common Core testing requirements, which limits curriculum options. The official CDO job description lists the prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion as the primary responsibility. However, Jay Greene, a senior research fellow with the Center for Education Policy at Heritage, said CDOs may be best understood as political activists who articulate and enforce an ideological orthodoxy within school districts. A 2021 Heritage Foundation study identified that school districts with CDOs had more significant achievement gaps between races and student economic statuses. Burke explained additional research considerations: So we considered education choice, but also whether families have access to the content their childs school is teaching, whether school board elections are on-cycleand as such, are less likely to be dominated by teachers unionsthe strength of states Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) laws, and a host of other parent empowerment measures. Emphasis on Parental Rights The Heritage report was released days after the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nations Report Card, announced that age 9 students in 2022 showed the most significant average score decline in reading since 1990 and the first ever dip in math score since the 1970s. The state-by-state data isnt available yet. However, at the report launch event in Orlando on the same day, Gov. Ron DeSantis predicted that the COVID-related learning loss in the Sunshine State would be less than that in the lockdown statesstates that closed their schools during the pandemic. The governor was proud that Florida ranked number one on the Heritage Foundations education freedom report card. He said that since he became Florida governor in 2019, our emphasis on the rights of parents to help direct the education and upbringing of their kids has probably been the most significant flashpoint in Florida and even all over America. He summarized Floridas achievement in schools as keeping in-person learning during the pandemic, banning critical race theorya quasi-Marxist framework that views America as systematically racistand increasing civics studies, removing the hardcore pornography books in libraries, and stopping transgender ideology and gender transition without parents knowledge or consent. What we have shown in Florida is you can succeed. You can stand for regular people, and we can beat these elites across the board, DeSantis said at the event, adding that parents and students should be in charge. Our formula has been very simple, added the governor seeking reelection in November. When the world goes mad, theres a premium on people that will just exercise common sense and will just speak the truth. Taking Back Schools for Parents At the celebration event in Orlando, Kevin Roberts, president of the conservative think tank, hailed the report as the most important research product a think tank could produce because it is the lever for taking back our schools for our kids, our parents, and our family. Colin Sharkey, executive director of the Association of American Educators (AAE), a non-union professional educators organization, welcomed the Heritage report. Information is power, and The Heritage Foundation has done a great service to parents, educators, and voters by collecting and thoughtfully organizing information about school options for our kids, he told The Epoch Times. One size never fits all, and the freedom of a parent or educator to find the community and school to best serve their needs is vital. This resource will make that easier and encourage states to consider how they score, he continued. Founded in 1994, AAE serves 28,000 membersany adults working in any school typein all 50 states. School Choice in Virginia Natassia Grover (L) and her daughter Jolene in Ashburn, Va., on Jan. 9, 2022. (Graeme Jennings for The Epoch Times) The report certainly caught the attention of Natassia Grover, director of Virginia for Educational Freedom (VEF), an advocacy group for school choice programs. Virginias overall ranking was 20 out of 51. However, its school choice ranked 42. Im not surprised to see such a poor ranking for School Choice in [Virginia], she told The Epoch Times. It truly is disappointing, with all the campaign promises they made, that the governor and the Republican caucus have not passed real School Choice in Virginia. In the 2022 session of the Virginia General Assembly, a state delegate sponsored a bill for an Education Savings Account (ESA) program, in which the state Department of Education would deposit education funds for parents to pay tuition at their school of choice for their children. The bill, aiming to make an ESA program effective in September 2022, didnt pass the state legislature earlier this year. In 2016, former Democrat Gov. Terry McAuliffe vetoed a school choice bill that would have enabled ESAs. Later, in 2017, then-Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, also a Democrat, cast the tie-breaking vote in the Virginia Senate to stop ESA-related legislation. According to Grover, her organization is working with Virginia Republican state Delegate Marie March to continue the legislative effort and pass the real School Choice program. If were really going to break the government monopoly on education in Virginia, we have to put heavy pressure on the governor and the Republican caucus. And thats exactly what we plan to do, she added. Proof will be whether or not the governor and Republican leadership support this effort. Prime Minister John Key shakes hands with The President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping at Premier House in Wellington, New Zealand, on Nov. 20, 2014. (Ross Giblin - Pool/Getty Images) Former New Zealand PM Doesnt See Beijing as The Aggressor Former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said he does not see the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as the aggressor, and he had opposed pressure to be more outspoken on the regime. I just dont see them as the aggressor that everybody else sees, he told The Australian. Its a very business orientated relationships and mercantile relationship (with China). We sell things, they buy things. Key believes New Zealand should be careful and cautious around its use of language towards the CCP as no one owed a living to the small nation and its economy relied on exports. He also called U.S. House Speak Nancy Pelosis recent visit to Taiwan incredibly reckless and provocative. As the former leader of New Zealands National Party, Key was prime minister from 2008 to 2016 and greatly expanded New Zealand-China trade. Well known for having a pro-Beijing stance, Key told RNZ in 2021 that Chinese leader Xi Jinping called him a friend. The comments come amid heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific region in response to Beijings presence and influence. New Zealand PM Calls for Dialogue With Beijing Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called out Beijing for becoming more assertive and willing to challenge international rules and norms. Here, we must respond to the actions we see. We must stand firm on the rules-based order, call for diplomatic engagement and speak out against human rights abuses at all times when and where we see them, she said in June in a speech to the NATO summit in Madrid. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (R) arrives for the NATO summit at the Ifema congress centre in Madrid, Spain, on June 29, 2022. (Javier Soriano/AFP via Getty Images) Ardern has repeatedly voiced concerns around the CCPs economic coercion, human rights issues in Xinjiang, eroding freedoms in Hong Kong, and growing tensions in the Pacific and Taiwan Strait. There are areas where both sides benefit, such as trade and agriculture, she said in August. There are also areas that matter deeply to New Zealand, and where China and New Zealands interests or world view differ. However, unlike its allies such as Australia and the United States, Ardern avoided calls for action, instead advocating for greater diplomacy and dialogue. Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has also previously expressed concern at Beijings growing involvement in the Pacific region, which has led to incidents such as the Solomon Islands denying a port call for a U.S. coast guard vessel. Meanwhile, the Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF) has encountered a number of military incidents, including a pointed laser at an aircraft by a Chinese military ship and a dangerous interception of another RAAF aircraft by a Chinese plane. But Air Marshal Robert Chipman, the head of RAAF, said despite the robust encounters with Chinese military, Australia would continue its surveillance missions. China has a formidable aerospace capability, and they have concentrated that aerospace capability in the South China Sea region to deter others from going into that airspace, he said. That doesnt make it impenetrable. That doesnt mean you cant deliver military effects to achieve your interest when youre up against China. A Sydney woman has sued her psychiatrist for failing to take necessary precautions to avoid risk of harm in Sydney, Australia, on Aug. 24, 2022. (Shutterstock) Gender Transition Lawsuits to Become International Trend, Psychiatrist Warns An Australian psychiatrist has warned there may be an increase in litigation related to gender transition surgeries on an international scale, saying the trend highlights the loopholes in the current gender-affirmative model. The concern follows a report by The Sydney Morning Herald about a Sydney woman who is suing her psychiatrist for professional negligence after she underwent hormone treatments and had her breasts and womb surgically removed. Jay Langadinos, who no longer identifies as trans male, alleges that psychiatrist Patrick Toohey didnt evaluate her case sufficiently, nor recommend that she seek alternate opinions from other doctors ahead of her hysterectomy when she was 22. The court filings state that Langadinos, now 31, accuses Toohey of approving her for hormone therapy after only one meeting, although she had told him she had a social phobia, indicating she may have had underlying psychological issues that needed treatment. International Trend Psychiatrist Tanveer Ahmed, who treats patients with gender dysphoria, said the case follows an international trend where there are more legal cases around people who are regretting transitioning. A similar case took place in the UK, where Londons Tavistock clinic was shut down after an independent review found the clinics unquestionable affirmative approach put children at considerable risk of distress and worsening mental health. Ahmed told The Epoch Times that such cases are very significant because it really just shines a light on weaknesses of the affirmative model. While trans is by and large, a type of identity disturbance, its just accepted rather than challenged. One of the big myths of trans is they get sold this idea that if they transition, its going to solve their emotional distress, he said. In the bulk of cases, it doesnt. Their psychological problems remain. And thats actually one of the most common reasons people cite when they detransition. Other reasons include the discrimination, their fear, or their bodies change too much. It actually varies according to males and females. Ahmed also noted that we have underestimated the number of people who either want to detransition or detransition in secret without it being recorded in any form. What Can Psychiatrists Do? According to court documents, Toohey strongly recommended that Langadinos receive family therapy and regular psychological follow-ups. He noted he was concerned that Langadinos didnt know that psychological factors could influence the outcome of gender transition. Meanwhile, Langadinos told the Herald her complicated home environment contributed to her feeling defective, which was strengthened in her mid-teens when she found herself attracted to people of the same sex. However, after undergoing gender transition, Langadinos felt her unhappiness grow while suffering the loss of her breasts and female reproductive organs. In January 2020, Langadinos decided to stop testosterone treatment. Ahmed told The Epoch Times that to avoid litigation in the future, psychiatrists need to encourage patients to explore a wider range of treatments that may help them deal with identity and psychological issues. Psychiatrists really need to show that theyve worked very hard on all the other psychological problems, he said. Personally, I think almost all of the cases [of gender dysphoria] shouldnt need to go to [surgery]. Thats the critical thing, where the affirmative model encourages that were going to help you out by transitioning. Whereas I think if you continue to see the experience as a type of pathology, which I think we need to, then youre in a better place to challenge it. ACON, Transgender Victoria, and the Gender Centre didnt respond to requests for comment. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (2nd L) takes part in a health security partnerships roundtable at the Biomedical Precinct in Melbourne where the new global therapeutic centre will be based on Feb. 10, 2022. (Kevin Lamarque/Getty Images) Global Centre to Create mRNA-Like Therapy for Next Pandemic The Australian government has announced the establishment of a new therapeutic research centre in Melbourne to develop a drug breakthrough akin to mRNA vaccine technology for future pandemics. Philanthropist Geoffrey Cumming fast-tracked the development with a donation of $250 million ($US171 million), the largest ever medical research gift in Australian history. It will be named Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics in honour of the Canadian and New Zealand businessman. We aim to create solutions to minimise the impact of future pandemics and create greater global resiliency in the decades ahead, Cumming said in a statement. Since 2014, the government has also contributed significantly, committing $1.3 billion in medical research funding, including $75 million to the Cumming Global Centre. It also recently bought Modernas first mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility outside North America to Melbourne. The University of Melbourne, the benefactor, said the new centre would focus on rapidly developing, testing, and commercialising new treatments within months of a pandemic outbreak and plans to recruit international experts. The University of Melbourne thanks Geoff Cumming for his incredibly generous donation, and the Victorian government for its contribution to pandemic therapeutic research, the University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Prof. Duncan Maskell said. If a therapeutic drug had been available at scale in July 2020, in line with COVID-19 vaccine approval, it could have prevented millions of deaths globally. Prof. Sharon Lewin at the media launch of the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics on Aug. 31, 2022. (Supplied by the Doherty Institute) Prof. Sharon Lewin, the director of the Peter Doherty Institute, will also serve as the director of the Cumming Global Centre. The centre will focus on research in emerging, high-potential molecular platforms and to develop new therapeutics with unprecedented speed, Lewin said. We plan to do the hard work of basic science; new technologies that might one day be the mRNA of therapeutics. The initial focus will be on therapies to tackle coronaviruses and influenza, but researchers would seek to create platform technologies equivalent to mRNA. Experts Say There Are Five Virus Families that Could Cause Next Pandemic Australias national science agency CSIRO also recently released a report to strengthen the countrys preparation for future infectious-disease outbreaks. The report identified five virus families that could cause the next pandemic: Coronaviridae with COVID-19, MERS, and SARS being examples, Flaviviridae (e.g. Japanese encephalitis), Orthomyxoviridae (e.g. influenza), Paramyxoviridae (e.g. Nipah virus), and Togaviridae (e.g. Chikungunya fever). A child receives a swab test for COVID-19 in a compound during a lockdown in Pudong district in Shanghai, China on April 17, 2022. (Liu Jin/AFP via Getty Images) The Cumming Global Centre will initially be based within the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity before being located at the new Australian Institute for Infectious Diseases (AIID) set to open in 2027. Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers unload food items and petrol oil from an Afghan Air Force Black Hawk helicopter at the hydroelectric Kajaki Dam in Kajaki, northeast of Helmand Province on March 25, 2021. (Wakil Kohsar/AFP via Getty Images) Helicopter Crash Kills 3 in Kabul During Training Session ISLAMABADAt least three Afghan crew members were killed Saturday when a U.S.manufactured Black Hawk helicopter they were flying crashed, the Talibans defense ministry said. The statement said that five others were wounded in the accident during a training session overseen by Afghanistans defense ministry at the capital of Kabul. It is not known how many U.S. choppers remain in the hands of the Taliban government. As the U.S.backed Afghan government collapsed in mid-August last year, dozens of Afghan pilots fled to Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghan air force pilots played a key role, alongside their U.S. counterparts, in the 20-year war against Taliban insurgents that ended with the departure of foreign troops last year. The airstrikes inflicted heavy casualties among the Taliban and repeatedly drove them from positions they had seized in different parts of the country. Last year about 140 Afghan pilots and others were flown out of Tajikistan then to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and their final destination in the U.S. Separately, three civilians were wounded when a bicycle bomb exploded in Kabul, said Khalid Zadran, spokesman for the capitals police chief. The attack occurred in the Shai neighborhood and there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast. Recently, the ISIS terrorist group has claimed similar attacks in the country. ISIS has waged a bloody campaign of attacks on Taliban targets and minority groups, particularly Shiites whom the extremist ISIS considers heretics. By Rahim Faiez For Tara Royer Steele, owner of Royers Pie Haven in Round Top, Texas, pie is a metaphor for 'my whole life' Despite being a tiny town of 90 residents, Round Top is a happening place. Located smack dab between Houston and Austin, Texas, it is a favorite destination for people who wish to escape the city for a weekend. It hosts antique shows three times a year, it offers amazing Shakespeare plays, it boasts a renowned festival hill. And Round Top has one more thing: It has pie. Tara Royer Steele, living in Houston, was 12 years old when her father was given an opportunity to run the Round Top Cafe. He didnt know anything about running a restaurant, but he took a leap of faith. At the time, the Round Top Cafe was a hole-in-the-wall burger joint with two pie recipes: buttermilk and apple. Royer Steele started waiting tables; her father loved to cook, and her mother loved to gather. Slowly but surely, Royer Steele recalled, My parents started to put their own spin on things. The food was amazing; the family, the ambiance created a destination. Soon, pie became a specialty. From the first two recipes sprang 20 recipes: Most of them were mistakes at first, said Royer Steele. We didnt know anything about pie. But soon the pies, using a friends family recipe for the crust, were drawing people to the cafe. Tara Royer Steele (third from left) created Royers Pie Haven in Round Top, Texas to be a place for people to go when when life is hard, and you want to sit under a big ol oak tree and eat a piece of pie and escape. (Courtesy of Ellen Renee Photography) Creating a Haven Royers Round Top Cafe has 10 tables and lines out the door. Royer Steele noticed, 11 years ago, that there was no room for people who just wanted pie. So she bought a quaint old building nearby, with no kitchen, and named it Royers Pie Haven. She simultaneously opened a commercial kitchen about 20 minutes away in Brenham. I named it that, Royer Steele mused about the Pie Haven, but I didnt know it was a haven. Desiring to serve pie and coffee in a peaceful spot, Royer Steele actually created a place for herself, employees, and customers to walk in the door and feel completely safe. The Pie Haven is a place to go when life is hard, and you want to sit under a big ol oak tree and eat a piece of pie and escape. When she opened the Pie Haven, Royer Steele was stretched very thin. She recalled thinking, I cant be at the cafe and the Pie Haven all the time. I cater, we have mail order, I have children, and oh, hey, Im married, too. Grocerieswhat are those? She sold the cafe business to her brother and delegated other tasks. It was then that she realized that the Pie Haven was a special place for her. When I wasnt submerged in the cafe, I could really experience the Pie Haven, she said. I could see that Gods favor is all over that darn place. When you open up your hands and surrender to whatever youre supposed to do, God will bring the people to work, the people to buy, and Hell equip you. I believe its that place, she said. I didnt know that until I left the cafe. Royer Steele wrote a book of devotions, Eat, Pie, Love. (Courtesy of Ellen Renee Photography) Healing the Broken The Pie Haven blessed Royer Steele and all those who work there. To walk into a place where you love your job, its a joy, she said. Shes also been able to offer this joy to employees, most of whom are girls. Most of them are in high school. Weve walked through pregnancies, weve walked through hard times, weve walked through boyfriends, weve walked through abuse. God, do you just bring the broken people? Royer Steele sometimes asked despairingly. But then I realize, hey, were all broken. Her brothers call her Mother Hen and the girls the Pie Chicks. Royer Steele believes it is important to love the chicks and equip them. I must build trust with them. If they trust you, you know you can trust them and theyre going to do a good job. They know, She believes in me, even though my parents dont, or Ive been cheated on or abused or taken advantage of or betrayed. She still believes in me. Shes sitting there with me in the darkness. Royer Steeles general manager was working as a pharmacist at Walgreens when she started at the Pie Haven on her days off. Everyones so happy here and full of joy; no ones happy when theyre coming to the pharmacy to get meds, she said. Id rather leave a paycheck for quality of life. She went through a divorce, had no child support, and was living with her parents doing anything she could to make ends meet. Royer Steele said proudly, Shes now the general manager, and over the last several years shes been able to have her own house. She now helps love those girls at the Pie Haven. Customers also find solace at the Pie Haven. I couldnt hammer a darn thing into the walls of the building because its so old, Royer Steele recalled, so I just started writing on the walls with sharpies! The walls are covered, she said: When you walk in the door, theres scripture and quotes and encouragement all over. She put sticky notes on the bathroom walls, and people leave their own messages. People take so long in the bathroom! Royer Steele said with a laugh. They leave here encouraged. Pies first became a specialty at Royer Steeles familys cafe, Royers Round Top Cafe. (Courtesy of Ellen Renee Photography) The Whole Pie When Royer Steele left the cafe, she was able to enter a quiet place and examine her life. She wrote a book, Eat, Pie, Love, aimed at women who are dreaming of finding Gods plan. In 52 devotions, she served up a daily slice of the pie, asking readers questions to help them consider their lives. Pie, in her book and in her own life, is a metaphor. Pie is my whole life, she said. Its all our junk. The good, the sweet, the salty. When you put it in the fire and it comes out, and you cut a slice and you serve it to somebody else, it is pleasing and inviting. It is beautiful to God. He can make that slice of pieyour lifeso good. We study history to learn from the past On Feb. 15, 1942, the city of Singapore fell to the Japanese. Fifty-five thousand British and Australian troops were taken captive. Of the 45,000 Indian troops allied with them, some 40,000 took up an offer to join the Indian National Army, created by the Japanese to fight against the British. This was the largest military surrender in the history of Britain. In April of this same year, after several months of fighting, the Japanese took Bataan in the Philippines, capturing 78,000 of the American-led Allied troops. Corregidor fell next, leaving the Japanese in complete control of the country. In the Battle of the North Atlanticthat conflict between German U-boats and Allied convoys and their armed escorts fought over a vast territoryAllied shipping losses rose at staggering rates during the first six months of 1942, with 300 ships totaling more than a million tons of shipping sinking to the bottom of the Atlantic. A convoy ship attacked and sunk in the Atlantic in March 1942 by a German submarine during World War II. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images) During this time, the German Luftwaffe ripped into other convoys sailing the Arctic bearing vital supplies, including aircraft and tanks, from Britain to the hard-pressed Soviet Union. And in the desert of North Africa, by late spring military forces under the command of Erwin Rommel seemed set to destroy the British Eighth Army, a defeat that would assuredly bring Egypt and the vital Suez Canal into Nazi hands. Days of Gloom and Desperation When we look over our shoulders into the past, the outcome of events often appears preordained. We think today of World War II and the defeat of the Axis powersGermany, Italy, Japanas a given. We recollect the fall of France to Germany in 1940 or the astounding advances of Japanese forces after Pearl Harbor, all the while knowing how this drama ends. 1942: Winston Churchill and Britains Darkest Hour by Taylor Downing gives a blow-by-blow account during a dire time for the British Isles. (Pegasus Books) We forget that the men, women, and children living through these ordeals had no such luxury; they did not know how the drama would end. In his new book, 1942: Winston Churchill and Britains Darkest Hour, Taylor Downing gives readers a blow-by-blow account of this dire time in the fight for freedom, focusing especially on the string of military defeats that left the British people reeling. With their hope of victory waning, ordinary citizens confidence in the government, particularly in Prime Minister Winston Churchill, began to fade as well. The collapse of European resistance to the Nazis in 1940, followed by the devastating Blitz of Englands cities, towns, and factories, is often called Britains Darkest Hour. But as Downing demonstrates, using new evidence garnered from various sources and archives, 1942 was the year when Britains triumph and Churchills continued leadership both clung to life by a thread. The Bulldogs Missteps The British Bulldog was an apt nickname for Churchill. With that cigar clamped firmly in his mouth, that face set like flint against defeat, and his brilliant oratory, Churchill personified British courage and tenacity. Prime Minister Winston Churchill visits a Scottish armored unit during World War II, circa 1940s. Churchill was very much a hands-on prime minister, taking an intense interest in military matters. (FPG/Getty Images) At the end of 1942, Downing sums up the man by writing, Although he stared into the abyss of defeat, he had the determination to keep fighting. Yet Downing is keenly aware of Churchills leadership errors and discusses them at length. He was, for example, very much a hands-on prime minister, taking an intense interest in such military matters as weapons development, battlefield tactics, and equipment inventories. After becoming prime minister, his attention to such details, Downing tells us, brought a greater sense of urgency to the government but also led one War Department official to complain that he needed a second staff, one to deal with the Prime Minister, the other with the war. In another regard, Downing writes that he did not always pick his best lieutenants. This failure is illustrated throughout the book, particularly as to some of the military commanders Churchill selected. General Bernard Montgomery, for example, won the battle of El Alamein, which gave an enormous boost to Churchills popularity, but Montgomery was not the prime ministers first selection for this post. Lt. Gen. Bernard Montgomery looking out of a tank, circa 1940s. Gen. Montgomery won the battle of El Alamein in Africa and raised British hopes for victory in World War II. (Fotosearch/Getty Images). Regarding these choices, we may question Churchills appointing himself, on becoming prime minister, as Minister of Defense. This unprecedented joint role gave him unique authority to oversee all matters of military policy, which was true enough, but one wonders whether holding both offices didnt also make Churchill a broader target for the military failures of 1942. Heres another example of Churchills flawed judgment. Until reading 1942, I never quite understood why at wars end the British public would vote out of office the man who had guided them to victory. Though Ive read a number of biographies of Churchill, for the first time I understood that throughout the war he showed little interest, other than in a general way, in a society post-war Britain might enjoy. Meanwhile, his political opponents had spent a good deal of time planting seeds in that field, then brought forth a crop of promises during the elections, and won. Morale Wins Wars Both Churchill and the government recognized the importance of gauging and keeping up spirits on the home front. Charged with this mission was the Ministry of Information (MoI). Though this ministry was at first poorly managed, ex-journalist and Churchills close friend Brendan Bracken eventually took control and got the organization on track producing posters that supported war efforts, leaflets to be dropped over Germany, and films to guide and encourage the public. One division of the MoI was charged with recording the mood of the British public. In a program called Mass Observation, government workers were dispatched to record discussions about the war overheard in shops and cafes. They conducted interviews and distributed diaries to certain people so that they might set down their thoughts on the changing events. In 1941, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill observes British soldiers in London, operating an anti-aircraft gun. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images) In these primitive forms of our contemporary opinion polls, the government hoped to keep abreast of the attitudes of those at home, without whom, they knew, victory might be lost. By 1942, the British had endured three years of warfare, standing part of that time alone against fascism. Downing shows us the corrosive effects of this ordeal on moralethe rationing, the Blitz, the loss of loved ones. The string of defeats in 1942 only further sapped the spirits of ordinary citizens. According to Downing (who brings the MoI frequently into his history), in the wake of Montgomerys victory in North Africa along with the turning of the tide at Stalingrad and the American victory at Midway, public optimism rebounded. After news of the victory at El Alamein, for instance, journalist Mollie Panter-Downes recounted that the girls behind their shop counters, taxi drivers, everyone she met had a smile, including the bus conductor who tinkled his bell and shouted, Next stop, Benghazi! Clio at the Blackboard Long ago, when I was a graduate student, a history professor warned me against drawing lessons from the past, a stance that baffled me. To my way of thinking, then and now, Clio, the muse and goddess of history, is first and foremost a teacher. We study history to learn from the past, not just about the past. What lessons, then, might we draw from 1942? Lesson No. 1: Strong, virtuous leadership is imperative. In times of crisis, we need leaders who will clearly state their beliefs and then firmly defend them. Despite his flaws, Churchill stands front and center among the leaders discussed in 1942. Whether Britain would have defeated fascism without him can never be known. What we do know, however, is that Churchill carried the day by dint of his personality and even by his words. As correspondent Edward Murrow said, He mobilized the English language and sent it into battle. Lesson No. 2: In a free society, these leaders need to pay attention to those people they represent. During the war, the British government attempted to do so. In July 2022, a poll found that 85% of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. They may disagree as to which direction we should be taking, but dissatisfaction is clearly broad and deep. Wise politicians would take note and seek out the thoughts and opinions of their constituents. Lesson No. 3: Here, the old adage It is always darkest before the dawn comes into play. This is the greatest lesson we can draw from 1942 and wartime Britain. Whatever our predicament, whatever our situation, to lose hope is to despair. To despair is to lose. Period. Abandon hope, and the enemy wins. Immediately following Pearl Harbor, Winston Churchill traveled to America, addressed the Congress, forged a close personal bond with President Roosevelt, and returned to Britain in a buoyant frame of mind. Downing writes that Churchill would then require immense reserves of strength to withstand the coming calamities. Churchill found that strength. And in whatever crises we face, whether personal or political, so must we all. India, China Begin Troop Withdrawal From Disputed Border Area to Resolve Standoff Indian and Chinese troops have begun to disengage from a disputed Himalayan border area after engaging in 16 rounds of military talks to resolve friction stemming from deadly clashes in 2020. The Indian Defense Ministry said in a Sept. 8 statement that both sides have agreed to withdraw troops from the Gogra-Hotsprings area of eastern Ladakh in a coordinated and planned way. The announcement was made ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organizations (SCO) annual summit in Uzbekistan this week, which will be attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said the commanders from both sides have been in regular contact after reaching a consensus in July to disengage troops and cease forward deployments in the area. The withdrawal process will be completed by Sept. 12. Bagchi said the line of actual control (LAC) in the area will be strictly observed and respected by both sides to prevent any unilateral changes to the status quo. It has been agreed that all temporary structures and other allied infrastructure created in the area by both sides will be dismantled and mutually verified. The landforms in the area will be restored to the pre-stand-off period by both sides, he said. The LAC is a notional line of demarcation between Indian-controlled territory and the Chinese-controlled area. Bagchi said the two countries also agreed to resolve the remaining issues along the LAC following clashes in the Galwan region of the Himalayas in June 2020 that left 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead. The 2020 conflict led to a heavy military buildup from both sides of the disputed border and strained relations. India said restoring normalcy with China is impossible if the border situation remains unresolved. IndiaChina Border Conflict India claims that the LAC is 3,488 kilometers (2,167 miles) long, while China claims that its only 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) long, excluding Aksai Chin, an area that connects Chinas Xinjiang with Tibet, local media outlet India Today reported. Claude Arpi, a French-born Tibetologist residing in India, said the border dispute finds its roots in Mao Zedong, the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) first leader, and his conquest designs in the western regions of Xinjiang and Tibet. Mao came to power in 1949. By the time the CCP finished its conquest of Tibet from 1951 to 1952, Mao realized that Aksai Chin, the desert area in the north of Ladakh, was extremely important strategically for the regimes future. It was an uninhabited area, nobody could live there, but the Chinese decided to build a road there because it was the easiest way to connect the two new provinces [of Tibet and Xinjiang], Arpi told The Epoch Times in April. Thats how in Aksai Chin todays Chinese Highway G219 came into being. [It] was surveyed in 195253, China started building it in 1954, and it was inaugurated in July 1957. In 1956, China agreed to a map that gets more or less half of the Aksai Chin, and in 1959, it pushed it further south. The Epoch Times has obtained a booklet published by the government of India in 1963, Chinese Aggression in Maps. Its a cartographic description of how, without provocation, the CCP entered the uninhabited Indian territory of Aksai Chai and how the Chinese claim lines unilaterally continued to change from 1956 to 1962. The Indian administration stated in its booklet that the Chinese were claiming boundary lines in Ladakh according to their bargaining convenience and progressively increasing extent of occupation of Indian territory through force. Arpi said even the international community was taken unaware of the Chinese activities in this desolate part of the world. The Soviet Union might have known, but by that time, it was no more their business, he said. And after that, the 1962 war took place, the PLA [Peoples Liberation Army] pushed south and occupied some other places that they have not vacated to date. China vacated some areas and some didnt vacate. In the end, where is the LAC? Arpi noted that Chinas bargaining convenience continues. Venus Upadhayaya contributed to this report. DALEVILLEAn inaugural 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony was held here Saturday. Organized by the Southeast Alabama American Veterans Post 7, the Daleville Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Daleville, the first-time event included the placement of 2,977 flags in Culpepper Park in Daleville in honor of those who lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States. Volunteers including Scouts, ROTC cadets, and just walk-up volunteers have spent time placing the flags to honor those who lost their lives on that horrific day, said AMVETS First Vice Commander Travis Parker. The veterans and chamber were joined by the local chapters of the Sons and the Daughters of the American Revolution to sponsor the event as a part of the America 250 Program, a 10-year series of various types of events leading up to the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. These events were specifically started by first responders to honor other first responders, Parker said. The display of 2,977 flags is in honor of those killed on 9/11, including the more than 400 fire and police personnel. Daleville Mayor Jayme Stayton said, We appreciate all first responders, especially our own first responders, and we are proud to host this inaugural event that I hope become annual. Daleville Area Chamber of Commerce Director Michele Powell echoed that thought. Elba was also the location of a Patriot Day Ceremony, organized by the AMVET organization, the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution and the Elba Chamber of Commerce later in the afternoon on Saturday. Indiana Abortion Ban Challenge Finds Judge After Initial Withdrawals A lawsuit filed against Indianas abortion ban has finally found a judge after two judges had recused themselves from the case. The lawsuit, filed on Aug. 30, challenged Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), which was recently signed into law by Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb. This was the first new abortion ban passed by a state legislature following the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. The case first went to Monroe Circuit Court Judge Holly Harvey who recused herself from presiding over it. The lawsuit then went to Judge Geoffrey Bradley who also refused to take it up. Finally, Indiana Special Judge Kelsey Hanlon has agreed to preside over the lawsuit, allowing the case to move forward. The lawsuit is filed by Planned Parenthood, Whole Womans Health Alliance, All-Options, Inc., Womens Med Group Professional Corporation, and a doctor. The plaintiffs claim that S.B. 1 will leave the thousands of Hoosiers who seek abortion care each year with few options. Although those who are able to acquire the necessary resources may travel long distances to obtain care in another state, doing so will impose substantial economic and logistical burdens, particularly for those who are low-income Nearly 75 percent of those who seek abortions nationwide have poverty-level incomes, the lawsuit states. The plaintiffs argue that SB 1 violates the states equal privileges and immunities law and breaches the Indiana constitutions due course law. The lawsuit asked the court to issue a permanent injunction banning the operation, enforcement, and execution of SB 1. It also wants the court to declare that SB 1 is unconstitutional. Indiana Abortion SB 1 makes it a felony to provide abortion services in Indiana. Abortion is only allowed in limited situations when the fetus is diagnosed as having an anomaly; the mothers life is in danger; or when the pregnancy is the result of incest or rape. Abortion providers violating SB 1 stand to have their licenses revoked as well as face fines of up to $10,000, and prison terms of up to six years. SB 1 is due to come into effect on Sept. 15. Following the overturning of Roe, I stated clearly that I would be willing to support legislation that made progress in protecting life. In my view, [SB 1] accomplishes this goal following its passage in both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly with a solid majority of support, Governor Holcomb said in a statement on Aug. 5 after signing the bill into law. Another lawsuit is also challenging SB 1. Filed on behalf of Hoosier Jews for Choice on Sept. 8, the case argues that SB 1 violates Indianas Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Signed into law in 2015, RFRA bans any government action that interferes with an individuals religious exercise unless the administration proves that it has a compelling reason for such an action. A crack in the wall of the aorta, lined by clusters of lymphocytes, leading to aortic rupture. (Michael Palmer, MD, Sucharit Bhakdi, MD) Irrefutable Proof That mRNA Vaccines Cause Vascular and Organ Damage: Study A recent study claims to have found irrefutable proof of causality that the mRNA vaccines cause vascular and organ damage. The study, conducted by microbiologists Dr. Michael Palmer and Dr. Sucharit Bhakdi, was mostly based on the findings of German pathologists Dr. Arne Burkhardt and Dr. Walter Lang. Here is a summary of the findings: mRNA vaccines dont stay at the injection site; they instead travel throughout the body and accumulate in various organs. mRNA-based COVID vaccines induce long-lasting expression of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in many organs. Vaccine-induced expression of the spike protein induces autoimmune-like inflammation. Vaccine-induced inflammation can cause grave organ damage, especially in vessels, sometimes with deadly outcomes. This study, by the type of dyes they use, shows irrefutable proof that the spike protein goes everywhereheart, ovary, liver, spleenand to a lesser extent, testes. Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, an expert in vaccine damage, told The Epoch Times. This is what leads to multi-organ system failure. This is what leads to infertility in women. There has been a lot of hypothesis about the damage these shots cause. Now, with these pathology slides and the specific types of immunochemistry staining, Bhakti and Palmer showunequivocallythat the spike protein is quickly disseminated to every organ they examined, Tenpenny said. They are both pathologists; looking at slides of tissue under a microscope and appropriately staining tissue is what they are trained to do! she added. Those of us who warned of the dangers of these COVID shots were widely censored and ridiculed, Dr. Christiane Northrup, former fellow in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, told The Epoch Times. I wish we had been wrong. We werent. And we finally have irrefutable proof, Northrup added. According to toxicologist Janci Lindsay, Ph.D., who has been following the COVID vaccine story since its inception, the most valuable takeaway from this study is that it corroborates Markus Alden et al.s findings (in-vitro) that Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine may be transcribed into cellular DNAin an in-vivo system. In-vitro, which means in glass in Latin, refers to when a test or process is done in a test tube or outside a living organism. In-vivo (within the living) means the studies are done in living organisms. That the vaccine quickly distributes through the body was a finding present in Pfizers own animal experiments. The subject was deceased but the examination of their tissue showed that they were expressing the spike protein, nine months after the injection of the genetic vaccine, Lindsay told The Epoch Times. The only three possible ways that the abovementioned could happen, she explains, are when: mod-mRNA is stable in the body for nine months. The mRNA has been integrated into the genome, such as in the Alden study. The person was around somebody who was recently vaccinated and the mRNA was transmitted. The Palmer and Bhakdi study says that the limited experimental studies available (2015, 2018) indicate that the injected modified mRNA should degrade within days to a few weeks of the injection. But, this is obviously difficult to square with the observed long-lasting expression; in some form or other, the genetic information appears to be perpetuated in-vivo, the study states. Their findings of spike expression nine months out from [taking the vaccine] support either genomic integration of the mRNA coding the spike protein into the genome of the cells shown expressing it, or, that the synthetically modified messenger RNA is remaining stable within these cells months after it was supposed to be degraded, Lindsay said. This constitutive expression of the spike protein would exhaust the immune system and/or eventually possibly make it non-responsive or tolerant to the spike protein, allowing for untold spike-mediated damage, she added. Method The methods used by Dr. Burkhardt are called histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The technique is explained in the study: If a vaccine particlecomposed of the spike-encoding mRNA, coated with lipidsenters a body cell, this will cause the spike protein to be synthesized within the cell and then taken to the cell surface. There, it can be recognized by a spike-specific antibody. After washing the tissue specimen to remove unbound antibody molecules, the bound ones can be detected with a secondary antibody that is coupled with some enzyme, often horseradish peroxidase, it reads. After another washing step, the specimen is incubated with a water-soluble precursor dye that is converted by the enzyme to an insoluble brown pigment. Each enzyme molecule can rapidly convert a large number of dye molecules, which greatly amplifies the signal. Histo comes from the Greek word for web, tissue. Image 3: Expression of viral proteins can be detected with immunohistochemistry. (Michael Palmer, MD, Sucharit Bhakdi, MD) At the top right of the image, you can see two cells which were exposed to the Pfizer vaccine and then subjected to the protocol outlined above. The intense brown stain indicates that the cells were indeed producing the spike protein, the study reads, referring to image 3. Expression of spike protein in shoulder muscle after vaccine injection. (Michael Palmer, MD, Sucharit Bhakdi, MD) Rebuttal Health Feedback, a member of the Vaccine Safety Net led by the WHO, on Sept. 3 said that these claims are unsubstantiated. The idea that mRNA from COVID-19 vaccines can remain in our bodies in the long term is a common myth with no scientific basis, the WHO fact-checking branch states. mRNA from vaccines is fragile and gets rapidly degraded by cellular machinery once it has delivered the genetic instructions. The spike protein generated by COVID-19 vaccines is thought to remain in the body for up to a few weeks, like other proteins made by the body, they add. Blood Vessel Inflammation The second biggest discovery, Lindsay believes, would be the observation of endothelial damageinflammation and denuded endothelial cells inside the blood vessels. Endothelium is the tissue that lines the blood vessels and other organs, such as the heart. Spike protein disease is an endothelial diseasevery key to myocarditis, etc., Dr. Tenpenny said. Endothelial stripping and destruction of a small blood vessel after vaccination. (Michael Palmer, MD, Sucharit Bhakdi, MD) Dr. Wade Hamilton, a cardiologist who has been punished by the medical establishment for giving an exemption to a COVID vaccine, commented on the study. The first 13 items in and of themselves are major reason for concern and halting the COVID shot use, Hamilton told The Epoch Times. Item 14 (Alden study), which concerns the possibility that the shot can alter the DNA of recipients and subsequently the DNA of their offspring, is of great concern, Hamilton said. The paper I have sent (comment on Alden et al.) raises unanswered questions, the three easiest to understand are: The dose of mRNA used in this study is higher than mRNA in the COVID shot. The Alden study is in-vitro (not in-vivo) and the normal human immune and chemical protections are not present. The liver cells used in the experiment are liver cancer cells and their response to reverse transcriptase may not be typical. It is possible as queried in the comment on Alden et al. paper, that persistent pieces of DNA or mRNA in people with COVID lead to persistent circulating spike protein as a cause of long COVID. Furthermore, the same symptoms could be produced via an analogous mechanism by the COVID shot as well, he added. Burkhardt and Lang The Palmer and Bhakdi paper says that Burkhardt and Lang studied many cases of people who died months or days after getting the COVID vaccine. In all of these cases, the cause of death was documented as natural or unknown. Some members of the families of those deceased had doubts about the verdicts of their causes of death and wanted to double-check. According to the study, Burkhardt found the majority of these deaths to be due to vaccination. The Epoch Times recently reported that several embalmers across the country have been observing many large, and sometimes very long, fibrous and rubbery clots inside the corpses they treat, and are speaking out about their findings. Some doctors believe them to be connected to the vaccines. Children who walk or bike to school at a young age are more likely to continue the healthy habit as they age, according to a new study. The walk to school is a wonderful moment in the day that provides children a glimpse of living an active lifestyle, says David Tulloch, a professor of landscape architecture at Rutgers-New Brunswick and coauthor of the study in the journal Preventive Medicine Reports. When people start walking early, it can have a lasting impact on their health. In the United States, about 11% of children walk or bike to or from school, according to data from the National Household Travel Survey. That rate hasnt changed in a decade. The researchers found that if children are taught early to actively commutetraveling by physical meansthey are far more likely to keep doing so later in their educational career. To measure whether active commuting persists over time, the researchers surveyed parents and caregivers about the school travel habits of their children on two separate occasions two to four years apart (baseline and follow-up) between 2009 and 2017 in four predominantly low-income New Jersey cities: Camden, New Brunswick, Newark, and Trenton. The researchers collected data from 587 households as part of the New Jersey Child Heath Study, which tracked children 3-15 years old. Tulloch and colleagues at the Grant F. Walton Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis calculated the distance to school and other spatial factors. The researchers found that more than three quarters of children who engaged in active commuting at baseline continued to do so two to four years later, while few newly took it up by the time of follow-up if they hadnt done so before. In fact, children who actively commuted to school at baseline were seven times more likely to actively commute two to four years later compared with children who didnt actively commute at baseline. Most kids dont achieve the 60 minutes per day of physical activity that theyre recommended to get, says Robin DeWeese, an assistant research professor in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University and the studys lead author. Active commuting to school is one way to get more of that activity. To promote active commuting, DeWeese suggests schools and communities encourage active commuting during early grades as that may yield benefits even for students in higher grades. Active commuting varied by demographic characteristics and perceptions of the neighborhood. Children with a parent born outside the US had lower odds of active commuting compared with those whose parents were born in the US, while children of parents who perceived their neighborhood safe from crime were more than 2.5 times as likely to engage in active commuting. The greatest and most persistent barrier was the distance between home and school, Tulloch says. Distance to school often increases as children age because middle and high schools are larger and less prominent than elementary schools. As a result, active commuting likelihood tends to decrease once children reach high school. Smarter urban design can help reverse this trend, says Tulloch. Remote drop-offs and walking school busesthat is groups of students chaperoned by volunteer parentscan encourage children to actively commute at a young age. Infrastructure improvements, such as sidewalks and tree-lined streets, can make walking more pleasant, he adds. One of the most visited tourist sites in New York City is the High Line, a green walkable space with no cars, says Tulloch. We should be doing this type of planning everywhereespecially in school zones. This article was originally published by Rutgers University. Republished via Futurity.org under Creative Commons License 4.0. King Charles III Proclaimed Canadas Sovereign at Rideau Hall Ceremony King Charles III has been proclaimed Canadas head of state in a ceremony at the Rideau Hall in Ottawa attended by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau met with members of the federal cabinet and Privy Council prior to the ceremony as part of the protocol to proclaim a new sovereign. Governor General Mary Simon looks on as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signs documents during an accession ceremony at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, on Sept. 10, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld) During the ceremony, Trudeau asked the governor general, May we proceed with the proclamation of accession? After Simon replied Yes, both signed the orderincouncil and the proclamation for the accession. Those gathered applauded the moment King Charles III was proclaimed King of Canada. The event was also marked with 21 gun salutes. We [the Governor General and the Privy Council] proclaim that His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George is now by the death of our late sovereign, Charles III, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada, and his other realms and territories, King, head of the Commonwealth, defender of the faith to whom we acknowledge faith and allegiance, said Samy Khalid, the chief herald of Canada. Also on Saturday morning King Charles III was formally proclaimed UKs sovereign in a ceremony in London. The 73-year-old automatically became King after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died on Thursday, but it is tradition for the Accession Council to convene, usually within 24 hours of a monarchs death, to formally proclaim the deceased sovereigns successor. Charles said at the ceremony that he will strive to follow the late Queens example in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony, and prosperity of the peoples of these Islands and of the Commonwealth Realms and Territories throughout the world. In his first televised speech as King on Friday, Charles said he would serve the Commonwealth with loyalty, respect, and love as I have throughout my life. State Funeral Also on Saturday it was confirmed that the state funeral for the Queen will be held on Sept. 19 at Londons Westminster Abbey. Canada will also be holding a commemoration ceremony for the Queen. Protocol calls for 10 days of mourning following the passing of a sovereign. According to a statement from the Palace, the Queen passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The coffin will be taken from Balmoral to Edinburgh on Sunday, to be taken to London on Tuesday. Lily Zhou and The Canadian Press contributed to this report. The Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest school district in the United States, offered its teachers a calendar with year-round queer and trans-affirming activities and lesson plans for K12 students in Los Angeles, Calif., since the 202021 school year. (Screenshot via Los Angeles Unified School District) Los Angeles Unified Promotes LGBT Ideology With Queer All School Year Calendar The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)the second largest school district in the United Statesis offering its teachers a calendar with year-round queer and trans-affirming activities and lesson plans for K12 students. First introduced during the 20202021 school year, the Queer All School Year calendar (pdf) lists monthly activities instructors can use in their classrooms to show that LAUSDs got pride all year long. The publicly accessible document recently gained media attention after being reported June 30 by Parents Defending Educationa national nonprofit aimed at empowering parents to advocate for classrooms that educatenot indoctrinate, according to its website. Start the Year With a Rainbow Club The calendar suggests teachers kick off the school year in August by creating a genders-sexualities alliance (GSA) or a rainbow club on campus and provides links to a 10-step guide by the national GSA Network on how to form a club and register it with the larger network. The network changed its acronyms meaning in 2016 from gay-straight alliance to genders-sexualities alliance in order to moved beyond the labels of gay and straight, and the limits of a binary gender system, according to a statement. The districts 10-week virtual rainbow club for K5 students this year started on Sept. 7 (pdf), meeting on Wednesdays in the afternoon. A poster for the Los Angeles Unified School Districts 10-week virtual rainbow club, or LGBT club, for K5 students in Fall 2022. (Screenshot via Los Angeles Unified School District) However, theres a disclaimer under the districts workshop and event listing page, which includes LGBT club meetings and consultation groups. Organizations, references, links, products or services that appear on this site do not constitute an endorsement of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the statement read in part. Brenda Lebsack, a teacher of 30 years and a former school board member for Orange Unified School District, told The Epoch Times that the student-led approach to defining and affirming gender and sexuality is like giving schools a blank check to affirm any identity based on a childs whim. Open-ended sexualities mean schools will no longer be a safe place for obvious reasons, she said. Open-ended genders mean schools will now be affirming mental health disordersbecause the definition of psychosis is when thought and emotions lose contact with external reality [of ones biological sex]. Teacher and former school board member Brenda Lebsack. (Courtesy of Aaron Jacoby) Fall: Solidarity Week, LGBT History, and Pronoun Pins September is all about getting educators ready to teach LGBT-inclusive curriculum all year long by reminding them about the 2012 FAIR Education Act, a California law that requires history and social studies classes to include the contributions of people with disabilities and those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Also, teachers are asked to prepare for Octobers Solidarity Week, for which the calendar links to a webpage by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), an organization that has been championing LGBTQ issues in K-12 education since 1990, according to its website. GLSEN defines the week-long activity as a student-led program where LGBTQ+ students and educators in K-12 schools lead the conversation on how non LGBTQ+ people can be in solidarity with them and also how they can show solidarity with others in their community. Newly donated LGBTQ+ books are displayed in the library at Nystrom Elementary School in Richmond, Calif., on May 17, 2022. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) According to an analysis by Parents Defending Education, GLSEN systematically advances its transgender agenda among children by providing free resources to schools nationwide for teacher training, school policy guides, curriculum, and GSA clubs. GLSEN has been promoting LGBTQ-visibility and integration in elementary schools, according to an educator guide on its website. While many LGBTQ+ inclusive school supports begin in middle or high school, it is critical for elementary schools to establish a foundation of respect and understanding for all people, the guide reads. October is declared LGBT History Month, and educators are called to attend the districts Standing with LGBTQ+ Students Conference, which was held in 2021. It is unclear whether the conference will come back this year. In November, teachers are encouraged to obtain badges, pronoun pins, and LGBT history posters from the districts Human Relations, Diversity & Equity office, according to a guideline (pdf) provided on the calendar. Los Angeles Unified School Districts teachers are encouraged to obtain badges, pronoun pins, and LGBT history posters from the districts Human Relations, Diversity & Equity office. (Screenshot via Los Angeles Unified School District) Under the districts current policy, there are three ways to support gender diverse studentsinformal, unofficial, and official/legal, according to its Gender Identity Support Discussion Guide (pdf) released in August. If schools become aware that a student would like to go by a different name or pronoun, teachers are instructed to explain the three options to the student. At the informal stage, teachers must address students by their preferred name and gender identity in interpersonal interactions, without requiring parental notification or permission. Though no changes are made to school or legal records at this stage, students already have the right to access the facilities and activities that affirm their gender identity, regardless of legal name or sex assigned at birth, according to the guide. At the unofficial stage, students can have their name and gender changed in most district-generated documents with a parent or guardians signature, and the final official or legal changes across the students records can be triggered by a court order showing the changes are permanently recognized. Winter: Transgender-Affirming Books and Black Lives Matter In December, the calendar suggests teachers post LGBTQ-affirming signs in their offices, classrooms, and around campus, with a link to a Safe Space Kit from GLSEN. The kit includes posters and a booklet with concrete strategies that will help you support LGBTQ students, educate about anti-LGBTQ bias and advocate for changes in your school. An infographic in the Safe Space Kit: A Guide to Supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Students in Your School by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. (Screenshot via Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) For January, the calendar suggests [reading] inclusive books in every grade. Each classroom is encouraged to host a reading session at a school, library, or community center featuring transgender-promoting books such as I Am Jazz a semi-autobiographical story by Jazz Jennings, a television personality who began a transition from male to female at the age of six. The event would be a part of the annual Jazz & Friends National Day of School and Community Readings promoted by the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBT political lobbying organization in the country. Other options on the event book list are Julian Is a Mermaid, which tells the story of a young boy who wants to dress as a mermaid and participate in a parade, and They She He Me: Free to Be! which teaches children about gender pronouns. A photo of some of the transgender-affirming childrens books recommended by Californias Department of Education, as seen in Irvine, Calif., on Aug. 30, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) In February, students are invited to participate in the Black Lives Matter in Schools Week of Action, linking to the 13 Guiding Principles created by Black Lives Matter at Schoola national coalition organizing for racial justice in education, its website states. Two of the principles are queer-affirming and trans-affirming. When we gather, we do so with the intention of freeing ourselves from the tight grip of heteronormative thinking or, rather, the belief that all in the world are heterosexual unless s/he or they disclose otherwise, the rules state. We are committed to doing the work required to dismantle cis-gender privilege and uplift Black trans folk, especially Black trans women who continue to be disproportionately impacted by trans-antagonistic violence. Spring: LGBT Workshops for Parents, More Books for Students In the spring, educators are tasked with reviewing LGBT affirming practices with their schools, parents, and students to ensure everyones name and gender pronouns are affirmed and to address any gender or sexuality-based teasing, bullying, and conflict restoratively. Teachers also need to hold workshops for parents to learn about sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. A transgender affirming childrens book in Irvine, Calif., on Aug. 30, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Finally, in June, teachers are asked to share LGBT literature, art, music, and posters with students. Books on the list (pdf) include Wandering Son, Vol. 2, by Shimura Takako, a manga comic for children featuring two transgender protagonists in the sixth grade, and This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson and David Levithan, an information guide for youth on [the LGBT] experience, including terms, religious issues, coming out, and sex acts, according to the books description. When asked about the calendar, an LAUSD spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement that the district seeks to provide safe and affirming learning environments to support and respect the diversity of our students and families. Transgenderism in Schools Separates Parents and Children: Parent However, some education leaders expressed concern with the lack of viewpoint diversity within the calendars resources. Erika Sanzi, mother of three children and the outreach director of Parents Defending Education, said [e]ducation should be presented in a way thats apolitical, so that there isnt one ideology or one belief system thats presented to kids exclusively. With this curriculum, theyre not even exposed to the other arguments. Kids should be able to hear the best, most compelling arguments on both sides of an issue, she told The Epoch Times. She said teaching topics like gender identity and sexual orientation are completely developmentally inappropriate, especially for those as young as kindergarten, and unfairly removed parents involvement in their childrens development. An elementary school classroom in Orange, Calif., on March 11, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) [The district] is almost cutting parents out of the equation of deciding when their children are ready to learn about certain subjects and how youre going to present them, she said. Families will have different values around certain topics and the school system is basically bulldozing right over those and deciding that theyre going to teach kids the things when they want, how they want. Sanzi said the district should focus on boosting academic performance in reading and mathematics. Students deserve to go to a kind of school with basic skills like literacy, the ability to write, and the ability to do math, she said. Elementary-aged students work on their math homework in Laguna Niguel, Calif., on May 12, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) For the 20212022 school year, the percent of LAUSD students meeting or exceeding state standards in English dropped by about two percentage points compared to the pre-pandemic 201819 yearfalling from 43.9 percent to 41.7 percent. In math, the drop was steeper, falling by five percentage points from 33.5 percent to 28.5 percent, according to the districts data released on Sept. 9. Only half of kindergarteners and over 60 percent of first and second graders in the district met the early literacy benchmarks for the 202021 school yearaccording to the LAUSDs Open Data Portalthe same year when the queer and trans-affirming calendar was first introduced. This comes as the states largest school districtwith more than 115 schools and campusesfaces a looming enrollment crisis. In the 20212022 school year, the district has about 437,000 students. The number has been falling at a rate of about 2.8 percent per year since its peak of 737,000 students in 2002. District officials predicted in May that after 2022, the enrollment will begin to decrease by 3.6 percent annuallydropping 30 percent to 309,000 by 2031. There was no way I was going to sign a statement saying that I was racist or that all white people were racist or that all of any race was anything. So I refused to sign it. Nicole Levitt, an attorney who represents domestic violence survivors, recently filed a discrimination complaint against her employer, Women Against Abuse, for, among other things, asking white staffers to sign declarations that all white people are racist, including themselves, she says. She shares her story with us, and why she believes woke ideology has corrupted the mission of her employer, one of the largest domestic violence nonprofits in America. There were a lot of discussions about defunding the police [but] our clients need the police to stop the abuse. What is the social worker going to do in one of these violent situations? Domestic violence situations are some of the most deadly calls for police officers, Levitt says. Subscribe to the American Thought Leaders newsletter so you never miss an episode. BUY Jan 6 DVD: https://www.epochtv.shop/product-page/dvd-the-real-story-of-january-6, Promo Code Jan for 20% off. * Click the Save button below the video to access it later on My List. Jan Jekielek: Nicole Levitt, Such a pleasure to have you on American Thought Leaders. Nicole Levitt: Thank you for having me. Mr. Jekielek: Nicole, you work for one of the largest domestic violence nonprofits in America, Women Against Abuse. You went into this because this was a very important issue for you. But sometime in the summer of 2020, you realized that something was really amiss. Tell me about what happened. Ms. Levitt: After George Floyd was killed, my organization, just like organizations all across the country, had DEI trainings and seminars and racial justice meetings. It was okay at first, but then it started getting excessive. It came to a point where I felt the trainings were all relying on stereotypes, discrimination, and scapegoating. And we were also split into affinity groups. I found the idea of being split up on the basis of race to be very regressive, and it wasnt something that I wanted to take part in, so I stopped going to the meetings. We were still being bombarded with material every day about white supremacy. When white people keep quiet, your silence is violence. Everything is white supremacy. Its a smog we all ingest. It got to the point where I felt it was really excessive and, frankly, illegal. It all came to a head for me when we were asked to sign a contract that would govern our behavior in the legal center. One of the items was that all white people are racist, and no one is an exception. There was no way I was going to sign a statement saying that I was racist, or that all white people were racist, or that all of any race was anything. I refused to sign it, and then I had to go to a meeting with the DEI consultant at the time. It was supposed to be a short meeting, but it ended up being a 90-minute-long session on thought reform. The reason they gave me for having to go to the meeting was to ascertain whether I was safe to be around my black and brown coworkers, and my black and brown clients. Mr. Jekielek: There are so many points I want to explore here. Before we do, I want to find out a little bit more about you. As I understand it, there are only 10 lawyers in the largest domestic abuse association in America, and youre one of them. Ms. Levitt: Its about 10, yes. Mr. Jekielek: How did you get into this? Please tell me more about where you come from. Ms. Levitt: Okay. I was in private law practice, and I also have a license in therapy, so I wanted to combine the two. I started representing domestic violence clients for free when I was in private practice. And I really loved it. We also had a lot of potential clients come in that had domestic violence issues and did not have the money to hire a lawyer. I always found it so heartbreaking when we had to say, Sorry, but we cant help you. They poured out their story to us for an hour, retraumatizing themselves, and then in the end, we couldnt help them because it could end up being a very large expenditure. When I got the opportunity to work for a nonprofit where that wasnt an issue, and I wasnt going to have to reject a potential client because of money, I was really thrilled. Mr. Jekielek: You described a situation where you were having general discussions with the legal center in your organization, and that people were stunned when you said you didnt think there was racism. Ms. Levitt: Yes. I was like, What are we talking about? Were not racist. Everyone here is committed to racial justice. We represent black and brown clients, and we do a good job of it. Were very thorough. So, I couldnt see where the racism was coming from. The issue here is the new definition of racism, which is prejudice plus power. But I was stunned. Everyone was looking at me like I had two heads when I said, I dont think we are racist. Mr. Jekielek: There was this apriori assumption that racism has to be there. This is a component of critical social justice. You felt like this is how things were working, even before the DEI consultants were invited in. Ms. Levitt: No. I didnt see it before the DEI consultants came in. Mr. Jekielek: I see. So, please tell me about that. What was this consultation about? Ms. Levitt: We had a lot of different and educational materials on white supremacy from Tema Okun, Ibram Kendi, and Robin DiAngelo. We were presented with a lot of those materials and prodded to discuss them in a workplace setting. Some of them were more like confessionals, which I found very odd for a workplace setting. But I talked to people at other institutions and found out that it was going on there too. It sounded like it was really going on all across the country. Youre not allowed to dissent from any part of this ideology. And if you do, youre branded as racist or bigoted or problematic. People need to just get used to the idea that people might call them racist or bigoted or problematic and not worry about it, or else youre going to be forever beholden to these ideas. And if you do that, you will lose your integrity. Mr. Jekielek: Was there some specific moment that really affected you and you realized that this was something that you couldnt be a part of? Ms. Levitt: I definitely didnt want to be a part of racial segregation. That was important to me. There were other things too, like Tema Okuns presentation on white supremacy. It says that a worship of the written word is white supremacy. My response to that is, We are attorneys, and words are our trade. While we dont worship the written word, it is very important, as is punctuality and thoroughness, which were characterized as white supremacy. Frankly, I found that to be very disempowering for black people. If they are saying if you write well or youre very concerned about the way you write or youre concerned about being punctual or youre concerned about being thorough, and that is white supremacy and those are not a characteristics of black people, then that is flat out racist. And it definitely didnt describe my black colleagues. Mr. Jekielek: How did your relationships change after that? Did people know that you went into this 90-minute session? Did people know that you were bucking the trend? How did that all work? Ms. Levitt: They knew I wasnt going to the affinity groups anymore. I dont think anyone knew the rest of it, honestly. Im not sure. Mr. Jekielek: What was the reaction to you not participating in the affinity groups? Ms. Levitt: No one said anything about it. But there was also another incident where a colleague of mine had emailed an article about antisemitism in the social justice movement. She sent it to the legal center. I chimed in and I said, Thats great. I would hope WAA would support this as well. And that just set off a firestorm of controversy. I got a ton of disapproving emails that accused me of furthering white supremacy, taking the spotlight away from black and brown people, and saying that anti-black racism is so much worse than antisemitism. I felt it was really excessive and very shocking that I got that response, because all I wanted them to do was put that article into our anti-racism resources. It was described as a problematic interaction that I even did that. After that, I did have frostier relationships with some of my colleagues. Mr. Jekielek: Let me reiterate this. You suggested adding resources on antisemitism to the toolkit. Ms. Levitt: Yes. Mr. Jekielek: And this resulted in this vitriolic response. Ms. Levitt: Yes. We shared this article. This was in the midst of everyone in the legal center sharing articles about racism and defunding the police, so we didnt share this article in a vacuum. But when we did, that was the response that we received. Even management said it was a problematic interaction. Of course we care about antisemitism, but blah, blah, blah. The only reason why I felt that was important is because we were being asked to espouse a very specific ideology of oppressor versus oppressed. The way that they characterize Jews is on the side of oppressors. Everything is black and white, and in a binary relationship. I have found, and scholars have found this ideology to be pretty antisemitic. So, I wanted that to be part of the conversation. What are we going to do with this part of it, guys? Later on, that wasnt even in my top 10 considerations. The language that was being used was so dehumanizing to white people and black people that I didnt want anything to do with it. I honestly believe that people in the organization espouse this ideology in good faith, because they believe it to be helpful. I dont think they are being malevolent. I dont say the same about some of the consultants and the originators of some of these ideas, and the people who are making a lot of money off these ideas. I wouldnt say that. But in my organization, I think most people have the best interests of other people at heart. I will say that. Mr. Jekielek: As a result of all of this, you have a case at the EEOC, the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Please tell me how that came about. Ms. Levitt: After I refused to sign the contract and I had the thought reform session, thats when I knew I had to do something about it. I did not want it to come to this, because I honestly love my job. I love representing my clients in court. I love helping them with their issues and watching their transformation. Its incredible. But the rest of it I could no longer abide by, and so I had a choice; keep quiet or finally do something about it. And I chose to do something about it. My hope is that this will change and I can continue working there, but I dont know if thats going to be the case. Mr. Jekielek: You are still working there, though. Ms. Levitt: As of today, I am still working there, yes. Mr. Jekielek: Let me read something from the document, which grabbed me. First of all, Levitt has satisfied all of the elements for a prima faci case of Title VII discrimination. You can tell me what that is in a moment. WAA has admitted to this disparate treatment, including admitting the differences in pay for white employees and promoting segregated work groups to the EEOC. What is this about differences in pay? Ms. Levitt: WAA brought in some consultants to do a racial equity audit. The premise of the audit is to find where white supremacy manifests in your organization? Not, does white supremacy manifest in your organization, but where? Its apriori, theyre going to find it. In doing the audit, they needed people to volunteer to be on the audit committee, and those people would receive a stipend. They said that the black and brown members of the audit committee would receive a higher stipend, due to the emotional labor that they would have to perform. Mr. Jekielek: You said something to me earlier as we were preparing for this. You said that all sorts of people write to you and say, We didnt realize that civil rights law applies to whites as well. I thought that was astounding. The situation that you are describing is similar to this. Ms. Levitt: Yes. A lot of people are under that assumption, and its wrong, because the civil rights laws are for everyone no matter what your color is. Its true that we havent always lived up to the civil rights laws and to our ideals in this country, but that doesnt mean we shouldnt stop trying. That doesnt mean we shouldnt stop striving, and it doesnt mean we should just turn it all on its head and say, Okay, because we discriminated against you in the past, now were going to discriminate against this other group of people. Where does that end? No place good. Mr. Jekielek: Ill read a bit more from the submission. The lawyers write, One can only imagine the response of black or Hispanic employees who were subjected to lower stipends, excluded from healing spaces, told they needed to put in extra work, or told they needed to remove books by black or Hispanic authors from their bookshelves. Youre flipping the way you were treated on its head. Ms. Levitt: Yes. In the beginning when we were bombarded with messages, emails, and trainings, it was all stuff like that. White people, decolonize your bookshelf. Do the work, put in the work. We were asked to do the extra work at home. Honestly, if it would be beneficial, I wouldnt mind, But this was regressive and, honestly, it was discrimination, so I did not want any part of it. Mr. Jekielek: What exactly is Title VII discrimination? Ms. Levitt: Title VII is part of the Civil Rights Act, and it governs the workplace. It says dont discriminate on the basis of race. That is it in a nutshell. Part of my complaint is also about a racially hostile atmosphere. If youre subjected to hostile messages about race every day, that can be a hostile atmosphere in your workplace. Mr. Jekielek: You mentioned that there was also guidance on how you should do your work that you found potentially problematic. Please tell me about that. Ms. Levitt: There were a lot of discussions about defunding the police. Im sure we werent the only organization doing that. While there are problems with the police, just like there are problems with almost anything, our clients need the police to stop the abuse. Its not the total solution, but it needs to be part of a solution. I found the messaging that its dangerous for black and brown people to call the police in domestic violence situations to be dangerous. What is a social worker going to do in one of these violent situations? Domestic violence situations are some of the most deadly calls for police officers to respond to. So, if you put a social worker or someone whos versed in restorative justice into one of these calls, what do you thinks going to happen? It could be very tragic. Mr. Jekielek: Why do you think this guidance was being put in place? Ms. Levitt: The whole country was in a hysteria about police brutality. The hysteria was partially brought on by the media by the way they covered any police shooting of a black or brown person. If you look at the research from Roland Fryer, he says that black people did have more violent encounters with the police, when youre just thinking of soft violence like being roughed up. But as far as being shot and killed, they actually are not killed more than white people or any other group. We were just being whipped up into a hysteria about it. The people who are saying, Defund the police, most of them really thought that would save people from getting shot by the police. Honestly, the police are not perfect. There are times when they dont believe victims or they tell victims the wrong thing. Some of it might be a mistake and some of it might be callousness. But I believe reform is the way to go, not just defunding. Whether or not Philadelphia has actually defunded the police, they have definitely pulled back. Our most marginalized neighborhoods have gotten much worse. A lot of our clients come from the most marginalized neighborhoods of Philadelphia. Mr. Jekielek: This is something weve covered on American Thought Leaders. There is an epidemic of violence and murder, and its correlated with the reduction of police presence. Weve done our own reporting and talked anecdotally, but theres also data that shows that people in the inner city tend to be very pro-police actually. They want more of a police presence. Ms. Levitt: Yes. I have spoken to people from marginalized communities who have said, This year I had to go buy a gun. Im getting my concealed-carry license. My house was shot into, my car was shot up, and my neighbors house was shot into. I can think of at least four examples of people telling me that. I dont think, in the end, that defunding the police did any good. It actually did the oppositeit harmed people. We have the highest amount of shootings that we have ever had. I would say on average, maybe three shootings a day. It is the highest number of murders that weve ever had. Its in all neighborhoods, its not confined to this neighborhood or that neighborhood. It is everywhere. Mr. Jekielek: What do you hope can happen with your organization? Lets use it as a model for the bigger picture, too. Ms. Levitt: Organizations need to realize that this type of DEI training is disruptive to an organization. It pulls organizations away from their core missions, and its very divisive. There are DEI programs that are not divisive that will bring people together, and those are more humanistic. They will never divide people up by race, because theyre more about bringing people together. Irshad Manji has one called Moral Courage. Sheena Mason has another, The Theory of Racelessness. Eric Smith and Jason Littlefield have created EmpoweredEd Pathways. Those are just three examples. Fair for All is doing excellent work in this area, and we need to look at that. If you need to have a DEI program, have one that is not going to be divisive, and have one thats going to bring your employees together. And you really dont need to have any soul-baring sessions at work. Stay focused on your mission, and just do that. If people need therapy, they can do that on their own time, just provide them with the resources. Mr. Jekielek: I want to explore this. You saw the mission of your organization shift. Its not just the attitude towards the specific job, but youre saying the mission changed. Ms. Levitt: Yes. Anti-racism became part of the mission; based on Ibram Kendis definition of racism being prejudice plus power. Anti-racism means treating different racial groups differently, assigning characteristics to someone based on their racial group,based on the color of their skin. Thats all part of this anti-racism. To me, that is racist. Mr. Jekielek: Kendi had a theory about how to overcome contemporary racism. How does he say it? Ms. Levitt: His theory is that the remedy for past racism or past discrimination is discrimination in the present. The remedy for present discrimination is future discrimination. Why are we keeping the discrimination? To me, thats the part we have to get rid of it. Its not a remedy. Mr. Jekielek: I want to talk about a paper you wrote. I noticed it at the top of your Twitter feed, so obviously this is something very important to you. Its titled, How Social Justice Extremists Spawned a Generation of Progressive Anti-Semites. You co-wrote it with David Bernstein and Daniel Newman. Ms. Levitt: Basically, critical social justice is antisemitic at its core. Why? Because it divides everything into a binary of black and white, oppressor versus oppressed. Those arent categories that Jews fit into. It pushes Jews into the category of white, or white-adjacent, or benefiting from whiteness, which is very evil in their eyes. Jews are put into that category, and so discrimination against them is fine. It doesnt matter. They have power, and they have privilege. The end result is theres a huge argument on Twitter over whether Anne Frank had white privilege. Mr. Jekielek: Yes, I thought that was cosmically bizarre when I saw that discussion. For the benefit of the audience, she perished in the Holocaust. Ms. Levitt: Yes, at a very young age. Mr. Jekielek: Theres a strange ignoring of reality, it seems, when it comes to applying these critical social justice principles. It ends up with this extreme situation of Anne Frank. Ms. Levitt: Yes. Its a very crude tool used at certain times and with certain minorities. Ive seen it also used with Asians. They use it with Israel. Israelis are painted as white oppressors and the Palestinians are painted as the brown who are oppressed. So, everything Israel does is bad, and everything the Palestinians do is good. If youre on the side of justice, you have to be on the side of the Palestinians. Mr. Jekielek: I thought it was very curious that BLM had position statements on all sorts of different things. The nuclear family is the one that I remember the most, but also the one on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ms. Levitt: It was BLMs parent organization, and I dont know if this is the right way to actually conceptualize it, but its called Movement for Black Lives. They endorsed BDS, which is a movement to not deal with Israel at all in any way, with any form of investment or teaching. And its very anti-semitic. There were a few BLM leaders that actually traveled to Israel and met with some Palestinians. Included in the group of people that they met with were some known terrorists. I lived in Israel for two years. I lived there during the second intifada, and I worked with the Terror Victims Association. At that time, there were bombings and shootings every day. Israels a very small country. Everybody knows somebody who was killed, and everybody knows somebody who was injured or who had witnessed a terror attack. When I see what that kind of rhetoric can lead to, Im not going to have anything to do with it. And honestly, thats how I felt about the rhetoric against white people. Its very dehumanizing. And as Jews, weve been down this road before, weve seen it. It doesnt lead to anywhere good. Mr. Jekielek: We keep hearing about this idea that speech is violence and people talk about being traumatized with microaggressions. Given your understanding or expertise around trauma, how do you understand that? Ms. Levitt: If someone is constantly exposed to negative speech, that can definitely traumatize a person. But as far as microaggressions go, its not an aggression, but its a microaggression. What is that, half of an aggression? I dont see how that fits in with trauma. There are a lot of experts who will say Im wrong, but I think the opposite. Im going to go with Jonathan Haidts view; coddling people and saying that every little hurt you experience is a trauma is not going to help you. Its very disempowering. Mr. Jekielek: What do you hope the outcome of your suit will be? Theres your specific case, and theres a lot of people watching this very closely. Ms. Levitt: I hope more people stand up to this. I hope people realize that there are more people like them than they think, and they too can stand up to this. This isnt about me and there wasnt anything special about me that made me stand up to it. Anyone can do it. You just have to put your head down and swim. Mr. Jekielek: It strikes me that probably most of the people working for your organization are highly motivated to help women. Ms. Levitt: Yes. Mr. Jekielek: It takes a particular sort of person to put their heart and soul into this kind of thing, so it makes sense to me why you might step forward in this kind of a context. But what surprises me is that so many people dont, even your coworkers who have a similar level of passion and desire for social change. Why do you think that is? Ms. Levitt: There are all sorts of reasons. Number one is fear of being painted as racist or a bigot. Number two is you lose friends when you do it, and you put your job in danger. One of the biggest things is just the cost of going into the legal system. It can cost tens, or hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring suit, if thats what needs to happen. I have my own legal fund at Jewish Institute for Liberal Values. Its at jilv.org/nicole. There needs to be more institutions that will help people do this, because on your own it can be really overwhelming. Mr. Jekielek: It is a fund for you, but you didnt create it. Ms. Levitt: I did not. Mr. Jekielek: It was created when someone noticed that you needed help. Ms. Levitt: Yes. Mr. Jekielek: I want to clarify that for the benefit of our audience. I wish you the best of success. Any final thoughts as we finish up? Ms. Levitt: I would like everyone to remember that the civil rights laws are for everyone. This issue, although its often painted as a Right-wing issue, is not about Left or Right, its about right or wrong. Are we going to allow discrimination or are we ready to stop it? Mr. Jekielek: Well, Nicole Levitt, its such a pleasure to have you on the show. Ms. Levitt: Thank you. Mr. Jekielek: Thank you all for joining Nicole Levitt and me on this episode of American Thought Leaders. Im your host, Jan Jekielek. We reached out to Women Against Abuse, or WAA. A spokesperson acknowledged Nicole Levitt has filed a claim with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. WAA said, while it, cannot comment on this open EEOC claim, it believes, our actions in relation to Ms. Levitt and our racial equity work were legal. Follow EpochTV on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/EpochTV Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@EpochTV Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/epochtv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus Gab: https://gab.com/EpochTV Telegram: https://t.me/EpochTV People watch a TV showing an image of North Korea leader Kim Jong Un, during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea on July 28, 2022. (Ahn Young-joon/AP Photo) North Korea Passes Law Allowing Automatic Nuclear Strikes Against Hostile Forces North Korea has passed a law allowing it to conduct a nuclear strike automatically against any hostile forces posing an imminent threat to the nation, according to the official state-run media. The new law, adopted at the Supreme Peoples Assembly on Sept. 8, will allow North Korea to immediately destroy the hostile forces to protect itself, state mouthpiece Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The law states that North Korea will employ nuclear weapons only as a last resort, but that nuclear forces will be the primary policy of national defense to protect the countrys sovereignty, territorial integrity, and people. With this, the position of our state as a nuclear weapon state has become irreversible, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was cited as saying by KCNA in a separate report. Kim vowed that his country will never give up nuclear weapons, regardless of the military situation on the Korean Peninsula and even if North Korea is subjected to 100 years of sanctions. He referred to the United States as North Koreas nuclear enemy state while blaming South Korea for aggravating military tensions in the region due to its joint defense posture with Washington. As long as nuclear weapons exist on earth and imperialism remains, and the United States and its vassal forces refuse to stop their anti-DPRK maneuverings, our journey of building up nuclear forces will never end, Kim said, using North Koreas official acronym. US Holds No Hostile Intent Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Sept. 9 reiterated that Washington holds no hostile intent toward North Korea and continues to pursue diplomacy. As we have saidand North Korean officials, including Kim Jong Un, have publicly notedwe continue to seek diplomacy and are prepared to meet without preconditions. The DPRK continues to not respond, she told reporters. Jean-Pierre stated that Washington remains focused on coordinating closely with its allies and partners to address North Koreas nuclear threats. A test-fire of a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), at an undisclosed location in North Korea, on March 24, 2022. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) North Korea has conducted a series of missile launches this year, including one involving its largest intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-17, all of which are banned under U.N. Security Council resolutions on North Koreas missile program. South Korean Yoon Suk-yeol had offered to provide North Korea with what he called an audacious plan that would significantly improve the countrys economy and its peoples livelihoods in stages in exchange for complete denuclearization. North Korea rejected Yoons offer, calling it an absurd dream. Kim said that there will be no denuclearization talks, negotiations, or bargaining chips in that process, according to KCNA. South Korea has been pushing for a formal declaration to end the 19501953 Korean War to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The two countries agreed to an armistice in 1953. North Korea insists that any formal treaty to end the war must first be preceded by an end to U.S. hostilities against it. Countering China: something both sides of the U.S. aisle agree on. But Republicans say theyll take a different approach if they win the midterm elections. F-35 fighter jet deliveries are on pauseall because of a single part made in China. Is the United States still granting China access to microchip technology? A recent sales approval by U.S. regulators hints the answer is yes. North Koreas nuclear threat is getting an update. A new rule means the country could launch nuclear strikes if it feels threatenedand rejects future denuclearization talks. Topics in this episode: House GOP Vows to Counter China with Majority Taiwan Confident About High Standard U.S. Trade Deal French Senators Visit Taiwan Following Pelosi Trip Made in China Part Halts Fighter Jet Deliveries Rubio: Biden Fails to Block IP Sale to China N. Korea Strengthens Nuclear Weapons Policy India, Japan to Strengthen Military Ties Russia Invasion Halts Half of Neon Output for Chips How Much Help Is the U.S. Giving Taiwan? Have other topics you want us to cover? Drop us a line: chinainfocus@ntdtv.org And if youd like to buy us a coffee: https://donorbox.org/china-in-focus Subscribe to our newsletter for more first-hand news from China. BUY Jan 6 DVD: The Real Story of Jan. 6 Documentary102 Minutes, Color) , Promo Code [Tiffany] for 20% off. Follow China in Focus on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChinaInFocusNTD Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@chinainfocus Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/chinainfocus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NTDChinainFocus Gab: https://gab.com/ChinaInFocus Telegram: https://t.me/ChinainFocusNTD Click the Save button below the video to access it later on My List Follow EpochTV on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/EpochTV Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@EpochTV Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/epochtv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus Gab: https://gab.com/EpochTV Telegram: https://t.me/EpochTV OC Animal Care Holds Free Adoption for 200 Pets The Orange County Animal Shelter is holding its first annual Animal Adoption Day on Sept. 10 in Tustin, kicking off a month-long event where the first 200 furry friends will be taken home with the adoption fee waived. Both dogs and cats are available for adoption. Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley partnered with OC Animal Care to waive the adoption fee for the overcrowded shelter. This shelter has capacity for about 200 dogs and 300 cats, but currently houses more than double its max capacity of animals, Foley said in a statement. By hosting Animal Adoption Day, we hope to encourage the public to adopt, foster, or volunteer [at] our county shelters to support our regions homeless pets. (Courtesy of Supervisor Katrina Foley) Each adopted animal comes with a microchip, vaccinations, spay or neutering, and anti-parasite treatment. Pets will also receive a certificate for a free veterinary exam at participating Southern California Veterinary Medical Association clinics within 72 hours of adoption. The program includes a drive-thru pet food pantry from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Currently, the most popular breeds for adoption at the shelter include huskies, German shepherds, and pit bulls. Appointments are recommended for dog adoptions, but walk-ins are available. To make appointments, the shelter can be reached at 714-935-6848. With waived adoption fees, free starting supplies for each adopting family, and the drive-thru pet food pantry, we invite community members to join us so we can connect hundreds of cats and dogs with their forever families, OC Animal Care Director Andi Bernard said in a statement. Law enforcement gather at the scene of a shooting in Elk Mills, Md., on Sept. 9, 2022. (Ryan Collerd/AP Photo) Officials Name 2 Parents, 3 Children Who Died in Shooting ELK MILLS, Md.Two parents and their three children were found fatally shot at a Maryland home, authorities said Saturday. Autopsies confirmed that all five family members died from gunshot wounds, the Cecil County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. An unnamed man had called 911 on Friday morning from the Elk Mills home to report that a woman and three children had been shot and were dead, the sheriffs office said. The parents were identified as Marcus Edward Milligan, 39, and Tara Devina Ricker Milligan, 37. Their two daughters and son were identified as Teresa Milligan, 14; Nora Milligan, 11; and Finn Milligan, 8. An earlier news release didnt specify that the two adults found in the home were the childrens parents. Investigators found a handgun near the fathers body, according to the sheriffs office. Law enforcement gather at the scene of a shooting in Elk Mills, Md., on Sept. 9, 2022. (Ryan Collerd/AP Photo) The shooting remained under investigation on Saturday. A sheriffs office spokesman, Lt. Michael Holmes, declined to elaborate on the circumstances of the shooting. I can say theres no threat to the public currently, Holmes said. The spokesman wouldnt address whether they believe the deceased father is the same man who called 911 from the home. The shooting occurred on a cul-de-sac in an area of residential streets interspersed with wooded areas about 60 miles northeast of Baltimore and a few miles west of the Delaware state line. Its a horrific day, and I know everybodys prayers are appreciated, Sheriff Scott Adams said on Friday. My phone hasnt stopped ringing from people concerned about this and upset about this. The sheriff didnt provide a possible motive for the shooting. He said that his office has no records of deputies responding to calls at the house. Britain's Queen Elizabeth attends the opening ceremony of the sixth session of the Senedd in Cardiff, Britain October 14, 2021. Photo by Reuters/Jacob King Vietnamese leaders have sent their condolences to the royal family, the government and people in the U.K. after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue sent condolence messages respectively to King Charles III, U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss, Lord Speaker John McFall and the Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle, according to a statement from Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In their telegrams, the Vietnam leaders sent their deep condolences to the royal family, government, parliament and people of the U.K., and expressed their appreciation for the Queen's affection and support in promoting Vietnam - U.K. relations. The same day, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son sent his condolences to U.K. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. Queen Elizabeth II died September 8 at Balmoral Palace, Scotland, aged 96. She was crowned in 1952, at the age of 25, after the death of her father, King George VI. In June, the UK hosted the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II to celebrate the 70th anniversary of her accession, longer than any other monarch in the country's history. Oregon Adopts California Fire Tactic, Shuts Power Amid High Winds PORTLAND, Ore.Oregon utilities shut down power to tens of thousands of customers on Friday as dry easterly winds swept into the region in the hopes that it would lessen the risk of wildfires in dry and hot conditions. Power shut-offs due to fire weather, common in California, are relatively new to the Pacific Northwest. The plans were part of permanent rules approved in May to manage wildfire danger in high-risk areas. Portland General Electric halted power to about 30,000 customers in 12 service areasincluding the posh West Hills neighborhood of Portlandand Pacific Power shut down service to more than 7,000 customers in a small community on the Pacific Coast, where a wildfire burned two years ago, and in pockets southeast of the state capitol of Salem. Schools in the areas with planned power outages canceled classes and authorities urged residents to charge cellphones and be ready to evacuate at a moments notice. The winds were whipping up a wildfire southeast of Eugene, Oregon, that had been burning in the wilderness for a month but was now making a run toward the small community of Oakridge, where residents were ordered to evacuate. Gov. Kate Brown declared a fire emergency late Friday for the Cedar Creek Fire as it encroached on the 3,200-person town. Fire personnel stage along School Street in Oakridge, Ore., on Sept. 9, 2022. (Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard via AP) The proactive power shutoffs were just the second for Portland General Electric ever. The utility shut down power to 5,000 customers in 2020 near Mount Hood during firestorms that ravaged the state. Strong winds over Labor Day weekend led to wildfires that burned more than 1 million acres, destroyed 4,000 homes, and killed at least 11 peopleand utilities were blamed for some of those fire starts. Pacific Power, another major utility in Oregon, said the shutoffs Friday were the first the company has ever done. The company put a wildfire mitigation plan in place in Oregon in 2018 that includes studying wind and weather patterns to predict high-risk areas. The utility was sued last year by residents in two towns that burned to ashes in the 2020 wildfires who blamed the company for not shutting down power in advance of the devastating wind storm. Pacific Power has since hired a team of meteorologists to make fire weather forecasts and is spending more than $500 million to harden its electric grid in high-risk areas by replacing wooden poles with carbonized ones and encasing power lines and conductor boxes to reduce the chances of a spark, said Drew Hanson, a Pacific Power spokesman. A number of blazes are burning in Oregon and Washington state. Just south of Salem, firefighters using at least two planes and a helicopter tried to douse the flames of a wildfire that spread from grass to stands of trees, blanketing parts of the Willamette Valley in smoke. The largest in Oregon is the Double Creek Fire burning in northeastern Oregon near the Idaho border. The fire grew by nearly 47 square miles Wednesday because of wind gusts up to 50 mph and as of Friday had burned a total of nearly 214 square miles. Its threatening about 100 homes near the community of Imnaha. In Central Oregon, the Cedar Creek Fire east of Oakridge has burned nearly 52 square miles. On Friday, officials ordered a level 3 go now evacuation for residents of greater Oakridge, Westfir, and High Prairie areas due to increased fire activity. The Van Meter Fire, which started Wednesday, is burning on Stukel Mountain about 13 miles southeast of Klamath Falls. One home and four structures have been destroyed and about 260 structures are threatened by that blaze, officials said. The Rum Creek Fire was also burning in southwest Oregon and was almost halfway contained at about 33 square miles. Student backpacks hang on the backs of classroom chairs at a New York City school on June 24, 2022. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images) PA Education Administrator and Lawmaker: Gender Education Is Responsibility of Family, Not School Controversy over the Pennsylvania Department of Educations (PDE) promotion of gender identity theory on its official website is festering. Some education administrators and state legislators believe gender education belongs in the home and should not be taught in schools. I dont believe theres any place in the schools for this teaching. Its not related to the standards we have right now, Pa. State Rep. Barbara Gleim told The Epoch Times on Aug. 29. Gleim is one of 21 in the Pa. House of Representatives calling on the Pennsylvania education secretary to resign unless he takes immediate action to reverse the new content requirements and guidelines set forth by the PDE. She said that gender education instruction can create significant confusion for students. Children are very impressionable at an early age and tend to believe whatever teachers are teaching them, Gleim said, but then they go home and realize that this goes against the religious and family values of the parents in the home. And so, thats where youre getting this clash, she said. Crossing the Line In response to the PDEs website indicating that the two-gender concept is faulty, Gleim stated, Pennsylvania went a step further and in fact, in her opinion, went too far. If you are [a member of] any faith-based group, and Ive heard from Muslims, Ive heard from Indian Hindus, Ive heard from Christians, and that covers a lot of people. And theyre saying to me that this crosses the line, Gleim said. They have their teachings in the home. But then, the school starts teaching that those worldviews in their homes are wrong. Thats where theyve crossed the line. This is a secular worldview they are espousing on their departments website that most people do not believe, nor do they teach it in their homes. They cant teach that these other worldviews and faith-based religions are wrong. Gleim said that a group of parents filed a lawsuit in federal court the week of Aug. 26. Theyre even going that next step because theres a due process clause under the 14th amendment, basically saying that the Constitution protects the sanctity of the family. And theyre saying that this is interfering with the family institution. Gleim said most parents she has spoken to support that type of lawsuit, and they want the schools to start concentrating on the learning gap. After COVID, they want schools to start concentrating on math and reading and the basics rather than trying to teach either sex education or some ideology, and [this is true for] the elementary and middle schools in particular, she said. Legislators Action A lot of my colleagues and I believe that parents have the right to know what their student or their child is being taught in school, Gleim stated. She noted that she and her colleagues would continue to take action to support students and their families. Gleim introduced House Bill 2521 in April and it was referred to the education committee that same month. The bill would establish an anti-indoctrination pedagogy to prevent teachers or other school district employees from forcing students to adopt or adhere to beliefs that violate the Civil Rights Act; particularly those involving inequality or unequal treatment based on race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age or family status. Gleim said the bill she is working on for the fall is very moderate and transparent so that everybodys eyes are open, and they all understand the parents complaint. All it does is it says to a parent if you have [concrete] proof that there is some indoctrination being taught in your classroom, bring it to the school board, the school board then is mandated to go through an investigatory process with that documentation, just like the bullying policy that they already have, she said. So, it calls on the administration, the teacher, and the parents to meet in the school board to talk about what is being taught in that classroom. Attack on Free Speech Gender-identity concepts have nothing to do with academics and have no place in the classroom. Gender issues are something that should be managed and handled in the family home; it is a private matter, Veronica Gemma told The Epoch Times on Aug. 26. Veronica Gemma, the chair of PA Economic Growth PAC, the chair of Southern York County Republican Club Education, the chair of a local chapter of No Left Turn in Education, and former school board director of Central York School District. (Screenshot of video interview/The Epoch Times) Gemma is a former school board director of the Central York School district and is now the education chair for PA Economic Growth PAC, and the local chapter chair for No Left Turn in Education for South Central York County, Pa. Gemma stated that the PDE is forcing teachers to promote pronoun usage in the classroom via questionnaires and surveys. She said some students leave such paperwork blank; others reject it with reason, but many go with it because they are young and timid and dont know what else to do. If the pronouns are not welcomed, it causes stress and division in the school for teachers and students. Its also a violation of free speech, she added. Children come to school with their familys values [that] they are taught at home. All families are different, and we should celebrate that, but values and beliefs should be respected, she said. Gemma questioned that gender theory could confuse children at innocent, young impressionable ages, which will lead to the changing of the foundation of the country. The PDE guidance is faulty and divisive for the young minds at a time when they are still learning their colors, to read, count, and play together. Yes, this is [in] K-3 without parental knowledge or consent, she said. She believes the gender issue is a biological attribute instead of a state of mind. For two years, our world was told to follow the science, she said referring to the pandemic. This is basic biology and should be treated as such, Gemma said on gender. We are born, male and female, in Gods Image. Therefore, Gods design cannot be changed. It is a blatant lie circulating in society. None of it makes sense, she said. Teaching Children a Curriculum Thats Academically Sound People need to understand that SEL (social-emotional learning) is now embedded in the curriculum at every level. Professional development includes SEL, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), and CRT (critical race theory). SEL + DEI = CRT, Gemma said. CRT in a nutshell teaches all are inherently racist; we have oppressors and the oppressed forcing a generation of children to adopt a one-sided liberal belief system, she said. Public school systems are presenting SEL as a curriculum that will improve academic achievement and positive social interactions. Still, it is decreasing healthy self-image due to guilt and victimhood it instills, reducing healthy relationships, and creating the divisions it says it avoids, she said. Social emotional learning categorizes every student as at-risk of needing behavioral intervention. However, parents can opt out at their school by requesting the opt-out form, she said. Gemma supports the idea that the instruction of values and morals should be left to families and that schools need to get back to basics providing a sound, and comprehensive academic focused on reading, math, correct history, and science, not social justice agendas that confuse and prevent effective well-rounded learning. We have a serious reading deficit in our schools, she said. By the time a child hits 3rd grade, and if they are not reading at level, they will never catch up. I have teachers coming to me, telling me that at the 6th-grade level, less than 60 percent of students are at reading level, and labeled below basic. The 2022 graduating class, sadly, 30 percent of students not reading at an HS level. This is what schools need to be focused on, not social justice, said Gemma. Parents Angry According to a recent poll by Education Next, an education policy publication, nearly 2 million students in the United States have been pulled out of government schools. The poll indicated that between 2020 and 2022, the number of students in public schools dropped by 4 percent. This will increase in coming months and school years if the Dept of Ed continues this nonsense, said Gemma. When the PDE guidance came out, parents were outraged. We saw an increase in school board meeting attendance, letters being written to school boards speaking out against this, requests for copies of the exact curriculum and lesson plans for their students classroom, she said. Gemma said due to parents learning what is happening in classrooms theres a mass exodus from the public school system. She stated that for years, school administrations created a separation between teachers and parents, making it more difficult for parents to contact teachers when issues arise. Parents have been blindsided when suddenly their child comes home in the middle of transitioning their gender, which started at school, leaving parents in the dark. Schools allow children to change their names, clothes, and gender without involving their parents. Then parents are told their child will commit suicide if they do not support the transition. She believes children deserve a world-class education, something the country once had for over a century, and parents deserve complete transparency into what their children are learning without fear of indoctrination or exposure to faulty and unproven liberal concepts that are dangerous and divisive. Gemma stated parents need to be informed and know their rights, and the website Courage is a Habit is a great resource to keep parents informed. The Extended Stay America hotel in Lexington, Ky., in June 2019. (Google Maps/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Police: Kentucky Officer Wounded, Suspect Killed in Shooting LEXINGTON, Ky.A gunfire exchange between a suspect who died and a police officer who was wounded led to an hourslong standoff at a central Kentucky hotel, officials said Friday. Two officers responded late Thursday to a call from the Extended Stay America in Lexington on a report of trespassing and delayed assault, a statement from Lexington Police said. The suspect, later identified as Joshua Hagans, 40, refused to answer the door when police arrived, but the officers gained entry to the room and Hagans fired at them, the statement said. The officers returned fired and backed out of the room, but the suspect stayed and refused to exit, police said. One officer was wounded and taken to a hospital for treatment, officials said. Meanwhile, police requested a crisis negotiation unit, which tried for hours to make contact and negotiate with the suspect. Police said officers were able to enter the room again around 4:30 a.m. Friday and found him with a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The Fayette County Coroners office released Hagans identity later Friday and said he died at 5:05 a.m. of multiple gunshot wounds. Kentucky State Police are investigating. No further information was immediately released. On the same night, two Georgia deputies were killed while serving a warrant in a suburb near Atlanta and two suspects were taken into custody, authorities said. 2,750 people perished in the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. The remains of 1,106 victims have yet to be identified, in what was the worst terrorist attack in United States history. We rightly focus on the lives who were lost that day and on the people who died later as a result of their injuries or exposure to toxins they breathed. But lets take a look at the survivors. On the beautiful morning of September 11, 2001, Joe Peloso was in charge of an insurance company department in the South Tower of New Yorks World Trade Center. About the time he was arriving for work that day, American Airlines Flight 11 took off from Bostons Logan International Airport en route to Los Angeles with 92 passengers onboard. At 8:46 a.m., Flight 11 hit the North Tower, killing all 92 passengers instantly, along with hundreds of people who were on floors 93 to 99. Peloso and his staff heard and felt something, so they knew something had happened, but they didnt know exactly what it was. The bombing at World Trade Center in 1993 (two staff members were working in the building at the time) had occurred in the basement, and hadnt interfered with the integrity of the buildings structure, so no one could imagine the tragedy that was actually taking place. They continued with the work at hand. Peloso watched from his office window that faced the North Tower, as smoke emanated from that building. He watched what his mind didnt want to register as people falling from the building. He called his wife to let her know he was okay. He spoke to his sister, and he tried to call his daughter Amy who was working in nearby midtown Manhattan. Regardless of whether what just happened was an accident or something more insidious, Peloso shifted into action. He felt compelled to tell his people to get out of the building. (Courtesy of Joe Peloso) While building security staff was advising people over the public address system to stay in their offices, Peloso was walking from desk to desk calmly telling his staff to exit the building. His calm, yet serious demeanor led people to get off the phone, stop other conversations, put down their files, go against the advice of the building security staff, and leave. Peloso and a few others remained in the office observing the unfolding tragedy at the North Tower while making phone calls. At 9:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175 hit floors 75 to 85 of the South Tower, killing all 65 passengers and hundreds of others upon impact. The computers shut down and the lights went off. Peloso and his remaining staff made their way through the dark hallway and into the stairwell. First responders were racing past them. At 9:59 a.m., less than an hour after being hit, the South Tower collapsed, killing many, but by that time Peloso and his staff were already out of the building and walking to what they hoped was safety. At that point, no one knew if there were other suicide bombers heading toward Manhattan. The only thing they knew for sure at that point was that what was happening was not an accident. As first responders charged toward the buildings, and the air filled with smoke and debris that made it difficult to breathe, Peloso kept his composure and continued leading the way, heading toward midtown where his daughter Amy worked. Cell phones werent working and there were long lines at every phone booth, so when they were far enough away from the disaster and ensuing chaos, Peloso and his group entered a hotel lobby where people were standing in line to use the phone. While they each took turns calling loved ones, Peloso was watching the TV coverage and trying to figure out the best route out of the city. He watched as the South Tower collapsed, seemingly in slow motion. It was less than an hour from the time that he and his staff had made it down what seemed like countless stairs and went out the front doors. To Peloso, it felt like hours had gone by. Peloso and his staff walked to his daughters office, where she and her co-workers met the group. They all watched the smoke and fire through the conference room windows and the news coverage about similar attacks in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. When they felt it was safe to do so, they ventured out, stopping at Amys apartment to gather her cat. They made their way, with the many others who hoped to eventually get home, through the dark and eerily quiet Times Square and over to the port where thousands of people who owned boats volunteered to transport people across the Hudson over to Hoboken, New Jersey. It has been reported that over 500,000 people were evacuated by boat that day in a spontaneous, completely non-organized volunteer effort. Peloso said: Ive heard it said that Dunkirk was the biggest water rescue in history, referring to the World War II effort to evacuate Allied soldiers who were trapped at the Dunkirk beach in France. But what I saw on 9/11 makes me think differently. Everyone who had a boat was there taking people out of New York City. There were lots of heroes that day. (Courtesy of Joe Peloso) Thousands of people survived, including Peloso and every one of his staff. Peloso doesnt consider himself a hero, and hes not entirely comfortable talking about the details of that horrific day. But when pressed, he was willing to talk about the valuable preparation of his upbringing and his military training. Pelosos dad was a cop who didnt tolerate nonsense. Peloso started working from the age of 16. He enlisted in the Army ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) in college and served as a First Lieutenant in the 196th Infantry Brigade and Americal Division in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. He spent most of that time in a defensive combat position, experiencing frequently bombings and occasional sapper attacks at their base camp. Like others who have been through combat or other life-threatening situations, when faced with crisis, Peloso quickly shifted from focusing on the challenges of the day to how to overcome the danger he and his staff faced. He said, I hadnt thought about my military service in years, but what was ingrained in me during my time in Vietnam came back to me like muscle memory. When youre being attacked, you respond as youve been trained. Survivors of traumatic situations, including those who survived the 9/11 attacks, share some commonalities. They seem to have the ability to shift from fear, which is passive, to coping, which is actively responding to the challenges they face. They are able to assess their situations and improvise toward the overarching goal of survival. They are problem solvers. They are decisive. They are persistent. They refuse to give up. They have the confidence to lead others and tend to be protectors. The Successful Survivors Foundation, a nonprofit founded by this author, has observed that survivors of trauma are driven by a courageous will, which compels them toward positive action, which in turn, controls fear and allows for calmly moving toward survival even in the midst of danger. People like Peloso have an air of authority in crisis that is born out of an ability to quickly shift, adapt, improvise, and respond confidently to a constantly changing situation. The souls that perished as a result of the 9/11 attacks, many of whom ran through the smoke toward the fire, had an immeasurable level of bravery that most of us will never fully comprehend. We will always salute them, and we will never forget. But there is no guilt or shame in recognizing the survivors. Like Peloso, most successful survivors dont describe themselves as such. They seem to have an inherent mix of confidence and humility that leaves them with no need to boast. Peloso, like so many others that day, is a successful survivor. Activists take part in a rally protesting at an escalation of President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs, in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on Aug. 18, 2017. (Dondi Tawatao/Reuters) Rights Group Opposes Philippines Request to Halt ICC Probe on Dutertes Drug War Killings There is no evidence showing that the Philippines government is investigating the killings committed in the drug war campaign led by former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday. Carlos Conde, an HRW researcher in the Philippines, said the group has been monitoring the situation since November and found no compelling evidence that the government was seriously investigating or prosecuting those responsible. In fact, the killings are continuing and impunity for police officers and others implicated in these abuses by all accounts remains intact, Conde said in a statement. Condes remarks came in response to the Philippine governments request to the International Criminal Court (ICC) not to resume its investigations into Dutertes drug war, claiming the tribunal has no jurisdiction. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra argued that the cases are already being investigated and prosecuted by the proper agencies and that state-level investigative proceedings should take precedence under international law principles. The alleged murder incidents that happened during the relevant period do not constitute crimes against humanity, considering that said incidents do not qualify as an attack against the civilian population, Guevarra said. Furthermore, the said occurrences were not in furtherance of a state or organizational policy to commit such attack, he added, according to a state-run news agency. Protesters hold banners during a protest against President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila, Philippines, on Dec. 8, 2017. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) Duterte was elected in 2016 on a promise to eradicate illegal drugs in the Philippines. HRW claimed the anti-drug campaign resulted in the deaths of over 12,000 Filipinos, with the police being responsible for 2,555 of these deaths. His daughter, Sara Duterte, was sworn in as the countrys vice president in June. She was the running mate of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the Philippines late dictator, in the May election. Marcos Jr. was elected as president. Amnesty International also called on the ICC to resume its investigations, saying that domestic-level investigations initiated by the Philippines government have been woefully inadequate and wholly lacking in credibility. Philippines Rules Out Rejoining ICC Marcos Jr. has previously ruled out the prospect of rejoining the ICC, insisting that there were sufficient domestic-level investigations into Dutertes drug war. What we are saying is it is already being investigated here, and its ongoing, so why would there be a need for it? the president said. The Philippines has no intention of rejoining the ICC. The Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC on March 17, 2019, after the then-ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda began preliminary investigations into Dutertes drug war for suspected human rights abuses. Despite the countrys withdrawal, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said last year that the ICC retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes that occurred while the Philippines was a party to the court from Nov. 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019. Khan urged the reopening of investigations into the case, citing the governments failure to offer any documentation that the investigations were ongoing, as well as information regarding concrete investigations or prosecution actions. The ICC probe was suspended in November 2021 after the Philippine government requested a deferral and pledged to investigate the alleged abuses. Russia Announces Troop Pullback From Ukraines Kharkiv Area KYIV, UkraineRussias Defense Ministry announced Saturday that it was pulling back troops from two areas in Ukraines eastern Kharkiv region. The news came after days of apparent advances by Ukraine south of Kharkiv, the countrys second-largest city. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said troops would be regrouped from the Balakliya and Izyum areas to the eastern Donetsk region. Izyum was a major base for Russian forces in the Kharkiv region, and earlier this week social media videos showed residents of Balakliya joyfully cheering as Ukrainian troops moved in. Konashenkov said the Russian move was being made in order to achieve the stated goals of the special military operation to liberate Donbas, one of the eastern Ukraine regions that Russia has declared sovereign. Abandoned weapons crates in Balakliya, Kharkiv region, Ukraine, on Sept. 10, 2022. (Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images) Earlier Saturday, Ukrainian officials claimed major gains in the Kharkiv region, saying their troops had cut off vital supplies to Izyum. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko also suggested troops had retaken Kupiansk, a town along the main supply route to Izyum, long a focus on the Russian front line and the site of heavy artillery and other fighting. Nikolenko posted a photo on Twitter showing soldiers in front of what he said was a government building in Kupiansk, 73 kilometers (45 miles) north of Izyum. Ukrainian troops are advancing in eastern Ukraine, liberating more cities and villages. Their courage coupled with Western military support brings astonishing results. Its crucial to keep sending arms to Ukraine. Defeating Russia on the battlefield means winning peace in Ukraine pic.twitter.com/Mkr18soUmb Oleg Nikolenko (@OlegNikolenko_) September 10, 2022 The Ukrainian Security Service posted a message hours later saying troops were in Kupiansk, further suggesting it had been seized. The military did not immediately confirm entering the town, a railway hub that Russia seized in February. Videos on social media appeared to show Ukrainian forces on the outskirts of Izyum at a roadside checkpoint. A large statue with the citys name could be seen in the images. Ukrainian forces did not acknowledge holding the city. Britains Defense Ministry said Saturday that it believed Ukrainian troops had advanced as much as 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Kharkiv, and described Russian forces around Izyum as increasingly isolated. Russian forces were likely taken by surprise. The sector was only lightly held and Ukrainian units have captured or surrounded several towns, the British military said, adding that the loss of Kupiansk would greatly affect Russian supply lines. Vladislav Sokolov, head of the Russian-appointed local administration, said on social media that authorities in Izyum had started evacuating residents to Russia. The fighting in eastern Ukraine comes amid an ongoing offensive around Kherson in the south. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov told the television channel Ukraina that the Russians had no food or fuel for their troops in the area as Kyiv had cut off their supply lines. The Ukrainian military was more circumspect, claiming to have taken more than 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) from pro-Kremlin forces this week. It said that in some areas, units of the Defense Forces have penetrated the enemys defenses to a depth of 50 kilometers, matching the British assessment, but did not disclose geographical details. Officials in Kyiv have for weeks been tight-lipped about plans for a counteroffensive, urging residents to refrain from sharing information on social media. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that troops had reclaimed more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region since the start of the counteroffensive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (C) reacts after his press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sept. 9, 2022. (Efrem Lukatsky/AP Photo) Elsewhere, Ukrainian emergency services reported that a 62-year-old woman was killed in a Russian missile strike in the Kharkiv region when her home was flattened overnight. The Ukrainian governor of Kharkiv, Oleh Syniehubov, accused Moscow of pummeling retaken settlements. He said via Telegram that five civilians were hospitalized in the Izyum district, while nine others suffered injuries elsewhere in the region. In the embattled Donbas, the Ukrainian governor said civilians were killed and wounded overnight by Russian shelling near the city of Bakhmut, a key target of the stalled Russian offensive. Pavlo Kyrylenko said on Telegram that two people died and two were injured in Bakhmut and the neighboring village of Yahidne. In the Russina-held city of Enerhodar, home to Europes largest nuclear power plant, electricity and water were restored after a four-day outage due to an explosion, the citys Ukrainian mayor, Dmytro Orlov, said. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant outside Enerhodar in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, on Sept. 2, 2022. (International Atomic Energy Agency/Handout via Reuters) Enerhodar and its Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant have come under repeated shelling in recent weeks, which Russia and Ukraine accused each other of committing. The shelling has raised fears of a radiation leak at the plant, which has been cut off from outside power sources; the facility has been forced to rely on power from its only working reactor for systems cooling and other safety measures. Orlov said workers from the plant assisted in restoring Enerhodars power, but it was not clear if the electricity was coming from the plant or from a nearby thermal generating station. Also Saturday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock paid an unannounced visit to Kyiv and said Europe would not tire of helping Ukraine, despite Russian President Vladimir Putins efforts to raise the pressure by withholding energy supplies. Baerbock said Germany will assist Ukraine in finding and removing mines and other unexploded ordnance left by Russian troops in areas where they have been pushed back. Despite Ukraines gains, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the head of NATO warned Friday that the war would likely drag on for months. Blinken said the conflict was entering a critical period and urged Ukraines Western backers to keep up their support through what could be a difficult winter. Children in traditional Tibetan clothes and police watching passing Tibetan Buddhist monks during a ceremony for Monlam, otherwise known as the Great Prayer Festival of Losar, the Tibetan New Year, at the Rongwo Monastery, in Tongren County, Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, on Mar. 1, 2018. (Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images) Ruthless Surveillance Regime: Chinas Mass Collection of DNA in Tibet Draws Alarm NEW DELHIThe Communist regime in China has started an arbitrary collection of DNA from residents in many towns and villages throughout the Tibetan region, according to a new report. The Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamshala, India, said that these efforts indicate the extent of the regimes surveillance state, describing DNA sampling as a long-term tactic to control the Tibetan population. The [Chinese regimes] escalation of the illicit collection of Tibetans DNA samples for the purpose of crime detection originates from its desperate attempts to establish legitimacy to rule Tibet, and therefore such efforts are solely meant to secure their stability, Tenzin Lekshay, spokesperson of Central Tibetan Administration, also called the Tibetan government-in-exile, told The Epoch Times. Human Rights Watch, a New York-based non profit said in a Sept. 5 report that the Chinese regime is systematically collecting blood samples for DNA collection across the regimeeven from children at kindergartens. This comes along with a significant increase in policing, according to the Human Rights Watch, which cited government reports of 2019 from the regions police calling for bids from contractors to build DNA databases or announcing the construction of one. The report said that the ongoing efforts are to establish police presence at the grassroots level throughout the Tibetan region. China is a surveillance state where they are putting so much money on internal security. Inside Tibet, China installed more security cameras than doors and windows, said Lekshay. Since 2008, due to increased surveillance at the border, only a handful of Tibetans could escape to neighboring India unlike in previous years, according to Lekshay. Chinas collection of genetic samples without consent violates Tibetan rights under international law and strengthens its already ruthless surveillance regime, he said. Tibetans pray outside Jokhang Monastery ahead of Tibetan New Years Day in Lhasa, Tibet on February 28, 2014. (Jacky Chen/File Photo/Reuters) Tsering Passang, the chairman of the advocacy group Global Alliance for Tibet and Persecuted Minorities, said the communist regime was stepping up efforts to repress the local population. The mass DNA collection is probably their last resort to control Tibetans through biotechnology, said Passang, adding that the DNA sampling shows that the Chinese regime believes the Tibetans have become too political. The Human Rights Watch study said that the latest campaign carried out in January was called The Three Greats meaning, Great One-by-one Inspection, Great Investigation, and Great Mediation. This campaign involved police in the newly-established village police stations visiting each household and questioning residents about their views. Reports about the Chinese regime collecting genetic information in Tibet and other regions are not new. In 2017, Human Rights Watch reported about the collection and acceleration of the indexing of DNA in the northwest Xinjiang region for a nationally-searchable database. Work on the latter titled the Forensic Science DNA Database System started in the early 2000s as part of a larger police information project known as the Golden Shield, according to Human Rights Watch. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) issued another study in 2020 about the Chinese regime building the worlds larrgest police-run DNA database in close collaboration with industry partners from across the globe. Yet, unlike the managers of other forensic databases, Chinese authorities are deliberately enrolling tens of millions of people who have no history of serious criminal activity, said the report. Southern California Fire Burns 27,000 Acres, Under Extreme Weather Warning The Fairview fire, which began on Labor Day and resulted in two fatalities, jumped Sept. 9 to over 27,000 acres and is at 5 percent containment in Hemet, California. Eleven structures have been destroyedincluding residential or commercialthree structures were damaged, one person was injured, and the two deceased were reportedly fleeing from the fire and were found in a vehicle near where the fire broke out, according to the Cal Fire Riverside unit. As of Friday, Southern Californians are preparing for a tropical storm that could bring flash floods, mudslides, and more turmoil to the states electric grid, which officials have been issuing flex alerts to conserve power. Extreme weather advisories were sent out to several communities in Riverside County, adding another hurdle for firefighters. The National Weather Service sent out notifications Friday, placing the county under excessive heat and flash flood warnings as Tropical Storm Kay, which was formerly identified as a hurricane, got close to Baja California in Mexico. But officials, who thought the rain could help put out the fires, are now worried the storm could bring lightning and set ablaze new fires. We could go from a fire suppression event into significant rain, water rescues, mudslides, debris, Deputy Chief Jeff Veik of Riverside County Fire Department said in a press conference Thursday. We have challenging days ahead. The fast-moving Fairview Fire burns 2,000 acres and kills two people in Hemet, Calif., on Sept. 5, 2022. (Jamie Joseph/The Epoch Times) As of Thursday, evacuation orders remain in place for dozens of neighborhoods east of Hemet. Hemet Unified School District canceled classes Monday afternoon and will not return until conditions improve. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Riverside County, with other declarations including regions affected by the Mosquito Fire. So far, the Riverside County Fire Department has deployed over 2,000 firefighters, 16 helicopters, 246 fire engines, 33 dozers, 25 water tenders, and a total of 46 crews to combat the raging fire. Officials said Thursday evening that 18,000 homes have been threatened by the fire. A total of 18,500 residents around Hemet were notified to evacuate, but earlier in the week, Sheriff Brandi Swan said only a quarter of people were listening to the orders. There are plenty of people that are choosing to shelter in place, Swan said Wednesday. We have gone to over 3,700 homes to make notifications, and I would say maybe a quarter of those people are actually leaving. She said the department begs for their cooperation because the fire is very unpredictable and moves very fast. On Monday evening, a few hours after the fire began at 3:37 p.m., firefighters were thrown off guard when winds made a 180-degree turn in the opposite direction, moving further east and forcing several regions to evacuate. An investigation into the ignition of the fire is still underway, but Southern California Edisonthe main electricity supplier for the regionclaimed in a filing Sept. 6 that circuit activity [occurred] close in time to the reported time of the fireindicating a possibility that the fire started from the utilitys equipment. Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor poses during a group photo of the Justices at the Supreme Court in Washington, April 23, 2021. (Erin Schaff/Pool via REUTERS) Supreme Court Blocks Order Forcing Yeshiva University to Recognize LGBT Club on Campus Yeshiva University in New York City wont have to recognize an LGBT student club, at least not for the time being, according to an emergency ruling issued by the U.S. Supreme Court late on Sept. 9, temporarily blocking a lower court order forcing such recognition. Founded in 1897, the Orthodox Jewish university describes itself in court documents as the worlds premier Torah-based institution of higher education. The word yeshiva itself refers to a traditional Jewish religious school. Recognizing the LGBT student organization would violate its religious teachings, the school argues. The new ruling comes as the high court has become increasingly protective of constitutionally guaranteed religious rights in recent years. The order was issued by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who oversees emergency applications from New York and two other states within the 2nd Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals. Sotomayor provided no reasons for her decision in the case known as Yeshiva University v. YU Pride Alliance, court file 22A184. Her order (pdf) states that the lower court ruling is hereby stayed pending further order of the undersigned or of the Court. The university asked the U.S. Supreme Court to pause a court ruling that determined its refusal to recognize the YU Pride Alliance violated the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), which forbids discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In the alternative, the school asked the high court to take up the case and fast-track it, something the high court may yet do. Rabbi Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, hailed the new ruling. We are pleased with Justice Sotomayors ruling which protects our religious liberty and identity as a leading faith-based academic institution, Berman told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement. But make no mistake, we will continue to strive to create an environment that welcomes all students, including those of our LGBTQ community. We remain committed to engaging in meaningful dialogue with our students, Rabbis, and faculty about how best to ensure an inclusive campus for all students in accordance with our Torah values. The attorney for the YU Pride Alliance, Katie Rosenfeld of Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward and Maazel LLP, said her client will await a final order from the Supreme Court. The group remains committed to creating a safe space for LGBTQ students on YUs campus to build community and support one another without being discriminated against, Rosenfeld told The Epoch Times by email. In June, Judge Lynn Kotler of the 1st Judicial District of the New York Supreme Court determined that the university wasnt a bona fide religious corporation so it was, therefore, not exempt from the public accommodation provisions of the NYCHRL, as The Epoch Times reported. Kotler, a Democrat, ruled that even though the university is religious and at first blush appeared to be exempt from the law, its organizing documents do not expressly indicate that Yeshiva has a religious purpose. Kotler stated that Yeshiva amended its charter in 1967 to become, in the words of the amending document, an educational corporation under the Education Law of the State of New York. The document states that Yeshiva University is and continues to be organized and operated exclusively for educational purposes. Although in 1965, the NYCHRL excluded colleges and universities from classification as a place of public accommodation, in 1991, the City Council removed this exemption from the NYCHRL. This means, the judge wrote, that the courts finding that Yeshiva is not exempt from the NYCHRL is wholly consistent with the legislative intent of the NYCHRL, which requires that exemption from it be narrowly construed in order to minimize discriminatory conduct. Kotler issued a permanent injunction directing Yeshiva to immediately grant Plaintiff YU Pride Alliance official approval as a club. The universitys attorney, Eric S. Baxter of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, previously said Kotlers ruling was an unprecedented intrusion into the autonomy of a religious organization and a gross violation of the First Amendment. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts arrives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 31, 2020. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Supreme Courts John Roberts: Politicians, Public Shouldnt Influence Decisions Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts said Sept. 9 that the court should focus on its role of interpreting the U.S. Constitution when mentioning how some critics have questioned the courts legitimacy after recent decisions. If the court doesnt retain its legitimate function of interpreting the constitution, Im not sure who would take up that mantle, Roberts said while being interviewed by two judges from the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at its conference in Colorado Springs. You dont want the political branches telling you what the law is, and you dont want public opinion to be the guide about what the appropriate decision is, the George W. Bush appointee added. Roberts described the last year as an unusual and difficult one, pointing to the public not being allowed inside the court, closed in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, as one hardship. He also said it was gut wrenching to drive into the Supreme Court that was surrounded by barricades every day. Officials installed the barricades in May after protests were sparked by the release of a draft opinion indicating the court was poised to strike down Roe v. Wade, a 1973 decision that saw the court conclude access to abortion was a constitutional right. Justices also saw protesters gather outside their homes, and one man traveled with firearms to the home of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a Trump appointee with the intent to kill him, according to confessions police say the man made. The barricades are now gone and the public will be allowed back inside when the courts new session begins in October, according to Roberts. He did not mention the leak of the draft opinion, penned by Justice Samuel Alito, a George W. Bush appointee. Alito later wrote a final opinion that struck down Roe v. Wade. Roberts sided with the other five Republican-appointed justices in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, but said he preferred a more measured course that would discard the aspect of Roes ruling that women must be able to get an abortion before a fetus is viable but would have left other parts intact. Roberts had called the leak a betrayal in May and ordered an investigation into the source of the leak. The court has provided virtually no official updates since then. Justice Neil Gorsuch, speaking at the same conference a day earlier, said that a report on the investigation is coming. The chief justice appointed an internal committee to oversee the investigation, Gorsuch said. That committee has been busy and were looking forward to their report, I hope soon. Gorsuch, a Trump appointee, also said it is terribly important to identify who leaked the draft opinion. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A shop stall at a fair of the Vietnam Festival 2022 in Tokyo, Japan. Photo courtesy of the Vietnamese Youth and Student Association in Japan's Facebook page Tuyen was sitting in a Tokyo restaurant when a Japanese man walked in and screamed expletives about foreigners doing illegal things. All he could do was sit and watch. Tuyen Le, a second-year university student, was near Kasumigaseki metro station on his way back to his apartment as midnight approached. It was the usual time for office workers in Tokyo to return home in the city's suburbs after work. Seeing a 24/7 restaurant, he walked in to eat after a tiring day at school and part-time jobs. Then things took an ugly turn. He said: "I was eating when a Japanese man walked in and screamed into my face: 'Go back to your country, you foreigners always do illegal things. You don't deserve to be here!'" He felt embarrassed but mostly sad, he said. "It's not out of nowhere that when the Japanese media covers news about thefts of poultry and fruits where the thieves have not been found, social media would allude to those with 'Nguyen' in their names." There are around 433,000 Vietnamese living in Japan, accounting for 15.7 percent of all foreigners, according to the Immigration Services Agency. They top the list of foreign nationals who break the laws, the Ministry of Public Security said in June. Tuan Anh, who's been living in Tokyo for 10 years and works at the ASEAN-Japan Center, said the issue is a deep-rooted one, having to do with apprenticeship and unrealistic expectations migrant workers in the country have. By June 2021 there were around 202,000 Vietnamese technical apprentices in Japan, or 63.8 percent of the total number in the country, according to data from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Eighty percent of them had to borrow 674,000 (US$4,680) on average to make ends meet in Japan, a Nikkei survey revealed. But some apprentices, on arriving in Japan and becoming disillusioned with the realities of life, become criminals. "They would have incurred huge debts to get to Japan, and disillusionment coupled with those debts often lead them down the path of crime," Anh said. The number of Vietnamese committing crimes in Japan has been on the rise in recent years, the police said. In 2020 there were around 600 cases of Vietnamese apprentices committing crimes, a 60% increase from the previous year, they said. Vietnamese were also involved in 60% of thefts and 35% of brawls involving foreign nationals. Hiromu Shimada, 31, manager of a company that supports foreign nationals based in Tokyo, said the process of recruiting foreign apprentices is not good enough. Many of them are manual workers with poor prospects and modest education, run up huge debts to get to Japan but get paid poorly, he added. Tuan Anh said companies should be transparent about income and provide training to ensure Vietnamese apprentices adopt proper skills and language capabilities, which will help reduce crimes. A young girl is given a nucleic acid test by a health worker at a makeshift COVID-19 testing site in Beijing on April 29, 2022. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Tens of Millions in China Under New COVID-19 Lockdown Ahead of CCP Meeting Schools have postponed reopening. Businesses are shut down. Residents line up for a new throat swab. Once again, dozens of Chinese cities are tightening COVID-19 curbs in the run-up to a major Chinese Communist Party (CCP) meeting next month. A weeklong lockdown in the metropolis of Chengdu was extended on Sept. 8 after more than a hundred COVID-19 cases were reported. Officials ordered its 21 million residents on Sept. 1 to stay at home while conducting three-day citywide COVID-19 testing. The order has since been extended. At the Sept. 8 briefing, authorities extended the curbs in most areas as the risk of community transmission still exists in some regions. Chengdu, the biggest city to be locked down since Shanghais two-month closure, has yet to announce an exit plan. At least 34 Chinese cities have been placed under partial or full lockdown as of Sept. 5, including seven provincial capitals, according to the health news platform of People Daily, the CCPs flagship newspaper. These cities range across the country, from northern oil production center Daqing to southern tech hub Shenzhen. The COVID-19 curbs have disrupted the lives of 291.7 million residents, accounting for 20.7 percent of Chinas population, Japanese bank Nomura wrote in a Sept. 6 note. Nomura estimates that 49 Chinese cities had various levels of lockdowns or control measures, which contribute to 24.5 percent of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP). The widespread shutdown comes as the CCP prepares for its important 20th Party Congress, which is set to open on Oct. 16 in Beijing. At the twice-a-decade party conclave, Chinese leader Xi Jinping will be seeking a record third five-year term in office, and the new top Party leadership will be announced. While Xi is expected to secure his position, the rising infections have become the biggest variable of the Party Congress, according to Chinese commentator Wang He. If the outbreak hit Beijing suddenly, could the Party Congress continue? Wang asked. People line up to be tested for COVID-19 next to a propaganda poster showing Chinas leader Xi Jinping on a bulletin board in Beijing on Aug. 31, 2022. (Jade Gao/AFP via Getty Images) Regular Tests and Travel Restrictions Since the start of September, 29 of the countrys 31 provinces have reported new infections, Mi Feng, spokesperson of the national health commission, told reporters at a Sept. 7 press conference. Facing the challenges posed by the highly-contagious Omicron coronavirus variant, Mi said officials must stick to the regimes zero-COVID approach unswervingly. The stringent policy aims to eliminate any infection among communities through regular testing, mandatory quarantines, and repeated lockdowns. The official said cities reporting no new infections must implement a normalized testing system, implying that residents be tested every few days. The move, which drew rebukes from Chinese social media users, marks a U-turn in policy. Chinas National Health Commission stated in a June press conference that checking COVID-19 test results shouldnt become a new norm in cities without outbreaks. A tourist goes through pre-departure formalities at the Sanya Phoenix airport as stranded holidaymakers prepare to leave the COVID-hit resort city of Sanya on Hainan Island on Aug. 9, 2022. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) However, health authorities said on Sept. 8 that residents who take trains, planes, long-distance buses, and ferries are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result from the previous 48 hours. The new curbs will take effect through Oct. 31, covering the major Party gatherings and upcoming holidays. Authorities urged residents to stay put during the Sept. 10 through Sept. 12 Mid-Autumn Festival and the week-long holiday at the beginning of October. In Beijing, travel restrictions were already tightened earlier this week. People who have visited county-level administrative divisions with a single confirmed case in the given seven-day period are banned from entering the capital city, a spokesperson for city authorities told a press briefing on Sept. 3. Costs The costs of sticking to the CCPs zero-COVID strategy are mounting. The lockdown of tens of millions of people earlier this year has slashed Chinas economy, sending youth unemployment to a record high and prompting foreign companies to shift their investment out of the country. Seeing the latest lockdown, economists further slashed Chinas economic growth forecast. Nomura cut the full-year GDP forecast to 2.7 percent on Sept. 6 from Augusts 2.8 percent, far lower than Beijings target of around 5.5 percent. Police officers check peoples information at a roadblock amid restrictions due to an outbreak of COVID-19 in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, on Sept. 1, 2022. (CNS/AFP via Getty Images) Still, the seemingly endless lockdown has inflicted pain on residents. In Chengdu, viral videos on Chinese social media show people being barred from fleeing their homes in the aftermath of a 6.8 magnitude earthquake earlier this week. A woman from Guiyang, where more than half of the city has been locked down since Sept. 5, said many are enduring food shortages in her community. She lives in the community of Huaguoyuan, home to roughly 400,000 residents. [The lockdown] was very abrupt, and many didnt prepare supplies, she told The Epoch Times on Sept. 8. Were in quite a tough situation. Control Petitioners and dissidents claim that officials are using the COVID-19 control measures to keep them out of the public eye so as to not disrupt the upcoming CCP congress. Yang Jiahao, a man who was detained for more than 400 days after writing and publishing a letter to the Chinese leader in protest of local authorities decision on his lawsuit, planned to travel to Beijing on Sept. 5 in the hope of seeking justice. But the petition was forced to be canceled. He found that his code on the mandatory health surveillance app suddenly turned red in the morning. Yang said he tested negative on Sept. 4 before being summoned by local officials later that day. The red code means that he lost access to everything from public toilets to shops to train stations and faced a mandatory quarantine. Yang told The Epoch Times on Sept. 8 that hes currently under home quarantine, although his second test on Sept. 8 still returned with a negative result. He said officials sealed the door with paper and installed electronic alarms to enforce the home quarantine, despite him having little to no food left at home. They abused epidemic prevention and control data, turning my health code red and [enforcing] home quarantine, Yang said. Their methods to maintain social stability are extremely evil. Luo Ya, Gu Xiaohua, Xiao Lvsheng, Li Xi, and Reuters contributed to the report. Undated family handout photo issued by charity INQUEST of rapper Chris Kaba who was shot by armed officers from the Metropolitan Police at Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham Hill, south London. (INQUEST via PA Media) Thousands of BLM Protesters Descend on Central London Following Police Shooting of Black Rapper Thousands of demonstrators marched on Saturday in Central London in a protest organised by Black Lives Matter UK (UKBLM) after police killed a black rapper. Chris Kaba, a 24-year-old father-to-be, was fatally shot in Streatham Hill, South London, on Sept. 5 when specialist firearms officers from the Metropolitan Police (Met) cornered a car he was driving. According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which began an investigation shortly after the incident, Kaba died after a single shot was fired by an MPS officer. A homicide investigation into his death has been launched after it was demanded by the family. The officer who fired the shot is not currently on operational duties. Kabas family on Saturday demanded the officer be suspended immediately. An estimated 4,000 to 5,000 demonstraters descended on Parliament Square on Saturday after UKBLM called for a march on social media. Protesters marched through Whitehall to Scotland Yard. Signs reading Black Lives Matter, Justice for Chris Kaba, and Abolish the Met were held up as speakers using megaphones led chants such as no justice, no peace, no racist police, and police are the murderers. Handout photo taken with permission from the Twitter feed of @LeftUnityParty of demonstrators marching in protest of the police killing of Chris Kaba, in London on Sept. 10, 2022. (Left Unity via PA Media) According to the IOPC, Met officers from the specialist firearms command pursued the blue Audi Q5 Kaba was driving following the activation of an automatic number plate recognition camera which indicated the vehicle was linked to a firearms incident in previous days. The vehicle was not registered to Kaba, the IOPC said. It previously said officers immediately administered CPR and requested support from the London Ambulance Service and Londons Air Ambulance, but Kaba died in hospital later that night. The watchdog on Wednesday said no non-police issue firearm had been found from the vehicle or the scene. Kabas family then demanded a homicide investigation into his death and suggested the rapper was shot rather than arrested because he was black. On Friday, the IOPC said it had launched a homicide investigation into Kabas death following a review of evidence. Kabas family issued a statement through their lawyer, welcoming the IOPCs decision, saying it should have immediately opened a homicide and disciplinary investigation following Kabas death. The family now await the outcome of that investigation, but seek a charging decision in this case in weeks or a few months, not years. Public confidence in the police and our justice system requires the IOPC and CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] to find a way to make decisions in this case on a timescale that delivers justice to all concerned. Avoidable delay is unacceptable, the statement reads. In the meantime, the family demand that the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis immediately suspend the firearms officer, pending the outcome of the investigation. The Met referred The Epoch Times to a statement issued on Friday on behalf of Assistant Commissioner Amanda Pearson, who said the officer subject to the homicide investigation is not currently on operational duties due to the formal post incident process, and that a senior officer will now carefully consider their work status going forward. Pearson offered her thoughts and sympathies to Kabas family and friends and said the Met shares communities concerns. I absolutely understand that this shooting is a matter of grave concern, particularly for our black communities, she said. I also know what a difficult and often dangerous job firearms officers in particular do every day to try to protect the public. They understand and expect that on the very rare occasions they discharge their weapons they will face intense scrutiny. I dont underestimate the impact on them of this development. Pearson urged the public to allow the IOPC the time and space needed to progress the investigation. Kaba, who came from Wembley, north-west London, was a member of 67, a Streatham-based rap group that had been nominated for a MOBO music award. In 2019, two other members of 67Cassiel Wuta-Ofei, 27, and Malki Martin, 24were jailed for nine years for dealing heroin and crack cocaine in Hampshire. Chris Summers contributed to this report. The TikTok app is seen on a smartphone in this illustration taken on July 13, 2021. (Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters) TikToks In-App Browser Can Monitor Clicks and Keystrokes: Researcher Security concerns about TikTok, the globally popular short video sharing app have come to light as a hacker claims to have broken into its database and accessed user information. On Sept. 3, a user with the name AgainstTheWest claimed to have hacked TikTok and WeChat on the Breach Forums message board, a hacker forum. The poser said 790 gigabytes of user information and 2.05 billion records had been downloaded from the database, but he had not yet decided whether to sell it or release it to the public. The hacker also posted two links to data samples and a video of a set of database tables. TikTok denied that its database had been breached, saying its security team had investigated and found no evidence of a security breach. However, doubts remain as internet experts assess the authenticity of the rumors. Similarly, on Aug. 31, a Microsoft research team announced that it had found a serious vulnerability in TikToks Android app that could allow an attacker to compromise user accounts with a single click. An attacker could use the vulnerability to hijack an account without the users knowledge, then access and modify the users TikTok profile and sensitive information, such as making private videos public, sending messages, and uploading videos on the users behalf. TikTok has two versions of the Android app. In its review of the TikTok vulnerability, the Microsoft research team determined that both apps could be affected. More than 1.5 million TikTok for Android apps have been installed to date. TikTok responded that the vulnerability had been fixed after Microsoft informed the company. However, Felix Krause, creator of fastlane, a company acquired by Google, published a study of TikTok on Aug. 18, which showed that when a TikTok user accesses a website through a link on the app, TikTok inserts code to monitor most of the users activities on external sites, including keystrokes (text input) and anything clicked on the page. Such tracking would allow TikTok to capture users credit card information and passwords. The report also said TikTok was able to monitor because it used an in-app browser, which is part of the app, to make changes to websites. When people click on TikTok ads or visit a creators profile, the app doesnt work with regular browsers like Safari or Chrome. Instead, it defaults to the TikTok apps built-in browser to rewrite some web pages. Of the seven iPhone apps Krause tested that used a built-in browser (it didnt test Android system), TikTok was the only one that could monitor keystrokes. It also seemed to monitor more activities than any other application. In response to the findings, TikTok acknowledged that the features exist in the code, but argued that the company did not use them for tracking users, but only for debugging, troubleshooting, and performance monitoring, among other things. TikToks Ties With the CCP TikTok now has more than 1 billion monthly active users, mostly young people. However, the social media platform has drawn scrutiny due to its ownership by the Chinese company ByteDance, located in Beijing and a reported link to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). TikTok has promised for years that American users information would be stored in the United States, not in China. However, according to leaked recordings of 80 internal TikTok meetings obtained by BuzzFeed, the non-public data of U.S. users has been repeatedly accessed from China. On Aug. 12, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the countrys top internet regulator issued a notice, publicly requiring 30 Chinese internet companies to submit data on their archiving algorithms. Bytedance was one of them. The algorithms are tailored to the preferences of each user through artificial intelligence. Zhu Wei, an associate professor at China University of Political Science and Law, said the algorithm is not a simple calculation program, but more connected to personal information and big data. The unprecedented move by the CAC has raised alarms around the world. Clare ONeil, Australias Home Affairs minister and cybersecurity minister has ordered a review of TikToks data collection. The fact that weve got millions of Australians accessing an app where the usage of their data is questionable is very much a modern security challenge for the country, ONeil told Sydney Morning Herald in early September. There are currently 7.38 million adult users in Australia, according to Digital 2022, a report released by internet data research company WE ARE SOCIAL. The Biden administration may also move to curb investment in Chinese tech companies, possibly going it alone on TikTok, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. TikTok users in the United States now number about 80 million, or about one-quarter of the U.S. population. Albanian police forces secure the area around the Embassy of Iran in Tirana, Albania, on Sept. 8, 2022. (Gent Shkullaku/AFP via Getty Images) US Sanctions Iran Intelligence Over Albania Cyberattack WASHINGTONThe U.S. government on Friday imposed sanctions on Irans intelligence agency and its leadership in response to malicious cyberattacks on Albanian government computer systems in July. The Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control designated Irans Ministry of Intelligence and Security and Esmail Khatib, who heads the ministry, for what it said were cyber-related activities against the U.S. and its allies. Albania, a NATO member, cut diplomatic ties with Iran and expelled its embassy staff this week over the cyberattack. It was the first known case of a country cutting diplomatic relations over a cyberattack. The Albanian government has accused Iran of carrying out the July 15 attack, which temporarily shut down numerous Albanian government digital services and websites. Microsoft, which assisted Albania in investigating the cyberattack, said in a blog post Thursday that it was moderately confident the hackers belong to a group that has been publicly linked to Irans Ministry of Intelligence and Security. It said the attackers were observed operating out of Iran, used tools previously used by known Iranian attackers, and had previously targeted other sectors and countries consistent with Iranian interests. The destructive malware deployed was also previously used by a known Iranian actor, it said. Irans cyber attack against Albania disregards norms of responsible peacetime State behavior in cyberspace, Brian Nelson, Treasurys under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement. We will not tolerate Irans increasingly aggressive cyber activities targeting the United States or our allies and partners, he said. Since at least 2007, Irans intelligence agency and its proxies have been accused of conducting cyber operations targeting public and private entities around the world. Treasury, which uses an Obama-era executive order that targets people and entities that engage in malicious cyber activities as an authority to impose the sanctions, has been ratcheting up its financial penalties on Iran this year. This comes as President Joe Bidens administration has been working to renew the tattered Iran nuclear deal, which placed curbs on Irans nuclear program in exchange for billions of dollars in sanctions relief, which Iran insists it has never received. By Fatima Hussein and Frank Bajak The NTSB logo during a safety event for children at Trailside Middle School, in Ashburn, Va., on Aug. 25, 2015. (Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images) US Taps NTSB to Head Future Probes of Any Fatal Space Accidents WASHINGTONWith more private companies launching people into space, the U.S. government said Friday that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will take the lead in investigating future commercial space accidents where a person is killed or seriously injured. The NTSB will be the lead investigative agency in those fatal or injury incidents regardless of whether the person was on board the commercial space launch or reentry vehicle, according to an agreement the NTSB signed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This agreement reflects our shared goal to ensure a safe, robust and vibrant U.S. commercial space industry, said Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen. The NTSB will also take the lead if there is damage to property not associated with the commercial space launch or reentry activities or the launch site from debris that could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious injury. The FAA will be the lead investigative agency for all other commercial space mishaps. The last agreement between the two agencies was signed 22 years ago, the NTSB said. The NTSB is currently reviewing public comments on its November 2021 proposal codifying investigative procedures for commercial space accidents and incidents. Under the law, NTSB, an independent federal agency, investigates all fatal airplane crashes and other serious transportation accidents. NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy told Reuters in an interview it was important to establish lines of command for an investigation before there is a major incident. We have to be ready You dont want to wait until something tragic occurs, Homendy said. If we are going by history, its not a matter if, its a matter of when. Last month, bipartisan leaders on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leaders introduced legislation to clarify the authority of the NTSB to investigate commercial space transportation accidents. The Federal Communications Commission this week proposed rules to address the growing challenge of orbital debris, noting defunct satellites, discarded rocket cores, and other debris now fill the space environment creating challenges for future missions. As of 2021, there were more than 4,800 satellites in orbit. By David Shepardson Jason Miyares, who later won the election for Virginia attorney general and was sworn into office, speaks to a rally in a file photograph. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Virginia AG Forming Election Integrity Unit to Make It Easy to Vote and Hard to Cheat Virginias Republican attorney general, Jason Miyares, announced on Sept. 9 the formation of an Election Integrity Unit within his office that will ensure legality and purity in the election process by working with law enforcement, the Department of Elections, the State Board, and the broader community. I pledged during the 2021 campaign to work to increase transparency and strengthen confidence in our state elections, said Miyares in a press release on Friday. It should be easy to vote, and hard to cheat. The Election Integrity Unit will work to help to restore confidence in our democratic process in the Commonwealth. Headed by Miyares, the unit will have more than 20 attorneys, investigators, and paralegals from across the various divisions of the AGs office. They are expected to monitor processes across Virginias 133 local electoral boards and general registrars and the bipartisan State Board of Elections starting with the upcoming midterms. Early voting begins in the state on Sept. 17, 2022. The Republican Party of Virginia voiced its support for the unit, and said that the AGs bold initiative will increase transparency in our elections, restore confidence in our democratic process, and better ensure that every vote is counted in accordance with the law. At the same time, Democrats in the state senate have blocked common-sense election integrity measures like voter ID, it added. The Epoch Times has reached out to the office of Virginia Democrats. With the creation of this unit, Attorney General Miyares has fully embraced Trumps Big Lie and the far-right fringes of the Republican party, said Democratic Party of Virginia spokesman Gianni Snidle, according to Virginia Mercury. Voter Fraud in Virginia The statement from the Virginia GOP included the news of a former election official who has been prosecuted by Miyares for election fraud. Just this week, we saw the need for stronger protections for our elections system when a former top Prince William County election official was indicted on fraud charges related to the 2020 election, said the GOP. The official, Michele White, was indicted last week for three felonies, according to documents reviewed by The Epoch Times. Based on the grand jury charge, White engaged in corrupt conduct between Aug. 1 and Dec. 31, 2020, and is accused of making a false statement regarding the election and neglecting her duty as an election officer. She faces 21 years in prison if convicted of all charges. Media companies like Democracy Docket and the Washington Post discounted the formation of the unit, and wrote similar tweets voicing their opinions on the 2020 election. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) announces new Election Integrity Unit to investigate and prosecute election law violations. Election crimes are not a widespread problem in Virginia, or anywhere in the U.S., said Democracy Docket in a tweet on Friday. ALERT: Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) announces new Election Integrity Unit to investigate and prosecute election law violations. Election crimes are not a widespread problem in Virginia, or anywhere in the U.S.https://t.co/E9Ljy2GZi0 Democracy Docket (@DemocracyDocket) September 9, 2022 Meanwhile, the Washington Post said, Virginias Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares announced the creation of an Election Integrity Unit that will provide legal advice and prosecute election law violations. The state, however, has not seen significant issues with voter fraud. According to a 100-point election integrity system developed by the Heritage Foundation, some states have improved their scores ahead of the upcoming midterms. The system takes into consideration the accuracy of voter lists, which is valued at 30 points; absentee ballot management with 21 points; and voter ID usage assigned at 20 points. After making effective improvements in verifying voter roll accuracy, Tennessee earned the top spot while Virginia went up three points. Virginia is one of the 14 states that has improved its ranking. A camping site in Binh Dinh Province in central Vietnam. Photo by Le Vinh De Vietnam has surpassed China, India and Nepal to win "Asia's leading nature destination" title at this year's World Travel Awards. This is the first time Vietnam has been honored in this category. According to the Vietnam Administration of Forestry, the country currently has 33 national parks, 57 nature reserves, 13 habitat conservation areas and nine biosphere reserves. Among them, 61 national parks and nature reserves have been developing ecotourism activities. Many of Vietnam's high-end resorts are made of eco-friendly materials with environmental sustainability prioritized. Vietnam was also named "Asia's leading destination" this year. This is the second consecutive time the country has won the title. The annual awards are based on votes cast by travel industry professionals and the public. World Travel Awards, launched in 1993, acknowledge excellence in the travel and tourism industry, and have been described as the travel industry's equivalent of the Oscars. Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused a former military chief of stealing the sum of N4 billion from the military budget and depositing the fund into the accounts of two companies where he is a sole signatory and beneficial owner. The ICPC Chairman, Bolaji Owasanoye, revealed this on Friday. Owasanoye made this disclosure while speaking at an event which was held at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja tagged, National Policy Dialogue on Corruption and Insecurity in Nigeria. According to Owasanoye, the ex-military chief used the looted fund to buy multi-million properties in the nation's capital, Abuja. He said the properties were purchased under the names of cronies and proxies of the military chief. ICPC boss added that the ex-military officer also converted some of the properties paid for by his service to his use. He noted that ICPC prosecution of the former military chief to recover all the assets has been frustrated by a High Court judge who recently retired. Owasanoye claimed that the judge forfeited some of the assets to FGN and the rest was left to the suspect. He said, While the commission has filed a notice of appeal, this strange development aggravates an already bad situation and escalates insecurity and impunity. He raised alarm that corruption has contributed to the insecurity in the country. LANDLORDS and residents of Oluwa Palace community, in the Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State, have accused policemen of the Lagos State Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit and hoodlums of demolishing their houses and rendering them homeless. PUNCH Metro gathered that the hoodlums alongside the policemen stormed the community with bulldozers and destroyed over 50 structures, including houses, shops, among other property worth millions of naira. The residents, while lamenting over the invasion, said they were not issued a notice for the demolition, adding that people who lost their property had been traumatised over the development. A resident in the community, Olawale Yusuf, said his uncle's property was part of the demolished property, adding that over N300m was expended on the property. He said, The property has 72 rooms and it belongs to my uncle. We have spent over N300m on it. We still have some property inside and could not bring them out during the demolition. We have not been able to bring the property out after the demolition. My uncle is not in good condition right now. We made our verification before building on this land. A property owner, Monday Ajanubor, said he was on a sick bed during the demolition exercise, adding that he was making plans to move into his new house when the demolition occurred. He said, Because my rent was about to expire, I was doing everything possible to ensure that I move into my new house on this land. I sold my cars to put the house in order. Now they called me to say that the house I spent all my life savings on has been demolished. The head of the community, Nurudeen Oluwa, said the court had issued a warrant of possession to his family following a legal tussle between the family and the state government over the land. He said, We took the state government to court in 2009 when it attempted to take over the land. We knew then that there was no way to lawfully challenge the government other than going to court. In 2018, the court delivered judgment in our favour, and the judgment was registered at Alausa. Before we moved into the land, they gave us a certificate of warrant of possession. We have been living here since 2018, and members of the family also built their houses here, until the invasion on Thursday. The family's lawyer, Ademola Olowoyeye, said the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau, Bode Agoro, had frustrated the efforts of the family to enjoy the benefits of the court order. He said, Agoro directed the ministry of physical planning not to accept the registration of building permits, including the making of the fence. Several applications have been lying at the LASBCA office which they refused to treat. We wrote to the Attorney General of the state to ensure that the judgment was duly obeyed. He constituted a committee and made Bode Agoro the chairman of the committee. From the first day that we had those meetings, Agoro never betrayed his bias against the Oluwa family. When we asked him what he wanted, he said he would give the family 58 hectares out of 300 hectares and we felt that was not right. The last time we held a meeting was November last year, and because of his attitude, my client felt we should sue him and the Attorney General. A copy of the judgement delivered on January 15, 2018, was made available to our correspondent. Contacted, the state Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, said, I am not aware of the incident. If you can get me the court order, I will look into it and get back to you The spokesperson for the taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, when contacted, said the claims of the protesters were untrue. He said, We were at Abijo to give an executive back up to the land grabbers' commission and not to demolish houses. This was contained in our press release. (The PUNCH) There are open borders in most African countries but only for Fulani to consolidate the number of Fulani in individual African countries while the same borders are closed to other ethnic Africans. The reason is obvious but Africans have to develop similar ways to counter and neutralize their numbers. It is a strategic plan to dominate Africans the way Fulani dominate Hausa. We are already under Fulani invasion from other African countries. It took the combined forces of Arab to take Basra back when the Africans Zanj rebelled against the Abbasid caliphal empire. They ruled ancient Iraq from 869 to 883 AD. The treatment meted out to Africans there is no different from to those of Fulani in African countries today. Unless Africans unite like the Arabs did then, the Fulani open borders for their people will overwhelm individual African countries. We must not forget that Nkrumah and Nigeria sent both financial and material support to African Liberation fighters in East and South Africa. The first coming of Jerry Rawlings reset the brain of Ghanaians to default. We had been unlucky in Nigeria because Nzeogwu had failed after ethnic traitors betrayed him. It does not explain the reason the giant of Africa has regressed from corruption to a terrorist state. Instead of begging the military or colonial masters to return, we must stand up against leaders used by outsiders as conduits the way Freedom Fighters did against colonial invaders. Everything this generation of leaders inherited from the Freedom Fighters including land of gold, diamond, milk, honey to mention a few have turned into a curse in the hands of our local vagabonds in power. They celebrate the abject poverty they created. Yes, we are already under Fulani invasion from other African countries. The least other African countries can do is to give refuge and encouragement to one anothers Liberation Fighters the same way Ghana and Nigeria did to East and South African Liberation Fighters. Nigerians are now fleeing their beloved local home to seek refuge. Nigerians that could not wait to return home from Europe and Americas have become economic refugees in hostile land. These generation of leaders are adept terrorists and religious fanatics fulfilling the ambitions of cave men outside Africa, rather than being true, even average statemen. Indeed, coming from Diaspora with better technological skills, know-how and as patriots is far better than the recent botched invasion of Haiti. Everything the Militritians touched in Africa, have been made worse than they met each sector. There are Africans in the Diaspora that are so boiling mad, some of them are planning to invade, seize power and set the brains of corrupt Africans rights. Some of those planning to invade are children of Africans watching their parents helplessly abroad longing to go back home but cannot because of the rotten greed created by some. They join their parents in physical assault of African politicians wasting their country's resources abroad. Some African countries used to go overseas to recruit needed technical personnel home for tasks that the locals cannot perform. Unfortunately, this was abused to the point where local and foreign companies continue to prefer foreign workers in this day and age for jobs that can be filled by locally trained graduates. While some of the reasons for not hiring locally may be justified, no reason can explain discriminating against local graduates in their own country. It got worse, contracts performed by foreigners are inflated with kickbacks. Even African graduates trained abroad are avoided for fear of revealing or protesting against their kickbacks. Then, it is not surprising that projects and contracts that have been ongoing before Independence are still renewed and staffed by foreign workers called "expatriates". Some of these expatriates lack the qualifications of local graduates. We must face the fact that the most promising country in Africa deemed to become a Regional Power has failed miserably. Nigeria went from the country that sent Peacekeeping Forces, not only to African countries but to the rest of the world. Indeed, when colonial powers abruptly left other African countries in shambles like the French did not only in Guinea but had done in the last century in Haiti, African countries relied on Nigerian professionals to fill the void. Africans need another Nkrumah in Nigeria for Regional Power more than ever. Everyday, great Africans are born at home, but are suffocated by those with selfish interest. They cannot survive where Nkrumah, Zik, Awolowo Lutheli did. It is true that we are in a world of extremists displaying their power to capture the world but the same Africans that survived 500 years of darkness must rise again for the sake of our youths and children. We all have our individual talent to contribute, no matter where you are since God did not send all of us out without clues or talents. We are just blinded by greed, self-interest without foresight. When we seek help with all the talent and resources God bestowed on Africa, we are demonstrating our penchant for readymades instead of developing or building on our own. Unfortunately, this has become an infectious disease caught by our children. Nevertheless, if Nigerians cannot rescue Nigeria out of greed, selfishness in high places that corner our resources without ethnic bickering; we must allow individual local areas to develop on their own like the old Western Region. Today no allocation is safe before it reaches the people that need it most at the grassroots level. Compare Nigeria's goodwill then, to other countries, to the reckless Fulani marauders invited with open borders from the North while the Southern borders are closed to our relatives. Unless Africans rise up against these Usman Dan Fodio minorities ravaging our countries by consolidated forces in each country, African countries that refuse to wage concerted war against them will fall to their whims one country at a time by conquest crumbling under their tactics. Farouk Martins Aresa @oomoaresa Phuket taxis must do better, says Vice Governor PHUKET: Taxi drivers in Phuket must improve their behaviour to help protect Phukets image as a tourist destination, Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Rodkwan Yodrabham said yesterday (Sept 9). tourismtransport By The Phuket News Saturday 10 September 2022, 11:45AM His message was delivered to a meeting of taxi drivers, police and transport officials, where it was explained the rights of independent taxi drivers to pick up passengers. Present at the meeting, held at the Phuket Provincial Government Center, was Adcha Buachan, Chief of the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO). Vice Governor Anupap pointed out the recent incident in which four tourists returning from Phi Phi Island were forced to exit the passenger van they had legally ordered through an app and take another taxi operating as part of a group at the pier. Following the incident many comments online openly called Phuket taxi drivers controlling tourists access to taxi services "mafia". This affects the image and reputation of the country and Phuket as a world-class tourist city, Vice Governor Anupap said. Mr Anupap also recognised that independent taxi drivers illegally using private vehicles not legally registered taxis to provide taxi services through an app has caused controversy and affected the occupation of legal public transport operators. Therefore, this meeting is being held to rehearse the use of public taxi services in the Phuket area, to clarify and understand the legal regulations and set guidelines for hiring, picking up and dropping off passengers of public service cars and taxis that are provided through the application, he said. This is in order for the public hire car service providers to have knowledge and understanding of the different practices in order to create a good image of Phuket in the future, he concluded. Remains of dead baby found at Phuket temple PHUKET: Police are trying to track down who left the remains of a newborn girl in a black plastic bag at Wat Anuphat Kritsadaram (Wat Ket Ho) in Thung Thong, Kathu, that was discovered yesterday (Sept 9). crimepolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Saturday 10 September 2022, 10:08AM Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Police were called to the temple at about 5pm after three monks walking by noticed a rotten smell and started investigating the source. The monks found that the smell was coming from a black plastic bag under a bodhi tree about 50 metres from the multipurpose hall at the temple. The bag had been torn open. Inside was the remains of a newborn girl, reported Kathu Police Chief Col Rungrit Ratanaphakdi. The monks informed the abbot immediately, who organised for police to be notified, Col Rugnrit continued. Forensic police and doctors from Vachira Phuket Hospital at the scene said that from initial inspections they were unable to determine the age of the newborn. The remains would be taken for further medical examination, they confirmed. Police said they would check CCTV at the temple in the hope of identifying and locating the person who left the remains at the temple. School director faces charges of assaulting boy, 9 PHUKET: The director of a private school in Phuket Town has had a formal police complaint filed against him for hitting a 9-year-old boy and repeatedly pushing the boys head into a wall. violenceEducationcrime By Eakkapop Thongtub Saturday 10 September 2022, 11:21AM The family files their complaint at the Phuket Damrongdhama Center. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The family files their complaint at the Phuket Damrongdhama Center. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The family files their complaint at Phuket City Police Station. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The family files their complaint at Phuket City Police Station. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The parents of the boy, Itthip Nong Ninja Boonrung, filed a formal complaint at the Damrongdharma Center (Phuket Provincial Office of the Ombudsman), yesterday (Sept 9). The parent had already filed a formal complaint at Phuket City Police Station. Charan Kwankaew Nitikornchamnansek, Director of Phuket Damrongdhama Center, received the formal complaint to investigate the incident, presented by lawyer Anantarak Petchhin. The man implicated is director of Thepamnuay Wittaya School on Thepkrasattri Rd on the north side of Phuket Town. Itthips mother Chalermkwan Rachaphonsaen, 54, told reporters she thought it best to not publicly name the school director at this stage. The assault left Itthip with a split lip and bruises on his head. The physical injuries are not that much, but its the psychological impact. Nong Ninja is frightened that he will be attacked by the director again, Ms Chalermkwan said. Ms Chalermkwan said they were unaware of the incident until their daughter, Itthips younger sister, told her and her husband that Itthip had a headache. The old director was around for about five years. This new director has been around only about five months, she said. This was not the first incident in which the school director had physically intimidated children at the school, Ms Chalermkwan added. This time there are witnesses, she said. Mr Anantarak, the lawyer who drafted the formal complaint, noted, In addition to hurting this student, the school prohibits students from eating pork, eating seafood, and deducts money from teachers salaries to support their religion. The school is linked to a well-known hospital on the island, he said. They also let some teachers have no qualifications, he added. As this incident involves a registered education institution, it must involve the relevant government agencies, Mr Anantarak said. One former teacher at the school, who asked to be named only as Kru Yui, said he left the school because of the new school director. This director is a person who takes his own beliefs and loves his family as his main principle and does not listen to teachers or children, Kru Yui said. Three more held in Samui hotel looting SURAT THANI: Three more suspects, two of them believed to have been the masterminds, have been arrested in connection with the looting of 400 items worth B14 million from a deserted hotel on Koh Samui, police said on Friday (Sept 9). tourismcrimepolice By Bangkok Post Saturday 10 September 2022, 09:00AM Wooden doors and other fixtures believed to have been taken from the hotel were found at a depot on Koh Samui during a police search on Thursday. Photo: Bo Phut Police / via Bangkok Post Chaweng Blue Lagoon The Teak Wing Hotel on Koh Samui was left almost totally empty after the looting discovered last month. Photo: Bo Phut Police / via Bangkok Post The arrests followed the execution of a search warrant at a warehouse operated under the name of Natcha Nophokiew on the southern resort island on Thursday, reports the Bangkok Post. Officers found goods believed to have been stolen from Chaweng Blue Lagoon The Teak Wing Hotel in Tambon Bo Phut, said Bo Phut Police Chief Yuthana Sirisombat. Police now have nine suspects in custody, including three workers from Myanmar. Col Yuthana said Ms Natcha, 31, and Chaisak Chanchaem, 50, were believed to have hatched the plan to break into the hotel near Chaweng beach. Only one of the nine, identified as Phakjira Payooncharn, 42, was not directly involved in the clean-out but was a purchaser of the stolen items. All nine are facing serious theft charges with a maximum fine of B140,000 and/or a jail sentence of up to seven years. Police say those who broke into the compound stole 381 items from the buildings and rooms everything from elevators to toilets, shower heaters, wiring, lamps and curtains. The resort, which had been closed and locked for months because of a lack of business during the pandemic, was heavily damaged as a result. Ms Natcha was the wife of a Swiss national who had leased the property from landlord Yommana Poolsawad to build the hotel, according to police. The owner of the B400mn hotel with 348 rooms had earlier assessed the damage from the theft at B70mn. Investigators and the property owner re-examined Chaweng Blue Lagoon The Teak Wing Hotel again and found that 1,000 items at the resort were still there. They then revised the damage downward to B14mn baht. Col Yuthana said the investigation took a turn when officers discovered social media posts by Ms Natcha offering goods for sale. They subsequently called her in for questioning. Ms Natcha was among the lessees who had rented the site in 1990 on a 30-year lease to construct the hotel in 1990. The property owner did not extend the lease contract after it expired in 2020. They were ordered to remove all goods and return the property to the owner within 30 days. Owner Yommana hired workers to guard the compound before leaving it unattended after the security contract came to an end. When she checked the hotel on Aug 22 and found many things were gone. She went to register a complaint at Bo Phut Police Station. It was still unclear why the issue did not come to light until nearly two weeks after the complaint was filed with police. Col Yuthana said on Tuesday (Sept 6) that the looting was not discovered after it happened because the location of the hotel was not visible from the outside. Ratchaporn Poonsawat, President of the Koh Samui Tourism Association, praised police for their investigation but said he was not certain that all those involved had been rounded up. Assistant national police chief Lt Gen Surachate Hakparn said he also suspected more people involved were still at large, and officers had been instructed to expand the scope of the investigation. The case could erode investor confidence in tourist locations in the country, he added. Today A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 76F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 47F. Winds light and variable. Tomorrow Sunny skies. High 81F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Members from Project RENEW, a Vietnamese organization that deals with unexploded ordnance left from the Vietnam War with support from Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), monitor land that might be contaminated with unexploded ordnances. Vietnam and the U.S. signed the first memorandum of understanding on overcoming the consequences of UXO after the war in Hanoi in December 2013. Jenkins said the U.S. has so far provided a total $200 million for mine clearance activities in Vietnam. According to data from MAG Vietnam, the group has scanned more than 197 million square meters of land and processed more than 368,000 explosives left over from the war since it entered operation in 1999. FILE - A traveler walks in Terminal 3 as a sign stating face coverings are required is displayed at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Friday, July 2, 2021. Two key lawmakers want the government to investigate whether airlines used federal pandemic-relief money to encourage employees to quit. The lawmakers said Friday, Sept. 9, 2022 that taxpayers helped the airline industry during their darkest days at the start of the pandemic, and they deserve to know how the money was spent. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The presidents of Colombia and Venezuela say the years-long closure of their countries shared border to cargo transport will end Sept. 26 GREEN RIVER, Wyo. Sisecams underground trona mine has been operating since 1962 and has many more years of mine life, while the plant on the surface continues to process the trona into soda ash for a demanding market. There are two layers of trona under us, and there are 68 to 70 years left of mining the way we currently mine, said Craig Rood, director of public relations and government affairs of Sisecam Wyoming LLC, which is under the Turkey-based Sisecam umbrella. The Sisecam operations include 880 acres on the surface and the production facilities that prepare soda ash for shipping either in bulk by Union Pacific railcars that are loaded at the site or in 50-pound bags to be trucked to customers. The mine produces 2.7 million short tons of soda ash per year. Soda ash, or sodium carbonate, is an alkali chemical refined from the mineral trona. The main uses are for glass, laundry detergent and for the chemical adjustment process, with 70% for glass. Rood said its called trona underground and soda ash on the surface. The mine operates within a vast trona deposit that the vice president of manufacturing, Guray Eken, described as the biggest in the world, with a 300-year life. Soda ash is Wyomings largest export product out of the country. Sisecam also is part of a planned project that will retrieve trona through solution mining at a site south of Green River once permitting is completed. Eken said the project would include construction of two new plants about 40 miles from here. He said the project will be the first application of solution mining in the area. According to U.S. Bureau of Land Managements Kemmerer, Wyo., district office, the proposed solution-mining project, called the Dry Creek Trona Project, would be on roughly 6,000 acres south of Green River, and the proposed mine life could be up to 25 years. Of the total acreage, BLM manages 2,809 acres, 3,330 acres are private, and five acres are managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The BLM is preparing an environmental impact statement on the proposed project, which the BLM stated would produce roughly 5 million metric tons of marketable soda ash and 400,000 tons of sodium bicarbonate per year. The agency received 15 comments during the scoping period for the draft EIS. Courtney Whiteman, public affairs specialist for the BLM Wyoming State Office, said the EIS process should take 18 months to two years under current policy. We are reviewing those comments now and will incorporate them into the draft EIS as appropriate, she said in an email. Sisecam Chemicals and Ciner are partners in the Pacific and Atlantic projects, with Sisecam as the 60% owner. At the current operations, Sisecam Wyoming is looking at an expansion on the surface, and a $40 million ventilation shaft was constructed about two years ago that is designed for the life of mine, Rood said. A new change house was built a couple of years ago with large shower rooms for men and women. Soda ash is traded like a commodity on the spot market per ton. Business is very good right now. Were sold out and can sell every pound we make right now, said Rood, who has been working at the mine 30 years and was the general manager before taking the current post. Eken said every year customers are finding it more difficult to find soda ash. Demand is up. Every year we are always sold out. Its very stable. Sisecam also has a stable workforce, and Rood said the mine has a very, very competitive wage package and doesnt have trouble filling job slots. Eken said that we are a family. That is why relationships are long-term. Its a very favorable place for employees to work. He said the keys are its safety culture and the pay and benefits. Eken said he has been at the Wyoming operation four years and was with Ciner in Turkey for many years. Mike McGrady, vice president of administrative and environmental services, said there are 450 employees at the Sisecam mining operation and processing facilities, and the turnover rate averages 3.6%, which tracks the industry standard across the United States as reflected by the Bureau of Labor statistics. The operation is 24-hour, seven days a week. Underground, a remote-controlled mining machine loosens the trona ore and loads it onto 30-ton shuttle cars that then unload onto conveyor belts that move the ore to a crusher before the ore is loaded onto skips to go to the surface. Until the mid-1990s we used dynamite, Rood said, explaining that the continuous mining machine did away with the need for blasts. The mining uses a room and pillar method, and the ground is more stable than at mines such as for gold and silver. Only roof bolts are required, and no dewatering is needed. Fifty percent of the trona is left behind for the roofing and could be mined years from now. Everything you see is trona, Rood said during a tour of the underground mine, pointing to the tunnel walls and ceiling. There are two shops and a warehouse underground, and mining operations currently are five to six miles from the hoist that brings workers down from the surface. The underground roadway to the active mining area is smooth and dry. Rood said there are about 5,000 miles of tunnels. The mining beds are at the 850-foot and 800-foot level, and there are four shafts, including a service shaft that transports people and supplies, two ore shafts and the ventilation shaft that replaced an older shaft. On the surface, the ore is screened and crushed and goes through calcining and a rehydration process. The soda ash is dissolved and filtered before going through a drying kiln and on to storage. The bulk soda ash goes to silos for later loading into train cars. Bagging is done in a separate facility. Operators in a control booth on the surface oversee the production of soda ash, which is automated. They send in a worker when there is a problem with the equipment. There are seven silos on the property with storage capacity of 65,000 short tons per year, according to a company presentation. Tailings are pumped underground into mined areas. Nationwide supply chain problems and the Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on Sisecam, but Rood said there were no layoffs and no wage adjustments. And production was not affected, although at one point there were up to 45 cases in quarantine. No employees died of Covid-19. Rood said Sisecam continued contact tracing even when other entities stopped. During the pandemic, Sisecam ran extra Le Bus buses to keep employees separated at no charge to employees. On the supply chain issues, Rood said one example is that the price of steel has doubled, which impacts the price of all the roof bolts for the underground operations. Neil Malicoat, director of safety and health and a 30-year veteran of the trona mine, said Sisecam has been very proactive identifying issues down the road because of the supply chain issues. Jesse Traylor, purchasing and materials manager, said that with the start of Covid-19 and supply issues, the company stored materials in a warehouse in Rock Springs. Later, they found space on site to store materials, Traylor said. He added that the focus now is on sustainable procurement, including whether suppliers have quality controls in place. He also said there is a 50% longer lead time when ordering machinery, and the cost of freight has gone up greatly because of higher fuel prices. Lumber costs are high, too. McGrady said paper and pallets are harder to come by and European companies are seeking bags in the U.S. because of the impact of the war in Ukraine. Rood said Sisecams main competition is the other soda ash operations in the area, although China makes a synthetic product. The trona mine now operated by Sisecam has continued operations over the years under different owners. Sisecam is now the majority owner and Ciner is the minority owner, after switching from majority owner. Earlier, OCI owned the mine for roughly 20 years. Stauffer Chemical opened the mine and refinery in 1962 and Rhone-Poulenc later acquired it and sold to OCI, which sold to Ciner. The trona operations are on a checkboard pattern of private and BLM land, and Sisecam pays royalties to the federal government for the soda ash. Sisecam prides itself on environmental leadership, and Rood said trona mining is a lot friendlier on the environment in general than other types of mining, and the operation is very energy efficient. The mine has been partnering with other local producers in the Wyoming Mining Natural Resource Foundation that is developing a voluntary conservation strategy with an objective of achieving durable net conservation benefit for the greater sage-grouse and its habitat, according to Sisecam. The company also reported that the ponds used across the plant site attract birds, and to minimize the impact to wildlife, as part of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Sisecam executed a program that saved 220 birds from the ponds and chased off 639 birds in 2021. Sisecam stated in a presentation that surface impact is minimal, which allows for continued surface use of 90% of its mine leases, including for recreation, ranching, farming and access to the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. A co-generation natural gas power plant was built on site to supplement power provided by Rocky Mountain Power, and Sisecam reported that compared with synthetic soda ash producers, Sisecam Wyoming uses 40% less energy for its operation. Flint Parker, the surface manager, said at a tour lunch that he is proud of the safety culture, adding that the surface team is great. Rood said the site has won many safety awards, including the U.S. Department of Labor and National Mining Association Sentinels of Safety Award four times. Sisecams operations also won the regional large-mine category award from the Industrial Minerals Association -North America six times. The mine also won the Wyoming State Mining Inspectors Award more than 30 times, including the underground large mines safest mine honor in 2021. Rescue teams have won other honors, as well, and the surface mine won the Safety Olympiad in Elko, Nevada, five times when the company was called OCI. Over the last 60 years there have been three fatalities, the last one in 2005, according to Rood. He said the company presents gold hard hats to employees after 35 safe years, and after 40 years they can choose their own safety hat. Those with 25 safety years receive silver hard hats. Sisecam announced in November of last year that it would buy 60% of Turkey-based Ciner Groups soda business operations in the United States for $450 million, according to Reuters, and a November 2021 news release stated that the two companies would co-invest $4 billion in the U.S. soda ash industry. Ukrainian forces are claiming new success in their counteroffensive against Russian forces in the east, taking control of a sizeable village and pushing toward an important transport junction This booking photo provided by the Manchester Police Department shows Kayla Montgomery, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, in Manchester, N.H. Montgomery, the stepmother of a New Hampshire girl who vanished in 2019 at age 5, was arrested Friday after she failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing. EDWARDSVILLE An East Alton man was charged with kicking a police officer, damaging a police vehicle and several other felonies stemming from a domestic battery call. Michael R. Boda, 31, of East Alton, was charged Sept. 8 with aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony; criminal damage to government supported property, criminal trespass to a residence and criminal damage over $500, all Class 4 felonies; and domestic battery and resisting a peace officer, both Class A misdemeanors. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. According to court documents, on Sept. 8 Boda allegedly kicked a Madison County sheriffs deputy in the leg, caused less than $500 damage to a Madison County Sheriffs Department vehicle, committed trespass in East Alton, caused in excess of $500 damage to the windshield and hood of a 2009 Kia Borrego, struck a household or family member in the back of their head with his fist, and resisted a Madison County sheriffs deputys attempt to place him under arrest. Bail was set at $78,000. Other felony charges filed Sept. 8 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include: Burton Buttry, 54, of Roxana, was charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony; and domestic battery (second subsequent offense), a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the East Alton Police Department. According to court documents, on Aug. 13 Buttry allegedly strangled and struck a household or family member. He has a 2001 conviction for domestic battery out of Madison County. Bail was set at $60,000. David D. Graham, 63, of Roxana, was charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the East Alton Police Department. On Aug. 4 Graham allegedly strangled a household or family member. Bail was set at $60,000. Jon V. Hammack, 60, listed as homeless out of Alton, was charged with two counts of threatening a public official, a Class 3 felony, and criminal trespass, a Class B misdemeanor. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. On Sept. 8 Hammack allegedly threatened two Alton police officer, threatening to shoot one officer with a .45 caliber weapon and cut off her head once released from jail and threatening to beat another officer and cut off his head when he was released from jail. Hammack was also charged with trespass after entering the Argosy Casino after being told he was not allowed on the property. Bail was set at $40,000. Jalen D. Weaver, 29, of St. Louis, was charged with aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. On Aug. 28 Weaver allegedly struck a person on the face with his hand. Bail was set at $50,000. Joseph E. Kennedy, 30, of East Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, a Class 3 felony; and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the East Alton Police Department. On July 4 Kennedy allegedly had brass knuckles and less than 15 grams of fentanyl. He has a 2017 conviction for unlawful possession of a controlled substance out of Jersey County in 2017, making him ineligible to possess weapons. Brass knuckles are prohibited in Illinois. Bail was set at $15,000. EDWARDSVILLE An East Alton woman faces felony DUI and drug, and misdemeanor child endangerment charges stemming from an April 5 incident. Breanna R. Beckham, 22, of East Alton, was charged Sept. 8 with aggravated driving while under the influence and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, both Class 4 felonies, and child endangerment, a Class A misdemeanor. The case was presented by the East Alton Police Department. According to court documents, on April 5 Beckham allegedly was driving a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado while under the influence of methamphetamine, had less than 15 grams of fentanyl and endangered a 10-year-old girl who was riding in the vehicle she was driving. Bail was set at $15,000. Other drug-related felonies filed Sept. 8 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include: Joseph R. Moore, 62, of Granite City, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. According to court documents, on Sept. 7 Moore allegedly had less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000. Tremayne D. McClaine, 37, of St. Louis, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. On July 25 McClaine allegedly had less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000. Lyle E. Greeling, 21, of East Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Bethalto Police Department. On June 8 Greeling allegedly had less than 15 grams of cocaine. Bail was set at $15,000. Lynard J. Brown, 38, of Detroit, Michigan, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the East Alton Police Department. On July 11 Brown allegedly had less than 15 grams of fentanyl. Bail was set at $15,000. Sterling J. Hill Bey, 21, listed as homeless out of Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis, and two counts of aggravated unlawful use of weapons, all Class 4 felonies. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. According to court documents, on Sept. 7 Hill Bey allegedly had 30-500 grams of cannabis, Kel Tec 9 mm handgun and a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun in a motor vehicle without a Firearm Owners Identification Card or concealed carry license. Bail was set at $40,000. Minnesota Department of Corrections/AP ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) A Minneapolis man has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder in a weekend shooting that left three people dead and two wounded, according to a criminal complaint made public Friday. Authorities say 41-year-old Antonio Dupree Wright walked into a St. Paul duplex through the back door on Sept. 4, raised a gun, and started shooting the people inside. According to a probable cause statement, he first shot 44-year-old Maisha Spaulding in the head as she sat on a couch. He then shot 33-year-old Angelica Gonzales in the face and shot 42-year-old Cory Freeman as he tried to run away. All three died. Illinois Chamber of Commerce SPRINGFIELD State Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, has been honored for his support of pro-growth economic policies, as the Illinois Chamber of Commerce has named him as a Champion of Free Enterprise. State government has a duty to ensure that businesses have the freedom to succeed, create jobs, and help grow our economy, said McClure. It is a great honor to be recognized again for my work to make our state more friendly for business and job growth. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) A passenger train and freight train collided Friday night in central Croatia, killing at least three people and injuring another 11 or more, authorities said. The collision happened around 9:30 p.m. near the town of Novska, which is close to Croatia's border with Bosnia, police said in a statement. The impact was huge, said Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who rushed to the scene with other government officials. Plenkovic confirmed that so far bodies of three people were found at the site of the accident, but he said more victims could still be found in the morning. The injured have been hospitalized, some with serious injuries but none in life-threatening condition, he added. Its night time, there is no light, we dont know at the moment if there are more victims, said Plenkovic. The cause of the collision was not immediately clear. The passenger train was a local line carrying 13 people, while only the engine driver was in the freight train, said Plenkovic. He said foreign citizens were among the injured. Officials said both trains were pushed off the rails after the collision. An investigation has been launched to determine what caused the collision. Should it take more than eight years to fire state employees involved in the beating of a disabled patient in a Illinois state facility? Its a question that begs to be asked in the wake of an investigation conducted by several news organizations: Lee Enterprises, Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica. Here is the set up for the investigation: As Blaine Reichard rose from a breakfast table at the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in southern Illinois, a worker ordered him to pull up his sagging pants. A 24-year-old man with developmental disabilities, Reichard was accustomed to workers at the state-run residential facility telling him what to do. But this time he didnt obey. Im a gangsta! This is how we do it where I am from! responded Reichard, who, despite his street-tough defiance, still slept with a teddy bear. Multiple witnesses told the Illinois State Police that shortly after this exchange, Reichard was taken to the floor, held down by four mental health techs and repeatedly punched in the face. One of the employees has pleaded guilty to a felony and the three others have pleaded guilty to misdemeanors. But almost eight years after the beating none have been fired or disciplined in the workplace. None. According to the investigation, After pleading guilty, the three (misdemeanants) returned to work at Choate, mowing lawns, cooking or doing laundry. About three years ago, their status returned to administrative leave. They no longer do any work at Choate, but they still receive a state paycheck today. Since the incident, taxpayers have paid the trio more than $1 million combined. Their annual salaries range between $50,000 and $54,000, IDHS records show. Will they be fired? Well, the state is still considering the matter eight years after the beating. Eight years. Molly Parker, one of the investigative reporters involved in the case, said the union representing the employees got them bumped to paid administrative leave -- rather than keeping them working at the center in positions where they were not in contact with patients while awaiting a decision on whether they should be disciplined. Oh, and by the way these men are still receiving health insurance benefits and credit toward their pensions. Is anyone advocating for the taxpayers who are paying these men to do nothing? It would appear not. As for the lone felon in the group, he was suspended without pay when he was charged in 2016 and he remained on the state payroll during the 15-month period between the time of the incident and the time he was charged, collecting nearly $56,000 while on administrative leave. Public employees are often called to do challenging work. Whether its teaching a classroom of third graders, writing speeding tickets, incarcerating criminals or caring for developmentally delayed people in state institutions, most do what is asked of them. But how do we address those who violate the rules and bring harm to those in their care? Accountability is lacking. Some point their fingers at a bureaucracy that moves at a slugs pace. Others blame union contracts that they say make punishing bad employees difficult. Im not going to weigh in on why accountability is lacking only that it is. And few in public office are doing anything to better hold bad employees to account. ELKO Nevadas Board of Regents this week approved a request from Great Basin College and the University of Nevada, Reno, to pursue a possible consolidation of the institutions of higher learning. No new details of what might be involved were presented when the board gathered Thursday in Elko, but a few people offered support for the proposal that could impact education in most of rural Nevada. GBC professor Kevin Seipp said expansion of the colleges Career and Technical Education programs has been made possible in part by cost-saving alliances with UNR. Preserving higher education in the state of Nevada by delivering programs of this nature to rural Nevada makes it possible for GBC to deliver on our mission, both current and future, he said. John Tierney, chairman of the GBC Institutional Advisory Council, also said he supported the idea, and IAC member Terry Clark said she wanted Regents to understand that GBC has provided incredible support to development in this area. Regents candidate John Patrick Rice pointed out that GBC has been through many transformations in the past, and what sustains an institution of higher education is its faculty. Presidents can make agreements, but the work gets done at the department level. Rice said he was eager to work on the project in any capacity. He encouraged the board to learn how a new alliance between GBC and UNR would benefit both institutions, along with any impacts on the other six institutions in the Nevada System of Higher Education. Sometimes solving a problem for one group creates a problem for others. It will be the boards responsibility to assure that such a metamorphosis indeed creates a butterfly. Great Basin College was started as a community college in 1967, grew to offer some four-year degrees, and eventually expanded to the far corners of the state across 86,500 square miles. GBC President Joyce Helens began working on the alliance four year ago with then-UNR president Marc Johnson. A program to facilitate transfers from the college to the university was announced in the fall of 2019. The important thing is that we focus on each individual student we advise from both institutions, so that students can find their way to a path that is a combination of GBC and UNR, Johnson said at the time. The relationship has developed further with current UNR President Brian Sandoval. Were always looking at whats the next step, Helens told The Nevada Independent in August, characterizing the proposal as a consolidation, not a merger. Often consolidations have occurred to ensure survival of higher education institutions after decades of diminishing resources, steady enrollment decline, and lagging student success metrics . Helens and Sandoval wrote in their briefing to the Regents. According to data posted this week, fall enrollment at GBC is down 9% based on full-time equivalent students. But dual enrollment (high school students) is down 37.5% this fall, the first year since UNR began offering its own dual enrollment program. Nearly three-quarters of GBC students (73.7%) now study completely online, while only 42% of enrollees expressed a preference for internet-only classes. One thing that the presidents have said would not be changed is the name of Great Basin College, or its identity. The best-case scenario is two institutions consolidating with complementary strengths to chart a more secure, survivable future while preserving the diversity and excellence represented in their missions and identities. Such is the case with Great Basin College and The University of Nevada Reno, they wrote. KATIE PIERCE, Wheeler, Girls Soccer, Junior; Pierce scored two goals and had an assist as Wheeler opened the season with victories over Griswold and Windham. The last time Wheeler started the season with two wins was 2011. ILIANA RASHLEIGH, Stonington, Girls Soccer, Sophomore; Rashleigh scored a pair of goals as Stonington opened the season with a 7-0 win against Woodstock. TOM SERLUCA, Westerly, Boys Soccer, Junior; Serluca scored two goals in a victory over defending Division II champion Chariho. Serluca also had a goal in a win against Fitch in the Piver Cup tournament. REID DOSSANTOS, Chariho, Girls soccer, Junior; DosSantos had seven saves as Chariho defeated Stonington in the Piver Cup tournament. DosSantos has not allowed a goal in four games this season. Vote View Results At the event (Photo: VNA) Co-hosted by the municipal Department of Industry and Trade and the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Women Executives and Entrepreneurs (HAWEE), the event drew over 400 businesses and representatives from trade promotion agencies and business associations from 10 ASEAN member states and Japan, India, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Speaking at the event, HAWEE Chairwoman Cao Thi Ngoc Dung said the event aims to encourage cooperation and investment among ASEAN nations while fueling sustainable growth for regional corporate community via business matching. Financial Advisory Leader for Asia Pacific at Deloitte Ng Jiak See said ASEAN is now the fifth largest economy in the world with a total GDP of 3.2 trillion USD, behind the US, China, Japan and Germany. It is on the way to become the fourth largest by 2030, surpassing Japan. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the flow of foreign direct investment into ASEAN still hit the pre-pandemic level in 2021, amounting to 175 billion USD. She suggested ASEAN member states take immediate actions and join hands to achieve an economy with low emissions because now is decisive time. If climate change becomes uncontrollable, the ASEAN economy will incur a loss of 28,000 billion USD in the next five decades, she warned./. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate TROY Central Troy needs a grocery. But what kind? Should it be a fancy place with high-end products to serve the growing population of people renting $2,000-a-month apartments? Or should it be a store that serves the large population of people, particularly in the impoverished North Central neighborhood, with limited access to fresh food? Bargain Grocery might fill both needs. The store planned for a building at 558 River St., just north of the Collar City Bridge, would be a second location for a grocery that's operating in Utica and is backed by the non-profit Compassion Coalition. It's a store like no other I've seen, a food retailer with a purpose. Essentially, it's a salvage store, a supermarket version of, say, Ollie's Bargain Outlet. Much of the food it sells would be otherwise be headed to a landfill. But that doesn't mean the food isn't of a high quality or that the store doesn't sell fresh food and vegetables. "Fresh produce is central to what we do here," said Michael Servello, the store's founder, standing next to blueberries priced at $1.49 a pint as he swept his arm sweeping his arm toward bins of tomatoes, peppers, onions, zucchinis and, well, just about every fruit and veggie you'd expect at a supermarket. Servello, a pastor, founded Bargain Grocery two decades ago aiming to serve the poor in Utica neighborhoods without grocery options. He soon realized that the best path involved bypassing the usual middle-men to focus instead on the vast quantities of food that are routinely thrown away, often for superficial reasons. But here's what really makes the operation remarkable: Bargain Grocery's profits fund a broader charity that annually distributes $25 million worth of food, household items, school supplies and other items to Utica's poor, free of charge. Servello built the organization and its networks gradually, establishing relationships with farmers, familiar large retailers and companies such as Chobani, Four years ago, Bargain Grocery moved to a newly built store in a neighborhood east of downtown Utica, allowing for a dramatic increase in sales and popularity. The store is about the size of a Trader Joe's and in many way the product mix is similar. The prices, meanwhile, are remarkably low about a third of what you'd expect to pay in a typical supermarket, even though many of brand names on display are high-end. Nearly 40 percent of Bargain Grocery customers pay with the electronic benefit cards, and the central mission, Servello said, will always be to treat the city's significant population of needy residents with dignity. If the store can also help eliminate food waste and support local farmers, all the better. Bargain Grocery has at times battled the misconception that it is only for the poor. But since the store acts as the chief fundraiser for the broader charity, all are encouraged to shop there. The result is customer mix unusual in its diversity, consisting of rich and poor alike. It's a population that happens to look like downtown Troy, which is among the reasons that developer and First Columbia head Kevin Bette is so eager to bring Bargain Grocery to one of the buildings he owns in the fast-changing Hedley District. "I can't think of a better thing you can do for a community than put one of these stores in," he said. "If we're successful in Troy, and I think we will be, this is going to change a lot." Bette is establishing a separate nonprofit for the Troy store, has been working to attract grants and government interest, and is readying a fundraising campaign to renovate and outfit the building for a grocery. The $7 million plan, which already has city approval, calls for a 10,000-square-foot store on the first floor of the formerly industrial building. The second floor would be used for prep kitchens and storage. It wouldn't be Troy's first grocery with big ideals. As many will remember, a food co-op known as Pioneer Market opened in Congress Street in 2011. Saddled with debt, it closed about a year later. How can Bargain Grocery avoid the same fate? How easy it will it be to duplicate what's been built over decades in Utica? One key, Servello said, is avoiding debt like a plague. Another is embedding the store in the community, making it a place people care about. But Servello added that he's already receiving enough food, much of it stored in a warehouse in the Utica suburb of New York Mills, to supply a second store in Troy. But he and Bette aren't planning to stop there. The long-term plan is a network of eight or nine stores located in so-called "food deserts" across the Capital Region, including stores in Albany and Schenectady, where Servello has already been scouting real estate. They would likewise fund charitable giveaways, just as the Bargain Grocery in Utica does. The mind boggles at how much good those stores could do. cchurchill@timesunion.com 518-454-5442 @chris_churchill KINGSTON Johanna Contreras, deputy county executive under the Pat Ryan administration, was sworn in as acting Ulster County executive Friday after Ryan won the election for 19th District congressman. I am committed to building upon the successes of County Executive Pat Ryans administration and continuing our work to support green growth and economic opportunity, provide financial relief to residents and govern with transparency and fiscal responsibility, Contreras said in a statement. I have always centered the values of equity and inclusion and will continue to do so ... Contreras took the oath of office administered by County Clerk Nina Postupack in a ceremony held at the County Office Building in Kingston. As deputy county executive, she was responsible for the Health and Human Services portfolio, which includes the departments of health, social services, mental health, youth, human rights, aging and veterans affairs. She had worked in the mayors Office of Management and Budget in New York City, leading the Education Task Force which oversees the budgets of the New York City Department of Education, City University of New York and School Construction Authority. She has a master of science degree in urban policy analysis from the Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment at The New School and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She lives in Kingston with her husband and two children. Ryan is to be sworn in as congressman on Tuesday. He had handpicked Contreras as his successor before winning the special election. She will serve as acting county executive through the end of the year. To see out the remainder of Ryans term, which ends Dec. 31, 2023, the Ulster County Democratic Committee will hold a nominating convention at Kingston City Hall on Sept. 17. Three candidates are vying for the nomination: Former New York state Sen. Jen Metzger, deputy Ulster County Executive Marc Rider and Ulster County Comptroller March Gallagher. Republicans have yet to nominate a candidate. Ryan has endorsed Metzger in the race, saying in a statement, Jen is a person of integrity, who brings great compassion to understanding the needs of the community. She has the experience and the drive to deliver results. I look forward to partnering with Jen to make sure that government from the county to the federal level works together to deliver results for our residents. The parties chosen candidates will appear on the ballot during the general election on Nov. 8, and the next elected Ulster County executive will be sworn in Jan. 1. JamesBrey, Contributor / Getty Images ALBANY A motorcyclist traveling with several other bikers, ATV riders and dirt bikers through Albany last year was found guilty of smashing in a woman's windshield, Albany County prosecutors said. Shane Hornberger, 31, of Rensselaer was found guilty of felony third-degree criminal mischief after a jury trial in state Supreme County in Albany County, District Attorney David Soares' office said. WATERVLIET - When the Pakistan Association of New York Capital District began planning its 75th anniversary celebration of Pakistans independence at Hudson Shore Park in Watervliet, no one anticipated a catastrophe was on the horizon for their home country. After weeks of relentless rain, a third of Pakistan is underwater, close to 1,400 people are dead, 1.5 million homes have been destroyed and 33 million Pakistanis have been impacted by flash flooding. As a result, the Pakistan Association dedicated its Independence Day program to the flood victims Saturday afternoon. Pakistans unusual monsoon season is linked to climate change. Despite contributing to less than 1 percent of carbon dioxide emissions, the country is in the top 10 most at-risk countries for climate changes impact due to its geography, said Pakistan Consulate General Ayesha Ali, a guest speaker at the event. Because of record high temperatures, Pakistan received 243 percent more rainfall than average in August, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Departments August report. The unofficial estimate indicates up to $35 billion may be needed to rebuild what was lost, Ali said, though that figure will likely change when the country moves out of rescue and relief mode and into rehabilitation. This is the biggest national disaster the country has seen, she said. We need to make people really aware of the magnitude of the disaster. The Pakistan Association partnered with People Real Estate Group for the fundraising event. Mohammad Afir, Helping Hand for Relief and Developments regional manager for Upstate NY, had a tent set up with information on Helping Hands emergency flood relief fund. He said the international charity organization hopes to raise $15 million in aid with $4 million already raised. Funds will help provide food, shelter and clothing to the millions of Pakistanis who lost their homes in the flood. In addition to Helping Hands tent, flyers were posted throughout the picnic pavilion with information on the new branch of the National Bank of Pakistan opened in New York. The new branch, Ali said, would allow Americans to directly donate to Pakistan using the provided account and routing numbers. We need to do what we can within our needs to support the people of Pakistan, said U.S Rep. Paul Tonko as he addressed the crowd of about 80. We are at our best when we empathize and relate with each other. The event also celebrated 75 years of Pakistani independence. Watervliet Mayor Charles V. Patricelle presented Akbar Khan, president of the Pakistan Association, with a framed decree from the city in honor of the milestone, and Tonko presented an acknowledgement on official letterhead from the House of Representatives. Thank you for being an outstanding beacon of democracy to the freedom loving people around the world, Tonko said. Pakistan stands as a tremendous instrument of peace and democracy. Anyone looking to support Pakistan can donate through the new National Bank of Pakistan branch, Helping Hands at www.hhrd.org/pakistanflood or through their favorite charity or NGO. Pakistan is a very resilient nation, and we're doing as best as we can under the circumstances, Ali said. But we will need a lot of help. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SARATOGA SPRINGS The unofficial queen of the Spa City's social scene and the Queen of England had a few things in common: They were generally beloved within their respective realms, and adored horses especially polo ponies and thoroughbreds. They were also friends. Queen Elizabeth II, who died Thursday at age 96, and Marylou Whitney, who died in 2019 at 93, spent time together at tracks and polo fields, palaces and parties, recalled Whitney's husband John Hendrickson. Other members of the British monarchy were close to the socialite: The Queen's younger sister Princess Margaret stayed at the Whitneys' thoroughbred farm for 10 days during a trip to the Kentucky Derby in 1974. They go way back with the entire family, Hendrickson told the Times Union on Friday. Whitney was "very close" with King Charles III, then the Prince of Wales, as well as Margaret, he noted. "One time, the Queen told Marylou she was so grateful for being a friend to her sister, he said of the princess, whose troubled final decades were the subject of much media scrutiny. When Whitney and Hendrickson visited Buckingham Palace in 1997, he led her out onto the sprawling royal balcony. He had a ring in his pocket, and proposed marriage. Their engagement, he said, happened to coincide with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards at St. James Palace, where the couple had dinner with the royal family the same night. Hendrickson recalled the response of Prince Philip, Elizabeth's husband and the awards' namesake, upon hearing the news of their engagement: Im happy to do the engagement party, but I wont be doing the wedding." Hendrickson is not sure how Whitney came into the royal family's orbit, but believes she was introduced to them by her second husband, Cornelius Sonny Vanderbilt Whitney, who died in 1992. (His marriage to Marylou was his fourth and final trip to the altar.) In addition to his involvement in thoroughbred racing, Sonny had played and promoted polo internationally a passion shared by Charles. Hendrickson has photos of Marylou Whitney bestowing polo trophy cups on the Prince of Wales as well as a pile of annual Christmas cards from Charles and his second wife Camilla, who now bears the title of queen consort. They all knew (Marylou) very well, Hendrickson said. At the Queens final visit to the Kentucky Derby in 2007, the Palm Beach Daily News reported, Elizabeth actually rose for Whitney when she arrived. The paper noted that Whitney was the only person at Churchill Downs who got that particular form of royal treatment. Hendrickson also remembers being seated next to Camilla at her first official dinner at Buckingham Palace a major step in the royal family's careful public handling of her relationship and eventual marriage to Charles years after his divorce from Princess Diana. Hendrickson and Whitney, separated in age by four decades, understood the sort of tabloid attention the royal couple had been subjected to, albeit at a far lower wattage. He said he gave Camilla some advice that night: "Happiness is the best revenge. Despite the late Queen's love of horse racing, Saratoga Springs never received a royal visit. Her only upstate New York appearance appears to have been in June 1959, when she briefly crossed the border from Canada accompanied by Prince Philip and then-Vice President Richard Nixon to a hydroelectric plant in Massena as part of the ceremonies that opened the St. Lawrence Seaway. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ALBANY A shower. A walk outside. Positive words. Those were among the ways that professionals de-escalated situations in the rural Hilltowns over the last year when responding to non-violent 911 calls that have traditionally led to visits from police. But these responders were not armed with guns or carrying badges. They were EMS and behavioral health professionals working in a pilot program that Albany County officials on Friday called a big success - and one they say should be expanded across the county. "While many communities across the country have been rethinking crisis response, re-imaging how to handle crises, Albany County did it," the county's mental health commissioner, Stephen Giordano, told reporters at Draper Hall at the downtown campus of the University at Albany. The results of the pilot program were detailed in a report compiled by the UAlbany's School of Public Health and School of Social Welfare. Giordano joined County Executive Dan McCoy, Sheriff Craig Apple, Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce, Deputy Chair Wanda Willingham, Legislator Matthew Peter and Assemblyman John McDonald, among others, as well as UAlbany professors Tomoko Udo and Carmen Morano, who were involved in the report. "We do want to expand," McCoy said. "It's going to take personnel and it's going to take money." The program, called ACCORD (Albany County Crisis Officials Responding and Diverting), took effect June 10, 2021. It was aimed at reducing adverse encounters between police and civilians at scenes in the Hilltowns involving a person with mental health issues. Such incidents gained wide attention following calls for professionals - other than police - to handle a degree of emergency calls. Supporters of the program said it allows police to concentrate on fighting crime while the ACCORD teams addressing mental health issues at the root of incidents drawing police. Apple said the county was on the edge of a crisis in staffing for dispatchers, police, paramedics and correctional officers. "If we get called to some place right now and we have someone who is mentally ill, we take them to the hospital," Apple said. "That's going to tie up police officers and probably one paramedic because they have to have us and we have to have them. So now we're tied up at the (emergency room) for hours because of their staffing shortage. So this (ACCORD) team will be able to take care of that and keep police officers on the street, which is vital." The results of the study, which tracked data until June 2022, showed there were 240 non-violent 911 calls dispatched to the ACCORD team. There were 549 total encounters with 210 individuals, mostly involving medical assistance and transportation for mental health needs. The teams were able to resolve the crisis on the scene in 122 of the encounters. County officials said that in most cases, the ACCORD staffers de-escalated the situation, assessed the person's need, offered referral services, as well as the coping mechanisms. They followed up with the people and their families as well. "The strategies included supportive, active listening techniques, positive affirmations, while maintaining a calm presence and tone," the report stated. "The narratives suggest the importance of understanding the individuals demeanor in order to make the individual feel comfortable and elicit as much information about their needs as possible." It said strategies included suggesting the individuals take a shower, get outside for a walk, mindfulness, positive affirmations and establishing a word or phrase to utter when a patient needs a break from an interaction. The report noted that since the 1970s, funding for behavioral health issues has plummeted. People with behavioral issues, it noted, are more likely to experience encounters with police. "For so many years, we've been trying to call attention to the mental health needs of our community," Giordano told reporters, "and I guess we're getting noticed now - unfortunately and fortunately." Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen have held an online conversation, during which they discussed steps aimed at strengthening financial capabilities and restoring Ukraine. Had conversation with U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen. Thanked the administration of the U.S. President for the powerful and timely support. Discussed steps for strengthening Ukraine's financial capacity, tightening sanctions against the aggressor country and rebuilding Ukraine, Shmyhal said on Twitter Friday evening. OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Questions over whether the Osage Nation reservation in northern Oklahoma still exists will next be answered by the state's Court of Criminal Appeals. Osage County District Judge Stuart Tate ruled last week in a criminal case involving a Native American defendant that the Osage Nation reservation was disestablished by Congress and that the state therefore retains criminal jurisdiction there. But Tate on Thursday agreed to stay proceedings in the case until the matter of the Osage Nation reservation and criminal jurisdiction can be resolved. While we are disappointed by the ruling, we are not deterred in our efforts to reestablish the Osage Nation Reservation," Osage Nation Attorney General Clint Patterson said in a statement. We still believe we are on solid legal footing and we look forward to taking our fight to the next level. This is not the end, but only a necessary step on our path to reestablishment." Doug Dry, an attorney for the defendant in the case, said he plans to appeal to the Court of Criminal Appeals within 30 days. We're alleging the reservation that the Osage Nation has has never been disestablished," said Dry, who represents Dustin Phillips, a Cherokee Nation citizen charged in Osage County with domestic assault and battery by strangulation, kidnapping and other crimes. Dry filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that because the crime occurred within the Osage Nation's historic reservation boundaries, jurisdiction lies with the federal government. In response to that motion, Tate ruled that the Osage Allotment Act, which divided the reservation lands among members of the tribe, and the Oklahoma Enabling Act passed by Congress, which created the state, combined to suggest that Congress intended to disestablish the Osage Reservation. Dry and the Osage Nation, which filed an amicus brief in the case, contend that the judge should have given more consideration to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2020, dubbed the McGirt ruling, which determined that the Muscogee Nation in eastern Oklahoma remains an American Indian reservation. Since that decision was handed down, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has determined that for the purpose of criminal jurisdiction, several other Indian reservations remain intact, including those of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Seminole and Quapaw nations. The issue has led to increasing tension between the tribes and the offices of the governor and state attorney general, who want to see the McGirt decision overturned or narrowed. Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, who leads the tribe of more than 24,000 citizens, said he would ultimately like to see the issue resolved not in state or federal court, but either in an Osage Nation courtroom or an international court. I think really to solve the Native American question with the states of the United States and the federal government, it needs to be in international court," Standing Bear said. The Osage Nation and part of its unique history is featured in a soon-to-be-released film, Killers of the Flower Moon," directed by Martin Scorcese and adapted from David Grann's bestselling book. The book is set in the 1920s, when the Osage people became some of the wealthiest in the world after oil was discovered on their reservation. At least two dozen and perhaps as many as several hundred Osage Indians were subsequently murdered, leading to a case that became one of the FBI's first major homicide investigations. ___ This story was updated to correct the name of Killers of the Flower Moon, which had been erroneously referred to as Killer of the Flower Moon. CANDO, N.D. (AP) A dispute between two brothers led to a triple murder and suicide last month in a North Dakota wheat field, authorities said Friday. Towner County Sheriff Andrew Hillier said autopsy results and evidence at the scene suggested Robert Bracken, 59, killed his brother, his son and a third man before shooting himself on Aug. 29. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LAS VEGAS (AP) In four decades of writing about the Las Vegas underworld and government corruption, investigative reporter Jeff German took on plenty of powerful and dangerous people. The hard-bitten newsman was once punched by an organized crime associate and received veiled threats from mobsters. Nothing seemed to faze him as he doggedly went about his work. So German (GEHR-man) characteristically didn't express concern when Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles, a virtually unknown politician in charge of an obscure and small government office, took to Twitter last spring to angrily denounce the reporter. German, who worked for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, had written about bullying and favoritism in the public administrator's office and an inappropriate relationship by Telles with a female subordinate. Authorities say German's initial investigation and follow-up stories were the motivation for Telles to fatally stab German last week at the reporter's home. DNA at the scene linked Telles to the killing as did shoes and a distinctive straw hat found at his home that matched those worn by a suspect caught on video, investigators said Thursday. Police arrested Telles on Wednesday after a brief standoff at his home. Telles was hospitalized for what Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo described as non-life-threatening, self-inflicted wounds. Glenn Cook, executive editor of the Review-Journal, said there was talk within the newspaper about Telles being unhinged but he never made any physical threats against German and the reporter never said he was worried. The thought this was the story that would put Germans safety at risk seemed implausible, he said, remembering how the reporter recounted once being punched by an organized crime associate. He cut his teeth covering the mob, Cook said. Jeff spent over 40 years covering the worst of the worst of Las Vegas. This was a guy who ran down mobsters, wise guys and killers. Killings of journalists in the U.S. in retaliation for their work are extremely rare. Up until Germans death, eight journalists have been killed in the U.S. since 1992, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. The deadliest attack came in 2018 when a shooting at the Capital Gazette in Maryland left five dead. Jeffs death is a sobering reminder of the inherent risks of investigative journalism, said Diana Fuentes, executive director of the organization Investigative Reporters & Editors. Journalists do their jobs every day, digging deep to find information the public needs to know and has a right to see. German joined the Review-Journal in 2010 after more than two decades at the Las Vegas Sun, where he was a columnist and reporter who covered courts, politics, labor, government and crime. He was 69, but never talked with his boss about retirement, Cook said. Former co-workers along with attorneys and government officials German counted on as sources called him a hard-nosed, tenacious journalist who could be gruff at times, especially if someone didnt know him or was holding back information. He was not someone who was easily intimidated, said Geoff Schumacher, who worked with German at the Sun until the late 1990s. Getting to the truth, that was more important to him than his own well-being or being popular. The pair recently worked together on a podcast called Mobbed Up. German talked about receiving veiled threats from mobsters in the early 1980s at a time when people were disappearing as law enforcement cracked down on organized crime. The warnings definitely got German's attention, but he never went to police, said Schumacher, who now works at at The Mob Museum in Las Vegas Alan Feldman, a former executive with MGM Resorts International, said getting a call from German was like hearing from the CBS news show, 60 Minutes. He didnt talk tough or threaten anyone, Feldman said, but he never backed down. And he always followed the story even if it didnt go in the direction he expected, he said. The last thing I would say about Jeff is that anything scared him or that he was afraid, Feldman said. He was prepared to go after anyone who was doing something not in the public interest. Telles, a Democrat who apparently had never served in public office until he was elected in 2018, oversaw less than 10 people and was paid about $120,000 a year to run an office that deals with estates and the property of people after they die. Before that he was a lawyer practicing probate and estate law. In the weeks before the June primary, German bylined reports about an office mired in turmoil and internal dissension between longtime employees and new hires under Telles leadership. Following the stories, county officials hired a consultant to help oversee the office. Telles blamed old-timers for exaggerating the extent of his relationship with a female staffer and falsely claiming that he mistreated them. He posted complaints on Twitter about German, saying he was a bully who was obsessed with him. Telles ended up finishing last in the three-way primary and was serving out the remainder of his term at the time of the killing. The articles ruined his political career, likely his marriage, and this was him lashing out at the cause, Chief Deputy Clark County District Attorney Richard Scow said Thursday. Germans family called him a loving and loyal brother, uncle and friend who devoted his life to his work exposing wrongdoing in Las Vegas and beyond. Were shocked, saddened and angry about his death, they said in a statement. Jeff was committed to seeking justice for others and would appreciate the hard work by local police and journalists in pursuing his killer. We look forward to seeing justice done in this case. ___ Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio. By Azernews By Ayya Lmahamad Transit cargo flow via Azerbaijan increased by 47 percent during the period of January-August 2022, Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev said, Azernews reports, per Trend. He made the remarks during the Azerbaijan-Iran-Russia trilateral meeting on the prospects of the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor. Noting that Azerbaijan is working to strengthen cooperation with its neighboring countries, he stated that the development of these relations opens up new opportunities. He added that trilateral meeting is aimed at adopting and discussing a number of projects and signing agreements. Azerbaijan is seeking to create infrastructure, that corresponds to the modern standards. Work in this direction continues, he said. Shahin Mustafayev stated that Azerbaijan is implementing projects in the railway sector, adding that the projects include the construction of a railway, repair centers, and the purchase of new locomotives. Mentioning that the implementation of the second stage of construction of Baku ports is planned for 2023, he said that work is being conducted to draft the plan for it. "After the implementation of these works, the transhipment capacity in the port will amount to 25 million tenges ($52,940), including 50,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU)," he said. Zangazur corridor Speaking at the event, Digital Development and Transport Deputy Minister Rahman Hummatov stated that the Zangazur corridor creates opportunities for additional transit of 5-8 million tons of cargo via Azerbaijans territory. Noting that the traffic of goods along the North-South corridor is 500,000 tons per year, he stressed that there are plans to increase this figure to 4 million tons in the future. He added that there are plans to increase the volume of cargo flow by rail to 6 million tons in the medium term and up to 20 million tons in the long term. Rahman Hummatov also stated that the construction of a bridge on the Iran-Azerbaijan border is expected to be completed in the near future, adding that there are expectations to complete the construction of a highway in Azerbaijan to the Russian border as well. We are building roads and railways in various directions, including the Zangazur corridor. Azerbaijan plans to complete the construction of the Horadiz-Aghband highway and railway in 2023, he said. Single railway network Azerbaijan, Russia, and Iran intend to build a single railway network, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said. Noting that Russia is ready for productive trilateral cooperation, he expressed confidence that negotiations will be very productive for all three parties. I guess that full-scale use will affect the volume of trade indicators. Among the main tasks we want to build a unified railway network, the construction of which will increase the flow of goods along the western corridor by 15 percent. Its also necessary to protect the investments of the parties, he said. Alexander Novak also emphasized the importance of creating a logistics service and a tariff mechanism, adding the necessity to work in the development of ports and to agree on the working conditions of each of the parties. Today, as you know, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran have reached an agreement on the simplified transportation of goods, which is positive for the further implementation of projects. In order to ensure the effective operation of the corridor, Russia has worked out a new mechanism for its development and prepared a regulatory framework, he said. Potential of North-South corridor Moreover, Russian Deputy Prime Minister of Transport Dmitry Zverev mentioned that the volume of transportation through the North-South corridor isnt corresponding to the potential of Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia. The forecast for the volume of cargo until 2030 indicates the interest of carriers to the route. Every participating country has to conduct work on modernization of transport infrastructure, which will allow using the existing potential of the corridor to the full (15 million tons), he said. He added that Russia is ready to consider financing and lending issues to achieve these goals. North-South Corridor Secretariat Iran calls to create North-South Corridor Secretariat, Irans Roads and Urban Development Minister Rostam Ghasemi said. He noted that Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia will be able to reach an agreement on the development of transport potential which will be beneficial to all three parties. The agreements reached to date can be called special, we have a lot of work ahead of us. Iran is ready to take immediate measures to achieve the development of the North-South corridor, he said. Noting that Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia play a key role in the region, the minister stated that the countries are working to diversify transport corridors, remove barriers and also use electronic systems, which facilitate the activities. Its necessary to simplify the issuance of visas that are not related to the process of transit of goods. Undoubtedly, we see the need to create a secretariat for the North-South corridor and connect the railways of all three countries, he said. Reinforcing strategic relations Moreover, Shahin Mustafayev also highlighted that Azerbaijan is interested in reinforcing strategic, friendly, political, economic, and cultural relations with Russia and Iran. He said that the ongoing bilateral and trilateral meetings of the leaders of three countries provide a framework for broad development objectives. "The meetings of Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, and Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi addressed cooperation issues and development of the International North-South Transport Corridor. Azerbaijan, through which the North-South and East-West transport corridors pass, has become a logistics center on the freight transportation in these directions," he said. The Armed Forces of Ukraine have liberated and taken control of more than 30 settlements in Kharkiv region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said in his traditional video message on Friday. Our army, intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine continue active actions in several operational areas. They continue successfully. At this time, the Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated and took control of more than 30 settlements in Kharkiv region, he said. In part of the villages of the region, actions to check and secure the territory continue, we are gradually taking control of new settlements - everywhere we are returning the Ukrainian flag and protection for all our people. I'm thankful to all our boys and girls, men and women who are fighting for Ukraine! the president said. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to bloggers not to rush to publish the results of actions on the front line. I want to once again appeal now to some bloggers, who are sometimes in a hurry to announce the results of certain active actions of our troops on the front lines ... Please do not hurry with the reports, do not complicate the task for our army with your haste, Zelensky said in his traditional video message on Friday. Please do not report the specific details of the defense operation earlier than the official representatives of our state will say about it, he also said. He also appealed to Ukrainians from the liberated territory: please give the representatives of our forces any information known to you about the crimes of the occupiers on Ukrainian land. Units of the National Police are returning to the liberated settlements of Kharkiv region. And I want to thank today our intelligence, our secret services, who once again showed themselves very effectively in throwing the enemy out, he said. In particular, Zelensky thanked the soldiers of the 14th separate mechanized brigade named after Prince Roman the Great the commander in Kharkiv direction especially noted the heroic actions of the guys from this brigade. We do not forget about other directions. Fierce battles continue both in Donbas and in the south of our country. I'm thankful to the Marines of the 503rd Battalion for their courage in Donetsk region. My thanks to the intelligence of the 131st Separate Reconnaissance Battalion who, risking their lives, are the first to come forward and ensure the performance of the assigned tasks by the combined military units in Kherson region, the president said. Official Kyiv expects from the State of Israel uncompromising, clear and unequivocal condemnation of Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk said this during a meeting with Israeli Knesset member Nir Barkat, according to the Facebook page of the Embassy of Ukraine in Israel. The Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament noted that he expects from the State of Israel an uncompromising, clear and unambiguous condemnation of the war crimes committed by the russian federation in Ukraine. Also, R. Stefanchuk emphasized the need to introduce tougher economic and financial sanctions against the russian federation, - the report says. Nir Barkat - Israeli politician, member of the Knesset, former mayor of Jerusalem, currently visiting Ukraine. This is the first Israeli politician who visited our country after the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the russian federation on February 24, this year. The Embassy also notes that Israel provides significant humanitarian support to our state (essential goods, medicines, protective equipment, etc.). Defense Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov, during the 5th meeting of the Contact Group for the Defense of Ukraine at Ramstein Airbase, asked to consider the possibility of deploying training programs for Ukrainian fighters in other neighboring countries, the idea was supported by Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad. In the context of long-term support, the task of training Ukrainian soldiers has been raised to a qualitatively higher level. The range of our needs is wide: from acquiring individual skills to training as part of battalions, as well as training brigade headquarters. An effective training program initiated by Great Britain and supported by Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and New Zealand is already in place, he said on Facebook. According to the minister, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have already completed this course, and more than one and a half thousand are being trained right now. Just imagine: 30,000 soldiers will be trained within this program alone. They will return to Ukraine completely ready for battle, with knowledge, gear, individual protection etc. This is the backbone of at least six brigades, he said. In addition, as the minister noted, there are other programs. In particular, thanks to the leadership of Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Baszczak, the Platform has created the opportunity to train Ukrainian soldiers at training grounds in Poland. At Ramstein-5, I asked to consider the possibility of deploying similar training programs in other neighboring countries. The idea was immediately supported by a great friend of Ukraine, Slovak Minister of Defence Jaroslav Nad. This will ensure the scaling of the training process, and we will get more trained troops in a short period of time. In parallel, a training program is being developed with the support of the EU,: the minister of defense reported. We have already made specific proposals, including the construction of training centers in Ukraine to combine European resources and technology with practical experience in our army. Then these centers will work in the interests of the whole Europe. According to him, concrete proposals have already been made, including the construction of training centers in Ukraine to combine European resources and technologies with the practical experience of the Ukrainian army, and then these centers will work in the interests of the whole of Europe. "The intensification of weapons production and training programs are strengthening the defense forces of Ukraine in the long term," Reznikov stressed. A total of 383 children have been killed and over 746 injured in Ukraine since the Russian invasion started. The relevant statement was made by the Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals Office on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. As of September 10, 2022, over 1,129 children in Ukraine have been affected by the Russian armed aggression. According to the data from juvenile inspectors, a total of 383 children were killed and over 746 received injuries of various severity levels, the report states. These data are not final, as they are being investigated within the areas of hostilities, temporarily occupied and liberated areas. Currently, most casualties were recorded in Donetsk Region (389), Kharkiv Region (209), Kyiv Region (116), Mykolaiv Region (72), Chernihiv Region (68), Luhansk Region (61), Kherson Region (55), Zaporizhzhia Region (46) and Dnipropetrovsk Region (26). On September 9, 2022, three children, 3 to 15 years, were injured in Russias shelling of Kharkiv. A total of 2,480 educational institutions were damaged across Ukraine as a result of Russias daily air and artillery strikes, and 289 of them were destroyed completely. mk Oleksii Yurchenko, a Priamyi TV channel cameraman, has been killed when liberating Kharkiv Regions Balakliia from Russian invaders. The relevant statement was made by Priamyi TV channel, referring to Oleksiis wife Tetiana, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Oleksii joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and was killed in Kharkiv Region on September 8, 2022, when liberating Balakliia. He did military service in 2015-2016. Participated in battles for Marinka and Pisky. In August 2022, he received officer shoulder straps. Commanded a platoon of grenade launcher operators, the report states. Yurchenko participated in filming the Tochka Nul project, a TV series about the anti-terrorist operation, which had been produced by the ATO members. Oleksii had a 13-year-old daughter. A reminder that a total of 37 media professionals have been killed in Ukraine since the Russian invasion started, including eight journalists performing professional duties, 12 as civilian casualties and 17 as those who joined the ranks of Ukraines Defense Forces. mk Ukraine has received hundreds of missiles, guns and self-propelled artillery from its partners since the first meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group took place at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany in late April. Ukraine's Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov reported this on Facebook, according to Ukrinform. "Ukraine has received hundreds of 105-mm and 155-mm artillery units and ammo for them. Only for 155-mm ammo we have 7 types of guns and self-propelled artillery. Ukrainian soldiers are bringing terror upon the enemy with accurate and indivertible strikes of M142 Himars, M270 MLRS and MARS II. HARM missiles are already leaving the enemy without radars," Reznikov wrote. According to him, Harpoon missiles have joined forces with Ukrainian Neptune systems, and the Ukrainian Navy has shown what this tandem is capable of. Reznikov also noted progress in the air defense and anti-missile defense sector. "We have already received the Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled artillery units from Germany. Our specialists are completing their training on modern German Iris-T anti-aircraft systems that will soon make our skies safer. A policy decision was made regarding the NASAMS systems. And this is not to mention the armored vehicles and a substantial amount of other help. All this happened in just 4.5 months," the minister said. According to him, during 50 days between the fourth and fifth Ramstein meetings, U.S. partners announced five packages of security assistance worth a total of almost $5.5 billion. "During the meeting, another package for $675 million was announced. It contains very important projectiles for HIMARS and other things that will come in handy during active fighting," Reznikov said. He thanked U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S. Army, General Mark Milley, whose contribution, according to him, "cannot be overestimated." The Ukraine Defense Contact Group was created in April at the initiative of the United States. The first meeting took place in Ramstein, Germany, in late April. The fifth meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group was held on September 8. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Ukrainian President's Office, has said that Russia is currently not ready for Ukraine's negotiating position, which is "absolutely normal." He said this live on Radio NV, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. According to Podolyak, in the context of specific terms, when it is possible to sit down at the negotiating table, the consensus that exists in society should be clearly stated. "There is a clear understanding in society that the war must end properly - on Ukraine's terms and without any 'Minsk Protocols.' That is, there cannot be any line of contact, criminal enclaves cannot remain on Ukrainian territory, Russia cannot remain on Ukrainian territory, because it will be a constant provocation from the point of view of continuing to sort out relations. [...] That's why such a consensus exists," the official said. He added that after large-scale war crimes committed by Russia, "something else was added to this consensus - that we should take a large amount of debt from Russia." "I don't mean the amount in money. They must pay for all these crimes concretely or in long legal terms, or a certain number of people must end their existence on the battlefield. This consensus exists," Podolyak said. He said that President Volodymyr Zelensky had repeatedly voiced Ukraine's negotiating positions. "We formulate them as follows: please leave our entire territory, withdraw all troops not to the conditional borders as of February 23, but completely to the borders internationally recognized in 1991, including the Crimean peninsula, destroy all your illegally constructed objects, including the so-called Kerch Bridge. After that, we will sit down at the negotiating table," Podolyak said. According to him, the Ukrainian side is ready to talk about three things: "The first is reparations from the point of view of all the losses that Ukraine has suffered. The second is how we exist, coexist, since you [Russia] are neighbors, from the point of view of security for of Ukraine. And the third thing is a certain legal responsibility that must be borne by a number of people, including those with Russian citizenship, who committed crimes in Ukraine," he said. At the same time, Podolyak said that "today, Russia is not yet ready for an absolutely normal negotiating position of Ukraine." Germany will further help Ukraine in clearing mines in former combat areas. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated this during her visit to Kyiv region, according to Suddeutsche Zeitung. "What was seen here is more than terrible. It is obvious that not only anti-tank mines, but also anti-personnel mines were deliberately planted here," Baerbock said. During her visit to the village of Velyka Dymerka, Kyiv region, the minister was informed that the Russian invaders had deliberately mined toys in private homes. Read also: German FM Annalena Baerbock arrives in Kyiv It is noted that Germany has already allocated EUR 6 million for the demining of civilian facilities in Velyka Dymerka, and another EUR 1 million is planned to be allocated for these purposes by the end of the year. It is the second of visit of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to Ukraine since Russia invaded on February 24. Photo: dpa iy Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky chaired another meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Headquarters on Saturday, September 10. The relevant report was published by the Presidents Office, Ukrinform reports. First of all, the participants of the meeting listened to the reports of the commanders of the operative groups regarding the active actions of the defense forces to de-occupy Ukrainian territories. According to the results, appropriate decisions were made, in particular, regarding security in the liberated settlements, the report reads. It is noted that special attention was paid to the results of the fifth meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base, which ended the day before. In view of the situation at the front, ensuring cooperation with Ukraine's partners in the medium and long term becomes urgent. The participants in the meeting also considered the situation with the logistical support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and determined the urgent needs of the defense forces of Ukraine. This meeting was attended by Minister of Defense Oleksiy Reznikov and his deputy Rostyslav Zamlynsky, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny, Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Serhiy Shaptala, Commander of the National Guard Yuriy Lebid, Commander of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Viktor Khorenko, acting Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk, Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrsky, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov, Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak and his deputy Roman Mashovets. Chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov, Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky, Commander of the West Operative Command Forces Serhiy Litvinov and Commander of the South Operative Command Forces Andriy Kovalchuk joined the meeting via video conference. At the request of the Polish side, Ukraine will consider opening quotas for the export of 100,000 tonnes of coal to Poland in September. According to Ukrinform, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported this on Telegram. He said Ukraine, together with the European Union, is preparing for the most difficult winter in many years. "On the instruction of the President of Ukraine, at the request of the Polish side, Ukraine is ready to consider the possibility of opening quotas for the export of coal to Poland. The issue concerns about 100,000 tonnes in September, which our Polish partners now critically need," Shmyhal wrote. He added that coal reserves in Ukrainian warehouses make up almost two million tonnes, which is 2.5 times more than at this date last year, "so we are ready to support our Polish friends." "Also, we are currently actively reconstructing a power transmission line from our Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plant to the Polish substation in Rzeszow. We planned to finish it by December 14, but as we sped up the work, we can finish it a week earlier. This will allow us to export to Poland an additional 1,000 MW. For our part, we ask Poland to contribute to the expansion of export quotas within ENTSO-E," Shmyhal said. According to him, Ukraine currently exports only 300 MW of electricity to the European power grid. "We are doing everything possible so that by the end of 2022, the amount of available transmission capacity in the direction of Slovakia, Romania and Hungary could grow by another 200-300 MW, and in the direction of Poland - by more than 1,000 MW," Shmyhal said. On September 9, at a joint press conference with Latvian President Egils Levits and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine was ready to help Poland overcome future energy risks and challenges. On September 7, the Cabinet of Ministers completely banned exports of Ukrainian coal German Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock has arrived in Kyiv to discuss Germanys support for Ukraine, namely in terms of demining efforts and investigation into Russian crimes. The relevant statement was made by Germanys Federal Foreign Office, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. For more than six months, the Ukrainians have been fighting for everything. They are fighting for their lives, for the lives of their families and their friends. They brace themselves against Russian aggression, not only to defend their human right to peace and freedom, but also to defend our European peace order, Baerbock noted. In her words, in these terrible months between hope and fear, the Ukrainian people also trusted in Germanys assistance. Today I have arrived in Kyiv to show that they can continue to count on us. That we will continue to support Ukraine as long as it is necessary with the supply of arms, with humanitarian and financial support, Baerbock stressed. According to Baerbock, life somehow goes on in the midst of this war. In order to at least provide a little protection, where Russian troops could be pushed back, German partners provide assistance with the clearance of mines and warfare agents. Where these insidious weapons continue to threaten the lives of children, women and families every day, the projects we support ensure a little more freedom and security. To ensure that war crimes do not go unpunished, we also help with investigation into the war crimes that have been committed, for example with seconded experts, including a public prosecutor, Baerbock added. Baerbock expressed confidence that Putin counts on them to get tired of providing support for Ukraine. It is clear to me that Putin is counting on us getting tired of sympathizing with Ukraines suffering. He believes he can divide our societies with lies and blackmail them with energy supplies. And that it can take away the energy to defend ourselves against this brutal attack on the values of all of us. This calculation must not and will not work out. Because all of Europe knows that Ukraine is defending our peaceful order, Baerbock emphasized. A reminder that German Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock is paying her second visit to Ukraine. Photo: dpa mk Ukraine sees no obstacles to the supply of Leopard tanks from Germany and calls for artillery ammunition supplies before this decision is made. The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba during a joint press conference with German Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. I wont hide it, today the main subject of our negotiations has been the increase and acceleration of arms supplies for Ukraine. This autumn we expect to receive the first advanced German-manufactured IRIS air defense system. Also, I could not help but mention the latest initiative, the so-called Leopard plan, which had appeared in the German media, and stressed the importance of delivering such tanks from Germany. We see no obstacles to this, Kuleba said. Before this decision is made, Kuleba asked the German side to provide artillery ammunition for Ukraine. This is what we need on the front. This decision is not as difficult as tank supplies, even technically. But, artillery ammunition now can significantly strengthen our offensive capabilities. This will help us to liberate new territories and save human lives, Kuleba emphasized. Kuleba expressed gratitude to Germany for its decision about certain arms supplies, which was endorsed last spring. Now I want to slightly shift the emphasis and say that Ukraines current appeal sounds like Schedule, schedule and schedule in terms of arms supplies. Every day Ukraine needs to receive the new types of weapons and ammunition for them. This is the key to victory, Kuleba noted. The Ukrainian side counts on Germanys assistance in this regard, and Kuleba thanked Baerbock for her willingness to work on this. mk Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak has held a meeting with a delegation of Members of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The parties discussed the situation on the front and in the temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine, and the importance of increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. The relevant statement was made by the Office of the President of Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The delegation consisted of the representatives of four political forces: the Conservative Party (Robert Seely and Jonathan Djanogly), the Labour Party (Fleur Anderson, Liam Byrne and Stephen Doughty), Liberal Democrats (Richard Foord) and the Scottish National Party (Stuart McDonald). In the course of the meeting, Yermak briefed the delegation on the situation at the front and the course of events. In his words, the security support from partners played an important role in the recent successes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, along with the commitment of Ukrainian defenders. The United Kingdom is our key ally. We highly appreciate all the help you provide to Ukraine in our struggle for freedom and democracy, Yermak said, noting the importance of further intensified support. In addition, the parties discussed the situation in the temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine and the extremely important issue of the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war. In this regard, the Ukrainian side is counting on increased pressure on the aggressor state on the part of the international community. Yermak informed the partners about the work that is being done to develop a mechanism for new security guarantees for Ukraine, without which stable peace in Europe and the world in general is impossible. The Head of the Presidents Office noted the importance of the key role of the United Kingdom in the future mechanism. The issue of coordinating the foreign policy activities of Kyiv and London in certain regions, namely Latin America, was also raised. We will be grateful for support from the United Kingdom in strengthening and expanding the anti-war coalition, Yermak said. At the meeting, attention was paid to the importance of strengthening macro-financial assistance, which should be facilitated by the intensification of joint efforts with international financial institutions. Additionally, Yermak emphasized the importance of increasing sanctions pressure on the aggressor state, as well as recognizing Russia as a terrorist state, and said: Russia behaves like a terrorist, it is a terrorist and should be officially recognized so. Yermak expressed his sincere condolences over the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We share your loss and grieve together with the people of the UK, Yermak added. At the end of the meeting, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with Members of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Among other things, the important role of the Ukrainian Presidents address to the British Parliament, which took place in early March 2022, was noted. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine mk According to the results of the 5th meeting of the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine at Ramstein Airbase in Germany, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov said that during the meeting the course for long-term support of Ukraine was enshrined, the words sustain, long-term and training became the focus of the discussion. Only 50 days passed between Ramstein-4 in July and Ramstein-5. During this period, our American partners announced 5 packages of security assistance for a total amount of almost $5.5 billion. During the meeting, another package for $675 million was announced. It contains very important projectiles for HIMARS and other things that will come in handy during active fighting, he said on Facebook. The minister added that the increase in the scale of assistance, as well as the successful actions of the Ukrainian defense forces had a significant impact on priorities. Firstly, along with the growing supply of weapons, there comes a question regarding its repair and maintenance. We are talking about spare parts, a repair base and necessary specialists. Secondly, the countries of the free world did not prepare for a full-scale war on the continent reminiscent of the Second World War. Due to this, the resources of operational assistance which can be provided by our partners at the expense of reserves are limited, Reznikov noted. He also stated that Ukraine demonstrated the kremlin evil can be vanquished, and all the branches of the defence forces of Ukraine under the command of General Valeriy Zaluzhny proved in action the things which no one could believe before. All this implies a correction in strategy. I drew the attention of all those present that the key words this time were sustain, long-term, training. Moscow still has a lot of resources. Victory will not come instantly. But it will definitely come. That is why the task of organizing cooperation in the medium and long-term perspective comes to the fore. In order to give guidelines to our partners, in my speech I focused on the perspectives for year 2023, he noted. At the same time, in order to restore the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within internationally recognized borders, in addition to successful defense and stabilization of the front line, it is necessary to make successful counter-offensives, as Reznikov stressed. To do this, according to him, the defense forces of Ukraine, first of all the Armed Forces of Ukraine must acquire appropriate capabilities in qualitative and quantitative terms. We cannot talk about all the details right now. But among the most important priorities is the development of a three-tier air defence/anti-missile defence system. A clear vision in this regard was formed thanks to the successful actions and based on the experience of the Ukrainian Air Force under the command of Lieutenant General Mykola Oleschuk, whose arguments I presented to the partners, the minister of defense said. According to him, consistent efforts are already being made to activate the work of the defense industry to replenish reserves in the countries of the free world and the ability to systematically support Ukraine. In addition, Reznikov said that at the meeting, we were pleasantly surprised by Slovenia, which offered very strong support. According to the minister, it will be a real reinforcement on the battlefield just when it is needed. I had the honor to thank our Slovenian partners, Dr. Damir Crncec and Major General Robert Glavash. I expect to promote several projects during the visits of our foreign colleagues to Ukraine, which will take place in the near future. We are preparing certain surprises, the minister said. | By Mary Therese Phelan Todays assembly, this convocation, is the birth of a new tradition at UMB. With that, Roger J. Ward, EdD, JD, MSL, MPA, provost, executive vice president, and dean of the Graduate School, welcomed attendees to the first University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Faculty Convocation on Sept. 8 under a massive 14,600-square-foot tent on Koesters Lot. It is an opportunity for the faculty from each of UMBs schools to gather in fellowship with one another to celebrate the beginning of the academic year, Ward continued. It is well understood that an institution is only as excellent as its faculty. UMB is an excellent university. It is therefore only fitting that we take time today to recognize and celebrate those who make us so, our faculty. The program, which can be viewed in its entirety in the video above, welcomed faculty to a new academic year and recognized UMBs Distinguished University Professors: University of Maryland, Baltimore President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, welcome faculty and guests to UMB's first Faculty Convocation, an event expected to become an annual tradition. Leslie Costello, PhD , professor, Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry , professor, Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry Diane Hoffmann, JD, MS, Jacob A. France Professor of Health Care Law and director, Law and Health Care Program, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law Jacob A. France Professor of Health Care Law and director, Law and Health Care Program, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law Robert Percival, JD, MA , Robert F. Stanton Professor of Law and director, Environmental Law Program, Maryland Carey Law , Robert F. Stanton Professor of Law and director, Environmental Law Program, Maryland Carey Law Barbara Resnick, PhD, RN, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP , professor, Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health; co-director, Biology and Behavior Across the Lifespan Organized Research Center; and Sonya Ziporkin Gershowitz Chair in Gerontology, University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) , professor, Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health; co-director, Biology and Behavior Across the Lifespan Organized Research Center; and Sonya Ziporkin Gershowitz Chair in Gerontology, University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) Dudley Strickland, PhD , professor, Department of Surgery; associate dean for graduate and postdoctoral studies; and director, Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) (Unable to attend). , professor, Department of Surgery; associate dean for graduate and postdoctoral studies; and director, Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) (Unable to attend). Peter Swaan, PhD , professor and chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and associate dean for research and advanced graduate studies, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) , professor and chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and associate dean for research and advanced graduate studies, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) Stefanie Vogel, PhD, professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UMSOM Complete bios of each Distinguished University Professor. Faculty and their guests also heard from three expert speakers, whose riveting speeches rivaled any on a TED Talk stage. Maneka Sinha, JD , associate professor, Maryland Carey Law, speaking about faulty forensics. , associate professor, Maryland Carey Law, speaking about faulty forensics. Yolanda Ogbolu, PhD, RN, CRNP , associate professor and chair, Department of Partnerships, Professional Education, and Practice, UMSON, discussing the health impacts of social isolation. , associate professor and chair, Department of Partnerships, Professional Education, and Practice, UMSON, discussing the health impacts of social isolation. Mary Lynn McPherson, PharmD, MA, MDE, BCPS, CPE, professor and executive director of Advanced Post-Graduate Education in Palliative Care, UMSOP, discussing the importance of palliative care. View a photo gallery below. Chairperson Peace and Culture Organization Mushaal Hussein Mullick criticized the fascist Narendra Modi led government for his nefarious and dangerous plan to efface Muslim identity and impose notorious Hindutva ideology in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Sep, 2022 ) :Chairperson Peace and Culture Organization Mushaal Hussein Mullick criticized the fascist Narendra Modi led government for his nefarious and dangerous plan to efface Muslim identity and impose notorious Hindutva ideology in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Mushaal, wife of incarcerated senior hurriyat leader Yasin Malik, in a statement on Saturday said that the RSS-backed Modi regime has intensified its efforts to obliterate Muslim identity in their own majority state, seeking the world support to foil the nefarious plan. She said that the notorious BJP regime was hell-bent on converting Muslim majority into a minority in the IIOJK by systematically paving the way for settler non-Kashmiris in the valley. The chairperson revealed that the Modi fascist regime was working on nefarious plan to revive pre-Islamic Hindu civilization in Kashmir, as the brutal forces continued their agenda of slaughter and genocide of Kashmiri Muslim sans any fear of accountability and world's reaction. Mushaal stated that the BJP-RSS wanted all these nefarious and brutal tactics to fulfill their long-awaited desire of total integration of the valley with India, which she said would remain a dream, as Kashmiris would never allow BJP-RSS to snatch their identity come what may. She made it clear that the brave Kashmiris would prefer death over becoming slaves of Hindu fanatic forces, adding that they resisted Indian occupation with their blood for the last 70 years and would continue to give sacrifices but won't accept Indian subjugation. Lashing out at the so-called global champions of human rights and the world community, she said that look at their double-standard as they uttered no word despite being turned Kashmir into a world largest torture cell and biggest open prison in the world. She said that Modi regime, as part of its vengeful policy, was shifting Kashmiri detainees to far-off Indian jails, as 150 more Kashmiri detainees in IIOJK have been shifted to jails in UP, Haryana and Delhi in sheer violation of international law. The hurriyat leader stated that the shifting Kashmiri prisoners to jails in India was clearly reflected Modi's criminal mindset, as shifting them to faraway Indian jails was meant to hurt their families, emotionally and financially, as thousands of Kashmiri political prisoners were languishing in various jails. Mushaal urged that the world powers, UN bodies and human rights activists should press India to release Kashmiri political prisoners languishing in Indian jails for their sole crime to raise voice for their birth right of right to self-determination. Kyiv, Ukraine, Sept 10 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2022 ) :Ukraine's army has recaptured around "2,000 kilometres of territory" in September, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Saturday, adding that the Russian army was doing the right thing in fleeing the counter-offensive. "For the moment, since the beginning of September, around 2,000 kilometres has been liberated," said Zelensky in his evening address. He did not specify whether he was talking about square kilometres, but on Thursday, the army's commander-in-chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, said their troops had recaptured 1,000 square kilometres (nearly 400 square miles) of territory from Russian forces. "These last days, the Russian army has shown us its best (side) -- its back," Zelensky added. "After all, it's a good choice for them to flee. "There is no place in Ukraine for the occupiers. There never will be."Ukraine's army announced a counter-offensive at the beginning of the month before making a dramatic break through Russian lines in the northeast this week, in the Kharkiv region. Venice, Sept 10 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Sep, 2022 ) :The race was wide open ahead of awards night in Venice on Saturday, after a festival featuring a dark Marilyn Monroe biopic, an imprisoned Iranian director and a morbidly obese Brendan Fraser. Critics have been deeply divided on many of the 23 films in competition at the 79th Venice Film Festival, but it has been a stellar year for individual actors. There was a huge standing ovation for Fraser, who made an unlikely comeback from the Hollywood wilderness as a 600-pound (272-kilogram) English professor in "The Whale", sparking talk of Oscar nominations and a "Brendanaissance". Cate Blanchett is also an awards frontrunner for her performance as a classical music conductor in "Tar", which takes a nuanced look at cancel culture. And Hugh Jackman's performance as a father dealing with a depressed teenager in "The Son" has been labelled the best of his career. While some reviewers found the Monroe biopic "Blonde" too relentlessly grim, most were bowled over by the "ferociously emotional" performance from Cuban star Ana de Armas. Sexual identity has been a recurring theme across the 11-day festival, with Trace Lysette becoming the first trans actress to star in a competition entry for "Monica". Last year's best actress winner Penelope Cruz played the mother to a trans teen in "L'Immensita", whose director Emanuele Crialese admitted for the first time at its press conference that he was born a woman. - politics and protest - Picking the winners falls to a jury led by actor Julianne Moore, and also featuring Nobel-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro. A last-minute favourite for the top prize Golden Lion is "No Bears" by Iran's Jafar Panahi, who was imprisoned for "propaganda against the system" in July. That was the subject of a flash-mob protest Friday on the Venice red carpet, led by Moore. Another political film to win rave reviews was the documentary "All the Beauty and the Bloodshed", which follows artist Nan Goldin and her fight against the Sackler family, held responsible for the opioid drug crisis in the United States. It is the latest from Laura Poitras, the journalist who first made contact with whistleblower Edward Snowden and won an Oscar for the resulting film, "Citizenfour". There has also been a lot of love in Venice for "The Banshees of Inisherin", a pitch-black Irish comedy-drama tracing the falling out of two friends played by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. "Argentina 1985", the true story of the lawyers who took on the country's military junta, was also widely praised. Venice is seen as a launchpad for academy Award campaigns, eight of the last 10 Best Director Oscars having gone to films that premiered at the festival. Netflix had been hoping for a big year, but "Blonde" tested the patience of many critics, as did Mexico's two-time Oscar winner Alejandro Gonzalez Inarrituto, with his fantastical semi-autobiography "Bardo". The streamer is also behind "White Noise", a sharp satire of US consumerism and academia starring Adam Driver -- but that, too, got a mixed reception from reviewers. (@FahadShabbir) Focusing on the devastation caused by climate-induced floods in Pakistan, Ambassador Masood Khan has called for greater contributions to cope with the disaster that has killed over 1,400 people, injured over 13,000 and displaced 33 million WASHINGTON, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Sep, 2022 ) :Focusing on the devastation caused by climate-induced floods in Pakistan, Ambassador Masood Khan has called for greater contributions to cope with the disaster that has killed over 1,400 people, injured over 13,000 and displaced 33 million. "The recent flood and the massive devastation in Pakistan is an exhibit for the devastations of climate change," the Pakistani envoy told American and international media persons at the National Press Club of Washington, DC. "This (climate change) phenomenon is going to grow whether it is Pakistan or any other countries in South Asia or the world", he said. "Today it is Pakistan, tomorrow it would be another country". The Ambassador said that although international media was extensively showing some "heart-wrenching" visuals of the affected areas, it has only captured "a fraction of the calamity what we are facing in Pakistan." While it was a collective responsibility to reduce emissions, the international community must think of ways and means for compensation to those bearing the brunt of climate change despite making negligible contribution towards global warming, he said.. "We should make quick transition from mitigation and adaptation to preparedness and resilience," Masood Khan said. In Pakistan, he told journalists that around 6.6 million people needed immediate assistance. Nearly 800,000 farm cattle have perished. Crops have been destroyed in an area as big as 5.5 million acres that includes all sorts of crops including rice, wheat, corn and sugarcane. Over 7,000 kilometers long roads have been washed away with 246 bridges destroyed. "Just to give you a comparison, the area under waters in Pakistan right now --some 95,000 square miles -- is as big as the area of the US state of Wyoming," he said, adding that the number of affectees were comparable to the population of California. He said that a satellite image released by European Space Agency showed a new lake on the Indus River which was 100 kilometer long and tens of kilometers wide, creating its "own disaster within a mega disaster". Pakistan, he said, could not have prepared for such kind of "apocalyptic floods, pointing out that "Everything has been washed away." He said that 5.5 million acres of cropland has been destroyed resulting in a looming food security crisis. "WFP (the UN World Food Programme) and other international organizations must come forward and give necessary support to the people of Pakistan so that we can maintain our food security". The Ambassador thanked the US government, Congress, US philanthropic and charity organizations and most importantly Pak-American community for their generous contributions towards relief and rescue activities. He said that more resources would be required for recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. "It's a continuum and we can't leave the affected populations alone after the rescue and relief operations are over." Responding to a question, the Ambassador that Pakistan's nuclear assets and nuclear system was secure and there was no vulnerability whatsoever. (@FahadShabbir) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th September, 2022) Afghanistan and Lebanon are the most miserable countries in the world, amid rising unhappiness across the globe in 2021, according to a Gallup poll released Thursday. "Last year, Afghanistan and Lebanon posted the two highest scores in the world - 59 and 58 - on Gallup's Negative Experience Index, which is a composite measure of people's daily experiences of sadness, stress, worry, anger and physical pain," Gallup stated. Afghans were surveyed as the Taliban regained control of their country following the withdrawal of US troops. Perhaps unsurprisingly, 80% of Afghans reported being worried - the highest level of worry ever recorded in the history of the poll - 74% reported being stressed, and 61% sad. Since 2017, on average, Afghans have rated their lives lower than a "3" on a scale of 10. In Lebanon, 49% of people reported being angry - the highest level of anger recorded in 2021 by the poll. Additionally, 74% of people of Lebanon reported being stressed often and 56% reported experiencing a lot of sadness. The country has been enduring ever-worsening political and economic crises, including a popular uprising and Currency collapse in 2019 and a deadly explosion at the capital's port in 2020 that has yet to see justice and accountability. Adults in Lebanon rated their lives a "2.2" on a scale of 10 for 2021. Prior to 2019, on average, Lebanese had rated their lives a "5" since 2006. Sixty-three percent of adults said they would emigrate permanently if possible. Iraq, which had held the top spot on the index for the past two years, now ranks third. (@ChaudhryMAli88) BELGRADE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th September, 2022) Former commander of Bosnian Serbs, Gen. Ratko Mladic, has been hospitalized at the medical facility of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) in The Hague due to fluid in his lungs and heart problems, his son, Darko Mladic, told Sputnik. Mladic served as the commander of the army of Republika Srpska during the 1992-1995 conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was arrested by the Serbian authorities in 2011 after fleeing international justice for 16 years. In November 2017, the UN Criminal Tribunal in The Hague convicted Mladic of war crimes that date back to the 1992-1995 conflict. In June 2021, judges of the Appeals Chamber of the IRMCT upheld the life imprisonment sentence of Mladic on 10 out of 11 counts. The authorities of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina's Republika Srpska opposed the verdict. "In recent months, since the end of May, the general's health has been declining, there were several periods when he became ill, literally collapsed, he was sent to the hospital on such days and was transferred back. We did not get specific conclusions from doctors about the cause. On Sunday, he was admitted to the civil hospital in The Hague and on Wednesday we were told that he had pneumonia, fluid in his lungs," Darko Mladic said. Mladic's health seems to be failing, the relative said, adding that medical specialists of the IRMCT stated that they are running the necessary tests. "We are waiting for the results, but on Thursday, we only received materials for the end of August, when he had COVID-19. New documents are expected on Monday, and we have a team of doctors ready to review them," Darko Mladic said. The former military officer was in a civil hospital in The Hague until Thursday, when he was transferred to a prison medical facility. Darko Mladic said that he keeps in touch with his father and calls him every day, but the latter can hardly speak at length due to his frail condition. For two years, the family demanded permission to allow Russian medics examine the 79-year-old Mladic, stressing that the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia does not provide them with information on the health condition of the general, while doctors in the remand center in The Hague do not provide proper treatment. The committee of the Greek Parliament on national defense and foreign affairs has supported the ratification of the protocol on the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO, Greek media reported on Friday ATHENS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th September, 2022) The committee of the Greek Parliament on national defense and foreign affairs has supported the ratification of the protocol on the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO, Greek media reported on Friday. The documents for ratification were submitted to the parliament on Monday, and on Thursday, they were discussed in the committee. The ratification was supported by the ruling New Democracy party, the opposition Coalition of Radical Left (Syriza) party, and the left PASOK-KINAL party and opposed by the Communist Party of Greece and the left MeRA25 party, Athens-Macedonian news Agency said, adding that the right Greek Solution party abstained and will make the final decision during the discussion at the plenary session. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias reportedly said that support for the NATO enlargement is a strategic choice to strengthen national interests. Former foreign minister and SYRIZA member Yorgos Katrungalos noted that the conflict in Ukraine marks the end of countries' neutrality. He also added that his party wants to see a strong Europe that will oppose US strategic interests. On July 5, the permanent representatives of NATO member states signed accession protocols for Finland and Sweden at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels. All members of the bloc have to ratify the protocols according to their national legislation. As of today, 24 countries out of 30 have already completed the formal procedure to welcome Finland and Sweden to the alliance. The applications have not yet been ratified by Spain, Greece, Portugal, Slovakia, Turkey and Hungary. (@FahadShabbir) A Hong Kong district judge sentenced five speech therapists to 19 months in jail on Saturday for conspiring to spread seditious content, media reported MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th September, 2022) A Hong Kong district judge sentenced five speech therapists to 19 months in jail on Saturday for conspiring to spread seditious content, media reported. The five members of the executive committee at the Hong Kong speech therapists' union have been in custody for over a year after they were arrested for publishing a series of controversial children's books, the Hong Kong Free Press website reported. The convicts, all in their twenties, will be out of jail in a matter of months after time served is taken into account. District Judge Kwok Wai-kin was quoted as saying that the illustrated books were aimed to sow "the seed of instability" in young minds through tales about a flock of sheep defending their village from wolves. The books, he argued, were "in effect brainwashing" young readers into believing that the Chinese government was "coming to Hong Kong with the wicked intention of taking away their home." The books seemingly portrayed the Beijing-appointed chief executive of the semi-autonomous city as a wolf in sheep's clothing who was ordered by the "wolf chairman." The books were published in the wake of 2019 mass protests against China's security act that punishes secession, subversion, collusion with foreign forces, and terrorism. It does not cover sedition, which is punishable by up to two years in prison. North Korea celebrated on a large scale the 74th anniversary of its foundation on Friday, holding solemn events and a festive ceremony with paratrooper performances and an air show attended by the country's leader Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th September, 2022) North Korea celebrated on a large scale the 74th anniversary of its foundation on Friday, holding solemn events and a festive ceremony with paratrooper performances and an air show attended by the country's leader Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju, the Korean Central news Agency (KCNA) reported. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea was established on September 9, 1948, and ever since this date is celebrated annually as a public holiday. "The spacious venue arranged uniquely between the Mansudae Assembly Hall and the People's Theatre was crowded with citizens from all social strata, youth and students of the capital city who gathered to commemorate the founding anniversary of their great state," the agency reported, adding that a paratrooper, descending with the national flag, and flying corps colorfully opened the solemn events. In addition, the ceremony of raising the national flag took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall amid the solemn playing of the national anthem, with a festive salute being also held later that day, the KCNA said, adding that at the end of a gala concert Kim went up the stage to congratulate the performers and had a photo session. North Korea usually holds big celebrations on every fifth or 10th anniversary of an important national holiday. This year's ceremony, which does not fall into the category, was also held with splendor and represented an effort to strengthen unity and encourage the public after the recent heavy floods and the victory over COVID-19 pandemic. Three people have died of cholera in northern and eastern Syria, the region's Kurdish administration said Saturday, appealing for international help to contain the outbreak Qamishli, Syria, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Sep, 2022 ) :Three people have died of cholera in northern and eastern Syria, the region's Kurdish administration said Saturday, appealing for international help to contain the outbreak. Health authorities warned of "a large number of cholera cases in Raqa province and the western countryside of Deir Ezzor province". Cholera is generally contracted from contaminated food or water and causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It can spread in residential areas that lack proper sewage networks or mains drinking water. The Kurdish administration called on international agencies, "especially the World Health Organization, to provide necessary support to limit the spread of cholera". The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the disease had spread in western parts of Deir Ezzor after local authorities stopped distributing chlorine to water pumping stations. The Britain-based group, which has a wide network of sources in Syria, said that hundreds of people in the area were complaining of vomiting, diarrhoea and headaches. The Deir Ezzor water authority has begun distributing 1,000 litres (264 gallons) of chlorine to water stations in rural areas of the province, the Kurdish administration said Saturday. "This step is a precautionary measure to prevent cholera," it added. More than a decade of civil war has devastated Syria's water supply and sewerage infrastructure. Nationwide, the war has damaged two thirds of water treatment plants, half of pumping stations and one third of water towers, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said. Nearly half the population relies on alternative and often unsafe sources of water while at least 70 percent of sewage goes untreated, UNICEF said. An outbreak of cholera hit neighbouring Iraq this summer for the first time since 2015. Worldwide, the disease affects between 1.3 million and four million people each year, killing between 21,000 and 143,000 people. There are no grounds for making pessimistic forecasts about cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia, Kazakh leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes NUR-SULTAN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th August, 2022) - There are no grounds for making pessimistic forecasts about cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia, Kazakh leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes. The President of Kazakhstan is in Sochi on a working visit. "In general, there is every reason to be satisfied with the way our cooperation is developing. I agree with you in this regard, we are united by a common border the longest land border in the world. By the way, a completely delimited border. Therefore, there are no grounds for making pessimistic forecasts regarding the future of our cooperation," Tokayev said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said Saturday his country was awaiting another multimillion shipment of rounds for US-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th September, 2022) Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said Saturday his country was awaiting another multimillion shipment of rounds for US-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). HIMARS ammunition was included in a $675 million US lethal aid package for Ukraine that was announced Thursday by the US Department of Defense. The Pentagon said it would be the 20th drawdown of its inventories for the eastern European nation since August 2021. "The Ukrainian delegation has wrapped up a very eventful and fruitful visit to the Fifth Ukraine Defense Contact Group ... An additional $675 million aid package was announced at the meeting. It includes crucial HIMARS ammo," he said after a meeting at the US air base in Ramstein, Germany. HIMARS can fire Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles, which have a range of up to 50 miles, as well as a single Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile, with a range of 186 miles. The US has been supplying Ukraine with GMLRSs but Kiev keeps insisting on ATACMS deliveries. The US has committed some $15.2 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since January 2021. It has been supplying Ukrainian troops with a broad range of weaponry from Stinger anti-aircraft systems, armored personnel carriers and Mi-17 helicopters to grenade launchers. Ukrainian forces said Saturday they had entered Kupiansk in eastern Ukraine dislodging Russian troops from a key logistics hub in a lightning counter-offensive that has seen swathes of territory recaptured Kharkiv, Ukraine, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Sep, 2022 ) :Ukrainian forces said Saturday they had entered Kupiansk in eastern Ukraine dislodging Russian troops from a key logistics hub in a lightning counter-offensive that has seen swathes of territory recaptured. The German foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, meanwhile arrived in the Ukrainian capital for a surprise visit, which she said was to demonstrate Berlin's support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia. Ukrainian special forces published images on social media showing camouflage-clad officers with automatic weapons "in Kupiansk". It "was and will always be Ukrainian," their statement said. The town of some 27,000 people, that sits on a crucial supply route for Russia forces in the east, fell within the first week after the Kremlin ordered its invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Observers of the conflict expect Ukrainian forces to announce further gains in the Kharkiv region, which borders Russia, and has been either controlled by Russia or shelled by its artillery for months. (@ChaudhryMAli88) KHERSON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 11th September, 2022) Ukrainian troops fired a barrage of missiles at the Russia-held southern city of Nova Kakhovka in Kherson region on Saturday, targeting a key hydropower plant, the district administration said. "No visible hits by Ukrainian missiles were reported in the city. The Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant was one of the usual targets," the administration said on social media. The power plant supplies the district with electricity and provides for the irrigation of large swathes of southern Ukraine and northern Crimea. District authorities said air defense fired 14 missiles at aerial targets. As the world turns to clean energy as a viable way to reach net zero [target], Egypt is emerging as a global and regional powerhouse for green hydrogen production, storage and export, Hala Al-Said, minister of Planning and Economic Development and chairperson of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE), said on Monday. Al-Saids remarks came in the wake of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) Egypt signed on 25 August to establish industrial complexes to produce green hydrogen in the Ain Al-Sokhna Industrial Zone, which is located within the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE). The seven companies include British company Globeleq which will set up a new complex to produce two million tons of green hydrogen annually. The Saudi Arabia-based Alfanar Global Development signed the second MoU to produce 500,000 tons of green ammonia from 100,000 tons of green hydrogen per year. The UAEs Karaz signed the third MoU to build an industrial complex with a total production capacity of up to 175,000 tons. The fourth MoU with the UAEs KK Power International is to build a factory that will produce 230,000 tons of green hydrogen. Mediterranean Energy Partners (MEP) will establish a Green Ammonia facility with a production capacity of 120,000 tons per year for the fifth. The sixth MoU was signed by Indias renewable energy firm ACME Group to build an industrial complex with a total production capacity of 2.2 million tons of green hydrogen annually. The seventh MoU was signed by London-based firm Actis to produce green hydrogen and green ammonia with a total production capacity of 200,000 tons annually. The agreements are part of the governments plans to add green hydrogen to the local integrated energy system in partnership with the private sector and global expertise to keep pace with the global development on climate change and the current trend towards a green economy. In 2030, the total investment in hydrogen infrastructure in Egypt may reach $500 billion. This level of investment is likely to create seven million direct and indirect jobs by 2050, playing a critical role in decarbonising sectors and as well as having a massive impact on jobs and the economy, Al-Said said. Green hydrogen promising a sustainable energy carrier in terms of environmental and climate protection produces zero emissions and many see it as the answer to limiting global warming. The subdivision of hydrogen into different colours is meant to indicate how it was produced, the energy sources used and the climate neutrality of the hydrogen, explained Chairman of the Energy Committee of Egyptian Businessmens Association Mohamed Helmi. Blue hydrogen is produced mainly from natural gas and its output is hydrogen but also has carbon dioxide as a by-product. Grey hydrogen is obtained by steam reforming fossil fuels such as natural gas or coal whose waste product CO2 is released directly into the atmosphere. The use of coal as a fuel produces brown hydrogen. Green hydrogen is produced without harmful greenhouse gas emissions. It uses clean electricity from surplus renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to electrolyse water. The problem of sole dependence on renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power is that they are variable energies, dependent on weather factors, Helmi told Al-Ahram Weekly. From this emanates the importance of green hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier, meaning that energy is stored in the hydrogen to be used when needed, Helmi explained. The MoUs are very important due to the fact that green energy is the future energy, noted Helmi, who is also president of the Federation of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Associations and Organisations. Despite the fact that green hydrogen makes up a relatively small percentage of the energy used worldwide because its production is expensive, Helmi says, it will become more common as its cost drops. The location of the projects within the SCZONE is vital because it is close to the Gulf of Suez where the wind and solar power are abundant. SCZONE Chairman Walid Gamaleddin said the SCZONE has a vision to be a regional and international hub to produce green fuel and to maximise return from these projects. The SCZONE is preparing a plan to introduce and promote the zone on a global scale during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), while preparing specific investment projects within the economic zone to promote it, Gamaleddin said. For the British Globeleq company, a leading independent power producer operating and developing diversified power projects in Africa, and which signed one of the seven MoUs, Egypts unique geographical location, at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and Asia, with about 13 per cent of the global trade flowing through the Suez Canal, puts the country in a position to become a global green energy hub. Egypts advanced infrastructures of natural gas and electricity, and its strategic geographical location will activate its role for being a hub for green energy, Helmi said. Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli said that President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi has issued directives to maximise the use of renewable energy through green hydrogen projects, in light of the growing global interest in these projects as a promising source of energy in the near future. Madbouli emphasised that President Al-Sisi ordered maximising the use of local components in the green hydrogen production system. The signing of the MoUs comes two months ahead of Egypts hosting of COP27, on behalf of Africa, which will be held in the Red Sea city of Sharm El-Sheikh from 7-17 November. In June, in a virtual speech during the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said despite Africas enormous renewable energy potential, just two per cent of renewable energy investments have gone to Africa over the last decade, adding that countries must arrive in Egypt for COP27 determined to have clear plans to close this financing gap. Mohamed Saadeddin, chairman of the Energy Committee of the Federation of Industries, said that Egypt began to adopt a green economy and energy seven years ago. Egypt has been adopting clean energy of wind, solar, and water since 2015, Saadeddin pointed out. Entering the field of green hydrogen ahead of the COP27 became a necessity to keep pace with the advanced industries of clean energy in line with Egypts vision 2030, he told the Weekly. 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 its National Climate Strategy 2050 announced by the government in May. As for Egypts vision 2030, the country aims to generate 20 per cent of electricity in 2022 from renewable energy sources, with the goal of increasing this figure to 42 per cent by 2035. *A version of this article appears in print in the 1 September, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: Ethiopians this Sunday celebrate the first day of the New Year 2015, according to their unique calendar. Paul Samasumo Vatican City. The Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Ethiopia, Cardinal Berhaneyesus D. Souraphiel C.M, says he wishes that in the New Year, Ethiopians will create space for peace and reconciliation. Our country is at war First of all, I wish all Ethiopians peace and health for the New Year, 2015, on behalf of the Ethiopian Catholic Church and myself. I congratulate you all, for, by Gods grace, we have passed from the Year of St. Mark to the Year of St. Luke. May the love of God the Father, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, said the Ethiopian prelate in a goodwill message. He added, Dear brothers and sisters, our country is in an internal war. In the New Year, our church implores all parties to give space for peace and reconciliation, to sit down for dialogue to save our country and people from destruction, for war is destructive, and nobody benefits from it. We entrust the believers to be diligent in prayers so that God may grant us peace, said Cardinal Berhaneyesus. Yearning for peace. Conversations that lead to peace, not abuse Cardinal Berhaneyesus also invites Ethiopians at home and in the diaspora to take personal responsibility for what is happening in their country. We use our time (well) when we accept responsibility for the past and the present. We save time when we become instruments of peace. Peace starts from our thoughts. The commandment, Thou shalt not kill is for everyone. Thou shalt not kill means respect the life of all people. This order applies not only to members of your association, to members of your family, to members of your ethnicity, but to all human beings. Our conversations should lead to peace. The gospel teaches us that our speech should heal wounds and lead to reconciliation and unity. Conversations that bring hatred and unnecessary competition hurt us. Words that abuse brothers and sisters should be avoided at home, work, school, and especially on social media. Rather, peaceful dialogue that prioritises the common good benefits us all, the Cardinal encouraged. Young Ethiopians for peace. Help each other as much as you can The resumption of fighting late last month, August, between the countrys military and separatist rebels of the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front shattered a fragile truce that had been in force since March. Devastated by the effects of COVID-19, socio-economic challenges, a punishing drought in some parts of the country and the various internal conflicts, ordinary Ethiopians hope the New Year will bring better prospects. As elsewhere on the continent, Ethiopians are weary of the high cost of living and rising prices, especially during the festive season. Aware of the difficulties many Ethiopians are going through, the Archbishop of Addis has urged compatriots to remember your brothers and sisters who are in need during the occasion of the New Year feast. We should support and help each other as much as we can, he said. Offloading grain at a WFP warehouse in Adama town. Ethiopian New Year Ethiopia has its own calendar with 13 months, and each of the 12 months has 30 days. As the New Year usually comes with a change of season, the New Year in Ethiopia is generally welcomed with new hope. Following the death of Britains Queen Elizabeth II, the British Ambassador to the Holy See, Christopher Trott, shares his thoughts on the legacy of the late Queen and her support for the excellent diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Holy See. By Devin Watkins Ambassador Christopher Trott presented his Letters of Credence to Pope Francis on 4 September 2021. Appointed by the late Queen Elizabeth II, he was chosen to continue building on the past 40 years of full diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Holy See. In the wake of Her Majesty's death on Thursday, Ambassador Trott granted an interview with Vatican News to express his personal sadness at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. He also highlighted the importance she unfalteringly gave to the official relationship that exists between the UK and the Holy See, as well as her own warm personal relationship with the Popes throughout her 70 years as monarch. Listen to the full interview Q: As the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth mourn the late Queen Elizabeth II, could you share with us your thoughts on her legacy and on this moment of transition to a new Monarch, King Charles III? As the British Ambassador, this moment is a mixture of both personal and official reflections. I have had the honour of serving as Her Majestys Ambassador for the last 15 years in various countries, and for me personally, that was such a huge honour. Therefore, this moment is one of profound sadness, which is something that many, many British nationals feel across the globe. I think Queen Elizabeth II provided for the UK a real sense of stability, a real sense of who we were, a sense of unity and her passing has united people in grief. I am actually in London at the moment watching peoples reaction here in the UK before I fly back to Rome. You really feel this sense of sadness. I should say I think that was reflected in some of the international responses. I was very moved by His Holiness the Popes message on the passing of Her Majesty, and I think that reflects a message that she personally had invested in building our relationship and supporting the Ambassadors to the Holy See, in building a relationship with five separate Popes over the time of her reign, her first meeting being with Pius XII 1951 and her most recent one being with Pope Francis in 2014 and I think those really reflected a developing relationship between Britain and the Holy See. Q: The late Queen as you said met with five Popes during her lifetime and with one as a Princess. What can you share about her relationship with the Popes and with the Holy See? I think she had a huge amount of respect for each of the Popes that she met. And I think that when she met Pope Francis it was a really warm and spontaneous encounter, and there was a real expression of mutual respect which is reflected in the message that Pope Francis sent on her death. And I think that helps support the more formal state-to-state relationship I represent, because having that personal relationship, is reflected in that warmth. Ambassador Trott presented his Credential Letters on 4 September 2021 Q: On a more personal level, what was Queen Elizabeth's relationship with the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors like yourself? Can you share any personal anecdotes? The really important thing to remember is that an ambassador is technically the representative of the Head of State to the Head of State. So, for an ambassador you are conscious all the time that you are a representative of Her Majesty and your appointment is confirmed by her. When you come to your new post you bring letters of credentials signed personally by her, to be handed over to the receiving Head of State; and you have the huge honour of being able in the early stages of each of your ambassadorial postings to be able to go an call on her Majesty the Queen its called the Ceremony of Kissing of the Hand but doesnt anymore involve any kissing but it does involve you and your spouse having a personal conversation with Her Majesty the Queen, which is a huge honour, and she was always incredibly warm and incredibly well informed and really interested in you as a person and your family in a way that was really touching. Read also 28/03/2022 Celebrating 40 years of Full Diplomatic Relations between UK and Holy See A Mass presided over by the Vatican Secretary of State marks the 40th anniversary of Full Diplomatic Relations between the United Kingdom and the Holy See on 29 March. Ambassador ... Q: Now, as King Charles III takes over, how do you see him following in his mother's footsteps in relationships with the Holy See? I think you saw in the statement he made yesterday - he addressed the nation [on Friday] - he echoed many of the things that his mother had said over the years about her responsibility, her duty, her desire to serve her people. And he referred to his faith in way Her Majesty the Queen would always refer to her faith, and the fact that she was guided by her faith in the decisions she took. And I think for the Holy See this has always been something very striking and something theyve hugely respected over the years. I think this will just reinforce the importance of the relationship because here is King Charles recognizing that he is King of a multi-faith country, but talking about his grounding in his Christian faith, which I think will speak very loudly, both to Pope Francis himself and to the Holy See more widely. Q: Is there anything you would like to add? I am very grateful to be able to have the opportunity to have this conversation with you. It is important for us to be remembering the guiding hand of Queen Elizabeths faith, and I just wanted to quote from her Christmas broadcast in 2002: she said, 'I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad; each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live, my life is to do what is right to take the long view, to give my best in all that the day brings, and put my trust in God.' And I got the impression but that is also the way that Prince Charles, now King Charles, is approaching his role. Albania has suffered a renewed cyberattack, the country's interior ministry said Saturday, blaming Iran which Tirana also accused of an earlier assault on its digital systems. "The national police's computer systems were hit Friday by a cyberattack which, according to initial information, was committed by the same actors who in July attacked the country's public and government service systems," the ministry said in a statement. "In order to neutralize the criminal act and secure the systems," the authorities have shut down computer control systems at seaports, airports and border posts, the statement said. In a tweet, Prime Minister Edi Rama denounced "another cyberattack (committed by) the same aggressors already condemned by Albania's friendly countries and allies." Albania blamed Iran for the July attack and Wednesday cut diplomatic ties over the affair. The two countries have been bitter foes for years, since the Balkan state began hosting members of the opposition People's Mujahedeen of Iran, or Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK), on its soil. Rama on Wednesday accused Iran of directing a cyberattack against Albanian institutions July 15 in a bid to "paralyze public services and hack data and electronic communications from the government systems." It was the first time Tirana spoke about the alleged attack. "The Council of Ministers has decided on the severance of diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran with immediate effect," said Rama. "The said attack failed its purpose. Damages may be considered minimal compared to the goals of the aggressor. All systems came back fully operational and there was no irreversible wiping of data." The prime minister went on to say that Iranian diplomats and embassy staff had 24 hours to leave the country. Iranian denials Iran rejected the accusation it was behind the cyberattack as "baseless" and called Albania's decision to sever diplomatic ties "an ill-considered and shortsighted action." "Iran as one of the target countries of cyberattacks on its critical infrastructure rejects and condemns any use of cyberspace as a tool to attack the critical infrastructure of other countries," its foreign ministry said. The U.S. announced sanctions Friday on Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security and its minister Esmail Khatib over Tehran's alleged involvement. The Islamic republic has also been targeted by cyberattacks, most notably in 2010 when the Stuxnet virus believed to have been engineered by Israel and the U.S. infected its nuclear program. Australia's political leaders have laid wreaths at the Federal Parliament Saturday following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She was Australias head of state under the countrys constitutional monarchy. Queen Elizabeth had an affinity with Australia. She visited 16 times during her long reign, traveling to every state and territory. On a tour in 2000, she said she felt part of Australia, which she described as a rugged, honest, creative land. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday recalled the sympathy and personal kindness she extended to Australians afflicted by tragedy and disaster, including floods and bushfires. Albanese said there was mutual respect. It was clear Her Majesty had a special place in our hearts and we in hers, he said. Australian hearts go out to the people of the United Kingdom who mourn today knowing they will feel they have lost part of what makes their nation whole. There is comfort to be found in Her Majestys own words, grief is the price we pay for love. In 1954, she became the first reigning British monarch to visit Australia. It is estimated that about 70% of the population turned out to see her. In Australia, her popularity has endured, and her death has saddened many people. Yes, sad news. Sad news. She has been part of our lives forever. A sad day for everyone and respects will be paid, said one man. Very sad day. Rest in peace. To the royal family my condolences. She was one hell of a lady, added a woman. Yes, it is devastating. It is a big change for the monarch and everything, yes, said another. She was very stoic. She did everything that she thought was right, said a third woman. In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her country wanted to share its thanks for an incredible woman who we were lucky enough to call our queen. Elizabeth became the first reigning monarch to visit Australia and New Zealand. Both former British colonies are constitutional monarchies, and Elizabeth was their head of state. Officials from both will attend her funeral in the U.K., now scheduled for September 19. All public buildings in New Zealand will fly flags at half-staff. Flags have also been lowered across Australia, including on the Sydney Harbor Bridge and state and federal parliaments. The monarchs image was also portrayed on the famous sails of the Sydney Opera House, which she officially opened in 1973. A supporter of far-right Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro stabbed to death a backer of leftist former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, authorities said on Friday, in the latest example of rising political tensions ahead of the upcoming election. The violence happened in the west-central state of Mato Grosso, after tempers frayed during an argument over support for the two candidates. Bolsonaro trails Lula in the polls in an election riven by intense polarization. According to the police report of the incident, Rafael Silva de Oliveira, 24, killed Benedito Cardoso dos Santos, 42, by stabbing him with a knife. The suspect was taken to the police station, where he confessed and was charged. Speaking with reporters in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, Lula commented on the stabbing, saying there was a "climate of hatred in the electoral process which is completely abnormal." Lula also suggested law enforcement should investigate whether such incidents "had been ordered, or guided, or if it is a political strategy." He did not provide any evidence to back up the suggestion of orchestrated attacks. In a statement, Juanita Goebertus Estrada, the director of the Americas for Human Rights Watch, said "all candidates should energetically condemn" the killing of Cardoso dos Santos, adding that "Brazilians deserve peaceful elections and should be able to engage in political discussions without fear of violence or retaliation for their views." The president's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In July, a similar incident occurred when a local official from Lula's opposition Workers' Party was shot dead by a federal prison guard shouting support for Bolsonaro. On Friday morning, a Bolsonaro supporter was left with a head wound and said he had been assaulted by supporters of the Workers Party who were waiting for Lula to arrive at an event with evangelicals in the city of Sao Goncalo, in Rio de Janeiro state. Bolsonaro, who has long railed against Lula and his leftist allies, has floated the idea of not accepting any election loss, citing unfounded claims of election fraud and problems with Brazil's widely respected electronic voting system. From the national anthem to banknotes and coins, stamps and passports, many aspects of daily life in the U.K. will change with the accession of Charles III to the throne. Currency and stamps The face of the new King Charles III will begin to appear on coins and banknotes in the U.K. and other countries around the world, replacing the profile of Queen Elizabeth II. His effigy will also appear on several other currencies used in the Eastern Caribbean, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Ditto in the Channel Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, on the Isle of Man as well as in Gibraltar, Saint Helena and in the Falklands, islands and territories controlled by the British crown. In 1936, during the reign of King Edward VIII, which lasted 326 days, coins had been minted, but the monarch abdicated before they came into circulation. The face of Elizabeth II also appears on the stamps, while the letters EIIR, for Elizabeth II Regina, are affixed to the post boxes, so this will need to be changed. The insignia on police helmets will also change. Anthem and passports The British national anthem will become "God Save the King," with a masculinized version of the lyrics. A habit that will undoubtedly be difficult for the British, who have been singing "God Save the Queen" since 1952. It is also one of the two national anthems of New Zealand and the royal anthem in Australia and Canada which have their own national anthems. Wording on the inside cover of U.K. passports, issued in the name of the crown, will need to be updated, as will similar text that appears inside Australian, Canadian and New Zealand passports. When you raise your glass during official meetings, you should no longer say "the queen" but "the king." In the Channel Islands, the unofficial formula "La reine, notre duc" pronounced in French when toasting will become "Le roi, notre duc." Politics and rights The names of Her Majesty's Government ("Her Majesty"), Treasury and Customs will change to "His Majesty." It will be the speech of the king ("the king's speech") and not that of the queen that will present to the parliament the program of the government, opening the parliamentary session. The Queen's Guard, immortalized by tourists in front of Buckingham Palace, will also change its name. The police will no longer preserve the peace of the queen but that of the king and the experienced lawyers will pass from the status of QC ("queen's counsel") to that of KC ("king's counsel"). Prisoners will no longer be held at the pleasure of "her majesty," but will continue their terms of imprisonment at the pleasure of "his majesty," the king. In the army, new recruits will no longer take "the queen's shilling," when enlisting, as the formula indicates. Nor will they have to submit to the queen's regulations. The name of "Her Majesty's Theatre" in London's West End theater district, where The Phantom of the Opera has been performed since 1986, will also be masculinized. And those who aspire to speak "the queen's English" will now have to strive to speak like Charles III: "the king's English." Egypts Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly called on the heads of top African courts who are meeting in Cairo to formulate joint principles and constitutional guarantees to protect and develop the continents natural resources for "our peoples and future generations." PM Madbouly made the call during a speech on Saturday to the Sixth Cairo High-level Meeting of Chiefs of Constitutional Courts, Supreme Courts, and African Constitutional Councils, which is taking place in the Egyptian capital under the motto: The Role of Constitutional Control in Developing African People". The African continent is an important part of a world that is facing challenges. Therefore, we have to think collectively ... to find legal and constitutional ways ... that would help African states in curbing the negative impacts of global disputes on our economies, the premier said. This will help us fulfill our duty to protect the enormous natural resources resources of Africa for our peoples and future generations, and to support the interests of the neediest strata in our societies under the supreme constitutional principle of social justice, Madbouly stressed. A host of top Egyptian state officials attended the event, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Justice Omar Marwan, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hanafy El-Gebaly, and Speaker of the Senate Abdel-Wahab Abdel-Razek. Preserving the natural resources of Africa is no longer an option but rather an obligation and a duty for all countries in the continent in a world that is seeming with political and economic turmoil, the Egyptian premier stressed. African states have to use resources in an optimal way and invest in them in a manner that achieves sustainable development," he added. Madbouly praised the outcome of the previous five editions of the African judicial chiefs meeting in developing joint judicial work in Africa, reiterating Egypt's commitment to a better future for the continent. Egypt is always ready to help, and uses all its human, scientific and technical capabilities in order to push our continent - alongside African brothers - towards a better future in various fields, Madbouly said. The meeting of the continent's judicial chiefs is set to discuss ways to institute constitutional protections for the rights of refuge and the citizenship as well as ways to tackle challenges in training in the constitutional judiciary field across Africa. It will discuss the role of constitutional control in preserving African societies cultural specificity and promoting social justice in the continent from an economic perspective. Meanwhile, in his address to the event, the President of Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court (SCC), Boulos Fahmy, praised previous editions for reaching consensus on crucial constitutional issues of great concern to African countries, including fighting corruption, countering terrorism and irregular migration, and supporting digitalisation and green economy. This success reflects the determination of the relevant African courts in setting constitutional guarantees that ensure the freedom and prosperity of the African peoples, Fahmy said. The fifth edition of the African judicial chiefs, which was hosted also by Cairo last year, focused on counterterrorism, digital transformation, and health care in Africa in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic challenges. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi stressed to the top African judges during that event that Egypt is keen to host this gathering annually out of its deep conviction in the vital role played by African constitutional and supreme courts across the continent. The Egyptian president has called on more than one occasion on African states to devise a harmonious judicial strategy that would help them in tackling various challenges, especially terrorism. Search Keywords: Short link: France, Britain and Germany on Saturday said they had "serious doubts" about Iran's intentions to revive a nuclear deal, comments that were rejected by Tehran and called "very untimely" by Moscow. Earlier this month, Iran sent its latest response to the European Union's proposed text to restore the 2015 agreement under which Tehran had restrained its nuclear program in exchange for relief from U.S., EU and U.N. economic sanctions. Diplomats have said Iran's response to the EU coordinator was a step backward, with it seeking to link a revival of the deal with the closure of investigations by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) into traces of uranium at three sites. The IAEA's Board of Governors is to meet on Monday, three months after adopting a resolution urging Iran to give credible answers to the watchdog on the issue. Ahead of that meeting the European parties to the deal vented their frustration. "This latest demand raises serious doubts as to Iran's intentions and commitment to a successful outcome on the JCPOA," the three countries, known as the E3, said in a statement, referring to the deal's full name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. "Iran's position contradicts its legally binding obligations and jeopardizes prospects of restoring the JCPOA," the statement said. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said the statement was "unconstructive," adding "the three European countries are advised to play a more active role in providing solutions to end the few disagreements that remain," state media reported. "If such an approach persists, they (E3) should also take responsibility for its consequences," Kanaani said without elaborating. The European statement also prompted Russia's envoy to the talks to respond on Twitter calling it "very untimely indeed." He dismissed the perceived blockage as something that "was not a serious obstacle." Highlighting how entrenched positions are before next week, France's negotiator, Philippe Errera, called out his Russian counterpart. "There is no longer an active negotiation, since Iran's last response which you, unlike almost all your followers, have had access to," he said on Twitter. Mikhail Ulyanov responded that at least they agreed that there was no active negotiation. Then-U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned the deal in 2018 and re-imposed U.S. sanctions, prompting Iran to start breaching the deal's nuclear curbs and reviving U.S., Arab and Israeli fears it may be seeking an atomic bomb. Iran denies having nuclear ambitions. The IAEA said on Wednesday Iran's stock of uranium enriched to up to 60%, close to weapons-grade, had grown to enough, if enriched further, for a nuclear bomb and that Tehran had still failed to explain the origin of the uranium particles. "Given Irans failure to conclude the deal on the table, we will consult, alongside international partners, on how best to address Irans continued nuclear escalation and lack of cooperation with the IAEA regarding its NPT (non-proliferation treaty) safeguards agreement," the E3 said. It is unclear at this stage how the Western powers will respond, although diplomats said a new resolution at the IAEA was unlikely. Five Hong Kong speech therapists were each sentenced to 19 months in prison Saturday after being found guilty on sedition charges for a series of published childrens books that were deemed anti-government. On Wednesday the five were convicted of conspiracy to print, publish, distribute, display and/or reproduce seditious publications under a colonial-era law. District Court Judge Kwok Wai-Kin said the books were aimed at brainwashing children and all were made with seditious intent. Sheep and wolves The books featured cartoons of sheep that were trying to repel wolves from their village. The publications referenced real events in recent years during Hong Kongs political turmoil, including the mass pro-democracy protests in 2019 and how 12 dissidents attempted to escape to Taiwan in a speedboat before being intercepted by the Chinese coast guard. After convicting the five, Judge Kwok implied that children reading the books would be told they are the sheep and the wolves that are trying to harm them are Chinese authorities. Lorie Lai Man-ling, Melody Yeung, Sidney Ng, Samuel Chan and Fong Tsz-ho, all younger than 30, had pleaded not guilty in July. All five were members of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists, which has since closed. In a two-month trial, prosecutors said the books had caused hatred toward the government and argued a sedition offense is like treason. Defense lawyers had argued the animal characters were fictional and the allegations were too broad. One of the defendants, Melody Yeung, spoke in court Saturday quoting U.S. Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. stating, a riot is the language of the unheard, and that she didnt regret her contribution to the childrens books. Harsh sentences Kevin Yam, a Hong Kong lawyer and former activist now living in Australia, said the sentencing was harsh. Any prison sentence is harsh and absurd over a childrens comic book, let alone 19 months, he told VOA. District Judge Kwok, who is one of the hand-selected judges to preside over national security cases in Hong Kong, said there were four reasons for the length of the sentences. They include the high distribution and exposure of the books, the substantial period of time the conspiracy went on and the timing of when the publications were made available, which he said was while Hong Kongs political and social conditions were extremely unstable. Kwok also questioned whether the defendants depicted the whole truth through the stories, adding there was no doubt the sheep village refers to Hong Kong, and the wolf village referred to China. Can you explain why you didnt tell the children that the sheep village was part of the land owned by the wolves, and that the land was taken away from the wolves through military invasion of the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) on the part of the shepherd? Hong Kong was under British control for 156 years until 1997, when the city was handed back to China. National security law Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong to bring back stability following mass protests in the city three years ago. The legislation prohibits acts deemed as secession, subversion, foreign collusion and terrorism, carrying a maximum punishment of life imprisonment and has been used to target hundreds of dissidents. Although sedition is not among the offenses listed under the security law, recent court judgments have enabled authorities to use its powers under a colonial-era sedition law to target suspects. The speech therapists seditious charges were treated as a national security offense, meaning they have remained in custody and have been denied bail for 13 months awaiting the verdict. Time served After Saturdays sentencing, one of the groups lawyers estimated that the five may be allowed to leave prison in 31 days once deductions for time served were made. The maximum sentence for sedition charges is two years. Finn Lau, an activist in exile from Hong Kong now in Britain, said Kwoks comments about brainwashing are false. The 19-month sentencing reflects the absurdity of Hong Kongs judiciary system. The five speech therapists, on the other hand, show their courage and caring for future Hong Kong generations by standing up for justice. It is [the] Hong Kong and Beijing authorities which brainwash kids by distorting the citys education system, not the cartoon illustrated books and speech therapists, he told VOA. Indias Supreme Court on Friday ordered the release on bail of Siddique Kappan, a journalist who has been in jail for more than 23 months for seeking to meet the family of a Dalit girl allegedly gang-raped by upper-caste Hindu men in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. After the 19-year-old victim was set ablaze and died, the state government quickly cremated her body, sparking a nationwide outrage. While Kappan, a New Delhi-based Muslim journalist reporting for Malayalam language news media, was going to the town of Hathras, where the alleged rape occurred, on Oct. 5, 2020, he was arrested and charged under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act-1967 a stringent anti-terrorism law. In the charge sheet the police said Kappan reported news, "only and only to incite Muslims which is the hidden agenda of [Muslim political organization] Popular Front of India or PFI." The police added in the charge-sheet that PFI was engaged in terrorism-related activities and Kappan was involved with the organization. Media rights groups the Committee to Protect Journalists and Vienna-based media International Press Institute condemned Kappans arrest and demanded he be released immediately. After the Allahabad High Court had rejected Kappans bail petition in August, he challenged the court order in the Supreme Court. The Uttar Pradesh police opposed his bail in the Supreme Court, with their lawyer claiming Kappan was going to Hathras in a "conspiracy" to "incite riots." While granting Kappan bail Friday, Indian Chief Justice Uday Umesh Lalit said, "Every person has the right to free expression. He is trying to show that victim needs justice and raise a common voice. Is that a crime in the eyes of the law?" The order said Kappan must be freed within three days. Kappans lawyer, Mohamed Dhanish KS called the police charges "totally baseless and fabricated." "At the time of argument in the Supreme Court, the prosecution failed to establish any serious offense committed by Mr. Kappan. It was clear that the stringent UAPA was invoked against him without applying mind or with substantiating act or evidence," the lawyer told VOA. Delhi University professor of Hindi Apoorvanand, who only uses one name, said, Kappan was trying to visit Hathras like many other journalists and activists "who were pained and outraged by the criminality." "But he, being a Muslim, was trapped by the UP police and framed. He had to spend more than 710 days in prison for doing what is just normal in a free society and what the court itself said was perfectly within his rights to do," Apoorvanand told VOA. "His bail petition was repeatedly rejected. The state persisted with its lies. The Supreme Court has taken only the first step in undoing this criminal injustice done to him." Kappans wife, Raihanath Kappan, said she was happy with Fridays court order. "For two years we went through immense pain while continuing the legal battle. I am happy that finally he is released," the wife told VOA. "Many people and groups stood by us in our fight for justice. I am thankful to all of them," she said. King Charles III was formally proclaimed as Britains monarch and head of the Commonwealth Saturday, in a ceremony that traces its history back several hundred years. Charles became king upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday. She had been on the throne for 70 years. The royal family announced that her funeral would be September 19 at Westminster Abbey in London. Pomp and ceremony Elizabeths first son, Charles, was proclaimed king in a ceremony at St Jamess Palace in London, which was broadcast on television for the first time. Senior politicians, judges and officials including all six of Britains living former prime ministers gathered for the Accession Council to formally recognize the new monarch. Using language that drew on centuries of tradition, the clerk of the Privy Council Richard Tilbrook made the historic proclamation. We do now hereby, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now, by the death of our late sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege Lord Charles III. By the grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of his other realms and territories, king, head of the Commonwealth, defender of the faith, to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection, beseeching God by whom kings and queens do reign to bless His Majesty with long and happy years to reign over us. God save the King, Tilbrook said. Tribute King Charles III then addressed the council and paid tribute to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service. My mother's reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication, and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life, Charles said. The proclamation was then repeated from the balcony of St Jamess Palace and in the City of London, the ancient heart of the British capital. Gun salutes rang out to welcome the new king. In Parliament, senior lawmakers, including the new Prime Minister Liz Truss pledged allegiance to the new king. Buckingham Palace King Charles and his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, then traveled to their new home at Buckingham Palace. Thousands of onlookers cheered their new king. It just felt like a really special moment in history. And it was lovely actually seeing him, I didn't think I would feel as emotional as I did. Just really special, said Beverley Nash, who traveled to London from her home in Kent, southeast England to witness the event. They are complex emotions for a country undergoing profound historical change: welcoming a new king, while mourning the death of deeply loved queen. In Windsor, west of London, royal family feuds were put aside. William and Catherine the newly appointed Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, emerged from the royal residence together to greet well-wishers and inspect floral tributes to the late queen outside Windsor Castle. Funeral In the coming days Elizabeth IIs body will be taken to Edinburgh and then to London, where she will lie in state in Westminster Hall for several days. The royal family announced that her funeral is to take place September 19 at Westminster Abbey. Dozens of world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, are expected to attend. For full coverage of the crisis in Ukraine, visit Flashpoint Ukraine. The latest developments in Russias war on Ukraine. All times EDT. 10:09 p.m.: The fighting in eastern Ukraine comes amid an ongoing offensive around Kherson in the south, the Associated Press reported. Analysts suggest Russia may have taken soldiers from the east to reinforce around Kherson, offering the Ukrainians the opportunity to strike a weakened front line. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov told the television channel Ukraina that the Russians had no food or fuel for their troops in the area as Kyiv had cut off their supply lines. It will be like an avalanche, he said, predicting a Russian fallback. One line of defense will shake and it will fall. The Ukrainian military was more circumspect about the reported gains, claiming Saturday to have taken more than 1,000 square kilometers from pro-Kremlin forces this week. It said in some areas, units of the Defense Forces have penetrated the enemys defenses to a depth of 50 kilometers, matching the British assessment, but did not disclose geographical details. 9:18 p.m.: The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, referencing the sweeping Ukrainian gains, estimating that Kyiv has seized around 2,500 square kilometers in its eastern breakthrough, the Associated Press reported. The institute said it appeared that disorganized Russian forces (were) caught in the rapid Ukrainian advance. They cited social media images of apparent Russian prisoners seized in the advance around Izyum and surrounding towns. 8:34 p.m.: The success of a counter-offensive against Russia shows Ukraine can beat Moscow's forces, but Kyiv needs more weapons from its partners, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Saturday, according to Reuters. Kuleba, speaking at a news conference with visiting German counterpart Annalena Baerbock, said some allies had initially been hesitant to send weapons, citing the risk of antagonizing Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Now, thank God, we are no longer hearing this argument. ... We have demonstrated we are capable of defeating the Russian army. We are doing that with weapons given to us," he said. "And so I reiterate: the more weapons we receive, the faster we will win, and the faster this war will end." 7:25 p.m.: Russian troops are regrouping from the Balakliya and Izyum areas to the eastern Donetsk region, Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said, the Associated Press reported. Konashenkov said the Russian move was being made in order to achieve the stated goals of the special military operation to liberate Donbas, an eastern area home to two separatist regions that Russia has declared sovereign. Igor Girkin, a Russian who was an early leader of a Moscow-backed separatist uprising in Donetsk in 2014, sneered at the portrayal of the pullback being strategic. On the messaging app Telegram, he acidly called it the brilliant (clearly within the framework of the plan and even ahead of schedule) operation to transfer the cities of Izyum, Balakliya and Kupiansk to respected Ukrainian partners. 6:50 p.m.: In Hrakove, one of dozens of villages recaptured in the Ukrainian advance, Reuters reporters saw burned-out vehicles bearing the "Z" symbol of Russia's invasion. Boxes still full of ammunition were scattered with strewn rubbish in positions the Russians had abandoned in evident haste. "Hello everyone, we are from Russia," was spray painted on a wall. Three bodies lay in white body bags in a yard. The regional chief of police, Volodymyr Tymoshenko, said Ukrainian police had moved in the previous day, and had checked the identities of local residents who had lived under Russian occupation since the invasion's second day. "The first function is to provide help that they need. The next job is to document the crimes committed by Russian invaders on the territories which they temporarily occupied." 5:37 p.m.: Ukrainian officials stopped short of confirming they had recaptured Izyum, Reuters reported, but President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's chief of staff Andriy Yermak posted a photo of troops on its outskirts. Earlier, he tweeted an emoji of grapes. The city's name means raisin. The Russian withdrawal announcement came hours after Ukrainian troops captured the city of Kupiansk further north, the sole railway hub supplying Russia's entire frontline across northeastern Ukraine. That left thousands of Russian troops abruptly cut off from supplies across a stretch of front that has seen some of the most intense battles of the war. There were signs of trouble for Russia elsewhere along its remaining positions at the front in the east, with pro-Russian officials acknowledging difficulties at other locations and Ukrainians hinting at more advances to come. 4:40 p.m.: Moscow abandoned, Izyum, its main bastion in northeastern Ukraine on Saturday, in a sudden collapse on one of the war's principal front lines after surging Ukrainian forces threatened to encircle the area in a shock advance, Reuters reported. The swift fall of Izyum in Kharkiv province was Moscow's worst defeat since its troops were forced back from the capital Kyiv in March, and could prove a decisive turning point in the six-month war, with thousands of Russian soldiers abandoning ammunition stockpiles and equipment as they flee. The state-run TASS news agency quoted Russia's defense ministry as saying it had ordered troops to leave the vicinity to reinforce operations elsewhere in neighboring Donetsk. 3:51 p.m.: Earlier Saturday, the British Defense Ministry told reporters it believed the Ukrainians had advanced as much as 50 kilometers south of Kharkiv, and described Russian forces around Izyum as increasingly isolated, the Associated Press reported. Russian forces were likely taken by surprise. The sector was only lightly held and Ukrainian units have captured or surrounded several towns, the British military said, adding that the loss of Kupiansk would greatly affect Russian supply lines. 2:45 p.m.: Ukraine's armed forces have liberated around 2,000 square kilometers of territory since a counter-offensive against Russia started earlier this month, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video address Saturday. 1:05 p.m.: Residents in Russian-controlled parts of the Kharkiv region have been advised to evacuate to Russia, according to the state-run news agency Tass. The areas Russian-installed administrator Vitaly Ganchev reportedly said doing so would save lives. The advisory comes after Russia's defense ministry said it was pulling troops out of two key towns in the region as Ukrainian forces made rapid advances. The towns, Izyum and Balakliya, have been crucial military supply hubs for the Russians. Andrey Turchak, a senior official in the pro-Kremlin United Russia party, said a volunteer corps had been deployed to help those fleeing Ukraine for Russia, and reported more than 400 vehicles at the border. 12:30 p.m.: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he has spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron about the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, among other issues. Our position is the only way to protect Europe from a nuclear disaster is to demilitarize the plant, Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter. 11:30 a.m.: Russias Defense Ministry announced Saturday that it was regrouping its forces in the eastern Kharkiv region of Ukraine following Kyivs claims its troops had made sweeping gains in the territory held for months by Russias army. To achieve the goals of the special military operation to liberate Donbas, a decision was made to regroup Russian troops stationed in the Balakliya and Izyum regions, to bolster efforts along the Donetsk front, the defense ministry said in a statement. 11:08 a.m.: Ukrainian troops were also advancing further east near the village of Hrakove, near the Russian border, in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, reports Agence France-Presse. A military spokesperson said Ukrainian solders pushed dozens of kilometers into territory captured by Russian troops at the beginning of the invasion. Russian news agencies meanwhile reported six large explosions in Nova Kakhovka, a town held by Russian troops in the southern Kherson region. 10:25 a.m.: Ukraines Ministry of Defense released video showing Ukrainian military members raising Ukraine's national flag and singing the national anthem, in Balakliya, in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, partially occupied by Russian forces, reports Reuters. The news agency was able to verify the location of video from the buildings and statues seen in the video which matched file imagery of the area. Reuters was not able to establish when the video was recorded. Earlier, Ukrainian Brigadier General Oleksiy Gromov said troops had advanced up to 50 kilometers behind Russian lines and recaptured more than 20 villages in the Kharkiv region. If the advances are confirmed, it would be a serious blow for Russia, which Western intelligence services say has suffered huge casualties. It would also represent a big boost for Ukraine, which is keen to show its Western backers that it is capable of changing the situation on the ground by force and deserves continued support. 9:40 a.m.: Two young soldiers who died fighting for Russia in Ukraine were honored with the unveiling of memorial plaques at the school they attended in Crimea, reports Reuters. Relatives, students and local officials held a ceremony to commemorate Denis Varavin and Yevgeny Petelko, with young people marching in an honor guard with a Russian tricolor flag and shots fired into the air to salute the two men's memory. The inscriptions on both plaques read: True to his oath, he perished while fulfilling his military duty in the course of the special military operation - the term used by President Vladimir Putin to describe Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. 8:10 a.m.: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Kyiv Saturday on a surprise visit, reports Agence France-Presse. It is her second trip to Ukraine and comes a week after Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal's trip to Berlin where he had repeated Kyiv's call for weapons. I have travelled to Kyiv today to show that they can continue to rely on us. That we will continue to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary with deliveries of weapons, and with humanitarian and financial support, Baerbock said in a statement. Over the last weeks, Germany has sent howitzers, rocket launchers and anti-aircraft missiles to Kyiv. Heavier weapons like anti-aircraft systems, rocket launchers mounted on pick-ups and anti-drone equipment are also due in a further military aid package. 7:35 a.m.: Ukrainian forces report they have entered the town of Kupiansk in eastern Ukraine, a key supply hub that had been held by invading Russian forces for several months, reports Agence France-Presse. Ukrainian special forces Saturday published images on social media, which they said showed their officers in Kupiansk, which was and will always be Ukrainian. A regional official separately posted an image of Ukrainian soldiers in the town of around 27,000 people. 5:30 a.m.: The latest Ukraine assessment from the Institute for the Study of War, a U.S. think tank, said the Kremlin is rushing resources to Kharkiv Oblast in response to effective Ukrainian operations. Ukrainian forces, the update said, may have advanced north of Hrushivka towards a Russian logistics hub in Velykyi Burluk, northeastern Kharkiv Oblast. Ukrainian forces are also continuing counteroffensive operations in southern Ukraine, including interdicting Russian GLOCS, degrading Russian morale. 4:30 a.m.: The United States is working with the United Nations to address Russian complaints that sanctions are hindering its food and fertilizer shipments, even though there has been no disruption to Moscow's exports of the commodities, a senior U.S. official said Friday, according to Reuters. The United Nations, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia agreed on July 22 on what was described by U.N. chief Antonio Guterres as a package deal to restart Ukraine's Black Sea grain and fertilizer exports and facilitate Russian shipments. "We're seeing no disruption in Russia's ability to send food to market," James O'Brien, head of the State Department's Office of Sanctions Coordination, told reporters. "The fertilizer is still reaching markets at the same rate that it always has." While the United States and others have stressed that Russian food and fertilizer is not subject to sanctions imposed over Moscow's Feb. 24 invasion of its neighbor, Russia has asserted there has been a chilling effect on its exports. O'Brien said the United States would do "everything we can" to address specific complaints and "Russia and the U.N. are just now engaged on some specific requests that it has under the U.N. agreement, and I think we'll see progress in that over the next few weeks." 3:32 a.m.: The latest intelligence update from the U.K. defense ministry said a Russian force around Izium is likely increasingly isolated. Ukrainian units are now threatening the town of Kupiansk; its capture would be a significant blow to Russia because it sits on supply routes to the Donbas front line, the update said. With Ukrainian operations also continuing in Kherson, the update said, the Russian defensive front is under pressure on both its northern and southern flanks. 2:24 a.m.: The United States is deeply concerned by the Russian government's treatment of jailed opposition leader Alexey Navalny, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Friday, according to Reuters. Russian prison authorities have interfered with Navalny's preparation of his defense and communication with his lawyer, Price said in a statement. He also said Navalny has been repeatedly placed in solitary confinement for minor alleged infractions. Price said Navalny's treatment was "evidence of politically motivated harassment," and he reiterated U.S. calls for the opposition leader's immediate release. Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's most vocal critic inside Russia, is serving an 11-year sentence after being found guilty of parole violations and fraud and contempt of court charges. He says all charges against him were fabricated as a pretext to smother dissent and thwart his political ambitions. 1:19 a.m.: The European Commission on Friday urged EU member states to reassess the terms on which they grant visas to Russian travelers and to root out applicants that pose a security threat, Agence France-Presse reported. "We should not be naive, Putin's aim is to destroy the EU and he would like to attack us where we are weakest," warned EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson. She told a news conference in Nuijamaa near Finland's border with Russia, that Moscow was responsible for an unprovoked war in Ukraine and warned that civilians could act as spies, saboteurs or provocateurs. On Friday, the EU formally suspended a 2007 visa facilitation pact that had made it easier and cheaper for Russians to travel to Europe but stopped short of the full travel ban demanded by some member states. 12:02 a.m.: The Kremlin said on Friday that President Vladimir Putin will discuss with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a landmark deal allowing grain exports from Ukraine that Russia has repeatedly criticized, Agence France-Presse reported. The agreement between Russia and Ukraine, which was brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July, designated three ports for Kyiv to send much-needed grain supplies through a Russian blockade. But Russia has voiced increasing criticism of the deal, saying its own exports have suffered. Putin this week claimed most of the consignments were arriving in Europe, not poor countries where grain was needed most. Ukrainian officials have denied the claim and data compiled by a monitoring group as part of the accord does not reflect Putin's assertion. Some information in this report came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Here is a look at Native American-related news around the U.S. this week: Homeland Security Department Establishes Tribal Advisory Council The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is creating an advisory council to collaborate on homeland security matters relating to tribal nations and Indigenous communities including emergency management, law enforcement, cybersecurity, domestic terrorism, targeted violence, and border security. The inaugural Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council is a result of sustained engagement to improve nation-to-nation relationships and comes at a time of critical importance, said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. I look forward to building a new council that will provide timely advice and recommendations directly from Indian country regarding how we can better work together to improve homeland security. Individuals will be considered for membership based on their qualifications to serve as representatives of a tribal nation or tribal organization. According to the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), nearly 40 tribes are located directly on or near Americas borders with Mexico and Canada and are thus directly involved in combating illegal immigration, smuggling and terrorism; further, a high number of oil and gas pipelines, missile sites, dams and nuclear facilities sit on tribal lands. While state governments have received billions of taxpayer dollars for homeland security program infrastructure development and enhancement, tribes have yet to receive equitable assistance to perform the same functions, NCAI states on its website. DHS Establishes First-Ever Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council DOI Finalizes Replacements for Demeaning Place Names For generations, a gap in the Santa Teresa Mountain Range in Graham County, Arizona has carried a name that uses an offensive ethnic, racial and sexist slur for Indigenous women. From now on, however, it will be known as Rattlesnake Saddle. It is one of 650 geographic features in the U.S. with names that include a derogatory word. But all that is about to change with the Interior Department announcing Thursday that its Board on Geographic Names has voted on final new names for all these features and locations. I feel a deep obligation to use my platform to ensure that our public lands and waters are accessible and welcoming. That starts with removing racist and derogatory names that have graced federal locations for far too long, said Secretary Deb Haaland, who in late 2021 ordered the names be changed. I am grateful to the members of the Derogatory Geographic Names Task Force and the Board on Geographic Names for their efforts to prioritize this important work. Together, we are showing why representation matters and charting a path for an inclusive America. The list of new names and a location map can be found on the U.S. Geological Survey website. Interior Department completes removal of sq___ from federal use Wisconsin Judge Sides With Chippewa Band in Pipeline Dispute The Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa received both good and bad news this week. A federal judge in Wisconsin ruled late Wednesday the tribe had the right to revoke permission for an oil and gas pipeline to cross through the Bands reservation. He also ruled that the band is entitled to monetary compensation, though he did not elaborate. But he ruled against shutting down the pipeline altogether, saying the 60-year-old pipeline can continue to flow while operators work to reroute it. In 2019, the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa sued the Canadian energy firm Enbridge Inc., claiming a 40-mile (64 km.) section of the companys Line 5 pipeline was "a grave public nuisance" and threatened the tribes water supply. The Bad River Reservation spans 125,000 acres (50,585 hectares) on the south shore of Lake Superior and is home to a network of rivers, streams, and wetlands which in turn are home to 44 species of flora and fauna that are federally and/or state recognized as threatened or endangered. The decision comes one month after the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources received reports of contamination just outside the reservation. Enbridge says they believe the contamination was from a historical leak and was not ongoing. And it comes just days after Ottawa invoked the 1977 Transit Pipelines Treaty to prevent U.S. courts from shutting down the Line 5 pipeline, which carries crude oil and natural gas from Alberta to Ontario through the U.S. Wisconsin judge rules against Enbridge in dispute over Line 5 pipeline South Dakota Must Take Steps to Give Tribe Voter Access Parties reached settlement in a lawsuit this week which will require the state of South Dakota to make it easier for Native Americans to participate in elections. As VOA has previously reported, Native Americans in South Dakota and other states have long complained about barriers to voting. The National Voting Rights Act (NVRA) requires all public assistance agencies and motor vehicle departments provide voter registration forms, but South Dakota tribes complain these forms arent always available, or if they are, registrations are not always processed. In September 2020, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and the Oglala Sioux Tribe filed a federal court complaint against the South Dakota secretary of state for failing to offer voter registration services. In May 2022, the court denied a motion by the state to dismiss the case, and days later ruled in favor of the tribes, finding that South Dakota had committed numerous violations of the NVRA. According to a settlement agreement reached Wednesday, the state must now appoint a voting rights coordinator and train and monitor state agencies to ensure they comply with the law. The state will also reimburse the tribes legal fees. Rosebud Tribe, secretary of state settle over voting registration act Commerce Department to Boost Development at Fort Apache Reservation The U.S. Commerce Departments Economic Development Administration has awarded a $4.7 million grant to the Fort Apache Heritage Foundation, Inc., to support the expanding small business on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, home to the White Mountain Apache Tribe. The funds will go toward renovating and converting a residential building into office and commercial space for tribal startup businesses. Local sources will match the grant with more than $406,000. Tribal communities were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. This project will help the White Mountain Apache Tribe of the Fort Apache Reservation plan for future business development and economic growth, creating opportunities for job creation for Tribal members. This project is funded under EDAs American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities program, which is allocating $100 million in funding specifically to aid tribal governments and Indigenous communities to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4.7 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Small Businesses on Fort Apache Indian Reservation South Dakotas First Ever Indigenous-Run School Opens in Rapid City This week saw the grand opening of the first Indigenous-led, community-based elementary school in Rapid City, South Dakota. The Oceti Sakowin Community Academy is designed to provide students with an inclusive and diverse education grounded in the language, culture and traditions of the Oceti Sakowin, the Seven Council Fires, the collective name of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people. A community grand opening included prayer and drum songs welcoming the schools first class of 35 kindergartners. The school will add one more grade level each year up to the 12th grade level. The government tried to beat our language out of us, assimilate and erase us, said Nick Tilsen, president and CEO of NDN Collective, which founded the school in partnership with NACA Inspired Schools Network (NISN) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They were unsuccessful. Today, we launch this school not only as an act of resistance, but an act of power. School founder Mary Bowman, who is Hunkpapa Lakota from the Standing Rock Reservation, welcomed the children to the classroom Wednesday. It was a really great day, she told VOA. I think the kids really enjoyed themselves! Bowman said the school will operate according to South Dakota Education Department standards. Its just the materials that we're using that will be different, she said. We're piloting a literacy program from the Native American Community Academy in Albuquerque, and all the books in the curriculum are by Indigenous authors. South Dakota legislators have tried to get state funding for charter schools which could address the specific cultural needs of Native American children in the state, but their efforts have so far failed. South Dakota is a very Republican state and they've been wildly oppositional and resistant to school choice, said Sarah White, an Oglala Lakota citizen and founder and executive director of the South Dakota Education Equity Coalition. And the main concern expressed by opposition has been funding and the scarcity of resources. They believe that [public] schools will lose money. Opponents also worry that charter schools could promote unorthodox teaching methods. Rapid Citys first Indigenous-led school opens Archaeologists: Ancestral Muscogee Among Worlds Oldest Democracies It is commonly held that democracy and democratic institutions are a Western European innovation inherited from ancient Greeks. But a team of archaeologists working in the U.S. state of Georgia say they have evidence that todays Muskogee tribal council is one of the oldest and most inclusive democratic institutions in the world. When the Georgia Power Company announced plans to dam the Oconee River in the 1970s, archaeologists scrambled to conduct surveys of the valley which was once the homeland of the Ancestral Muskogee. Researchers catalogued more than 3,000 sites but excavated and removed artifacts from only a few of them, including the remains of a 1,500-year-old plaza once surrounded by earthen mounds and large circular buildings used as council houses. Council houses were the hub of political life within communities and often across regions, explain the study authors, who included historians and cultural preservationists from the Muscogee Nation, now based in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. And although council houses were, in part, a bridge to ceremonial worlds, they were key forums in which to discuss and debate the collective good and governance. Democracy and democratic institutions in particular are not solely the purview of Western societies, notes the study, acknowledging that science has only now begun to realize what Native Americans have been saying for years: that Native American tribes practiced inclusive decision making in what is now Canada, the U.S. and Mexico long before Europeans. Indigenous Americans ruled democratically long before the US did Indigenous TikTok User Shares as He Learns It was only two years ago that 20-year-old Zane Lerma-Switzer discovered who his father was. He was never in my life, so I never had a chance to find out who I was, where I came from, he told VOA. In 2020, Lerma-Switzer took a DNA test, which identified him as 50% Indigenous; and connected him to a close genetic match who turned out to be a first cousin. And she revealed that she and the rest of the family live in a small mountain village called Chicueyaco, in the state of Puebla in Mexico, and it turns out Im Nahua. The Nahua are a people who dominated Southern Mexico and Central America until the Spanish invaded in 1519. Today, they are the largest Indigenous group in Mexico and still speak dialects of Nahuatl, an Aztecan language once spoken across Mexico and Central America (hear the language spoken in the video, below). His discovery triggered a passion to learn more not just about his Nahuan ancestors, but Indigenous peoples across the Americas. In 2021, he took to TikTok as @indigenouszane, posting short informative videos on Indigenous histories, languages and cultures which have earned him tens of thousands of followers and millions of likes. My goal is to reach everyone, no matter whether they are non-Native or if they're Native, Lerma-Switzer said. I do feel there are a lot of Natives that don't even know their own history due to colonization. He said he recently obtained his first passport and is working up to 70 hours a week in a local pharmacy to save enough money to travel to Mexico next year. That is my No. 1 goal as of now, he said. Thats the only reason I work all these hoursits to visit my family and visit the culture I never knew I had. Troy man takes off on TikTok making videos on Indigenous American culture British Network Showcases Film by Ho-Chunk/Pechanga Visual Artist Britains BBC News website this week is streaming a short film by visual artist Sky Hopinka, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin and a descendant of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno people of Southern California. In a 16-minute film called Kicking the Clouds, Hopinka interviews his mother about their family history after being given a 50-year-old audio recording of his grandmother learning to speak the highly endangered Luiseno language from her mother. After being given this tape by my mother, I interviewed her and asked about it, and recorded her ruminations on their lives and her own, Hopinka states on his website. The footage is of our chosen home in Whatcom County, Washington, where my family still lives, far from our homelands in Southern California, yet a home nonetheless. The BBC is featuring the film as part of its online LongShots film festival, which highlights short documentaries from promising new filmmakers across the globe. Hopinkas work has been featured in several important film festivals, including Sundance, the New York Film Festival, and the Toronto International Film Festival. To see Hopinkas film, click here: LongShots: Kicking the Clouds. Many Hong Kongers took to social media to mourn Queen Elizabeth II, a woman affectionately nicknamed "boss lady" among older residents in a city that was one of Britain's last colonies. Elizabeth visited Hong Kong twice during her reign, while her son now King Charles III was present for the handover to China in 1997. "My grandmother who raised me always spoke of the 'boss lady,' I heard about her so much she felt like family... Today it's like a family member passed away," Facebook user Vincent Lam wrote. "It's the end of an era... Thank you for your lifetime of devotion," read another post on the Facebook group Hong Kong Reminiscence that garnered nearly 4,000 likes within hours of Elizabeth's death, news of which broke overnight in the city. Britain has seen two major waves of Hong Kong immigration in recent decades the first in the run-up to the handover, and the second over the last two years as China cracks down on political dissent. Many of those reacting overnight were doing so from their new home. "She always (has) our highest respect... I'll miss her," said Lok Cheung, a popular Hong Kong tech YouTuber who recently emigrated to Britain. "Hong Kong Worker," a comic artist who has also relocated, drew a panel of himself telling the queen: "Thank you for giving us a Hong Kong that was once beautiful." Evolving opinions Britain's colonial record in Hong Kong sparks mixed views in the city. During colonial times, both Beijing loyalists and Hong Kong democrats campaigned against British control. Many democracy supporters, however, came to view the British era more favorably once authoritarian China began ratcheting up control of the city. Small groups even waved colonial flags during huge protests in 2019 that incensed Beijing. China imposed a sweeping national security law in the aftermath of those protests and has cracked down on any actions it deems "foreign collusion," which could make mourning Elizabeth II risky in Hong Kong in the current climate. Nathan Law, a prominent pro-democracy politician who now lives in Britain and is wanted by Hong Kong police under the security law, said the queen nonetheless had a special place in many Hong Kongers' hearts. "The Queen is loved by millions of Hong Kong people," he wrote on Twitter. China has reacted angrily to British criticism over Hong Kong, including London's decision to offer millions of Hong Kongers a pathway to citizenship because of the ongoing crackdown. But current Hong Kong leader John Lee struck a conciliatory statement following Elizabeth II's death. "She was greatly respected, admired and praised by the British people," Lee said. "We send our deepest condolences to the people of the United Kingdom during this time of national mourning and reflection." Somalia says the countrys elite military unit has killed a senior al-Shabab commander in an operation in the Lower Shabelle region. Federal police say civilian hostages were freed during the operation. Somali police spokesman Sadiq Adan Ali Doodishe said Somalias elite military unit had conducted an operation against the al-Qaida-affiliated Islamist militant group al-Shabab, killing two senior commanders and wounding 10 others. Police say the operations aim was to destroy al-Shababs main extortion base in the small town of Mubarak, located 95 kilometers southwest of Somalias capital, Mogadishu. During a news conference in Mogadishu Saturday, the spokesman said the army killed a senior al-Shabab commander known by the name Carab, and Aw Maaye, who was in charge al-Shababs extortion operations in Mubarak. Doodishe said during the operation the military freed civilian hostages from the militant group. He said around 5:00 p.m. local time, the elite unit from the Somali national army conducted the operation targeting a place the terrorists used to extort money from civilians. In accordance with the statement from the Ministry of Information, the army killed Carab, the deputy al-Shabab leader in the town of Mubarak, and Aw Maaye, who was the al-Shabab foreman in charge of extortion. He said during the operation dozens of others were wounded, including the groups leader in charge of Mubarak. He said at the time of the operation al-Shabab was holding civilians hostage for extortion but the army freed the hostages. Some of them were hurt during the operation. Police have warned the public against aiding al-Shabab. Doodishe said the public has been told that its a crime to have sympathy toward al-Shabab and collaborate with the group. Anyone who is engaged in that activity will be brought to justice, he added. Local media and residents reported that there was an airstrike involved in the military operation against al-Shabab on Friday. The Islamist group claimed that the airstrike killed 10 people and wounded 20 others, all civilians. VOA could not independently verify the airstrike nor the civilian deaths. Somalia has been grappling with increasing insecurity in recent years. Al-Shabab is one of the main threats and is responsible for deadly attacks across the country and in neighboring Kenya. Turkey and Greece, both NATO members, have been at loggerheads for decades over territorial and airspace claims in and over the Aegean Sea. As the historic rivals escalate their war of words, analysts warn about the risk of current tension spilling into NATO business at a time when there is a need to focus on unity against Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine. The latest spat began when Turkey accused its neighbor of locking onto Turkish fighter jets with its Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems deployed on the island of Crete. Ankara also said Greek pilots placed Turkish aircraft under a radar lock over the Eastern Mediterranean during a NATO mission last month. Athens dismissed Turkish claims and accused the country of violating its airspace. As both countries lodged complaints with NATO about the incidents, the deletion of a tweet by NATO Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) congratulating Turkey on its Victory Day, following a demarche by Greece, caused fury in Ankara. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan doubled down when he spoke earlier this week at Teknofest, an event dubbed as Turkeys biggest aviation and aerospace festival. Look at history. If you cross the line any further, there will be a heavy price to pay. Dont forget Izmir, he said, alluding to a defeat of occupying Greek forces in the western city in 1922. He echoed those words earlier this week, warning Turkey could come all of a sudden one night. His remarks were perceived by Greek officials as threats, suggesting Turkey could take military action against the Aegean Sea islands. Athens says it is ready to defend its sovereignty. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias asked NATO, European Union partners and the United Nations to formally condemn what he described as outrageous and increasingly aggressive talk by Turkish officials in letters addressed to three international bodies, copies of which were seen by The Associated Press. In a statement sent to VOA, a State Department representative called on the two allies to resolve their differences diplomatically. Pointing to the Russian invasion in Ukraine, Washington said statements that could raise tensions between NATO allies are particularly unhelpful, adding Greeces sovereignty over the islands is not in question. The Pentagon did not comment on Turkish claims that Greece locked its S-300 surface-to-air missiles onto Turkeys jets last week but said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the need to reduce tensions in the Aegean through constructive dialogue during his previous talks with Turkish and Greek counterparts. Possibility of war Deep-rooted friction brought Turkey and Greece almost to the point of war three times in the last 50 years. Analysts speaking to VOA say they dont see a resolution any time soon, noting the troubled history of bilateral relations and the tight politics in the two nations capitals. It will take a mediator who has the skill and some leverage to be able to come up with something that these two nations can agree with. But I dont see that on the horizon, said Jim Townsend, former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense on European and NATO policy. Townsend is currently an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security Transatlantic Security Program. Philip Breedlove, a retired U.S. Air Force general who served as NATO supreme allied commander from 2013 to 2016, said the long-standing problems between Turkey and Greece rise and fall over time. The leadership in Turkey is pushing the country in certain directions that have caused these tensions to rise once again as they have over the years, the former top NATO commander said in a phone interview with VOA on Wednesday. Breedlove, who is now a senior fellow with the Middle East Institute, said NATO and the United States have managed similar tensions in the past and the alliance is still up to the task. Concerns about disrupting NATO unity The recent spat between Turkey and Greece takes place as NATO is focusing on displaying a united front against Russia in the face of its invasion in Ukraine. Experts are worried that if the tension escalates to the point of hostilities, Russian President Vladimir Putin can take advantage. Whatever little cracks can appear in European unity, Putin can make them even larger and in fact split the rock. So, it not only undercuts European unity but also can spill over into NATO councils if one or the other country uses NATO as a weapon to hurt the other, Townsend said. He warned that those cracks can be exploited by Moscow as winter approaches; Russia has already cut back on its gas exports to Europe. Election dynamics Turkey and Greece will both head to the polls for crucial elections next year. Turkish President Erdogan is said to be facing a major challenge to his 20-year rule amid the countrys economic woes and immigration problems. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, elected in 2019, reportedly suffered a popularity loss to some degree because of rising energy prices partly driven by the war in Ukraine. Rhetoric on both sides has always been part of the problem and its something that doesnt help things, said Townsend. Breedlove agrees. He believes some of this is playing to an internal audience. Balancing act The United States is known to have maintained a balance between regional rivals Turkey and Greece, which it says are both important NATO allies. Athens and Washington extended a bilateral military agreement for five years and the deal was ratified by the Greek parliament in the summer, days before the Greek prime ministers visit to Washington in mid-May. The deal gives the U.S. more military access to bases in Greece. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley met with his Greek counterpart, Konstantinos Floros, at the Pentagon in July. The military leaders discussed mutual items of interest, said a statement from his office. That visit was followed by Greek Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos visit to the Pentagon July 18 to meet with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The two discussed the growing defense partnership between the United States and Greece and the close cooperation on basing, [and] defense modernization, according to a statement from the Pentagon. They also discussed the need to reduce tensions in the Aegean through constructive dialogue. Austin spoke with his Turkish counterpart, Hulusi Akar, July 25, discussing the need for continued efforts to reduce tensions in the Aegean through constructive dialogue. Turkish and Greek defense requests Greece is seeking to acquire F-35 fighter jets from the United States. The country formally requested the fighter jets in June. Turkey was kicked out of the F-35 program because of its purchase of an advanced S-400 missile system from Russia. Ankara wants to buy F-16s and modernization kits from Washington. U.S. weapons sales to foreign countries are subject to congressional approval. Analysts argue that Turkeys decision to buy the Russian S-400 system was a huge blow to defense cooperation between Washington and Ankara, which they say has traditionally been very strong. Townsend, who spent 30 years at the Pentagon working on Turkey issues, tells VOA that he mourns the loss of [the] close working relationship with Turkey, hoping it can be restored again. He is hopeful that the United States will be able to provide the F-16s requested by Turkey, saying he thinks the administration working with Congress will be able to allow that transfer to happen. Retired U.S. Air Force General Breedlove maintains the same hope. Focusing on common threat The former NATO commander argues that Turkey made some security decisions that aligned it more closely with NATOs enemy, in reference to its S-400 purchase from Russia, which was identified as the most significant and direct threat to the allies security in NATOs strategic concept document. The enemy is not Greece versus Turkey and Turkey versus Greece. It is NATO versus Russia. I would want Turkey to have that if they can't have the F-35. We need to understand who the enemy is, Breedlove tells VOA. He said the United States would want to move forward with Turkey because it is an incredibly important part of the NATO alliance despite recent lows in the relationship, adding he cannot speak to the policy of the current U.S. government. But he also acknowledged that Greece is a little more aligned with where America wants to go in the area, saying Washington would want to have the same kind of relationship with Turkey. He calls on the United States and Turkey to focus on how they can bring back the same level of cooperation rather than growing apart. Erdogans criticism of the Wests Russia policy Meanwhile, Erdogan has recently accused Western nations of provoking Russia, without naming any. Speaking at a news conference in Serbia, he suggested the Wests policy on Russia was based on provocations. He vowed to continue Turkeys balancing policy between Russia and Ukraine, adding Russia is not a country that one can underestimate. Russia has cut off natural gas now. Prices in Europe have skyrocketed. Everyone now broods on how they will get through this winter, Erdogan said. Turkey supplies Ukraine with combat drones, which are used by Kyiv to destroy Russian targets in the conflict. Ankara also played a role with the United Nations as a mediator to secure the deal that allowed grain exports to resume from the ports in Ukraine. But it has not joined the Western sanctions against Russia. This story originated in VOAs Turkish Service. The service's Dilge Timocin contributed. Ukraine announced major advancements in a strategic military counteroffensive against Russian forces, retaking vital territory and cutting off a main supply line to thousands of Russian soldiers in northeastern Ukraine. Ukrainian forces reported Saturday they had entered the town of Kupiansk and Izium and pushed Russian soldiers across the Oskil River in retreat. Ukrainian special forces published images on social media, which they said showed their officers, with the caption in Kupiansk, which was and will always be Ukrainian. A regional official separately posted an image of Ukrainian soldiers in the town of about 27,000 people. The regions key rail and road links have been used for several months to supply Russian forces stationed in the nearby city of Izium, which is near the border between the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. Military analysts say Russia is believed to be sending reinforcements to the area, where it plans to launch new attacks against Ukrainian-controlled sections of Donetsk. Russias Defense Ministry disputed Ukraines announcement, claiming its forces were holding their positions and returning heavy arms fire against the Ukrainians. Later in the day, however, the Ministry confirmed it had pulled its forces out of Izium. A pro-Russia separatist leader also was quoted as saying that there was fierce fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region. Denis Pushilin said the situation in the town of Lyman was very difficult and that there was also fighting in a number of other localities, particularly in the northern part of the region. Meanwhile, Moscow announced it was regrouping its forces in the eastern Kharkiv region of Ukraine. To achieve the goals of the special military operation to liberate Donbas, a decision was made to regroup Russian troops stationed in the Balakliya and Izyum regions, to bolster efforts along the Donetsk front, Russia's defense ministry said in a statement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address Friday that Ukrainian forces had retaken more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region. We are gradually taking control over more settlements, returning the Ukrainian flag and protection for our people, Zelenskyy said. The Ukrainian breakthrough near Kharkiv was the fastest advance reported by either side for months, and it is one of the biggest gains in the war since Russian forces abandoned a disastrous assault on the capital, Kyiv, in March. Western military analysts say the advance puts the Ukrainians within striking distance of the main railway that Moscow has relied on to sustain its force in eastern Ukraine and could leave thousands of Russian troops at risk of being cut off. In other developments, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made a surprise visit to Kyiv Saturday pledging Berlin's unwavering support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia. I have traveled to Kyiv today to show that they can continue to rely on us. That we will continue to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary with deliveries of weapons, and with humanitarian and financial support, Baerbock said in a statement. Its her second trip to Ukraine and comes a week after Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhals trip to Berlin where he had repeated Kyiv's call for weapons. Over the last weeks, Germany has sent howitzers, rocket launchers and anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine. Heavier weapons like anti-aircraft systems, rocket launchers mounted on pick-ups and anti-drone equipment are also due in a further military aid package worth over $500 million. In Prague, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told a news conference Friday with his Czech counterpart, "We see success in Kherson now, we see some success in Kharkiv, and so that is very, very encouraging. The British Defense Ministry said in its intelligence report, With Ukrainian operations also continuing in Kherson, the Russian defensive front is under pressure on both its northern and southern flanks. Nuclear fears Meanwhile, shelling destroyed the power infrastructure at the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar where staff operating the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant live, posing a growing threat to the plant, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said Friday. The plant's off-site power supplies, vital lines of defense against a potential nuclear meltdown, have already been cut. And the shelling at Enerhodar has caused a lasting blackout there. That has prompted Ukraine to say it may have to shut down the last operating reactor supplying power to Zaporizhzhia, including the cooling systems for the plant's nuclear fuel. Zaporizhzhia's operator is not confident that off-site power can be restored and that is prompting it to consider shutting down the last operating reactor, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said in a statement. "The entire power plant would then be fully reliant on emergency diesel generators for ensuring vital nuclear safety and security functions. And as a consequence, the operator would not be able to restart the reactors unless off-site power was reliably reestablished," he added. "This is an unsustainable situation and is becoming increasingly precarious. Enerhodar has gone dark. The power plant has no off-site power. And we have seen that once infrastructure is repaired, it is damaged once again," Grossi said. Ukraine and Russia have blamed each other for shelling near Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine and within the perimeter of Europe's biggest nuclear power plant, which has six reactors. "This is completely unacceptable. It cannot stand," Grossi said. "I therefore urgently call for the immediate cessation of all shelling in the entire area. Only this will ensure the safety and security of operating staff and allow the durable restoration of power to Enerhodar and to the power plant." Grossi this week called for the creation of a "nuclear safety and security protection zone" around Zaporizhzhia, repeating his call Friday. Military aid The United States said Thursday that it planned to send $2.2 billion in long-term military aid to Ukraine and 18 other European countries threatened by Russian aggression, and another $675 million directly to the Kyiv government in a new munitions package to fight Moscow's invasion. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv Thursday, said the $2.2 billion would "bolster the security of Ukraine and 18 of its neighbors, including many of our NATO allies, as well as other regional security partners potentially at risk of future Russian aggression." European Union finance ministers Friday backed a $5 billion loan for Ukraine to help it keep schools, hospitals and other state operations running as it fights against Russia's invasion, the Czech Finance Ministry said. The loan, to be backed by guarantees of EU member states, is part of an overall $9 billion package announced in May. The first $1 billion was sent in early August. Czech Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura, who was hosting EU finance ministers Friday in Prague, said in a statement that upcoming meetings would decide how the remaining $3 billion in the package could be split into loans or grants. Some information for this report came from Reuters and The Associated Press. The National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) said on Friday that the authorities successive release of pretrial detainees in recent months represents practical proof of the seriousness in implementing the National Strategy for Human Rights and removes obstacles in the way of holding a constructive and positive national dialogue. On Friday, the Public Prosecution ordered the release of 33 pretrial detainees, in the latest such move since President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi called for a national dialogue in April. In a statement on Friday evening, the NCHR said that "it appreciates this positive implementation of the spirit of the law. The decison will reintegrate those released into society where they can contribute in the process of building a modern country that allows everyone to participate in public life as long as they observe the constitution and laws." According to the General Coordinator of the National Dialogue Diaa Rashwan, more than 700 prisoners have been freed since April, including pretrial detainees who were released by the prosecution and other prisoners who received a presidential pardon. "The council is confident that the release of pretrial detainees will bridge the gap between people who hold different opinions on many issues, most important of which is the issue of human rights, including freedom of opinion and expression," the NCHR added. "These release decisions, and the work of the Presidential Pardon Committee, will lay the foundations for the new republic that is based on the rule of law and the rights of citizens ... and will make possible the implementation of the president's vision for building a country that embraces differing opinions that aim to achieve common causes," it added. Meanwhile, the 19-member Board of Trustees of the National Dialogue continues to make preparations for the anticipated launch of the wider process. The board is set to hold a meeting on Saturday, the sixth since it was formed in late July, to complete the process of choosing rapporteurs and assistant rapporteurs for 15 subcommittees under three main political, economic and social committees. The board will also discuss proposals submitted by some members to divide up the some of the main committees to facilitate debates, according to an announcemt by the general coordinator. Search Keywords: Short link: Ukraine announced major advancements in a strategic military counteroffensive against Russian forces, retaking a vital city and causing thousands of Russian soldiers to retreat from territory in northeastern Ukraine that they had held since the start of the war in late February. Ukrainian forces reported Saturday that they had gained control of Izyum and pushed Russian soldiers across the Oskil River. Russias Defense Ministry confirmed it had pulled its forces out of Izyum, claiming the move was planned. Reports of the claims could not be independently verified. Western military analysts say if the advances are confirmed, it would put the Ukrainians in control of a main railway that Moscow uses to supply thousands of troops in eastern Ukraine. In other developments, a pro-Russia separatist leader was quoted as saying there also was fierce fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region. Denis Pushilin said the situation in the town of Lyman was very difficult and there was fighting in a number of other localities, particularly in the northern part of the region. Military analysts say Russia is believed to be sending reinforcements to the area, where it plans to launch new attacks against Ukrainian controlled sections of Donetsk. Moscow regrouping Meanwhile, Moscow announced it was regrouping its forces in the eastern Kharkiv region of Ukraine. To achieve the goals of the special military operation to liberate Donbas, a decision was made to regroup Russian troops stationed in the Balakliya and Izyum regions, to bolster efforts along the Donetsk front, Russia's defense ministry said in a statement. The regrouping of Russian soldiers comes as residents in parts of the Kharkiv region had been advised to evacuate to Russia, according to the state-run news agency Tass. The areas Russian-installed administrator, Vitaly Ganchev, reportedly said doing so would save lives. Lightning-fast advances The Ukrainian breakthrough near Kharkiv was the fastest advance reported by either side for months, and it is one of the biggest gains in the war since Russian forces abandoned a disastrous assault on the capital, Kyiv, in March. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the countrys armed forces have liberated about 2,000 square kilometers of territory since a counter-offensive against Russia started earlier this month. On the diplomatic front, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Saturday pledging Berlin's unwavering support for Ukraine. I have traveled to Kyiv to show that they can continue to rely on us. That we will continue to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary with deliveries of weapons, and with humanitarian and financial support, Baerbock said in a statement. Over the last weeks, Germany has sent howitzers, rocket launchers and anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine. Heavier weapons like anti-aircraft systems, rocket launchers mounted on pickup trucks and anti-drone equipment are also expected in a further military aid package worth more than $500 million. Nuclear fears Meanwhile, shelling destroyed the power infrastructure at the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar where staff operating the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant live, posing a growing threat to the plant, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said Friday. The plant's off-site power supplies, vital lines of defense against a potential nuclear meltdown, have been cut. And the shelling at Enerhodar has caused a lasting blackout there. That has prompted Ukraine to say it may have to shut down the last operating reactor supplying power to Zaporizhzhia, including the cooling systems for the plant's nuclear fuel. Zaporizhzhia's operator is not confident off-site power can be restored and that is prompting it to consider shutting down the last operating reactor, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said in a statement. "The entire power plant would then be fully reliant on emergency diesel generators for ensuring vital nuclear safety and security functions. And as a consequence, the operator would not be able to restart the reactors unless off-site power was reliably reestablished," he noted. Grossi this week called for the creation of a "nuclear safety and security protection zone" around Zaporizhzhia, repeating his call Friday. Military aid The United States said Thursday it plans to send $2.2 billion in long-term military aid to Ukraine and 18 other European countries threatened by Russian aggression, and another $675 million directly to the Kyiv government in a new munitions package to fight Moscow's invasion. European Union finance ministers Friday backed a $5 billion loan for Ukraine to help it keep schools, hospitals and other state operations running as it fights against Russia's invasion, the Czech Finance Ministry said. The loan, to be backed by guarantees of EU member states, is part of an overall $9 billion package announced in May. The first $1 billion was sent in early August. Some information in this report came from Reuters, Agence France-Presse and The Associated Press. Here's a summary of Uyghur-related news around the world. Ex-New Zealand foreign minister criticized for comments about UN Uyghur report Gerry Brownlee, a lawmaker for the center-right National Party of New Zealand and former foreign minister, drew criticism for his remarks about the U.N. report saying China committed human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other ethnic Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. Brownlee said that it was good that the report "acknowledges that there has been a terrorism problem" in Xinjiang, which is why China sends Uyghurs to what it calls reeducation camps. Uyghur exiles urge UN to act on report findings Since the U.N. released its report on human rights abuses in Xinjiang, Uyghur exiles are asking that the U.N. hold China accountable and take concrete action, such as passing resolutions for an immediate and independent investigation into the oppression of Muslim minorities in the autonomous territory in northwest China. Activists demand Canada stop imports of goods made by Uyghur forced labor Uyghur rights groups in Canada asked the Canadian government to take action after a U.N. report found China committed human rights violations against ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. The rights organizations are pushing for Canada to block imports linked to Uyghur forced labor in China. The Canadian Parliament called China's treatment of Uyghurs genocide, but Uyghur advocates are concerned that the government has not "officially" announced it as genocide. New Android spyware suspected of targeting Uyghur community Cybersecurity experts at MalwareHunterTeam found new Android spyware with data-gathering capabilities that appears to be targeting the Uyghur community. It's disguised as a book called The China Freedom Trap by Dolkun Isa, president of World Uyghur Congress. The malware can steal SMS messages, contacts and logs and take pictures from the infected device. China has 'closed door of cooperation,' Chinese UN ambassador says The Chinese ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva said Friday that his country would not cooperate with the U.N. human rights office following the release of a report on China's treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim populations in Xinjiang. The report and comments followed a visit to China by then-U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet. She had discussed follow-up meetings with Beijing, which China has now shelved. In brief The Uyghur Human Rights Project found that some U.S. supermarkets and online stores continue to sell red dates linked to Uyghur forced labor from Xinjiang even after the U.S. passed the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which bans imports from Xinjiang unless businesses can prove that a product is not connected to forced labor. The stores and distributors mentioned in the report did not respond to inquiries by its authors. Quote of note "U.S. companies have not fully mapped out their supply chains, which makes it difficult for CBP [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] to identify and trace goods made with Uyghur forced labor. Many products may be exported from mainland China or by intermediary suppliers outside of China that seem to have no links to the XPCC [The Xinjiang Construction and Production Corps] or even the Uyghur region." Nuzigum Setiwaldi, author of a Uyghur Human Rights Project report that found that despite U.S. law, some U.S. retailers continue to sell red dates grown and processed in Xinjiang In Ethiopias Gambella region, a June attack on the capital by a rebel group, the Oromo Liberation Army, has raised fears of more civil war spreading in the country. VOA spoke to local officials and analysts about whats behind the violence and what it could mean for Ethiopias security. In Gambella city, security has been beefed up. Officials say local police have started working in cooperation with troops recently sent to the region by the federal government. A major attack by two rebel groups, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and the Gambella Liberation Front (GLF), caught the city by surprise in June. Local media said up to 37 people were killed. Analysts say it is the first time the Oromo conflict, a decades-old fight among local, federal forces and ethnic Oromo rebels, has reached Gambella city. One witness, civil servant Abdu Abubeker, recounts seeing the OLA enter the city. He said the shooting began at around 6 a.m. No one was expecting it, so no one was well prepared, Abdu said the OLA and the GLF entered the city as far as the regional council building. He recalled that they entered the city from three directions. I think the Gambella Liberation Front was leading the OLA. Less than a week later, in the Oromia region, around 400 ethnic Amhara were killed by OLA militants. The rapid uptick in violence in what Human Rights Watch calls Ethiopias other conflict has led some to question if it constitutes a second civil war for the country. Information from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project shows that from August 2021 to July 2022, there were 3,784 deaths linked to the OLA, compared with 651 the previous year, a nearly five-fold increase. William Davison, an analyst with International Crisis Group, a Belgium-based research organization, said the increased violence is the result of long-standing grievances related to Oromo self-determination and lack of political representation in Ethiopias federal system, especially since the current government came to power in 2018. I think that added fuel to the Oromo Liberation Army insurgency, after a failure to reintegrate those fighters and their rebellion. The Oromo comprise the largest ethnic group in the country. Asked if the conflict is as significant as Ethiopias headline-grabbing war with Tigrayan rebels in the north of the country, Davison said that it is a conflict in its own right. It probably doesnt immediately threaten the regional government authority in Adama or the federal government authority in Addis Ababa, but it is affecting a huge number of people in Oromia, as well as leading to direct violence thats killing combatants and civilians. Adama is a city in Ethiopias Oromia region. For now, Gambella is calm, but fewer than 10 kilometers beyond its outskirts, local police say there are regular firefights with the OLA. Local officials are keen to project stability. Chankot Chote, head of the Gambella Regional State Peace and Security Office, said with the help of the special forces, federal police and regular police and the community, the situation has improved. He added that, although the OLA is trying to attack on the outskirts of town, they will never enter the city again. The OLA is an offshoot of another rebel group, the Oromo Liberation Front, which signed a peace deal with the Ethiopian government in 2018. The World Food Program said it is increasing emergency aid to reach 1.9 million people in Pakistan devastated by the worst floods to hit the country in more than a century. WFP spokesman Thomson Phiri said emergency food aid already has been distributed to more than 400,000 people in the hardest hit Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh provinces. He said the WFP is continuing to expand its operations across the country. We have reached 400,000 people, but of course, the floods have affected a record 33 million people and it is the deadliest in more than a decade, he said. The United Nations said torrential rains have inundated a third of the country, killing some 1,400 people, including hundreds of children. It said more than half a million homes have been destroyed, hundreds of bridges and roads demolished or washed away, cutting off vulnerable communities from humanitarian assistance. Phiri said more than 630,000 people are in overcrowded relief camps where they are exposed to outbreaks of waterborne diseases. In addition to food distribution, the World Food Program is providing specialized, nutritious food for 31,000 young children and 28,000 pregnant and nursing women to prevent malnutrition and boost their immunity, he said. Phiri said the WFP is looking beyond the emergency phase of its operation. He said Pakistan needs longer-term support to restore peoples livelihoods. Once the initial relief response is concluded, the World Food Program will immediately implement recovery programs to improve community infrastructure, create livelihood opportunities and boost resilience, combined with cash-based transfers, through early 2023, he said. Phiri said the WFP will be working closely with the government to help communities strengthen their ability to withstand climatic shocks. He said some of the projects include plans to create irrigation channels and dams in drought- and flood-prone areas. He noted both men and women will be given vocational training and income-generating activities to boost their livelihood prospects. Britains King Charles III paid tribute to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II, calling her "darling Mama" during his first address as head of state. Charles, who is 73 and the oldest monarch to ascend the throne, said he would serve with "loyalty, respect and love" as his mother had done for more than seven decades until her death Thursday at age 96. "That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today," Charles said Friday in his televised address from Buckingham Palace to a nation in mourning. He said Queen Elizabeths death brought a "sense of loss, beyond measure" and paid tribute to his mother. As you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: Thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May 'flights of angels sing thee to thy rest, Charles said. The new king said he would follow the example of his mother. As the queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation, he said. Charles was greeted by well-wishers as he arrived at the palace Friday alongside Camilla, the queen consort, from Balmoral Castle in Scotland where Queen Elizabeth died. The king also held his first audience Friday with Prime Minister Liz Truss at Buckingham Palace in only her third day in the job. Elizabeth appointed Truss to her new position as prime minister Tuesday. Parliament held a special midday session Friday to pay its respects to the queen, Britains longest-reigning monarch. "She was the rock on which modern Britain was built," Truss told lawmakers. Around 2,000 people attended a service of remembrance for the queen at St. Pauls Cathedral Friday, including Truss and other government officials. Elizabeths funeral will be held in the coming days at Londons Westminster Abbey, and that day will be designated as a National Day of Mourning, which is a public holiday. Growing mountains of flowers and tributes to the queen are gathering not only at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, but also at British embassies and cathedrals around the world. Some information in this report came from Reuters and The Associated Press. Mohammed Yusuf NAIROBI, KENYA Condolence messages on the death of Queen Elizabeth have been pouring in from Africa, where the queen made many visits during her 70-year rule. Elizabeth became queen while in Kenya in 1952, and her first overseas tour as monarch was in South Africa. She later helped steer Britain through the end of its colonial rule in Africa, while promoting good ties with the continent's new countries. The presidents of Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa are among the African leaders who sent messages mourning the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, who died Thursday at the age of 96. The queen's early years on the throne saw Britain lose its colonial empire in Africa. The United Kingdom at one time controlled at least 17 countries in Africa, and British rule is still associated with conflicts, forceful extraction of natural resources and land grabs. Ikemesit Effiong, a geopolitical analyst based in Lagos, Nigeria, said the queen mended her country's post-colonial relationship with many African countries. "In particular, the United Kingdom have built and maintained extensive economic, political and cultural ties with much of the rest of the continent. Even though there has been more of an ambivalent attitude on the path of many African governments and for many Africans towards Europe in general since the turn of 21st century, a lot of those longstanding ties still persist," Effiong said. Kenya is one of the countries that Britain colonized, and then-Princess Elizabeth became queen during a visit to Kenya in 1952, when her father died while she was on safari. Macharia Munene, an international relations lecturer at the United States International University Africa in Kenya, said the queen's ascension helped to accelerate self-rule in the country. "Then that's the time when the country was boiling," he said. "The Mau Mau was about to break out and the fighters kept following the events in Britain and that's part of the reaction when the war broke out. They burned down the tree tops, hitting back at the British and then when she was being coroneted, [Kenyans] coroneted their own young girl and called her the Mau Mau Queen." Effiong said Queen Elizabeth took a different path than previous British leaders in dealing with Africa. "Queen Elizabeth was very much different in that she was the first British monarch in almost two centuries that represented disengagement," he said, adding that she invested in a lot of monarchies' legitimacy, such as in the Commonwealth nations associated with the cultural institutions. The Commonwealth of Nations has 56 members, most but not all of which are former British colonies. The member states meet to strengthen relations and tackle global problems together. The queen visited more than 20 African countries during her rule, starting with South Africa. Munene said the queen made sure she changed the image of British rule. "She is the last monarch who has any connection with colonialism. As long as people talk about colonialism in Africa, there is no choice but to see her in that context as the last monarch," he said. "She had direct colonial experience and she saw the transition from colonialism to independence, she welcomed it. She nurtured it such that the hostility that could have been there was reduced to a point where it became now embracing each other and people feeling good about the Commonwealth." Speaking at the Commonwealth Summit in Rwanda this June, then-Prince Charles said he treasured the friendship Britain had built with Africa in the last 70 years, and was looking forward to deepening the relations in the years ahead. Charles, 73, takes the throne from his late mother and becomes King Charles the Third. The new king will be the head of state for the United Kingdom and 14 other countries. LUSAKA Zambian rights groups are calling on the government to make good on a vow to repeal a defamation law they say is being used to silence critics of President Hakainde Hichilema. The call comes after Zambian police arrested an opposition leader this month under the colonial-era law for insulting the president. Zambian court Tuesday charged the leader of the opposition Patriots for Economic Progress party, Sean Tembo, with hate speech, which carries a punishment of a fine of up to $6,000 and two years in prison if he is found guilty. The charge followed Tembos September 1 arrest after he posted online criticism of President Hakainde Hichilemas monthly fuel price hikes, comparing them to menstruation. While the charge was reduced, Zambian rights groups note the arrest was the latest carried out under a harsh, colonial-era law against defaming the president. The 1965 law carries a punishment of up to three years in prison for insults against the president and has been used by past governments to silence critics. Campaigning for president in last years election, which he won, Hichilema promised to revoke the law. In the past year, though, rights groups say Zambian police arrested 12 people under the law, including members of opposition political parties. Two were released, six were jailed, and four, including Tembo, are awaiting trial. Chama Pilato Fumba is a popular musician and director of the group Peoples Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia. He himself has been arrested several times for insulting Zambias president. He says the defamation of the president as a law is very backwards and very unnecessary in a democratic country like ours. "This law should be scrapped off our constitution as it does not represent our interests and our aspirations as a country. It is a bad law that even good presidents can become bad presidents. Hichilemas spokesman was quoted in Zambian media saying the president had nothing to do with opposition leader Tembos arrest. Cornelius Mweetwa is a lawyer and spokesman for the ruling United Party for National Development. He says Zambias opposition is being petty in complaining about the law. It has nothing to do with restriction of the freedom of speech because this is not a law promulgated and enacted under the new dawn administration. It is a law that has always been in force but one where now the opposition wants to take advantage of to be insulting the president when they are arrested so that they can say no change has occasioned in Zambia. Deep down their hearts they know that this is a different Zambia. This is Zambia that the people wanted and voted for. Mweetwa would not say whether the government plans to amend the controversial law. Macdonald Chipenzi is director of Zambian rights group Governance, Elections, Advocacy, and Research Services. He says the government will continue to abuse the defamation law if there are no campaigns to end it. So, the only thing that is required now is to call for the immediate review or reform of this law so that it is not infringing on the freedom of the people and also try to bring in the aspect of civic education on the responsibilities of citizens as they express themselves as they enjoy this freedom. Amnesty Internationals Secretary General Agnes Callamard met with Hichilema in Zambia in March and repeated their position that the law should be repealed, citing its past use against critics, opposition, and journalists. The president said his government was committed to upholding human rights, liberties, and freedoms but would maintain strict adherence to the rule of law. The Zambian court has not yet set a date for Tembos trial. Ukraine announced major advancements in a strategic military counteroffensive against Russian forces, retaking vital territory and cutting off a main supply line to thousands of Russian soldiers in northeastern Ukraine. Ukrainian forces reported Saturday they had entered the town of Kupiansk and Izium and pushed Russian soldiers across the Oskil River in retreat. Ukrainian special forces published images on social media, which they said showed their officers, with the caption in Kupiansk, which was and will always be Ukrainian. A regional official separately posted an image of Ukrainian soldiers in the town of about 27,000 people. The regions key rail and road links have been used for several months to supply Russian forces stationed in the nearby city of Izium, which is near the border between the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. SEE ALSO: Military analysts say Russia is believed to be sending reinforcements to the area, where it plans to launch new attacks against Ukrainian-controlled sections of Donetsk. Russias Defense Ministry disputed Ukraines announcement, claiming its forces were holding their positions and returning heavy arms fire against the Ukrainians. Later in the day, however, the Ministry confirmed it had pulled its forces out of Izium. A pro-Russia separatist leader also was quoted as saying that there was fierce fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region. Denis Pushilin said the situation in the town of Lyman was very difficult and that there was also fighting in a number of other localities, particularly in the northern part of the region. Meanwhile, Moscow announced it was regrouping its forces in the eastern Kharkiv region of Ukraine. To achieve the goals of the special military operation to liberate Donbas, a decision was made to regroup Russian troops stationed in the Balakliya and Izyum regions, to bolster efforts along the Donetsk front, Russia's defense ministry said in a statement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address Friday that Ukrainian forces had retaken more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region. We are gradually taking control over more settlements, returning the Ukrainian flag and protection for our people, Zelenskyy said. The Ukrainian breakthrough near Kharkiv was the fastest advance reported by either side for months, and it is one of the biggest gains in the war since Russian forces abandoned a disastrous assault on the capital, Kyiv, in March. Western military analysts say the advance puts the Ukrainians within striking distance of the main railway that Moscow has relied on to sustain its force in eastern Ukraine and could leave thousands of Russian troops at risk of being cut off. In other developments, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made a surprise visit to Kyiv Saturday pledging Berlin's unwavering support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia. I have traveled to Kyiv today to show that they can continue to rely on us. That we will continue to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary with deliveries of weapons, and with humanitarian and financial support, Baerbock said in a statement. Its her second trip to Ukraine and comes a week after Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhals trip to Berlin where he had repeated Kyiv's call for weapons. Over the last weeks, Germany has sent howitzers, rocket launchers and anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine. Heavier weapons like anti-aircraft systems, rocket launchers mounted on pick-ups and anti-drone equipment are also due in a further military aid package worth over $500 million. In Prague, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told a news conference Friday with his Czech counterpart, "We see success in Kherson now, we see some success in Kharkiv, and so that is very, very encouraging. The British Defense Ministry said in its intelligence report, With Ukrainian operations also continuing in Kherson, the Russian defensive front is under pressure on both its northern and southern flanks. Nuclear fears Meanwhile, shelling destroyed the power infrastructure at the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar where staff operating the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant live, posing a growing threat to the plant, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said Friday. The plant's off-site power supplies, vital lines of defense against a potential nuclear meltdown, have already been cut. And the shelling at Enerhodar has caused a lasting blackout there. That has prompted Ukraine to say it may have to shut down the last operating reactor supplying power to Zaporizhzhia, including the cooling systems for the plant's nuclear fuel. Zaporizhzhia's operator is not confident that off-site power can be restored and that is prompting it to consider shutting down the last operating reactor, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said in a statement. "The entire power plant would then be fully reliant on emergency diesel generators for ensuring vital nuclear safety and security functions. And as a consequence, the operator would not be able to restart the reactors unless off-site power was reliably reestablished," he added. "This is an unsustainable situation and is becoming increasingly precarious. Enerhodar has gone dark. The power plant has no off-site power. And we have seen that once infrastructure is repaired, it is damaged once again," Grossi said. Ukraine and Russia have blamed each other for shelling near Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine and within the perimeter of Europe's biggest nuclear power plant, which has six reactors. "This is completely unacceptable. It cannot stand," Grossi said. "I therefore urgently call for the immediate cessation of all shelling in the entire area. Only this will ensure the safety and security of operating staff and allow the durable restoration of power to Enerhodar and to the power plant." Grossi this week called for the creation of a "nuclear safety and security protection zone" around Zaporizhzhia, repeating his call Friday. Military aid The United States said Thursday that it planned to send $2.2 billion in long-term military aid to Ukraine and 18 other European countries threatened by Russian aggression, and another $675 million directly to the Kyiv government in a new munitions package to fight Moscow's invasion. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv Thursday, said the $2.2 billion would "bolster the security of Ukraine and 18 of its neighbors, including many of our NATO allies, as well as other regional security partners potentially at risk of future Russian aggression." European Union finance ministers Friday backed a $5 billion loan for Ukraine to help it keep schools, hospitals and other state operations running as it fights against Russia's invasion, the Czech Finance Ministry said. The loan, to be backed by guarantees of EU member states, is part of an overall $9 billion package announced in May. The first $1 billion was sent in early August. Czech Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura, who was hosting EU finance ministers Friday in Prague, said in a statement that upcoming meetings would decide how the remaining $3 billion in the package could be split into loans or grants. Some information for this report came from Reuters and The Associated Press. Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. RTHK: US opioid crisis doc wins Golden Lion in Venice A documentary tracing an artist's campaign against the family behind the US opioid drug epidemic scooped the Golden Lion, the top prize at the Venice Film Festival, on Saturday. Cate Blanchett won her second Venice acting award for her performance as a predatory classical music conductor in "Tar" having won in 2008 for her unexpected turn as Bob Dylan in "I'm Not There". She vowed to "drink a lot of red wine" out of the Volpi Cup she was awarded, and thanked "people around the world who make music which has kept us going in the last couple of years". And Colin Farrell was named best actor for his part in the pitch-black Irish drama "The Banshees of Inisherin", which also won the best screenplay award for writer-director Martin McDonagh. But the jury, led by Julianne Moore, determined that the best of the 23 films in competition was "All the Beauty and the Bloodshed". It is the latest documentary from Oscar-winner Laura Poitras, who previously made history as the first contact with whistleblower Edward Snowden when he exposed massive surveillance by the National Security Agency. Her new film explores the traumatic and brilliant life of photographer Nan Goldin, and her recent campaign to publicly shame the Sackler family who own the pharmaceutical firm behind painkiller Oxycontin. "I've known a lot of brave and courageous people in my life but I've never known anyone like Nan," Poitras said as she picked up the award. "Someone who could decide to take on the billionaire Sackler family, which is ruthless and responsible for countless deaths and so much bloodshed." The opioid addiction crisis has caused more than 500,000 overdose deaths in the United States and the Sackler's company has been ordered to pay up to US$6 billion in damages. Taylor Russell won the best newcomer award for "Bones and All" in which she played alongside Timothee Chalamet as lovelorn cannibals. Italy's Luca Guadagnino also won best director for the film, which saw him reunited with Chalamet following their Oscar-nominated "Call Me By Your Name". The Special Jury prize went to "No Bears" by Iran's Jafar Panahi who in July was imprisoned for "propaganda against the system". His detention was the subject of a flash-mob protest on Friday on the Venice red carpet, led by Moore. The film's actor, Reza Heydari, told journalists after the awards he had received a message earlier in the day from Panahi in prison. "He told me do not get in trouble for him," he said. "The award he has received brings a message an artist in a prison or outside a prison can still produce his message because he loves art and he loves cinema." The second place Silver Lion went to "Saint Omer" by French director Alice Diop, inspired by the true story of a Senegalese migrant on trial for infanticide in France. Critics were deeply divided over many of the films at this year's festival, but it was a stellar year for individual actors. There were rave reviews for Brendan Fraser, making an unlikely comeback from the Hollywood wilderness as a morbidly obese English professor in "The Whale". And Hugh Jackman's performance as a father dealing with a depressed teenager in "The Son" was labelled the best of his career. Netflix had been hoping for a big year, but its much-hyped Marilyn Monroe biopic, "Blonde", tested the patience of many critics, despite acclaim for its Cuban star Ana de Armas. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2022-09-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. By Ayya Lmahamad Azerbaijan and Turkiye have discussed bilateral investment opportunities, Azernews reports. The discussion occurred at a meeting between Azerbaijan's Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) Board Chairman Orkhan Mammadov and Turkiye's CTech company CEO Juneyt Firat. The meeting was held within the framework of the 4th Azerbaijani International Defense Exhibition ADEX and the 13th International Exhibition for Internal Security, Safety and Rescue Equipment Securex Caspian fair. During the meeting, the parties also discussed the support and services provided by SMBDA to foreign businessmen. Azerbaijan and Turkiye collaborate in a variety of economic sectors and have completed major energy and infrastructure projects, such as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Baku-Tbilisi-Kars, and TANAP. In 2021, Azerbaijan and Turkiye signed the Shusha Declaration on Allied Relations, which focuses on defense cooperation, promoting regional stability and prosperity, and establishing new transport routes. The two countries set up a goal to bring the mutual trade turnover to $15 billion in 2023. As of 2021, the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $4.6 billion. So far, Turkiye is Azerbaijans second-largest investor followed by the UK. Additionally, Turkiye was one of the first countries that expressed its interest and readiness to participate in the restoration of Azerbaijans liberated territories. After several abroad, Egyptian activist Wael Ghoneim said in a post on his Facebook page on Saturday that he has returned to Egypt for a family visit. "I arrived in Egypt for a family visit, and I am very happy to be among my family, friends and my beloved ones. Thanks for all your beautiful messages and may God bless you for your love, respect and understanding," he said. The post received over 10k comments, including many welcomes from various renowned activists, and more than 2.3k shares in less than 6 hours. In 2010, Ghoneim, a computer engineer who worked for Google ME and North Africa at the time, set up a Facebook page that mobilised many for the 25 January, 2011 Revolution. Ghoneim, 41, has lived in the United States since 2014. In 2019, Ghoneim posted several highly controversial videos on social media that were critical of both government policies as well as the practices of some of the youths who participated in the 2011 movement. Search Keywords: Short link: User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale Contribute: Leave a comment if you find a particular report interesting or want to add to it. Flag as inappropriate. Mark as helpful or interesting. Send your own user report! Translate Taupo (15 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : The whole house was shaking and it felt like it lasted longer the 10 seconds I was ready to grab the kids. I was in bed and it was shaking | One user found this interesting. TAUPO / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : In bed. Shaking of house for around 5 to 6 seconds. Pause then small trenor to finish | 2 users found this interesting. Taupo (13.4 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Woke from sleep to the bed shaking, door creaking, lasting a few seconds | One user found this interesting. Taupo 19a Elizabeth st / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : It woke me up lasted about 5 seconds A person in a camper van was woken and two other people in the house were woken also Shaking Wairakei Village, Taupo / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 15-20 s : Woke me up, seemed to go on for a long time.. Could hear rumbling and felt waves and shimmies as it went on In bed hilltop taupo / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Bed shook front door knocker rattled. Sounded like an articulated truck or a train went through the house Turangi, Waikato (24.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s near Acacia Bay, Taupo District, Waikato (6.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s Mot (17.6 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s Taupo New Zealand (14.9 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s : Started with a jolt then rolling, cat not disturbed ???? Mangakino (51.9 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s Taupo (10.7 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Tihoi (32.4 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Laying in bed, felt A weak shake through the house. Taupo (19.6 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) Taupo (15.5 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 5-10 s : I was trying to sleep, then woke up Taupo (13.4 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s taupo (14.6 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) TAUPO COURIER DEPOT TOTARA, ST TAUPO / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Mangakino / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : Rumbling, noise and shaking taupo / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 5-10 s Taupo / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Hoping it would not intensify Taupo / Light shaking (MMI IV) Taupo / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : I was in bedthe whole house was shaking and the the house rattled and creaked Home in Acacia Bay / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : Rumbling of house with moderate shaking Waipahihi - Taupo / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s Taupo / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 15-20 s : Was scary, first time in an earthquake whole hotel room was shaking woke us up Oruanui / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s Taupo 5 mile bay / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s : Ranch slider strong rattling Taupo / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 5-10 s Kinloch / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Taupo / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Tunisian-Egyptian actress Hend Sabry was among six Arab women filmmakers who were honoured last week by The Red Sea Film Festival (RSFF) at a special gala that was organised on the sidelines of the Venice Film Festival. The gala, which was co-organised by the RSFF and Vanity Fair, was held at the Palazzo Rocca in Venice. The RSFF honours "six remarkable women working at the heart of the Arab film industry," read a press release. The other women filmakers who were honoured during the gala were: Saudi director Haifaa al-Mansour - known for Wadjda, Perfect Candidate, Mary Shelley; award winning Saudi actress and filmmaker Ahd Kamel (Collateral, Honour, Wadjda), Saudi actress Sumaya Rida (Rupture, Rashash); Oscar nominated Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania (The Man Who Sold His Skin, Beauty and the Dogs); and British-Lebanese actress Razane Jammal (The Sandman, Kira & El Gina, Paranormal, Carlos). The second edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival will run in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between 1-10 December. The 79th Venice International Film Festival opened on 31 August and continues until 10 September. Sabry, 42, is an internationally acclaimed film and TV actor who started her career in 1994 at the age of 14 with a stellar performance in the Tunisian production Samt Al-Qosoor (Silence of the Palaces) by director Moufida Tlatli. Her first appearance in Egyptian cinema, however, came in the 2002 production Muzakirat Murahiqua (A Teenagers Diary), a role that cemented her stardom among Egyptian audiences. Her later appearances include starring in films such as Mowaten wi Mokhber wi Haramy (A Citizen, a Detective, and a Thief) in 2002, Banat West El-Balad (Downtown Girls) in 2005, and Ibrahim El-Abyad in 2009. She also starred in Oumaret Yacoubian (The Yacoubian Building) in 2006 opposite Egyptian star Adel Emam and an extensive cast of other heavywights. Her portrayal of an HIV positive woman in the 2011 production Asmaa also earned her several awards. Sabrys more recent roles include films such as 2016 short film The Parrot (Al Babagha). They also include the feature films Beautiful Life (Haya Gameela, 2017) and The Treasure (Al-Kenz, 2017), Nouras Dream (Hilm Noura, 2019) and The Blue Elephant 2 (Al-Feel Al-Azraq 2, 2019). Multiple awards, civic work Sabry has received many awards and recognitions for outstanding work throughout her career.. In 2017, she received the Faten Hamama Excellence Award during the 39th Cairo International Film Festival. In 2019, won the Starlight Cinema Award of the Venice International Film Festival, becoming the first Arab woman to ever receive this recognition. Sabry is also active in social and humanitarian work. She has been Good Will Ambassador for the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to raise awareness about hunger since 2010. In 2021, Sabry was awarded Frances Order of Arts and Letters in the grade of Officier (Officer) as a promotion to the Chevalier award she received in 2014. Search Keywords: Short link: Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Grappling with their worst heatwave on record, Chinese officials are scrambling to significantly expand the countrys cloud-seeding programs a controversial method of stimulating clouds to make them rain. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight This is understandably a moment for desperate measures. Chinas mighty Yangtze River has slowed to nearly a trickle in some stretches, destabilizing the countrys hydropower production and leaving hundreds of thousands of people without safe drinking water. But its also time to set the record straight on cloud seeding a practice thats rapidly expanding in the water-scarce American West. Yes, forcing clouds to form rain and snow has, in fact, been proven to increase precipitation up to 15% in certain regions, and the emerging private-sector cloud-seeding industry deserves more research and investment in a climate-stressed world. But cloud seeding is not a miracle solution to a drought crisis: The process of injecting tiny particles or chemical vapors into clouds to trigger rain is not a guaranteed, on-demand fix. At most, it should be considered a supportive measure in comprehensive, long-term water-management plans. Advertisement A few years ago, I traveled to Maharashtra, India, to observe a cloud-seeding program first-hand from the window of a turboprop flown into the belly of a monsoon cloud. Heres what I learned: Cloud seeding is a promising technology and one with rapid advancements in recent years but there are a lot of ifs. Dan Breed, a scientist who led cloud-seeding research at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, explains the challenge this way: Theres little dispute that if you get the seeding material inside the clouds, it can enhance precipitation. The question is, by how much, and do you have the right conditions in the clouds, and will those clouds be there when you need them? China has by far the biggest cloud-seeding program in the world. Its also common practice in countries from Thailand and Australia to the UAE and the US. In the past two years, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and California have expanded their cloud-seeding operations most notably to build up the snowpack over the Sierra Nevada mountains that melts into reservoirs. Advertisement There are two kinds of cloud seeding. In India, I witnessed hygroscopic or water-attracting seeding, the method often practiced in China, in which rockets or flares on the wing of a plane explode trillions of superfine salt particles into a cloud. Water molecules are attracted to salt, so they bond to the particles and grow into raindrops. Cold-weather orographic cloud seeding has more proven results. Flares eject tiny flakes of silver iodide into the core of clouds as high as 60,000 feet. Silver iodide has a molecular structure similar to ice. As the particles drift down through the clouds, water gloms onto them as it would to ice, and snowflakes grow. A recent study conducted by the Center for Atmospheric Research used radar and meteorological modeling to show definitively that orographic seeding can increase snowfall. In the decades since cloud seeding was first introduced, concerns that it might be environmentally toxic have dissipated. Sodium chloride is simply pulverized table salt, environmentally benign, and can get flushed out of lands below by the additional rainfall. And while silver iodide in large concentrations can be harmful, the amounts found in snowpack after cloud seeding are often undetectable. Studies have found that there was no more silver iodide in snow and soil samples in areas where clouds had been seeded than there had been before the campaigns likely because the extra rains purged the system. Advertisement The technology is steadily improving. Most notably, scientists now have computer models to simulate the effects of silver iodide seeding, allowing scientists to pinpoint the most opportune locations for weather enhancement. As processing power improves, so will these models. But no matter how sophisticated the modeling becomes, the method has little chance of helping during a drought emergency mainly because you need storm clouds for successful seeding, and droughts by nature offer few of them. When storms do crop up, warm-weather seeding needs a particular form of moisture-rich cloud to get substantial precipitation increases. Even negligible increases might be worth the effort in a water-scarce region, but its not going to be a cure-all. In the long term, the most effective use of cloud seeding is to practice it continually, seeding in wet and dry years alike to feed reservoirs and moisten soil. Advertisement Heres what investors need to know: Cloud seeding is a niche industry thats growing well beyond the US and China. The United Arab Emirates, for example, recently built a facility producing hundreds of cloud-seeding flares a week. Demand will likely only grow: In India, for example, a recent government study predicts that the demand for water in 2030 will be more than twice the countrys available supply. In the US, major drought events are expected to triple by mid-century. But both lawmakers and investors must proceed cautiously: They can look to the Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Plan for a good example of how cloud seeding can be integrated into a broader strategy for drought management that includes rigorous consumer-efficiency programs, water infrastructure and river-management improvements, and new sources of drought-proof water supply such as recycled sewage.In New Mexico, cloud-seeding proposals have recently been approved after resistance from critics who argue that humans shouldnt fiddle with the weather. But humanity has been modifying natural systems for centuries, redirecting rivers with dams and reshaping landscapes with ancient and modern irrigation canals. At this point our reality is stark: We need all potential solutions on the table, and that means cautiously wielding controversial technologies to fight the far more glaring hubris of human-caused climate change. More From Other Writers at Bloomberg Opinion: Advertisement Europes Drought Could Have a Long Afterlife: Stephen Mihm Iowas Water Crisis Offers a Glimpse of the Future: Adam Minter Future of the American West Is Central Oregon: Francis Wilkinson This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Amanda Little is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering agriculture and climate. She is a professor of journalism and science writing at Vanderbilt University and author of The Fate of Food: What Well Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share LONDON King Charles III was formally proclaimed sovereign of the United Kingdom on Saturday, as officials unveiled details of the meticulously choreographed ceremonies that will culminate in the state funeral of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Sept. 19. We're following changes at the palace after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Get the Post Elizabeth newsletter for updates. ArrowRight In this time of sorrow for the House of Windsor, there were hints of a possible family reconciliation. Prince William and his brother Harry, together with Catherine, now Princess of Wales and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, delighted mourners near Windsor Castle with a surprise joint appearance to thank the public for their floral tributes and condolences. It was the first time that quarrelling younger royal generation had worked together publicly since the Sussexes stepped aside from royal duties in 2020 and moved to California. The thousands who flocked to Windsor on a sunny day were in their thrall, as the couples gratefully accepted flowers, talked to parents and children at length, shook hands and accepted heartfelt condolences. Advertisement Meghan approached a teenager in the crowd, who put her hand over her mouth in shock. The pair spoke briefly then the girl said: Can I have a hug? Meghan leaned in to give her a big hug. Catherine, for her part, focused on young children in the crowd, bending down low to speak to them warmly face-to-face. The late sovereigns coffin now rests at Balmoral Castle, the summer retreat in the Scottish Highlands where Elizabeth died on Thursday. Palace officials promised Saturday that the public will have opportunities to see the late monarchs oak coffin as it journeys from Balmoral Castle to Edinburgh and then to London, where her body will lie in state for four days starting Wednesday. Edward William Fitzalan-Howard, the official in charge of arrangements, said the ceremonies would be a fitting farewell to one of the defining figures of our times. Advertisement The queens eldest son and successor Charles was officially proclaimed Britains monarch Saturday in a pomp-filled ceremony steeped in ancient tradition and political symbolism and, for the first time, broadcast live on television and online. The 73-year-old Charles, who spent seven decades as heir apparent, automatically became king when his mother died and vowed to follow her example. But the accession ceremony was a key constitutional and ceremonial step that introduced the new monarch to the country, a relic of a time before mass communications. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me, Charles said as he took on the duties of monarch. New British Prime Minister Liz Truss and five of her predecessors were among scores of current and former British politicians who gathered at St. Jamess Palace for the meeting of the Accession Council. Advertisement Saturdays accession ceremony ended with a royal official publicly proclaiming King Charles III to be the countrys new monarch from a balcony at the palace. In centuries past, this would have been the first official confirmation the public had of their new sovereign. David White, the Garter King of Arms, made the proclamation, flanked by trumpeters in gold-trimmed robes before leading cheers hip, hip, hooray! for the new king. Gun salutes rang out in Hyde Park, at the Tower of London and at military sites around the U.K. as he announced the news, and scarlet-robed soldiers in the palace courtyard doffed their bearskin hats in a royal salute. The proclamation was read at other locations across the U.K., including in the medieval City of London. The new king formally approved a series of orders, including one declaring the day of his mothers funeral as a public holiday. Advertisement Charles was accompanied at the ceremony by wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, and eldest son Prince William, who is now heir to the throne and known by the title that Charles long held, the Prince of Wales. In his first statement since his grandmothers death, William said the queen was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life a clear reference to the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real, William said. People came by the thousands to pay their respects outside Buckingham Palace in London. The scene was repeated at other royal residences across the U.K. and at British embassies around the world. Advertisement The country has also just seen a change of leader. Truss was appointed prime minister by the queen on Tuesday, just two days before the monarch died. On Saturday, Truss and other senior U.K. lawmakers lined up in the House of Commons to take an oath of loyalty to the new king. Normal parliamentary business has been suspended during a period of mourning for the queen. The House of Commons held a rare Saturday session so lawmakers could pay tribute to the late monarch. Charles has struck a note of continuity, vowing in a televised address Friday to carry on the queens lifelong service, with his own modernizing stamp. The new monarch looked both to the past noting his mothers unwavering dedication and devotion as sovereign and the future, seeking to strike a reassuring note of constancy while signaling that his will be a 21st-century monarchy. Advertisement He reflected on how the country had changed dramatically during the queens reign into a society of many cultures and many faiths, and pledged to serve people in Britain and the 14 other countries where he is king whatever may be your background or beliefs. For a second day on Saturday, Charles waded into the crowds to meet his subjects and shake hands. Trying to overcome a reputation for aloofness, he is signaling a more relaxed approach to the monarchy than that of his mother. It just felt like a really special moment in history, said Beverly Nash from Kent. And it was lovely actually seeing him. I didnt think I would feel as emotional as I did. ___ Follow AP stories on Queen Elizabeth IIs death and other stories about the British monarchy at https://apnews.com/hub/queen-elizabeth-ii GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share KARACHI, Pakistan U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday toured Pakistans flood-ravaged Sindh and Baluchistan provinces a day after saying the world is obligated to provide massive amounts of relief to the impoverished country. We're following changes at the palace after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Get the Post Elizabeth newsletter for updates. ArrowRight Guterres was on the second day of a two-day visit to Pakistan, which has been devastated by months of heavy monsoon rains and flooding. At least 1,396 people have been killed, 12,728 injured and millions left homeless. The waters also destroyed road and communications infrastructure. Guterres toured flood-affected areas of the district of Sukkur in southern Sindh province and Osta Mohammad in southwest Baluchistan province some of the worst affected areas of the country. Pakistan needs today massive financial support to overcome this crisis, he said. This is not a matter of generosity, this is a matter of justice. Advertisement Miles of cotton and sugarcane crops, banana orchards and vegetable fields in the two provinces were submerged in floodwaters. Thousands of mud and brick homes caved in under the deluge leaving people homeless and sheltering in tents alongside damaged roads. Guterres comments came after he was briefed by chief minister of Sindh province Murad Ali Shah on the destruction in his province. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and some of his Cabinet members accompanied the U.N.s top official during his visit. Pakistan has suffered under extremely heavy monsoon rains which started early this year in mid-June. Experts have blamed global warming for the early start and the heavier than normal rains. Humanity has been waging war on nature and nature strikes back, Guterres said. We need to stop the madness which we played with nature. Advertisement Guterres expressed solidarity with the Pakistani people and said the U.N. will use its limited resources to help and request that those who have the capacity to support Pakistan, do it now and do it massively. So far, U.N. agencies and several countries have sent nearly 60 planeloads of aid, and authorities say the United Arab Emirates has been one of the most generous contributors, sending 26 flights carrying aid for flood victims. Since June, the heavy rains and floods have added a new level of grief to cash-strapped Pakistan and highlighted the disproportionate effect of climate change on impoverished populations. Experts say Pakistan is responsible for only 0.4% of the worlds historic emissions that are blamed for climate change. The U.S. is responsible for 21.5%, China for 16.5% and the European Union for 15%. The U.N. chief also visited camps for displaced flood victims in Larkana district. Guterres was briefed there by officials about the situation and threat to the protected archeological sites of Mohenjo Daro - among the earliest ruins of human civilization. GiftOutline Gift Article The Venice Film Festival left a symbolic empty place for Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi on Friday as his latest movie got its world premiere while he languishes behind bars in Tehran. The director, who has won multiple international awards, was imprisoned along with two other filmmakers in July in the latest crackdown on civil society. But his new film, "No Bears", competing for the top prize Golden Lion in Venice, shows that the many years of trying to silence Panahi have done nothing to curb his searing political critique and wry sense of humour. The film is partly focused on Iranians in Turkey, trying desperately to emigrate to Europe. But it also follows Panahi himself in a fictionalised version of his real life, as he struggles to make the film from across the border in Iran, which he was already banned from leaving. One of the film's stars, Mina Kavani, told reporters in Venice that she was inspired by his focus, despite having to direct by phone and internet. "He was in such concentration, he had such perfectionism -- as an actress, I couldn't let myself get sentimental," said Kavani, who lives in exile in France. "All that counted for him was cinema. He just wanted to make his movie. I thought: 'I know now why he's Mr Panahi.'" 'Survival' In 2010, Panahi was sentenced to six years in prison for "propaganda against the system" following his support for anti-government protests. As can often happen in Iran, the sentence was never carried out but hung over him -- and was only enacted in July when he went to enquire about two other filmmakers, Mohammad Rasoulof and Mostafa Aleahmad, who had just been arrested. Panahi and Rasoulof issued a defiant statement via the Venice organisers last week, vowing to continue making art. "The history of Iranian cinema witnesses the constant and active presence of independent directors who have struggled to push back censorship and to ensure the survival of this art," they wrote. Panahi won the top prize at the 2015 Berlin Film Festival for "Taxi", and best screenplay at Cannes for "Three Faces" in 2018 -- but was unable to accept either prize in person. The crackdown on civil society has worsened even further under President Ebrahim Raisi, an ultra-conservative former judiciary chief who came to power last year. Yet Iran's independent filmmakers continue to punch above their weight, in spite of the pressure. A second Iranian film is competing for the Golden Lion this week -- "Beyond the Walls" by Vahid Jalivand -- a grim look at Iran's security state and those trapped within it. Jalivand was cautious in his words at a press conference on Thursday, saying "a balance between the two sides" was needed in Iran today. "In this movie the hero of the movie is a security official himself. We have unfortunately reached a perspective where it is totally bipolar," he told reporters. "If we can create the sense of brotherhood, dialogue will become much easier, there will be less violence. This is my true belief and I would still believe this even if I were living in Europe or the United States." Search Keywords: Short link: Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Mention Jenny Agutter to any man of a certain age and watch him go misty-eyed remembering Nic Roegs 1971 film Walkabout. Agutter played an English teenager simply called Girl lost in the Australian desert with her younger brother and rescued by a young David Gulpilil. She seems to have been the first crush for so many boys who saw that film that it feels unseemly to mention it now. Even though, at 69, Agutter is still pretty, radiant, charming and keen to talk about almost anything. We start off talking about glaciers, remote Scottish islands and the way Harris tweeds reflect the earthy colours of the local landscape. Its the kind of thing that gives publicists nightmares. Agutter was already a child star when she made Walkabout and says she can still watch it over and over. Ive been places in Australia where people have never been, she says fondly. For three months we were travelling through the outback. It was extraordinary, before Darwin had the big hurricane and was destroyed it was very different and just working with David. Who passed. She pauses for a respectful moment. Its a film I can look at over and over it is lovely to have been part of it and looks extraordinary but also the story it tells I now see as a very dark story about humanity. It was a relief then to make The Railway Children, which was filmed after Walkabout but came out a year earlier, starring Agutter as Bobbie, the eldest of the children. Because that was an uplifting story, about the redemption you can have, letting the childish side come out. Little wonder shes been happy to return to the story twice in a TV adaptation in 2000 and now in The Railway Children Return. Agutter first played Bobbie in a 1968 television adaptation of Edith Nesbits novel, which was first published in serial form in 1905. The children of the title move with their mother who, like Nesbit, writes stories for a living from their townhouse with servants to a much smaller house by a country railway station when their father, a senior civil servant, is wrongly charged with selling state secrets. Jenny Agutter and Lucien John Roeg in the 1971 movie Walkabout. The overarching story is the need to prove his innocence, but the children also help to avert a train derailment, rescue a boy who has broken his leg in a tunnel and have many other railway-related adventures along the way. The 1970 film version, directed by Lionel Jeffries, is still regarded as an almost perfect literary adaptation. Agutter went on to make a good many more movies and television series, ranging from filmed Shakespeare to The Two Ronnies and Call the Midwife on TV, but never with the singular impact she made as what were essentially coming-of-age characters. She does, however, have the distinction of having played three generations of The Railway Children family. In 2000 she played the poetic, liberal Mother in a television adaptation. And now here she is in The Railway Children Return, playing a very sparky grandmother. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Eddie Koiki Mabo knew every word in the dictionary, his daughter Gail reckons. He learned how to speak white mans language so they couldnt pull any wool over his eyes, she says. But she remembers the day when Solid Rock stopped him in his tracks. He heard it and he goes, hold on, listen to those words. Then when I sat with him and we listened we were like, well, thats a very powerful statement you know, just acknowledging that blackfellas were here, and it is sacred ground, and it did belong to someone. Back then, Gail was in Year 12 in Townsville, where she lives still. The man known today as the father of native title was a long campaigner for the rights of his Torres Strait Island people. In 1983, he was just starting a series of constitutional challenges that would ultimately debunk the legal concept of terra nullius in the Australian High Court, sadly a few months after his death in 1992. Effectively exiled from his home on Murray Island for political agitation, Mabo and his family knew dispossession as a reality. But Gail also knows that for most kids her age, Solid Rock was the first ripple of awareness of an entrenched colonial injustice that we didnt learn about in school. Gail Mabo with Goannas Roslyn Bygrave and Marcia Howard in an image from the Speaking Free magazine. Dad was a fan of the song, she tells its writer, Goanna frontman Shane Howard. He was chuffed that I was going to interview you guys. He gave me a big thumbs up and said yeah, you do that, my girl, you do that. Thats so lovely to hear, Gail, Howard replies by Zoom from Geelong. He holds up a slightly yellowed magazine called Speaking Free, a newspaper by and for Aboriginal and Islander Students. Hes saved it for 40 years, since Goanna met a very nervous schoolgirl at the Townsville Travelodge for her first interview. Advertisement It was arranged by Murri student teacher and school bus driver Tony Kyle, who saw an opportunity for budding journalists when Goanna came to play the Dean Park Soundshell on April 30, 1983. The band, fronted by Howard, his sister Marcia and Roslyn Bygrave, was huge that year. The kids from Pimlico High found themselves at the back of the press conference. And then Shane, you saw us at the back of the room, and you invited us upstairs for our own interview, Gail says. I remember just as the interview finished, he said look out the window. We looked down and theres silly girls downstairs that were screaming! It was unusual to have a First Nations woman come and interview us at that time, Howard says. Its interesting, looking back from this distance, that we had the sensibility to think that those things mattered. There were seats in the main street of town that said, Whites Only. I thought that only happened in the deep south of America. Shane Howard Wed just come from Cairns, where Aboriginal people would not be allowed into the gig because of the dress code. You could be in a three-piece suit but if youre Aboriginal, you wouldnt get in ... We had to sneak people in through the stage door. Tony Kyle recalls accompanying a few Pimlico students into the sold-out Soundshell gig that night, loaded into the Goanna tour bus and smuggled through the gates. We had the full rocknroll treatment, he says. Straight into the green room, then all the [soundcheck] business When showtime rolled around, they were ushered to the best seats in the house. We climbed right up into the sound tower! he says, a double blessing when it started pouring rain. Everyone else got wet but we were under cover. Looking back, Howard credits his empathy with the injustice facing First Nations people to his Irish roots and the early albums of Bob Dylan, but mostly an eye-opening hitch-hiking trip from Geelong to Cairns with $32 and a guitar in the mid-1970s. Advertisement Im homeless and Im jamming in King George Square [Brisbane] with Aboriginal fellas; trading country songs and that, so I wasnt naive to the political reality that was going on in this country, he says. Picking grapes in Mildura in 1975, there were seats in the median strip in the main street of town that said, Whites Only. I thought that only happened in the deep south of America. Today, roughly halfway through a very long tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of Goannas quadruple-platinum Spirit of Place album, Howard remembers Solid Rock as a surprise smash that very nearly wasnt. Goanna then and now: the band is marking 40 years since Solid Rock. Credit:Martin Stringer The marketing and promotion division of [WEA Records] didnt want to release it. They thought it was too political. I mean, I felt it was probably too political for commercial radio. It says genocide. It says white man, white law, white gun. As Bob Marley would say, its a point-the-finger song. But we felt strongly about it. The band found an ally in company head Paul Turner. At the end of the day he said ah, let the Aboriginal people have a go. He said to me, Shane, the artists write it, paint it, sing it; 15 years later its legislation. And how right he was, hey Gail? Today, Gail Mabo is a cultural adviser, speaker and artist: her bronze sculpture based on maps her father drew of his home was recently shortlisted for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. Her recollections of her father are full of laughter. She remembers coming home from school at the age of 15 or so to find him looking in the mirror and drawing himself: a teaching college exercise, he said. Advertisement I said golden eyes? Really? That looks a bit funny. He goes no, this is not what we look like, its what we want to look like. And then he drew this red bandanna thing in his head and he goes because, my girl, one day all of Australia will know who I am. I went, like, whatever And for me, that was a very proud moment. Doing that [Goanna] interview for me opened up a different world, to speaking, and seeing things differently, in the fact that Indigenous things were starting to get highlighted, she says. Dad, when he started, he opened up that door for us to have conversations about what that was, and what it looked like. I mean, we just wrote a song, Howard says, but Gails dad had to fight the hard fight for 30 years or more. And there would have been some dark nights of the soul, Im sure, for him. Yeah, Gail says, but then you know what? I was invited to the Sydney Swans game [for Mabo Day at the SCG in May] and there were 62,000 people who actually did a roar to recognise Mabo. And for me, that was a very proud moment. To me, that showed the shift in peoples thinking about what it means; what land means to Indigenous peoples. For me it was wow, a powerful moment. Do you think were getting somewhere now? Howard asks. Were making inroads. I mean, when Dad threw that rock and those ripples happened? Were getting to bigger ripples now, she says. Advertisement So many people, so much struggle. Sometimes I get sad about the fact that the old people never got to see this time. Loading Yeah, but theyre still with us. They know. Its time to go. Shane, you try and get you to Townsville sometime, hey? Aw, yeah, with Goanna it was just too hard this year, he replies sheepishly. No, no, dont say too hard. Say Im working at something. You never know. Advertisement Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size You know the story about the drawing. Its Lucy in the sky with diamonds, the four-year-old artist told his father. One can only paraphrase such an intimate moment half a century past, but thats the gist. Its one of two classic pop fables that have preceded and defined Julian Lennon for nearly his whole life. The epilogue is that when he decided to own this story, he discovered it wasnt his. As a tribute to his accidentally famous childhood friend Lucy Vodden, Julian wrote a song called Lucy in 2009. A rummage for the relevant artwork led him not to his estranged parents attics, but to the art collection of wealthy Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour. I did ask him, When are you going to give me my drawing back?, Lennon says from his home in Monaco. But the funny thing is Mum said, I dont think thats the right drawing. Id still take it if he was giving it away. But I dont think thats ever gonna happen. OK, yes. As metaphorically rich as it may be, its kind of a cheap shot to begin a story about Julian Lennon by mentioning his legendary father. But the truth is, no matter how you frame this story, one Beatle or another photo-bombs it almost instantly. Julian Lennon with his father in London in 1968. Credit:Getty Images Jude is the title of Julian Lennons new album. The cover lettering is in Paul McCartneys hand, taken from a rough manuscript of his song Hey Jude from 1968. To remind you of the second of those classic pop fables, that song was originally Hey Jules: a song to comfort young Julian in the sadness of his parents separation. The idea of naming the album Jude was just to say, Listen, what are you going to ask me now? What can you ask me? he says, feigning exasperation. Its really just coming to terms and saying, been there, done that, Im Jude, OK? Are we done now? Onwards and upwards, please. Advertisement Another good beginning for this story is in a big waterfront pub in Glenelg in the early 1990s. At the time, Julian was enjoying a No.1 hit in Australia with Saltwater, an environmental lament with a killer guitar solo workshopped (but not actually played; its a long story) by George Harrison. Mirning elder and whale song man Bunna Lawrie remembers that meeting with some emotion. Then as now, he was in the process of petitioning the Australian Federal Court for recognition of his peoples custodianship of the land and water of the Great Australian Bight, a struggle that goes back to his grandfather more than a century ago. [English filmmaker] Kim Kindersley brought Julian over from London because they wanted to make a film about people who are connected to cetaceans; dolphins and whales, the elder explains. You can see [the meeting] in that film, Whaledreamers. My sister Iris was there. Shes a Mirning elder and she presented to Julian Lennon a white swan feather if you listen to the swan when they call out, their voice sometimes sounds like a musical instrument, like a trumpet of an angel. Lennon has been more-than-usually immersed in Beatle lore of late, having auctioned a series of NFTs in February. Credit:Robert Ascroft for foureleven.agency For Julian, it was a life-changing call. But once again, the voice he heard was his fathers. Dad had said to me years before that if something ever happened to him, that the way in which he would show me that either hes going to be alright, or that were all gonna be alright, was going to be in the form of a white feather, he says. So when I received that, that was undeniable to me that there are connections we do not see... That was definitely a sign. And that point was the beginning of my journey into the world of trying to do some good and making some change in the world. It really was, well, do I just continue being a rocknroller? Or do I actually step up to the plate? Whaledreamers was the first film he produced in 2006. His White Feather Foundation has since played a hand in several more documentaries on environmental and humanitarian subjects, including Women of the White Buffalo and Kiss the Ground. The White Feather website is a gallery of awareness and fundraising concerns, from the Mirning custodianship battle to ambulances in Uganda; Indigenous filmmaking fellowships to the Cynthia Lennon Scholarship For Girls. Advertisement All of the work that I do, its about making my mum proud, he says of Cynthia, John Lennons first wife who died in Majorca from cancer in 2015. Its always been about that ... Whatever Im doing, I want to help. I feel privileged enough. I feel Im sane enough. Im alive. Ive survived. If I can do some good along the way, then thats what Im gonna do. Through watching [the Get Back movie] I fell in love with him again. I really did. Julian Lennon The change of career emphasis was due. By the time of Saltwater, Julian was openly disillusioned with a business hellbent on marketing him as the son of a man for whom he has always expressed deeply mixed feelings. The fact that he was ignored in Johns will (he sued to win an undisclosed sum in the 90s) is just one tangible illustration of an imperfect relationship. The gravity of an iconic father, though, is probably not something any son easily shakes least of all in the music business, where personality reigns supreme and genetic inheritance is undeniable. They will speak of my father when hes not around/ Youll be hearing his voice like youre hearing it now, Adam Cohen once sang, with a fair tilt at his old man Leonards wit and wisdom. TAKE 7: THE ANSWERS ACCORDING TO JULIAN LENNON Worst habit? Becoming unnecessarily anxious. In the grand scheme of things, its never worth the stress. Greatest fear? Not finding love again, not having a family. The line that has stayed with you? Youre always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past. (Richard Bach, Illusions) Biggest regret? Not listening to my own intuition. Favourite room? Every room has its purpose and every room has a reason as to why its the best. The artwork/ song you wish was yours? All the Young Dudes by David Bowie. If you could solve one thing... Peace on Earth. Jude is a collection of unreleased songs recovered from the basement of an ex- manager, Julian explains, as well as several new pieces. The general mood was therefore certainly to do with reflection. Looking at the last 30, 40 years of my musical life Hes also been more-than-usually immersed in Beatle lore of late, having auctioned a series of NFTs in February with a generous proportion of the proceeds going to the White Feather Foundation. Collectors paid a few hundred thousand dollars for digitised facsimiles of his dads clothes, guitars and other mementoes, including the aforementioned Hey Jude manuscript by Uncle Paul. Advertisement Also, there was the whole Get Back movie, which Sean and I saw together, he volunteers. His half-brother, one of my best friends, if not the best, had to twist his arm on that, but Stellas (McCartney) going to be there, he said, So I just said, Listen, all right, lets go together as a united front. Sean and I both really enjoyed it. I mean, for me especially, it truly reminded me of what [John] was like, when I was growing up with him. His goofiness; the fun side of him, but also the cynical side of him. The madness, the talent, how he communicated and connected with the rest of the band members. Its been the most bonkers existence, Lennon says of his career. Credit:Robert Ascroft for foureleven.agency Through watching that I fell in love with him again. I really did. And it just reminded me thats who he was before it all went pear-shaped. So that hit me hard, too. The brief from Julians PR team, quite understandably, is to try and minimise dad talk. I dont bring up his recent cover version of Imagine, the song he swore hed never sing, which helped Stand Up for Ukraine raise a reported US$10 billion in April. But its hard to interrupt Jules Lennon once hes on a roll. The icing on the cake of familial introspection, he reveals, was a recent decision to change his name by deed poll. Hes never gone by his given name, John, but it often caused a scene at passport control nonetheless. It was always a bit of a pain in the backside, he says, so in 2020, he ceased being John Charles Julian Lennon and began a new chapter of life as Julian Charles John Lennon. So now when you see any documentation, Im finally me. Im finally Julian That related, again, to Julian, to Jules, to Jude, and a sort of coming of age, if you will. And finally reaching, through all the madness, some level of balance, some level of peace, focus, even more purpose, and a smidge of happiness thrown in there. Advertisement Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size In Stephen Frears 2006 film The Queen, there is something truly uncanny about Helen Mirrens performance as Queen Elizabeth II. Something in the way she clasps her hands. Something in the way she walks. And something in the way she peers through her spectacles, an unnerving combination of regal authority and gentle maternal disapproval. While the Queen herself was no doubt one of the most photographed and filmed personalities of the 20th and 21st centuries, depictions of her in popular culture have been as varied as they have been surprising. Some brilliant. Some truly dreadful. There are the brilliant performances: Mirren, along with Claire Foy and Olivia Colman in The Crown. Some actors, such as Jeannette Charles, Carolyn Sadowska and Anne Stallybrass seem to have made a career out of playing the Queen in small roles in big films, thanks largely to their uncanny resemblance to the real-life counterpart. Other roles are played for comedy, such as Joanna Lumley in Gangsta Granny (2013) and Jennifer Saunders in Minions (2015). And others, such as Neve Campbell in 2004s Churchill: The Hollywood Years, are so bad they defy belief. It is a peculiar honour roll, elevated by the fact that some actors have delivered truly luminous performances. It would not be until the late 1990s that substantial explorations of Queen Elizabeth IIs life made it onto the screen and for much of the first half of the 20th century, the notion of fictionalising her was simply taboo. That is, until the 1970s when many things, not just royal etiquette, seemed to unravel. Then there are the performances which stand out, either because they were simply brilliant or memorably satirical, such as Gerry Connollys dry and delicious take in Fast Forward (and elsewhere), and Frances de la Tour in The Prince. Jeannette Charles, various (1978 and later) Jeannette Charles, second from right, as the Queen in National Lampoons European Vacation (1985). Advertisement Charles was not the first; that honour seems to go to Steven Walden, performing in drag in the short film Tricias Wedding (1971), which is reportedly the first portrayal of the Queen on film. And to historys discredit, you wont even know Charles name, but you will recognise her face, which bears an uncanny resemblance to Queen Elizabeth II. So much in fact that Charles was regularly recruited to play the Queen on screen, though not in anything of too much substance, and not in anything longer than a few scenes. Those performances range from Queen Kong (1976) and The Rutles (1978) to National Lampoons European Vacation (1985), The Naked Gun (1988) and Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002). Carolyn Sadowska, The Women of Windsor (1992) Carolyn Sadowska (centre) as the Queen in The Women of Windsor (1992). A made-for-television movie from Canada which, as these things do, seemed to gain its biggest traction in Australia, Germany and the United States. This was pure schmaltz with a few redeeming production notes. Directed by Steven Hilliard Stern, Sadowskas Queen Elizabeth II teeters momentarily on the precipice of satire - as perhaps every portrayal of a truly ubiquitous figure does - but is held in check by solid casting all round: Nicola Formbys Diana, Sallyanne Laws Duchess of York and Jim Piddocks slightly cheek-chewing Prince Charles. Honourable mention in the telemovie category: Anne Stallybrass, who played Queen Elizabeth II in the 1993 miniseries Diana: Her True Story. Gerry Connolly, Fast Forward (1992 and since) Gerry Connolly as The Queen on The Gerry Connolly Show in 1988. Credit:ABC Its a little unfair to compare a performance on a sketch comedy show with, say, The Crown or The Queen. But to be fair to Connolly, he has made something of a career out of playing the Queen, particularly in Australia. Initially known for his brilliant impersonation of former Queensland premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, Connollys Queen is as nailed-down in the detail as it is brilliantly camp and testament to his versatility as a performer. Advertisement Prunella Scales, A Question of Attribution (1992) Prunella Scales (right) as the Queen in A Question of Attribution (1992). As Australias Fast Forward mined the royal soap opera for comedy, the BBC produced a TV adaptation of Alan Bennetts acclaimed stage play about the British art expert and former Soviet spy, Sir Anthony Blunt. In both the stage version and its television adaptation (as well as a later adaptation for radio) the role of Queen Elizabeth II was played by Scales, best known to audiences as Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers. Her Queen Elizabeth II is formidable and complex, an unsung but easy rival to the later performances of Foy, Colman and Mirren. Helen Mirren, The Queen (2006) Helen Mirren in The Queen. Credit:Canal+ This is arguably the finest of the more brilliant recent impersonations of the Queen ever filmed. Peter Morgans dramatisation of the week following the death of Princess Diana in 1997 was perhaps the first project to push such portrayals out of the bottom drawer of television potboilers and into legitimate art. And Mirrens Queen Elizabeth II is perhaps unrivalled, though The Crown would later give it a red-hot go. Caught between her duty as a grandmother and the expectation that she should lead the nation in mourning, Mirrens Queen is a woman at an uncertain crossroads, beautifully building layer upon layer and drawing the audiences approbation and adoration in equal breaths. Claire Foy, The Crown (2016) Advertisement Claire Foy won multiple awards for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown. Credit:Netflix A truly luminous performance, aided enormously by the fact that Foy was playing Queen Elizabeth II during what was essentially her earliest public incarnation, first as a newly married princess and later as she ascended to the throne. In many ways, at least to a younger audience, this is the queen we knew the least about, gifting Foy the opportunity to craft a figure who was both wholly familiar, but also shrouded in mystery. This was Queen Elizabeth II the postage stamp brought to life, and enhanced by Peter Morgans stunning writing. Unsurprisingly, Foy went on to win two Primetime Emmys and two Screen Actors Guild awards for her work. Olivia Colman, The Crown (2018) Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown. Credit:Netflix When The Crown advanced the story to the 1970s and early 1980s, it was an ambitious step into a more familiar space in recent memory. That made Colmans dice-roll on Queen Elizabeth II a real risk. This was Queen Elizabeth II at the giddy height of the royal familys pre-Diana popularity and, after her arrival, its elevation to the centre of the celebrity maelstrom - something perhaps not seen since the giddy days of Princess Margarets social life in the 1960s. But Colman pulled it off, bringing a new dimension to her portrayal, and lending both gravity and humanity to the character. Samantha Bond, The Queen and I (2018) Samantha Bond in The Queen and I (2018). Advertisement Bond was one of several actresses to play the monarch in the 2009 documentary-drama The Queen and returned to the role for this adaptation of Sue Townsends hilarious 1993 novel. After a nightmarish electoral outcome in which the royal family is de-commissioned by a radical Labor government, the Queen (along with Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, Charles, Diana, William and Harry) is demoted to plain old Mrs Mountbatten-Windsor and relocated to a council estate. Frances de la Tour, The Prince (2021) Frances de la Tour voices the Queen in The Prince (2021). Animated in broad and terrifying brushstrokes, this Queen Elizabeth II is not the star of the show, although she comes terribly close to stealing it. This darkly brilliant satire of the British royal family focuses on William and Kates son, Prince George, recast here as a Stewie Griffin-like evil princeling determined to shape his destiny and destroy anyone in his way. De la Tours voice, in screeching but terribly grand British notes, just adds more calculated brilliance to an already knockout show. Imelda Staunton, The Crown (2022) Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II in the fifth season of The Crown, which will air in 2022. Credit:Netflix To date, weve only been able to glimpse Stauntons performance in the few fragments of film released ahead of the shows fifth season. This is Netflixs flagship royal drama - its platform stablemate, Diana: The Musical, is as horrific as it sounds - and Stauntons Queen is expected to step smoothly into the shoes left behind by Foy and Colman, enormous though they are. Staunton will be joined by a solid supporting cast, including Dominic West as Prince Charles, Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana and Claudia Harrison as Princess Anne. Advertisement The Twelve (De Twaalf) Try before you buy has given way to screen before you glean. As shows get purchased and remade, moving from one language to another, and as the hunt for malleable intellectual property becomes all-consuming, its increasingly likely that the original series will be available alongside the high-profile remake: there was the Danish Forbrydelsen and its American successor, The Killing, to contrast, or you could watch the original Israeli therapy drama Be Tipul and then compare it to the successive American editions of In Treatment. As ever, Australia will not be left behind. Foxtels big ticket courtroom drama The Twelve is based on a Belgian series De Twaalf, which is now available via SBS on Demand. You could choose to watch one and then the other, whether to study the translation or simply grade the duo. Theres even the potential to alternate episodes certainly there are instances where they resemble each other closely, not just in the concept and characters but individual sequences. Who shot the second-episode dumping of a body at a bus stop better? A scene from De Twaalf, the 2019 Belgian drama which was remade as The Twelve and recently aired on Binge and Foxtel. Credit:Thomas Nolf The Belgian Twelve differentiates itself through an unyielding grimness. The titular dozen are the jurors (plus two alternates) in a controversial murder case, but as the storylines unfold it becomes clear that those deciding are caught up in their own trials: bitter loneliness, fractured families, workplace corruption, personal addiction and buried guilt are all at play. Im not sure any of these people are suited to deciding the fate of someone facing life in prison for two murders, but thats part of the shows reductive logic: its our flaws that define us. A separating couple needs to approach negotiation not as a bitter ex-partner, but as a parent, if there are children involved, says Professor Jennifer McIntosh, a family trauma expert at La Trobe University. Credit:iStock My friends former step-brother learned this the hard way. We really looked up to him, says my friend, now in her early 40s, of the step-brother she gained when her mother remarried. My friend was 10 at the time. He was just the most beautiful, warm person, she says of her former step-brother. Hed come and sit with his guitar and play us music. But after her mother divorced his father, one year into their marriage, he was whisked out of her life. Neither her mother nor her step-father thought to keep their kids in touch. Then, eight years later, my friends former step-brother called her out of the blue. He wanted to speak to my sister and I and proceeded to say how much he felt like there was something missing in his life, she says. And how we were such a huge part of his life, and he misses us. He wants us in his life. I dont think people realise how bad things can get [for kids]. [Some] basically go off and do their own thing, and they dont want anything to do with anyone. Professor Bruce Smyth, the Australian National University McIntosh is far from surprised. Theyre forged in fire, she says about step-sibling relationships. And theres quite a devastation when the loss is not explained and not justified and not justifiable. So why do so many parents and step-parents either actively or passively block their children from maintaining these valuable relationships? Step-parents are often confused about what theyre entitled to ask for after theyve separated from their partner, says Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of Relationships Australia (NSW). Theyre saying, Well, Im not a blood relation, do I have any rights here to even want a relationship [with the kids]? And if I do argue for that, am I going to be supported, or is it kind of weird? she says. Sometimes even friends and family say, Well youre done with that relationship, walk away. And parents and step-parents are often too blinded by their own rage and sadness over their break-up to consider the childrens needs. Its kind of well, Youve left, so to hell with you and you dont deserve time now with the kids, says Shaw. One of the first problems for children in this scenario is that they blame themselves for being left behind. Children of all ages frequently carry a fantasy that they deserve to be rejected or werent good enough for the former step-parent or step-siblings to continue nurturing an ongoing relationship, says McIntosh. Its developmental, she explains. Children under seven, she says, are naturally narcissistic and self-focused, so if they see their parents arguing, they assume its about themselves. And older kids far more often than not attribute the blame of their parents conflict to themselves, too. Children who continue to blame themselves do very poorly, says McIntosh. Particularly [with] the development of internalising disorders, like depression and anxiety. And children whose parents rope them into sharing their view that the other parent is bad or at fault for the break-up are at risk of low self-esteem and a warped emotional development. We just see how torn up and shredded they [the children] are by the whole recruitment campaign, says McIntosh of children who become alienated from a parent who is demonised. Oh, its shocking. Its a double-whammy. The kid often loses both their relationship and their self-esteem. Because the scenario often puts children into freeze mode, a deeply internalised reluctance to get in touch with how they feel. Because youve actually got to defend against what you really feel for instance, love or fondness for the demonised parent in order to keep in the good graces of the parent youre living with, she says. This often leaves children constantly second-guessing themselves, and without the faith that others will help them, when they have a problem. I dont think people realise how bad things can get [for the kids], says Professor Bruce Smyth, a professor of family studies at the Australian National University who has researched high-conflict divorces and shared parenting after separation for 30 years. Ive seen some horrible situations; children basically end up without anyone because theyre so conflicted between one parent and one step-parent. They basically go off and do their own thing, and they dont want anything to do with anyone. Some kids are lucky. They manage to continue relationships with family members theyve lost touch with, even when parental, or step-parental, sabotage abounds. Its a bit like, Well, bloods thicker than your bullshit, says one woman I know in her early 40s, of what happened to her after her father cheated on her mother with a woman he ended up marrying. So she was always the villain in my mothers family, says my friend of her new step-mother. My grandmother would call her names. My friend was caught in the middle. She had half-siblings when her step-mother and her father had two children. But her stepmother treated her biological children as her real children, she says. I felt like, What have I done wrong? All I did was be born. When I went over to my dads house, I had to walk on eggshells. I didnt want to do the wrong thing, or say the wrong thing. Having to censor yourself as an 8-year-old is really hard work. Her step-mother forbid her kids, my friends half-siblings, to attend my friends wedding reception. The fact that our relationships have deepened since their mum and my dad have split up is a testament to the fact that bloods thicker than vitriol, says my friend, who relishes that, in adulthood, she has been able to fill something of a big sister role to her younger half-sister. But not all children are in a mental space to fight to fulfil their emotional needs. So what do therapists wish divorcing parents knew, when it comes to what their children need? Loading What I tell parents is, All the relationships that have held your child so far, [they] need to continue to hold them, says McIntosh, who has developed child-inclusive therapeutic resources that parents can easily access to enable them to do this. Im forever advising parents, OK, its true, youre really pissed off with him, but you must hold a semi-compassionate view for the children in endorsing their view of the other parent. She always guides parents that they need to approach separation or divorce negotiation not as bitter ex-partners, but as parents. The principles are really about remembering that your children have separate attachments and relationships to you, and those should be respected and valued, says Shaw. In 1952, an aspiring young Conservative politician called Margaret Thatcher wrote a newspaper column heralding the coronation of Elizabeth II as a potentially seminal moment for womens rights. If, as many earnestly pray, she wrote, the accession of Elizabeth II can help to remove the last shreds of prejudice against women aspiring to the highest places, then a new era for women will indeed be at hand. Princess Elizabeth delivers a speech for her 21st birthday in 1947, when she promised to go forward with an unwavering faith, a high courage and a quiet heart. Credit:AP It was an impossible task of course, to remove all last shreds of prejudice and a self-serving one but the hopes of the then research chemist illustrate one of the central paradoxes of Elizabeth IIs reign: as the most famous working mother in the world, she upheld tradition while embodying change. She underwrote conventions for monarchs while undermining conventions for professional women, much like Queen Victoria, who expressed a desire to spank suffragettes, while insisting her own authority be recognised, ordering about prime ministers, generals and bishops. These two female monarchs defined centuries with their astonishingly long reigns. When Victoria died, many suffragettes claimed her as one of their totems, a paragon of female competence, quietly ignoring the fact she had inherited power while pointing to how diligently she had expressed it. Last century, while the rapidly changing world of gender politics swirled around Elizabeth II with cyclonic force, she sidestepped almost every eddy with steadfast consistency. From the mid-1950s, in her pearls and hats, her immaculate twin sets, Elizabeth II read her official briefs and boxes, attended meetings, went on tours, met prime ministers as the politicians who bowed to her debated the ability of women to both work and parent, discussing whether homes would implode if women worked outside of them, and whether children would be irreparably damaged by daycare. For the first time in her 10-year legal career, she considered leaving her homeland, but decided against it, still hopeful the security situation would improve. Seven months later, with the Taliban back in power, that optimism had vanished when she came face-to-face with a rapist shed sent to prison for 18 years. He was carrying an AK-47. Nellab, one of about 270 female judges in Afghanistan at the time and five months pregnant with her third child, asked her superiors if she could travel to work in an armoured car. Instead, she was given a pistol and 13 bullets. Zakia Herawi, whom Nellab had known since university, was one of two female judges killed in an attack. Recalling the death, Nellab becomes so upset she needs a few moments to compose herself. It was very shocking news for us. Everyone was so scared, we didnt go to her funeral, she recalls. Killing those two ladies, it became clear that the Taliban did not have mercy on women. Before, it was mostly male judges around Afghanistan [who were targeted by assassins] but after that, we were shocked that they could harm us, too. As she fielded a raft of calls from terrified family and friends, Nellab was shocked to discover one of the victims in the attack was Zakia Herawi, a Supreme Court judge shed known since university. News reports said the 47-year-old had been shot in the face, neck and chest. They had good reason to fear the worst. Nellab had been receiving death threats for years. Shed sent hundreds of men, including Taliban members, to prison for violent crimes against women, and there had been a recent spate of attacks targeting politicians, journalists and activists. Just a month earlier, a female reporter, Malala Maiwand , and her driver had been shot dead on their way to work in Nangarhar Province in the countrys east. O n a January morning last year, Nellab Hotaki Talash had just arrived at her office in the centre of the Afghan capital of Kabul when her mobile phone rang. First her husband called, then her mother. Both were panicking. Theyd just heard that two female judges had been shot dead by gunmen on a motorbike five minutes drive from her apartment. When the Taliban first assumed power in 1996, Nellab was an eight-year-old schoolgirl. Conflict was a constant backdrop to her early years, but she has happy childhood memories playing in her Kabul home with her six siblings. Hers was a family that valued education for both boys and girls her father was a headmaster at a boys school, her mother a teacher. But after the Taliban takeover, they were left with little choice. The couple shut the door on the four-bedroom unit theyd bought just two years earlier, gathered up their young children and two backpacks of belongings, and embarked on a perilous journey with an unknown destination. We just wanted to get out of Afghanistan, she says. That was the only hope we had. Despite the constant stream of trauma and intimidation, she never wanted to quit or leave Kabul. Even when relatives offered to help them move to the UK years ago, the couple declined. Nellab and Malyar, an engineer, felt the need to give back to their war-torn nation. We had all the opportunities of life in our country. I had a job, he had a job, we had an apartment, a car, she says. Obviously, it was my responsibility: I had studied my whole life there, I needed to serve my country. One of 17 female judges to settle in Australia with their families after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan last year, the 33-year-old describes a life scarcely imaginable amid this ordinary domesticity. With her husband, Malyar, translating, she describes how each morning after dropping her daughters at preschool, she would preside over a daily roll call of the worst things men can do to women violent rapes, vicious murders, burnings, stabbings, often at the hands of husbands and fathers. Its difficult to reconcile these scenes of gun-toting criminals and street assassinations with the quietly-spoken woman I meet on a sunny Saturday in the NSW city of Newcastle. In her small living room, Nellab is calmly trying to soothe her wailing one-year-old son after he has bumped his head. Three small coffee tables are laden with morning tea fluffy muffins, cake, glass bowls of sultanas, almonds, pistachios and Kit Kats. She pours green tea and tries to convince her two daughters to take their baby brother to the next room to play. Hers is not a story for children to hear. In her graduation photo, the then 23-year-old stands in the front row the only row of women in front of 110 male counterparts (there were 24 female graduates). Theyre all dressed in black judges robes trimmed with green and gold. After completing a bachelors degree of Islamic law at Kabul University, she had to sit the notoriously tough entrance exam for the two-year judiciary studies program. Only 150 of the 1800 students who sat the exam passed. I studied so hard my hair started to fall out, Nellab recalls. Her hard work paid off she achieved the fourth-highest mark. Nellab on her graduation day after completing the judiciary studies program at Kabul University. To secure a coveted place in the competitive course, she says, I studied so hard my hair started to fall out. Nellab seized the new opportunities available for a generation of Afghan girls who came of age in the post-Taliban years, albeit mostly for those from relatively well-off, urban families. Women began joining the police force and army, and becoming lawyers and politicians. Nellab was still a teenager when she decided to follow in the footsteps of her grandfather and two uncles, all judges. I would see their law books, and I was inspired to be a judge, she says. She liked that judges were well-respected, and recalls how her uncle began writing her name as Judge Nellab when she was still at school. I liked the sound of it. For Nellab, then in year 2, the closure of girls schools was devastating. She couldnt understand why her older brother continued going to class while she had to stay home. By the time the US ousted the Taliban and her school reopened five years later, she was 12. While other girls her age were put in lower classes to make up for the learning theyd missed, she went straight into year 8 alongside much older kids shed spent the intervening period studying at home with her parents. I was the smallest in the room, she says, smiling broadly as she recalls her first day back. I was so happy. I had the dream to be an educated woman, to go to university. She recalls how her uncle began writing her name as Judge Nellab when she was still at school. I liked the sound of it. But after the Taliban began its assault on womens rights, most females were barred from going to work or travelling without a male guardian, and were required to cover their faces and bodies. The authorities would become notorious for brutal punishments, such as stoning women accused of adultery. The specialist courts and the shelters and legal services set up alongside them represented a massive social change, according to Heather Barr, associate womens rights director at Human Rights Watch (HRW). The system was imperfect, of course, but it was gradually changing the view that women and girls are the property of male family members who could treat them as they saw fit. After working for three years as a judges associate, Nellab was appointed to various courts, including those trying alleged terrorists. When she wasnt wearing her robes, some men assumed she was part of the administrative staff. Not long after she gave birth to her first daughter in 2015, a friend asked her to join the Primary Court of Elimination of Violence Against Women in Kabul. There was no special feeling on my behalf, Nellab admits. In Afghanistan, you have to marry first and then fall in love. Did they? Yes, she replies, laughing with Malyar. A winter wedding with 400 people took place in 2013, a time they remember as relatively peaceful. Id started a new life, got married and was continuing my job. I was so hopeful, she says. Nellab may have been smashing through gender barriers, but her marriage was a thoroughly traditional affair, arranged by their families after Malyar asked his sister to get her phone number. The couple didnt meet until 12 days after they were officially engaged. It was okay, she says, when asked if she was happy to let her family choose her husband. She explains she was looking to marry an educated man, have a good family and for him to be a good boy. Not long before this day, the man who would become her husband spotted her on campus. I dont remember him because there were many boys, she says, making Malyar laugh. He never asked his wife to quit, but after the two female judges were assassinated in January 2021, he wanted her to switch to a more innocuous area of the law. I was telling her to change to a different court, to civil crimes, traffic crimes. But she said, If I want to be a judge, I have to be involved in such cases. After Nellab joined the womens court, the threatening phone calls and letters escalated. Malyar feared that his wife could be murdered. It was very easy, he says. If you give someone $1000, he can kill anybody. When the murder trial began a month later, authorities confirmed her fears. I was afraid, but it was my job, she says. My head was telling me, This is your responsibility, you have to do this, and you have to not be afraid. Nellab and two other judges found the 19-year-old man guilty and sentenced him to 27 years in prison. I was afraid, but it was my job, she says. My head was telling me, This is your responsibility, you have to do this, and you have to not be afraid. When Nellab headed home that afternoon, she had to walk around the crime scene, which was cordoned off with police tape. The womans body had been removed, but her blood still stained the cement. I was so shocked, Nellab says. I knew that this case would come to my court I was thinking, He could be linked to the Taliban. One case in particular still stands out. Nellab was in her office one lunchtime in 2019 when she heard a commotion outside. Everyone was shouting that a murder had happened, she remembers. A woman in her late teens, who had fled to a shelter in Kabul to escape her abusive husband, had just been granted a divorce. When the couple walked out of the courthouse, he took a knife from his shoe and stabbed her in the neck. Hearing how the courts were helping women attain justice made Nellab excited to start her new role. An added bonus was that the court had a creche where she could leave her daughter. The couple had already moved house three times in 10 years, in search of safer neighbourhoods, but they began taking extra precautions. They wouldnt go out at night; Nellab would swap her black court attire for colourful clothes before returning home; and wearing a mask became more about hiding her identity than warding off COVID-19. If I want to be a judge, I have to be involved in such cases, Nellab said to her husband after he urged her to switch to a less dangerous court. Credit:Tim Bauer When I ask her to describe that hot summers day when Taliban fighters rolled into Kabul unopposed, Nellab begins to cry. She apologises for being upset. Her husband sits quietly beside her, tears welling up in his eyes. Just days earlier, shed cooked an array of traditional dishes to celebrate their sons 40th day, an important milestone in Afghan culture. We were feeling it would get worse but had no idea that Afghanistan would collapse, she says. We had trust in our government that they would not leave the achievements of 20 years this easily. Nellab was at home with the children. While at work, Malyar heard the news that the Taliban had reached the city gates. He tried to get home in a taxi, but the roads were blocked, so he began walking. Afghan security forces, normally a familiar presence on the streets of the capital, were nowhere to be seen. Theyd abandoned their gear: kids were playing with the discarded machine guns, civilians were driving armoured tanks. [But] once they realised the Taliban were there, everything stopped, he says. Loading Meanwhile, Nellab began destroying anything that revealed her identity. She tore up handwritten copies of court decisions and wrapped a cloth around the gun her superiors had given her. Later, shed ask a relative to return it to the court. At about 2pm came a phone call from a contact who lived near Kabuls biggest prison. They could see prisoners walking freely out of the front gates. There were many murderers there, many people who raped, who stole, now they are free, completely free, Nellab says. When the Taliban released the prisoners, my husband and I were scared. No one knows who will come for revenge. She received a message to leave home via a WhatsApp group set up by the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) and its Afghan branch. The couple packed clothes, jewellery and a laptop into two backpacks and headed to Nellabs parents home with their daughters and baby boy the same day. I also bought Snickers chocolate, adds Malyar. We were thinking we might get to a place where we would have no [other] food and just have to hide. This guard, who was armed security belonging to the Taliban, was a criminal I had sent to jail for 18 years for rape. During the ensuing days, they shuttled among relatives homes and hotels. She was told by the IAWJ, which was trying to place female judges and their families on military flights out of Kabul, that they would need to get to the airport at a moments notice. As scenes from the chaotic evacuation were broadcast around the world, showing Afghans clinging to the underbelly of hulking, taxiing planes, Nellab and Malyar waited. Expecting their turn to come at any moment, the couple left their children with her parents one morning about five days after leaving their home and headed to a bank, hoping to withdraw cash. They handed over their bank cards to a staff member and joined the long queue of people waiting to go inside. When Nellabs name was called, a man carrying an AK-47 stopped her from entering and demanded she take off her mask. When she refused, he grew angry. It wasnt until the bank manager came out to see what the problem was that a shocking realisation dawned. This guard, who was armed security belonging to the Taliban, was a criminal I had sent to jail for 18 years for rape, Nellab says. She believes he recognised her uncommon surname Hotaki Talash on her bank card. It was unusual for Afghan women to combine their own family name with that of their husband. While the manager argued with the man, the couple quietly slipped away through the crowd and escaped in a taxi. I cant express that feeling when I was in front of him, Nellab says. That could have been a terrible moment. Afterwards, she tried to transfer money online, but her accounts had been blocked. Days later, the last military flights took off from Kabul. We had this feeling we were stuck, she says. Judge Robyn Tupman (left), who is helping evacuate female judges from Afghanistan, with Nellab (at right) and her husband, Malyar, at an afternoon tea with NSW Governor Margaret Beazley. More than 11,000 kilometres away in Sydney, Robyn Tupman was studying maps of Kabul airport, tracking international flight radars and filling out visa applications vastly outside her remit as a judge in the NSW District Court. The International Association of Women Judges Tupman is its secretary had provided training courses and support to its Afghan members for years. But now that support was taking on a whole new dimension. They were receiving reports that Taliban members were entering the homes of female judges, sometimes beating family members when they couldnt find them. A Talib shot one judges dog in frustration. Tupman and other IAWJ members began trying to evacuate them on military flights out of Afghanistan, and arrange visas for countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US and various European states. She was one of seven judges around the world who took turns monitoring a 24-hour Zoom link that the Afghans could contact. Due to the time difference with Kabul, Tupman and New Zealand Supreme Court Justice Susan Glazebrook, the associations president, pulled the night shift. Sometimes wed still be there at three and four oclock in the morning, says Tupman, a 71-year-old who has worked as a judge for the last 26 years. Wed be sort of looking rather bleary-eyed; we probably had our PJs on. Early on, Tupman was able to secure Australian visas for three judges and find them places on military flights. But first she had to help them pierce the chaos surrounding the airport. I mean, how we knew what we were doing, goodness only knows, she says, because Ive never been to Kabul. She recalls hearing gunshots one night over the Zoom link as a judge tried to fight her way through the crowds to the gates. It was a nightmare. Shed track the evacuees journey online, from take-off to landing. After the last military planes departed, the IAWJ enlisted the help of agencies such as the International Bar Association, which was funding its own evacuation efforts. It was one of these flights that would eventually carry Nellab and her family to safety. August had turned to October by the time Nellab left the city shed called home her entire life. She was told to board a bus heading north-west to Mazar-i-Sharif, the fourth-largest city in Afghanistan. They were given Greek visas and booked on a flight to Athens. Loading They had sold their furniture, their car, and some of Nellabs jewellery to raise cash to take with them. On the day we meet, shes wearing fine gold earrings and a matching necklace a wedding gift from her mother, which she couldnt bring herself to sell. It was so difficult to leave our parents but I had no choice but to take care of my children. My mother said, Be happy wherever you are. After passing through two checkpoints, they spent a couple of nights in Mazar-i-Sharif before boarding their plane to Greece. It was strange, she recalls, because I was sad that I left my homeland, I left my career, I left my house. On the other hand, she was happy that I was with my family and have the hope to get somewhere where I can have a bright future. And I have survived, so I can help the rest of my family get out of Afghanistan. Explaining what was happening to their young daughters four and five at the time was difficult. There were many questions, Nellab says. My older daughter was asking, Why are we leaving? Where is my room? My toys? I want my friends. They asked many questions, but I had no proper answers for them about why we had left Afghanistan and what we were going to do. After arriving in Greece, they applied for temporary protection visas for Australia because Nellab had heard it was a land of opportunities. It wasnt until they arrived in Melbourne in January that she felt she could finally relax. It was a very good feeling, she says. I had a good sleep that night. Two months later, they were on the move again. Malyar landed an engineering job in a suburb of greater Newcastle. They found a two-bedroom house to rent within walking distance of his office and the local public school. As morning turns to afternoon, Nellab suggests we take a break on the back verandah to eat the lunch shes prepared. Refusing all offers of help, she places plates heaped with food onto the red-and-white-check tablecloth. There is a mountain of rice dotted with chunks of lamb, carrot and raisins, which is a traditional Afghan dish called Qabuli palow, beef kofta with lentils, and salad. As we eat under the winter sun, her two girls tell me in English how much they love their kindergarten teacher. Nellab with her family in Sydney, It was so difficult to leave our parents (in Kabul), she says, but I had no choice but to take care of my children. My mother said, Be happy wherever you are. Nellab, who lacks confidence speaking English, says there have been some lonely days in recent months, which shes mostly spent at home with her young son. Shes watched on in sadness as the Talibans crackdown on womens rights escalates in scenes eerily reminiscent of her childhood. Despite the Talibans early pledge to respect their rights, most women are now prevented from going to work; secondary schools for girls are closed; and women have been beaten for not covering their faces and protesting in public. With the specialist womens courts no longer operating, those most in need of help now have nowhere to turn. HRWs Heather Barr says anecdotal evidence suggests gender-based violence has increased since the return of the Taliban, and that girls are at greater risk of child marriage. The system to protect women and girls is almost entirely gone, she says. Women and girls are more trapped in their homes than ever, most women who were wage-earners have lost that status and the respect that that might have earned them within their families. Its a perfect storm on an almost unimaginable level for violence against women and girls. While scores of female Afghan judges are scattered around the world, from New Zealand to Poland, Nellab fears the world is forgetting about the 70 who remain behind. She says theyre in hiding, terrified that their pasts will be exposed, and need to be evacuated. If your friends are back in your homeland, even if youre somewhere safe, its terrible, you cant relax. Tupman is in daily contact with those in Afghanistan. We still get security briefings telling us that theres likely to be a raid in a particular part of Kabul, and we try to pass that on when we can, she says. Shes calling on the Australian government to grant more humanitarian visas. The judges left there are very frightened What we have said to them is, We wont forget you, and we wont give up until everybody who wants to leave has left. A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs says that the government remains committed to supporting the Afghan community and will offer 31,500 places to its nationals over the next four years. The government acknowledges the work women judges and other prominent women do on the ground to promote human rights and assist those in need in Afghanistan, the spokesperson adds. After the Taliban returned, these women saw everything they had fought and sacrificed for vanish overnight. To help the likes of Nellab adjust to their new lives here, the Australian Association of Women Judges has set up a buddy program that provides practical help. That includes arranging English classes, driving and swimming lessons, providing references for rental properties, and friendship. It is also exploring how the refugees can use their skills here. Tupman has met with university law schools to discuss whether retraining is possible. Working as mediators, particularly in Australias Afghan communities, may be an option. But for many of the judges, studying English is the first step. Nellab would like to pursue a career in the law here, but expects it will be difficult to become a judge. Tupman describes Nellab, whom she finally met at an afternoon tea at Government House in Sydney in June after months of exchanging messages, as extraordinarily resilient. She adds, Shes very committed to succeeding. But she says all the Afghan judges shes met feel a great sense of loss. HRWs Heather Barr echoes this sentiment, saying they required great determination and courage to succeed. Many had had to fight within their own families to gain an education and to avoid their careers being shut down through marriage and motherhood, and threats and attacks against women judges, including by the Taliban, were all too common, she says. After the Taliban returned, these women saw everything they had fought and sacrificed for vanish overnight. Loading After working so hard to achieve her dream, Nellab could be forgiven for being angry or bitter about having it ripped away. But instead, this generous woman seems sadly resigned. I had a good position in society back in Afghanistan, but here it is nothing. We will see what will happen. It will take me more time to learn the language and study and get a career back. I will be old! she laughs. But shes grateful she can start a new life in Australia, and is looking forward to moving to Sydney the week after we meet, to be closer to her and Malyars parents. They followed them to Australia several months later Nellabs job made it too dangerous for them to stay in Afghanistan. Malyar has found a new job in Sydney. Nellab plans to start English classes and to learn to drive. When I ask how she will help her young kids remember their roots, Nellab returns to her conviction that a persons life should be of service. We will try to teach them where they have come from and where they originally belong to, she says, but where they are working, where they receive an education, they need to serve there. To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times. God save our gracious Queen, long live our noble Queen, sang Paul McKillop at Perths Government House on Friday following the Queens passing. McKillop is a Melbourne resident visiting his daughter in Perth. He and his wife, among the first to lay floral tributes, were overwhelmed when they learnt of the Queens death. Paul and Christine McKillop. Credit:Mya Kordic Public wishing to offer their condolences to the Royal Family have been given the opportunity to lay a floral wreath at Government House and sign a state condolence book. In memory of Britains longest serving monarch, Paul wanted to perform his own rendition of their national anthem, God Save The Queen. Five people are dead following the capsize of a fishing boat holding 11 people from a bird enthusiasts group, near Kaikoura on New Zealands South Island. Six others have been rescued, after the Saturday morning incident near Goose Bay, south of the coastal town. A coastguard boat with the capsized boat off Kaikoura. Credit:CHRIS SKELTON/STUFF Police have confirmed the 8.5-metre boat capsized after a collision previously reported as being with a whale but were still investigating what had happened. The boat involved is understood to belong to a local fishing charter business. Its understood the people on board were a group of women over the age of 50. The Swimmers, a Netflix sports drama by Egyptian-Welsh director Sally El-Hosaini, opened the 47th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in its premiere. The Swimmers features a cast of well-known Arab and international actors, such as Lebanese sisters Manal and Nathalie Issa playing sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini; Egyptian actor Ahmed Malek; Syrian actress Kinda Alloush; as well as Matthias Schweighofer (Germany); Ali Suleiman (Palestine), and James Krishna Floyd (UK). According to Reuters, the film is "a dramatisation of a true story of two sisters who fled their home and endured a harrowing journey before rebuilding their lives and, for one of them, making it to the Olympics." "Sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini, played by real-life sisters Nathalie Issa and Manal Issa, fled Syria's war-torn capital Damascus to seek a new life in Europe. They crossed into Lebanon and Turkey and braved an often lethal crossing for migrants in the Mediterranean Sea, helping to get their over-crowded dinghy to shore." "They made it to Greece and continued to Germany. Yusra Mardini was selected to compete for the first-ever Refugee Olympic Team in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, and competed again in 2020. Her sister Sara, meanwhile, became active helping refugees," Reuters added. The Swimmers, which was co-written by El-Hosaini and Jack Thorne, is scheduled to hit the big screen in select countries on 23 November. El-Hosaini, a film director and screen writer, was born in Swansea, Wales to Welsh-Egyptian parents. Her debut feature film My Brother the Devil (2012) won international awards, including at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, 2012 Berlin International Film Festival, 2012 BFI London Film Festival Awards, and the 2013 Evening Standard Film Awards. El-Hosaini's short films include The Fifth Bowl (2008), Henna Night (2009), and Green Zone (2010). She directed three episodes in the TV mini series Babylon (2014), among other works as a director, screenwriter, actress, and producer. Search Keywords: Short link: The greatest enigma of all time has been the one particular element that makes us human. It has fascinated and puzzled man since antiquity. Defining the concept is a slippery task and many a philosopher, scientist, mathematician, historian have slipped on its many twists and turns throughout the ages. Consider the massive feats of the ancient Egyptians 4,000 years ago. They built pyramids, temples, statues, and drew magnificent sketches on walls and tombs in vibrant colours and meticulous details. Were they curious as to where this ability came from? They believed the heart was the source of human wisdom. It was the one organ preserved in the corpse during mummification. They recorded their technology on scrolls of papyrus, and the first written evidence of the word brain is found in hieroglyphics. After the Egyptians came the Greeks. Hippocrates (460-375 BC) argued the brain was the seat of thought, while Aristotle (c 384-322 BC) was of the mind that the brain was a secondary organ to the heart. The debate continued through the ages and the brain came out on top. Even contemporary scholar Sir Colin Blakemore of Oxford University, who died in June 2022, believed that the human brain is the machine which alone accounts for our actions. What about the mind? Do we think with our brain or our mind? Herein lies the rub. What exactly is the mind? The relationship between mind and brain has been disputed for centuries. Many scientists believe the mind and the brain are identical. We certainly use them interchangeably. We have this intrinsic belief that the brain controls all our actions. Use your brains we say, when we really mean use your mind. Our brain does not think for us. Mind and brain are different but inter-connected entities. The mind works through the organ in our skull, but is separate from it. The mind is separated but inseparable from the brain. The mind uses the brain the brain responds. We know where the brain is, what it is made of, how much it weighs, etc, but what about the mind? Where is it? What is it? What are its physical properties? It has none. The mind occurs, exists, and functions with the brain. They are a unity. It was about 500 years ago that French philosopher and mathematician Rene Descartes (1596-1650) is credited with the first definition of the mind. Conscious was the distinction. Unlike the brain, it has no physical characteristics and occupies no space. Our bodies occupy space. Our mind does not. What is your mind? It is a hard question to answer, but if pressed you may describe it as the part of yourself that makes you who you are: your emotions, your consciousness, your dreams, your memories. A triad of thinking, feeling, and choosing. Cogito, ergo sum: I think, therefore I am. That is the legacy of Descartes, the simple definition of the mind. This is what makes us human beings. There are animals that have some ability to think, but logic and reason are mans exclusivity. The question arises if we are using the capacity of our mind/brain to the fullest. There is a sort of myth going around among quasi-psychologists that we are only using less than 10 per cent of our brains capacity. Neurologist Barry Gordon and John Henley of the Mayo Clinic refute the 10 per cent myth. Evidence would show over a day you use 100 per cent of the brain, concludes Henley. Gordon supports this conclusion adding: We are virtually using every part of the brain and most of the brain is active all the time. It is a fact that human beings seem to be hardwired for laziness. A new study shows that our brains may be wired to prefer lying on the couch. We are attracted to sedentary behaviour; that is the majority and not the gym addicts. Get off that couch. Neuroscience is on the edge of new discoveries about the mind that, if true, will put humans on an even higher strata. In his best-seller Journey to the Heart of Being Human, psychiatrist Daniel Siegel of UCLA School of Medicine suggests that our mind cannot be confused with whats in our skull or our body. Our mind extends beyond ourselves. Meaning what? The mind is not simply a perception of conscious, information and experience as previously thought. It is those experiences. Thoughts, feelings, memories that you experience in this subjective world is part of your mind. Does that imply its independence from the brain? How? We just stated they are inseparable. If the brain dies, the mind of the being to whom it belonged dies too, right? Siegel suggests there may be more to our mental life than what the brain does. Shocked? Many scientists agree. This was first proposed by Islamic philosopher Avicenna (980-1037) who believed that with brain death, reason, memory and consciousness continue. This is chilling. Peter Fenwick, a highly regarded neuro-physicist, spent 50 years researching brain death. He concluded that consciousness exists after the brain dies. Rupert Sheldrake, morphogenesis specialist, explains that the mind is not the brain. But, we just got through our thesis of how inseparable they are. Ah well. That was yesterday. Science changes from day to day. So where are we now? A new theory of the quantum family. A subject for another day. *A version of this article appears in print in the 8 September, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: If you know of local business openings or closings, please notify us here. PREVIOUS OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS - The Cadillac Pub opens where Klingers used to be at 24 E. Main Street in Fleetwood - II-VI Inc. (pronounced "two-six") will become Coherent Corp., taking on the name of a company it recently acquired. - ABEC, a company that provides services and products to the pharmaceutical industry, with headquarters in Northampton County, will invest in a new disposable-container facility in North Carolina. - A new Lehigh Valley Martial Arts center will hold a grand opening starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, with a ribbon-cutting shortly afterward. - Bethlehem Township's planning commission has approved an Amazon parking lot with 248 spaces at Brodhead and Mowrer roads. - The Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board rejected variance requests that would have allowed multifamily homes to go up on the Southside properties at 508-512 Selfridge St. - Northampton County Council voted 1-8 against a tax break for development of a proposed warehouse at the Dixie Cup building on South 25 Street in Wilson Borough. - The former Valley Farm Market, now known as Gerrity's Valley Farm Market, will take on a new name as of Oct. 14: Gerrity's The Fresh Grocer. - Hamsa Exoticz is already open at the Lehigh Valley Mall, but it will hold a grand opening at 5 p.m. Sept. 16 with the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce. - A new Home Depot will open a 136,048-square-foot building on about 21 acres of vacant land just off Hamilton Boulevard in Lower Macungie Township. - Rocco Ayvazov's Monocacy General Contracting received approval from the Bethlehem Planning Commission to put up a six-story building with 55 apartments and retail space on the first floor at 128 E. Third St. - The old Allen Organ showroom building on Route 100 in Lower Macungie Township will come down and about 100 total apartment units will go up. - Reading Hospitality's Catering by DoubleTree will handle food at events at Reading Country Club, after Exeter Township supervisors approved a new agreement. - Natural healing is the goal at Reike Balance, which will open Sept. 9. on Reading Avenue in West Reading. - The Pocono Chamber of Commerce held a grand opening at the Bartonsville branch of Farmhouse Cafe. - The reopening date for the historic Frenchtown Inn building overlooking the Delaware River in New Jersey remains unclear. - River Paws, a pet-supply store, is across Race Street from the Frenchtown Pharmacy. - The planned reopening date of Aug. 13 for Toby's Cup was pushed back after ownership said a dispute about the occupancy of a home on the hot dog stand's property delayed the reopening. MOHNTON, Pa. People in Berks County have the opportunity to honor lost loved ones by visiting a piece of 9/11 history in Mohnton. "It was a massive tragedy, and terrorism, an attack on the United States soil, which was unprecedented," said Pennsylvania Rep. Mark Gillen, who serves as president of the Berks Military History Museum. Gillen is using his voice to make sure the Berks County community never forgets the day that forever changed the United States. "There were a number of Pennsylvanians that were killed in the towers," Gillen said, "and if you talk to enough people, the first responders, the community, you are going to find that even in Berks County, it's substantially impacted people's lives." The Berks Military History Museum will host a vigil on Sunday, starting with a prayer at 8:46 a.m. "It's a simple-to-remember time, when the first tower was hit," said Gillen. Those who attend the event will visit a steel beam from Ground Zero and light candles in honor of those that made the ultimate sacrifice. "Having an artifact that actually came from Ground Zero is important to people, and some touch it. Many put a candle up on top of it," continued Gillen. "We've had coins, medallions, things we can't even recognize that have shown up on the site." Gillen said he hopes artifacts from that tragic day 21 years ago will continue to serve as a reminder that we as a country must remain vigilant. "The price is never fully paid," Gillen continued. "It was the single greatest toll, but it's also the single greatest example of sacrifice." The Berks Military History Museum is located at 198 E. Wyomissing Ave. in Mohnton. DETROIT (AP) A judge blocked the Environmental Protection Agency from appealing a key ruling in a long-running lawsuit claiming negligence by the federal government in Flint's lead-contaminated water in 2014-15. U.S. District Judge Judith Levy ruled in 2020 that Flint residents could sue the EPA. Now, two years later, she said she won't put the case on hold to allow the government to appeal that decision to a higher court. Levy said more work must be done by lawyers to develop the case. The United States characterizes this complex case as one of merely a series of discrete, clean legal questions questions it says are all independently controlling, wrongly decided, and subject to reasonable disagreement," the judge said. "But this is far from the case. An appeal in the middle of things fits only where the quick resolution of a clean question of law could meaningfully speed up the litigation, Levy said Wednesday. Starting in April 2014, Flint pulled water from the Flint River for 18 months without treating it to reduce corrosion. The water caused lead to be released from old pipes and into kitchen taps, bathrooms and water heaters. Much of the blame rested with regulators in Gov. Rick Snyder's administration who didn't require corrosion control. The state agreed to pay much of a $626 million settlement with Flint residents, mostly children, who were exposed to the water. But residents are also suing the EPA, which was aware of complaints about the water and had authority to aggressively intervene. The EPA's inspector general found that a regional office failed to establish clear roles and responsibilities. A federal agency has defenses to negligence claims in court, but Levy so far has rejected them. A separate but similar lawsuit against the EPA is being heard by U.S. District Judge Linda Parker. Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwritez (The Center Square) As Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf expanded agencies providing voter registration information, the Heritage Foundation ranked Pennsylvania tied for 17th with Ohio in its election integrity scorecard. Heritage awarded Pennsylvania 66 out of 100 points as it measured state election laws and procedures. Pennsylvania received 20 of 30 points in the category, Accuracy of Voter Registration Lists. Wolf signed an executive order on Wednesday mandating seven additional Pennsylvania agencies and programs to be Voter Registration Distribution Agencies, requiring them to provide voter registration materials and information to people with which they interact. The list included the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, 121 state park office locations, libraries and state veterans homes. Acting Secretary of State Leigh Chapman estimates there are 1.7 million Pennsylvanians eligible to vote but arent registered. There are approximately 8.7 million registered voters in Pennsylvania, according to the secretary of states annual report to the General Assembly. The report said there was a 3.64% decrease in voters since the end of 2020. However, the number of voters increased 2.86% when comparing to 2017 statistics, the report before the 2018 midterm elections. The last day to register is Oct. 24 to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 8 general election as Pennsylvanians will elect a new governor, a U.S. senator, 18 members of Congress and state legislators. We are proud of the free and fair elections held here in the commonwealth, and that would not be possible without first providing convenient, accessible opportunities for every eligible citizen to register to vote, Wolf said in a statement. Thats why I am designating seven additional state agencies to provide their clients with materials and information on voter registration. This work will support the dedicated county officials and thousands of local poll workers who do their part every election to ensure that anyone who wants to exercise their precious right to vote can do so. The Heritage Foundation's analysts and election law experts compiled its report. The reports accuracy was checked with state election officials responding to the organizations request for information. Heritage then sent a final summary to each states chief election official or the responsible state board of elections to correct any errors. "Every citizen's vote is sacred," the Heritage Foundation stated in its explanation of the project. "The vote is how we guarantee that our government remains of the people, by the people, and for the people. The successful campaigns of the past cannot be taken for granted. We must continue the fight to expand and defend Americans' right to have their votes count." Wolfs order also requires the agencies to send quarterly statistics to the Secretary of State to assess the effectiveness of the voter registration program. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Kyiv on Saturday on a surprise visit, which she said was to demonstrate Berlin's unwavering support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia. It is her second trip to Ukraine and comes a week after Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal's trip to Berlin where he had repeated Kyiv's call for weapons. "I have travelled to Kyiv today to show that they can continue to rely on us. That we will continue to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary with deliveries of weapons, and with humanitarian and financial support," Baerbock said in a statement. Over the last weeks, Germany has sent howitzers, rocket launchers and anti-aircraft missiles to Kyiv. Heavier weapons like anti-aircraft systems, rocket launchers mounted on pick-ups and anti-drone equipment are also due in a further military aid package worth over 500 million euros. Earlier this week, Berlin said it would also team up with the Netherlands to train Ukrainian soldiers on demining. Baerbock said it was "clear that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is counting on us getting tired of sympathising with the suffering in Ukraine". "He thinks that he can divide our societies with lies and blackmail us with energy deliveries. "This calculation must not and will not work. Because all of Europe knows that Ukraine is defending our peace," she said. Baerbock was the first senior German government figure to visit Kyiv in May, when she announced the reopening of Germany's embassy in the country. Search Keywords: Short link: Following the death of the Queen, Harry and Meghan's children have become His Royal Highness Prince Archie of Sussex and Her Royal Highness Princess Lilibet of Sussex. The change is a result of conventions created over a century ago. Under rules set out by George V in 1917, the grandchildren of the monarch automatically receive royal titles. As grandchildren of King Charles III, Archie and Lilibet now have the right to be prince and princess, whereas they did not immediately qualify as the great-grandchildren of the Queen. Meghan last year made a damning suggestion that this title might be denied to Archie because of his mixed-race ancestry. In an interview with broadcaster Oprah Winfrey, the Duchess of Sussex said a member of the royal family had expressed "concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he was born." "That was relayed to me from Harry. Those were conversations that the family had with him," Meghan added, but declined to reveal who was involved in those conversations. "That would be very damaging to them," she said. The duchess said these comments were made at the same time as the couple were told Archie wouldn't have security or an official title. She said there had also been "conversations" while she was pregnant about the convention being changed once Charles became King, meaning Archie would lose his right to a title. She insisted to Winfrey that her concern over her son's right to the title of prince was linked to her desire for him to be given police protection. Lilibet was born after the interview was conducted. Buckingham Palace told CNN at the time of Archie's birth in 2019 that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had chosen not to use any title at all for their son. Meghan rejected that suggestion in her interview with Winfrey, saying: "It's not our decision to make, right." There has been no indication that the King intends to make any changes to the convention. Harry and Meghan announced in 2020 that they would step back from royal duties and "work to become financially independent." It was agreed that they would remain part of the family, but the couple renounced their HRH titles. It is unlikely that Harry, Charles' son, will be offered a royal office unless he and Meghan resume their duties. While several members of the royal family, including Harry, traveled to Balmoral Castle on Thursday after Buckingham Palace announced "concern" surrounding the Queen's condition, Meghan did not accompany her husband. ___ Allentown, PA (18103) Today Hazy sunshine with some areas of high-altitude smoke from those western wildfires hanging around for one more day. Warmer and still comfortable. . Tonight Mostly clear. The Queen was a regular theatre fan in fact a whole segment of her Platinum Jubilee was dedicated to famous musicals from across the West End and Broadway. She was formerly the patron of the National Theatre (a role now taken on by the Duchess of Cornwall), overseeing decades of the venue's growth and productions, while also acting as patron of the Royal Shakespeare Company. In 1999 she embarked on a one-off tour of London theatres, visiting the Young Vic, the Almeida, the National Theatre and finally to watch Oklahoma! at the Lyceum Theatre, led by a then little-known musical star Hugh Jackman. More recently, the monarch also made a secret trip to the theatre which you can find out more about here. According to some insiders, these incognito appearances were a common occurrence. The Queen was also a major lover of musical numbers, with her cousin Elizabeth Anson saying in an interview that Showboat, Oklahoma! and Annie Get Your Gun are her favourites. Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has ordered providing all the necessary facilities to expedite the implementation of the green energy projects implemented jointly with Australias Fortescue Future Industries (FFI). El-Sisi made the remarks on Saturday as he received FFI Chairman Andrew Forrest, presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement. El-Sisi highlighted the importance of benefiting from the Australian energy companys extensive expertise in green energy, as Egypt attaches importance to keeping pace with the international orientation toward maximising the use of renewable energy. This also comes within the framework of the Egyptian national strategy to boost the supply of electricity generated from renewables in light of the states keenness to diversity the sources of electricity and benefit from the countrys natural resources. Under its Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy (ISES), Egypt aims to increase the supply of electricity generated from renewable sources to 42 percent by 2035. The meeting followed up on cooperation between FFI and the Egyptian Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy in the field of green hydrogen and green ammonia, including a project to produce 9.2 GW of electricity from renewable energy, the spokesman said. The meeting also followed up on localising industries related to generating power from wind turbines and solar cells, the spokesman added. For his part, Forrest stressed FFIs keenness to cooperate with Egypt in the field of producing green energy and benefiting from green hydrogen as a source of clean energy. Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El-Molla, and Moataz Kandil, regional director of FFI in the Middle East and North Africa, attended the meeting. Cooperation with Scatec Separately, El-Sisi also discussed cooperation with Norways renewable energy solutions provider Scatec in the renewable energy field in a meeting today with the companys CEO Terje Pilskog. The meeting discussed establishing a project to generate 3 GW of electricity from wind within Egypts national strategy to generate clean energy, the spokesman said. For his part, Pilskog stressed the importance Scatec attaches to cooperation with Egypt in renewable energy, especially in light of Egypts preparations to host the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in November. This is in addition to the fact that Egypt is rich with renewable energy sources, represented in sun and wind, which qualifies the country to become one of the largest renewable energy producers worldwide and hence enhances its promising investment opportunities in this regard, Pilskog added. Egypt has accelerated its plans for increasing reliance on clean energy and transition to green energy in cooperation with international partners, especially ahead of COP27, slated for 6-18 November in Sharm El-Sheikh city. Green investments in Egypt will hit 50 percent of the total public investments by 2024/2025, up from 40 percent currently, El-Sisi said during the Egypt-International Cooperation Forum (Egypt-ICF) on Wednesday. A June report by the US-based Global Energy Monitor (GEM) showed Egypt is at the top of the Arab regions countries in combined utility-scale solar and wind generation at 3.5 GW in total. Egypt also 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. In cooperation with Scatec, Egypt is set to have its first green hydrogen plant with 100 MW capacity in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) at a cost of $5 billion. The project, expected to start production in 2025, will mainly export green ammonia to European and Asian markets, according to a statement by Scatec on 10 March. Search Keywords: Short link: Representatives from Foundation Forward were in Portage on Thursday to talk about bringing a recreation of historical documents to the city. City officials said this project will need to be carefully planned. Foundation Forward operates Charters of Freedom, a non-profit group that brings replicas of the United States Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights and the Constitution. The documents are etched onto bronze sheets that weigh more than 60 pounds. The documents are then displayed in a similar setting to the actual documents home at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. They are built on reinforced concrete pillars that go more than 3 feet into the ground. The process takes more than 19 tons of concrete, and the final setting can be in either brick, granite or limestone. David Streater and Ron Lewis explained to the council on Thursday night that Charters of Freedom began to give the experience of seeing these documents without having to go to the nations capital. Our goal is to get one of these settings in every county across the country, Streater said. The group has more than 20 settings in North Carolina and are in nine other states. Most of those settings have the three pedestals for the three documents. Recently, the group has added a fourth pedestal that has a bronze sheet with the civil rights amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Now we have something for everybody, Lewis said. Lewis told the board that the group prefers the term setting over monument for the display. He said monuments are for things or people that are gone, but these documents are still with us. He added that since this would be the first setting in Wisconsin, Foundation Forward would like to gift the setting to the city. We would be gifting the city the setting and ask that they raise around $25,000 towards the next setting, possibly in Wisconsin, Lewis said. Its our pay it forward program. He said the total cost of the setting is difficult to say due to the changes in labor and material costs, but the average setting costs about $50,000. The usual process is Streater and Lewis talk with locals and local officials to see if there is an opportunity to build a setting. Then a group starts fundraising for the final setting. However, that would be different for the potential Portage setting. Even if we dont get one penny wed like to put the setting in Portage, Lewis said. When asked, Why Portage? by alderperson Karen Melito, the response was that someone close to the project has a friend who grew up in Portage and thought it would be a good place for the historical setting. The second reason was former Park and Recreation manager Tim Raimer. Raimer, of Portage, has been in contact with Charters of Freedom to help bring a monument to Portage. Raimer was part of the group that got the KIA Memorial at Blue Star Park. He was in attendance on Thursday night after helping find community support for the project. Park and Recreation manger Toby Monogue said the project could be good for Portage but does need more planning than just picking somewhere that looks nice. Throughout the presentation Lewis and Streater both stated that local school would be invited to the site for educational trips. Monogue pointed out that Blue Star Park doesnt have bathrooms, and that could be an issue. Lewis said he understood Monogues concerns on Friday morning. Lewis explained that there arent bathrooms at the other settings. Were in no hurry and want it done right also, Lewis said. Lewis added he hopes all the due diligence by the city can be completed early next year. Wed like to have a spring build next year, Lewis said. The council did not make any decisions on the future monument Thursday night. Monogue suggested the project go to the park and recreation board first. The project may also go to the Plan Commission for approval before ultimately needing approval from the full common council. To Democrats, Republican-sponsored laws aimed at improving election integrity are really just veiled attempts at voter suppression. To Republicans, Democratic-backed efforts to make voting easier are an invitation to fraud. But in 22 years of changes to Wisconsin voting laws, theres little evidence to suggest either that stricter voting laws have dampened turnout or that making voting easier has led to more people cheating at the ballot box. Take, for example, the decision by Wisconsin lawmakers in 1999 to eliminate the requirement that voters have an excuse to vote absentee. Until then, the vast majority of voters were required to show up on one particular day and cast a ballot in person. Now, anyone can get an absentee ballot through the mail or go to their local clerks office on one of many days leading up to Election Day and vote there. The expanded access to voting was not followed by any major uptick in turnout in the 2000 presidential election. In fact, turnout that year was lower than in six of the 13 presidential elections that preceded it, according to data from the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Or take the controversial and long-litigated decision by Republicans to enact a photo ID requirement for voting. Because of court challenges following the laws 2011 enactment, it wasnt in effect for a major election until 2016. Turnout in that years presidential election was lower statewide than four years before, but by less than 3 percentage points and in a contest that pitted two candidates who had worse favorability ratings heading into the election than any two presidential candidates since Gallup started asking about that in 1956. Voter ID was expected to have its biggest impact in those areas of Wisconsin, such as Madison and Milwaukee, with higher proportions of nonwhite and poor voters, who are less likely to have valid photo IDs or easy ways to get them. But post-2016 turnout numbers cast doubt on that assertion. The city of Milwaukee, for example, saw voters turn out for gubernatorial and presidential elections in numbers that were comparable to and, in some cases higher than, pre-2016 elections, according to figures from the Milwaukee Election Commission. Madison saw more voters cast ballots in the 2018 gubernatorial and 2020 presidential elections than for any prior respective election since at least 2000, according to the Madison City Clerks Office. (Turnout is always higher in presidential election years.) A 2021 working paper by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that voter ID laws have no negative effect on registration or turnout, overall or for any group defined by race, gender, age or party affiliation. Fraud vanishingly small Available reports of suspected voter fraud or other election irregularities in Wisconsin similarly show no noticeable decline in the already minuscule amount of voter fraud after the passage of Republican-backed election integrity laws. Local election clerks have been required to submit cases of suspected voter fraud or other election irregularities to the state since at least 2007, when the former Government Accountability Board was created. Reports detailing those cases were only available from the Elections Commission going back to June 2016, but they show a total of 158 cases since then, with no clear increase or decrease in cases over time. There were five, for example, in a yearlong span between February 2017 and February 2018, and then 23 over the same time frame a year later. The most, or 73, came in an eight-month period that included the 2016 presidential election, but 43 of them concerned 17-year-olds voting amid confusion about whether people that age could vote in the primary that year if they would be 18 by the time of the general election, as well as some false and misleading information ... on social media websites which spread inaccurate information to students who then believed they were eligible to vote, the Elections Commission said at the time. Detectable fraud cases in prior years ranged from zero to the single digits, according to an election fraud database maintained by the conservative Heritage Foundation, with the exception of 2013, when there were 10. In a 2014 study, UW-Madison political science professor Ken Mayer and two other researchers not only found no evidence of widespread voter impersonation, but also that the level of such fraud which was vanishingly small to begin with was the same whether or not states had strict voter ID laws or allowed for Election Day registration. Voter ID laws have no effect on the incidence of voter fraud, Mayer said, and the incidence of fraud is so low that it is unarguable that these laws prevent more eligible voters from casting ballots than the number of potentially fraudulent votes prevented, by orders of magnitude. The same 2021 working paper by the National Bureau of Economic Research that found no noticeable impact on turnout by voter ID laws also found that strict ID requirements have no effect on fraud actual or perceived. Individual voters affected That major changes in turnout have not followed changes to election law does not mean that such laws have no effect, researchers point out, although that effect tends to be minuscule compared to the other things that motivate people to vote. A 2019 study co-authored by Mayer, for example, found that the top reason for not voting among people who sat out the 2016 presidential election was that they were unhappy with the choice of candidates or not motivated by the issues. Nearly 51% of survey respondents said that was at least part of the reason they didnt vote, while 33% said it was their main reason. Not having an adequate ID was part of the reason for 6.5% of respondents, and 1.7% said it was the main reason. Still, the study found the photo ID requirement likely reduced turnout in Democratic-heavy Dane and Milwaukee counties by up to 1 percentage point, meaning that between 7,000 and 7,900 otherwise eligible voters would have been prevented from voting and between 12,300 to 13,900 would have been deterred from voting, according to the authors statistical analysis. For the sake of comparison, Donald Trumps razor-thin margin of victory in Wisconsin in 2016 was 22,748 votes. Joe Bidens win in 2020 was by 20,682. Looking at aggregate turnout will miss the effects on individual voters those whose access to the voting booth is blocked or impeded by these laws, Mayer said. Surprisingly, research on early voting which gives people many more opportunities to vote is not consistently correlated with an increase in turnout. A 2020 study that looked at the practice in Ohio found substantial positive impacts of early voting on turnout equal to 0.22 percentage points of additional turnout per additional early voting day and that women, Democrats, independents and those of child-bearing and working age were most likely to benefit from early voting. At the same time, an analysis by the data-crunching site FiveThirtyEight found no correlation between the increasing popularity of early voting and turnout nationwide, while Mayer and three colleagues found in 2013 that early voting ... is actually associated with lower turnout when it is implemented by itself. We propose that early voting has created negative unanticipated consequences by reducing the civic significance of elections for individuals and altering the incentives for political campaigns to invest in mobilization, the authors said. Unexpected effects Teasing out the effects of voting law changes on turnout over the last 22 years is complicated, Mayer said, and the data show that changes often have unexpected effects. Allowing people to register to vote on Election Day increased GOP vote share, for example, he said, and there is a forthcoming study that shows automatic re-registration also benefits Republicans. At the same time, the evidence shows that many of these laws disproportionately affect already-disadvantaged voters, he said, meaning, in general, nonwhite and poorer voters. Virtually all of the restrictive laws have been passed by GOP legislatures and governors, and thats not an accident. The president of the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, which lists election integrity as one of its policy areas of interest, was not aware of research that attempts to measure the effect of more restrictive voting laws on voter fraud. I dont know how you go about measuring that since ... I think that fraud is a very, very difficult thing to uncover, Rick Esenberg said. But he said he also didnt think reasonable voting safeguards depress turnout or that widespread fraud of the type that could change the outcome of a state or national election is likely to occur. I think both sides overemphasize the issue, he said. The stakes are not as existential as the rhetoric would sometimes lead you to think that they are. The Heritage Foundation did not respond to requests for information on any research that might show a link between more restrictive voting laws and a reduction in voter fraud. Using fear to motivate Asked why there appears to be little effect on turnout from tighter voting rules, Sam Roecker, a spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Tony Evers campaign, instead pointed to Republican-sponsored voting bills vetoed by the governor over the last year. Make no mistake: Democracy is on the ballot this year, he said, and our state would be much less free without Governor Evers to stop legislation undermining the right to vote. Republican state party spokesperson Chad Doran said common sense laws like voter ID are supported by 80% of Americans because voters want to have confidence in the electoral process when they go to the ballot box, but he did not respond to a question about whether theres any evidence showing that enacting stricter voting rules was followed by a drop in fraud cases. UW-Madison political science professor Barry Burden said party officials might not be aware of the research showing that voting changes have little effect on turnout. At the same time, even if the effects are small, elections are sometimes decided by thin margins, especially in Wisconsin, he said, and an election practice that affects turnout of one sides voters by just 1 percentage point could easily change the outcome. And then theres the need to motivate voters. By threatening that voting rights are being denied or fraud is being committed, Burden said, the parties might be able to use fear to motivate supporters to vote, donate money or volunteer their time. The Political Economy of Digital Capital - a webinar by the Future of Work(ers) Project When: Tuesday, 20 September 2022 - Tuesday, 20 September 2022 Where: Online Event Start time: 15:30 Enquiries: seipati.mokhema@wits.ac.za ruth.castel-branco@wits.ac.za RSVP: Registration Cost: Free but registration is required. The Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS) & Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) present the Political Economy of Digital Capital webinar on 20 September 2022 Please join distinguished speakers Prof Angela Akorsu (University of Cape Coast - Ghana), Prof Bridget Kenny (University of Witwatersrand), Prof Sunil Mani (Reserve Bank of India Chair at the Centre for Development Studies), and Prof Ursula Huws (Analytica Social and Economic Research, UK) as they discuss, among others: What is the political economy of digitization in the global South? How is digitization redefining capital-labour relations? What are the implications for inequality? Prof Eddie Webster (SCIS) will chair what promises to be a highly engaging session. Kim accused the United States of trying to bring down his government by pressuring it to surrender its nuclear weapons but said that policy was doomed to fail. North Korea will "never give up nuclear weapons and there is absolutely no denuclearization, no negotiation, and no bargaining chip to trade in the process," Kim said in a Thursday speech, according to KCNA. The Supreme People's Assembly, North Korea's top legislative body, earlier this week passed a law further enshrining the country's nuclear weapons status, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Friday. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Thursday vowed his country will never give up its nuclear weapons or use them as a bargaining chip in negotiations, the latest sign of Kim's hardened stance toward the United States and its allies. North Korea walked away from nuclear talks with the United States in 2019. It has since resumed missile tests, conducting a record number of launches this year. U.S. officials say the North has also prepared to conduct its seventh nuclear explosion. According to the new law passed Monday, North Korea will retaliate with an immediate nuclear strike if the country is attacked by "hostile forces." The law also outlines several other scenarios in which North Korea would use its nukes, including an attack on state leadership or strategic nuclear forces, or to protect the existence of the state. While the law says usage of nuclear weapons is a last resort, it described the weapons as essential to North Korea's sovereignty and territorial integrity. That kind of language is broadly in line with how North Korea has long described its nuclear arsenal, though at times Pyongyang has given mixed signals. When asked in 2019, during a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, if he was ready to denuclearize, Kim responded: "If I'm not willing to do that, I won't be here right now." At their first meeting in June 2018, Trump and Kim signed a brief statement agreeing "to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." Later, North Korean officials speaking in state-controlled media clarified that this agreement meant the United States should also remove "nuclear threats" from the region surrounding Korea. The United States has about 28,000 troops in South Korea -- a remnant of the 1950s Korean War, which ended in a truce rather than a peace treaty. There are also about 55,000 U.S. service members in nearby Japan. In his Thursday speech, Kim said North Korea would only adjust its nuclear posture in response to the "political and military conditions of the Korean Peninsula," as well as the global situation. North Korea may have produced enough fissile material to build 45-55 nuclear weapons and might have assembled 20-30 warheads for delivery, according to the latest estimate published Thursday by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a nonprofit organization focused on global security. BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences on Friday to British King Charles III over the death of Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the Chinese government and people and in his own name, Xi expressed deep condolences over the death of Queen Elizabeth II and extended sincere sympathy to the British royal family, government and people. In his message, Xi said that Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, has won wide acclaim, noting that Queen Elizabeth II was the first British monarch to visit China and that her death is a great loss to the British people. Xi stressed that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Britain relations and stands ready to work with King Charles III to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries at the ambassadorial level as an opportunity to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations for the benefit of the two countries and their people. On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang sent a message of condolences to British Prime Minister Liz Truss, expressing condolences over the death of Queen Elizabeth II and extending sympathy to her relatives and the British government. (Source: Xinhua) Brave family step-up for charity event in aid of North Wales hospice A family who were struck by their nine year-old son losing his mobility and speech, have spoken out to raise awareness of his condition and help support a local childrens hospice. In December 2021, the otherwise healthy nine year old Alfie Lovelady was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, x-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (XALD) that affects the adrenal glands. Since February 2022 has rapidly lost the use of his limbs and ability to talk he now communicates through blinking and eye movement. As well as support from community nursing teams, parents, Rachael and Colin Lovelady of Colwyn Bay have been accessing family respite services at Ty Gobaith in the Conwy Valley with Alfie and their two other children William, 12 and Noah, 4, enjoying occasional overnight stays. They say the support they receive from the staff there is invaluable and benefits their family life immensely. Rachael, 35, said: It was after a speech and language teacher at Alfies school, Nant Y Groes, noticed a large decline in his work over the year that we were referred for some tests and scans at hospital. I remember getting the phone call asking us to come in immediately so I left work and got Alfie up there whilst Colin sorted the other two boys out at home. A team of specialists there told us we needed to go straight to Alder Hey childrens hospital as they suspected XALD. Colin, 37 and a baker for Morrisons, said: At the time we thought wed cope and wanted to remain at home. Were fighting for him every day, but hes the one doing the real battle. Rachael continued: It turned our life upside down. We cried a lot to begin with, but weve just had to toughen up and adapt our lives to get on with it. The hardest thing for me is not hearing him speak Ive not heard his voice in five months. He used to bound through the door and say hi, babes I miss that terribly. The Lovelady family will be special guests at this years Dark Run Conwy, a fun, family-friendly fundraising event hosted by Hope House Ty Gobaith. The Dark Run takes place on the evening of Saturday 22nd October and is a 5km jog, walk, skip or push along the scenic coast path and towards Conwys iconic castle which will be especially lit-up for the occasion. A similar event will also take place in Chirk, Wrexham on the same night. Participants are encouraged to wear neon or even spooky Halloween costumes and there will be a group warm-up before the off. They will be both officially starting and taking part in the event along with Alfie in his special wheelchair. Ty Gobaith fundraiser and Dark Run Conwy organising team member Vanessa Marubbi, said: We are thrilled to be bringing one of our flagship events to beautiful Conwy. Its our first Dark Run on this site and we hope as many people as possible will join us for some fun and exercise plus all participants will get a brilliant glow in the dark medal. We would like to say a special thank you to our sponsors Conwy Town Council, Llandudno Lions, Bone & Payne Solicitors, Fletcher & Poole Estate Agents and Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors. Both Rachael, who works at Eirias High School and Colin are bravely both continuing with their jobs and along with support from Ty Gobaith and community nursing teams, are managing to keep all three of their children in school, despite the radical changes in arrangements at their Colwyn Bay home. Colin said: Alfie sleeps downstairs, so one of us is always on the couch to be with him. We are fighting every day for his needs, but he is the one doing the real battle. William and Noah, the couples two other children have both recently been confirmed as carrying the same gene that causes Alfies condition but it may not present in the cerebral form that Alfie lives with. Sign up for the Dark Run here for just 10 per adult and 5 per child (under 16). Entrants are encouraged to raise as much money as possible to help seriously ill local children and their families. There will be an official warm-up before the event hosted at the RSPB reserve and each competitor will receive a glow in the dark medal. There are also Dark Run events in Chirk and Telford on the same night register here and here respectively. Or see the events page of the Hope House Ty Gobaith website. Britain's King Charles III paid tribute to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II, calling her "darling Mama" during his first address as head of state. Charles, who is 73 and the oldest monarch to ascend the throne, said he would serve with "loyalty, respect and love" as his mother had done for more than seven decades until her death Thursday at age 96. "That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today," Charles said Friday in his televised address from Buckingham Palace to a nation in mourning. He said Queen Elizabeth's death brought a "sense of loss, beyond measure" and paid tribute to his mother. "As you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: Thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May 'flights of angels sing thee to thy rest,'" Charles said. The new king said he would follow the example of his mother. "As the queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation," he said. The Socialist Equality Party and International Youth and Students for Social Equality condemn the vicious witch-hunt being waged against Harvard anthropology professor John Comaroff. This shameful campaign reached new heights Tuesday when concerted efforts were made to prevent Comaroff from teaching. Provocations were organized both inside and outside the classroom. Disgracefully, the campaign is being led by Harvard Graduate Students Union (HGSU)-UAW Local 5118, which is demanding that Comaroff be dismissed. The crowd organized by Local 5118, the same local that sold out the October 2021 strike by graduate students, chanted: Professors who sexually harass their students shouldnt be allowed to teach in peace! Professors who harass shouldnt be in class! There is nothing to the case against Comaroff, and there never has been. It is based entirely on unsubstantiated allegations, gossip and innuendo. Comaroff, born in Cape Town to parents of Eastern European Jewish extraction, grew up under and developed as a left-wing opponent of apartheid. He and his wife Jean taught for decades at the University of Chicago before coming to Harvard. He is the author of dozens of books on African society, globalization, ethnicity, class and inequality. Comaroff was voted one of Harvards favorite professors by the Class of 2019 in recognition of [his] impact on the senior classs Harvard experience (Class of 2019s Yearbook). The origins of the campaign against him lie in charges by one student, Lilia Kilburn, that Comaroff sexually harassed her, and claims by two others, Margaret Czerwienski and Amulya Mandava, that he retaliated against them when they began circulating these claims. After a lengthy, official university inquiry into these allegations, Comaroff was exonerated of all charges except of having issued a warning, in fact entirely appropriate, to a gay student about the danger of her traveling openly with her partner in parts of Africa where homosexuals faced persecution. On equally illegitimate grounds, Harvardin an effort to save facelater sanctioned Comaroff as well for allegedly making a statement (which he denies ever uttering) to Mandava she chose to interpret as threatening, though the university did not find that Comaroff intended his comments as a threat. The three students, dissatisfied with the results of the investigation that essentially cleared the anthropologist, responded in February of this year with a lawsuit against Harvard claiming that the university ignored the charges they made, despite the lengthy and torturous investigation that involved interviewing dozens of individuals and reviewing thousands of pages of documents. Among other outrageous claims in the lawsuit is that Comaroff and his wife, by seeking to defend themselves publicly, were engaged in textbook retaliation. University lawyers have effectively answered this suit, which the plaintiffs attorneys have had to amend in an effort to sustain and legitimize it. The vicious smear campaign against Comaroff is being spearheaded by the Crimson, Harvards student newspaper, whose writers emulate and perhaps someday hope to become the scandalmongers of the New York Times. Particularly disgraceful is the role of the HGSU-UAW union. One of Comaroffs lawyers, Ruth OMeara-Costello, offered an entirely appropriate response to a petition circulated by the union demanding that Comaroff be de-listed from his courses: It is shocking that an employee union is calling for a Harvard employee to be summarily punished and cast out of the university community based upon allegations that the universitys process found him not responsible for or that have never been investigated. The cabal that controls Local 5118, whose officials include two of Comaroffs accusers, is misusing a union structure to promote a witch-hunt that undermines democratic rights. It is setting a precedent that would allow anyone, including workers as well as professors, to be summarily fired or dismissed based on unsubstantiated charges. The Biden administration has also now intervened on the side of the plaintiffs. An amicus brief filed Wednesday by the Justice Department asserts that Harvard may be liable if Comaroff retaliated against the accusers, as the latter claim. The administrations intrusion into the Comaroff case helps clarify the political and class dynamics at work. The White House and the Democrats have a significant stake in the campaign. It is being used to refocus political attention on gender and identity politics, to be wielded against a growing movement of the working class. The threatening character of this weeks provocations against Comaroff must serve as a warning. This is the kind of operation generally organized by the extreme right. Given the campaigns disoriented petty bourgeois social base and its hints of anti-Semitism, there is more than a whiff of fascism here. Why not take the next step: build a pile of Comaroffs works and set it ablaze? Harvard faculty members have distinguished themselves so far by their acquiescence to the witch-hunt. In February, 38 of his colleagues issued an open letter explaining that they knew John Comaroff to be an excellent colleague, advisor and committed university citizen who has for five decades trained and advised hundreds of Ph.D. students of diverse backgrounds, who have subsequently become leaders in universities across the world. We are dismayed by Harvards sanctions against him and concerned about its effects on our ability to advise our own students. The filing of the accusers wild lawsuit and a flurry of wrathful tweets and emails almost instantly knocked the stuffing out of the 38. Only an honorable handful of the professors refused to remove their names, apologize and generally demean themselves. The deceitful, underhanded modus operandi of the anti-Comaroff forces needs to be exposed as widely and thoroughly as possible. Faculty and students have the responsibility to examine the facts objectively. Such an examination will inevitably lead to strong, vocal opposition to the ongoing witch-hunt. The situation can and must be turned around. It is high time to put a stop to the campaigns of denunciation and vilification using the method of baseless allegations and media-driven hysteria. The Socialist Equality Party and International Youth and Students for Social Equality call on faculty, students and workers at Harvard University and beyond to oppose the attack on Comaroff and defend his right to continue his teaching at Harvard University. Childcare workers took part in rallies across Australia on Wednesday to demand improvements to their poverty-level wages and to oppose the increasingly unbearable conditions that have been foisted onto them by governments and the private employers that dominate the sector. Early childhood educators holding placards at a rally in Martin Place, Sydney on September 7, 2022 [Photo: WSWS] While the protests expressed mounting anger among workers, the United Workers Union (UWU) promoted bankrupt illusions that the big business federal Labor government would resolve the crisis facing childcare staff. The unions are collaborating closely with Labor as it seeks to suppress wages, implement a new round of pro-business restructuring and keep a lid on the mounting class struggles, including in sectors such as childcare where the unions have historically had no presence. The UWU sought to restrict discussion among workers. This included anti-democratic attempts to block Socialist Equality Party campaigners from speaking with protesters in Sydney and Brisbane, for fear that they would expose the UWUs long record of imposing sellouts, outline the right-wing and anti-working class character of the Labor government, and advance the fight for rank-and-file committees among childcare workers. The union was clearly fearful that this program, aimed at developing a genuine industrial and political fight by childcare and other workers, would win a strong response. Despite the attempted censorship, WSWS reporters spoke to a number of participants. **** Cathrine [Photo: WSWS] At the rally in Sydney, Cathrine, who works casually as an early childcare educator, explained: When I was working full-time, I would go home after an eight-hour shift and do at least 30 minutes of unpaid work straight away with my kids sitting on my lap. Then if I had to write observations I would do it once my kids were asleep. When COVID hit, the wind got taken out of us. We felt scared every day coming to work. We thought everyone else is shutting down, why are we not shutting down? But the government didnt care that we were putting ourselves at risk. They said put on a mask and socially distance, which is physically impossible with children. Asked why childcare centres had remained open, Cathrine said: Because parents cant work with their children at home, and I dont think workplaces give the flexibility needed. The government treats us like childminders. We are told to just shut up and put up and that we cant complain because we are essential workers. Ive had quite a number of children catch COVID. It is a cycle where two or three children will catch it and then we will be free for a few weeks or a month, then it comes back again. This has happened since the lockdowns finished. On the ending of safety measures, she said, its really scary, Ive caught it, my sons caught it and I had longer effects. I was off work for a month, and I am casual so I couldnt afford it, but had no choice. Asked if she thinks there should be unified action amongst workers, Cathrine replied: Do you mean like the Yellow Vest protests in France? If we could do that it would be amazing. The only way to really get things moving is to piss people off and hit it in their money. Cathrine expressed interest in the SEPs call for rank-and-file committees independent of the unions. I do think the unions havent got the teeth that they used to have. This isnt a strike, its nothing. Im taking unpaid leave to be here today, she said. Kathy and Anabelle (pseudonyms) work at some of the last remaining council run childcare centres in Sydney. Kathy said, the pay we get does not match the work we do. There is so much staff turnover and burnout. There is no incentive to stay or for more staff to come and work. In private centres people get into business and they want to make profit, they want to make money. Speaking on the impact of COVID-19, she added, we felt like pawns. We had to stay open so that the people they actually consider important could go to work. What we do is not just childminding, we help shape these children. Annabelle stated, Every single day there are one or two educators off. This can be through leaving the sector or due to COVID. Speaking on the SEPs call for joint action she said, I most certainly think the action should be united, especially with teachers. Kathy added, with nurses nothing is happening for them as well. I have a friend who is a nurse working with children and they didnt even get hazard pay. Just like us they were just thrown in there and told it is all right, children dont get it that bad. But children can pass it on. That is when we saw we mean nothing to them, we just mind the children. Alex works at a for-profit centre that was not shut down for the strike. When asked what she would demand for workers in the sector, she said, higher pay rate across the board, a minimum 20 percent increase. We are accredited teachers and have to maintain 100 hours of professional development. We should not have to pay for those courses and complete them in our own time. That is 100 hours of unpaid work. Bev [Photo: WSWS] In Brisbane, Bev, a former teachers aide who came to support the childcare educators, and whose daughter is a kindergarten teacher, said the pay was poor and so was the recognition for the educators contribution to the development of the children. There are a lot of companies out there that make a lot of money from childcare, but it isnt reflected in the salaries, she said, adding that teachers aides were badly paid too, but it was far worse for childhood educators. Bev was sceptical about the UWUs promotion of illusions in the Labor government. I would hope the Labor government would do something but quite honestly the parameters of childcare in this country are wrong. Childcare should be available to everybody, regardless of what level they are at. I dont know why it cant be subsidised like state education So I would hope, but I am not 22 anymore, so Ive been around a long time and I know the winds of change take a long time too. Kate, a childcare worker, commented: There is a whole lot of profit for people running childcare. While we see escalating fees there is no benefit to the people teaching or giving care. Workers get the basic wage per houranywhere from $22and for those who have a diploma it could be around $29 per hour. There is casualisation too. There has to be some structural change. Kate agreed that new workers organisations, like rank-and-file committees, were needed. Asked if she believed the union officials when they said they were on your side and batting for you, she said: No, I have worked long enough to know that is not the case. Natasha [Photo: WSWS] In the regional New South Wales city of Newcastle, several hours north of Sydney, Natasha explained: Ive been working in the childcare profession for three decades and I am still receiving the same amount of pay that someone would be receiving if they started three years ago. The first- and second-year workers dont receive the same pay initially. There is no real financial benefit in this job.Tthe only reason any of us do it is for the love of the kids. I was in close contact with children who I would find out the following day had COVID-19. No one was talking about keeping us safe. She described the conditions at one centre she worked at, where short staffing meant they would constantly be at the wrong ratio. We were breaking the law. The current ratio is one educator to ten 3-5-year-olds, a 1:8 ratio for 2-3-year-olds and 0-2 years is 1:5. I was in a room on my own with 20 children at one point. Jo and Elisha [Photo: WSWS] Jo, from a council childcare facility in Melbourne, said, Educators are burnt-out. Weve got staff away all the time. One day we had 11 staff away, when we have 40 staff, so we couldnt run rooms. Its not a quality service. Elisha said, Weve got these guidelines, so many expectations to document all the childrens learning in such little time to do it, its just not feasible. Theyre trying to stretch us when were already at our absolute limit. Ebony (second from left) [Photo: WSWS] Ebony explained, Were putting our own money back into the centre. Were on minimum wage but if we want any resources, we have to buy it ourselves. Ive got two children myself, so the rising cost of living is really hard. We all work to make a living and were barely surviving. Linda, an educator from a private facility in Melbourne, said, Were paid an absolute pittance for what we do. The sector has such low pay, nobody wants to work in it. Were haemorrhaging because we cannot get staff. We must write mountains of paperwork, even when were short of staff. As a result, many educators do this work at home for no pay. Linda [Photo: WSWS] On the pandemic she said, The first lockdown there were fewer children, but for the second one the government broadened the definition of essential worker. Suddenly everyone was an essential worker, it was a joke! We were told to test ourselves, but we couldnt even get rapid antigen tests. You can never get ahead. You cant earn enough to get a basic standard of living. If youre a single person on an educators wage clearing $857 a week, how are you going to survive? How are you going to pay rent? Sometimes the nursery is absolute hell. You have 12 babies under 1, with 3 staff. You cant give quality care. And we get told, But youre on ratio. Ratio is the bare minimum by law. No ones doing us any favours by keeping us on ratio. There are childcare centres running for profit. They run the place on the smell of an oily rag. Its all about the big dollar, the shareholders. Here we are working our arses off for low wages, and the people who own these companies are driving around in BMWs, Mercs and living in swanky houses. Were the one holding up the boat for them. Theyve probably never set foot in a childcare centre in their lives. UAW presidential candidate Will Lehman issued the following statement addressed to workers at construction equipment giant Caterpillar. The WSWS has endorsed Lehmans campaign. On Sunday, September 11 at 2 p.m. Eastern, Lehman will be hosting a live discussion about his campaign on Zoom; learn more and register here. For more information on Lehmans campaign, go to WillforUAWpresident.org. Mack Trucks worker and candidate for UAW president Will Lehman [Photo: WSWS] Dear brothers and sisters at Caterpillar, My name is Will Lehman. Im a second-tier, rank-and-file worker at Mack Trucks in Macungie, Pennsylvania, and a socialist. I am running for president of the UAW International in the national elections in October-November. My campaign is not aimed at reforming the corrupt, pro-corporate UAW apparatus, but abolishing this apparatus and placing power in the hands of workers ourselves. I call for workers to form rank-and-file factory and workplace committees, which will enable us to communicate and coordinate our struggles across different plants, companies and even countries. Only on this basis can we carry out a real fight for what we need, not what the companies claim is affordable. To reverse the endless concessions given up by the UAW bureaucracy, we need massive wage increases for all workers, the real end of the tier system, the restoration of COLA and pensions for active workers and retirees, the return to the eight-hour day and end of constant mandatory overtime, and more. The UAW has been transformed into a union in name only, with a layer of privileged officials totally unaccountable to workers. This apparatus sits on top of more than $1 billion in assets, built up with our dues, which they use parasitically to fund their own incomes and perks, with more than 450 on staff at the UAW International making more than $100,000 a year. Direct elections for UAW president and other positions are only taking place because virtually the entire UAW leadership was implicated in a corruption scandal. The scandal proved what we had long suspected: Top UAW officials were either bribed by the companies or stealing our dues. People such as former UAW President Dennis Williams and former Vice President Norwood Jewell, who both played key roles in pushing through sellout contracts at CAT over the past three decades, pleaded guilty and were sentenced to jail as part of a federal investigation. Both, however, were released early from their slap-on-the-wrist prison sentences. The UAW bureaucracys record of betrayals at Caterpillar For many years, Caterpillar has been a word synonymous with corporate ruthlessness and strikebreaking, as well as the bitter betrayals by the organization which claimed to represent workers, the UAW. In the 1990s, the two strikes at Caterpillar, despite the immense determination and heroism of workers, were sabotaged and sold out by the UAW bureaucracy. The result was a historic decline in CAT workers living standards and working conditions. What followed was the wage and benefit tier system, frozen pay for senior workers, the loss of pensions and COLA, rising health care costs, the closure of countless plants and widespread destruction of jobs. The attacks on workers have continued up to today. The 2017 contract with Caterpillar backed by the UAW allowed the company to close the Aurora plant. It included further concessions in wages and benefits, despite the company having benefited from record profits. Many workers at the time suspected, with good reason, that the vote was rigged, given the widespread opposition to the deal. In addition to the relentless assault on living standards, workers have been subjected to increasingly intolerable and dangerous working conditions. The horrific death of 39-year-old Steven Dierkes at Caterpillars Mapleton Foundry a little over three months ago was an event which shocked all those workers who read about it. It revealed the harsh truth so many workers confront every day in the US: brutal and deadly industrial sweatshops which resemble the conditions in the 19th century. As I said in my statement on June 29 when I announced my campaign, We cannot forget workers like Catherine Pace and Willie Dee, who died of COVID, and Steven Dierkes at Caterpillar and Danny Walters at Dana, who died from poor working conditions. We cannot allow ourselves to forgive the companies and the UAW bureaucracy that are indifferent to these deaths and other injuries. It is up to us to ensure that solidarity means we prevent deaths like these, that we have our own backs. The Volvo Trucks, John Deere and CNH strikes A rebellion by workers against the UAW bureaucracy is already well underway. At Volvo Trucks in Virginia last year, nearly 3,000 workers fought a courageous, months-long strike that pitted them against both Volvo (which also owns Mack, where I work) and their lackeys in the UAW, including Ray Curry, the current UAW president. Volvo workers overwhelmingly voted down at least three UAW sellout contractstwice by 90 percent or more. No doubt many of you closely followed the historic strike by 10,000 John Deere workers last fall. Deere workers also repeatedly defied the UAWs attempts to force a pro-company deal down their throats, twice voting to reject a sellout contract. These strikes showed that the ability of the UAW apparatus to suppress workers on behalf of the companies has come to an end. Workers everywhere, confronting a rapid rise in the cost of living and intolerable working conditions, are looking to take a stand and finally go on the offensive once again. The struggles at Volvo and Deere last year were only the beginning. For more than four months, our brothers and sisters at CNH Industrial in Racine, Wisconsin and Burlington, Iowa have been on strike, also looking to overturn years of UAW-enforced concessions. But the UAW apparatus is doing everything it can to keep these workers isolated and to wear them down, doing nothing to inform, let alone mobilize, its hundreds of thousands of members behind them. At the UAW convention this summer, union executives forced a revote by delegates which reversed an increase in weekly strike pay to $500, lowering it back down to $400, ensuring that CNH workers will continue to be starved out. Build a mass movement to bring power to the shop floor! The UAW-Caterpillar contract expires early next year. But the time for workers to organize, mobilize and seize the initiative is now. Fundamental change will be brought about not by replacing a few bureaucrats in the UAW apparatus. The apparatus as a whole is rotten and needs to be abolished, with power taken into the hands of rank-and-file workers. The way for us to carry out this task and to win what we need is by organizing ourselves and uniting the collective strength of the working class. My campaign is in solidarity with the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, a growing global network of workers organizations. While the UAW executives endlessly preach nationalism to divide and weaken workers, my campaign is reaching out to our class brothers and sisters in other countries and advancing international working class unity to fight multinational corporations on a global scale, for the betterment of all working class people. Caterpillar, a gigantic transnational conglomerate, has a global strategy, and workers can only carry out a successful fight if they have an international strategy and organization of their own. My name will appear on the ballot for UAW International president this fall. If you agree with my perspective, I urge you not just to vote for me, but to join my campaign and the fight to build a rank-and-file movement to win what we need. For more information and to get involved, email me at willforuawpresident@gmail.com, and visit my website at willforuawpresident.org. Footage released earlier this week confirms that local Republican Party officials in Coffee County, Georgia conspired with high-level lawyers from the Trump campaign to allow computer technicians access to election offices following Trumps January 6 coup attempt. Former Coffee County Republican chair Cathy Latham allowing Trump-paid technicians into the county elections office on January 7, 2021. Once inside the election offices, Trump campaign hired computer forensics teams were allowed access to voting machines and copy sensitive election software and data as part of Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The security footage released this week was captured outside the elections office in rural Coffee County, located about 200 miles southeast of Atlanta. The video shows that on January 7, 2021, one day after Trumps fascist mob failed to stop the certification of President Joe Bidens election victory, Cathy Latham, the then chair of the Coffee County Republican Party, arrived at the elections office at 11:30 a.m. Within minutes of arriving at the office the tape shows that Latham, one of sixteen bogus electors who submitted false paperwork to the National Archives and to Congress claiming Trump won Georgia, allowed two men, Scott Hall and Paul Maggio, to enter the building. Maggio is the current chief operating officer for SullivanStrickler a data migration and computer forensics company based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Notably, a week before Latham allowed the Trump-campaign hired operatives into the building, Latham testified before the Georgia Senate alongside Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani. In her testimony, she claimed that QR codes had been manipulated in order to alter vote totals and state Republican officials, including Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, were not doing enough to address inadequacies in the vote. In audio obtained by CNN, Hall, an Atlanta-area bail bondsman, was recorded saying that he chartered the jet to go down to Coffee County to have them inspect all of those computers. I went down there, we scanned every freaking ballot, Hall says in the recording, per CNN. Emails turned over as part of a civil suit in Georgia related to the Republican efforts to overturn the vote have confirmed that SullivanStrickler was hired by Trump coup lawyer Sidney Powell to copy election software. This was done so that Trump lawyers and Republican operatives could manipulate the data in order to claim that there was mass fraud in the 2020 election. However election officials and security experts have also warned that by copying the data and hard drives, there is a potential security risk that future elections could be interfered with. The Associate Press (AP) reported that in total, Latham allowed four different people access to the county elections building for over six hours on January 7. The AP noted that at 1:30 p.m. Latham left the building entirely and did not return for roughly two and half hours, allowing the computer forensics team, and others, to do whatever they liked with the voting machines they had access to inside the building. The footage also shows Eric Chaney, a member of Coffee Countys election board, going in and out of the office during the same period Maggio of SullivanStrickler was inside the building. In their report on the security footage, the AP notes that in a court filing submitted by Maggio, there is a photo of Chaney inside the office as SullivanStrickler technicians are copying software data from the voting machines. Prior to entering the elections office on January 7, Maggio had sent Trump attorney Powell an email saying he and his team were on our way to Coffee County Georgia to collect what we can from the Election/Voting machines and systems. The email included an invoice titled Voting Machines Analysis for $26,000, which Maggio said would pay for four people to do one days worth of work. The following day Maggio sent another email to Powell: Everything went smoothly yesterday with the Coffee County collection. Everyone involved was extremely helpful. He told Powell that they would be consolidating all of the data collected and will be uploading it to our secure site for access by your team. The video footage is further confirmation that Trumps efforts to establish a dictatorship were aided by Republicans throughout the country, and that their attempts to overthrow the election and the US Constitution have continued even after the failed attack on Congress. Fulton County District Attorney, Democrat Fani Willis is currently overseeing an investigation into Trump and his bevy of Republican allies efforts to overturn the election in Georgia. She has interviewed over a hundred witnesses including high-level Republican politicians and lawyers, including Giuliani. As part of her probe into Republican efforts to break into voting machines, last month Willis submitted paperwork requesting that Powell and Trumps former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows testify before the special grand jury. In her petition filed on August 26, Willis noted that Powell was heavily involved in the multi-state, coordinated efforts to influence the results of the November 2020 elections in Georgia and elsewhere. In the aforementioned audio recording of Hall obtained by CNN, he claims that the same people who broke into voting machines in Georgia, also did so in Michigan. The same people that went up to Michigan, OK, and did all that forensic stuff on the computers. And they sent their team down to Coffee County, Georgia, and they scanned all the equipment, imaged all the hard drives, and scanned every single ballot. In the 2020 election, Coffee County, home to about 43,000 people, voted for Trump over Biden by a roughly 70-30 margin. Despite this, Coffee County was the only county, out of 159 in the state, to refuse to certify their results following the election. In an infamous December 18, 2020 executive order draft memorandum that was never sent out, Coffee County, along with Antrim County, Michigan, were the two counties cited in order to justify Trumps lying claims that the election was fraudulent. The unsigned executive order called for Powell to be appointed special counsel and investigate the non-existent voter fraud, while the Department of Homeland Security and/or the US military, under the direction of retired Army General and fascist Michael Flynn, would seize voting machines, and re-run the election at gunpoint, guaranteeing Trumps victory. The security footage in Coffee County shows that in addition to computer technicians entering the office on January 7, roughly two weeks after the failed coup on January 18 then county elections director Misty Hampton arrived at the facility at 4:20 p.m. and proceeded to let in two men, Doug Logan, the CEO of Cyber Ninjas, and Jeff Lenberg into the office. The AP notes that Lenberg and Logan, remained inside until just after 8 p.m. and then spent more than nine hours there the next day. Lenberg returned for brief visits on at least three more days later that month. In addition to breaking into voting machines in Michigan and Georgia, Logan headed the bogus Arizona forensic audit following the 2020 election. After spending millions of dollars on the Arizona audit, Logans company concluded Biden actually won Arizona by more votes then previously thought. Lenberg and Logan are two of several Republican operatives and politicians Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is requesting a special prosecutor charge with felonies for their role in breaking into and copying voting machine data illegally in Michigan. Nessel is also requesting felony charges against current Republican state Rep. Daire Rendon and Trump-endorsed Republican candidate for Attorney General Matthew DePerno. As of now, there are federal investigations into Republican attempts to either break into voting machines, or submit fraudulent electors in Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Colorado and Wisconsin. Despite the fact that there has been no evidence presented, nearly two years after the fact, of any substantial voter fraud, Trump and his fascistic allies, which include a majority of the Republican Party, have continued to assert that that the 2020 election was stolen and that Biden is an illegitimate president. A recent analysis from FiveThirtyEight found that out of a total of 540 Republican nominees running for office in the 2022 midterms, 199 candidates fully denied the legitimacy of the 2020 election. Another 62 candidates, raised questions about the results and have intimated that it was fraudulent. Another 118 Republican candidates have refused to state their position on the 2020 election. In other words, roughly 70 percent of Republicans running in the 2022 midterms either outright deny, or refuse to acknowledge the results of the 2020 election. Only 74 Republicans running in the midterms, have fully accepted that Biden is the president, while 87 have accepted with reservations, meaning they still think Biden won, but that they have concerns about the integrity of the vote. FiveThirtyEight projects that 118 election deniers and eight election doubters have at least a 95 percent chance of winning their respective races. Australias state, territory and federal authorities ended all daily reporting of indices of the COVID-19 pandemic yesterday. Infections, testing numbers, vaccination levels and deaths will now be the subject of a weekly report. There is not the slightest scientific or health justification for the abrupt ending of daily reporting. Instead, the move is the latest stage in a protracted campaign to bury the ongoing coronavirus crisis and fraudulently depict it as a thing of the past. Ventilator tubes attached to a COVID-19 patient at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in the Mission Hills section of Los Angeles, Nov. 19, 2020 [AP Photo/Jae C. Hong] This profit-driven campaign has the character of a conspiracy against the population, implicating the entire political establishment. The decision to end daily reporting was made at a meeting of all the state, territory and federal health ministers on September 2. It was quietly made public five days later, on September 7, and was mentioned in just a handful of media reports. Notably, the majority of the health ministers are from the Labor Party, and the federal Labor government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is presiding over the abolition of regular reporting. That is a stark expression of the bipartisan character of the let it rip program, which has resulted in some ten million infections and more than 12,000 deaths this year alone. In brief comments justifying the change, Labors federal Health Minister Mark Butler stated: The move is supported by chief health officers and will ensure high quality, accurate information is provided that sheds more light on COVID dynamics. That is transparent nonsense. The ending of daily reporting is clearly not aimed at expanding information about the pandemic or COVID dynamics, but stifling it. State and territory governments made similar, cursory comments. Labors health minister in the Australian Capital Territory, Rachel Stephen-Smith, bluntly stated: The winter wave of COVID-19 has passed and we have reached a stage in the pandemic where daily reporting is not as important as it was. The corporate media and the state-funded Australian Broadcasting Corporation have not published a single critical commentary questioning the ending of daily reporting, much less warning that it will restrict the populations access to essential information. From the official statements, one would assume that COVID illness and death had slowed to a trickle, and infections were increasingly scarce. This, however, stands reality on its head. On Friday, the last day of daily reporting, 133 COVID deaths were confirmed across Australia. That is the sixth-highest daily tally in the 954 days since the World Health Organisation declared a global pandemic on January 30, 2020. Yesterdays 133 fatalities compare with a daily high of 27 last year, one of only six days in the entirety of 2021 that COVID deaths reached or exceeded 20. In the last seven days of reporting, including Friday, 407 fatalities were recorded. That is a daily average of more than 58 deaths, greater than any period in the pandemic except for brief periods of this June and August. August was the deadliest month of the pandemic yet, with 2,056 COVID fatalities reported. That was the first time 2,000 deaths had been exceeded within a month. In other words, the daily reporting is being ended as COVID claims a higher toll than ever. The withdrawal of the reporting formalises a de facto arrangement that has been in place for months. When they lifted virtually all COVID safety measures last December, Australias governments ended the previous practice of daily press conferences with health officers providing updates on deaths, infections and hospitalisations. Politicians have rarely commented on the thousands of deaths this year. One would need to scour press reports to find even a mention of the tragic fatalities by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese or any state or territory leader. The media had already largely stopped reporting the death rates. If referenced at all, they are consigned to the most cursory mentions or buried in newspaper and media websites. This muted and completely indifferent coverage has contrasted starkly with the sensationalist reporting of such things as car crashes, violent crimes and unusual accidents, all of which have claimed far fewer victims than COVID over the recent period. Data on infections has been all but meaningless since last December. As they reopened the economy, the governments presided over the deliberate crashing of the polymerase chain reaction testing system. Over the ensuing months, they sharply restricted access to the network which had been the primary testing mechanism through the first two years of the pandemic. In its place, individuals have been instructed to purchase and self-administer less reliable rapid antigen tests. Throughout the first eight months of the year, epidemiologists have variously estimated that true infections are double, or sometimes far higher than, the official figure. Even still, almost ten million such official infections have been recorded in a population of 25 million. That means that a substantial majority of the national population is likely to have caught COVID this year. The long-term health implications, covered up by the governments, are beginning to emerge. Treasury figures recently revealed that in June, 31,000 workers were calling in sick every day as a result of Long-COVIDa series of debilitating and potentially life-long conditions that can result from even mild coronavirus infection. According to some analyses, that equates to almost 10 percent of the national workforce. The Australian Financial Review (AFR) yesterday cited a report by Impact Economics and Policy that estimated that the incidence of Long-COVID is costing the economy some $100 million a year. The AFR reported the case of Amy Orange, an Adelaide-based strategist for charities and businesses with a social purpose. The 37-year-old described herself as previously being a healthy and relatively fit person. Since a COVID infection in January, however, she has suffered chronic bouts of extreme fatigue as well as heart palpitations. Experts have warned Long-COVID can impact virtually every organ of the body. The dangers were known in December, when all the governments embarked upon the deliberate, mass infection of the population. The claims used to justify this program, including that Omicron is mild, have been refuted in the record deaths, as well as the Long-COVID epidemic, which has become a mass disabling event. Governments are responding to this social and health crisis as they did in December: by prioritising corporate profits above all else. Rather than attempt to reduce infections, they are jettisoning the handful of remaining safety measures to force infected people to remain at their workplaces. Together with the ending of daily reporting, the isolation time for COVID-infected individuals was slashed yesterday from seven to five days. The federal pandemic leave payment has been slashed by more than $200 and is set to be ended altogether at the end of the month. Those measures were decided by the Labor-led extra-constitutional National Cabinet. Epidemiologists have warned that half or more of COVID patients will remain infected after their five-day isolation period, guaranteeing that the next coronavirus wave will be worse than any before it. A mask-mandate on domestic flights, one of the last such requirements, has been abolished, ending even a pretence of infection control in high-risk public settings. As they carry out this new onslaught on the health and safety of the populations, governments are presiding over a crackdown on principled epidemiologists and experts who have provided true information to the public. That is the significance of the censure and threatened deregistration of Dr David Berger, a prominent Zero-COVID advocate, by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority. His offence has been to vocally condemn the let it rip agenda and advocate scientifically-grounded measures to eliminate coronavirus transmission and end the pandemic. Meanwhile, the governments presiding over such attacks openly promote medical misinformation. They lie to the population about the end of the pandemic, or the advent of a new, supposedly less dangerous phase, while the deadly virus they have unleashed claims more victims than ever. The WSWS has endorsed Will Lehmans campaign for UAW president. For more information on Lehmans campaign, go to WillforUAWpresident.org. Autoworkers from GM Flint Assembly in Michigan reacted angrily to attempts by United Auto Workers officials to block their discussions with UAW presidential candidate Will Lehman. During a recent campaign tour, Lehman visited GM Flint Assembly and talked with rank-and-file workers who expressed support for his campaign, which includes the call for the abolition of the UAW apparatus and the transfer of power to the shop floor. During the campaign, Local 598 District Committeeman Sean Meachem began to intimidate workers who were speaking with Lehman and his supporters. Meachem called GM security to try to remove the campaign team from the plant and also instructed a woman wearing a UAW shirt to take photographs of Lehman, campaign volunteers and workers. UAW official calls GM management to demand security remove Will Lehman On September 1, Lehman sent a letter to the court-appointed Monitor overseeing the elections demanding an investigation into the incident. This is an overt act of intimidation against workers who became fearful that they would be retaliated against at work for even speaking to me or taking a leaflet, he wrote. I had no idea the union would threaten us for talking to him, a young woman with ten years at the GM plant said. I dont see any reason to be bullied. Every first of the month, my union dues come out of my check. I am paying them. Some higher-ups in the union get so caught up with their power, they forget what they are there for, she added. When [the GM plant in] Springhill, Tennessee went down a shift, they were contracting all the material handling jobs through Ryderoutsourcing jobs inside the plant. Why is the union letting this go on? Giving our jobs away. Now they are starting to outsource here in Flint, a little at a time. What about bringing COLA back? She said, I have three granddads who are UAW, two at GM, one at Ford. When her older family members hired in, she said, they could start a family on a single paycheck. Conditions today are a glaring contrast. Most temps today are teenagers. For what they get paid, they cant live on their own. Despite the efforts of the UAW apparatus, Lehmans campaign is winning powerful support at the plant. You were on the north gate, one worker said. Were by the south gate, and my co-workers were just talking about everything you are saying. The UAW apparatus is doing all it can to prevent workers from even knowing about the election, in an effort to suppress the vote of the rank-and-file. I didnt know the union was dogging you guys, the worker said. They still havent said anything about the election. They should have a crew meeting or a union meeting right here in the shop. But we wouldnt even know about it if you hadnt come. [Will Lehmans] campaign is the only way we heard anything. The worker went on to describe the pressure for strike action that is already building in the plant more than a year before the contract expires. I was just thinking about that three percent raise. That is nothing. Look at the price of gas and food. Its just crazy. They are making a ton of money, record profits, off of us, and we get nothing. We need a lot more money for working here. A lot of workers in here are saying the exact same thing you are talking about. A co-worker spoke about the terrible working conditions at the plant. There is just no relief. My hands were cramping up every day until I had to have surgery for carpel tunnel syndrome. It was too painful. Several workers also replied to an email Lehman sent out to all UAW members on the effort at intimidation. One worker wrote, Hello Will, I just read through the ordeal you had in Flint. Damn shame! I pray that somehow you get a fair election! This union is not what it used to be and should be. That was before my time, but my grandfather would tell me stories that were inspiring. He would say that alone we are no match, but as a group we are unmatched. Their brotherhood ran deep. May God bless you to carry on, to be strong and resilient and fight for us that feel our voices dont matter. Help us become unmatched again! Another wrote: Im confused as to why fellow union members would do that! Also reaching out to management to help/assist in the attempt to remove you from the grounds. My local isnt acknowledged by the UAW international nor does our international rep work with our current chairman from what Im informed. Im a member of the UAW Local 933 Allison Transmission in Speedway, Indiana, and its depressing and frightening how much its changed here and how weak our local in general has become... I feel the UAW as a whole has lost its purpose and what it was created and formed to do for laborers. I feel they have become more a business which the top members in the high up positions are only out for themselves and out to fill their pockets after learning how easily they can lie and cheat without being caught until they become too careless. For more information on Lehmans campaign, go to WillforUAWpresident.org. KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2022 - 10:59 | All, Japan Three bodies recovered by Russia that are believed to be those of people missing from a tourist boat that sank off Hokkaido in April arrived in Japan on a coast guard vessel Saturday. The bodies, discovered between May and June, were handed over to the Japan Coast Guard by Russian authorities the previous day following DNA tests conducted in Russia. The tests based on data sent from Japan showed the bodies were those of two of the passengers and a crew member of the sightseeing boat Kazu I, which sank in bad weather on April 23 leaving 15 dead and 11 missing. The Hokkaido police will release the bodies to the victims' families after conducting further DNA tests, officials said. The bodies are believed to be those of Akira Soyama, a 27-year-old deckhand, and a woman and man among those still unaccounted for. One of the bodies was found in the southern part of Sakhalin and the others on Kunashiri Island. The boat was recovered from the seabed about 11 kilometers west of Utoro port in Shari, from where it departed with 26 people aboard for a three-hour cruise around the Shiretoko Peninsula, a World Natural Heritage site, despite warnings of bad weather. Kunashiri Island is one of four Russia-controlled, Japan-claimed islands collectively called the Northern Territories by Tokyo and the Southern Kurils by Moscow. Related coverage: 2 missing from Hokkaido tour boat possibly identified by DNA Salvaged Hokkaido tourist boat craned from barge ahead of inspection The Trade Union and Mass Organisation (TUMO) in Sri Lanka invited opposition political parties and key diplomats, including from the UK, Canada and Australia, to a seminar in Colombo last month to press President Ranil Wickremesinghes government to halt its repressive actions. Meeting of joint trade unions and mass organizations. [Photo: WSWS] The TUMO is a front of about three dozen trade unions, including the Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU), the Ceylon Mercantile and General Workers Union, and the Ceylon Bank Employees Union, as well as the pseudo-left Frontline Socialist Partys (FSP) Workers Struggle Centre. A fishermens group and some non-government organisations are also in the alliance. The immediate reason for the August 24 seminar, entitled Peoples movement against the repression, was the detention of Inter-University Student Front (IUSF) convener, Wasantha Mudalige, another IUSF leader Galwawa Siridhamma and student activist Hashan Gunatilake. On August 22, Wickremesinghe signed a 90-day detention order for their jailing under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The branding of anti-government protests as terrorism is a warning to the working class that the Wickremesinghe government will use all its extensive powers against the mass protests and strikes that have erupted during the past four months over the countrys deep economic and social crisis. The government has just reached a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an emergency loan that requires even deeper attacks on living conditions and will provoke far greater opposition. The mass movement forced former President Gotabhaya Rajapakse to flee the country and resign. As he fled, he installed Wickremesinghe as acting president, recognising his long track record as an enforcer of IMF austerity. Wickremesinghe, who is deeply despised, was later installed anti-democratically as president through a vote in parliament. The TUMO seminar, far from fighting state repression, was aimed at cementing a bloc with the opposition capitalist parties, backed by the major imperialist powers, aimed at diverting such opposition into the dead-end of parliamentary politics. All the opposition parties support the IMFs austerity measures and in office would be just as ruthless in suppressing protests and strikes. The parties that attended included the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) and its allies, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and the Tamil Progressive Alliance, as well as the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). The SJB, the largest parliamentary opposition party, is a breakaway from Wickremesinghes United National Party (UNP). Its leaders have no fundamental differences with Wickremesinghe and share political responsibility for the UNPs long record of brutal repression against the working class. The UNP was directly responsible for the anti-Tamil pogroms in 1983 that provoked the brutal communal war that devastated the country. In the late 1980s, the UNP government of President Ranasinghe Premadasa carried out bloody suppression involving the mass slaughter of rural youth in the south of the island. The military and its associated death squads killed an estimated 60,000 youth. Many more were imprisoned and tortured. Yet the TUMO and FSP are promoting the SJB, which only broke from the UNP in 2020, as a champion of democratic rights. CTU general secretary and TUMO convener, Joseph Stalin, told the seminar that serious repression is going on in the country. It is time for acting against this repression. None can defeat this repression acting alone. Because of that let us get together and take these actions forward sternly. Such a pro-capitalist formation, however, is aimed above all at blocking independent action by workers and the poor that threatens bourgeois rule and the profit system. It is to paralyse the working class as the Wickremesinghe government widens its attacks on democratic rights. SJB leader Sajith Premadasa, the son of the former president, told the meeting: To take the country out of the precipice, an all-party united program is necessary. Blaming Gotabhaya Rajapakse for the repression and extreme rightwing neo-liberal policies and tax concessions to billionaire rich, he called for the rejection of rightist policies and ultra-leftism and a turn to a socialdemocratic middle path. No one at the seminar challenged this concoction of lies and misrepresentations. The social-democratic middle path is nothing other than the harsh IMF agenda being implemented. In fact, the SJB called for talks with the IMF even before Rajapakse embraced such a strategy, well aware of the popular opposition that it would inevitably generate. As for repression, Sajith Premadasa has never repudiated the bloody methods of his father and would be just as prepared to use them. The JVP was the immediate target of the UNP repression in the late 1980s. It had mounted a reactionary, chauvinist campaign against the 1987 Indo-Lankan accord that brought Indian troops into the north of the island to disarm and suppress armed Tamil groups. JVP gunmen killed hundreds of workers, trade union leaders and political figures who opposed their campaign. The JVP has, however, long since ended its armed struggle and socialistic demagogy, and functions as part of the capitalist political establishment in Colombo. At the seminar, JVP leader Sunil Handuneththi postured as an opponent of the Wickremesinghe government and its repression, but he works hand-in-hand with the SJB and supports the IMF austerity demands. The JVP is promoting the lie that a general election will end the hardships facing working people. In reality, the JVPs advocacy of a legitimate government is to better impose the brutal measures imposed by the current regime. The seminar was a damning indictment of the pseudo-left FSP, a JVP breakaway, which enthusiastically supported a front with these pro-capitalist parties and political rogues. The FSP education secretary Pubudu Jayagoda jubilantly declared: Let us unite our forces going beyond holding seminars and issuing statements The FSP promises that we will give our maximum support to bring all forces against this repression into a common platform. The working class and the poor must take a warning. During the protests and strikes by millions of workers and poor since April, the TUMO, together with the Trade Union Coordinating Centre led by the JVP, played a treacherous role. With the backing of opposition parties and the FSP, they did everything they could to limit and derail the mass movement. Millions of workers participated in one-day general strikes on April 28 and May 6. The political perspective of the trade unions, however, was the same as the opposition partiesthe call for an interim, all-party government to better prosecute the attacks on working people. By limiting the strikes, politically and organisationally, the unions paved the way for the installation of Wickremesinghe as president and are therefore politically responsible for his new round of attacks on democratic rights. Now the unions and fake lefts are seeking alliances with the opposition parties to prepare another political trap for workers. The defence of democratic rights can be taken forward only by the independent mobilisation of the working class with the support of rural poor as part of the struggle for socialism. This requires a political offensive against the Wickremesinghe government, as well as all the capitalist parties that defend the profit system. Workers should demand the repeal of the PTA, all emergency laws and the Essential Public Services Act, the immediate release of all detainees and the abolition of the autocratic executive presidency. Such a political fight will take place only if workers take matters into their own hands. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) calls for the building of action committees in every workplace and neighbourhood, independent of all capitalist parties, trade unions and their hangers-on such as the FSP. Action committees should be built in rural areas also to fight for the interests of rural toilers, who face a similar social crisis. The ally of Sri Lankan workers is the international working class. The action committees need to turn to working people in Sri Lanka and workers around the world who are increasingly engaged in a fight against similar attacks on democratic and social rights. The Wickremesinghe regimes repression and onslaught on living conditions are rooted in the capitalist system. The defence of democratic rights is therefore bound up with the fight against this system on the basis of a socialist program. The SEP has called for a Democratic and Socialist Congress of workers and rural poor based on delegates of action committees to advance a political program to defend their interests and lay the basis for a workers and peasants government to implement socialist policies. We urge workers and youth to join the SEP to fight for this program. The Railroad Workers Rank-and-File Committee is hosting a public meeting Wednesday, September 14, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Organize to prepare for a national strike! All railroaders and their supporters are urged to attend and register for the meeting here. With less than one week to go before the September 16 deadline when a national railway strike can legally begin, a conflict is brewing between US railroad workers, on the one hand, and the major corporations, Washington and the trade union apparatus, on the other. The sentiment for a strike among 100,000 railroaders is overwhelming. In July, engineers voted to authorize a strike by 99.5 percent. But it is not simply a question of what they want. They have no other choice. It is impossible for them to continue to work 80 hours or even 100 hours a week, on call 24/7. The brutal work regime in the railroad industry, which is more profitable than any other, renders workers strangers to their families and leaves them even without time to schedule doctors appointments. Now, they are fighting against the attempts to impose a settlement from a Biden-appointed Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) that does not come close to meeting their demands. A deadly collision Thursday on the Union Pacific in Southern California was a fresh and tragic reminder of the intolerable conditions workers are determined to end once and for all. Two workers died in the accident, bringing the death toll on Union Pacific alone to three over a 10-day span. Union officials have been working desperately to try to prevent a strike and enforce the PEB against workers opposition. In a divide-and-conquer strategy, five smaller unions have already announced tentative agreements patterned after the PEB and voluntarily extended their own cooling-off periods to the end of the month. However, there is a growing panic in corporate circles that the unions may not be able to do the job that is expected of them. Last week, the Biden administration intervened through the National Mediation Board, which recalled union officials to Washington for three days of mediated talks in which Labor Secretary Marty Walsh was present. These talks are not negotiations but a tripartite conspiracy between the railroads, the unions and the government to enforce the contract before it reaches the point of Congress intervening. According to anonymous sources who spoke with industry publication Railway Age, Labor Secretary Walsh attempted to lay down the law during the first day: Walshs message, although not made public, was blunt according to some of those present, the outlet said. Dont mess with the nations fragile economy weeks ahead of mid-term congressional elections as neither Congress nor the Biden Administration will like it. The talks cap nearly three years since the last contract ended. During this period, the anti-worker Railway Labor Act and other legal mechanisms have been used to enforce injunction after injunction and endless rounds of mediation and arbitration. The unions have worked from the beginning as both the publicist and the enforcer for this process, even threatening to abandon workers to legal action if they violated injunctions. Far from the unions portrayal of the capitalist state as a neutral body, this process has been used reliably for decades to extract one round of government-sanctioned concessions after another from workers, while robbing workers of the democratic right to strike. However, this time, all of the institutions that the ruling class has relied upon for so long are mired in crisis, while the working class is being thrust into struggle by the deepest crisis of American and world capitalism in a century. The development of a struggle of railroad workers raises fundamental political and organizational questions: First, workers must draw the necessary conclusions from the role of the trade union apparatus, which is joined at the hip with the corporations and the state. SMART-TD President Ferguson pleaded with rail conductors in a letter to the membership to consider the economic consequences of a strikeabove all, for the bureaucracy, which would be on the hook for $100 per day in strike pay. This from a person who makes over $300,000 per year and heads an organization with over $330 million in assets, mostly invested in corporate stocks. Last year, this money was used to finance $17 million in union salaries and zero dollars in strike pay. This exposes the financial and social interests upon which the bureaucracys hostility to workers is grounded. The unions, after decades of bureaucratically strangling the class struggle, are discredited and faced with a growing rebellion from the rank and file. One of the most powerful and conscious expressions of this is the campaign by Mack Trucks worker Will Lehman for president of the United Auto Workers, on a platform of abolishing the union bureaucracy and establishing workers control through rank-and-file committees. Railroad workers have already taken the critical step of forming the Railroad Workers Rank-and-File Committee, which has been met with a powerful response, with hundreds of workers writing in to join and get involved. Second, the intervention of the Biden administration exposes the class character of the state, whether it is headed by a Democrat or a Republican. The Biden administration regularly claims to be the most pro union in American history. This was always meant to create the impression that Biden is a friend to workers, while actually signifying that he is leaning heavily on the unions in order to suppress strikes and enforce sellouts. His intervention in the rail struggle is only the latest in a string of such campaigns in critical industries, including the docks and the refineries. Not only would Bidens double-talk be exposed if he and the Democrats were compelled to try to smash a rail strike, but a strike would also jeopardize his attempts to enforce labor discipline in other critical sectors. A national rail strike would intersect explosively with the growing political crisis in the United States, the deepest since the Civil War. Whatever their differences, however, the Democrats and Republicans are united in their defense of the ruling class and their insistence on placing the full burden of a deepening economic crisis on the working class. Third, there is enormous support for railroad workersin the American and international working class. Workers everywhere are fighting against brutal overwork, the spiraling cost of living and the disastrous human toll of the pandemic. There are mounting struggles among health care workers, autoworkers, service workers, educators and other sections of the working class. In the railroads alone, this includes a lockout earlier this year in Canada by Canadian Pacific as well as a series of national rail strikes in Britain, the first in generations. They are also facing off against corrupt union bureaucracies joined at the hip with the state. In Britain, the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers), which has limited rail strikes to only a few days at a time, seized upon the death of the Queen to cancel planned strikes on September 15 and 17. There can be no doubt that a primary motivating factor was the fact that these strikes, sandwiched around the expiration of the cooling-off period in America, would have had a galvanizing impact on workers on both sides of the Atlantic. The working class is exploding to the fore, revealing itself to be the most powerful force in society. This strength, however, must find an organized and programmatic form. This is why the World Socialist Web Site and the International Committee of the Fourth International have initiated the formation of the International Workers of Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). But above all, the rail struggle raises the question of political power. Workers are squaring off not only against the railroads but against the capitalist state, which is intervening against workers on behalf of the profit interests of a narrow capitalist minority. Workers must take up the fight for socialism, the reorganization of society by the working class in the interests of human need and not private gain. On Friday, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) lifted a boil water advisory for residents throughout the Baltimore, Maryland, region and beyond after a sampling earlier in the week had detected E. coli in the water. Throughout the week, nearly 100,000 residents had been receiving bottled water due to the contamination. Public works employees move a pallet of bottled water to a distribution site in Baltimore, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022 (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston) Baltimores Democratic Mayor Brandon Scott released a statement telling residents there was no further evidence of contamination and assured residents that the water is now safe to use throughout the small advisory area and the initial impact zone. On Monday, residents of a few select areas were informed that they may want to consider boiling any water used from faucets. On Tuesday, the DPW sent out a boil water notice for 54 square blocks of the city, encompassing 1,500 residential and commercial buildings. Following this, DPW also issued a precautionary boil water advisory for a much larger area including much of West Baltimore and parts of neighboring Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties. Despite professions that the water was now safe, city officials continued to distribute water throughout the region. We would like all residents to flush their system by turning their faucets on cold, their showers and all other items that you use for water, start at the lower end of the home, go up to the higher end and flush the entire system, stated Director of Public Works Jason Mitchell. Starting on September 6, officials in Baltimore City and Baltimore County began distributing water bottles to residents in the affected neighborhoods in the city at a local elementary school, but the distribution was limited to three gallons per household each day, and many residents reported that the distribution site had run out well before everyone was able to get water. Some spoke to local news explaining that they were unable to get water since both the city and local stores had completely run out. Mayor Scotts promises of safe water came after a week of confusion and panic among city residents. Initially, Scott waited until 3 p.m. on Monday to issue a vague statement saying that the E. coli contamination was limited to a specific area after city council members had already spoken to the public. Residents had denounced the administration for not providing water directly to those who could not travel to the distribution centers, like nursing home residents and the disabled. In addition, the city quickly came under fire for the lack of communication with residents. Many affected by the advisory had to be notified by neighbors or friends, not having seen the tweets or official announcement on the DPW website. Adding to the confusion, DPW released a revised map removing the portion of Anne Arundel County after county officials explained that Anne Arundel does not currently purchase any water from the City of Baltimore. It also emerged that the initial positive E. coli samples had been taken and processed the previous Friday, September 2. This prompted outrage from residents who had been drinking potentially tainted water through the entire Labor Day holiday weekend. A DPW official told Fox News Baltimore the delay was done to protect the reputation of the agency. Media relations people should only be responsible for putting out clear facts to the public for their consumption and not spinning something to make it look a little better or a little worse, the official stated. In the same Twitter thread with the E. coli notice, the DPW stated that it is flushing the system continuously and performing leak detection, valve assessments and increasing the chlorination in the area to deal with the contamination. The affected area is predominantly working class and poor, with the median annual household income of the residents in the area under the original advisory being $26,000, according to the US Census Bureau. This is not the first incident of bacterial contamination in the citys water infrastructure. In April, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) issued a health advisory for the Back River, which is located two miles east of Baltimore city, due to high bacteria levels. The failing Back River Waste Water Treatment Plant, one of the three water treatment plants in the city, is responsible for handling the sewage that enters the river. In March, oversight of the plant was transferred from the city to the state to avoid catastrophic failure that could jeopardize public health, according to MDE Secretary Ben Grumbles. The water crisis in Baltimore comes amidst the collapse of the water and sewage system in Jackson, Mississippi, which occurred late last month due to heavy flooding. Over 150,000 Jackson residents still do not have access to clean drinking water and have had to wait in long lines to receive bottled water from state officials. There is no limit to the resources the ruling elite will pour into their own pockets or the escalation of war with Russia and China, but funding for infrastructure, along with other essential social services, are cut to the bone because there is no money. Baltimores water system presently serves 1.8 million people, or over one-third of the state of Maryland. Like many cities across the US, Baltimore has aging infrastructure dating back to the nineteenth century, some as far back as the Civil War. [These issues] are sort of out of sight out of mind, said former Department of Public Works director Rudolph Chow to WBALT in 2017. These are buried assets underground, water pipes as well as sewer pipes thats been there for decades and some of them are certainly reaching 100-plus years old. Keeping the system afloat requires constant repair amid a 6-year, $2 billion overhaul. The cost mostly shouldered by ratepayers, as critical funding from the feds dries up, added the local station. Earlier this summer, the Baltimore City Board of Estimates voted unanimously to increase water rates by 3.2 percent per year for the next three years. This follows a 9.3 percent increase last year. The city is forcing its working population to pay for whatever meager improvements are made to the system. For over a decade now the American Society of Civil Engineers has rated US infrastructure at a D+. Incidents like those in Jackson and in Baltimore will only become more frequent as long as society remain subordinated to the capitalist profit motive. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the powerful 2012 Quebec student strike. While its trigger was the provincial Liberal governments announcement of a massive increase in post-secondary tuition fees, objectively the strike was a challenge to the entire austerity agenda of the ruling class. Launched in mid-February, the student strike would rally immense popular support, rock the province for six months and have profound implications for the class struggle across Canada. At its peak in May 2012, hundreds of thousands, including ever wider sections of the working class, were joining anti-government protests animated by mass opposition to the corporate assault on public services, jobs and wages. Subsequently, recognizing that the violent state repression it had deployed in the preceding months had not crushed the strike and restabilized the political situation, the provincial Liberal government of Jean Charest called an early Quebec election, for September 4, 2012. This political maneuver depended above all on the complicity of the trade union bureaucracy and its political allies, Quebec Solidaire and CLASSE, the student association leading the strike. Having worked from the beginning to isolate the students from the broader working class opposition to austerity, these forces directed all their efforts to delivering the coup de gracethe sabotage of the student strike and its diversion into an electoral dead end. Determined to put an end to the growing social opposition, the Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL), the provinces largest labour federation, had already launched its watchword, After the streets, the ballot box in late May. As a false alternative to the Charest Liberals, the union leaders and their allies advanced the pro-Quebec independence Parti Quebecois (PQ)the Quebec ruling elites alternate party of government since the 1970s and an equally fierce enemy of the working class and the striking students. The subsequent electoral victory of the PQ, which expressed above all the immense popular opposition to the Charest government, was hailed by the student associations, the unions and their pseudo-left acolytes such as Fightback as the victory of the student strike, if not a great social advance. It did not take long for this lie to be exposed. In the months following the strike, the Pauline Marois-led PQ government imposed its own post-secondary tuition hikes, as part of a new wave of austerity measures, and launched a virulent anti-Muslim agitationa pattern that would be followed by a series of right-wing chauvinist governments in Quebec and across Canada. In keeping with their longstanding suppression of the class struggle, the pro-capitalist unions intervened throughout the conflict to prevent the student strike from developing into a working class counteroffensive against capitalist austerity. Their smothering of this movement paved the way for the sharp right turn of the entire Canadian ruling elite in the decade that followed. The strikes objective causes The strike was launched by a bloc made up of two university and CEGEP (pre-university and technical college) student federationsrespectively the Federation etudiante universitaire du Quebec (FEUQ) and the Federation etudiante collegiale du Quebec (FECQthat were closely aligned with the PQ, and CLASSE, which presented itself as the radical wing of the movement and quickly assumed the leadership. The immediate objective of the vast student mobilization was to counter the massive university tuition fee hikes announced by the Charest government. But it constituted an implicit challenge to the austerity agenda and class strategy of the entire ruling class in Quebec and across Canada. In the wake of the 2008-9 global financial crisis, the ruling class in Canada, as in all the other major imperialist powers, launched a massive austerity wave aimed at eviscerating what remained of public services and the social rights of the working class. Eliminating Quebecs decades-long university tuition freezean achievement of militant struggles, bound up with the working class upsurge of the 1960s and 1970swas viewed as a key step in shifting politics sharply right. Hence, the Charest governments intransigence; its determination, with a view to intimidating the working class, to impose a demonstrable defeat on the students; and its readiness to employ state repression, including massive police violence, to crush the strike. The students struggle against the tuition fee hikes could only go forward as part of the broader working class opposition to the ruling classs frontal assault on education, health care and all public services. As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) explained in the strikes earliest days in February 2021: The student strike cannot succeed unless it becomes the spearhead of a vast counteroffensive of the entire working class. For this to happen, the strike must go beyond a mere protest over a single issue. Students must consciously turn towards the working class, the only social force capable of offering a progressive alternative to the capitalist system of private property and profit that condemns the overwhelming majority of society to rising unemployment, poverty, and economic insecurity. Expanding on this point on April 16, 2012, we wrote: A turn to the working class signifies, above all, a struggle for its mobilization as an independent political force. This mobilization will only be realized in opposition to the sclerotic union bureaucracy and bourgeois political parties such as the PQ and Quebec Solidaire, and on the basis of a socialist program for social equality. Rejecting this perspective, the CLASSE leadership limited the strike to the issue of tuition fees and refused to appeal to or seek to mobilize the working class in Quebec, let alone the rest of Canada. Although the Charest government responded to the strike not with concessions but with tear gas and police truncheons, CLASSE maintained that all that was necessary was to crier plus fort pour que personne ne nous ignore (shout louder so that no can one ignore us)in other words, to persist with a policy aimed at pressuring Quebecs ruling elite in the hopes of obtaining a few crumbs. CLASSE turned to the corporatist union bureaucracy, which it held up as the legitimate representative of the workers. Not surprisingly, the pro-capitalist unions immediately went into action to isolate the students from the working class and prepare the betrayal of their struggle. The social explosion of May 2012 and the treachery of the unions In early May, the presidents of Quebecs three main trade union federations pressured student leaders to accept an agreement in principle that included most of the fee hikes demanded by the Liberal government. The student leaders, including CLASSEs representatives, capitulated. But to the shock of the union leaders and the government, rank-and-file students rejected this sellout deal en masse. It was at this time that the Charest government pushed through Bill 78 to criminalize the student strike. The repression that followed was intensepolice violence, injunctions, mass arrests, kettling, etc. Far from weakening the movement, this ferocious repression pushed the working class into action alongside the students. In mass demonstrations organized against the Charest governments authoritarian measures, one often heard talk of a general strike. Despite the overwhelming popular opposition, the unions announced that they would respect all of Bill 78 (Law 12)s anti-democratic provisions. They instructed teachers and other university and college employees to report for work, thereby helping the government break the student strike. QFL president Michel Arsenault then wrote to Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Ken Georgetti to demand unions outside Quebec not offer any supportnot even a pennyto the striking students, adding that if they did so they would be violating Quebecs right to self-determination. Enraged that the most radical sections are calling for a social strike, Arsenault stressed in his letter that the best approach is to facilitate an agreement, not fan the flames. A few days later, the QFL launched its slogan, After the streets, the ballot box. Its goal was to end the strike by channeling it into electoral support for the PQ, the other governing party of the Quebec ruling class and a long-time political ally of the union bureaucracy. This sabotage operation was facilitated by Quebec Solidaire (QS)a pseudo-left organization of the affluent middle class that has long been oriented towards the PQ and is now seeking to integrate itself further into the political establishment by reassuring it of its readiness to assume direct responsibility for imposing the social attacks demanded by the ruling class. A few weeks after the QFL launched its infamous slogan, QS proposed, yet again, an electoral alliance with the PQ on the basis of a reactionary nationalist program. In the explosive context of June 2012, this move was intended to give the PQ much needed left cover and the pro-capitalist unions vital political support in helping quell the growing sentiment among workers that they should join the students in struggle. The role of the NDP A particularly pernicious role was played by the social-democratic NDP. Historically supported by the unions in English Canada but with little influence in Quebec, the NDP had, to its own surprise, won a majority of Quebecs seats in the May 2011 federal election, less than a year before the student strike. Far from using its new position of authority in Quebec to rally support across Canada for the striking students, the NDP refused to offer them even verbal support, arguing that education is under provincial jurisdiction and that it wanted to focus its efforts on fighting Stephen Harpers federal Conservative government. As if a political defeat for Charest wouldnt also have been a crushing blow to Harper, who was carrying out the same austerity offensive and attacks on worker and democratic rights on a national scale. The NDPs mask of neutrality was torn off when the Harper government introduced a motion in the House of Commons calling for recognition of the right of the Quebec National Assembly... to pass laws, such as Bill 78, within its jurisdiction. After a harmless amendment, the NDP voted in favour of the Conservative motion. In other words, it refused to support Quebec students on the grounds that it was a provincial issue but did not hesitate to interfere in provincial politics when it came to justifying the repression of students. The role of CLASSE Being at the head of the 2012 movement, CLASSE and its leader at the time Gabriel Nadeau-Duboiswho has since become Quebec Solidaires principal leader and nominee for Quebec premierbear much of the responsibility for the defeat of the strike. Strongly influenced by postmodernism, Quebec nationalism, and petty-bourgeois conceptions about the environment and consumer culture, the CLASSE leadership brought together various political currents of the pseudo-left, including anarchists and other proponents of direct action. For months, it argued that the student strike should be conducted as a single-issue protest movement. CLASSE deliberately separated opposition to tuition hikes from growing opposition to the austerity agenda imposed by ruling elites across Canada and internationally. CLASSE promoted the lie that the union bureaucratsnot rank-and-file workerswere the true allies of the students in struggle. Even after the unions shamefully submitted to Bill 78, refusing to mobilize their hundreds of thousands of members in support of the students, and all but publicly demanded an end to the strike, CLASSE claimed that the unions supported the students in good faith. It went so far as to publicly endorse Arsenault, the QFL president, after his letter denouncing a social strike and opposing any support for the student strike from English Canada was made public. In July, CLASSE published a manifesto that exposed the bankruptcy of its reformist and nationalist perspective. The manifesto contained no mention of capitalism or of the working class. It presented the strike not as an expression in Quebec of growing opposition to austerity around the world, but rather as a democratic movement of Quebecers. CLASSE then joined the campaign of the unions and Quebec Solidaire in support of the PQ with its calls to get rid of the neoliberals. This phrase was aimed solely at the Quebec Liberal Party and was intended to disguise the PQs extensive right-wing and chauvinist record, including its imposition in the late 1990s of the deepest social cuts in the provinces history. The role of the anarchists A minority of anarchist elements within CLASSE condemned its leadership for scuttling the student strike in mid-August 2012, when the CEGEPs and universities, which the government had abruptly shut down as it adopted Bill 78, reopened to conclude the winter 2012 semester. Throughout the strike, these elements had called for more forceful actions: mass pickets, the blocking of bridges, disrupting the Montreal Grand Prix, etc. But these grand gestures had nothing to do with mobilizing the working class. They were only designed to annoy commuters and embarrass the Charest government in the vain hope of extracting concessions from it. In keeping with the anarchist posture of no politics, these elements never sought to thwart the ongoing union-led efforts to channel the student struggle behind the PQ. Unable to offer any program to broaden the student struggle by orienting it towards the fight to mobilize the working class as an independent political force, their only proposal in August 2012 was to confront the police by organizing more assertive picket lines in front of the colleges and universities. This proposal found no base of support because it had an adventurist characterone that betrayed the anarchists petty bourgeois hostility to the working class and skepticism as to its revolutionary capacities. All this would be demonstrated again three years later, in 2015, when the contracts of more than half a million Quebec public sector workers expired. These workers were coming into struggle against the Liberal government of Philippe Couillard, which had succeeded Marois and her PQ, and launched a savage drive to slash public services and the working conditions of the workers who administer them. The petty bourgeois anarchist forces organized in the Strike Steering Committee (Collectif de debrayage) and the Spring 2015 Committee pressured CLASSE into launching a new student strike based on a bankrupt political perspectivethat this would push the unions to organize a mass mobilization against Couillards austerity measures. But the unions were determined to nip in the bud any effort to revive a protest movement that represented, from their pro-capitalist point of view, an unacceptable threat to social peace. As a result, they gave the Couillard government a free hand to deploy the repressive arsenal of the state, from the riot police to the courts, to violently crush the short-lived 2015 student strike. Meanwhile, the union bureaucrats resorted to their usual tactics to isolate, demobilize and ultimately betray the public sector workers struggle. This created the conditions for the subsequent coming to power in Quebec City of the hard-right Quebec First Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ). Lessons for today Drawing the lessons of the defeat of the 2012 student strike is all the more crucial today as the international working class enters a new period of explosive struggles under the combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, NATOs war against Russia in Ukraine, and a profound economic crisis that is throwing hundreds of millions into poverty around the world. The fundamental issues raised ten years ago acquire an even more urgent character today: (i) the need for students to turn to the working class, the only social force capable of providing a progressive solution to the historical crisis of capitalism; (ii) the need to resolve the crisis of revolutionary leadership within the working class. This requires a clear understanding of the reactionary role of the political forcesthe unions, Quebec Solidaire, the NDP, CLASSE and the anarchiststhat isolated the 2012 student strike and prevented it from becoming the catalyst for a working class counteroffensive against austerity and capitalism. The working class must reject the nationalist and pro-capitalist program of these forces. It must fight to unite all workers in CanadaFrench- and English-speaking and immigrantin a common struggle with their class brothers and sisters in the US and overseas. This must be based on the socialist program of workers power and the reorganization of socio-economic life to make meeting social needs, not producing profits for the few, its animating principle. By Ayya Lmahamad An Azerbaijani-Romanian business forum took place in Baku on September 9, Azernews reports. The forum organized with the support of the Azerbaijani Economy Ministry, the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), the Association of Women Entrepreneurship Development, and the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was attended by entrepreneurs and representatives of relevant government agencies from both countries. Speaking at the forum, Azerbaijan's Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) Board Chairman Orkhan Mammadov noted that work is underway to further expand business ties with Romania. He emphasized that the agency can provide support in such directions as coordination with relevant structures and identification of local partners to Azerbaijani and Romanian entrepreneurs wishing to implement joint projects. Azerbaijan and Romania are cooperating in various spheres of the economy. The two countries established diplomatic relations on June 19, 1992. The embassy of Romania in Azerbaijan was opened on November 3, 1998, and the embassy of Azerbaijan in Romania on May 19, 2001. The trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $215.5 million in 2021, with exports amounting to $120.5 million, and imports to $94.9 million. KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2022 - 08:29 | All, Japan Tensions remain high over the Japan-controlled, China-claimed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea as Beijing continues to regularly send vessels into nearby waters, with Sunday marking 10 years since Tokyo brought most of the islets under state control. The Senkakus, which China calls Diaoyu, have been a thorny and long-running issue in bilateral relations. Despite repeated protests from Tokyo, Beijing, which has also aggressively asserted territorial claims in the South China Sea, continues to send vessels to waters around the islands in a bid to shift the status quo. A Chinese diplomatic source indicated Beijing's frequent dispatch of vessels to waters near the uninhabited Senkakus has eroded Japan's effective control, saying China is close to having "the upper hand" in the bilateral row so Beijing does not need to escalate its actions. Since the Japanese government purchased most of the Senkaku Islands from a private owner on Sept. 11, 2012, Tokyo has observed 332 cases of official Chinese vessels entering Japanese territorial waters in total as of late August, including 19 cases this year. Before the purchase, there had been almost no instances in which Chinese ships entered the Japanese territorial waters near the islands, according to the Japan Coast Guard. Chinese vessels "always stay (in the disputed area) unless waters get rough," a Japan Coast Guard official said. Since 2020, Chinese vessels have been spotted in the sea near the Senkakus on around 330 days each year, with a record 157 consecutive days in which the so-called contiguous zone outside Japanese waters was breached between February and July last year. In July this year, two China Coast Guard vessels remained in Japanese territorial waters for a record 64 consecutive hours as they tracked a Japanese fishing boat. Free passage of a coastal state's territorial waters is guaranteed under international law so long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of the other state. But Japanese maritime authorities warn Chinese vessels against entering its territorial waters as they believe Beijing dispatches the ships to areas near the Senkaku Islands to create a new status quo. In the summer of 2016, up to 300 Chinese fishing vessels came close to the Senkaku Islands, with some repeatedly entering Japanese territorial waters. Patrol boats from the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters based in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, protect Japanese fishing vessels when Chinese ships approach them in waters near the Senkakus. The Japanese law-enforcement body monitors the situation around the clock and urges China Coast Guard ships using an electronic sign to leave the Japanese territorial waters if they enter. It also works with the Maritime Self-Defense Force, which mobilizes destroyers and patrol aircraft on the high seas. The China Coast Guard, established in 2013 in a realignment of the country's maritime law-enforcement institutions, is now under the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, which is supervised by the Central Military Commission. In February last year, Beijing implemented a new law that explicitly allows the China Coast Guard to use weapons against foreign ships it sees as illegally entering its waters. China has also been stepping up its criticism against Japan over the territorial row, claiming in a digital exhibition on the disputed islands that Japan "stole" them. Opened in 2020, the virtual museum is now viewable in Chinese, English, Japanese, French, German, Russian, Spanish and Arabic. Atsushi Toyama, a former senior Japan Coast Guard official who dealt with the 2016 entry into Japanese territorial waters of a large number of Chinese vessels, told Kyodo News that he thinks the 2012 purchase of the Senkakus by the Japanese government gave China "an excuse" to constantly send vessels to the sea area. He said the Japan Coast Guard has protected the Senkakus while trying to avoid any military clash in the waters. "I believe some people (in Japan) have been frustrated with the continued presence of Chinese vessels in the sea area. But if we resort to provocative action, it would only allow (Beijing) to take advantage of the situation," Toyama said. To resolve the territorial row, he called for a multilayered approach based on diplomacy, politics and stronger cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the Japan Coast Guard. Related coverage: Japan concerned about China's activities around Senkakus: spokesman PM Kishida eyes attending event on Japan-China ties' 50th anniversary 110 tril. yen sought for Japan FY 2023 budget, defense costs to rise The following is a chronology of major events related to the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea that have been a thorny issue in relations between Japan and China. 1895 -- Japan incorporates the Senkaku Islands into Okinawa Prefecture. 1932 -- The government sells four of the eight isles to a Japanese citizen. 1952 -- The Senkakus are officially placed under the administration of the United States in accordance with the San Francisco Peace Treaty. 1971 -- China and Taiwan officially assert territorial sovereignty over the islands for the first time. May 1972 -- The United States returns to Japan the Nansei Islands, including the Senkakus. September -- Japan and China normalize diplomatic relations. 1992 -- China establishes a territorial law claiming the Senkakus, which it calls Diaoyu. 2010 -- A Chinese fishing boat collides with Japan Coast Guard vessels off the Senkakus. April 2012 -- Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara says the metropolitan government plans to purchase the privately owned part of the islands. September -- The Japanese government acquires three of the four islets under private ownership, triggering repeated intrusions into Japanese waters by Chinese government vessels. December -- A Chinese government plane enters Japanese airspace over the Senkakus for the first time. January 2013 -- A Chinese warship locks weapon-guiding radar onto a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel near the Senkakus. July -- The China Coast Guard is launched. 2014 -- A Japan-U.S. joint statement stipulates Washington's commitment under security pact to defending all territories under Japan's administration, including the Senkakus. 2016 -- The Japan Coast Guard deploys 12 large patrol vessels to be exclusively used for boosting security around the Senkakus. 2018 -- The China Coast Guard is placed under the Chinese People's Armed Police Force supervised by the country's Central Military Commission. 2021 -- China implements a new law that explicitly allows the China Coast Guard to use weapons against foreign ships it sees as illegally entering the Asian country's waters. KYODO NEWS - Sep 9, 2022 - 23:31 | All, Japan, Coronavirus Japan's cumulative total of coronavirus cases since the beginning of the pandemic topped 20 million on Friday, official data showed, doubling in less than two months as the country battles its seventh wave of infections. Although cases appear to be on the decline, 99,491 new infections were confirmed Friday, according to local government reports, while an additional 211 deaths were also reported, surpassing 200 for the 26th consecutive day. Japan confirmed the first domestic case of COVID-19 in January 2020. Daily infections peaked at more than 260,000 during the seventh wave that has raged since around July, compared with over 100,000 during the sixth wave that began early this year. The number of deaths due to the virus totaled more than 23,000 this year. In August, 7,328 people died, the worst single-month figure of the pandemic. On Friday, the Tokyo metropolitan government reported 9,240 new infections, with Osaka Prefecture logging 7,285 and Aichi Prefecture 6,342. Related coverage: FOCUS: Japan eases COVID-19 border controls but tourist surge doubtful Japan raises daily arrival cap to 50,000 as tourism sector sluggish Japan's new daily COVID-19 cases drop to 6-week low below 100,000 MANILA, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines reported 2,313 new COVID-19 infections on Friday, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the Southeast Asian country to 3,901,033. The department of health said the number of active cases rose to 24,300, while 43 more patients died from COVID-19 complications, pushing the country's death toll to 62,249. Metro Manila, the capital region with over 13 million people, tallied 765 new cases. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told a press conference that areas across the country are "at the low downward trend," except for the Mindanao region in the southern Philippines, where infections are on a plateau. She added that intensive care units and severe and critical hospital admissions show "a continuous decline over the past weeks but also shows signs of plateauing." The Philippines reported its highest COVID-19 single-day tally of 39,004 new cases on Jan. 15. The country, with a population of around 110 million, has fully vaccinated over 72.7 million people. However, only 18.4 million people have received their first booster shots, and over 2.4 million have received their second booster shots. PHNOM PENH, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Friday decided to cancel the annual Water Festival, scheduled from Nov. 7 to 9 in the capital Phnom Penh, according to a government's press statement. This was the third consecutive year that the kingdom called off the premier event in Phnom Penh. However, provincial authorities could organize boat races in their respective localities on that occasion, the statement added. Water Festival is one of the largest festivals in the Southeast Asian nation, attracting hundreds of thousands of people to the capital to enjoy a regatta along a stretch of the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace. Cambodia reported a daily record of seven new local COVID-19 cases on Friday, bringing the national case tally to 137,696, with 134,557 recoveries and 3,056 deaths, the health ministry said, adding that no new deaths have been reported since April. There are many stories about the immigrant experience, and when it comes to ones centering on the Latinx community, many of them sadly focus on the trauma of the immigration itself crossing borders, being threatened by immigration authorities, facing racism as you try to adjust or on the multigenerational effect of immigration years down the line. But rarely do we see a film about what happens in between these two things, what its like after you migrate, after you have found a routine and settled down and adapted to your new home, and the daily struggles of not really feeling like you belong anywhere, feeling fragmented and divided between two places. Lina Rodriguezs latest film, This sense of discomfort and disorientation is present already from the opening scene, where we follow Aurora (Noelle Schonwald), who meets with a white woman and her husband, before stepping into the trunk of their car in complete silence, seemingly afraid of something. There is barely a word spoken in the first 15 minutes of the film, there is no score at all, no relief from the tension, forcing the audience to ponder just what is going on here. Is she being kidnapped or helped? It isnt until the couple reaches the Canadian border that we understand they were smuggling Aurora. More from IndieWire Turns out, she was an environmental lawyer back in Colombia, but when her husband was murdered under mysterious circumstances (the film implies her communication with corrupt companies maybe having something to do with it, but no clear answers are given), Aurora left her life, her family, and her daughter behind to seek a second chance. Though we do see her navigate the immigration process and face the scrutiny of Canadian authorities as she applies for refugee status, the film is not really interested in that. Instead, we skip past the adjustment period and jump forward in time by six years to reunite with Aurora after shes already settled in, found a stable job and a group of friends, and is now living with her daughter in Toronto. Here lies the biggest strength in So Much Tenderness, as Lina Rodriguez decides to skip the story many of us know. Rather than showing the start of the immigration story, she shows how such a life-changing event stays with you and informs every aspect of your daily life even years after the fact. We see this in Aurora, a woman who now has a life, friends, a job, a community, and a hot boyfriend, but is never fully comfortable. Both she and her daughter have built new lives for themselves, but they cant shake the traumatic and painful tragedy that forced them to abandon their homes in the first place. Story continues We dont see big dramatic moments from similar films, like the threat of losing your visa, or getting deported, or the tension of crossing the border, but rather the unpleasantness or the mundane. How youre always asked where youre from based on your accent, how your job, your education, your station back home doesnt translate to your new home (Aurora is working as a Spanish teacher when she used to be a lawyer). How the only line of communication you have to your home country and loved ones is a phone call. In some ways, this feels like a spiritual follow-up to the film Blast Beat, another Colombian film that captured the smaller details of everyday life as an immigrant. Here, Rodriguez places a big emphasis on language, particularly on the Spanish version of the verb to be, which in Spanish is split into two separate verbs, one that indicates a temporary state how you are, versus a permanent start what you are. This film is all about the impossibility of that permanent state when youre an immigrant, how everything about you splits up, merges, morphs, and ultimately comes out different because of the experience. In that regard, a scene featuring two characters talking in Spanglish results in one of the best portrayals of the language in recent memory, with the two characters bouncing from Spanish to English mid-conversation, first mixing in words, then phrases, then entire answers going from one language to the next. To emphasize the feeling of uneasiness, So Much Tenderness is devoid of a musical score that can provide an emotional out. Likewise, a slow, not entirely linear editing helps disorient the viewer so that they feel like Aurora does, with memories of her time in Colombia flooding her at seemingly random moments. Now, it must be said that, while the film positions itself as the story of a woman trying to rebuild her life before someone from her traumatic past threatens to derail it all, So Much Tenderness doesnt really care about that. The past does influence the present, but the film avoids finding cheap thrills with a story of revenge or danger. Instead, it opts for a quieter, hyper-specific yet still quite universal story of trying to make a new life for yourself, while being unable to fully disconnect from your previous one. Grade: C+ So Much Tenderness premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. It does not yet have U.S. distribution. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Despite her daughter's fearfulness to return to school in Uvalde and her pleas to learn at home, Sandra Gracia is sending her daughter, Elva, back to school because she can't afford the online alternative. "I want to [homeschool], because I think I'd feel more safebut I have to work," said Gracia, a single mom. Just over three months ago, a shooter entered Robb Elementary School where Elva was enrolled and killed 19 of her fellow students and two teachers. Her mother told ABC News her daughter is traumatized after seeing kids coming out of the school wearing clothing marred with blood. Elva's cousin, Eliahana Cruz Torres, was among the victims. Families are faced with new considerations as they navigate shared grief, an ongoing investigation involving their school district's police department and increased security measures that some find insufficient. PHOTO: Students arrive at Uvalde Elementary, now protected by a fence and Texas State Troopers, for the first day of school, on Sept. 6, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas. (Eric Gay/AP) Uvalde:365 is a continuing ABC News series reported from Uvalde and focused on the Texas community and how it forges on in the shadow of tragedy. The first day of school this fall looked different for every student in Uvalde. The public school district in Uvalde gave families a virtual and in-person option, though each presents unique challenges. A week before the first day of school, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Board announced 136 students were enrolled in the virtual academy -- that figure dropped to 59 on the first day of school, with a total student enrollment of 3,724 students, according to the district. Less than 2% of students in Uvalde have opted to learn from home through the school's offered program. The school district did not immediately reply to ABC News' request for overall student withdrawal numbers. This figure would include students who have chosen to homeschool using a third-party program. PHOTO: Gemma, a 5th grader who attended Robb Elementary School, waits for the bus on her first day back to school, Sept. 6. (Olivia Osteen/ABC News) Fernanda Moreno, grandmother to fifth grader Gemma, who attended Robb Elementary School, is sending her granddaughter back to school for a sense of normalcy. Story continues "I want her to take the fear away from her and go ahead...leave everything behind and go to school, and forget anything...you know, go to school and everything and move on," Moreno said. Gemma added that she learns better in a traditional school environment. A predominantly Spanish speaker, her grandmother said another contributing factor in their decision is that she doesn't feel capable of helping Gemma with virtual school because of her limited computer skills. PHOTO: Gemma, a 5th grader who attended Robb Elementary School, waits for the bus on her first day back to school, Sept. 6. (Olivia Osteen/ABC News) The 2016-2020 U.S. Census reported that 29.7% of households in Uvalde County do not have a subscription to broadband internet, almost 15% above the national average. According to the same report, 19% of the population lives below the poverty line. Almost half of the Uvalde County population speaks a language other than English at home. All of these factors impact whether virtual learning is a feasible option for families. Without reliable internet access, kids can't learn online. In an environment where learning is presented in English, an available, fluent and digitally-literate English speaker is necessary for concept-grasping and homework. In Gemmas case, this is her familys barrier to opting for at-home learning. The statistics indicate a significant portion of Uvaldean families, as in the Gracias case, don't have the means to stay at home with their children when they must work. Other parents can accommodate their children for at-home learning, but the option doesn't come without its own challenges. Tina Quintanilla told ABC News her daughter, Mehle, made the decision to homeschool remotely outside of the district's virtual offering. MORE: 5 Texas DPS officers who were on-site at Uvalde school referred to inspector general: Communications chief "It was her choice. It was solely her choice. I asked her what she wanted to do. And she said she was not ready to go back to school," she said. Quintanilla said that triggering reminders of the shooting are pervasive throughout the district, and that her daughter simply doesn't feel safe. She said security issues, which she claimed have long been a problem, have not been properly addressed, which is why her daughter is opting for virtual learning. "If she don't feel safe, she's not going to go," she said. The school district previously announced an elaborate security enhancement plan that includes an installment of 500 cameras, the hiring of school monitors and a supplemental deployment of 33 Texas Department of Public Safety officers, among other initiatives. Parents like Quintanilla still find fault in the initiative, as the enhancement plan's completion will occur sometime after the start of school and officers who responded to the shooting are permitted to return this fall, despite public scrutiny and outcry from the community. MORE: Officers who 'failed' Uvalde children in massacre allowed to continue working this fall Another downside to homeschooling is a lack of socialization. Quintanilla said her daughter is not only missing her friends who tragically died in May, but also old and new friendships that come with a traditional, in-person school setting. "When we were kids, we wanted to have our friends and run and play and be kids. And now these kids think about school safety, and that's horrible," she said. PHOTO: Students arrive at Uvalde Elementary, now protected by a fence and Texas State Troopers, for the first day of school, on Sept. 6, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas. (Eric Gay/AP) Adam Martinez also worries about the missing social component, but that hasn't changed his plan to enroll his children in UCISD's virtual academy. A parent to two kids in the district, Martinez said he and his wife can't send their kids back because the children are terrified. Their 8-year-old son, Zayon, was a student at Robb and present the day of the shooting. "He's said that the cops aren't gonna protect him if it happens again," Martinez told ABC News. Even if they weren't fearful, Martinez said, he refuses to allow them back onto campus until the district finishes the security installment and provides answers from their investigation. MORE: Uvalde 1970 school walkout members see parallels to current calls for justice following Robb Elementary shooting On the morning of Sept. 6, the first day of school, a portion of the exterior fence at Benson Elementary was being re-installed as children got off their buses. The fences at Flores Elementary were also incomplete; construction workers could be seen drilling holes for fence posting as students entered school buildings. The UCISD website shows a progress graphic that indicates camera installation has only been completed on one of the eight schools in the plan. When asked how his family will manage homeschooling, Martinez said his wife's maternity leave, at least for a few months, will allow her to assist their kids. The rest of the year's logistics, he said they will figure out. "Even if we didn't have options, we can't send him if he's scared to death," he said. Homeschooling in Uvalde: Virtual learning option not accessible to everyone originally appeared on abcnews.go.com WASHINGTON Lawyers for Donald Trump and the Justice Department could not agree on the appointment of special master to independently review documents seized at Mar-a-Lago, submitting four possible candidates to screen out potentially privileged records recovered by federal investigators. Among the two government nominees is Barbara Jones, a former federal judge in Manhattan who has served in similar special master roles in the federal investigations of former Trump attorneys Rudy Giuliani and Michael Cohen. Federal prosecutors also submitted Thomas Griffith, a retired federal appeals court judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. Trump lawyers, meanwhile, proposed Raymond J. Dearie, the former chief federal judge in Brooklyn, New York who also served on the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court; and Paul Huck, Jr., a former deputy attorney general in Florida. The two sides also found little common ground in outlining proposed ground rules for the special master's work. Justice officials said any independent arbiter should not have access to the 100 classified documents seized in the Aug. 8 search, while Trump lawyers claimed that the appointed master should be allowed to review all material recovered by the government, a cache of more than 11,000 documents. The parties differences also extended to the length of the proposed special master review. The government called for the analysis to be completed by Oct. 17, while the Trump team said the review would likely take 90 days. The government had opposed the appointment of a special master because federal officials already reviewed the thousands of seized documents and segregated those that should be shielded from investigators. The classified documents, which included dozens of "secret" and "top secret" records along with empty file folders with banners marked "classified," were kept haphazardly in a storage room and in Trump's office. Classified documents mingled with thousands of unclassified records, pictures and even articles of clothing. The department returned three of Trump's passports seized during the Aug. 8 search. Story continues This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. But U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon authorized the special master Monday, ruling the documents should be reviewed to exclude personal items and for records potentially subject to attorney-client or executive privilege. Cannon also ordered the Justice Department to halt its investigative review of the documents until the special master's review is complete. Federal officials are appealing the ruling and have asked Cannon to lift the ban on reviewing the classified documents as part of the investigation, pending the appeal. Federal reviewers identified 520 pages of documents that might contain attorney-client communications. But Justice lawyers argued Trump has no claim to executive privilege, to keep communications from aides in his administration confidential, because he is no longer president and the documents were seized within the executive branch. But Cannon said the Supreme Court hadn't ruled out a potential claim of executive privilege. More: Trump's relentless attacks on Mar-a-Lago search lack context. What he said vs. what we know. The challenge for Cannon is to find a candidate agreeable to Trump and the department who holds a security clearance high enough to look at the documents and who is also an expert in attorney-client and executive privilege. U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart authorized the FBI search for evidence of potential violations of the Espionage Act for mishandling documents dealing with national defense or of obstruction of justice. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump, DOJ propose 4 special master candidates to review records nimis69/Getty Images Europe's worsening energy crisis has left utility companies facing massive margin calls that some estimates put above $1 trillion. Two experts explained the dilemma to Insider, and shared what the government could do to step in and assist. "It's not the fundamentals of these companies that are flawed. It's the situation that's rotten that's been triggered by a targeted attempt to disrupt the market." Russia's cuts to natural gas supplies to Europe have raised fears of a "Lehman Brothers moment" for the energy sector, but analysts point to key differences from the bankruptcy that sparked the 2008 financial crash. Escalating power prices have sent collateral requirements soaring for energy companies that hedge their sales in futures markets. Estimates for these margin calls top $1 trillion more than what otherwise healthy utilities can afford. "It's not the fundamentals of these companies that are flawed," Kristian Ruby, secretary general of power industry at Eurelectric, told Insider. "It's the situation that's rotten that's been triggered by a targeted attempt to disrupt the market." By contrast, the subprime mortgage crisis nearly two decades ago saddled banks with toxic assets. For Lehman Brothers, it triggered a bankruptcy filing after talks to arrange a rescue failed. Today, some European governments are already moving to provide liquidity for the energy sector. And power companies will be able to pay those debts back because they still have millions of paying customers and a recent history of making profits, Ruby said. "We're not going to see a bubble of fake value explode [like Lehman Brothers], but we could see nasty consequences with healthy companies having to go bankrupt if this isn't handled well," he said. The Lehman Brothers analogy is not accurate because the nature of the crisis is different, Ruby added, though he acknowledged it as a useful way to get lawmakers to take immediate action. Companies are faltering due to Vladimir Putin deliberately reducing supplies, he explained, and EU governments must extend credit lines to utilities caught in the pinch. Story continues "No sane company has an insane amount of money [for margin calls] that can account for Putin manipulating the market," Ruby said. Tim Gramatovich, chief investment officer at Gateway Credit Partners, echoed Ruby's take. He said it wasn't that the utility firms were speculating or shorting gas, but they are the ones nonetheless left with the bill if the government doesn't subsidize their costs. A Lehman Brothers moment would occur if a government allows a power company to close down, but that's not what is happening, he added. "The governments will step in, and are already doing it," Gramatovich told Insider. Still, European policymakers must decide if they are going to subsidize consumers or the utility companies, Gramatovich noted. And the final bill isn't clear yet. "These are monster numbers," he said. "Nobody really knows how much money is involved, or the length of the challenge. There's a war premium and risk premium embedded in the energy markets, but no one knows that number." Read the original article on Business Insider Halle Bailey as Ariel in "The Little Mermaid." Walt Disney Studios Disney released the first teaser trailer for its remake of "The Little Mermaid" starring Halle Bailey. Director Rob Marshall debuted Bailey performing "Part of Your World" to fans at Disney's D23 Expo. Also starring Melissa McCarthy and Awkwafina, "The Little Mermaid" will be in theaters May 26, 2023. Fans finally have their first real glimpse of Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney's live-action "The Little Mermaid" remake and she sounds incredible. Director Rob Marshall ("Mary Poppins Returns," "Into the Woods") introduced the first footage and teaser trailer for the remake of the 1989 film which follows Princess Ariel, a mermaid who falls for a human prince, Friday at Disney's D23 Expo convention in Anaheim, California. "It was very important for us to honor the original beauty of this movie, but also reimagine it and bring some depth and also find a way into this epic, epic piece that was deep and emotional," Marshall told the D23 Expo crowd. While the film is currently in post-production, the D23 crowd, including Insider, screened the entire "Part of Your World" sequence from the upcoming adaptation. Bailey wowed the crowd who cheered her powerful rendition of the iconic song, first sang by Jodi Benson in the original 1989 film. Walt Disney Studios live-action president Sean Bailey, director Rob Marshall, and Halle Bailey debut "The Little Mermaid" footage at D23 Expo. The Walt Disney Company via Getty Images As someone who grew up watching the original film on repeat, Bailey not only nailed the song, embodying the spirit and sound of Ariel, but showed off her vocal range in a performance that will shut down any naysayers who gave Bailey a tough time for being cast in the iconic role. This actor has an incredible voice. "Getting this film, working with Rob, is such a dream come true for me," Bailey, who watched the "Part of Your World" sequence for the first time at D23, told fans after seeing the footage. "I'm sure so many of you in here can relate to Ariel and how special she is to all of us." Rob Marshall and Halle Bailey on stage presenting "The Little Mermaid" remake at D23 Expo. The Walt Disney Company via Getty Images "Being a little girl, swimming in the pool, imagining I was a mermaid. I never thought one day I could actually see that come to life," Bailey added. "I'm just honored. I'm super, super grateful to be here in front of you all." Story continues Bailey told the crowd she filmed the "Part of Your World" scene for three days straight. "That sequence, I think was the most beautiful experience of my life, really," she said. "Feeling all the feelings that she feels, her passion, her discomfort, everything that she was experiencing, it was so exciting for me to play those emotions." "Just getting to sing a song I loved ever since I was a child was really exciting," Bailey added. Rob Marshall and Halle Bailey at D23 Expo for "The Little Mermaid." Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney During the D23 Expo panel, it was revealed that the film will feature four new songs from Alan Menken, who worked on the original film, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Marshall teased that one of the films will open up the movie in a completely different way. Melissa McCarthy stars as the film's iconic villain, Ursula. Of her performance, Marshall teased, "it's like nothing you've ever seen her do ever before. You won't believe what you're gonna see." Also starring Javier Bardem as King Triton, Daveed Diggs as the voice of Sebastian, Jacob Tremblay as the voice of Flounder; Awkwafina as the voice of Scuttle; and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, "The Little Mermaid" will be in theaters May 26, 2023. You can view the cast here. Watch the original "The Little Mermaid" on Disney+ with a monthly subscription: Read the original article on Insider A man known as Fat Leonardand also, primarily, for pulling off the largest corruption scandal to involve the U.S. Navyhas disappeared from his California home. It happened days before he was to be sentenced on federal corruption charges, and four years into a house arrest where he was supposed to be monitored 24-7. Read on to find out how authorities may have let him slip away, and why experts believe he has "nothing to lose" in escaping. 1 GPS Bracelet Snipped to Allow Escape Leonard Glenn Francis is known as Fat Leonard for his substantial physique: 350 pounds on a six-foot-three frame. But the man is apparently nimble and not that easy to detect: Vice reports that the Malaysian businessman cut off his GPS ankle bracelet on Sunday and escaped from his San Diego home, where he's been under house arrest since 2018. 2 What Francis Did, Prosecutors Allege Francis is accused of masterminding a wide corruption network that ensnared the U.S. Navy. As the owner of Glenn Defense Marine Asia, a ship servicing company based in Singapore, Francis allegedly passed $500,000 in bribes to secure contracts with the Navy in the 2000s. Officers would direct military vessels into ports Francis operated. He would then overcharge the Navy for fuel and other services. Vice reports Francis is believed to have defrauded the American military of more than $35 million. 3 "He Can Hook You So Fast" "He can hook you so fast that you don't see it coming At one time he had infiltrated the entire leadership line," a retired Navy officer close to Francis told the Washington Post in 2016. "The Soviets couldn't have penetrated us better than Leonard Francis." 4 Security Seemed Lax In 2021, Tom Wright interviewed Francis in house arrest for his podcast Fat Leonard. He found security a bit wanting. "The fact that we were able to smuggle a microphone to him last year for our podcast, and that after that security on his house remained weak, is very strange," he told Vice World News. "I was surprised they didn't tighten up security on him." Story continues 5 Police Showed Up Too Late On Monday, U.S. Marshal Omar Castillo told reporters that officers came to Francis's home on Sunday. They were notified about a problem with his bracelet and concerned about his health. On arrival, they found the home empty. "As of now, multiple leads are being investigated," said Castillo. Francis's neighbors had seen U-Haul moving trucks at the house in recent days, he added. In 2020, a three-hour security gap at Francis's residence was discovered; the guard assigned to the task apparently took an executive lunch. 6 Nothing to Lose? Francis was arrested in 2013 and pleaded guilty two years later. He was released to house arrest in 2018 after developing several health problems including kidney cancer. "He's probably sick and he wants to see his family and he's got nothing to lose," Wright told Vice. "He didn't want to risk being given even more jail time in his sentencing." "He's also the kind of person, as far as I know that takes bold decisions without thinking," he added. "So that's another aspect of his character, and why he was so successful as a businessman." Rwandan Health Minister Daniel Ngamije (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun shake hands after signing a memorandum of understanding in Kigali, Rwanda, Sept. 7, 2022. (Photo by Placide Ngirinshuti/Xinhua) 22 medical teams with more than 270 Chinese doctors have received up to hundreds of thousands of patients and performed more than 10,000 surgical operations in Rwanda since 1982 when the Chinese government sent the first medical team to Rwanda, according to Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun. KIGALI, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Rwandan Ministry of Health and the Chinese Embassy in Kigali signed here a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the dispatching of Chinese medical personnel to Rwanda. "We are expecting doctors from some fields where we have some gaps in terms of specialists. We appreciate this partnership. After 40 years of medical cooperation between the Rwandan government and China, today we are expanding this agreement for another five years because we appreciate the services of those doctors so far in the country," Daniel Ngamije, Rwandan health minister, said at the signing ceremony Wednesday. The doctors will be working in Masaka Hospital in Kigali and Kibungo Hospital in eastern Rwanda. Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun said China and Rwanda enjoy a long-lasting friendship, and cooperation in the fields of medical and health care demonstrates the two countries' deep traditional friendship of sharing weal and woe, through thick and thin. "The Chinese government sent the first Chinese medical team to Rwanda in 1982. Over the last 40 years, 22 medical teams and more than 270 Chinese doctors received up to hundreds of thousands of patients and performed more than 10,000 surgical operations in Rwanda," Wang said. He added China is willing to join hands and work together with Rwanda, to further deepen cooperation on medical and healthcare matters and lift their ties to a new height in the post-pandemic era. There are many of us, and I enthusiastically include myself, who believe the Negroni is a perfect cocktail. Invented in 1919 from equal parts Campari, sweet vermouth and gin, the Negroni is bitter and sweet, bracing and somehow refreshing, it is civilizations best mixological achievement and the apotheosis of all that is good and right in this world. The Negroni is unimprovable; when youre standing on the summit, a step in any direction is a step down. So whats the White Negroni doing here? The White Negroni was invented in 2001 by English bartender Wayne Collins in a move of apparent desperation. Collins, along with Plymouth Gin director Nick Blacknell, had traveled from London to Bordeaux for a spirits exposition and the gentlemen were struck one evening, as cocktail people often are, with a sudden and urgent thirst for a Negroni. They went to what passed for a liquor store but, finding no Campari, opted for Suze, a French bitter liqueursimilar in type to Campari but highlighter yellow instead of Camparis candy-apple redand the light local Lillet Blanc instead of sweet vermouth. Collins stirred it up and served it with a slice of fresh grapefruit, and both gentlemen, pleased, agreed that the drink deserved a name. Collins, in a flash of insight, saw the drinks potential: Lets just call it a White Negroni, he said. The Negroni was the inspiration, after all, and it follows the same template, just with the two red ingredients subbed for white ones (yellow, really, but then as now, Yellow Negroni feels unacceptable). The drink made its way across the channel to London, then across the ocean to New York, and once Audrey Saunders started serving it at her legendary SoHo bar Pegu Club, it quickly spread around the world. More from Robb Report The White Negroni is a wonderful little drink. In its best incarnation its both less sweet and less bitter than its famous big brother, with more of a focus on spiced delicacy than punchy depth, and Collins and Blacknell were correct that it deserved a name. Their choice, however, is a double-edged sword: Would it have become the world-famous neo-classic it is if it were called the Bordeaux Surprise? Certainly not. But on the other hand, calling it a White Negroni invites comparisons to what many of us think is the greatest cocktail in the world. Its like if you made a rise-and-fall gangster movie and called it Goodfellas II. Why would you do that to yourself? At the same time, not being a legendary classic has its upsides. The lack of canonical reverence for the White Negroni gives us the freedom to mess with it as we see fit. Over the last 20 years bartenders have changed the specs and used different ingredients and appended it with things like chamomile bitters or champagne vinegar, and of the hundreds of recipes out there, its an actual challenge to find two that completely agree with each other. I certainly have my favorite (below), but the template is versatile enough to embrace experimentation. Besidesits dull to only ever make one thing, no matter how perfect that thing might be. White Negroni 1.5 oz. Plymouth Gin 0.75 oz. Cocchi Americano 0.75 oz. Suze Add all ingredients to a rocks glass with a large piece of ice and stir for 10 to 15 seconds. Garnish with a grapefruit peel. Enjoy. NOTES ON INGREDIENTS Plymouth Gin - Credit: Shannon Sturgis Shannon Sturgis Measurements: Collins originally did equal parts, as one would a classic Negroni. This doesnt not work, but its a level of sweetness that we generally find unacceptable in cocktails (that is, in anything but a classic Negroni). Personally, I prefer to reduce the measurements of the vermouth and liqueur, not necessarily to allow the gin to speak more loudly, but to keep the sweetness in check. Gin: Honestly, lots of gins work here, but my favorite version sticks to Collins original. Plymouth has a fuller body that, in this build, provides the canvas for the other flavors to shine. Also great was Beefeater, but its thinner texture and higher proof make it a little too hot at the ratios above. If I were doing Beefeater, Id raise the Cocchi Americano and Suze to 1oz each. Cocchi Americano: While the original used the French Lillet Blanc, I feel fairly strongly that Cocchi Americano is the best choice. Dolin Blanc is good but not better, and my usual sleeper favorite Yzaguirre Blanco was same. I love Lillet, and prefer it in drinks like the Corpse Reviver #2, but here, Cocchi takes the dayit is fuller, with a gorgeous spice that fleshes out the front palate, and it mixes with Suze like a dream. If youre using Suze, its worth picking up a bottle just for this purpose. Suze: Theres a ton of Suze competitors, and most of them are pretty good. Most recipes call for Suze by name, but youll also find Tempus Fugit Kina lAero dOr, Salers, Aveze, Luxardo Bitter Bianco, and others. You can make any of these workthe charm of the Negroni template is its versatilitybut in all our tests, I found myself gravitating toward Suze again and again. Its got a sharp-edged gentian bitterness, with dandelions and chamomile and a slight honeyed sweetness, and works here beautifully. Garnish: Again, your choice. Almost all the recipes for a White Negroni call for a lemon peel, which does indeed work wellthe simple bright lemon oil helps cut through the sweetness of the liqueurs. Personally, though, I prefer a grapefruit peel, which adds textured bitter aromatics and I think makes the whole thing more interesting. That being said, Ive come to understand that I like grapefruits more than most people, so choose your own adventure. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin believes he can use energy to bully Europe out of supporting Ukraine and urged the U.S.s European allies to stay united in the face of Russian aggression. Blinken said at a NATO press conference in Brussels that Putin has weaponized energy against European countries standing up to his aggression, raising the costs on families, on businesses, on entire nations. President Putin is betting that these actions will break the will of countries to stand with Ukraine. Hes betting that the Kremlin can bully other countries into submission, Blinken said. Hes already lost that bet. The Russian state-run energy company Gazprom shut off natural gas exports to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline after the Group of Seven agreed last week to place a price cap on Russian oil. Despite previous efforts to reduce its dependence on Russian energy, Europe will likely still pay a price for its support of Ukraine this winter, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Blinken said the United States hopes to lessen that burden. The United States is doing everything in its power to support people around the world who are shouldering the greatest cost of Russias aggression, Blinken said. We wont leave our European friends out in the cold. He also noted that this represents an opportunity to shift away from dependence on Russian energy once and for all and transition to renewable sources. We can we will emerge stronger and in a better place, Blinken said. The NATO press conference came a day after Blinken made a surprise visit to Kyiv and announced the U.S. would provide more than $2 billion in new aid to Ukraine and other European countries threatened by Russia. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Cedar Creek Fire, Local Initial Attack; Taken Near Huckleberry Lookout. Updated at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 The Cedar Creek Fire grew to 73,922 acres with 12% containment by Saturday afternoon after a period of extreme growth Friday and overnight. The main body of the fire remains roughly 7 miles from the community of Oakridge, according to updated maps from fire officials. As of noon on Saturday, fire officials confirmed the flames had not crossed Highway 58. The burn remains on the north side of Highway 58, as well as south of Forest Road 19 and east of Bunch Grass Ridge. Oakridge and the surrounding areas remain on level 3 evacuations and Oregon Highway 58 remains closed. A map of evacuation areas is available here. Multiple teams are working to protect homes and structures in Oakridge, Westfir and High Prairie, with more resources arriving later on Saturday from Washington state and Yamhill County. Fire behavior should ease up somewhat as winds slow Saturday afternoon, but extremely dry conditions will keep the fire active into Sunday before conditions become better Monday and next week. More:Oregon fire danger to mellow Saturday evening, air quality improves Sunday night Fire crews advised residents to follow the Oregon State Fire Marshal for the most up to date information on the specific location of the fire as they work to update both evacuation and burn maps throughout the day. Power restoration throughout Lane County will begin Saturday afternoon and likely continue into Sunday, according to Lane Electric Cooperative. Restoration is based on weather conditions and feedback from emergency responders. Another update is expected around 3 p.m. Saturday. Extreme growth on the Cedar Creek Fire on Friday led to major smoke clouds like this. "Todays fire activity is expected to be extreme with long-range spotting and crown runs. Expect a large smoke column to develop by mid-morning," a morning report from the Cedar Creek Fire crew said. "East winds, low humidity, and high temperatures will continue today and start to ease tomorrow." While the east winds are expected to moderate by Saturday afternoon, Cedar Creek Fire spokesman Bud Sexton said that humidity levels would still stay extremely low as low as 8% today. That will promote plenty of burning even after the winds die down, he said. Story continues "I've never seen humidity levels that low on any fire I've been on," he said. More:Wildfire smoke from Cedar Creek Fire to 'significantly worsen air quality' in Lane County The fire has not crossed west of Highway 19; firefighters are working to hold and improve the east side. Firefighters are working to keep the fire north of Forest Road 1928. On the east side of the fire: East of Waldo Lake, the Alaska Incident Management Team has established two branches and six divisions to work in the Deschutes National Forest side of the Cedar Creek Fire. Where possible, direct attack water drops with helicopters is occurring on the southeast edge. Crews are preparing Road 4290 from Charlton Lakes to the Cascade Lakes Highway to control the spread of the fire to the southeast. On Friday, a level 3 evacuation order, meaning "go now," was issued for the Oakridge, Westfir and High Prairie areas. Residents were encouraged to evacuate to the temporary evacuation Point at Lane Community College at 4000 E. 30th Ave. in Eugene. The temporary evacuation point is located in Building 16. Lane Transit District is providing buses to help people who do not have transportation to evacuate. The buses will be staged at: Oakridge High School (47997 W 1st St.) First Baptist Church (47606 School St.) In a statement, the Lane County Sheriff's Office said: "There is immediate and imminent danger and you should evacuate immediately. DO NOT delay leaving your property to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. Drive carefully, turn on your headlights, and follow any directions from public safety personnel." East winds arrived on the Cedar Creek Fire that was at 33,100 acres Thursday but grew fast on Friday, bringing new evacuation levels outside Oakridge and closing Oregon Highway 58 over Willamette Pass. The fire grew all day Friday and grew through the night and into Saturday. ORIGINAL STORY Gov. Kate Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act Friday afternoon, which allows the Office of State Fire Marshal to mobilize resources to support local fire agencies and protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure, a news release said. "The fire's growth potential in the coming days is troubling, requiring additional resources to battle the fire and support the state's response," Brown said. "With forecasted weather conditions this week, it is important for all Oregonians to be prepared." The fire is throwing off a massive amount of smoke, with winds expected to peak overnight before slowly tapering off Saturday afternoon and evening. Cooler weather should eventually slow the fire by Sunday and especially Monday into early next week. Live Oregon wildfire updates: Power outage updates, wildfire activity The east winds are pushing the fire west and were definitely going to have very, very difficult fire conditions until the end of the day Saturday, Cedar Creek Fire spokesman Bud Sexton said. "Suppression actions may be limited," a Friday morning report said. By late Friday afternoon, the fire had grown north and west, moving about 2 miles closer to Oakridge. It also crossed Black Creek Road one of the key containment lines on the southern end of the fire toward Highway 58, likely accounting for the closure of the highway, which is the main transportation corridor between Eugene and Central Oregon. Sexton said Thursday that crews didnt think the topography lined up for extreme runs down river drainages toward populated areas, but he scaled back that language Friday. Theres no crystal ball, and with the extreme dryness, it could get into drainages that are aligned, he said. There are multiple contingency lines between the fire and Oakridge where firefighters have sought to remove fuel and stop the fire in its path. But with extreme winds the concern is that the fire sends out embers that bypass the lines, Sexton said. With humidity levels so extremely low (dry), the fuels are behaving differently than they would normally, he said. The fire can send out embers and spot well ahead of the body of the fire, and that makes it challenging. He said a big part of operations Friday was hoping for the best but preparing for the worst and making sure there was frequent communication so that if needed, the Lane County Sheriffs Office could make calls on evacuating Oakridge. More:Oregon to see extreme wildfire danger similar to 2020 Labor Day blowup Other notes from Friday are that the fire has curled around Waldo Lake and the fire perimeter has surrounded North Waldo Campground and is very close to Islet Campground on the east side of Waldo Lake. Sexton said crews had been busy wrapping structures at the campground and as of Friday morning they were intact. On the east side, the blaze is moving increasingly close to Cascade Lakes Scenic Highway, Crane Prairie Reservoir and Little Cultus Lake. Those areas are on a level 3 evacuation and are closed. There is a very large closure area around the fire at this point that strictly limits recreation. Firefighting plans On Forest Service Road 2421 firefighters will be watching for any spot fires and holding the fire at the road. Crews will be engaging the spot fires north of the Winchester Trail trying to extinguish them if safe to do so. Firefighters are also coordinating with the Middle Fork Ranger District and Lane County Oregon State Fire Marshal representative in order to provide initial attack support to any new fire starts that could occur. Closures There are expanded closures on both sides of Waldo Lake for miles in each direction. On the east side of the lake, in Deschutes National Forest, toward the Cascade Lakes Highway, a closure map can be found here. On the west side of the fire, toward Oakridge, in Willamette National Forest, a closure map can be found here. Extended power shut offs:EWEB, Lane Electric to shut off power for thousands in Lane Co. ahead of high winds This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Salem Statesman Journal reporter Skyla Patton contributed to this report. View of Cedar Creek Fire from Carpenter Mountain Lookout. Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: UPDATE: Cedar Creek Fire reaches 73,922 acres, expect active growth IRYNA BALACHUK SATURDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2022, 12:44 As of early September, the final concept and details of Lend-Lease are still unknown. The specifics of what this aid programme will be like are still being discussed, says Oleksii Reznikov, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine. Source: Reznikov in an interview for RBC-Ukraine news agency Quote: "Im probably going to disappoint you by saying this, but the final understanding of what Lend-Lease will look like is yet to be formed because our partners have not yet finalised the model for the programme. The decision in principle has been made that there will be Lend-Lease, and Ukraine will be able to buy whatever it needs to win this war, and the budget has been determined. But the nuances and details of what this Lend-Lease will be like are still being discussed." Details: Reznikov added that "there have been various models" of Lend-Lease. In one case, it was going to be an ordinary loan like the one given to the USSR and Great Britain during World War II, and "it had curious conditions". However, Reznikov predicted that a different model will be designed for Ukraine, but added that he was not ready to disclose the details. Quote: "Whatever I say now may turn out to be totally different in the final version. It is important to mention that the model will most likely be designed by ministers of finance, not ministers of defence, as these are financial relations. My goal is to consult with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and understand their needs [when they] say they need these particular UAVs or missiles." Details: He added that Lend-Lease is not yet up and running, so Ukraine is currently receiving aid under four US programmes. Background: On 9 May, US President Joe Biden signed the Lend-Lease Act for Ukraine, creating an opportunity for the rapid delivery of all types of weapons to Ukraine. In June, Oleksii Danilov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, reminded Ukrainians that Lend-Lease is not yet up and running; it may start between July and September. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Become our patron, support our work! Sen. Mitt Romney (L), President Joe Biden (R). Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images, Carolyn Kaster/AP Mitt Romney urged Joe Biden to run for president against Donald Trump in 2020, a book says. Romney previously ran as the GOP presidential nominee against Obama and Biden in 2012. Romney, a long-time critic of Trump, was the only Republican to vote twice to impeach him. Republican Sen. Mitt Romney urged Joe Biden to run for president against Donald Trump, a new book said. "You have to run," Romney told Biden over the phone on the night of the 2018 midterm elections, the book said. It was the same night Romney was elected to the US Senate to represent Utah. The exchange is detailed in the upcoming book "The Long Alliance: The Imperfect Union of Joe Biden and Barack Obama by Gabriel Debenedetti", a copy of which was obtained by The Guardian. "At one point [Biden] connected with Mitt Romney, who'd been easily elected to the Senate that night as a rare Trump-opposing Republican. They were warm as Biden cheered Romney's win," the Guardian's extract said. "Then Obama's old rival got to the point: You have to run, Romney said." Romney previously ran as the Republican presidential nominee against Barack Obama and his running mate Biden in 2012. The book cites hundreds of interviews with "colleagues, aides, rivals, confidants, allies and eyewitnesses" of Obama and Biden, and notes that Romney's quote is not verbatim. Romney had been an outspoken critic of Trump since before Trump won the Republican nomination in 2016. He called Trump a "fraud" and pointed to his "bullying, the greed, the showing off, the misogyny, the absurd third-grade theatrics." The pair traded public barbs, although Romney later praised Trump and was briefly considered for the position of his Secretary of State. Trump later endorsed Romney in the 2018 Utah Senate race. Their apparent truce did not last for long, as Romney renewed his criticisms of Trump. Trump later said he regretted the endorsement and called Romney a "pompous ass." Romney later became the only Republican to vote to impeach Trump twice. He said he did not vote for Trump in 2020, but declined to say whether he voted for Biden. Despite once urging him to run, Romney has been critical of Biden as president, and said in January he was only elected to "stop the crazy" of Donald Trump. Read the original article on Business Insider TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen's special envoy met Pope Francis on Sunday and asked him to "pray for Taiwan", on a trip the Taipei government has cast as a demonstration of their close relations even as the Holy See courts China. The Vatican is Chinese-claimed Taiwan's sole European diplomatic ally, and Taipei has watched with concern as Pope Francis has moved to improve relations with China. The democratically governed island has formal ties with only 14 countries, largely due to Chinese pressure. Former Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen, a devout Catholic visiting the Vatican for the beatification of former Pope John Paul I, wrote on his Facebook page late Sunday that he was "specially received" by Pope Francis before the ceremony. "I conveyed President Tsai's greetings to the pope and asked the pope to pray for the people of Taiwan. The pope responded with a smile and (said he) looked forward to praying for world peace together," Chen added. Taiwan's presidential office says the nine-day visit "demonstrates the close friendship between the two countries". Chen went to the Vatican three times while in office, in 2016, 2018 and 2019, including attending the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa. Pope Francis told Reuters in July that while the Vatican's secret and contested agreement with China on the appointment of Roman Catholic bishops is not ideal, he hoped it could be renewed in October because the Church takes the long view. The deal, which was struck in 2018 and comes up for renewal every two years, was a bid to ease a longstanding divide across mainland China between an underground flock loyal to the pope and a state-backed official church. Both sides now recognise the pope as supreme leader of the Catholic Church. China's constitution guarantees religious freedom, but in recent years the government has tightened restrictions on religions seen as a challenge to the authority of the ruling Communist Party. Taiwan puts no restrictions on freedom of faith and has a thriving religious community that includes Christians, Buddhists and Muslims. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Ana Nicolaci da Costa) Melitopol, August 3, 2022 Read also: Russia cant even pretend to hold sham referendum due to Ukraines counter-offensive Ukrainian military According to the mayor, the facility was used by Russian officials to coordinate preparations for a sham referendum in the region intended to add a sheen of legitimacy to Moscows military conquests. Read also: Schoolchildren forced to take pictures with Putin portrait in occupied Melitopol One more step away from the pseudo-referendum, said Fedorov. Todays explosions in Melitopol (destroyed) another United Russia HQ. Read also: Five loud explosions sound at Russian-occupied airfield in Melitopol, says mayor The late evening explosion targeted a post office where United Russia has set up its operations. Russian media later confirmed the HQs destruction. A senior United Russia party official said on Sept. 7 that the illegal annexation referendum in occupied Ukrainian territories could be held on Nov. 4 Russias Unity Day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly warned that any such sham votes would remove any potential for peace talks with Russia. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A woman who kissed King Charles III as he greeted well-wishes outside Buckingham Palace has said she will take that kiss with her forever. Jennifer Assiminios, from Cyprus, was among the crowd of people who gathered outside the royal residence on Friday (9 September) to greet the new monarch. Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully on Thursday 8 September at Balmoral in Scotland. She was 96 years old. Upon his return from Scotland, King Charles took some time to shake hands and receive condolences from fans, and observe floral tributes left outside the palace. Video footage captured Assiminios taking the Kings hand, before he leaned forward so she could kiss his cheek. Assiminios said the King looked sad but maintained a smile as he met with the crowd. I saw him in front of me and I couldnt believe it, she told CNN. I said to him: Im sorry for your loss. He said: Thank you. And I said: May I kiss you?. He said Well, yes, Assiminios added. Explaining why she had asked to kiss the monarch, Assiminios said she felt overcome with emotion, and that the King was warm and welcoming. He was lovely and smiling. Hes perfect, she added. (Getty Images) Asked what it was like to kiss the King, Assiminios told ITV: Oh, my God I nearly fell. I am going to take that kiss forever. King Charles was already in Scotland on Thursday, when news broke that doctors were concerned for the Queens health. Her death was announced at 6.30PM. In an emotional first address to the nation on Friday, broadcast from Buckingham Palace, the King praised his darling mamas warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people. The King promised his lifelong service to the United Kingdom and expressed his profound sorrow at the loss of the Queen. He also announced his eldest son and heir William and wife Kate as Prince and Princess of Wales. I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas, the King added. Follow the latest updates as the world pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. USA TODAY reporter Kim Hjelmgaard's view at St James's Palace in London as he waited for the proclamation to be made. LONDON Energy - and pageantry - ran high Saturday morning at St James's Palace where about 1,000 members of the public (and this reporter) were allowed to stand just outside the perimeter of Friary Court, to hear the Garter King of Arms proclaim Charles III the new king. King Charles III was formally proclaimed monarch in an accession ceremony at the palace shortly before, officially marking a new era in British rule following Queen Elizabeth's death Thursday. Charles automatically became king when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died but the accession ceremony is a key constitutional and ceremonial step in introducing the new monarch to the country. The proclamation drew attention and warranted pomp and circumstance Trumpets sounded and the crowd sang "God Save the King" - the U.K.'s new national anthem. David White, Garter King of Arms, a senior officer who looks after royal flag-flying, ceremony and other heraldic devices, read the proclamation from a balcony above Friary Court. "Whereas it has pleased almighty god to call to his mercy our late sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth the Second of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the crown of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to Prince Charles Philip Arthur George," read David White, continuing the centuries-old tradition to swear in a new monarch. "Three cheers for his Majesty the king," White said. "Hip-hip," he added three times. The King's Guard, in recognizable in their scarlet tunics and bushy black bearskin caps, responded three times, in turn: "Hooray." As the proclamation was being read, elsewhere in London other members of the King's Guard fired a 42-gun salute in Hyde Park and 62-gun salute at the Tower of London, a palace and fortress on the north bank of the River Thames. Story continues Inside St James's Palace, the privy council met Earlier, during a meeting of the Accession Council, an advisory group comprised of the Privy Council members, - officials, former prime ministers, the mayor of London and some royal family members - the king swore an oath and again paid tribute to his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. "To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my Mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service," King Charles III said in his declaration Saturday. "My Mothers reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion." Vince Cable, a British politician and a former leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats party who attended the Accession Council meeting, told USA TODAY: "We recognized the queen and her wonderful qualities." Cable attended the Accession Council as a member of the Privy Council. "It was a very dignified occasion. All recent prime ministers and senior ministers were there. It helped perpetuate the sense of common continuity that the monarchy gives us," he said. Cable said the meeting was a very "sedate" affair and that no mobile phones were allowed into the meeting room. "It was all very solemn and respectful. There was quite a lot of emphasis on the union of England and Scotland," he added, referring to the king's oath to protect the Church of Scotland as part of the ceremony. He said that about 200 Privy Council members were present. They made chit-chat for the few hours before the proclamation was read on the balcony outside the palace by White. USA TODAY reporter Kim Hjelmgaard at St James's Palace on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022 as the first formal proclamation that the former Prince Charles had become King Charles III following a meeting with the Accession Council to oversee the transition of power. Spectators came from all over to witness history While the Privy Council and new king met inside, spectators were abuzz, ready to witness history. The wait to enter the grounds of St James's Palace was about 90 minutes not long compared to the 1,000 + years over which the British monarchy's various rules and duties have evolved. In the line to hear the public proclamation, which hasn't happened in the U.K. since 1952 when Queen Elizabeth II took the throne, were families from up and down the country clamoring to enter the grounds. Some brought babies or small children still in their Spiderman pajamas. This reporter spotted at least one dog, a good boy who waited patiently with the rest of the crowd. Across the road, though, the site of the nearby 90-acre St James's Park, where there is a wildlife sanctuary for ducks, geese, swans and even pelicans, was a little distracting for him. Glynn and Rebecca Parry had traveled from Doncaster, a town in Yorkshire, in northern England. "Well, to be honest, we had plans for the weekend, normal weekend plans," said Glynn, a train driver. "And then when the queen died, everything sort of started getting canceled - this, that and the other - so last night it dawned on us that this was a momentous, historic occasion. We took the first train down this morning." It took two hours for the Parrys to travel from Doncaster which sits about 170 miles from London. "We knew this (the queen's death) was going to happen during our lifetime, but when it did, it was still a shock," said Rebecca, a lawyer. "This whole thing just felt so historic and we wanted to be here for that reason So, as sad an occasion as this is because it's happened it's nice to be here," she said. As the proclamation was read, a wide-eyed Tina and Clark Davis, on vacation from their home in Houston, Texas, were in the crowd. "There's just so much history here," said Tina. "I mean, we have history in the U.S., but the mystique and traditions, and all the pomp and circumstance, it's just really cool to see. We sure don't have that." Contributing: Morgan Hines, staff and wire reports. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Queen Elizabeth: In London while King Charles was proclaimed monarch Meet the new Prince and Princess of Wales: Prince William and Princess Catherine. Aside from the new King Charles III, perhaps no one will be more affected by the start of a new reign in the United Kingdom than his elder son and his daughter-in-law, Prince William and Kate as she is widely known. In a national address to the nation on Friday, the king paid tribute to his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and her lifetime of devotion to service, and he vowed the same for himself. And as expected, he named his son the Prince of Wales. Prince William with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, his wife, Duchess Kate of Cambridge, and his children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the Platinum Pageant wrapping up the queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 5, 2022 in London. With that, the former Kate Middleton became the Princess of Wales, the first to hold that title since the death of William's mother, the late Princess Diana, in 1997. In fact, she is one of only three princesses to be known as Princess of Wales since 1901. "Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty," the king said in the pre-recorded speech. "With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given." Subscribe: All things royals sent to your inbox with our new Keep Calm and Carry on newsletter The move, coming the day after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, is just one of multiple changes for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the late queen. As the king said, "This is also a time of change for my family." Here are some of those changes for the young royals: Prince William and his wife Catherine, the new Prince and Princess of Wales, formerly the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with the late Queen Elizabeth II on May 20, 2019 , at the 2019 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. Did Prince William automatically become Prince of Wales? No. The title of Prince of Wales, which dates to the start of the 14th century, is bestowed by the reigning monarch on the heir apparent, the first in line to the throne. So it was up to William's father. King Charles, 73, was created Prince of Wales by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, when he was 10 and his mother had been on the throne for six years. Story continues But his formal "investiture" as Prince of Wales took place in an elaborate (and largely modern-invention ceremony) in July 1969 at CaernarfonCastle in Wales, when he was 20. It is not clear if a similar ceremony will be organized for William. What other new titles do Prince William and Duchess Kate gain? Previously known as the HRH the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge since their 2011 wedding, the couple, both 40, will now also have the titles Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge, plus a host of other lesser titles to use when they are in Scotland or other parts of the kingdom. Their three children also move up in the succession and get add-on titles: Prince George, 9, now moves up to second in line to the throne; Princess Charlotte, 7, now moves up to third; and Prince Louis, 4, now moves to fourth. Now that their father is Prince of Wales, it is likely the children will be known by the last name of "Wales" in their school, as William and Harry were known during their school days. Why Duke of Cornwall? Duke of Cornwall is a lesser title of the Prince of Wales. It's why Charles' second wife Camilla was known, until now, as the Duchess of Cornwall after her marriage to Charles in 2005. Legally, Camilla was the Princess of Wales as the wife of Charles. But it was decided she would be called Duchess of Cornwall to soothe the feelings of Brits still resentful of the former Camilla Parker Bowles. (Diana blamed her for breaking up her marriage to Charles.) In his speech, the king confirmed that Camilla will now be known as Queen Consort, as requested by his mother in February, "I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla," Charles said. "In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort. I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much." What is the Duchy of Cornwall? Another important change for William and Kate will be inheriting the Duchy of Cornwall, the private estate (established by Edward III in 1337) that funds the public, charitable and private activities of the Prince of Wales and his family. Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla of Cornwall at a flower show on July 27, 2022. To put it bluntly, Will and Kate are going to be even richer than they already are. Charles, as Prince of Wales, made the duchy one of the most lucrative in the kingdom with a variety of projects and initiatives: It's now worth about $1.3 billion. It is huge, including multiple properties, entire towns, farms, an historic mansion-turned-museum, and even a nursery for organic produce. In addition, the duchy promotes Charles' long-time interests in efforts to achieve sustainable markets and fight climate change. Running the duchy is a herculean job in itself; Charles has been doing it for decades, along with everything else he did, and now it will be his son's turn. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, drives himself and his uncles, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Prince Edward, Earl of Essex, and Edward's wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, to Balmoral Castle in Scotland to be with Queen Elizabeth II at her bedside shortly before her death, on Sept. 8, 2022. William has alreadyfor the job. In 2014, he went back to school as a post grad at Cambridge University to take a 10-week course in modern agricultural management. Prince Charles was an especially busy Prince of Wales, with multiple charitable endeavors, such as the Prince's Trust, and wide-ranging interests in the arts, the environment and organic farming, and various business- and community-boosting projects. What will happen to these causes under Prince William? He has established his own philanthropic profile focused on such issues as mental health awareness and fighting climate change. Will he take over his father's many efforts as well? In his speech, the king noted with some regret how much his life and responsibilities will change as the new monarch, but he is confident his heir will carry on. "It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply," he said. "But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others." What other changes have affected William and Kate's family? Even though the 96-year-old queen's health had been fragile in recent months, and all the members of her family and the nation had been preparing for a change of reign, her death has nevertheless come as a shock for all. And it comes at an especially volatile time for William, Kate and their children. The family just moved from their 20-room apartment in Kensington Palace in London to Adelaide Cottage, a four-bedroom historic house on the Windsor Castle estate that dates to 1831 but has been renovated multiple times since. The move was made in part to be nearer to the late queen while she was living at the castle in the last two years of her life, but also to be nearer to the children's new school . And their first day at Lambrook School in Berkshire was the same day their great-grandmother died. Prince Harry, Duchess Meghan offer first glimpse of Lilibet Diana. Will Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan's titles change? No, but their children might gain titles for the first time. Now that Charles is king, his two younger grandchildren, Archie, 3, who was born in London, and Lilibet, 1, who was born in California, would theoretically be able to claim the titles prince and princess. But it won't be clear whether their parents will do so. And it's not clear whether Charles would be OK with this. Under complicated rules dating from the early 20th century, generally only the descendants of a reigning monarch who are closest to the throne, children and grandchildren, are entitled to titles, so to speak, at birth. A monarch can also extend titles to great-grandchildren: Thus, William's three children all got prince or princess titles from their great-grandmother. When Harry's children were born, they were too far back in line as the children of Harry, then-sixth in line and unlikely to inherit the throne. But now the Sussex children's grandfather is king and Harry has moved up to fifth in line to the throne. His children are sixth and seventh respectively. Will Harry and his father, who have not been on warm terms recently, come to agreement on this title issue? In his speech, the king said this: "I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas." Will the new reign spur Harry and Meghan to return to the UK? Aside from the royal family's grief at the queen's passing, there is the another kind of sadness overhanging: The current estrangement between self-exiled Harry and Meghan and the family, especially his father and his brother, to whom he was once very close. Prince Harry, center, with bodyguards, arrives at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, to be with his family on the day his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, died there, Sept. 8, 2022, after 70 years on the throne. As it happened, Harry and Meghan were in the U.K. when the queen died, on a five-day visit to promote some of their charities. The WellChild Awards gala, which supports sick children and for which Harry has long been patron, went on without them in London Thursday night after the queen died. Instead, Harry rushed, alone, to Balmoral, to join his father, brother, and his aunt and uncles, the queen's children, who were already at there. Kate also didn't attend. Since their stunning departure, the Sussexes have been at odds with many members of the royal family (but not the late queen). The recriminations have only increased lately, as the couple have aired their complaints about royal life, including alleged racism in the family and indifference to Meghan's mental-health struggles. Now Harry is poised to publish an "intimate" memoir of his life by the end of the year, raising the prospect of more "truth bombs," as the British tabloids call them, aimed at the royal family and at top palace officials. But can the Sussexes and the royals reconcile in grief? Will the change in reign spur the Sussexes to return and resume their royal roles? Will they be willing to give up their freedom and lucrative Netflix and Spotify deals to resume secondary roles behind Will and Kate, the soon-to-be new Prince and Princess of Wales? No one in the Sussex camp (or any camp) is saying. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: King Charles III names Will and Kate new Prince and Princess of Wales Wang Siping (2nd R), the cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania and director of the China Cultural Center in Tanzania, speaks during the 2022 China Tourism and Culture Week in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Sept. 8, 2022. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua) DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania on Thursday joined China in celebrating the 2022 Chinese Tourism and Culture Week and the Mid-Autumn Festival. The theme of the event organized by the China Cultural Center in the commercial capital of Dar es Salaam was tourism promotion and culture exchange between China and Tanzania. Wang Siping, the cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania and director of the China Cultural Center in Tanzania, said China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism took this event as an opportunity to strengthen cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation with other countries. "It's important to remove the barriers, conflicts and superiority between different civilizations with communication, mutual appreciation and coexistence, in order to promote the establishment of a community with a shared future for mankind," said Wang. A series of videos were presented through five main themes, highlighting the diversity of China from multiple aspects, such as cultural heritage, tradition, gastronomy, natural landscape, modernity and economic development. The China Cultural Center also invited some Chinese students studying in Tanzania, and Tanzanian students who have studied in China or are going to study in China to celebrate the event. "I believe their respective feelings and impressions about China and Tanzanian tourism are more vivid and convincing than our text and picture introductions," said Wang. Gladstone Mlay, the acting director of Marketing for the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, also introduced recent developments in the Tanzanian tourism sector to China. Mlay appealed to the Chinese community to invest in the tourism sector in Tanzania, saying the country offered a number of opportunities, including accommodation facilities, sightseeing, tour operation business, conference centers, food services, recreational facilities, and training institutes. A child performs at the 2022 China Tourism and Culture Week in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Sept. 8, 2022. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua) Children take part in the 2022 China Tourism and Culture Week in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Sept. 8, 2022. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua) Shanghai, China--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2022) - Melos Venture Limited ("Melos Studio", "Melos", or the "Company"), a Web 3 music collaboration and NFT marketplace, announced today, that on August 30, 2022, the "NY STATE OF MIND TOUR", presented by Live Nation and featuring the Wu-Tang Clan, officially kicked off its North American 25 city tour at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights, Missouri [U.S.]; along with Melos Studio as the tour's sponsor partner. The Wu Tang Clan ("Wu Tang" or "the Wu") is regarded as one of the most influential American rap groups in Hip Hop culture. Wu Tang reached a 25 Year milestone this year for its double album, Wu-Tang Forever. "Sponsoring this tour simply makes good business sense," stated Yalu Lin, Co-Founder and CEO of Melos Studio. "Considering our current relationship with members of Wu Tang, there is no better way to support our collaborative effort to curate dynamic music NFT collections, than to participate in this iconic and historic tour." With a focus on becoming the Web3 marketplace for music creatives in the U.S., particularly for the largest music genre in the world, Melos has aligned with the Wu to leverage the 25 city tour in support of their official entry into the U.S. markets. Melos is a decentralized music studio for Web 3.0. The platform allows fans the ability to co-create with their favorite artists. Melos intends to bring its brand and operations to the U.S. ABOUT Melos Studio Melos is a decentralized "meta + music web3.0" collaboration platform for musicians and music creators. It is a new and unique create-to-earn music ecosystem based on ETH, BSC, and FLOW. Melos Studio is committed to invigorating the entire music industry. It will collaborate with more communities and projects and contribute to the development of the music industry. Melos Studio has attracted many strategic institutional investors. It sets up a Strategic Investor Program for firms, organizations, and groups that contribute strategic value to the MusicBlock ecosystem, such as technical support, marketing assistance, or local connections with the crypto industry. Story continues Thanks to these strategic investors, Melo Studio can draw support from key industry leaders for its Public Sales and call for communities and alliances to support its ecosystem activities. Website: https://www.melos.studio Email: info@melos.studio Twitter: https://twitter.com/melos_studio Telegram: http://t.me/melosstudiodao Discord: https://discord.gg/melos Medium: https://blog.melos.studio YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MelosStudio Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the Company's actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "expect," "intends," "intend," "anticipate," "anticipates," "plans," "plan," to be uncertain and forward-looking. Contact: Public Relations Answering Center (718) 285-6378 EXT 401 info@DigitalAMN.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/136490 The suspect arrested in a seemingly random shooting spree across Memphis that sent the city into lockdown was ordered Friday to stay in jail with no bond. Ezekiel Kelly, 19, was charged after authorities say he livestreamed himself driving around the Tennessee city for hours on Wednesday, carjacking people and opening fire. He was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 24-year-old DeWayne Amir Tunstall. Police said he shot a total of seven people across the city, killing four and leaving one in critical condition. Although he's currently only facing charges in one of the killings which carries the possibility of a sentence of life in prison or the death penalty additional charges were expected. Standing before Judge Karen Massey Friday, Kelly kept his head down and spoke softly, a sharp contrast to his demeanor when authorities say he was streaming his rampage on Facebook Live. Massey ordered he stay behind bars without bond. Police say Kelly started the spree early Wednesday morning when he shot and killed Dewayne Tunstall at 12:56 a.m. in the Berclair neighborhood. The next deadly shooting happened at 4:38 p.m. in South Memphis. That was followed two minutes later with another shooting that left a person injured. At 5:59 p.m., another shooting in the Nutbush neighborhood left a person injured and shortly after, police say they were made aware the suspect was livestreaming the attacks and making threats to hurt people. Map: Daylong Memphis shooting spree left 4 dead, spanned several miles, crossed state line Officials ordered a citywide lockdown advisory at 7 p.m. that remained in effect until Kelly was arrested more than two hours later. In that two and a half hour window, police say the suspect fatally shot someone while carjacking them. He then opened fire on two others, killing one. A high-speed chase started after authorities located the suspectand he ultimately was captured. Kelly had been out of prison for less than five months at the time of his arrest Wednesday. He was previously charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, employing a firearm with intent to commit a felony, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. He ended up entering a guilty plea for the lesser charge of aggravated assault and was sentenced to three years in prison in April 2021. He served about 11 months of that sentence. Story continues Kelly was appointed a public defender Friday, although the court will reassess any conflicts when further charges are levied. His next court appearance is scheduled September 13. 'No way for us to live': Memphis mayor again calls justice system a 'revolving door' Lucas Finton is a reporter for The (Tennessee) Commercial Appeal, part of the USA TODAY Network He can be reached at Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis shooting spree suspect Ezekiel Kelly held in jail without bond A far-right Italian politician has called for an episode of the childrens TV series Peppa Pig to be banned in the country. The episode, entitled Families, was broadcast in the UK on Tuesday (6 September). It is noteworthy for introducing the characters of two co-parenting lesbian polar bears. Federico Mollicone, a member of the right-wing Italian political party Brothers of Italy, who are predicted to win the general election this month, said broadcasting the episode in Italy would be unacceptable. Once again the politically correct has struck, at the expense of our children. Cant children just be children? he told La Stampa (as reported by The Guardian). We ask Rai, which buys the rights to the Peppa Pig series in Italy with a fee from all Italians, not to broadcast the episode in question on any channel or web platform. It is not yet known when the episode will be broadcast in Italy. The new characters are parents to the pre-established Peppa Pig character Penny. I live with my mummy and my other mummy, she says in the episode. One mummy is a doctor and one mummy cooks spaghetti. They represent the first female same-sex couple to feature in the popular childrens show, which has been running for 18 years. Britains longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, died aged 96 on Thursday at Balmoral in Scotland after 70 years as head of state. While millions mourned and tributes poured in from world leaders, there were mixed reactions to her death across former British colonies such as India and Pakistan in South Asia. With her ascension to the throne in 1953, Elizabeth II became the monarch of over a dozen nations. Her seven-decade-long reign spanned a time of important transitions not only in Britain but throughout the Commonwealth. Known as the jewel in the crown of the British empire, India became an independent country after over two centuries of colonial rule in 1947, just a few years prior to the Queens coronation. The end of British rule left behind a divided nation as the new country of Pakistan was born, unleashing the worlds largest forced migration during which over one million people died and nearly 15 million were displaced. Reflecting on their countries relationship with the monarchy in the wake of the Queens death, commentators told The Independent that while the modern histories of independent India and Pakistan are intrinsically related to their colonial past, the Queen in many ways represented a shift in geopolitical relations for these countries as Britain retreated from global dominance. Mridula Mukherjee, a leading historian and former chair of the Centre for Historical Studies at Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University, said that right from the first decade of independence, the Queen was received warmly in India. This was helped by the fact that the more difficult aspects of the transfer of power had already been dealt with by 1953. India had already joined the Commonwealth and the manner in which India would join the Commonwealth had already been sorted out, she explains. The Queen was given a red carpet welcome by Indias first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, guided by Mahatma Gandhis cardinal principle of not subscribing to hate. Story continues We were interested in overthrowing the British imperial system only and did not have any hatred towards the British people, she says. And that is how the Queen was seen in India. Ms Mukherjee said India did not want to continue a legacy of discord, despite how the subcontinent had suffered through centuries of colonial rule. It is true that two centuries of colonial rule had left the economy in a bad shape whether it was life expectancy or health or any other criteria it was all abysmal in 1947. Especially, the partition and the manner in which it was done, without taking adequate care to ensure that the division took place without bloodshed. These questions remain, but they did not reflect on how the Queen herself was perceived in India. Manisha Priyam, an academic and political analyst, says India has steadily drawn away from the influence of its former colonial power over the course of the Queens reign, but the way she seemed to have accepted this with grace and continued to visit India and praise its diversity has been appreciated. The fact that India has contested many forms of colonial power, thats something she has been able to take with grace. Over the years, India has no longer remained reliant on the UK in terms of geostrategic alliances. To India now, the Quad grouping [US, Japan, Australia and India] matters more, in many ways Indias ties with the US matter more. And the Queen responded to these different political transitions gracefully. So today we mourn with the UK after her demise, she said. Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Indian minister and diplomat, says that in many ways the Queen was a symbol of continuity in a churning ocean of change. When she became the Queen, the British empire had lost the jewel in its crown India but was circling the globe in many parts of Africa and dominion status in many monarchies. And she had to preside over Britains retreat from global dominance and she did so with resilience and restraint, he told The Independent. As India marked 75 years of independence in August, the federal government led by prime minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced a series of events focussed on ending symbols of colonial slavery. A special occasion which makes every Indian proudhighlights from the inauguration of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose statue and Kartavya Path in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/VxnNieDuda Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2022 On Thursday evening as the Queens health deteriorated, Mr Modi was reopening the newly renovated Central Vista of Delhi, a colonial-era landmark, and changing the name of its central boulevard the Rajpath (it was Kingsway before independence) to Kartavya Path (duty road). Mr Aiyar says that the timing of the Queens coronation means she cannot be regarded as one of the symbols of Indias colonial past. She became the Queen a good six years after Indian independence. Gandhi himself gifted her a piece of Khadi cloth as his gift to the heir apparent. To confuse her with the empire is to make the historical mistake that this government stands accused of. While India and Pakistan share a common colonial history, divided by a gruesome partition, the two countries evolution has been different. Qamar Cheema, a South Asian analyst based in Islamabad, says that as the two countries have faced their own set of challenges, the decades after independence have seen the rise of a new kind of political leadership in both nations. The elite connected with colonial powers have been castigated by the rise of new leaders. While colonialism as a political narrative is sometimes raised in rallies it does not refer to the Queen but rather a sense of losing value for the dormant connections that some politicians had with the British empire, he said. With the end of the second Elizabethan era, he says it is now time for these new leaders in South Asia to leave behind their differences that are rooted in the colonial-era legacy of partition. There may be unfinished business including the wars [between India and Pakistan] and the issue of Kashmir but the focus should be on moving forward as nations. CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela will seek the extradition of a former top energy official and launched fresh legal action against a former oil minister, who it is also trying to extradite from Europe, the state attorney-general's office said on Friday. Venezuela has been trying to extradite from Italy its once powerful oil minister and head of state oil firm Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), Rafael Ramirez, and will now also request the extradition of former deputy energy minister Nervis Villalobos from Spain. The two former officials are being sought in connection with an investigation that centers on alleged deals in which PDVSA paid for money purportedly borrowed from a firm named Atlantic in 2012, the attorney-general's office said. But the borrowed funds never arrived in the company's coffers, causing it to incur $5 billion in damages, according to the office. PDVSA also paid back in dollars the purported amount borrowed in bolivars, when there were rules against trading in foreign currency, the office said. Ramirez had told Reuters in August that the accusations were "completely false" and that all financial transactions during his tenure had been audited. Villalobos could not immediately be reached for comment. Venezuela had previously tried to extradite Ramirez on another corruption case, but Italy refused early this year. The oil firm has been facing a string of investigations, which have resulted in the 2017 arrest of a relative of Ramirez after an accusation by the United States of connection with money-laundering, and more recently, the arrest of former PDVSA finance vice president Victor Aular. The new extradition request will go through Venezuelan courts before reaching its foreign ministry, which will then send the request to Spain. It will also renew its request to Italy, based on the new charges. (Reporting by Vivian Sequera, editing by Deepa Babington) Tacoma's deadliest year in at least four decades was 2021. This year is already worse You are the owner of this article. U.S. 12 over White Pass closes because of fire in Packwood area Updated 5:30 p.m.: State Route 410 is back open east of Chinook Pass after a serious injury collision, according to the state Department of Tr MAPUTO, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- At least four people have died and three others were missing after a boat carrying 23 people capsized in Mozambique's Nacala Porto district in the northern province of Nampula on Thursday. According to the information released Friday by the maritime administration of Nacala Porto district, the bodies of the four victims are yet to be identified. Survivors were taken to the local hospital and rescuers are still searching for the three missing people, said the maritime administrator Adam Rachide. Authorities assumed that the sinking was caused by bad weather. The victims were reportedly traveling for a traditional ceremony. Who saw that one coming? Certainly not me. Yesterday at the Yorkfest coronation luncheon it was my great honor to be named this years king of the festivities. Susan Cox reigns as the 2022 queen of all things Yorkfest. Its a bit odd to be selected at an event I have covered in person for years. I dont know how many royalty photos in Yorkfest weekend Saturday papers have had my name under them, but its a bunch. This year that duty fell to Naomy Snider of the News-Times staff. I would have done it again, but a selfie probably wouldnt cut it on the front page. Later this (Saturday) morning, or so Im told, Susan and I will lead the annual Yorkfest parade. I look forward to that kinda/sorta. My career has taken me to a slew of events great and small, always off to the side with camera and tablet in hand. This time its front-and-center. How will Susan and I react? Stay tuned. Last years king and queen, Lonnie Berger and Marilyn Jackman, were there for the coronation yesterday. Their year representing this great community has ended. Ours has just begun. The Yorkfest royalty legacy is long and distinguished. It has its beginnings in 1979 with Stan Hartman and Elaine Dahlgren. Susan and I will wander around greeting folks and representing all those former kings and queens after the parade, and likely at other events throughout the year before stepping aside for the next honored pair at this time next year. By way of background, Norma and I decided to return to Nebraska from Wyoming to be near growing families in Lincoln and Kearney, and also my elderly parents in Broken Bow. A Nebraska highway map spread out over our dining table in Powell, Wyoming, made the where decision fairly easy. We wanted to be located between Lincoln and Kearney, but also within reasonable reach of Broken Bow. When we triangulated all that, our finger landed smack-dab on York. We didnt know where we would sleep, or for that matter how we would feed ourselves, but we knew good or bad it was all going to play out in York. Greg Awtry and York General provided paychecks, so thanks to them were yet to miss a meal. We have owned two wonderful homes here in town and know we are fortunate in that aspect of York life, too. The move is still paying dividends for family reasons. The level of involvement with our kids and grandkids has eclipsed what would have been possible had we not been willing to set aside our mountain lifestyle down the hill from Yellowstone. The other reason we are still here nearly 20 years later is you and lots more people like you who made us welcome and continue to lift us up in countless ways to this day. We could not have blundered into a better place to play out this game we call life. York is where we chose to retire and York is where were going to stay. Thanks so much to each of you for helping us finally find the home we were looking for. JAKARTA, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's transportation ministry said Friday that it is seeking foreign investment to develop its railway industry, as the country has planned to have 7,451 km of train tracks by 2024. As of 2020, the largest economy in Southeast Asia had a total of 6,320 km of railway, according to data from the ministry. The target to extend the train track to 7,451 km has been included in the country's 2020-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan. "We are pleased to invite any potential investors to participate in this development project," Djarot Tri Wardhono, a senior official of the ministry, told reporters on Friday. To attract more foreign investors, the Indonesian government is currently drafting a regulation to create a friendly investment climate in Indonesia, according to the official. Traffic jams have been a problem in metro cities for a long time now. No matter how wide highways and roads are, Bengaluru roads experience traffic jams like no other city. The IT capital of the country has been facing challenges to manage the long traffic jams hence, recently Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari stated that the Centre would study how to introduce skybuses and build flyovers to decongest roads in Bengaluru. The Minister laid focus on how it's tough to widen existing roads in Bengaluru, hence acquiring land would be of no help, but grade-separators can be an option. It is difficult to widen the existing roads in Bengaluru. So, we have taken two decisions. We will not acquire land but we will build three-deck or grade separators as was done in Chennai, Gadkari said. He has been here for the last two days attending a program Manthan', a session on improving road infrastructure and mobility. Ministers and government officials of the Centre and the State attended the session. We are working on public transport on electricity. Technology has changed a lot. It's difficult to acquire land in Bengaluru. So, I suggested the use of Skybus like in the Philippines and other countries, the Union Minister said. Gadkari further said that he has directed the officials of the National Highway Authority of India to consult experts in the world to study the condition in Bengaluru and find one such solution for the city. He said his Ministry financially supports the project. Also read: Audi Q7 Limited Edition SUV launched in India priced at Rs 88.08 lakh, details here Since this is our department's mandate, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai discussed it with me. We are studying it (Skybus) and we want to do it. If lakhs of people travel in the sky then the problem below will be solved, he said. Elaborating on his discussion with Bommai on improving Bengaluru's connectivity with other cities, Gadkari said a Bengaluru-Chennai greenfield expressway at a length of 262 km at an estimated cost of Rs 17,000 crore has been approved. Another project is the 1,600- km long Surat-Sholapur-Kurnool-Chennai, which connects Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi. This road runs 177 km into certain underdeveloped regions of Karnataka such as Akkalkot, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, and Raichur. The project would reduce the travel distance between north and south, Gadkari said. The Bengaluru-Kadapa-Vijayawada Highway is another prominent project, which would be 342 km long for Rs 20,000 crore. The land acquisition is on, the Minister said. According to him, the 288-km long Bengaluru satellite ring road for Rs 17,000 crore would solve the problems Bengaluru faces. Also read: Delhi witnesses 40 percent rise in sales after 2020 EV policy, over 67,000 electric vehicles sold Gadkari said the Ministry is also making a 700-km long greenfield express highway from Pune to Bengaluru for Rs 45,000 crore. The peripheral ring road of Bengaluru would be connected with other cities. The Pune-Bengaluru alignment was finalised, he added. We have made a small change in the Pune-Bengaluru Highway. We are now making it Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway. The journey time from Pune to Bengaluru via expressway will be 4-and-a-half hours. We are taking efforts in this direction, the Minister said. The journey time from Mumbai to Bengaluru would only be six hours, Gadkari said. This greenfield (Mumbai-Bengaluru) is a new alignment which is different from Pune-Solapur, Pune-Kolhapur. The cost of this project is Rs 45,000 crore. The project would be completed by 2026, the Minister said. Speaking about the Satellite Ring Road around Bengaluru, he said it is 288 km long for Rs 16,000 crore. There are 10 packages in it. The contract for the five packages has been awarded out of which work is in progress in three projects and 60 percent of work is completed. The remaining five projects would be awarded in three or four months, Gadkari said. He said another corridor is Bengaluru, Chittoor, Vellore, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, and Chennai. Talking about the two-day session, Gadkari said the road safety Bill was recently passed by Parliament. Based on it, lots of reforms have happened in this sector. Six States have implemented it 100 percent while 14 States have implemented it by 80 percent, the Minister said. According to him, the two-day session was aimed at establishing cooperation, coordination, and communication between the States. In this Manthan under the Bharatmala series, 80 Ministers and 140 officials including principal secretaries and chief engineers from the Centre and the States from the public works departments, transport and industry participated, Gadkari said. (With inputs from PTI) The Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, shared a video of Bollywood star Akshay Kumar emphasising the value of six airbags in automobiles amid the heightened attention on the necessity of seatbelts and airbags. The video has Akshay Kumar discussing the significance of airbags in cars, emphasising the requirement for six airbags in each vehicle. It should be mentioned that the Bollywood actor has appeared in several such adverts supporting road safety. While a person bidding farewell to his daughter after marriage in a car says that the car is equipped with all modern facilities, including a sunroof and sophisticated music system, Akshay Kumar, playing the role of a policeman, says that the car has only two airbags. Video also talks about the safety benefits of having six airbags in cars. "Thank You, Akshay Kumar, for supporting the nationwide National Road Safety Campaign. Your efforts in spreading awareness on road safety issues are truly commendable. We`re committed to bringing down road accidents in India with awareness & public participation," said the Minister on Twitter. The Minister`s Twitter handle has released three videos describing the importance of road safety. Also read: Bengaluru to soon have skybuses? Nitin Gadkari takes THIS decision to decongest roads in the city On many occasions, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has talked about the importance of six airbags in cars. Recently, Gadkari said that the ministry is working towards making six airbags compulsory in all cars. Thank You @akshaykumar for your support to the nationwide National Road Safety Campaign. Your efforts in spreading the awareness on road safety issues is truly commendable. We're committed to bring down road accidents in India with awareness & public participation. pic.twitter.com/vxZEZJIJmO September 9, 2022 "The same manufacturers put six airbags when they export those cars. Then why do you put only 4 airbags in Indian cars? Don't our lives have any values? An airbag costs only Rs 900, and when the number increases, the cost will only come down," the minister said recently. He has also made it clear that seat belts will be made mandatory for the occupants in the rear seat in cars. With inputs from IANS Akasa Air, India's newest airline, launched its inaugural flight from Chennai, the fifth location in its network, on September 10, 2022. This allowed the airline to start operating twice-daily flights between Chennai and Bengaluru. The airline will begin one more daily flight on the Mumbai-Chennai route on September 15, 2022, and will add one additional daily flight on the Bengaluru-Chennai route on September 26, 2022, as part of the ongoing expansion of its operations out of Chennai. The airline has expanded the connectivity of its pan-India network and introduced a new route between Chennai and Kochi, which will begin service on September 26, 2022. This accelerated growth of cities, routes, and frequencies is consistent with the airline's goal of building its network across India gradually. Commenting on the maiden flight and the new route, Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder, and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said, We have achieved yet another milestone today with the launch of commercial flights from Chennai, which is the fifth city in our network. From today, we will offer double-daily flights in each direction on this new route. Also read: Air Atlanta Icelandic's Boeing 747 engine part falls at garage roof, residents in shock Within the next 5 days, we will strengthen our network from Chennai by connecting to Mumbai, the financial capital of India, effective 15th September. On the 26th of September, with the start of the Chennai-Kochi route, we will further strengthen our connectivity from Chennai. The increased capacities across these key focus cities backed by affordable fares will provide our customers with as many options to choose from while planning their travel. We are delighted to augment our network to meet our commitment of progressively adding more cities along new sectors, he added. The airline started its commercial operations with two aircraft and has subsequently received four aircraft to date. It will continue to grow its fleet with a view to establish a strong pan-India presence with a focus on key cities and metro to tier 2 & 3 route connectivity. Akasa Airs fleet size will be 18 aircraft by the end of March 2023, and over the next four years, the airline will add 54 additional aircraft, taking its total fleet size to 72 aircraft. New Delhi: Two years after the onslaught of Covid 19, companies started working loudly. But from some time significant faces get trolled due to the statement made to them. Ashneer Grover, the former CEO of BharatPe, is the newest individual to join the controversy around work and workplace culture, which has been in the news over the previous several days. Grover has drawn attention to himself this time for his words on recruiting and recruitment in India, a subject of discussion following the CEO of the Bombay Shaving Company's inflammatory statements. This type of controversial statement are a trending topic over the last few days. Not too long ago, Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of the Bombay Shaving Company, received vicious teasing for urging freshmen to abandon their expectations of maintaining a work-life balance. He even said that people should be prepared to put in 18 hours per week throughout the first few years of their careers. Actually, everything began when Prashant Pitti, a co-founder of EaseMyTrip, wrote a post on his Twitter account. It featured a screenshot of the exchange Pitti had with a prospective employee who abruptly withdrew from consideration for a position with his company. Prashant - In India there is no value of contract - neither would you go after someone nor would they as legal system is broken and expensive. So in India its - ek haath le doosre haath de. Best to tone down your expectation that you employ daily wagers in guise of salaried folk Ashneer Grover (@Ashneer_Grover) September 7, 2022 Grover published a comment on the page where he called salaried workers "daily wagers in disguise." "In India, there is no such thing as a contract; neither you nor the other party would pursue the other due to the broken and expensive judicial system. Therefore, in India, it is "ek haath le doosre haath de," the commenter added. Internet users did not take the Shark Tank judge's remark lightly at all. While some criticised him for being toxic, others expressed shock at the way Grover views those who put in significant effort for an organisation. Many also emphasised how awful it was to lump together all the hardworking employees and generalise the work they do. @Ashneer_Grover How do you manage to stoop so low? "Daily Wagers" that's how you treat your employees. No wonder you were thrown out of the board of the company you co-created. #boycottAshneerGrover #uninstall @PhonePe.@ppitti I feel sorry for your trouble, but not all are same. Ashutosh Ranjan Das (@Burninashes1212) September 7, 2022 After that, Netizens flooded Twitter with comments. One user said, Problem is a mentality of people like Ashneer. Treat them like a daily wager and they will act and give results as daily wagers do." Problem is mentality of people like ashneer. Treat them like a daily wagers and they will act and give results like a daily wagers do. Firing employees in bulk no problem coz entrepreneurs have to maintain profit margin. Employee rejecting companies offer is "no value of contract September 7, 2022 Not too long ago, Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of the Bombay Shaving Company, received vicious teasing for urging freshmen to abandon their expectations of maintaining a work-life balance. He even said that people should be prepared to put in 18 hours per week throughout the first few years of their careers. New Delhi: The day after Anant Chaturdashi is celebrated (bidding Lord Ganesha a farewell post the 10-day long Ganpati festival), Pitru Paksha or Pitra Paksha begins. This year, the period starts on September 10. The 16-day long period of Pitru Paksha is the time when Shraadh rituals of the elderly and all those who left this world are performed. It is said that by offering food and performing Tarpanthe souls of our dead ancestors attain peace, thereby bestowing their blessings on the family. SIGNIFICANCE OF PIND DAAN IN GAYA Pitra means ancestors from your family and Paksha is the period that takes place before the Sharad Navratri begins. During this period of Pitru Paksha, many people perform the Pind Daan ritual in Gaya, Bihar which is believed to be one of the holiest places to perform Shraadha rituals. Pind Daanam, it is believed, helps the departed souls attain Moksha by freeing themselves from the materialistic world. Until they get liberated from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, they shall roam around anxiously and continue to exist in a state of complete despair. WHAT IS PIND DAAN? Pind are balls made of rice flour, wheat, sesame seeds, honey and milk. Seven pinds are made and offered to the departed souls during Shraadha. In Gaya, Pinds are offered to the footprint of Lord Vishnu near river Falgu, Akshay Vat, Mangala Gowri and a few other holy places. If you wish to do Pind Daan in Gaya, you can choose the 7th, 5th, 3rd or 1st day of Amavasya with Krishna Paksha in any of the months according to the Hindu calendar or during the Pitru Paksha Mela held annually. You may consult your family priest to help you choose the appropriate date. The Shraadha is completed after observing the following rituals Snana (bathing) and Sankalpa (determination), Pind Daanam and finally Tarpanam. SHRAADHA RITUAL It is said that the Shraadh of a particular ancestor or relative from the family is performed on a specific lunar day during the Pitru Pakshausually, the same day when that person left for the heavenly abode. However, exceptions are made in the case of those individuals who die in a particular manner. Chautha Bharani and Bharani Panchami, the fourth and fifth lunar day respectively, are allocated for those who are deceased in the past year. Avidhava Navami (Unwidowed ninth), the ninth lunar day, is for married women who died before their husbands. SHRAADH OFFERINGS: The food that is offered to the ancestors while Shraadh has to be cooked in either silver or copper utensils. Also, it is placed on a banana leaf or dried leaves. The food generally includes Kheer, Lapsi, rice, dal, spring bean (guar) and a pumpkin. Most of those following the rituals stay away from non-vegetarian food during Pitru Paksha. It is seen that usually, families set out on a pilgrimage to divine and holy places such as Varanasi and Gaya for the Shraadh ceremony. (Having listed these rules, different regions might perform the rituals and customs differently depending upon their own following.) Jodhpur: The valedictory ceremony of the BJP's OBC Morcha's national working committee meeting in Jodhpur on Saturday will be attened by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is scheduled to address the meeting. Jodhpur is the home turf of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Shah is also scheduled to address the inaugural session of the BJP's booth-level workers meeting in Jodhpur. Rajasthan | Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah attends party's OBC Morcha National Executive Committee Meeting in Jodhpur pic.twitter.com/gheSQOMx4T ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2022 The Home Minister, who arrived in Jaisalmer on Friday (September 9) evening, is on his two-day stay in Rajasthan. On Saturday morning, Shah offered prayers at the Tanot Mata temple in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. He also laid the foundation stone of tourism development work on the temple premises and unveiled a plaque. The minister, who arrived in Jaisalmer on Friday evening, reached Tanot on Saturday morning by helicopter. He laid a floral wreath at the Vijay Stambh. The revered Tanot Mata temple, located close to the India-Pakistan border, is managed by the BSF. It is at a distance of 120 km from Jaisalmer. In Jodhpur, BJP functionaries said the home minister would be accorded a grand welcome. Over 1,500 party workers wearing saffron turbans and riding motorcycles will escort him to the venue of the meeting from the airport, they said. National president of the BJP OBC Morcha K Laxman, Union Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav and Rajasthan BJP chief Satish Poonia inaugurated the two-day working committee meeting on Friday morning. While addressing the gathering in the National Working Committee meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party OBC Morcha, Bhupender Yadav pointed out that whenever the issue of reservation of Other Backward Classes (OBC) came up, Congress did not support it. "Since 2014, the government of PM Narendra Modi is working continuously for OBC society," he said. Known locally as Marwar, Jodhpur is the biggest division of Rajasthan and comprises six districts - Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Sirohi, and Pali. Of the 200 Assembly constituencies, 33 are in Jodhpur division, including 10 in Jodhpur district. Of these, the BJP currently holds 14 seats, the Congress 17, while the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party and Independents hold one seat each. "OBC is a vast community. It is with the BJP ideology. This is the first time in the BJP regime that we have 27 ministers from this community. Also the OBC commission has been given constitutional recognition by the Narendra Modi government," Rajasthan BJP chief Satish Poonia said. The Assembly election in Rajasthan is scheduled to be held later in 2023. Also Read: Big Lapse in SECURITY of Amit Shah during Mumbai visit, unknown person roams around Home Minister for HOURS (Wit inputs from Agencies) Mumbai: As the festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi concluded on Friday, at least 19 persons died in different incidents that occurred during the immersion of Ganesh idols in parts of Maharashtra, police said on Saturday. Out of this, 14 people died due to drowning accidents. Meanwhile, In Wardha district three persons drowned at Sawangi, while another one drowned at Devli, an official said. Two persons drowned in a pond in the Yavatmal district when they went for immersion of idols, he said. The 10-day Ganesh festival, which started on August 31, ended on Friday. In Ahmednagar district, two persons died of drowning in separate incidents at Supa and Belvandi, he said, adding that two others died in Jalgaon district of north Maharashtra. One each died in Pune's rural part, Dhule, Satara and Solapur city, he said. Four persons died in a road accident at Sakkardara area of Nagpur city during Ganesh immersion, he said. In Thane, a 55-year-old woman was killed and four others injured after a tree collapsed on a Ganesh pandal in the Kolbad area amid rains. The incident occurred on Friday night, a civic official said. "A huge tree fell on the pandal while the aarti of Lord Ganesh was going on as part of the immersion of the idol. The woman, Rajashri Walavalkar, was seriously injured in the mishap. All of them were rushed to a hospital, where she was declared brought dead," the official said. Meanwhile, at least 11 persons, including a nine-year-old girl, were injured after suffering an electric shock at Panvel in Raigad district during a procession. The incident took place on Friday evening at Wadghar Koliwada after a cable of an electric generator snapped, an official said. "At least 11 persons who were part of the procession came into contact with the cable and sustained injuries. The injured include four children, he said. While some of them were rushed to a private hospital, others were taken to a state-run hospital in Panvel, he said adding all are responding well to the treatment. Some law and order-related incidents were also reported in parts of the state during the immersion of idols. A scuffle broke out between the supporters of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray at Tophkhana in Ahmednagar district, an official said. In Jalgaon, a group of people hurled stones at the mayor's bungalow during the Ganesh immersion procession, he said, while minor incidents of scuffle between groups were reported in Pune city and rural part of the district as well as Chandrapur. Shimla: The women wing of the Congress has made a strategy to gherao the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur in every Assembly constituency of the state for not fulfilling promises made in the election manifesto. The national spokesperson of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Alka Lamba has accused the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) government of exploiting women and not fulfilling the promises made in the election manifesto. Addressing media in Shimla, Alka Lamba said, "The BJP government talks about good governance but an IAS officer is not being heard in the government, about which the officer has written a letter to the governor." Alka Lamba said, "The Gudiya helpline has become helpless. As per the government records, 8400 women filed complaints but the government did not take any step". The Gudiya helpline is a toll-free number to ensure the safety of women. BJP in their manifesto had made promises for the women farmers bill, the opening of women police stations in every district, recruitment of 33 per cent of women in police, and implementation of the Sashakt Mahila Yojana. According to her, not a single announcement has been fulfilled by the BJP government and as a result, the women have now made up their minds to gherao the Chief Minister. In the Mandi rally of the Prime Minister, women will also reach out to return the empty cylinders of the Ujjwala scheme, which the Congress party will support. She said, "The Congress party has given 10 guarantees, which include a guarantee of giving Rs 1500 to women, through which a form will be delivered to every household through the Har Ghar Lakshmi Abhiyan, under which the woman is eligible for a guarantee of Rs 1500 rupees by scanning the given QR code". Also Read: BJP tweets video of Tamil Nadu pastor telling Rahul Gandhi 'Jesus REAL God...'; Congress says 'Typical BJP mischief' She further added that once the Congress government comes to power money will be deposited in the accounts of the women. She also said, "September 11, there will be two big conferences of the Mahila Congress". "Congress leader Ramlal Thakur will organize women`s conferences in the Bilaspur area and Mukesh Agnihotri in Haroli Assembly constituency of the state", she added. Last month Congress MP Rahul Gandhi announced a massive nationwide protest on price rise and unemployment. The party also called for the gherao of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s residence against price rise, unemployment, and GST hike on essential items. Also Read: Natural Disasters in Himachal Pradesh: How students can help improve the scenario - tips from Aarna Wadhawan In Delhi, party MPs held "Chalo Rashtrapati Bhavan" from Parliament to register their protest over the issues. Congress Working Committee (CWC) members and senior leaders participated in "PM House gherao". According to a statement from the party, Congress Working Committee (CWC ) members and senior leaders took part in "PM House gherao" while Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs held a "Chalo Rashtrapati Bhavan" from Parliament. Pithoragarh: A cloudburst in a border village of Nepal triggered a flash flood in Khotila village on the Indian side as waters of the swelling Kali river rushed into homes, filling them with sludge and killing a woman. The body of Pashupati Devi, a resident of Khotila village, was later pulled out of the sludge that had choked her house after the flooding of the river, Pithoragarh District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan said. The village is located near Dharchula town in Pithoragarh district, he said. The cloudburst occurred past midnight in Bangabagar village across the India-Nepal border, Chauhan said. The river waters mixed with debris gushed into 36 homes in Khotila village, officials said. The woman killed in the incident did not get the time to unbolt the door of her home and run to safety, the DM said. He said 170 affected people of the village have been evacuated and put up in makeshift shelters built at Dharchula stadium. Also Read: Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath suggests THIS innovative way to prevent disasters like Bengaluru floods The affected village on the Nepal side of the border received 132.2 mm of rainDM Chauhan said. The cloudburst has caused casualties on the Nepal side of the border too, the officials said. Pithoragarh District Disaster Management Officer Bhupendra Singh Mahar said some animals belonging to villagers have also been lost. The Dharchula administration is running relief and rescue operations on the spot with the help of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police personnel, Mahar said. The extent of damage is yet to be assessed, he said. Ranchi: The Election Commission has sent its opinion to Jharkhand Governor Ramesh Bais on the disqualification of JMM's Dumka legislator Basant Soren, brother of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, from the Assembly in an office of profit case, an EC official said. The EC's opinion came at a time when the chief minister himself is facing the threat of disqualification as an MLA for the same reason. "The opinion on Basant Soren has been sent to the Jharkhand Governor on Friday. The contents of the communication are not known," the EC official told PTI in New Delhi. A source in Raj Bhavan here also confirmed on Saturday that the Governor is in receipt of a recommendation concerning Basant Soren. Hemant Soren allegedly procured stone mining leases in his name while being the chief minister and holding the mines portfolio. His brother, on the other hand, is accused of having suppressed information about his association with a mining company in which he is a director. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the complainant in both cases, has sought disqualification of the Soren brothers from the Assembly under provisions of the Representation of the People Act. Amid suspense over the CM's continuance as an MLA, Bais went to Delhi on September 2 and returned to Ranchi on September 8. The governor went to Delhi a day after assuring the ruling UPA MLAs at a meeting that he will clear all doubts regarding the CM soon. Political crisis in Jharkhand Following a petition by the BJP seeking Soren's disqualification from the assembly in an office of profit case, the Election Commission (EC) sent its decision to Governor Ramesh Bais on August 25. Though the EC's decision has not yet been made public, there is a buzz that the poll panel has recommended the chief minister's disqualification as an MLA. In a joint statement on August 28, UPA constituents had accused Bais of encouraging political horse-trading by deliberately delaying announcing the decision. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) took its MLAs to a resort in Congress-ruled Chhattisgarh on August 30 as JMM was afraid that the BJP may attempt to poach legislators from the party and also from the ally Congress in a bid to topple the government. They returned to Ranchi on the evening of September four to attend a special session of the Assembly the next day, in which the Hemant Soren government won a confidence vote. The UPA has claimed that disqualification of the CM as an MLA will not affect the government, as the ruling JMM-Congress-RJD coalition enjoys an absolute majority in the 81-member House. The JMM, the largest party, has 30 MLAs, the Congress 18 legislators, and the RJD one. The main opposition BJP has 26 MLAs in the House. People visit an alternative energy exhibition in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 9, 2022. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) by Dana Halawi BEIRUT, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- While the use of solar energy is growing in Lebanon, industry experts are concerned with several challenges that may impede the sector's continuous growth. One of the challenges is posed by the non-professionals in the sector. Ali Khalife, senior manager at Khalife for oil&lub, told Xinhua that some people working in Lebanon's solar industry are not experts in the field, whose work has caused technical problems, discouraging clients from using these systems. "For Instance, in some cases, those non-professionals used the wrong electrical connectors, which do not match the system's requirements," Khalife said. Khalife's remarks came on the sidelines of the Middle East Clean Energy Conference held at le Yacht Club in Beirut Downtown. The conference, which runs from Sept. 7-9, along with an exhibition for experts in the field, aims to increase awareness of clean energy solutions to the public and provide an industry platform for enterprises to accelerate business cooperation and market penetration. Hussein Fakih, manager at Takom Energy Co, agreed with Khalife. He has witnessed incidents of batteries and inverters explosion as they were installed incorrectly. "This is why solar energy work must only be done by experts who can also provide maintenance for clients and after-purchase services," Fakih said. Another obstacle, according to Maroun Charabati, owner of Manalco, a company dealing with clean energy solutions, is that some people still have a conservative mentality when it comes to solar. "This necessitates awareness of its benefits for individuals, businesses, and the environment," he said. Diana Fawaz, manager at CW Enerji, told Xinhua that one significant obstacle facing people in Lebanon is the lack of financial capability to install solar energy amid a drop in purchasing power due to the economic crisis. Lebanon has been suffering from a chronic electricity problem, exacerbated by the lack of U.S. dollars which limits the country's capacity to import fuel for power stations. As a result, Lebanese households bear intermittent daily blackouts that last for as long as 20 hours a day. An increasing number of Lebanese have resorted to solar energy amid fears of further power cuts as Lebanon's central bank reserves stand at less than 11 billion dollars, which means the import of fuel products might come to a complete halt. Khalife told Xinhua that before the country's economic crisis in 2019, household demand for solar systems was nearly zero. The increase in the supply of solar systems led to a drop in their prices compared to the past. "An average system for a household used to cost no less than 10,000 dollars," said Fakih, adding that now the price has dropped to around 4,000 dollars. People visit an alternative energy exhibition in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 9, 2022. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) New Delhi: Five Congress MPs have written to AICC central election authority chief Madhusudan Mistry expressing concern about the "transparency and fairness" of the party chief's election and sought that the list of PCC delegates that make up the electoral college be provided to all electors and potential candidates. In a joint letter to Mistry dated September 6, Congress's Lok Sabha members Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Karti Chidambaram, Pradyut Bordoloi and Abdul Khaleque said this list must be made available in order to verify who is entitled to nominate a candidate and who is entitled to vote. "In case the CEA (Central Election Authority) has any concerns with respect to releasing the electoral rolls publicly, it must put in place a mechanism to securely share this information with all electors and potential candidates," the letter said. Electors and candidates cannot be expected to go to all 28 Pradesh Congress Committees (PCCs) and nine union territorial units across the country to verify the electoral rolls, the MPs said in their communication to Mistry. They said that as Congress MPs, they are concerned about the transparency and fairness of the election process for the president of the party. "It is unfortunate that an erroneous interpretation is being given to our demand of releasing electoral rolls. We are not suggesting that any internal document of the party should be released in a manner that may give an opportunity to those who wish us ill to misuse the information contained therein," the MPs said. They said that they are of the firm opinion that before the commencement of the nomination process, the party's CEA must provide a list of PCC delegates that make up the electoral college. The MPs said that providing the list will remove any unwarranted arbitrariness from the election process. "As long as this demand is met, our concern about transparency - a sine qua non in any free and fair election - will be met," the letter said. The letter came a day after the party launched its ambitious 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' from Kanyakumari to Kashmir on Wednesday. Speaking on the party's polls, Rahul Gandhi on Friday said at a press conference in Kanyakumari that he has made his decision on whether he will take up the party presidency but did not divulge his plans. He said he will give his reasons if he does not contest the upcoming elections for the post. Asked if he would become the Congress president, he said, "Whether I become president or not, this will become very clear when the presidential elections of the Congress party take place." "Wait till that time. When that time happens (comes), you will see. And if I don't stand, you can ask me 'why didn't you stand' and I will answer the question for you," Gandhi told reporters. Sources said Tharoor and Bordoloi had written separate letters to Mistry earlier as well seeking the publication of the electoral rolls. Tharoor and Tewari were among the group of 23 leaders who had written to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in 2020 seeking an organisational overhaul. Tharoor is contemplating running for the post of party president. Last month, Tewari and Chidambaram, along with Tharoor, had demanded that the electoral rolls be made public to ensure transparency. Tewari had raised objections to the Congress not making public the names of the electors for the polls to elect the next party president and said the list must be published on the All India Congress Committee (AICC) website for a "free and fair" process. Mistry, however, has maintained that the election is being held transparently and the entire poll process is free and fair. He had said that according to the party's constitution, the electoral rolls cannot be made public but they can be provided to anyone contesting the election. The notification for the Congress president's election will be out on September 22 and the process for filing nominations will be held from September 24 to 30. The last date for the withdrawal of nominations is October 8 and the election, if required, will be held on October 17. The results will be out on October 19. New Delhi: Six people drowned while immersing idols of Lord Ganesh in Mahendergarh and Sonipat districts of Haryana on Friday (September 9,2022) evening. The officials said while four youths drowned in a canal in Mahendergarh, two drowned in the Yamuna river in Sonipat. Over 20 people had gone for the immersion near a canal in the Jhagadoli village. Another 4 boys have been rescued from the spot, the officials added. "Around 20-22 people had gone to a canal near village Jhagadoli in Mahendragarh for Ganesh idol immersion. During which many of them drowned in the river. As of now, 4 boys have lost their lives and 4 have been rescued safely," said Mahendragarh DC JK Abhir. The rescue operations were underway. In another tragic incident during the immersion of Ganesh idols, two children drowned to death while one succumbed in the hospital in Unnao. As per reports, the children had gone to immerse the Lord Ganesha idols in the river Ganga. "Two children drowned to death, while a third died during treatment in Unnao. They had gone for the immersion of Lord Ganesh idols today in river Ganga in Kotwali Safipur area when the incident took place," said police. CM khattar expresses grief Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar expressed grief over the tragic deaths of youths during the Ganesh idol immersion at Mahendragarh and Sonipat on Friday.Taking note of the situation, the state chief also prayed for a speedy recovery. "The news of the untimely death of many people due to drowning in the canal during Ganpati immersion in Mahendragarh and Sonipat districts is heart-wrenching. We all stand with the families of the deceased in this difficult time. NDRF team has saved many people from drowning, I pray for their speedy recovery," Tweeted Manohar Lal Khattar. The 10-day illustrious Ganesh Chathurthi festival came to an end on Friday. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with much pomp and zeal in several states across the country and 2022 marked the return of its celebration after 2 years of COVID-induced restrictions. (With agency inputs) JEE Advanced Result 2022: The Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Bombay will declare the JEE Advanced 2022 Result tomorrow, September 11, 2022. According to the official schedule released by the IIT Bombay, the result will be declared at 10 AM. Once released candidates will be able to check their JEE Advanced 2022 scorecard on the official website- jeeadv.ac.in. Candidates note that the link to download the result will be activated once it is out. Candidates must notice that IIT Bombay will also release the JEE Advanced 2022 Final Answer Key along with the result. Candidates who appeared for the JEE Advanced 2022 exam can check their results following the simple steps given below Steps to check JEE Advanced Result 2022 Visit the JEE Advanced official website - jeeadv.ac.in 2022. Click on the direct link to check the JEE Advanced Results 2022. Enter the roll number, date of birth and other login credentials Submit and your JEE Advanced 2022 Result will appear on your screen Download the JEE Advanced 2022 scorecard for future reference. IIT Bombay conducted the JEE Advanced 2022 exam on August 28, 2022, and the provisional answer key was released on September 3, 2022. IIT Bombay will begin the Joint Seat Allocation (JoSAA) 2022 Process tentatively on September 12, 2022. Kolkata: The war of words between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and BJP in Bengal is almost a continuous saga and the detention of Anubrata Mondal remains a chief point of contention between the two parties nowadays. Unlike in the case of former minister and TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee, who was shown the door by the party after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a school recruitment scam, Banerjee has stood by Mondal, who is facing investigation in cattle smuggling scam. Responding to Mamata Banerjee's comments that people will accord Mondal a hero's welcome when he's soon out of jail, BJP's Suvendu Adhikari said that if the Chief Minister wanted to honour him, she will have to go to Tihar jail! Anubrata Mondal and 13 others were acquitted on Friday (September 9) in a blast case at Mangalkot in Birbhum district in 2010 by an MP/MLA court here. Following his acquittal, Mondal claimed that he had been framed in the case. Earlier in the day, Mondal, who is the Birbhum district president of TMC, told reporters that he is happy to have 'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) on his side during the crisis. Banerjee is called 'Didi (elder sister) by her partymen and supporters. Answering questions by journalists while being taken out of Asansol correctional home on his way to Bidhannagar MP/MLA court in the city, Mondal said "None spends his/her entire life in jail. An undertrial has to be released at one point in time. I am not demoralised. It is enough for me that our leader, our respected Didi, is on my side," he asserted before being whisked away in a car. Also read: 'TMC has turned into a DRAMA party, can't ESCAPE...': Dilip Ghosh REACTS to Madan Mitra's retirement PLAN Banerjee had said on Thursday, "Anubrata will come out of jail one day and you will accord him a hero's welcome when he does so." Taking a dig at the CM, Suvendu Adhikari, who's also the Leader of Opposition, told the media that if the CM wants to honour Anubrata Mondal as a hero, "then she will have to go to Delhi's Tihar jail. Adhikari has also asked his party's rank and file to wage a united war to dislodge the "corrupt and scam tainted" TMC government. He claimed that Trinamool Congress leaders were "thieves and looters", and called upon the people of Alipurduar district in north Bengal to join the saffron party's September 13 'Nabanna Abhijan' (march to the secretariat) in large numbers. Although there has never been a political tie-up between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, when it comes to Nitish`s campaign to form an anti-BJP front for 2024 general elections, it is believed that the latter will join hands. Considering the prevailing situation, it can be said that the campaign to form a united opposition front against the BJP in Jharkhand is not possible without including Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). This is the reason why West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee has declared in Kolkata that the Trinamool Congress will fight together with Nitish Kumar, Hemant Soren, Akhilesh Yadav and other leaders against the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. JMM working chief Hemant Soren has not met with Nitish or Mamata during the recent days, however, when there was a crisis in Jharkhand government recently, both JDU and the Trinamool attacked the BJP over it. Even the JDU`s Jharkhand unit also held a meeting in Hazaribagh, in which a resolution, condemning the BJP and the Central government, was passed. The resolution said that the BJP is "trying to overthrow the elected government led by Hemant Soren in Jharkhand. For this Central agencies - ED, CBI, Income Tax are being misused". Similarly, Mamata also stood in support of Hemant Soren during the political crisis in Jharkhand. It is also said that Mamata helped Hemant Soren to thwart BJP`s `Operation Lotus`. It was the West Bengal police, which arrested three Congress MLAs from Jharkhand with huge cash in Howrah. Subsequently, the Bengal police arrested Jharkhand`s advocate Rajiv Kumar, who had made several PILs against Hemant Soren, with Rs 50 lakh cash. Even referring to this case against advocate Kumar, a caveat was filed in the Supreme Court arguing that the advocate who filed PIL against Hemant Soren is indulged in corrupt practice. It is obvious that the Jharkhand Chief Minister will now be with Nitish Kumar and Mamta Banerjee in the political battle against the BJP. His recent statements also indicate this. Hemant Soren says that it is the misfortune of the country that the present BJP government at the Centre is engaged in a conspiracy to destabilise the elected governments in more than half of the states of the country. "We will never allow their conspiracies to succeed." To realise how effective and helpful will the JMM be in the fight against the BJP, it is necessary to understand the arithmetic of the Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand. There are 14 parliamentary constituencies in the state. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP won 11 of these seats, while its ally AJSU`s candidate won one seat. In the remaining two seats, one seat each was secured by the JMM and the Congress. In the elections, four parties - JMM, Congress, JVM and RJD, had formed a front in the state, but despite this, this front proved ineffective against the BJP`s wave. However, in the Assembly elections held in November, just six months after the Lok Sabha election, the alliance of JMM, Congress and RJD won a landslide victory. The alliance, which did not make an impact in the Lok Sabha elections, showed the BJP the way out of power in the state by winning 47 out of 81 assembly seats. Earlier in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, more or less similar results had come to the fore. In this election too, JMM, Congress and RJD had formed an alliance, but despite this, 12 out of 14 seats went in favour of BJP, while JMM won two seats. Congress and RJD did not get success in any seat. After this, in the assembly elections held in the same year, BJP registered a landslide victory and formed the government of full majority in the state for the first time. On the basis of these results, it can be said that the same political equations are not effective in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections. However, the present JMM-led government in the state has been successful in giving a message to its core voters by taking many big and popular decisions. For instance, the demand for not extending Netarhat Firing Range, pending since the last 30 years, was accepted by the Hemant Soren government. Similarly, implementation of Old Pension Scheme, 13 months salary for policemen, increase in honorarium of Anganwadi sevika-sahayaks and extension of service of assistant policemen are among the big and popular decisions taken by his government. These decisions will certainly help him to build a narrative in his favour in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. It is too early to make any predictions from now on how effective the opposition unity campaign, which Nitish Kumar has embarked on, will prove in Jharkhand. However, it is certain that no fight to oust the BJP from Jharkhand will go ahead without taking the JMM along. Srinagar: National Investigation Agency in a handout said that it has filed a charge sheet against six accused in connection with a case related to the targeted killing of a Sarpanch in Kulgam. A handout, that was filed by the NIA in the NIA Special Court yesterday, said that the targeted killing of Sarpanch Shabir Ahmad Mir of village Adoora, Kulgam was carried out by the terror outfit of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). The case was initially registered on March 11 this year at Kulgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir and later re-registered by NIA on April 8. According to the statement, investigations have revealed that the handlers of terrorist organization Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) operating from Pakistan, hatched a criminal conspiracy in collusion with terrorists associates/OGWs and terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen, active in Kashmir Valley to carry out the targeted killing of Shabir Ahmad Mir, Sarpanch of village Adoora, Kulgam. Also Read: 'Good treatment' for deprived sections with Ayushman Bharat Scheme, new target of the Jammu and Kashmir government This incident was just the tip of the iceberg as the terror outfit was carrying out targeted killings in Kashmir Valley as part of a larger conspiracy. The aim was to disturb the peace, create chaos and disrupt the democratic process established by the Panchayati Raj System in Kashmir Valley meanwhile infesting terror among the politically elected representatives. Details of the Chargesheet The details of the accused charge-sheeted are as given below Danish Ayaz Dar son of Ayaz Ahmad Dar resident of Mohammadpora, District Kulgam, J&K, U/s 302 r/w 120B & 121A of IPC, sections 16, 18, 19, 20, 38 & 39 UA (P) Act, 1967 and section 25 (1B) (a) of Arms Act,1959, Faisal Hameed Wagay S/o Abdul Hameed Wagay R/o Village Adoora, Kulgam, A/P Mahammadpora, Kulgam, J&K, U/s 302 r/w 120B & 121A of IPC, sections 16, 18, 19, 20, 38 & 39 UA (P) Act, 1967 and section 25 (1B) (a) of Arms Act, 1959, Nisar Rashid Bhat @ Nasir S/o Rashid Ahmad Bhat R/o Village Tengpora, District Shopian, J&K U/s 302 r/w 120B & 121A of IPC, sections 16, 18, 19, 20, 38 & 39 UA (P) Act, 1967, section 25 (1B) (a) of Arms Act, 1959 and sections 4 & 5 of Explosive Substances Act, 1908, Zubair Ahmad Sofi (now killed) S/o Ghulam Hassan Sofi R/o Tazipora, Mahammadpora, Kulgam, J&K, U/s Charges shall be abated against the slain militant, Mushtaq Ahmad Itoo (absconding) S/o Ghulam Hassan Itoo R/o Mahmmadpora, District Kulgam, Jammu & Kashmir, U/s 302 r/w 120B & 121A of IPC, sections 16, 18, 20, 38 & 39 UA (P) Act, 1967 and section 27 of Arms Act, 1959 and Farooq Ahmad Bhat @ Farooq Nalli (absconding) S/o Abdul Gani Bhat R/o Chak Dassan, Yaripora, District Kulgam, J&K, U/s 302 r/w 120 B & 121 A of IPC; sections 16, 18, 20, 38 & 39 UA (P) Act, 1967 and section 27 of Arms Act, 1959. Further investigations in the case are in progress, reads the statement. New Delhi: Union Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday lashed out at Congress and Rahul Gandhi for their much anticipated Bharat Jodo Yatra campaign and asked him why the party is taking out such a movement. Irani asked Rahul Gandhi who has harmed the unity of India that required the opposition party to take out such a campaign. BJPs firebrand leader also took a jibe at party leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who was earlier accused of raising anti-India slogans when he was JNU president, Irani slammed Gandhi for being in the company of people who raised slogans against the country. "Rahul Gandhi is on the way to uniting India but he should answer first who dared to break India. You make a person a member of your party who had shouted the slogan 'Bharat Tere Tukde Honge, Insha Allah'," PTI quoted Irani as saying at Doddaballapura in Bengaluru. The Amethi MP made the statements while addressing a gathering at BJPs 'Jana Spandana' programme celebrating the ruling party's three years in office in Karnataka. Irani also said that she was shocked by Gandhis remarks against the state of the Indian state and its structure. "You know the role of the CBI, of the ED, of the Income Tax department. So, we are not fighting anymore a political party, we used to fight a political party. Now, the fight is no"With all seriousness, I am making this charge of sedition. I am shocked at Rahul Gandhi's statement that he is fighting against the Indian state. You have waged a war against India. I am shocked by your hunger for power. The Union minister charged that the Congress could not "digest" the statue of iconic freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose being inaugurated at 'Kartavya Path' in New Delhi as the party did not issue any statement favouring the step. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Post Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar's Delhi visit to meet leaders of the opposition, his deputy and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Friday (September 9, 2022) said that if all the Opposition parties unite then they will be successful in defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 general elections. It is a good thing. It has been clearly said that if all of us are united, we will be successful (in defeating BJP), Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav told media persons in Patna. Nitish Kumar recently was on a visit to Delhi and during his visit, the Bihar CM met leaders of several parties in the country. Nitish Kumar met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. "I am doing my job to unite the opposition leaders and my efforts will continue. I firmly believe that the opposition leaders will be united soon and everyone will contribute to fighting against the BJP. The decision on the Prime Ministerial candidate will be final in two to three months. At present, I am not the Prime Ministerial candidate of the opposition parties," CM Nitish Kumar after the meetings. This came days after Nitish Kumar broke the alliance with the BJP in August and formed the government with RJD in Bihar. Earlier Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao had also visited Bihar and met Nitish Kumar, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as part of efforts towards forging opposition unity. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) meeting on Thursday announced that Nitish Kumar, Hemant Soren, and herself with other leaders will come together for the 2024 general election. Politics is not an easy thing to do, I remember working hard and fighting for winning the elections. People who were not present there will not understand how difficult it was, said Banerjee. (With agency inputs) The Public Establishment Board on Saturday recommended the transfer of three deputy inspector general (DIG) of police officers from one key post to another, a home department notification said here. The Board, at a meeting held in the state secretariat, proposed shifting Commissioner of Police, Barrackpore Commissionerate, Ajay Kumar Thakur, to the post of DIG, Civil Defence. DIG, Burdwan range, Alok Rajoria, a 2008 batch IPS officer, was recommended for taking over as the new CP of Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, the notification said. It said that the name of DIG, Civil Defence, Shyam Singh, was proposed for the new DIG, Burdwan range. While Thakur is a 2006 batch IPS officer, Singh belongs to the 2007 batch. The officers will be transferred following due process, a source in the state secretariat Nabanna said. The recommended transfers were routine ones, the sources said. Washington: Seems like even Queen Elizabeth II's death might not be enough to repair the strained relationship between her grandsons, Prince William and Harry. According to Fox News, the reason for this is simply because Harry and Meghan, and Catherine and William are not speaking. Though people speculated that the Queen's death would be an opportunity for the royals to get back together but as a source pointed out, while the duo feel sorry for Harry, any feelings of the thaw taking a turn halted when Meghan decided to offer her guttural feelings to the New York-based magazine, The Cut, reported the outlet. Even if William was even thinking of cutting any slack to his younger brother, this stopped him dead in his tracks. Meghan had wittily stated to the magazine that she was ready to forgive the royal family for her time within the family. This caused explosions, not just with William and Catherine, but many senior members. Still, William did offer Harry the chance to meet privately on the grounds of Windsor for an informal walk with no cameras or phones but according to a source, Harry insisted that Meghan tag along too, as per Fox News. Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended the throne in 1952, was the world`s oldest reigning monarch at age 96. She died surrounded by her family at Balmoral, her palace in the Scottish Highlands, the family announced on Thursday. Her eldest son, King Charles III, has succeeded her. He acceded to the throne immediately following the death of Elizabeth II on Thursday. He described losing his mother as "a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family". by Dames Alexander Sinaga JAKARTA, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia is beefing up COVID-19 pandemic control and tightening security against terrorists on the island of Bali in preparation for the Group of 20 (G20) summit slated for November. The number of newly-confirmed COVID-19 infections keeps rising in the Southeast Asian country, largely due to the emergence of the more transmissible Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5. On Friday, health authorities confirmed 2,804 new cases across the country with 12 related deaths. Bali reported 36 new cases. The country's health ministry has been improving its COVID-19 contact tracing application PeduliLindungi, which is generally used to gain access to public sites, such as airports, hospitals and supermarkets. Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono has told media that the ministry was in the process of adding 14 foreign languages to the app to meet the needs of delegates participating in the upcoming international event. All delegates, he said, have to be fully vaccinated and registered on PeduliLindungi prior to their departures. "Delegates are expected to have their health insurances or travel insurances that guarantee healthcare in hospitals, including COVID-19 treatment," Harbuwono said. He also said that the ministry had arranged COVID-19 preventative measures and will provide access for delegates to health services. At the airport in Bali, authorities will check the delegates' COVID-19 vaccine verification and conduct screening for the virus. Those with body temperatures of over 37.5 degrees centigrade will have to perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Delegates who pass the screening will be given rapid antigen tests. In the area of the conference, makeshift ICUs, clinics and mobile response teams will be made available with doctors, nurses and ambulances standing by. The health ministry has appointed seven internationally acclaimed hospitals in Bali as referral hospitals to meet the needs of the event. Meanwhile, Indonesia has been continuing to accelerate its national vaccination program, as more than 200 million people across the country have received their first dose of vaccines, while over 170 million have taken the second dose. Home to some 270 million people, Indonesia has administered over 430 million doses, including the third and the fourth booster jabs, since January last year. TIGHTENED SECURITY AGAINST INFILTRATION OF TERRORISTS Bali, one of the world's best tourist destinations, experienced devastating terrorist suicide bombing attacks in 2002 and 2005, which were all carried out by Southeast Asian militant network Jemaah Islamiyah. More than 200 people, mostly foreign tourists, were killed in the 2002 attack, and more than 20 deaths were logged in the 2005 attack. The upcoming G20 summit, which will take place in Bali's resort town of Nusa Dua in November, will be guarded by joint security forces consisting of the police and military. A Bali police spokesman told Xinhua that more than 2,500 personnel from the Bali police were to be assigned for the G20 event with the assistance of personnel of police from nearby provinces. "We are also cooperating with the elite Detachment 88 counter-terrorism taskforce to track down suspected terrorists," said Stefanus Satake Bayu Setianto, the spokesman. In June, the Indonesian army conducted counter-terrorism simulations in Bali, where soldiers performed unarmed fighting skills and the rescue of hostages. New Delhi: State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced a new service. The bank is now starting an SMS service to check the balance of FASTag, through which users will now be able to know the balance of FASTag in seconds. The bank gave information about this in a tweet on Saturday, September 9. The public lender tweeted that customers using SBI's FASTag can now know their SBI FASTag balance by sending an SMS to 7208820019 from their registered number. If you want to know the balance of FASTag installed on a vehicle, you have to send an SMS by writing FTBAL to the number 7208820019. At the same time, if you have many vehicles, and want to check the balance of all FASTag, then you have to write FTBAL and send it to 7208820019. Dear SBI FASTag Customer, send an SMS to 7208820019 from your registered mobile number to quickly know your SBI FASTag balance. #SBIFastag #SBI #AmritMahotsav pic.twitter.com/mDQQgDl7Mv September 10, 2022 Keep in mind at the time of sending your message that you have to send the message from your mobile number registered with SBI FASTag. Within a few seconds, you will know your FASTag balance. What is FASTag? FASTag is a sticker on vehicles that works with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. It has expanded rapidly in the last few years in India for collecting toll tax. You put it on the windscreen of the vehicle and then you do not need to pay cash the next time you pass through the toll plaza. The machine that scans FASTag scans your tag and whatever account are linked to that tag, money is deducted directly from it. Ministry of Road Transport's Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, it has been made mandatory to install FASTag on vehicles from January 1, 2022. M and N class four-wheelers or larger vehicles, which either carry passengers or carry goods have to follow the rules of the Ministry of Road Transport. New Delhi: India is regarded as a developing nation. Hence, Indian cities are in a transitional phase. Because of this, property prices are anticipated to rise in the nearby future. By making investments in real estate, you may take advantage of this wave of change and profit handsomely. Also, properties have traditionally been regarded as the most secure form of investment. To maximise the return on any investment, there should follow some norms. Here are some tips related to this investment you should keep in mind. Location A property's value is primarily determined by its location. Invest in properties that are situated in developing locations if your only goal in purchasing a property is to make a good return over time. Convenience Properties near general amenities like malls, parks, schools, and hospitals command higher prices and more interested purchasers. At the very least, the property should be capable of such development in the future. Transportation facility The accessibility of public transportation in the neighborhood is a crucial feature that buyers take into account before deciding on a house. If you're wanting to invest in real estate, pick locations with better access to the city's various neighborhoods, railway stations, and airports. Rental Property Rental property investment offers two advantages. These properties give the owner a consistent source of income due to the gradual increase in valuation. Real estate requires a substantial initial investment, and prospects for capital growth are likely to be delayed by a protracted waiting period, but rental buildings address this problem by guaranteeing income. Rent revenue also helps to offset the additional expenses of property maintenance and accumulated taxes. Connectivity to commercial hubs You will be able to get a better return on your investment if the property is close to commercial centers, corporate offices, or potential future customers. If you invest in commercial real estate, you may be able to lease it out to one of these business organisations and make a profit. If you have residential properties, you may rent them to the staff members who would need to move close to their workplace. As Navratri 2022 is just around the corner, Gujarat will soon be adorned like a bride, and visiting the state would definitely be a treat for the eyes. Apart from the Navratri celebration on a large scale, Gujarat has another tourist attraction and that is the world's largest statue, the Statue of Unity. For passengers' convenience, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a tour package to Gujarat which covers major cities and tourist attractions. With the 'Saurashtra with Statue of Unity tour package' passengers will be able to visit the magnificent Statue of Unity along with other places. IRCTC took to twitter to spread the word. "Book the trip that'll take you to Somnath, Dwarka, Rajkot & more with IRCTC's Saurashtra with Statue of Unity tour package," read the tweet. Book the trip that'll take you to Somnath, Dwarka, Rajkot & more with IRCTC's Saurashtra with Statue of Unity tour package. For booking & details, visit https://t.co/YkSRTYgjPz @AmritMahotsav #AzadiKiRail IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) September 1, 2022 The duration of IRCTCs Gujarat tour package is 6 nights and 7 days long. The tour will begin from Hyderabad on October 29. Booking of this package is being carried out on a first come-first served basis. Statue of Unity IRCTC tour package: Gujarat is known for it magnificent forts, shrines and palaces. This IRCTC tour package will offer passengers to cover Gujarat extensively where they will get to dive deeper into the states' culture as the package will cover places like Somnath, Dwaraka, Rajkot, Vadodara. Duration of the tour: The Saurashtra with Statue of Unity tour package is a 6N-7D long tour starting from October 29. Flight details: Cost of the tour: Also read: Indian Railways: Third Vande Bharat train completes trial! Likely to run between THESE cities Facilities offered on the tour: - Air Tickets (Hyderabad-Ahmedabad/Vadodara-Hyderabad), - 1 Night in Ahmedabad,1 Night in Somnath, 1 Night in Dwaraka, 1 Night in Rajkot, 2 Nights in Vadodara, - 7 Breakfast & 6 Dinner, - AC Bus for sightseeing as per the itinerary, - Travel Insurance, - IRCTCs Tour Escort services during tour. Interested passengers can click HERE, for more details and can go to IRCTC's offical website for bookings. Washington: American tech giant Google has shared some new features coming to Android this month. These include updates ranging from Gboard and emojis to a new accessibility feature. (ALSO READ: GOVT chalks out steps to stop operations of 'ILLEGAL LOAN APPS'; Check details) According to GSM Arena, along with these, Google Meet, Wear OS, and Nearby Share are all getting some attention as well. Gboard is getting a new 'emojify' feature that lets users quickly add emojis to a message after typing it. (ALSO READ: iOS 16: Top 5 features to watch out for) Google Meet gets a new live sharing feature that lets users watch and play games together in video calls. They can now pin specific participants of a Google Meet call that they choose. These are rolling out now, reported GSM Arena. Nearby Share will receive an opt-in option "in the next few weeks". This will let users send content to nearby devices on their Google account without a prompt, even if the screen is off. Google Apps will also have larger widgets optimized for Android Tablets. There are also new accessibility features on Android for the hearing or visually impaired. One is called Custom Sound Notifications and when enabled it hears specific sounds and notifies the user by vibration, flashing light, or a Wear OS notification. Finally, Wear OS (topic/wear-os) gets new Bitmoji watch faces and there's a new Google Keep tile that makes it easier to quickly dictate a note or look at your other notes, as per GSM Arena. New Delhi: A new V-series smartphone from Vivo called the V25 5G is about to be released in India. On its official India website, the business has made the microsite for this gadget online. The rear of this smartphone will also include Vivo's color-changing technology. (ALSO READ: GOVT chalks out steps to stop operations of 'ILLEGAL LOAN APPS'; Check details) The new smartphone's debut date has not been disclosed by the firm, but its unique characteristics have. Flipkart has also made this device's listing available. In this series, Vivo has previously released the Vivo V25 Pro smartphone. The business will now introduce this lineup's base model in India, which will be furnished with a 50MP front-facing camera and a 64MP rear camera configuration. Tell us more about it in depth. (ALSO READ: Instagram begins testing new 'reposts' feature on the platform; Check details) Vivo V25 5G to be launched in India soon The Vio V25 5G website states that Fluorite AG glass is a feature of this smartphone. The device's back panel may change colour in sunshine with this assistance. There will also be a black version of this smartphone. According to the listing of the phone, the Vivo V25 5G will have a 50MP front camera for selfie and video calling, which will come with auto-focus feature. It will be present in the punch-hole present in the top-center of the screen. A 64MP camera will be available on the back of this smartphone, which will be equipped with features like Night Mode and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This main camera will be paired with two more camera sensors. The company has not given any information about these lenses yet, but one of them could be an ultrawide angle lens. Bokeh Flare Portrait Mode will also be available in the camera features of the phone. Agra: The Ministry of Tourism of Uttar Pradesh is reportedly working rapidly in this direction of getting this system implemented. The agency will take the list of guides of UPT and get their full profile posted on the world's famous website. Due to the complete investigation of the guide, the tourist will not be cheated. The guides of UPT will now be empanelled and they will not have any problem getting work. Through the website, tourists of any country will be able to get a guide in their language. The phone numbers of the guides will also be mentioned on the websites. Apart from the Taj Mahal, information about emporiums can be obtained for visiting other nearby tourist places, staying in hotels, and shopping. Under usual circumstances, the tourist has to find a guide after coming to Agra. The guide informs the fee of the tourist as per his convenience. The fees may be less, but he does take a commission by taking the tourist to the emporium. At the same time, fraud also happens. For which complaints are also made to the Ministry of Tourism. The stipulated for booking your guides at present are: - 1 to 5 tourists Half Day Rs 1800 full day Rs 2200 - 6 to 14 tourists Half Day Rs 2200 full day 2850 - 15 to 40 tourists Half Day Rs 2900 full day Rs 3800 - For guides in languages other than Hindi, and English, payable extra half day 600 rupees full day 800 rupees There will be no possibility of any fraud with the tourist if this works properly. Also, if the tourist experiences fraud, then they will be able to get the solution resolved by complaining to the authorities. Kyiv: Russia's Defence Ministry announced Saturday that it's pulling back troops from two areas in Ukraine's eastern Kharkiv region where a Ukrainian counteroffensive has made significant advances in the past week. The news came after days of apparent advances by Ukraine south of Kharkiv, the country's second-largest city, in what could become the biggest battlefield success for Ukrainian forces since they thwarted a Russian attempt to seize the capital of Kyiv at the start of the nearly seven-month war. Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said that troops would be regrouped from the Balakliya and Izyum areas to Ukraine's tern Donetsk region. Izyum was a major base for Russian forces in the Kharkiv region and earlier this week social media videos showed residents of Balakliya joyfully cheering as Ukrainian troops moved in. Konashenkov said the Russian move is being made in order to achieve the stated goals of the special military operation to liberate Donbas, one of the eastern Ukraine regions that Russia has declared sovereign. The claim of pullback to concentrate on Donetsk is similar to the justification Russia gave for pulling back its forces from the Kyiv region earlier this year when they failed to take the Ukrainian capital. Ukrainian officials earlier claimed major gains in a counteroffensive against Russian forces in the Kharkiv region, saying Ukrainian troops had cut off vital supplies to Izyum. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko also suggested the Ukrainian troops had retaken Kupiansk, a town along the main supply route to Izyum, long a focus on the Russian front line and the site of heavy artillery and another fighting. Nikolenko tweeted a photo showing soldiers in front of what he said was a government building in Kupiansk, 73 kilometres (45 miles) north of Izyum. The Ukrainian Security Service of Ukraine hours later posted a message that it said showed its forces in Kupiansk, further suggesting it had been seized by Ukrainian troops. The Ukrainian military didn't immediately confirm entering the town, a railway hub that Russia seized in February. Videos on social media appeared to show Ukrainian forces on the outskirts of Izyum at a roadside checkpoint. A large statue with the city's name could be seen in the footage. Ukrainian forces did not acknowledge holding the city. Earlier Saturday, the British Defense Ministry told reporters it believed the Ukrainians had advanced as much as 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Kharkiv and described Russian forces around Izyum as increasingly isolated. Russian forces were likely taken by surprise. The sector was only lightly held and Ukrainian units have captured or surrounded several towns, the British military said, adding that the loss of Kupiansk would greatly affect Russian supply lines. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, likewise referenced sweeping Ukrainian gains, estimating that Kyiv has seized around 2,500 square kilometers (965 square miles) in its eastern breakthrough. The institute said it appeared that disorganized Russian forces (were) caught in the rapid Ukrainian advance. They cited social media images of apparent Russian prisoners seized in the advance around Izyum and surrounding towns. The same report said Ukrainian forces may collapse Russian positions around Izyum if they sever Russian ground lines of communication north and south of the town. Vladislav Sokolov, head of the Russian-appointed local administration, said on social media that authorities in Izyum have started evacuating residents to Russia. The fighting in eastern Ukraine comes amid an ongoing offensive around Kherson in the south. Analysts suggest Russia may have taken soldiers from the east to reinforce around Kherson, offering the Ukrainians the opportunity to strike a weakened front line. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov told the television channel Ukraina that the Russians had no food or fuel for their troops in the area as Kyiv had cut off their supply lines. It will be like an avalanche, he said, predicting a Russian fallback. One line of defence will shake and it will fall. The Ukrainian military was more circumspect about the reported gains, claiming Saturday to have taken more than 1,000 square kilometres (386 square miles) from pro-Kremlin forces this week. It said in some areas, units of the Defense Forces have penetrated the enemy's defences to a depth of 50 kilometres, matching the British assessment but did not disclose geographical details. Officials in Kyiv have for weeks been tight-lipped about plans for a counteroffensive to retake territory overrun by Russia early in the war, urging residents to refrain from sharing information on social media. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that Ukrainian troops had reclaimed more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region since the start of the counter-offensive. We are gradually taking control over more settlements, returning the Ukrainian flag and protection for our people, Zelenskyy said. He spoke after the Ukrainian governor of Kharkiv reported that the national flag had been raised over Balakliia, a town recaptured by Ukrainian troops on Thursday following six months of Russian occupation. Balakliia is Ukraine! Today, together with the military, led by the commander of the Ground Forces Oleksandr Syrskyy, we raised the Ukrainian flag, governor Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. Elsewhere, Ukrainian emergency services reported that a 62-year-old woman was killed in a Russian missile strike in the Kharkiv region when her home was flattened overnight. Syniehubov also accused Moscow of pummeling settlements retaken by Kyiv. He said in a Telegram post that five civilians were hospitalized in the Izyum district, while nine others suffered injuries elsewhere in the region. In the embattled Donbas region south of Kharkiv, the Ukrainian governor said civilians were killed and wounded overnight by Russian shelling near the city of Bakhmut, a key target of the stalled Russian offensive there. Pavlo Kyrylenko said on Telegram that two people died and two more suffered injuries in Bakhmut and the neighbouring village of Yahidne. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit Saturday, saying that Europe would not tire of helping Ukraine despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to raise the pressure by withholding energy supplies from European Union nations. Baerbock said Germany will assist Ukraine in finding and removing mines and other unexploded ordnance left by Russian troops in areas where they have been pushed back by Ukrainian forces. Despite the gains made by Ukraine's armed forces, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the head of NATO warned Friday that Ukraine's fight against Russia appears set to drag on for months. Blinken said the war was entering a critical period and urged Ukraine's Western backers to keep up their support through what could be a difficult winter. London: King Charles III has finally been appointed as the new King of Britain on Saturday as he has proclaimed Britain's monarch in a historic ceremony of the Accession Council that was televised for the first time in history. He pledged to follow the "inspiring example" of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. "God save the King" were the words with which those gathered reaffirmed the proclamation made by the clerk of the council. Charles then made his proclamation speech, which began with the most sorrowful duty to announce the death of Queen Elizabeth II, "an example of lifelong love and selfless service." "My mother's reign was unequalled in its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve we give thanks for this most faithful life," said King Charles III. "In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories across the world," he said. Also Read: King Charles takes the throne: A look at Britain's new order of succession The throne had passed to the 73-year-old former Prince of Wales following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday and Saturday's ceremony marked his formal declaration and oath-taking at St. James's Palace in London. King Charles was joined by his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, and his son and heir Prince William, the new Prince of Wales, who added their signatures to the formal proclamation documents. Charles confirmed the tradition of surrendering all revenues and the Crown Estate to the country in return for the Sovereign Grant that covers royal costs in the UK. The King had travelled back from Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Friday, where the Queen's health deteriorated and she breathed her last. Also Read: Royal family CONTROVERSY: King Charles told Harry 'Meghan won't be welcome' to see dying Queen at Balmoral castle Flags lowered atop the palace in mourning for the late Queen were brought back up to full mast after the Accession Council proclamation, which followed a wave of further proclamations across the UK to go into Sunday when flags will return to half-mast in a state of mourning for the Queen. "As the Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation, Charles said in his first televised address as King on Friday evening. "And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest'," he said. Also Read: Thank You to my darling mama...: King Charles III's heartfelt tribute to Queen Elizabeth in his first address to nation Soon after a Principal Proclamation was read in public for the first time by the Garter King of Arms from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St James's Palace, accompanied by a 41-gun salute fired by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery at Hyde Park in London. The Privy Council, which includes politicians, senior members of the clergy and Supreme Court justices, first gathered without the King to proclaim the new monarch and arrange business relating to the proclamation. Following the proclamation, King Charles III held his first Privy Council meeting and made his personal declaration to "assume the duties and responsibilities of sovereignty" and follow in the footsteps of his late mother. On Friday, the King held his first audience with British Prime Minister Liz Truss at Buckingham Palace, soon after he was greeted with applause and cheers by large crowds gathered at the palace gates in mourning for the Queen and to catch a glimpse of the new monarch and his Queen Consort. "It was so touching to see so many people. It's a moment I'd been dreading, but one must try and keep going, Charles was heard saying to Truss, in a brief clip released to his first audience as the Prime Minister expressed her condolences. Also Read: Queen Elizabeth II dies: King Charles III vows to continue Queen's 'lifelong service' While formal details are to be released by Buckingham Palace, it is expected that the Queen will lie in state at Westminster Hall in London for the public to pay their respects.In the coming days, the Queen's coffin will depart her Balmoral estate for the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. From here, it will be taken in procession to St. Giles' Cathedral in the city, where the Queen will lie at rest, allowing the public to view her coffin. The coffin will then move to London, ready for lying in state for around four days before her funeral. London: According to reports in the British media Prince Charles (now King Charles III) had told his younger son Harry not to bring his wife Meghan Markle to see Queen Elizabeth before her death. Harry was the last to arrive at Balmoral Castle on Thursday (September 8, 2022), as the queen's closest relatives rushed to be with her in her final hours. Harry was also the first to depart on Friday, reflecting the fact that he is no longer part of the family's inner circle. "Charles told Harry that it wasnt right or appropriate for Meghan to be in Balmoral at such a deeply sad time, a source told The Sun, SKY News reported. It was pointed out to him that Kate was not going and that the numbers really should be limited to the very closest family. Charles made it very, very clear Meghan would not be welcome. In happier times, Harry and his grandmother enjoyed a close, playful rapport, glimpsed by the wider public in 2016 when they appeared together in a comic video, reacting to a mic drop taunt from Barack and Michelle Obama ahead of the Invictus Games, a competition for disabled veterans which Harry has promoted, reported Reuters. According to the Reuters report, it was pure coincidence that Harry was in Britain when Elizabeth died. Prior to her demise, there were reportedly no plans announced for him to see his family during his visit from the United States, where he lives with his American wife Meghan. Harry-Meghan Vs the Royal family In March 2021, the couple gave an explosive interview to Oprah Winfrey where Meghan had accused the royalty - though no names were taken - of racism. She even confessed in the interview that her unhappiness during her time as a working royal had pushed her to the brink of suicide. She also said there had been "concerns and conversations" within the family when she was pregnant with Archie about what colour the baby's skin would be. Meghan's mother is Black and her father is white. While the interview, aired on CBS, cause uproroar globally, the Buckingham Palace reverted with an icy and terse statement which said that "some recollections may vary" though the issues raised were "concerning". While the relations have remained sour since then, new King Charles - during his first speech as sovereign on Friday (September 9) - seemed to have extended an olive branch when he said, "I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas." Also read: Queen Elizabeth's beloved Corgi dogs: What will happen to them now after her death? The death of the 96-year-old family matriarch, Queen Elizabeth II, after 70 long years of reign, is likely to be followed by several changing equations within the family. The Royalty's family drama has been the souce of curiosity for people worldwide and it's unlikely to change in times to come. (With Reuters inputs) Also read: Queen Elizabeth II Dead: Bright coat dresses, brooches, hats - many hues of Queen's style statement London: The new Monarch of the UK Charles III paid tribute to his "darling mama" and called her an inspiration in his first address to the nation as king and vowed `lifelong service` to the people. "...To my darling mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late papa, I want simply to say this- Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years.." King said. "May `flights of angels sing thee to thy rest`," he added. King Charles III in his pre-recorded speech addressed the mourning nation for the first time as the king after the demise of Queen Elizabeth II. "I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. Throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen -- my beloved Mother -- was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example,he said. "Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today," King Charles III said. Recalling Queen Elizabeth`s commitment, which she made in 1947, King Charles III said that it defined her whole life. "Alongside the personal grief that all my family are feeling, we also share with so many of you in the United Kingdom, in all the countries where The Queen was Head of State, in the Commonwealth and across the world, a deep sense of gratitude for the more than 70 years in which my Mother, as Queen, served the people of so many nations," he said. "In 1947, on her 21st birthday, she pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life, whether short or long, to the service of her people," he added. "That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life. She made sacrifices for duty. Her dedication and devotion as sovereign never wavered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss." "In her life of service, we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which makes us great as nations. The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign. And, as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people." "I pay tribute to my mother`s memory and I honour her life of service. I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of you and I share that sense of loss, beyond measure, with you all," King said. The king pledges to uphold her values and said that he will endeavour to serve the people with loyalty, respect and love. "As the Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation," King said. "Wherever you may live in the United Kingdom or in the realms and territories across the world and whatever may be your background and beliefs I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life," he added. He concluded with thanks to the nation on behalf of the family for support and condolences on the demise of the Queen. "In a little over a week`s time, we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest." "In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example. On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express," King said. King Charles III received a warm reception when he arrived at Buckingham Palace. The King was offered bouquets of flowers and even a kiss on the cheek as he shook hands with those who had gathered to see him arrive. People have been leaving flowers and tributes outside palaces and churches as the UK marks the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The King`s plane landed at RAF Northolt in west London just after 13:30 BST, reported UK-based media. The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon at the age of 96. King Charles III acceded to the throne immediately following the death of Elizabeth II on Thursday. He described losing his mother as "a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family". During this period of mourning, he said he and his family would be "comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held". He has been preparing to be King for his entire life and has chosen to use his Christian name for his title as monarch, just like his late beloved mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The formal process of proclaiming him King will be carried out by the Accession Council - a group made up of Privy Counsellors, Great Officers of State, the Lord Mayor of London, Realm High Commissioners and senior civil servants. By Sabina Mammadli Baku will host the Azerbaijani-Russian Interregional Forum, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova told a weekly briefing. In a statement, Zakharova noted that a number of top-level engagements and visits spanning all cooperation issues are scheduled by the end of 2022. The ties between Russian constituent entities and Azerbaijan make a considerable contribution to the development of our relations," she added. Similarly, Russia's Oryol region plans to send a business mission to Azerbaijan, and the issue was discussed online between the business representatives of Oryol region and Russia's Trade Representative office in Azerbaijan. Director of the Oryol Regional Export Support Center Inessa Volkova informed the participants that the center is planning a full-time business mission of Oryol region's companies to Azerbaijan in November 2022. "During the business mission, B2B meetings with potential Azerbaijani partners will be organized for every company with the support of the Russian Trade Representative office as well as a visit to Azerbaijani enterprises," the office said. Further, Russia's Trade Representative in Azerbaijan Ruslan Mirsayapov talked about the priority direction of cooperation between the two countries and answered questions by companies. The participants in the session were able to get advice on product certification, search and work with potential Azerbaijani partners. It was noted that face-to-face business missions and participation in specialized exhibitions in Baku are effective tools for working in the Azerbaijani market. Meanwhile, Russia's Trade Representative office in Azerbaijan and business representatives of Russia's Leningrad region held a videoconference to discuss the results of the face-to-face business mission to Azerbaijan in February. The videoconference took place within the framework of the project of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia 'An Hour with a Trade Representative'. "Russia's Trade Representative office in Azerbaijan will hold a consultation on all proposals previously sent to Azerbaijan," the office said. As part of the conference, Mirsayapov provided updated information on priority directions of cooperation, and the current situation in the local market and answered questions by companies. Further, Head of the Russian Export Center Yulia Sergeyeva noted that the Russian Export Center of Leningrad region is organizing the participation of representatives of regional business with a collective stand in the 27th 'BakuBuild' International Exhibition slated for October 19-21. Azerbaijan and Russia cooperate in different sectors, such as economy, agriculture, customs, communications, high technology, and others. Over 230 intergovernmental and intercompany documents have been signed between the two countries and six "road maps" are being implemented. Azerbaijan's investments in the Russian economy have exceeded $1.2 billion with the majority of the investments being in the non-oil sector. In addition, Russian investments in Azerbaijan's economy totaled $6.3 billion with $5 billion in the oil sector and $1.3 billion in non-oil sectors. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia amounted to $2.9 billion in 2021, making Russia Azerbaijans third-largest partner. Visitors queue up at the entrance of Victoria Falls, a tourist attraction site in Livingstone, Zambia, May 15, 2021. (Photo by Lillian Banda/Xinhua) The Zambian government on Thursday announced that it was lifting most of the COVID-19 restrictions due to reduced cases of the pandemic. LUSAKA, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Thursday announced that it was lifting most of the COVID-19 restrictions due to reduced cases of the pandemic. The country has lifted restrictions on the mandatory wearing of face masks, public gatherings and physical distancing, Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo said during a press briefing in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. She said a review of the COVID-19 situation in recent weeks has shown reduced incidences, with less number of cases, less hospitalization, and related deaths. The positivity rate has remained below 5 percent in the last month, indicating that the pandemic was under control, she added. Naomi Kakoma (R), a 27-year-old trader at Lupili market, sells fresh ginger in Lusaka, Zambia, on June 27, 2021. (Photo by Lillian Banda/Xinhua) She, however, said the wearing of face masks will be restricted to high-risk areas such as health facilities. She added that testing will be restricted to those with symptoms and those admitted to facilities, as well as those traveling to countries that require a certificate to prove negativity. "Zambia has done well in its response to the COVID-19 through an aggressive multi-sectoral strategy," she noted. While acknowledging the social and economic challenges brought by the restrictions imposed, the minister said the restrictions were necessitated by the prevailing burden of the disease and threats of escalation if left unchecked. Since the outbreak of the first case in March 2020, Zambia has experienced four waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has recorded 333,180 cases, with 328,810 recoveries and 4,017 deaths. BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Instead of looking at the moon through a telescope, some got the chance to observe it more closely through a microscope. An art exhibition presenting the theme -- lunar soil scientific research achievement -- was unveiled in the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing on Saturday, this year's Mid-Autumn Festival. By means of microphotography, image fusion and processing, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and virtual reality (VR) technology, the exhibition shows over 100 images and videos of lunar soil particles to the public. The soil photographed was among the 1,731 grams of lunar samples retrieved from the moon's surface by Chang'e-5. FINER THAN HAIR "The size of the lunar soil particles is finer than a hair, so it cannot be observed at all without the help of advanced microscopic equipment," said Yang Wei, a researcher at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). As one of the few people who get access to the lunar soil, Yang was attracted by its beauty while doing scientific research. "But it was impossible for everyone to come to the lab to see it," he said. So he decided to photograph the lunar soil for the public. It was quite a challenging project. The particles are so small that they could fly away in the earth's air. Yang had to figure out a method to hold the tiny particles in place and create a suitable environment for photographing. Moreover, to achieve the ideal exhibition effect, Yang had to take hundreds of partial photos of each particle under the electron microscope, and then merge the photos together. Throughout the process, he worked with artists from CAFA to present the photographs in an aesthetic manner. He also cooperated with engineers from the Institute of Computing Technology of CAS to make a 3D reconstruction of the particle. They simulated the intensity and angle of sunlight at noon in the Chang'e-5 landing zone to present what these lunar soil particles would have looked like in situ on the moon. "We have an artistic display of the reconstructed 3D model of the lunar soil, combined with VR and augmented reality (AR) technology, so that the public can interact with the lunar soil particles and feel the beauty of the lunar soil through their mobile phones or computers," said Gao Lin, an associate researcher at the Institute of Computing Technology of CAS. BEAUTY OF SCIENCE In the exhibition hall, an image of lunar soil that resembles a puppy in form attracted many visitors' attention. "This unique soil can not be found on the earth. It's called an agglutinate," Yang explained. For him, every grain of lunar soil tells a story of what once happened on the moon. "Through this puppy-like agglutinate, we could infer that on the moon, where there is no atmosphere, the tiny meteorites hit the lunar surface at high speed and formed small glass particles, which then stuck with other mineral particles into various odd-shaped agglutinates," he said. "For many people, lunar soil is a distant mystery, and we hope to unravel this mystery through exhibitions like this," he said. For the visitors coming to the exhibition, besides the charm of science, a sense of the art of the lunar soil is equally fascinating. People were surprised to find that once magnified and processed by scientists, every lunar soil particle has its own unique patterns and hues. People can use their imagination to recognize flowers, butterflies and stars in various images. "It is amazing that the tiny lunar soil particles contain such a rich world. This implies the infinite possibilities for the integration of art and technology," said Wang Yi, a member of the exhibition planning and creation team at the CAFA. Yang said that they would make more attempts to integrate science and art. "After all, scientific exploration stimulates artistic creation, and in turn, artistic imagination inspires scientific research," he added. DUISBURG, Germany, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The "Chinafest" in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) opened on Friday in Duisburg, Germany. At the city center, traditional Chinese culture, music, art, sports, workshops and culinary delights are drawing visitors on the stage and in red tents during the three-day festival. An important platform for Sino-German cultural exchanges, the "Chinafest" in NRW, which alternates between the three cities of Duisburg, Dusseldorf and Cologne from year to year, was suspended for two consecutive years due to the impact of the COVID-19. Chinese Consul General in Dusseldorf Du Chunguo, together with Soeren Link, mayor of Duisburg, Josef Hinkel, first mayor of Dusseldorf and Ralf Heinen, mayor of Cologne, announced the opening of this year's "Chinafest" in NRW. "Chinafest" provides a broad platform for the German public to experience and understand Chinese culture in a very up-close and personal way, said Du in his speech. Franz Schwartz, a retired German bus driver who has persisted in learning Chinese for more than 16 years, told Xinhua in fluent Chinese that the "Chinafest" was very interesting with wonderful activities and booths, offering opportunities to closely encounter with Chinese culture. Zhou Jinyu, a young man from China's Taiwan, has been working in east China's Hefei City for 10 years. Ahead of this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, Zhou was invited to attend a poetry reading event, which is held by the local government to celebrate the traditional festival with Taiwan compatriots living in Hefei. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Primary school students are instructed by a patissier as they learn to make mooncakes in Yingze District, Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Sept. 7, 2022. (Xinhua) TAIYUAN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Rong Hui, a music teacher living in Taiyuan, capital city of north China's Shanxi Province, is particularly excited about this year's Mid-Autumn Festival as it coincides with Teacher's Day in China. Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on Aug. 15 of the lunar calendar. It is the first time that the two events have fallen on the same day since China in 1985 designated Sept. 10 as Teachers' Day. As Chinese people have the same traditional respect for teachers as they do for family, many have decided to celebrate in a bigger fashion than normal. Rong planned to prepare a Mid-Autumn family dinner on Saturday together with her mother-in-law, who was also a teacher before her retirement. "Normally on Teachers' Day, I stay with my students at school. But this year I believe it is also a joyful day of family reunion," Rong said. Guo Jiguang, 60, is from east China's Fujian Province and he used to be a teacher. He is also a practitioner of the "Fumao Cake" craft, a form of intangible cultural heritage from Fujian. To celebrate the dual festival, Guo designed a special mooncake with four Chinese characters, meaning "Remembering your teachers," sculpted on the surface. He has made about 60,000 such mooncakes, and decided to give them away to local teachers as gifts. "Parents give us life, friends give us support, and teachers give us knowledge and guidance. They are the most important people in our lives. That is my belief," Guo said. Peng Jun, a 34-year-old teacher in Wannian County, east China's Jiangxi Province, held an early Mid-Autumn celebration on Thursday with over 100 students whose parents are out of town as migrant workers. They sang, danced and shared their happiness with their parents through video calls. "Our teachers are also our friends and families. They have been trying their best to take care of us," said Huang Caihong, a senior high school student whose parents are working in the neighboring Zhejiang Province on the east coast. Peng has held such celebrations for over 10 years. "I hope the students can feel the warmth of family at school, and also understand their parents being away, working hard for their family and the future of their kids," he said. Statistics released by China's Ministry of Education show that by 2021, the total number of full-time teachers in China exceeded 18.4 million. Over the past decade, more than 4,500 teachers across the country have been awarded at the national level for their professionalism and dedication to education. "The two festivals meeting is a rare and precious occasion, and it feels especially beautiful to see various traditional Chinese values celebrated harmoniously under the full moon," said Wan Jianzhong, a professor at the School of Chinese Language and Literature of Beijing Normal University. Photo taken on Sept. 1, 2022 shows a special mooncake bearing four Chinese characters, meaning "Remembering your teachers," in southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua) A senior high school student sings during an early celebration of both Teachers' Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival in Wannian County, east China's Jiangxi Province, Sept. 8, 2022. (Xinhua) Office workers wait for public transport buses at Thamrin Street in Jakarta, Indonesia on Sept. 8, 2022. (Photo by Veri Sanovri/Xinhua) The Indonesia Health Ministry has arranged COVID-19 preventative measures and will provide access for G20 summit delegates to health services. Meanwhile, more than 2,500 personnel from the Bali police will be assigned for the G20 event. by Dames Alexander Sinaga JAKARTA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia is beefing up COVID-19 pandemic control and tightening security against terrorists on the island of Bali in preparation for the Group of 20 (G20) summit slated for November. The number of newly-confirmed COVID-19 infections keeps rising in the Southeast Asian country, largely due to the emergence of the more transmissible Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5. On Friday, health authorities confirmed 2,804 new cases across the country with 12 related deaths. Bali reported 36 new cases. The country's health ministry has been improving its COVID-19 contact tracing application PeduliLindungi, which is generally used to gain access to public sites, such as airports, hospitals and supermarkets. Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono has told media that the ministry was in the process of adding 14 foreign languages to the app to meet the needs of delegates participating in the upcoming international event. All delegates, he said, have to be fully vaccinated and registered on PeduliLindungi prior to their departures. "Delegates are expected to have their health insurances or travel insurances that guarantee healthcare in hospitals, including COVID-19 treatment," Harbuwono said. A health worker inoculates a man with a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Tirtonadi Bus Station in Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia, July 21, 2022. (Photo by Bram Selo/Xinhua) He also said that the ministry had arranged COVID-19 preventative measures and will provide access for delegates to health services. At the airport in Bali, authorities will check the delegates' COVID-19 vaccine verification and conduct screening for the virus. Those with body temperatures of over 37.5 degrees centigrade will have to perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Delegates who pass the screening will be given rapid antigen tests. In the area of the conference, makeshift ICUs, clinics and mobile response teams will be made available with doctors, nurses and ambulances standing by. The health ministry has appointed seven internationally acclaimed hospitals in Bali as referral hospitals to meet the needs of the event. Meanwhile, Indonesia has been continuing to accelerate its national vaccination program, as more than 200 million people across the country have received their first dose of vaccines, while over 170 million have taken the second dose. Home to some 270 million people, Indonesia has administered over 430 million doses, including the third and the fourth booster jabs, since January last year. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (C) attends the Group of 20 (G20) foreign ministers' meeting in Bali, Indonesia, on July 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Xu Qin) TIGHTENED SECURITY AGAINST INFILTRATION OF TERRORISTS Bali, one of the world's best tourist destinations, experienced devastating terrorist suicide bombing attacks in 2002 and 2005, which were all carried out by Southeast Asian militant network Jemaah Islamiyah. More than 200 people, mostly foreign tourists, were killed in the 2002 attack, and more than 20 deaths were logged in the 2005 attack. The upcoming G20 summit, which will take place in Bali's resort town of Nusa Dua in November, will be guarded by joint security forces consisting of the police and military. A Bali police spokesman told Xinhua that more than 2,500 personnel from the Bali police were to be assigned for the G20 event with the assistance of personnel of police from nearby provinces. "We are also cooperating with the elite Detachment 88 counter-terrorism taskforce to track down suspected terrorists," said Stefanus Satake Bayu Setianto, the spokesman. In June, the Indonesian army conducted counter-terrorism simulations in Bali, where soldiers performed unarmed fighting skills and the rescue of hostages. BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China will produce a total of four prototypes of the AG600M aircraft, a full-configuration firefighting model belonging to the AG600 large amphibious aircraft family, to carry out flight test missions, its developer announced on Saturday. The second AG600M firefighting aircraft prototype completed its first flight test mission on Saturday in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the country's leading plane-maker. During the 22-minute flight, the aircraft performed well, and all of its systems were operating stably, AVIC said. The aircraft will next undergo follow-up flight tests such as gathering and dropping water, which are key tasks for this amphibious firefighting aircraft. It is expected that the third and fourth AG600M aircraft prototypes will respectively undergo their first flight tests this November and early in 2023, AVIC said. The first AG600M prototype made its maiden flight from the ground on May 31, and its maiden flight from water on Aug. 30. The AG600M aircraft is expected to serve firefighting missions from 2023 and enter the market in 2025, according to AVIC. Codenamed Kunlong, the AG600 large amphibious aircraft family is seen as key aeronautical equipment for China's emergency-rescue system. It was developed by AVIC to meet the needs of firefighting and marine-rescue missions, as well as other critical emergency-rescue operations. WINDHOEK, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has lifted the suspension of live cattle exports to South Africa following the lifting of the movement standstill that was imposed to control the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in the neighboring country, an official said on Friday. In a statement, Directorate of Veterinary Services Chief Veterinary Officer Albertina Shilongo said the move comes with conditions that require all trucks transporting live animals to be registered with the Directorate Veterinary Services. Upon offloading of animals in South Africa, trucks must be cleaned and disinfected by individuals/entities accredited by the South African Veterinary authority before returning to Namibia with or without loading other products, Shilongo said. Disinfected trucks should be issued with a cleaning and disinfection certificate which is valid for one consignment only and must be presented to Namibia's veterinary border officials, she added. "Trucks without valid cleaning and disinfection certificates will not be allowed to enter Namibia; At the next loading of animals in Namibia for exportation to South Africa, the Cleaning and Disinfection Certificate previously issued to the specific truck in South Africa must be handed to the attending veterinary official. Failure to comply with this requirement, the specific truck will be disqualified from transporting animals to South Africa," she said. Importers of livestock feed from South Africa are also reminded that vehicles must be cleaned and disinfected before loading, the Disinfection Certificate is for one consignment only and must be presented to veterinary officials at the borders, she added. FMD is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact. by Tafara Mugwara HARARE, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe is embarking on massive reconstruction and rehabilitation of major road networks to enhance domestic and regional connectivity and spur economic growth. The country's road network of highways and urban roads had fallen into disrepair after two decades of economic development. Given that roads are economic arteries, the rehabilitation of highways in the country is expected to lay a strong foundation for development through the smooth flow of both domestic and regional trade. To address the road decay, the Zimbabwean government declared the country's road network a state of disaster, and has since embarked on a national road reconstruction blitz that has seen many of the country's roads being upgraded or rehabilitated. Reconstruction works are being conducted mostly using locally mobilized resources, and are being undertaken by local contractors. Major roads being worked on include the rehabilitation of the Chirundu-Harare-Beitbridge highway, which starts in Beitbridge in the south on the border with South Africa, passes through Harare, and extends to Chirundu to the north on the border with Zambia. Part of the project includes the construction of a traffic interchange along the highway in the south of the capital which is expected to ease congestion at the country's busiest traffic circle. The project is also expected to promote the ease of doing business and trade facilitation between Zimbabwe and the southern African region. Apart from reconstructing and upgrading major highways across the country, the Zimbabwean government is also rehabilitating urban roads that had become pothole riddled. Last year the government made a commitment to repair a road network of about 26,000 kilometers under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Program (ERRP). Analysts say infrastructural development, which includes roads rehabilitation, is key in attracting both domestic and foreign investments. "The rapid and accelerated infrastructure development, the construction of dams, and the construction of roads is something that is actually key because a country requires good infrastructure for it to attract investment," said Denford Mutashu, President of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers. "And the country is now attracting investment coming from the east, coming from Africa, and also even local investors that have taken a decision to invest in the country," Mutashu told Xinhua. Eddie Cross, an economic analyst and former member of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Monetary Policy Committee, said infrastructure development is key in driving growth. "Infrastructure investment is important from a national point of view in the sense that it creates jobs and also has a high multiplier effect back into the rest of the economy." While he applauded the road rehabilitation drive, Cross reiterated the need for the private sector to work hand-in-glove with the government in infrastructure development projects. "In my view these major regional roads ought to be funded by the transit traffic which is currently using that road and that domestic resources should be employed to maintain and improve the secondary road system both in rural and urban areas," he told Xinhua. The move to rehabilitate major highways has been welcomed by motorists as major highways had become too narrow to accommodate vehicular traffic, thereby becoming death traps. Harare resident Lazarus Sauti lauded the road rehabilitation and expansion drive saying it has improved both local and regional trade. In addition, he said the program made it easier for the transportation of people and goods as a good road network enhances traveling, besides creating employment for local people. "Local contractors are being used for the road repairs and that is creation of employment thereby empowering communities and taking families out of abject poverty and some are now able to educate their children," he said. HANGZHOU, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- "China has shown the international community about its firm confidence and practical actions in addressing climate change towards a community with a shared future for mankind," said former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern. Produced by Xinhua Global Service By Sabina Mammadli Digital Development and Transport Minister Rashad Nabiyev and Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Rostam Ghasemi discussed international transport and transit corridors running through Azerbaijan and Iran. Nabiyev wrote about it on his Facebook page. "We went over the establishment of a new road transport infrastructure in the inter-state border areas, as well as the efforts to be taken in this regard. Moreover, we talked about the construction of a highway bridge across Iran, linking the East Zangazur economic region and Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, as well as the road bridge over the Astarachay river between the two countries," Nabiyev wrote. As reported earlier, the Iranian minister arrived in Baku to attend a trilateral meeting of the Russian-Azerbaijani-Iran Working Group on the development of the North-South international transport corridor. Within the framework of the meeting, the sides have signed the Baku Declaration on the development of the mentioned international transport corridor. The foundation of the International North-South Transport Corridor was laid on the basis of an intergovernmental agreement signed between Russia, Iran, and India on September 12, 2000. In total, 13 countries have ratified the agreement, including Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Russia, Turkiye, etc. The purpose of creating a corridor is to reduce the delivery time of cargo from India to Russia, as well as to northern and western Europe. The delivery time on the current route is more than 6 weeks, and it is expected to be reduced to 3 weeks via North-South Transport Corridor. Mohamed Belhocine, African Union commissioner for education, science, technology and innovation, speaks during an interview with Chinese media at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Sept. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation is facilitating the growing China-Africa cooperation in space science and technology, a senior African Union official has said. ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is facilitating the growing China-Africa cooperation in space science and technology, a senior African Union (AU) official has said. Speaking to Xinhua recently, Mohamed Belhocine, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, said FOCAC is helping realize Africa's aspiration in space science and technology. "With our friends in China, we have a framework of cooperation through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. It is in the framework of this forum that we are organizing meetings, which I hope will help the extension of knowledge about space science into our youth in different parts of Africa," the AU commissioner said. He said in addition to the thriving cooperation under the continental bloc of the African Union, China is also strengthening cooperation with independent African countries in the space arena. "Everybody is following the huge progress related to China's performance as far as space is concerned," Belhocine said, as he underscored China's recent successes in the space arena. Mohamed Belhocine, African Union commissioner for education, science, technology and innovation, speaks during an interview with Chinese media at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Sept. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) Belhocine said the huge progress and the leaps that China is taking in space science will enable African countries to harness the space potential. "They (Chinese) also have their own space station, which is a huge achievement and of course, there is room for cooperation, there is room for sharing experience, there is room for accompanying the African continent to go its own steps in as far as space science is concerned," Belhocine said. Belhocine further emphasized that China's achievements in the space arena would be welcomed as positive progress in terms of benefiting the global community at large. "We wish that the whole of humanity will benefit from all this progress made by China and by other countries as well," he said. The AU commissioner's comments came after three Chinese astronauts talked from space with youths from eight African countries on Tuesday via video link, sharing their experience in the Shenzhou-14 mission to African space enthusiasts. Belhocine said the rare opportunity to talk with astronauts in orbit, which has reinvigorated African youths' space dreams, is an extension of broader China-Africa cooperation in space science and technology and future collaboration prospects. The taikonauts Chen Dong, Liu Yang and Cai Xuzhe are on a six-month stay in orbit. The main venue of the event, "Talk with Taikonauts," was held at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. "In the new space era, Africa is open for mutually beneficial cooperation, and it is ready for engagements on all kinds of win-win scenarios. I want to thank China for the deliberate engagements in space advancement in Africa," the commissioner said. DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian authorities on Friday invited investors in grape farming and wine production, particularly in the country's leading grape-growing region of Dodoma. Rosemary Senyamule, the Dodoma regional commissioner, made the invitation to the investors when she held talks with the Norwegian Minister for International Development, Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, and her delegation in the capital Dodoma. "Dodoma boasts of the best ever grapes but there is no reliable market. We need investors to capture this opportunity," said Senyamule. She said the government of Tanzania under the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan has set a conducive environment for investments, especially in agriculture value addition. For her part, Tvinnereim expressed her country's readiness to support Tanzania in various areas, including food security, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. The 10,000th fully loaded China-Europe freight train in 2022 arrived here from Xi'an International Port in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Friday. At the Eurogate train terminal in Hamburg, the welcome ceremony was attended by Wang Wei, deputy consul general of the People's Republic of China in Hamburg, and Axel Mattern, chief executive officer of Port of Hamburg Marketing. "This is an important milestone for China's cooperation with Hamburg, Germany and Europe," Wang said. "The high-capacity connections of the China-Europe goods trains have greatly helped foreign trade in reducing costs and increasing efficiency, and effectively promoted economic development along the route," she added. Mattern told Xinhua that China is a very important partner of Hamburg and that the China-Europe freight train plays a crucial role in stabilizing the security of the supply chain. "Especially during this difficult time and due to the congestion of the sea route, the China-Europe freight train still functions effectively," Mattern said, adding that he is looking forward to welcoming more trains from China. The number of China-Europe freight train trips in 2022 reached 10,000 on Aug. 21, 10 days earlier than last year, the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. said. With 82 routes, the trains now reach 200 cities in 24 European countries, forming a transport network covering the whole of Europe. The trains transport more than 50,000 types of goods across 53 categories, such as automobiles and parts, clothing and accessories, and grain and timber. Produced by Xinhua Global Service RAMALLAH, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least 37 Palestinians were injured Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the West Bank city of Nablus, Palestinian medics and eyewitnesses said. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a statement that among the injured were three shot by live ammunition and nine by rubber bullets, while the others inhaled teargas fired by Israeli soldiers. Fierce clashes broke out between anti-settlement protesters and Israeli soldiers in the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city, and in the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qaqilya city, said Palestinian eyewitnesses. The protesters burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the perimeters of the villages, they said. Murad Eshteiwi, coordinator of popular resistance in Kafr Qaddum village, told Xinhua that the Israeli soldiers used rubber bullets, teargas, and sound bombs to attack the Palestinian protesters rejecting the measures against their village. Israeli authorities have not commented on the incidents yet. In the June 1967 Middle East war, Israel occupied the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, which are claimed by the Palestinians, and has controlled the areas ever since. Tension in the West Bank has been mounting over the past few days after the Israeli army intensified its military actions against Palestinian militants and activists. A staff member displayed the banknotes and coins included in the 2019 edition of the fifth series of the renminbi at an Industrial and Commercial Bank of China branch in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) A clearing center for the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, expected to be launched soon in Mauritius, will facilitate trade transactions between Mauritius and China, and strengthen Africa-China economic ties, a business leader told Xinhua in an interview. PORT LOUIS, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- A clearing center for the Chinese currency renminbi (RMB), or the yuan, in Mauritius, will facilitate trade transactions between Mauritius and China, and help strengthen economic ties between Africa and China, a business leader told Xinhua in a recent interview. Mauritian Finance Minister Renganaden Padayachy, during his presentation of the 2022-2023 budget in June, said that a regional renminbi clearing center was expected to be set up in Mauritius by the end of the year. Kwang Poon, chairman of the Economic Council for Africa Europe Asia (CECOAFREA), an association bringing together businessmen and promoting trade, said the center will allow import and export invoices to be paid using the currencies of the two countries directly. "Today, if you import from China, the invoices are usually denominated in USD and not in RMB. Similarly, if you export to China, you invoice in USD or EUR, but not in Mauritian Rupees (MUR). With the RMB Settlement Center coming into operation, these cross-border transfers could be done without using an intermediate currency," said Kwang Poon. To achieve this, the two countries must first sign a Currency Exchange Agreement based on the volume involved. Then a pilot project can be launched to implement the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System, also known as the China International Payments System, he said. Kwang Poon believed that for Mauritius, which is positioning itself as the International Financial Center in the African region, the RMB Settlement Center is a step toward consolidating and diversifying the financial services offered by streamlining cross-border transfers which will become faster and cheaper. The expert pointed out that apart from facilitating Mauritius-China business transactions, the center will also make a positive impact on economic relations between Africa and China, which saw bilateral trade exceed 254 billion U.S. dollars in 2021, up 35.3 percent year on year. Therefore, the RMB Settlement Center will really deliver on its promise if it has a regional reach by extending to the African continent, he said. Mauritius is well placed for the role of intermediary between Africa and China, Kwang Poon said, because following the 22nd meeting of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group, which ended on Sept. 1, Mauritius is now recognized as one of the few international financial centers that are compliant or largely compliant with all the Financial Action Task Force's 40 recommendations. "If we look further and incorporate fintech and cryptocurrency on this platform in the future, it will make trading even easier," he said. "With the rise of China, as of 2016, the Chinese yuan joined the U.S. dollar, the European Union euro, the Japanese yen, the British pound in the basket of currencies making up the International Monetary Fund's Special Drawing Rights." "This underlines the importance of China's place in international trade. This trend will continue to grow and China intends to promote the internationalization of its currency, the RMB," he said. Villagers of Luding County in China's Sichuan cooked a local delicacy for people at a quake relief shelter to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival on Saturday. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Traditional Chinese culture has been gaining popularity among youths in Henan Province, thanks to creative efforts made to promote cultural relics. Produced by Xinhua Global Service People visit the 22nd China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) XIAMEN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- This year's China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) brims with confidence as it brings together prominent businesses, serving as a unique platform to spawn opportunities amid the pandemic. The grand fair, running from Thursday to Sunday in the coastal city of Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, has as its theme -- "Global development: sharing digital opportunities, investing in green future" -- and is an effort to boost two-way investment and global economic recovery. It is hosting merchants from over 60 countries and regions attending in-person and virtually, highlighting global enthusiasm for and interest in doing business with China. Big issues like digital technologies, green investment, the Global Development Initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative, BRICS cooperation and the RCEP are on many minds as around 40 relevant conferences and seminars are on offer during the four-day event. PERVASIVE OPTIMISM Amid headwinds, China has taken solid steps to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and stabilize the economy. In turn, the Chinese domestic market remains vibrant and consumption is on track to recover, feeding investors' optimism for the foreseeable future. "Foreign companies benefit from operating in China, and contribute to China at the same time," said Harley Seyedin, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China. "What I appreciate is the willingness of the Chinese government to listen to our ideas and thoughts, and it incorporates them in the formulation of new policies." A poll of member companies conducted by the chamber and released in February this year, found that foreign companies still had a strong interest in reinvesting in China. More than 70 percent of 230 companies polled had reinvestment plans for 2022. The percentage of firms with budgeted reinvestment of over 250 million dollars in China increased from 5 percent in 2021 to 10 percent in 2022. A large number of companies reported positive overall return on investment (ROI) in China. About three-fifths of the companies considered their ROI in China to be higher than their global ROI, the poll added. "China's domestic market has grown exponentially despite some difficulties," said Seyedin. Nine Rivers, a wine producer, decided to expand its China business as it started to build a single malt whisky distillery in the city of Longyan, Fujian Province in February. The distillery is expected to start operation in 2023, delivering an annual output of 200 billion yuan and creating numerous jobs. "The opportunity is huge in China as it's the world's largest consumer market," said Jay Robertson, CEO of Nine Rivers, during the CIFIT, pointing to easy accessibility to government services. NEW OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND As the global economy is grappling with the persistent pandemic and geopolitical tensions, China has revved up its efforts in emerging fields such as digital trade and green development, offering enticing opportunities for global investors. Data shows that the scale of China's digital economy soared from 11 trillion yuan in 2012 to 45.5 trillion yuan (6.58 trillion dollars) in 2021, accounting for 39.8 percent of the country's GDP in 2021. ABB, a global engineering company from Europe, is among numerous companies that have jumped on the bandwagon to tap into more opportunities in China's burgeoning digital market. It has cooperated with Chinese partners in building data centers across the country for 25 years. James Zhao, president of ABB Electrification China, considers the mega data project -- "east data, west computing" -- that was launched in February, as an embodiment of China's commitment to developing its digital economy and delivering opportunities to the whole industry. The fair also saw industry leaders' zeal for the green transition, an ambitious goal that China has long pursued. A participant in the green transition, Citi China "has been a staunch supporter of green-minded clients as it continues to finance clean energy solutions," said Citi Guangzhou branch manager Song Jun. Citi in Guangzhou has provided 100 million yuan in loans to a local hydrogen fuel cell producer. "Industries are embracing digital and sustainable transition, which has sparked a surge in demand for green and innovative products and low-carbon solutions based on digital technologies," said Wang Jie, vice president of Schneider Electric and head of its corporate affairs and sustainability development division in China. China has vowed to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. This target is calling on more enterprises to accelerate green transition in a bid to enhance future competitiveness, Wang said. Underlining its decarbonization commitment, the multinational company now runs 64 "Net-zero Carbon Factories" worldwide, with 15 located in China. In the future, the company will continue to bolster R&D in China with a pledge of offering more green and innovative products and solutions to the globe, Wang said. A visitor looks at an EVOGO battery-swap station of Chinese battery producer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) during the 22nd China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) A staff member shows an AR (augmented reality) device during the 22nd China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 9, 2022. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) Visitors try a new product launched by Chinese drone maker DJI during the 22nd China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 9, 2022. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) A staff member demonstrates a VR device to train gantry crane drivers during the 22nd China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 9, 2022. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) African diplomats visited Yuan Longping High-tech Agriculture Co., Ltd. in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, July 29, 2022. (Xinhua) China is one of the best countries in the world Africa can partner with in fighting food insecurity on the continent because of their own experience and agricultural technology innovations, an expert says. KIGALI, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China is one of the best countries in the world Africa can partner with in fighting food insecurity on the continent because of their own experience and agricultural technology innovations, an expert said Friday. Rwanda-based economist Egide Karuranga, in an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the Africa Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) summit which concluded in Kigali, Rwanda's capital city on Friday, said that Africa can learn from China given that the Asian country has already succeeded in fighting malnutrition and food shortages. He highlighted water and irrigation as the areas where China can invest in Africa, describing them as needs at the bottom of the pyramid which need more attention than anything else in the economy. "For example, Africa is struggling with irrigation and output, yet China has developed high expertise in these. There are a couple of agricultural technology innovations which have been tested, implemented and succeeded in China which can be transferred and adapted to (the) Africa context," he said. Karuranga cited lack of innovation, climate change effects, poor implementation of existing innovations, and global shocks, including COVID-19 and the conflict in Ukraine among the reasons responsible for the current food insecurity on the continent. A staff member poured fresh avocados into the water to wash them at Sunripe factory in Limuru Town, Kiambu County, Kenya, on Aug. 2, 2022. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui) Du Gongming, the General Manager of China-based Greechain Information Science and Technology Ltd., which helps to send African products to the Chinese market, said deep cooperation between China and Africa is critical. The company last month successfully sent the first batch of Kenyan fresh avocados to China, marking the first time that African fresh avocados were exported to the Chinese market. "In the next step, we hope to help more African products open up the Chinese market," he said. Presenting their experiences and challenges in exporting African agricultural products to China, Du noted that with the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world, the global economic recovery remains fragile and weak. "But that is why long-term and in-depth friendly cooperation between China and Africa has become especially important. China is the world's largest consumer market. Consumers are increasingly demanding high-quality products," he said. Du observed that Africa has natural advantages for the development of agricultural production, and urged Africa to leverage its natural, green and organic high-quality agricultural products to trade more with China. He underlined the importance of investing in Africa, deepening cooperation between China and Africa in agricultural products while upgrading Africa's agricultural modernization level. Exporting China's advanced agricultural management technology, so as to bring more and better African high-quality agricultural food products to the Chinese market, not only meets the wishes of the Chinese and African peoples but would also bring tangible benefits to the peoples of both China and Africa, he added. Du noted that Greechain is committed to the development of African agricultural products with huge distribution channels to meet the high demand of the Chinese market. "We can help African agricultural products meet China's inspection and quarantine standards. We hope to cooperate with various African countries to bring more African agricultural products to China," he said. PHNOM PENH, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The number of international tourists to Cambodia has increased at a faster-than-expected pace, prompting the kingdom to lift its target to 2 million tourists for 2022, up from earlier forecast of 1 million, Tourism Minister Thong Khon said on Saturday. The Southeast Asian nation received 998,272 international visitors in the first eight months of 2022, up 720 percent compared to the same period last year, according to Ministry of Tourism's latest report. In August alone, the kingdom welcomed 254,813 foreign holidaymakers, up 2,680 percent compared to the same month last year, the report said. During the January-August period this year, neighboring Thailand topped the chart of the international tourist arrivals to Cambodia, followed by Vietnam, China, the United States and Indonesia, the report added. "Based on these latest figures, Cambodia is expected to attract from 1.5 million to 2 million international tourists in the entirety of 2022," the minister told Xinhua. Khon attributed the sharp rise to the kingdom's full reopening of its borders to all travelers, tourism development strategies, and high COVID-19 vaccination rates. Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy. In the pre-pandemic era, the country greeted up to 6.6 million international tourists in 2019, generating gross revenue of 4.92 billion U.S. dollars, according to the Ministry of Tourism. By Ayya Lmahamad The Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) pipeline, which is on track for commercial launch on October 1, is in the final stage of completion and administrative procedures for granting operational licence and Right of Use acts are ongoing in both countries, ICGB AD told Azernews. "The entire 31 km section of the interconnector on Greek territory was inspected for two days (8th 9th Sept) with representatives of the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy (Hydrocarbons Directorate-Installations Department) and ICGBs management," the statement reads. The inspection is part of the procedure for granting the operational permit for the pipelines section on the territory of the Hellenic Republic. The delegation inspected in detail the gas metering station near Komotini, one of the block valves, the tie-in points with TAP and DESFA including the entire linear part of the pipeline in Greece. The entire procedure comprises of on-site inspections and a detailed review of a series of project documents. This is done to ensure that the completed work meets all prerequisites for the safe operation of the entire natural gas infrastructure. The feedback we are currently seeing from the members of this site visit is positive and were hopeful that this will result in the timely issuance of the required operational permit for Greece," ICGBs Executive Officers Teodora Georgieva and George Satlas said. Both officials highlighted the national and international importance of IGBs commercial launch which is expected for October 1. We are looking at a pipeline that opens a new, secure gateway for diversified natural gas deliveries not only for the two host countries but for the wider SEE region and with the option to transmit natural gas to Ukraine and Moldova as well. All efforts remain focused on completing the remaining secondary activities under the EPC contract and the required administrative procedures in Greece and Bulgaria in order to achieve the set deadline, Teodora Georgieva and George Satlas said. Additionally, in parallel with the audits on the Greek side, ICGB is cooperating actively with all relevant Bulgarian institutions for granting Act 16 and the Right of Use permit required for operational activities under the national legislation. The IGB gas pipeline is designed to connect with the Greek national gas transmission system (DESFA S.A.) and the Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline (TAP AG) in the area of Komotini (Greece), and with the Bulgarian gas transmission system (Bulgartransgaz EAD) in the area of Stara Zagora. The total length of the gas pipeline is 182 km, and the diameter of the pipe is 32'' with a design capacity of up to 3 billion m3/year in the direction of Greece-Bulgaria. The pipeline is designed to increase its capacity up to 5 bcm/y depending on market interest and the capacities of neighboring gas transmission systems. The opening ceremony of the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria was held in Komotini on July 8. NANJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The city of Nantong in east China's Jiangsu Province and Zvezdara in Serbia on Friday signed an agreement via video link to establish a sister-city relationship, vowing to deepen cooperation in fields such as the economy and trade, technology, tourism and sports. Wu Xinming, mayor of Nantong, expressed hope that the sister-city relationship would open a new chapter in which the two cities would share development opportunities and build a regular exchange mechanism. Vladan Jeremic, president of the City Municipality of Zvezdara, thanked Nantong for helping Zvezdara combat COVID-19. After the pandemic began, Nantong called upon local enterprises and the Nantong chamber of commerce in Serbia to donate medical supplies like masks and protective suits to Zvezdara. Jeremic also said that he welcomes more Chinese companies to invest in Zvezdara and obtain win-win outcomes. So far, Nantong has established international sister-city relationships with 27 cities in 17 countries and regions, according to the municipal government's foreign affairs office. Photo taken on Sept. 9, 2022 shows screens displaying Britain's King Charles III addressing the nation and the Commonwealth in a televised speech in London, Britain. Britain's King Charles III on Friday pledged "lifelong service" in his first address to the nation and the Commonwealth after assuming the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Ying) LONDON, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Britain's King Charles III on Friday pledged "lifelong service" in his first address to the nation and the Commonwealth after assuming the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday. "Throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen (...) was an inspiration," he said in his televised speech. "Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today." He said he felt "profound sorrow" over the death of his mother and that he shared the public's "sense of loss beyond measure." Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch in history, died at Balmoral, Scotland, on Thursday, aged 96. Charles, 73, will be officially proclaimed King at the Accession Council on Saturday in a ceremony held at St. James's Palace in London. Charles bestowed the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales on his eldest son William and daughter-in-law Kate -- titles that he and his late wife Diana previously held. He also expressed love for his son Harry and daughter-in-law Meghan Markle as they "continue to build their lives overseas." Solar panels are placed on the roofs of buildings in Haarlem, the Netherlands, Sept. 10, 2022. Companies and consumers in the Netherlands are using less natural gas and turning to coal and renewable energy sources as the country, like many other European countries, suffers from declining natural gas supplies from Russia. (Photo by Sylvia Lederer/Xinhua) THE HAGUE, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Companies and consumers in the Netherlands are using less natural gas and turning to coal and renewable energy sources as the country, like many other European countries, suffers from declining natural gas supplies from Russia. Prices are sky-rocketing and the authorities are searching for storage sites and alternatives. "Gas consumption has decreased across the society, from companies to consumers," Peter Hein van Mulligen, chief economist at Statistics Netherlands, told Xinhua. "This will undoubtedly continue for a while, which also has to do with the rising price. Everyone needs gas, so the price goes up and companies are looking for alternatives." Natural gas consumption in the Netherlands amounted to 17.6 billion cubic meters (bcm) over the first six months of 2022, which is 25 percent less than in the same period last year, according to Statistics Netherlands. Manufacturing and power plants in particular used less natural gas, falling by 30 percent and 28 percent, respectively. The drop in gas consumption coincides with changes in electricity generation. In the second quarter (Q2) of 2022, electricity generation from coal increased by 40 percent and from renewable sources by 25 percent year on year. At the same time, 19 percent less electricity was generated from natural gas. Solar and wind power also showed strong increases, by 40 percent and 25 percent, respectively, in Q2. The sunny weather and the increased installed solar panel capacity have both resulted in an increase in electricity generation by solar. Wind farms also increased their output due to both greater installed capacity of onshore turbines and favorable weather conditions. The Dutch government has recently managed to fill the country's gas storages to around 80 percent of capacity, achieving the European Union (EU) target. "It is good news that, despite the difficult circumstances, we have succeeded in filling our gas storages to more than 80 percent almost two months ahead of the European deadline," Minister for Climate and Energy Policy Rob Jetten said. Filling continues ahead of winter to avoid supply bottlenecks. Earlier this week, the Eemshaven port in the northern province of Groningen inaugurated a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal comprising two floating units operated by Dutch energy network operator Gasunie. The new terminal, together with an older LNG terminal in the port of Rotterdam, which has been expanded, has doubled the country's LNG import capacity. The Eemshaven floating terminal will convert LNG into gaseous form, which then can be fed into the national natural gas network or transported abroad. This way the country can import an additional 8 bcm of gas. "We can see an acceleration of the phasing out of natural gas to new sources," van Mulligen said. "That also helps us become less dependent on imports. It just can't be done in a few months. It could take a long time. How long is hard to predict." Solar panels are placed on the roofs of buildings in Haarlem, the Netherlands, Sept. 10, 2022. Companies and consumers in the Netherlands are using less natural gas and turning to coal and renewable energy sources as the country, like many other European countries, suffers from declining natural gas supplies from Russia. (Photo by Sylvia Lederer/Xinhua) Photo taken on Sept. 10, 2022 shows a household gas stove in Haarlem, the Netherlands. Companies and consumers in the Netherlands are using less natural gas and turning to coal and renewable energy sources as the country, like many other European countries, suffers from declining natural gas supplies from Russia. (Photo by Sylvia Lederer/Xinhua) WINDHOEK, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's central bank governor Johannes Gawaxab on Friday said the country must step up efforts to create an environment that will lead to sustaining the economic recovery. "We are not out of the woods yet, and our economy desperately needs appropriate stimulus, which can take the form of credit extension for productive purposes to fuel the economy. Banking institutions should continue to lend responsibly to critical sectors of the economy to sustain the economic recovery we have seen over the last eight months," he said in a statement. Banking institutions should play a critical role in the recovery effort as financial intermediaries are charged with safe-keeping depositors' funds and lending these safely and responsibly, he said, urging banking institutions to strike a balance between the interests of all stakeholders in this post-COVID environment and where feasible do more to assist the economy. To ensure that financial institutions respond effectively and prudently to the challenges businesses and households face, the Bank of Namibia has retained the relief measures instituted since the pandemic's outbreak, he added. "Our fortunes and Namibia's prosperity are dependent on how we come together as a financial sector, businesses, and policymakers to reverse recent economic hardships, restore business confidence, and revive ailing businesses. By doing so, we can create jobs and put our economy on a more stable footing. I do not doubt that we can stem the tide and turn our fortunes around," he said. Namibia Private Credit Extension grew by 3.3 percent on average in the first seven months of 2022 and is expected to grow by 5 percent in 2022 as a whole. The Bank of Namibia forecasts the economy to grow by 3.2 percent this year. ACCRA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least three people died and some others were injured in a road crash in the Eastern Region of Ghana, police confirmed Saturday. A school bus bearing the inscription of the University of Education, Winneba veered off the road Friday, running into a valley at Apirede, a community in the Okere District, said the police in Eastern Region. The students were said to be on an excursion to Afadjato, Ghana's highest mountain in the Volta Region when the accident occurred. At least 28 persons on board the bus were injured and are receiving treatment, while the bodies of the dead were deposited in a morgue for preservation. Police investigation into the cause of the accident is underway. DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The 5th Edition of the East African Community (EAC) Arts and Cultural Festival ended on a high note on Friday evening in the Burundian capital Bujumbura with different cultural performances from the bloc's member states, the EAC said in a statement on Saturday. The statement said the seven-day festival attracted more than 2,000 participants from the EAC's seven member states of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. The participants included performing artists, exhibitors, culture professionals and academicians, students, administrators, as well as civil society organizations, said the statement. The festival featured a symposium of culture professionals and researchers to dialogue on selected sub-themes including adopting new regional languages in the EAC and the role of modern technologies in advancing arts and cultural expression. Other themes were indigenous knowledge and traditional medicine, arts, industry and tourism, youth participation and employment and research, innovation and investment in arts and culture, said the statement. Irene Isaka, the EAC secretariat director of social services, said the goal of the festival was to bring east Africans together to interact and share their common cultural heritage through art and culture in order to foster social cohesion and unity amongst the people of the region. Vehicles run underneath the bridge of a China-built rainbow intersection in Gaborone, Botswana, Sept. 9, 2022. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua) GABORONE, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- A China-built rainbow intersection which partially opened Friday will help reduce traffic congestion in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, said Mmoloki Baele, the project manager. The rainbow intersection is about 98 percent complete and traffic is allowed to go underneath the bridge to allow the builders to finish both ends of the bridge from Friday, said the manager. Baele said the intersection, with a 1.1-km flyover of four lanes, is expected to be fully operational by the end of September this year. It is part of three grade-separated intersections in Gaborone that were awarded to a joint venture of China Jiangsu International Botswana (Pty) Ltd, Zhong Gan Engineering & Construction (Pty) Ltd, and Unik Construction Engineering (Pty) Ltd in October 2018 for 447 million pula (about 34.53 million U.S. dollars). Traffic congestion and travel times in Gaborone will be reduced when the whole project is completed by December this year. The city's mobility and productivity in different sectors of the economy will be improved, according to the Ministry of Transport and Public Works. Vehicles run underneath the bridge of a China-built rainbow intersection in Gaborone, Botswana, Sept. 9, 2022. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua) Photo taken on Sept. 10, 2022 shows the scene of the trains collision in Rajic, central Croatia. Three people were killed and 11 injured in a collision between a passenger train and a freight train at around 9:30 p.m. (1930 GMT) on Friday in central Croatia, authorities said on Saturday. (Matija Habljak/PIXSELL via Xinhua) ZAGREB, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and 11 injured in a collision between a passenger train and a freight train at around 9:30 p.m. (1930 GMT) on Friday in central Croatia, authorities said on Saturday. The injured were immediately hospitalized, local N1 media reported, adding that the passenger train passed a stop sign in the village of Rajici, which resulted in the collision. "We express our condolences to the families of those who were killed. We express our regret that something like this happened," said Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who arrived at the scene with other officials soon after the accident. He said the cause of the collision is under review, adding that the injured are not facing life-threatening conditions. Photo taken on Sept. 10, 2022 shows the scene of the trains collision in Rajic, central Croatia. Three people were killed and 11 injured in a collision between a passenger train and a freight train at around 9:30 p.m. (1930 GMT) on Friday in central Croatia, authorities said on Saturday. (Matija Habljak/PIXSELL via Xinhua) Photo taken on Sept. 10, 2022 shows the scene of the trains collision in Rajic, central Croatia. Three people were killed and 11 injured in a collision between a passenger train and a freight train at around 9:30 p.m. (1930 GMT) on Friday in central Croatia, authorities said on Saturday. (Matija Habljak/PIXSELL via Xinhua) Photo shows screens displaying Britain's King Charles III delivering a speech at the accession ceremony at St James's Palace in London, Britain, Sept. 10, 2022. King Charles III was formally proclaimed Britain's new monarch at a meeting of the Accession Council at St James's Palace on Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Ying) LONDON, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- King Charles III was formally proclaimed Britain's new monarch at a meeting of the Accession Council at St James's Palace on Saturday. Charles assumed the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday, aged 96. The accession ceremony introduced the new monarch to the country. In his declaration at the accession ceremony, King Charles III, 73, told the Accession Council of hundreds of senior political and religious advisers that he would strive to follow his mother's "inspiring example." "I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me," he said in the ceremony televised for the first time in history. The Accession Proclamation was then read out from the balcony of St James's Palace, a royal residence, to a trumpet fanfare, followed by gun salutes. The proclamation will also be read publicly in other capital cities of the United Kingdom -- Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast -- and other locations. In his first address to the nation and the Commonwealth on Friday night as the new monarch, King Charles III bestowed the title of Prince of Wales to his eldest son William, 40, a title he had held for over 50 years and is a title reserved exclusively for the heir apparent to the British throne. People watch a ceremony where the Accession Proclamation for King Charles III is read at the Royal Exchange in the City of London, Britain, Sept. 10, 2022. King Charles III was formally proclaimed Britain's new monarch at a meeting of the Accession Council at St James's Palace on Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Ying) People watch a ceremony where the Accession Proclamation for King Charles III is read at the Royal Exchange in the City of London, Britain, Sept. 10, 2022. King Charles III was formally proclaimed Britain's new monarch at a meeting of the Accession Council at St James's Palace on Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Ying) People watch a ceremony where the Accession Proclamation for King Charles III is read at the Royal Exchange in the City of London, Britain, Sept. 10, 2022. King Charles III was formally proclaimed Britain's new monarch at a meeting of the Accession Council at St James's Palace on Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Ying) The Accession Proclamation for King Charles III is read during a ceremony held at the Royal Exchange in the City of London, Britain, Sept. 10, 2022. King Charles III was formally proclaimed Britain's new monarch at a meeting of the Accession Council at St James's Palace on Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Ying) Band members are seen during a ceremony where the Accession Proclamation for King Charles III is read at the Royal Exchange in the City of London, Britain, Sept. 10, 2022. King Charles III was formally proclaimed Britain's new monarch at a meeting of the Accession Council at St James's Palace on Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Ying) Band members are seen during a ceremony where the Accession Proclamation for King Charles III is read at the Royal Exchange in the City of London, Britain, Sept. 10, 2022. King Charles III was formally proclaimed Britain's new monarch at a meeting of the Accession Council at St James's Palace on Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Ying) A band member is seen during a ceremony where the Accession Proclamation for King Charles III is read at the Royal Exchange in the City of London, Britain, Sept. 10, 2022. King Charles III was formally proclaimed Britain's new monarch at a meeting of the Accession Council at St James's Palace on Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Ying) Tourists take photos with the sacred rock of Acropolis, in Athens, Greece, Sept. 10, 2022. Tourism in Greece, a vital pillar of the country's economy, is on track to yield record high revenues this year, exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to local officials, industry experts and analysts. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) ATHENS, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Tourism in Greece, a vital pillar of the country's economy, is on track to yield record high revenues this year, exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to local officials, industry experts and analysts. "2022 has been an amazing year for Greek tourism ... I'm very happy to say that both branded and alternative destinations, both on islands and the mainland, were full of travelers and tourists this year, and we are set to surpass this year the numbers recorded in 2019, which has so far been a record year in tourism," Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias told Xinhua in a recent interview. In 2019, Greece registered 32 million tourist arrivals and some 18 billion euros (18 billion U.S. dollars) in tourism-related revenues, according to Bank of Greece (BoG) data. The data so far this year indicates a strong comeback. Tourism-related revenues were 224.5 percent higher in June and 329.3 percent higher in January-June 2022 than in the corresponding periods of 2021, according to the latest BoG announcement. Compared with 2019, tourism-related revenues increased by 2.3 percent in June 2022. A recent analysis by local lender Alpha Bank expects Greece's tourism-related revenues to reach 20 billion euros this year, thanks to a travel frenzy after the lockdowns during the COVID pandemic, giving a significant boost to the Greek GDP. "After two very difficult years for tourism, we had an extremely positive rebound this year that helps us a lot and helps the Greek economy a lot. As a sector we usually account for 25 percent of the GDP, this is a very big number for a national economy," Alexandros Vassilikos, president of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH), told Xinhua on Friday. Tourism was a key driver in Greece of the 7.7 percent GDP growth in the second quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 2021, according to data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) earlier this week. The impressive performance of Greek tourism -- despite prevailing challenges, such as the simmering COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the energy crisis -- is the result of good planning, hard work and collaboration among all players, according to Kikilias. However, there are many challenges lying ahead, such as the upscale of tourism infrastructure to accommodate more visitors, which requires the implementation of a strong strategy, the minister said. "Circumstances are still very peculiar, which leaves a lot of question marks for the future. Nonetheless, we are extremely positive about the future," Vassilikos said. (1 euro = 1 U.S. dollar) Tourists visit the Roman Agora in Athens, Greece, Sept. 10, 2022. Tourism in Greece, a vital pillar of the country's economy, is on track to yield record high revenues this year, exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to local officials, industry experts and analysts. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) Tourists take photos with the sacred rock of Acropolis, in Athens, Greece, Sept. 10, 2022. Tourism in Greece, a vital pillar of the country's economy, is on track to yield record high revenues this year, exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to local officials, industry experts and analysts. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) Tourists visit the Roman Agora in Athens, Greece, Sept. 10, 2022. Tourism in Greece, a vital pillar of the country's economy, is on track to yield record high revenues this year, exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to local officials, industry experts and analysts. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) Tourists visit the Roman Agora in Athens, Greece, Sept. 10, 2022. Tourism in Greece, a vital pillar of the country's economy, is on track to yield record high revenues this year, exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to local officials, industry experts and analysts. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson plans to renew energy dialogue with Azerbaijan in coming weeks, Azernews reports. She made the remarks ahead of the Extraordinary Energy Council in Brussels. There is ongoing work with our international partners. For next weeks I am planning to renew the energy dialogue with Algeria I have been over the past month, Azerbaijan. I will have this Sunday a meeting hopefully with Norwegian minister. So this is ongoing work so that our international partners, including the US can support us, said Simson. The supply of Azerbaijani gas to Europe through the Southern Gas Corridor began on December 31, 2020. Azerbaijan exported its natural gas to the European market through pipelines for the first time in history. The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) which is the European part of the Southern Gas Corridor, annually supplies eight billion cubic meters of gas to Italy and one billion cubic meters of gas to Greece and Bulgaria. The European Union has expressed its support to the expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor. In July this year, Azerbaijan and the European Commission signed a memorandum of understanding, which among other issues, also envisages doubling the Corridors capacity to 20 billion cubic meters per year by 2027. Ukraine recaptures about 2,500 sq. km in Kharkiv Oblast, may create cauldron for Russian troops around Izyum 10 September, 11:38 AM Ukrainian military near the front line in Kharkiv Oblast, August 24, 2022 (Photo:REUTERS/Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy) Ukrainian forces have recaptured an estimated 2,500 square kilometers in Kharkiv Oblast and have an opportunity to create a cauldron for Russian troops around the town of Izyum, the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in its Sept. 9 report. According to the report, Ukrainian forces reached the southern approach to the town of Kupyansk and the Oskil River on Sept. 9., and are likely clearing pockets of disorganized Russian forces caught in the rapid Ukrainian advance to Kupyansk, Izyum, and the Oskil River, given the influx of observed pictures of Russian prisoners of war in the past 48 hours. Ukrainian forces may collapse Russian positions around Izyum if they sever Russian ground lines of communication (GLOCs) north and south of Izyum, ISW analysts said. If Ukrainians are successful in severing the Russian GLOCs, then they will have an opportunity to create a cauldron around Izyum and collapse a major portion of the Russian positions in northeastern Ukraine. At the same time, according to ISW, the Kremlin is rushing resources to the Kharkiv City-Izyum line in an attempt to halt Ukrainian advances after Ukrainian forces achieved remarkable operational gains. In particular, Russian Ministry of Defense and Kremlin media outlets have published footage of Russian military convoys reportedly en route to reinforce Kupyansk and Izyum. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian forces had recaptured more than 30 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast. Infographics: ISW In an evening video address on Sept. 9, he said the Armed Forces of Ukraine, intelligence and the SBU security service continue to succeed in several operational areas. The territories in some villages are still being checked, Zelenskyy added. Were gradually taking control of new settlements were returning the Ukrainian flag and protection for our people everywhere, he stressed. The Ukrainian president also called on Ukrainians in the liberated territories to report any information about the crimes of the Russian invaders to the law enforcement agencies. He also appealed to bloggers and asked them not to disclose the details of Ukrainian operations before official announcements. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News EFE videos Caracas, 16 sep (EFE).- La peticion de libertad para los 7 tripulantes del avion retenido en Argentina que permanecen en ese pais, con la prohibicion de salir, marco la llegada a Venezuela, este viernes, de los 12 que fueron liberados, tras mas de 3 meses en Buenos Aires, donde continua la investigacion de la aeronave por posibles vinculos con el terrorismo internacional. Con musica y aplausos de familiares, empleados del aeropuerto y personas que transitaban por la terminal, fueron recibidos los tripulantes -entre ellos 11 venezolanos y un irani- luego de que aterrizaran en el Aeropuerto Internacional de Maiquetia, que sirve a Caracas, cerca de las 18.30 hora local (22.30 GMT). Entre quienes los esperaban, estaba el ministro de Transporte, Ramon Velasquez, tambien presidente de la aerolinea estatal Consorcio Venezolano de Industrias Aeronauticas y Servicios Aereos (Conviasa), propietaria del avion venezolano-irani retenido en Buenos Aires. Velasquez dijo a Efe que el pais no descansara hasta que Argentina libere a los otros siete tripulantes -tres venezolanos y cuatro iranies-, que estan "detenidos ilegalmente", y devuelva la aeronave, que, segun ha declarado recientemente el funcionario, importaba "vacunas, medicamentos e insumos medicos" y enviaba ayuda humanitaria a algunos paises como "Colombia (y) Nicaragua". El funcionario senalo que estan "fortaleciendo mas las estrategias (y) organizando los equipos diplomaticos para que, mas temprano que tarde", aterricen en Venezuela tanto el avion como el resto de la tripulacion. JUBILO A MEDIAS Entre los liberados, esta el piloto Cornelio Trujillo -ingeniero de vuelo de 66 anos de edad- quien, al llegar al aeropuerto, dijo a Efe que se sentia "feliz" por reunirse nuevamente con su familia y amigos en su pais, tras "tres meses duros" en Argentina, donde, sin embargo, aseguro que fueron "bien tratados (y) bien mantenidos". "Pero, de todas maneras, el dano psicologico que teniamos era bastante fuerte", agrego. "Aunque fuimos nosotros liberados, tengo companeros todavia en Argentina que estan enfrentando el proceso, que, como yo, no tienen ningun tipo de culpa. Nos tuvieron alla 99 dias y, hasta los momentos, no se por que, es politico, no se, ahi no me meto, pero, cuando mis companeros regresen, ese dia voy a ser muy feliz", dijo Trujillo, con 46 anos de experiencia como piloto. TRES LARGOS MESES DE INCERTIDUMBRE El avion retenido en el Aeropuerto Internacional de Buenos Aires, en la localidad bonaerense de Ezeiza, es un Boeing 747 Dreamliner de carga, que fue propiedad de la empresa irani Mahan Air y que actualmente pertenece a Emtrasur, filial del Consorcio Venezolano de Industrias Aeronauticas y Servicios Aereos (Conviasa). Ambas empresas estan sancionadas por el Departamento del Tesoro de Estados Unidos. La aeronave ingreso en Argentina el 6 de junio procedente de Mexico, haciendo escala en Venezuela, presuntamente para trasladar cargamento a una empresa automotriz, y 2 dias despues despego para ir a Uruguay a cargar combustible, pero aterrizo nuevamente en el aeropuerto argentino porque el pais vecino no habilito su aterrizaje. Sin embargo, las petroleras argentinas no cargaron combustible al avion por temor a las sanciones de Estados Unidos y posteriormente, el 11 de junio, se difundio que el Gobierno argentino habia ordenado inmovilizar el avion. Unos dias despues, un juez ordeno retener los pasaportes e impedir la salida del pais de los tripulantes, que nunca fueron detenidos y hasta ahora han tenido plena libertad de movimientos. Ya en agosto, el Departamento de Justicia de EE.UU. solicito a Argentina que le permitiera confiscar la aeronave. LA RESPUESTA DE VENEZUELA La reaccion del Gobierno de Nicolas Maduro fue contundente, y ni siquiera fue suavizada ante el hecho de que las relaciones diplomaticas entre ambos paises apenas habian comenzado a deshelarse tras haber sido degradadas durante el Gobierno del expresidente Mauricio Macri (2015-2019). Como "un secuestro" fue catalogada la retencion del avion por el presidente Nicolas Maduro y altos funcionarios, quienes promovieron una campana para exigir la vuelta de la tripulacion y la entrega de la aeronave. Para 12 de ellos termino la incertidumbre el pasado martes, cuando la Justicia argentina autorizo su salida, tras un primer fallo emitido a principios de agosto por el juez Federico Villena, quien levanto la prohibicion y autorizo a devolver los pasaportes a 11 venezolanos y un irani, a condicion de presentarse, mensualmente, ante las Embajadas de Argentina en sus respectivos paises. (c) Agencia EFE Photo credit: Design by Yoora Kim - Hearst Owned September 15 marks a special time for Hispanic and Latin-X communities across the United States. It is the beginning of the 31-day acknowledgment of the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America in the nationwide celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. There are so many important facts to learn about Hispanic Heritage month and how it began. Originally founded as Hispanic Heritage Week by President Lyndon B. Johnson, it was later expanded into a month-long celebration during President Ronald Reagan's administration in 1988. Then later modified to a 31-day holiday by President George H.W. Bush in 1989. This informative list will help you uncover facts about Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month begins during a sentimental time for several Hispanic and Latin-X countries If you're wondering why Hispanic Heritage month begins halfway into September, it's because the date is very special to many countries across the Hispanic and Latin-X diaspora. September 15 commemorates the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared their independence from Spain on September 15, while Chile celebrates its independence on September 18. Hispanic Heritage Week was established by legislation sponsored by multiple congressmen In 1968, Congressmen George E. Brown, Edward R. Roybal, and Henry B. Gonzalez introduced legislation calling for the celebration of the contributions of American citizens of Hispanic descent for a week-long celebration. President Lyndon B. Johnson implemented the observance in Proclamation 3869. Efforts to expand Hispanic Heritage Week were first documented in 1967 Representative Esteban Torres submitted HR 3182, a bill to expand Hispanic Heritage Week. According to the United States House of Representatives, Torres expressed that supporters of the legislation "want the American people to learn of our heritage. We want the public to know that we share a legacy with the rest of the country, a legacy that includes artists, writers, Olympic champions, and leaders in business, government, cinema, and science." Unfortunately, that bill did not pass. Story continues Hispanic Heritage Week was expanded in 1988 Illinois Senator Paul Simon introduced S. 2200, a bill that amended the original legislation, ultimately expanding Hispanic Heritage Week into a month. That bill passed the Senate and Congress and was signed into law on August 17, 1988, by President Ronald Reagan. Hispanic Heritage Month was first proclaimed as a national observance in 1989 On September 14, 1989, President George H.W. Bush proclaimed Hispanic Heritage Month as a national observance. Since then, every president has given a Presidental Proclamation acknowledging Hispanic Heritage Month. Numerous Hispanic countries are celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month In total, there are 20 Hispanic countries and one territory acknowledged during Hispanic Heritage Month. They include Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The term Hispanic was first recognized by the US government in the 1970s Congress passed a law calling for information about residents from Spanish-speaking countries to be documented. Since then, the word "Hispanic" has been used as an "ethnicity" in various forms for government, education, and employment purposes. The term Latin-X has been used for over a decade According to OprahDaily.com, the term Latinx originated in the mid-2000s. Joseph M. Pierce revealed Latinx emerged "in activist circles primarily in the US as an expansion of earlier gender-inclusive variations such as a Latino/A (with the slash) and Latin@." Latin-X has gained popularity as an ethnicity, but a 2020 study by pewresearch.org found that only 3% of Hispanics across the US identify as Latin-X. You Might Also Like Abilene, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2022) - The New River Electric Corporation recently completed work on an Ohio River crossing between Ohio and West Virginia. In this project multiple tasks were performed on the structure at 255 feet using Blade Platforms aerial work machines. This work was performed by Linemen in the Blade Platforms Basket along with helicopter support. "During the Ohio River Valley Crossing Project, where Blade Platforms partnered with New River Electric Corporation to provide them with equipment, those onsite praised Blade's machinery." To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8909/136417_728fad1ca4134a24_001full.jpg The Transmission Superintendent onsite spoke highly of the speed and efficiency of the 295 ft Ruthmann. The unit was operated onsite by Certified Technicians and NREC Linemen. This Operated Rental also allowed NREC to avoid some extra insurance cost. Independent Site Safety personnel also noted the quality and safe operation of this high lifting equipment. They spoke to the safer operation of the basket operated machine compared to the typical crane or boom mounted baskets. About Blade Platforms Blade Platforms is well known in the wind energy sector. The company's Aerial Work Platform machines assist wind energy companies in the installation, repair, and maintenance of wind turbines throughout North America. Some of the other industry sectors that Blade machines are commonly used in include Oil and Gas, T&D, Aerospace, Infrastructure, and more. Being the market leader for Truck and Track Mounted Access Platforms is demonstrated in Blade Platforms having the tallest and largest Reach Access Platform in North America. For example, the Palfinger WT1000 All-Terrain 103m Access Platform with 336 feet of reach is the largest in North America, featuring the highest reach and the most side outreach available on any machine of this capability. Story continues For more information about Blade Platforms and the services they offer, please visit www.BladePlatforms.com. The company services all of the United States and Canada. Corporate Contact Information: Petr Bartusek petr.bartusek@bladeplatforms.com +1 (469) 371-4284 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/136417 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2022) - American Biofuels Inc. (TSXV: ABS.H) (the "Company") announces that it will be delayed in filing its audited annual financial statements and management discussion & analysis for the financial year ended April 30, 2022, and the CEO and CFO certificates, all as required by National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations and National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings (collectively, the "Documents"). The Company has commenced the annual audit and is working with its auditors; however, will not have the filings completed prior to the filing deadline. The Company is working diligently with the auditors to satisfy the audit requirements and it expects to the audited annual financial statements and management discussion & analysis and the filings for the Documents no later than September 26, 2022. Accordingly, the Company has informed the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") of its anticipated delay in filing the Documents. Until the Company has filed the Documents, members of the Company's management and other insiders are subject to an insider trading black-out until such time as the Documents are filed. The Company is not currently subject to any insolvency proceedings. Corporate Update Status of the Proposed Transaction - The Company and Paragon Processing LLC ("Paragon") had entered into a Business Combination Agreement (the "BCA") on July 30, 2019. Paragon being, a Colorado limited liability company engaged in the business of manufacturing and distributing industrial hemp products. Pursuant to the BCA, a special purpose vehicle ("Finco"), raised funds in a financing and had advanced funds to Paragon, and subsequently, the timeline of the of the BCA lapsed. Both the Paragon receivable and the funds raised in the Finco financing have been recorded by the Company as at the year ended April 30, 2021, the most recent audited financial year end. As at April 30, 2021, the amounts recorded to Receivables include CAD$2,097,681 including interest, which was assessed and written down to $1, and Loans payable of CAD$2,436,122 including interest. Story continues The Company has been advised that there have been restructuring activities within the members of Paragon. The Company has been in continuous communications with certain Paragon members regarding recovery of the advanced funds and/or restructuring of the BCA. In regards to recovery of the funds advanced to Paragon; the Company is determining its alternatives for recovery pursuant to the terms of the BCA. The outcome of all efforts has been lengthy and still pending due to reorganization within Paragon's management, operations and general pandemic related issues. Pursuit of Alternative Projects and/or acquisition of an Alternative Business of Merit - Given the status of the Proposed Transaction above, the Company has made the strategic decision to pursue alternative projects and or acquisition of a businesses of merit that meet the criteria of a standalone project, but would also be complementary to the business of Paragon. The Company has reviewed multiple prospective target transactions and has devoted a significant amount interest in certain specific deals/prospective targets of interest that fits the Company's strategic objective. On behalf of the Board of Directors, American Biofuels Inc. "Keturah Nathe" Chief Executive Officer AMERICAN BIOFUELS INC. Suite 303, 595 Howe Street Vancouver, B.C. V5C 2T5 Phone: (604) 336-8617 Fax: (604) 718-2808 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information Certain information set out in this news release constitutes forward-looking information. Forward looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements in respect of among other things, the filing of the Issuer Statements and the timing thereof. Forward-looking statements are based upon the opinions and expectations of management of the Company as at the effective date of such statements and, in certain cases, information provided or disseminated by third parties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, and that information obtained from third party sources is reliable, they can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements included in this document, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur, which may cause actual results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risk factors set forth in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis under the heading "Risk and Uncertainties", a copy of which is filed on SEDAR at www.SEDAR.com, and readers are cautioned that the risk factors disclosed therein should not be construed as exhaustive. These statements are made as at the date hereof and unless otherwise required by law, the Company does not intend, or assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/135142 A former Trump White House lawyer says he thinks there is a very high chance that former President Trump will face an indictment. Ty Cobb, who represented the White House during former special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Trumps 2016 campaigns contacts with Russia, told CBS Newss The Takeout podcast that he believes the former president is likely to face legal consequences for actions related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election. I think the president is in serious legal water, Cobb said in the podcast, released on Friday. Not so much because of the [Mar-a-Lago] search, but because of the obstructive activity he took in connection with the Jan. 6 proceeding and the attempts to interfere in the election count in Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania and perhaps Michigan. Cobb also told CBS News that he suspects the FBIs search of Mar-a-Lago last month during which the agency says it recovered numerous classified documents is related to the Justice Departments larger investigation into Trumps actions related to the Jan. 6 attack. It is about the bigger picture, the Jan. 6 issues, the fake electors, the whole scam with regard to the big lie and the attempts to cling to the presidency in a desperate fashion, Cobb said. The former White House lawyer noted that the search warrant for Mar-a-Lago seemed unusually large and broad and was very comprehensive in terms of the types of documents that the government could take. The Justice Department and Trump are currently locked in a legal battle over the documents seized from Mar-a-Lago, with a judge earlier this week granting Trumps request for a special master to review the materials recovered during the search. The Justice Department has since appealed that ruling. A Friday filing also revealed disagreements between the two parties over how a special master should function in the case, including over which documents should be reviewed and whether executive privilege claims should be considered. That investigation comes as both the Justice Department and a House select committee are investigating the events surrounding the Jan. 6 attack and a Fulton County, Georgia, grand jury is probing Trumps alleged interference into the 2020 election. The former president is also facing separate investigations involving his businesses and tax returns. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted the importance of climate, human spaceflight, and STEM education during the Biden-Harris Administration's second National Space Council meeting Friday, held at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. National Space Council Meeting led by Chairwoman, Vice President Kamala Harris. Photo Date: September 9, 2022. Location: Building 9NW, SVMF. Photographer: Robert Markowitz. "For generations, with our allies and partners around the globe, America has led our world in the exploration and use of space," said Harris. "Our leadership has been guided by a set of fundamental principles cooperation, security, ambition, and public trust which is the recognition, of course, that space can and must be protected for the benefit of all people. There is so much we still don't know and so much we still haven't done space remains a place of undiscovered and unrealized opportunity. Our test and our responsibility is to work together to guide humanity forward into this new frontier and to make real the incredible potential of space for all people." For more than 50 years, NASA satellites have provided open-source and publicly available data on Earth's land, water, temperature, weather, and climate. Improving access to key climate information is a priority for the agency. Building on his previous announcement, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson released the first concept, and shared a new video for the Earth Information Center. The center will allow the public to see how the Earth is changing and guide decision makers to mitigate, adapt, and respond to climate change. "Just like we use mission control to monitor operations during spaceflight, we're embarking on this effort to monitor conditions here on our home planet, and it will be available to everyone in an easy-to-access format," Nelson said. Planning for the Earth Information Center is underway with the initial phase providing an interactive visual display of imagery and data from NASA and other government agencies. NASA Headquarters plans to house this initial interactive display with goals to expand in person and virtual access over the next five years. Story continues The Vice President also underscored the important research conducted on the International Space Station that will enable long duration stays on the Moon and future human missions to Mars, in addition to benefits to life here on Earth. "NASA uses the International Space Station to conduct critical research on the risks associated with future Mars missions space radiation, isolation, and distance from Earth, just to name a few. It's also a testbed to develop the technologies we'll need for long duration stays on the Moon, where we will build an Artemis Base Camp on the surface and Gateway outpost in lunar orbit," Nelson said. "Research on the space station demonstrates that the benefits of microgravity are not just for discovery. We also develop new technologies that improve life on Earth, like treatments for cancer." In conjunction with the meeting, NASA announced a new Space Grant K-12 Inclusiveness and Diversity in STEM (SG KIDS) opportunity that will award more than $4 million to institutions across the U.S. to help bring the excitement of NASA and STEM to traditionally underserved and underrepresented groups of middle and high school students. The announcement is a part of a broader set of commitments made by public, private, and philanthropic partners announced by the Vice President to help in the recruitment and development of the next generation of the space workforce. SG KIDS also addresses the White House Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, as well as NASA Administrator Bill Nelson's focus on providing authentic STEM opportunities to K-12 students. While at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Vice President Harris toured the agency's mission control with Nelson and Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche. The Vice President also spoke with NASA astronauts Bob Hines, Kjell Lindgren, and Jessica Watkins, living and working aboard the International Space Station about how their research benefits life on Earth, supports long duration space flight, and protects our planet. The Vice President also received a tour of the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility (SVMF), where space flight crews and their support personnel receive world class training on high-fidelity hardware for real-time mission support. The SVMF consists of space station, Orion, Commercial vehicle mockups, part-task trainers and rack interfaces, a Precision Air Bearing Floor, and a Partial Gravity Simulator. A recording of the full National Space Council meeting is available online at: https://go.nasa.gov/3eEGxEW NASA Logo. (PRNewsFoto/NASA) (PRNewsFoto/) (PRNewsfoto/NASA) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-hosts-national-space-council-meeting-vice-president-chairs-event-301621524.html SOURCE NASA Nearly 80 Korean War Veterans to Attend Reception that Honors Veterans of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and are known as 'The Chosin Few' ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- StarKist Co., which is headquartered in Reston, VA, and its parent company, Dongwon of Seoul, South Korea, was proud to sponsor a luncheon today for more than 80 Korean War veterans. The luncheon was conducted as part of the National Chosin Few Reunion, which is being held at the Hilton Crystal City at the Washington Reagan National Airport, September 7-11, 2022. Andrew Choe, President & CEO of StarKist and Colonel Warren H. Wiedhahn, USMC (Ret), with attendees at StarKist-sponsored luncheon honoring Korean War veterans Top Row: Young Choi, Dongwon; Tom Aslin, Vice President, Marketing; Andrew Choe, President & CEO; Earl Moynihan, Vice President, Supply Chain; Michelle Faist, Head of Corporate Affairs Bottom Row: Colonel Warren H. Wiedhahn, USMC (Ret), The Chosin Few Chairman/CEO, accompanied by The Chosin Few Board of Directors Photo Credit: Chip McCrea "The Korean War veterans are American heroes and StarKist is honored to be a part of The Chosin Few Reunion," said Andrew Choe, StarKist President and CEO. "The Korean War veterans who fought in the battle of the Chosin Reservoir in November and December 1950, fought valiantly to protect and preserve freedom for the United States and South Korea. It is an honor to demonstrate our appreciation for their service and sacrifice." StarKist's support for the region's Korean War veterans started when the company held an annual luncheon for the Korean War veterans of Southwestern Pennsylvania more than 10 years ago. In April 2022, the company moved to Reston, VA, and is continuing its work to recognize and thank Korean War veterans. "It's wonderful that after all of these years the Korean community both locally and internationally have rallied around The Chosin Few to help us commemorate the battle of the Chosin Reservoir," said Colonel Warren H. Wiedhahn, USMC (Ret) and The Chosin Few Chairman/CEO. "It means so much for us that our sacrifices and service during the Korean War are appreciated. We are thankful for StarKist and Dongwon for their support and involvement." About StarKist Co. StarKist Co. is a socially responsible company that empowers people to live a healthy lifestyle by providing convenient proteins. An industry innovator, StarKist was the first brand to introduce single-serve pouch products, which include StarKist Tuna Creations, Salmon Creations and Chicken Creations. As America's favorite tuna, StarKist represents a tradition of quality, consumer trust and a commitment to sustainability. StarKist's charismatic brand icon, Charlie the Tuna, swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. StarKist Co. is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Dongwon Industries Co., Ltd. Story continues Michelle Faist StarKist Coporate Affairs Michelle.Faist@StarKist.com Phone: 571-441-8096 Andrew Choe, President and CEO of StarKist, speaks at a luncheon honoring nearly 80 Korean War veterans called 'The Chosin Few' Photo Credit: Chip McCrea Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/starkist-co-honors-korean-war-veterans-301621571.html SOURCE StarKist Co. (Bloomberg) -- Thousands of Russian troops retreated in the face of a lightning Ukrainian offensive in the Kharkiv region that threatens to derail the Kremlins bid to cement control of Ukraines east. Russias defense ministry confirmed the pullout, saying it was bolstering its forces in the eastern Donetsk region. Most Read from Bloomberg Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the nations army has recaptured more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region, with units of the National Police moving in as Russian forces are expelled. The Institute for the Study of War estimates Ukraine has recaptured some 2,500 square kilometers (965 square miles) of territory around Kharkiv. Kyivs forces may have liberated Kupyansk and Izyum on Saturday. (See RSAN on the Bloomberg Terminal for the Russian Sanctions Dashboard.) Key Developments Russia Confirms Flight of Troops From Ukraines Kharkiv Region Scholz Says Germany Is Prepared for Russia Gas Halt US Sees Economic Reasons for Russia to Comply With Oil-Price Cap Ukraine Military Breakthrough in North Threatens Russian Grip Russian-Occupied Reactor at Increased Safety Risk, UN Warns Russia Current-Account Surplus at Record Amid Signs Growth Slows On the Ground Kyivs forces are pushing back in the Kherson region to the south and around Kharkiv in the north. Ukrainian forces have liberated the town of Balakliya in the Kharkiv region, regional governor Oleh Synehubov said on Telegram. The Ukrainska Pravda website reports that Kupyansk in Kharkiv region was also liberated. Kupyansk has been an important logistics hub and ammunition depot for Moscows troops. In the past day, Moscows forces launched 13 missile attacks and 22 air strikes, Ukraines General Staff said in an update. Story continues (All times CET) Zelenskiy Says Ukraine, Allies Face Hardest Winter (10 p.m.) Ukraine and European allies should brace for a difficult winter amid the energy shortages engineered by Russian President Vladimir Putin and pressure to cut aid to Kyiv, Ukraines president said. It is the most difficult winter for the whole world, Volodymyr Zelenskiy said at the Yalta European Strategy Conference in Kyiv organized by Ukrainian businessman Victor Pinchuk. He termed choking off energy to Europe Putins last argument. Zelenskiy urged Ukraines allies to expand offers of anti-missile systems to protect the countrys energy infrastructure, which he predicted would be a target for Russian troops, and acknowledged the risk of foreign aid to Ukraine fading over time. US Concerned About Russia-China Ties (10 p.m.) The US is closely watching the deepening economic ties between Russia and China, said Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser to President Joe Biden. China hasnt provided material support to Russia, something we were concerned about, Sullivan told the Yalta European Strategy Conference in Kyiv by video. The US hasnt seen any major Chinese policy decision to flatly violate US sanctions and export controls at systematic level, he said. Still, Washington is watching steps that China is taking through market transactions to provide services to Russia, he said. Naftogaz Warns of Russian Gas Transit Risk (10 p.m.) Theres a high risk Russia will fully stop natural gas shipments to the European Union through Ukraine, said Yuriy Vitrenko, chief executive officer of energy giant Naftogaz Ukrainy. I would estimate the likelihood at 70%, Vitrenko said in an interview during the Yalta European Conference in Kyiv. Russia has shut off gas supplies to Germany and other European customers via Nord Stream 1 after failing to restart the pipeline following maintenance. Zelenskiy Meets With Top Commanders (6:12 p.m.) Ukraines president had the latest in a series of meetings with his top military, intelligence and government officials on Saturday, according to a statement on his website. The officials listened to reports by military commanders of operative groups on how the army is de-occupying Ukrainian territories. Decisions were taken on security in the liberated settlements, according to the statement. Volodymyr Zelenskiy also spoke earlier with French President Emmanuel Macron, with much fo the talk focused on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Russia Confirms Flight of Troops From Ukraines Kharkiv Region (5:05 p.m.) Russian troops retreated in the face of a lightning Ukrainian offensive in the Kharkiv region that threatens to derail the Kremlins bid to cement control of Ukraines east. A local Moscow-backed official said Saturday Kremlin forces had pulled out of Izyum, a staging post for the campaign in Donbas, to avoid being encircled. Russias defense ministry confirmed the pullout. The news came hours after Ukrainian officials announced the seizure of Kupyansk, a logistical and transit hub for Russian troops fighting in the east, and the recapture of other occupied territory in the northern Kharkiv region earlier this week. Russia Confirms Flight of Troops From Ukraines Kharkiv Region Ukraine Says Five More Grain Ships Sailed (10:18 a.m.) Five ships carrying a total of 90,000 tons of Ukrainian grains and agriculture products left Ukrainian Black Sea ports early Saturday, according to an emailed statement. The ships are heading to destinations in Africa and Europe, the government said. Ukraine has exported 2.6 million tons of agriculture products since it reached a deal in July, brokered by Turkey and the UN, to unblock three ports in the Odesa region that had been closed since Russias invasion. Scholz Says Germany Prepared for Russia Gas Halt (10 a.m.) Europe is prepared to weather the fallout should Russia decide to halt gas deliveries altogether, said Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Germany has prepared for Russia to largely cut off gas supplies because of the war against Ukraine, Scholz said, adding his country has set up terminals on the north German coast to import liquid gas. Germanys Baerbock Visits Kyiv (8:50 a.m.) German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Kyiv on Saturday on her second visit to the capital since Russias invasion in February. The goal is to show that that we will continue to stand by Ukraine as long as it takes -- with the delivery of weapons, with humanitarian and financial support, she said. Ukraines prime minister visited Berlin a week earlier. Baerbock said Russian President Vladimir Putin is counting on us getting tired of sympathizing with the suffering in Ukraine by choking off energy supplies. This calculation must not and will not work, she said. Ukraine Seeks $1.5 Billion From US for Gas (8:49 a.m.) Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal spoke with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen late Friday. They discussed energy security, including the upcoming heating season, according to an emailed statement. Shmyhal said Ukraine is in talks to get $1.5 billion from the US Eximbank to purchase gas. Ukraine may have 15 billion cubic meters of gas in storage by Nov. 1, Ukrainian state-run energy company Naftogaz CEO Yuriy Vitrenko said Friday. Yellen stressed the need to identify near-term, high-impact projects critical to rebuilding Ukraines economy. Ukraine Regains 2,500 Square Kilometers, ISW Estimates (7:30 a.m.) Ukraine is likely clearing pockets of disorganized Russian forces caught in the rapid Ukrainian advance to Kupyansk, Izyum, and the Oskil River, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think tank. Ukrainian forces will likely sever Russian ground lines of communication to Izyum within the coming days, possibly collapsing Russian positions in this area, it said. Read more: Ukraine Armys Breakthrough in North Threatens Russian Grip ISW estimates Ukraines forces have captured 2,500 square kilometers (965 square miles) in Kharkiv region counteroffensives as of Friday. Thats double the most recent estimate from Ukrainian officials including Zelenskiy. Moscows troops were likely taken by surprise by Ukraines offensive operations in the Kharkiv region this week because of their focus on Kherson, the UK defense ministry said. Zelenskiy Says More Than 30 Settlements In Kharkiv Region Liberated (7 a.m.) Ukraines army has liberated more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region so far, with units of the National Police returning to the areas, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said late Friday. We are gradually taking control of new settlements -- everywhere we are returning the Ukrainian flag and protection for all our people, he said. Zelenskiy urged bloggers not to report specific details of Ukraines defense operations before theyre announced by officials: Do not complicate the task for our army with your haste. US Releases Guidance on Russian Oil-Price Cap Plan (12:50 a.m.) The US Treasury on Friday issued rough compliance guidelines for its proposed cap on the price of Russian oil, shortly after officials said Russia would have an economic incentive to participate. The guidance tasks private companies with enforcing the cap by seeking certification that Russian oil is sold at or below a price set by the US along with other Group of Seven members. The guidance is aimed at the insurance companies and financial firms that facilitate the international oil trade. The cap is meant to be in place by the Dec. 5 for crude oil, and Feb. 5 for petroleum products, in line with the implementation of the European Unions ban on services associated with seaborne oil and refined products. Ukraine Files Arbitration Case Against Gazprom (4:56 p.m.) Ukraines state-run Naftogaz filed an arbitration case against Russias Gazprom PJSC for not paying for natural gas transit on time and in full, according to an emailed statement. Naftogaz demanded Gazprom pay for transiting gas via Ukrainian territory as its contract includes a pump-or-pay clause -- meaning the Russian firm must pay the minimum gas-transit fee even if it doesnt move the contracted volumes. Russia cut its gas transit via Ukraine this year. A hearing will be held in Zurich, according to statement. Gazprom didnt immediately respond to a request for a comment sent by Bloomberg News. Nuclear Plant Situation Increasingly Precarious (4:30 p.m.) Operators at a Russian-occupied nuclear reactor in southeast Ukraine may soon have to draw on their last line of defense in order to prevent a nuclear accident, according to the direst warning yet issued by International Atomic Energy Agency monitors. Continued attacks around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant have cut power cables and rendered layers of safety-backup systems ineffective. Now, power systems in the nearby city of Enerhodar have been destroyed by shelling, IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi said in a lengthy statement. The IAEA called the situation increasingly precarious. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Ukraines top Cabinet official panned slow progress from the International Monetary Fund in moving ahead with a new assistance package for the war-torn nation. Most Read from Bloomberg Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal gave credit to the IMF for its abundant past support of Ukraine, including in 2014-2015 after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula and fomented military conflict in the countrys east. But he said the Washington-based lender had been too slow to reach a new deal now that Ukraine is fighting back against a full-scale invasion by President Vladimir Putins troops, now into its seventh month. Kyiv officially applied for a new IMF loan program in August and hoped to get an initial disbursement as early as November. But the lender has been slow to move ahead compared with other donors, according to Shmyhal. After seeing leadership from the US and Europe we have a quite passive attitude from the IMF, Shmyhal told participants of the Yalta European Strategy Conference in Kyiv on Saturday. But we are doing our best, we have submitted all the required documents to the IMF and we are urging our partners to accelerate their action. The meeting was organized by Ukrainian businessman Victor Pinchuk. Ukraines government hasnt provided details of the new loan its requesting from the IMF. Earlier, central bank Governor Kyrylo Shevchenko told Reuters Kyiv is seeking as much as $20 billion. Although theres a perception that the IMF doesnt provide assistance to countries at war, this is not the case, according to Shevchenkos deputy, Serhiy Nikolaychuk. The problem for the fund is war-related uncertainty. It isnt yet clear what impact Russias invasion will have on Ukraines economy, not to mention how long the war will last. Story continues Ihor Shpak, a spokesman for the IMFs office in Ukraine, declined to comment. The IMF granted $1.4 billion to Ukraine in rapid financing to shore up its public finances in March, a few weeks after Russias invasion. But the nation needs more as it faces a fiscal gap of as much $5 billion monthly, according to governments estimates. Kyiv is also scheduled to repay about $4 billion in debt to the IMF by 2024. Apart from expecting to get more funds from its allies, Ukraines government is also looking to cut its budget deficit by 40% to $3 billion monthly in 2023, Shmyhal said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. By Trend The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has supported Azerbaijan's Ministry of Energy in designing a renewable energy framework, including an energy regulator and renewable energy auctions, EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso said in an exclusive interview with Trend on the eve of her visit to Azerbaijan. According to her, the Bank helped the ministry conduct the power grid strengthening research. "Now we stand ready to invest in grid improvements across Azerbaijan, which serves as a precondition for further renewable energy development. EBRD is open to exploring ways for investing in other renewable energy projects. We're getting ready to invest in the first wind power plant on the Absheron peninsula. The Bank is fully aware of the fact that the Southern Gas Corridor's capacity is expandable, and should a relevant decision be taken, we will be glad to engage with Azerbaijan. However, for the Bank to be able to finance the project, the decision must be aligned with the Paris Agreement's key aspects and the Banks Fossil Fuel approach including mitigation of the carbon lock-in risk, through future-proofing the capacity to transport low carbon gases, said the EBRD president. Imagine a startup co-founded by father and son engineers, based in the U.S., making a world-class, record-beating hypercar. Now, imagine the cars underpinnings are 3D-printed metallic, designed by artificial intelligence, and assembled by robots. It sounds far-fetched, even for Silicon Valley, but the team of Kevin Czinger and Lukas Czinger have done just that. Czinger 21C (Credit: Czinger) Yahoo Finance had the chance to visit the Czinger vehicles factory near Los Angeles, California, - where Kevin and his son Lukas are shocking the automotive industry, with the record 21C hypercar. The 21C smashed production car lap records at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Racetrack in Salinas, California, and Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. What makes this so impressive is the 21C is made by the Czinger team in a small warehouse outside of Los Angeles, where the two cofounders pioneered a 3-D printing process using aluminum particles the size of sand, that are laser fused into out-of-this-world, almost alien-looking parts. The parts look almost organic in nature because the team uses AI to design a part that is lightweight, strong, and appropriate in size for ultimate performance. The parts are constructed using robots in a circular assembly line, an almost ballet-like dance that makes the parts in an efficient, versatile way. Its Henry Fords assembly line taken to the third dimension. When you bring those [processes] together they allow you to create structures like this frame that have never been seen before, Czinger founder and CEO Kevin Czinger says in an interview with Yahoo Finance. What you're able to do is use that computing to literally create in 3 dimensions a perfectly optimized structure, use 3D printing to materialize that perfectly designed structure, and then use automation to have a universal assembler assemble any perfect structures together, seamlessly. Story continues Czinger / Divergent robot assemblers This revolutionary process (which counts over 100 patents) is how the team designed and built the C21 hypercar. Only 80 of the cars will be built, though the company revealed a new concept a few weeks back in Monterey, the Hyper GT grand touring coupe. Though there is plenty of excitement around the vehicles Czinger is making, what has many in the automotive industry intrigued is what Czinger, and its sister company Divergent Technologies, are doing to bring its manufacturing process to other automakers. Czinger / Divergent robot assemblers And just a few weeks back Divergent Technologies just announced a deal with British luxury automaker Aston Martin (AML.L) to make a rear assembly for its new DBR22 roadster. The outsourced manufacturing venture is potentially a big business for Divergent, as it provides a steady stream of clients and money for the company to expand its 3D-printing operation and universal robot assembly. The team thinks it will be able to install robot assemblers on client factory floors too. The Czinger duo believe this makes sense for car companies because it is cheaper to have Divergent build parts for them, instead of the heavily capital-intensive process of making parts the traditional way - with castings, stampings, and even forging. Aston Martin DBR22 (Credit: Aston Martin) Compared to the capital bet you make in auto today, you say Im going to invest X hundreds of millions in a new stamping and casting facility, Im going to amortize that off over X hundreds of thousands of sales per year, over Y number of years - that is a very cap-ex heavy bet to make, Lukas Czinger told Yahoo Finance. With us, you look to Divergent and Czinger, we will be your outsource manufacturing partner, you pay us on a unit basis - that is a scalable, very attractive, economic structure. Now comes the big bet for Czinger and Divergent, investing heavily in more 3D printers and robot assemblers, in order to make parts for traditional automakers, as well as for the burgeoning Czinger vehicles business. The father and son pair say they have more deals to announce with big automakers, in the coming months. Pras Subramanian is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on Twitter and on Instagram. Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Download the Yahoo Finance app for Apple or Android Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and YouTube An Alexandria man suspected of directing a burglary ring that resulted in at least two heists in Stafford County in 2020 was indicted this week by a Stafford grand jury. Deshaun Marquis Stoney is charged with robbery, conspiracy and two firearms offenses. He had previously been charged with the same offenses, but the charges were dropped last year after the teenagers involved refused to testify against him. The charges were reinstated this week after prosecutor Ryan Frank determined that he now has the evidence he needs to prosecute Stoney, who had not been arrested as of Friday. The charges stem from August 2020 robberies at two 7-Eleven stores along U.S. 1 in Stafford. In both cases, masked robbers entered the store, displayed a gun and left with money and tobacco products. The robberies were two of nine related robberies that took place over a two-week period. The other robberies were at stores in Fairfax and Prince William counties. The teens have already been prosecuted in Stafford. Police believe the teens went into the stores under the direction of Stoney. Two women died and others were injured in a crash on Interstate 66 in Fauquier County on Thursday evening, the Virginia State Police said in a news release. Police are investigating the crash, which occurred Thursday at 8:26 p.m. along I66 at the 16 mile-marker in Fauquier County, police said. A Winnebago RV was traveling east on I66 when it collided with an eastbound tractor-trailer, police said. The impact caused the RV to run off the interstate, through the guardrail, down an embankment, and into several trees. Police identified the driver as Ifreke E. Inyang, 25, of Houston, Texas, who suffered minor injuries as a result of the crash and was transported to Warren Memorial Hospital for treatment. He was wearing a seatbelt, police said. Two passengers in the RVLenisha T. Simon, 39, and Brenda M. Oyervides, 24both of Houston, Texas, died at the scene, according to the release. An additional passenger in the Winnebago, a 23-year-old woman from Baton Rouge, suffered life-threatening injuries and was flown to INOVA Fairfax Hospital for treatment, police said. Four other passengers in the RV suffered minor injuries in the crash and were all transported to Warren Memorial Hospital for treatment. None of the passengers in the RV were wearing seatbelts, police stated. The driver of the tractor-trailer suffered minor injuries in the crash and was transported to Heathcote Health Center. Police said he was wearing a seatbelt. Inyang has been charged with reckless driving and for driving without a valid operator's license. Gov. Glenn Youngkin brought good news to retired military personnel and their families during a Friday morning visit to Stafford County. This is a day for us to reflect on service, Youngkin said. Its a day for us to reflect on heroes, but its also a day for us to, yes, celebrate progress and milestones. Well over 100 active duty and retired military personnel and their families packed into a conference room at Patricio Enterprises at 525 Corporate Drive in Stafford on Friday at 9 a.m. They joined Youngkin for the ceremonial signing of two bills, including the Senate bill championed by State Sen. Bryce Reeves, RSpotsylvania, that will eventually give military retirees a tax break of up to $40,000 each year. You have elected servants who care about you, who want you to stay here in the commonwealth of Virginia, Youngkin said. We want to say thank you and recognize that Virginia is stronger because of our veterans. Reeves said he pushed for the tax break bill at least four times during the nearly 11 years hes been in public office. I knew if I could get it out of the House as whole and go to committee conference, wed eventually get it and work the money out, Reeves said. Ive consistently worked to get Virginia to be the most veteran-friendly state in the country and today is a big step toward meeting that goal to attract and keep the best and the brightest that we produce here in the Commonwealth so they dont go to Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina and some of the other states. During the same Friday ceremony, the governor also signed Del. John McGuires, RGoochland, bill, which was the companion bill to Reeves legislation. Im very proud to say that everyone on both side of the aisle, in the House and in the Senate, voted yes, McGuire said. Its a bipartisan effort and these are always the best bills. Youngkin said his administration will continue an aggressive agenda on veterans affairs issues To make sure our veterans know we want them here and be part of the commonwealths future, because we want to be part of their future. Dan Nefferdorf, a retired Army sergeant major from Spotsylvania County, said the tax exemption is long overdue for military retirees living in Virginia. Weve been working with legislators to come up with some kind of bill to give some kind of tax relief, Nefferdorf said. This relief will help (veterans) with their bills with whats going on in the economy right now. The new legislation allows military retirees 55 and older to immediately deduct up to $10,000 of their retired military benefits for the 2022 tax year. The following year, the deduction increases to $20,000, then $30,000 the next year until it caps at $40,000 in 2025. In the campaign leading up to his election almost one year ago, Youngkin frequently spoke about an eventual tax cut coming for veterans. Near the top of the list of those commitments was a commitment to go to work on a bipartisan basis to make Virginia the most military and the most veteran-friendly state in American, Youngkin said. Bart Randall, a retired Navy master chief petty officer, said Youngkins military tax exemption means a lot to a community full of active duty and retired military personnel. Randall said what Youngkin did Friday will help recognize some of the sacrifices made by those who chose the military as their lifelong career decades ago. It puts us in a position where were starting to be able to get benefits for the work that weve done, Randall said. A lot of states have done a full exemption, but I think this is a great start for Virginia. Military.com reports 29 states offer full tax exemption of military retirement pay. While Virginia is now among 10 other states in the country that offer military retirees a partial exemption, Youngkin said even more work needs to be done to compensate veterans for their service. Our goal is to be the best, not just be among the best, Youngkin said. I believe there are many steps to take in order to provide our veterans the kinds of overall retirement privileges that they have in other states. Under the new law in Virginia, deductions by military retirees can come from their armed forces retirement income, benefits paid out to surviving spouses, benefits paid out under the Survivor Benefit Program, and other certain military benefits defined in Internal Revenue Service code. Rick Oertel, state commander of the American Legion, said Youngkins measure will help keep retired military veterans in Virginia. That money thats being exempt from our taxes is going to be spent here anyway, so its a good deal all around, Oertel said. He also said the new benefit will be a big help to younger career military personnel who can retire as early as 38 after a 20-year military career. The majority of retirees when they get out, theyre going to have to work again. You cant rely on your retirement income, Oertel said. This will definitely help everybody. We need to lower the age so it impacts those folks that are getting out, and the lower ranking people. Although the current age for tax retirement pay exemption now begins at 55, Youngkin said he would like to lower that minimum age requirement even further. Its one of the things that we had lots of discussions around in balancing the overall budget and we recognize that not everybody retires when theyre 55, Youngkin said. Were going to continue to work on bringing that age threshold down. Police arrest man who didnt stop Fremont Police arrested a local man after they said he refused to stop for them. Officers were called to a house fire in the 100 block of South Thomas Street in Fremont at approximately 10:25 p.m. Sept. 8. Police said they were made aware that the owner of the residence, Samual L. Wallitsch, 29, of Fremont had just left. Officers later saw Wallitsch drive by the fire. They attempted to get him to stop, but he refused. They eventually were able to get him to stop. Wallitsch was arrested for driving during suspension, driving under the influence, felony operation of a motor vehicle to avoid arrest, obstruction/flight to avoid arrest and resisting arrest. Wallitsch was taken to the Dodge County Booking Center and is being held in the Saunders County Jail in Wahoo. The Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges Foundation (CINCF) has distributed $41,600 in CIC/UPS Scholarships to assist 13 students at private colleges and universities in Nebraska. The scholarships were made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, D.C., through the CIC/UPS Educational Endowment. Midland University was among the colleges in Nebraska that received scholarship funds. Nationally, CIC provided more than $1.4 million in student scholarships through state-based associations to make private colleges and universities more affordable and accessible to underserved students. The CIC/UPS Scholarships Program has made a private college education possible for more than 21,000 low-income, first generation, and minority students and has had a transformative impact on individuals, families, and communities across the country. EducationQuest Foundation recently announced that 24 Nebraska high schools have been awarded a total of $200,000 in College Access Grants to help develop and enhance programs designed to increase the number of students who go to college. The area high schools receiving grants are Fremont High School and Logan View High School. EducationQuest awards College Access Grants every two years through a competitive application process. Schools are funded for four years with annual awards ranging from $2,500 to $20,000, depending on school enrollment. Since the program began in 2006, EducationQuest has awarded more than $6.2 million in grants to 111 schools. Vice President of Grants and Scholarships Eric Drumheller said, We are excited to partner with these high schools to help encourage more of their students to continue their education past high school. We hope the activities we support help students understand the value of higher education, including trade certificates, associates degrees, bachelors degrees, and beyond. Schools will use the grants to fund programs and activities such as college visits, financial aid sessions, scholarship searches, and completion of college applications. The grant program also promotes involvement with families and businesses to help ensure the programs success. The application process for the next grant cycle will begin in fall 2023. The first thing that catches the eye when customers walk into La Hacienda Mexican restaurant are the hand-painted booths imported from Guadalajara. When we began renovating the restaurant after buying it in 2016, said Elizabeth Salguero, we definitely wanted to keep these booths and add even more authentic decor. Throughout the years, Salguero and her husband, Jose, had worked at several Mexican restaurants before opening their business at 3140 Elk Lane in Fremont. Salguero had been working retail when she met Jose. While working at a restaurant, he was also on a cleaning crew that was doing work for the retail establishment I was working at, she said. He put in six hours there and then went to work another 11 hours at the restaurant. The two of them had a language barrier that made communication difficult. He knew no English, and I knew no Spanish, she said. I had only studied German in high school. Salguero said it took Jose about six weeks to work up the courage to talk to her. He said, Hello, how are you? and I replied in English, but he couldnt understand me. We started texting using Google Translate. Back then it was much harder to use than it is now, she said. The couple began dating five months later, and Salguero decided to leave retail and go work as a server with Jose at the restaurant. After a couple of years, he was the first to come up with the idea of starting our own restaurant, and from there we had set our goal in place, Salguero said. I felt like I needed more experience and to learn other roles to help us succeed in our goal of having our own restaurant, so I started working at other restaurants. Salguero began working at other restaurants that offered family and fine dining and from there learned how to bartend and supervise. We were working six to seven days a week," she said. "We both would start work around 8:30 in the morning, and the day didnt end for us till about 2 a.m. most days. We saved up all our money for the next few years and finally bought this restaurant in January 2016. We closed the restaurant down for a month to remodel both the front of the house and the kitchen, she said. A month later, the new La Hacienda opened. Weve been working to improve it ever since, Salguero said. Their road to success was not a smooth one, however. The following year, Salguero slipped and injured one of her hands when she accidentally fell into the deep fryer. I was packing up for a catering job, and Jose was working in Minnesota," she said. "One of our amazing employees took it upon herself to drive me to the hospital, then still managed to get the catering order delivered in time. Salguero was limited at work during the three months it took her hand to heal. The following year Salguero gave birth prematurely. I gave birth to our baby boy, Isaiah, the day after Easter, and unfortunately, he passed away in my arms. But we are so grateful we had a chance to meet him, and he is always in our thoughts and watching over us, she said. That same year she was blessed with her Rainbow baby, Josiah, and was on bed rest for the last half of the pregnancy. In 2019, Fremont was one of many cities impacted by the flood. We had to leave our home and stay in a hotel until it was safe to go back home. We were lucky to be able to keep the restaurant open during the time, Salguero said. Our second child was only 2 months old. The start of the pandemic in 2020 was another challenge the couple faced. There were so many times when I wanted to just give up just to keep my sanity, Salguero said. But Jose was the strong one. He was determined to keep going. After all the hurdles weve been through, he would remind me how it has only made us stronger and to keep pushing. Salguero feels that the many challenges she and her husband have had to work through have only served to bring them closer together. The couple is grateful for their customers. We call them our guests, she said, because when we welcome them into our restaurant, it feels like were welcoming them into our home. "Over the years weve seen our guests support us and encourage us, she said. Weve had the privilege of watching them and their kids grow up. Besides Joses three brothers working at the restaurant, we have other employees who have been with us for years as well," she said. "We feel like were all family. Without our amazing guests and employees, we wouldnt still be here today. Salgueros appreciation for the community support grows as well. Ive never lived in a community that is as tight-knit and supportive as Fremont, she said. "This community is truly wonderful. Seven-time American Ninja Warrior, Maggi Thorne, and Motivational Speaker, Diane Bandreas, are joining forces with Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska for Jumpstart Joy, a day of empowerment, resilience, self-care, and fun for girl-identifying youth ages 10 and over. Girls will stimulate their mind and body through interactive activities including ninja-type obstacles, motivational yoga, emotional strength exercises, strength-based trainings, identity empowerment activities, and more. Jumpstart JOY will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at Xplosive Edge, 8930 S. 137th Circle, Suite 2, in Omaha. The event is designed to make girls feel inspired, realize their worth, and boost their confidence. This event is open to Girl Scouts and non-members ages 10 and up. Registration fee is $30 per girl and includes lunch, event t-shirt, and swag. Pre-registration is required. Girls who join Girl Scouts on-site will receive a complimentary Girl Scout membership ($25 value). Attendees should wear closed toe shoes and comfy clothes. Register today at: https://bit.ly/JumpstartJOY2022. Sponsors include JoyFlowCo, Xplosive Edge, AIM, and Fleet Feet. Most individuals will experience some loss of hearing before age 65. When they do, it often goes undetected or untreated. The leading causes of hearing loss are genetics and aging, said Dr. Laci Namken, who runs Heartland Audiology, Fremonts only physician-directed hearing aid clinic, located at 1550 E. 23rd Ave. in Fremont. People generally wait about 10 years before doing something about their hearing loss, Namken added. Wearing a hearing aid makes some people feel old. Many simply dont want to admit theres anything wrong. Although she initially planned to become a dental hygienist, what prompted Namken to pursue audiology was the news that her niece was born deaf. My sister had considered letting her daughter live life as a deaf person and taking her to a special school. This would have made it necessary for everyone in the family to learn sign language, Namken said. But she knew that was too much to ask of the grandparents. They wouldnt have done it. The alternative was cochlear implants. Following the procedure, she never had to attend special classes, Namken said. Looking at her now, youd never know she had implants. Namken partners with Dr. Timothy Kuo, a board-certified ear, nose and throat specialist. Prior to teaming up with Kuo five years ago, Namken had been working at the Veterans Administration hospital in Omaha. I was looking for something with more autonomy, she said, and Dr. Kuo was looking for someone to take over his audiology department. Namken calls Heartland Audiology a one-stop shop. Patents get their hearing tested and are fitted for hearing aids at the same place, she said. Kuo considers his partnership with Namken a good fit. We offer complimentary services with comprehensive care, he said. Neither of us offers things that overlap. One reason Kuo chose Namken to run the audiology side of the practice was her extensive schooling. Patients are getting the highest level of care because Laci has received the highest level of training, he said. Namken graduated from Bellevue University in 2010 with a bachelor's of science degree in healthcare management. In 2013, she earned her master's in audiology and the following year her doctorate, both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In addition to the age factor, Namken treats many patients as a result of noise exposure. A lot of the cases referred to me involve extremely loud music. Headphones are often turned up too far. I recommend 60% volume for 60 minutes at a time to avoid permanent damage, she said. Namken believes more damage can occur to the eardrum from one loud gunshot than from continual exposure to other types of noise. Most people dont realize how loud gunfire really is, she said. Its very important that those handling firearms wear adequate ear protection. For individuals who must deal with loud noise at their jobsite, Namken has found that the ear protection required by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is adequate, but is often not inserted properly. Namken provides her patients with custom-fitted ear plugs as well as hearing aids. Im here to help people improve their quality of life, she said. Not just to sell a product. In addition to hearing loss, Heartland Audiology also offers treatment for vertigo (dizziness) and tinnitus (ringing in the ear). Once a patient begins wearing hearing aids, Namken enjoys seeing the look of astonishment. How did I ever live without these? is a question I hear a lot, she said. They also say, Why did I wait so long? Once a patient experiences better hearing, Namken said it presents a special challenge to friends and loved ones. I tell them, Now youre going to have to be careful of what you say! You can contact Heartland Audiology at 402-721-2623 or online at heartlandaudiology.com. By Trend The Armenian armed forces units from the positions in the direction of the Yukhari Shorja settlement of Basarkechar district of the state border subjected to fire the Azerbaijani Army positions in the direction of the Zaylik settlement of Kalbajar district over the past 24 hours, Trend reports referring to the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani Army units took adequate retaliatory measures. Its an interesting process to watch. The huge grapple saw crane is driven into place. The machinery grabs a tree limb many feet in the air and then cuts it. Next, the human-directed crane lowers the limb to the ground. We specialize in big, difficult tree removals using our grapple saw crane, said Brandon Bogus, owner and president of A-Plus Tree Service, Inc. One of the biggest trees theyve removed had a 6-foot diameter trunk. Some of the tallest trees have been 120 feet tall cottonwoods. For more than 30 years, the local, family owned business has served clients by trimming and removing trees and shrubs. The business began with Boguss dad Mark. Originally from Ashland, Mark Bogus worked for Bloom Tree Service, a subcontractor for OPPD, trimming trees around power lines for eight years. After a layoff from that company, he went to work for Wright Tree Service in Colorado for six months. He returned to Nebraska in 1988, lived in Fremont with a sister and put a tree-trimming services ad in the newspaper. Bogus also returned to work for Bloom Tree Service in Omaha. I worked there almost two more years and I was trimming trees in Fremont, he said. When he faced another layoff, Bogus told his wife, Cindy, that he was going to try to make it as a tree trimmer on his own. She encouraged him to do it. Thus, he started his business around 1990-91. Brandon took over the business in 2020 as owner and president. Brandons wife, Ania, works at the business along with his parents. The company is equipped to take down huge trees. Using the crane, workers take a tree apart and then feed limbs into a wood chipper machine. The wood is cut into chips, which the company gives away. For example, a Boy Scout camp uses the chips for trails. As for the tree stump, they work to cut it as low to the ground as they can, usually about 3 inches off the ground. They contract out the stump grinding. The business serves people in about a 50-mile radius. Most people call and we go look at the job and we give them a price, Mark Bogus said. Bogus isnt deterred by huge trees. Ive been doing it so long, its more of a challenge, Mark Bogus said. I love what I do. Thats why Im still working for my son. Bogus stresses their excellent work. We do a quality job no matter what, Mark Bogus said. We like to do the job like we would want it done for ourselves. Were very particular. We always do a good cleanup, too. He noted that theyre safe in how they take down trees. Workers have communication devices on their helmets so they can talk to each other. The grapple saw crane is the safest way to remove a tree, because it can be taken down without a worker in the tree. Mark Bogus stressed the companys reliability. We are dependable, he said. Ive been around 30 years and if theres a storm in town, we try to help the people out, right away, as soon as we can. They can depend on us to show up. People may wonder when its time to take down a tree. There will be some type of damage to the tree, whether its lost a bunch of big limbs in a storm or tree could be dying and a tree could be decayed and need to be removed, he said. Sometimes, tree roots could be pushing on the foundation of a house. If the tree is too close to the house and you start getting cracks in your foundation thats probably the reason, he said. People also may take down a tree, because its roots keep getting into their sewer system. Bogus said the company tries not to take down a tree thats healthy. Were tree lovers, not just tree cutters, Bogus said. His son agrees. Besides tree removal, they also specialize in pruning. We want to take care of a tree for life, Brandon Bogus said. Removal is always a last resort. Its not something we suggest unless we see a tree being a major hazard to people. A-Plus Trees has two certified arborists with another worker going to arborist school, Brandon said. Customer service is important. Bogus said they work to establish a continuing relationship with clients. With us, you get a whole tree care experience, he said. Its not just a transactional thing, between business and customer. Theres more to it than that. You get a connection between people. The company has a good track record. Our reputation and the reviews online and the work that we do speak for themselves, he said. People know if they hire us, we are going to do what we say were going to do and if we make a mistake, we fix it. We make it right. The company also makes sure it stays current. We are staying up to date on the latest techniques, safety protocols and equipment and technology, Brandon Bogus said. We network with arborists and companies, not just around here, but around the country. Looking to the future, Bogus plans to keep providing good tree services to customers. Despite a flood and worldwide pandemic, Tera Kucera stood at the fulfilment of a dream on Thursday afternoon. Kucera is chief executive officer for Care Corps LifeHouse, which just completed 10, two-bedroom, and five, three-bedroom units designed to provide safe, affordable housing for very low-income families. Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, State Sen. Lynne Walz, Dodge County Supervisor Doug Backens and Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg were among those on hand when the local nonprofit had a ribbon-cutting at units just a couple blocks away from Linden Elementary School. During the event, Marty Krohn, president of the LifeHouse board, also announced that the nonprofit is entering the public phase of a capital campaign to remodel its food pantry and renovate and expand its 16-year-old emergency homeless shelter. Care Corps information states the new project is estimated to cost $2.6 million. Krohn said the nonprofit has secured more than half of these funds, but is seeking help to raise additional monies. The nonprofit now has a 60-bed emergency shelter, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It has a homeless prevention program, various housing programs, a food pantry and clothing store. In 2021 alone, it provided more than 11,200 nights of stay at its shelter and distributed 357 tons of food through its pantry, impacting more than 7,500 individuals. On Thursday, an estimated 30 people were at one of the new housing units on K Street as state and city officials lauded the nonprofits service to the community. The governor commended the nonprofit for its services. Care Corps LifeHouse is doing wonderful work in the community whether its the food pantry, the emergency shelter and now these beautiful housing units, theyre really working to make sure theyre taking care of the folks here in Fremont, Ricketts told the Tribune. Its a great mission and Im very excited to be here to see all their great work. Care Corps applied for a National Housing Trust Fund grant in 2018. In February 2019, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development awarded more than $3 million in NHTF funds to provide the housing. Grant requirements stipulated Care Corps had two years to complete its project. But the next month, Fremont was impacted by historic flooding. That really changed our vision, Kucera said. Originally, the grant funds were to be used to rehabilitate about 15 units. But those properties no longer qualified for the grant, because many became part of the flood zone, she said. Then Fremont Presbyterian Church approached Care Corps, offering nearby land, which the nonprofit was able to buy. But it faced more obstacles. What should have been a two-year project, became a 3-and-a-half year project, because following the flood, we had the pandemic, Kucera said. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed production, which also affected Care Corps construction projects. It took a really long time for our contractor to get electric panels and other construction items, Kucera said. Yet the units were built. Twelve units consisting of two triplexes on K Street and two on L Street were constructed. One of the K Street units is 100% Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. A duplex and a three-bedroom home were built on Somers Avenue. The units will serve households at or below 30% of the area median income, which Kucera estimated for a family of three would be an annual income of $23,300 or someone making just a little over $11 an hour. Kucera said the first tenant moved into a unit in the spring. What Im most excited about is this housing provides wrap-around case management services, Kucera said. Besides serving as property owner, it also provides case management, which includes budgeting, parenting and life skills classes and connections to mental health and other resources to help tenants overcome barriers. Kucera calls it a holistic approach to get families on their feet and sustainable, increase their income and, eventually, become homeowners. Shes also excited about the K and L street locations, because they are close to Linden Elementary School. One barriers families have is transportation. Now, they can walk kids to school, attend parent-teacher conferences and be more engaged in their childrens education, Kucera said. Before the ribbon-cutting, Kucera expressed appreciation for those who supported the building endeavor, referencing the It takes a village saying, meaning it takes a community to help a child. We are so blessed that we have that amazing village that has come together to help us to see this project through to completion and to help us in all the work we do, Kucera said. Spellerberg complimented Care Corps LifeHouse for the work it does it each day to help people needing food, clothing and housing. This is a very historic day in my mind for the City of Fremont, Spellerberg said. As mayor, it makes me really proud to see what is being accomplished by our great nonprofits. Ricketts, who was able to see various facilities, said its clear that Care Corps LifeHouse is well-respected in the community. He talked about partnerships with the nonprofit and different local businesses and the state and the difference he see that Care Corps LifeHouse makes. He shared the story of a man, whod just gotten out of jail when the flood hit and his most valuable possession his car was destroyed. But that didnt stop him, Ricketts said. He got involved in the emergency shelter here, got into classes, Narcotics Anonymous, worked with a case manager here and is right now in his own home. Ricketts talked about the more than 124,000 meals and more than 11,000 emergency shelter nights Care Corps LifeHouse provided during the pandemic. He said its organizations like Care Corps LifeHouse that was one of the reasons why Politico magazine ranked Nebraska as having the top state pandemic response. In April, the magazine ranked states on a combination of health, economic, social and educational factors with Nebraska having the best average. Dignitaries held the red ribbon as Kucera cut it. Krohn also talked about Care Corps LifeHouses capital campaign, saying that for more than 25 years it has analyzed the causes of hunger, homelessness and near homelessness. Its developed programs to help relieve suffering, enhanced ways to prevent homelessness and encouraged self-sufficiency. He attributed the success to the great staff and board. Krohn also talked about the importance of facilities, including the shelter, a kitchen to provide meals, thrift store and food pantry. He said a project is underway to remodel the pantry to make it into more of a grocery store, where clients can shop. Care Corps LifeHouse data also said the project will include a teaching kitchen with six stations where families can learn how to use food offered at the pantry, such as how to prepare a whole chicken. Krohn said as client numbers increase, more staff and case managers are needed. At this point, Care Corps has 20 employees operating out of a shelter building originally designed for eight staffers. We have people working in an onsite apartment that were not able to use as an apartment right now, he said. Care Corps LifeHouse is looking to remodel and expand the shelter, which has had approximately 18,000 people go through it. Its starting to show a little bit of wear and tear, Krohn said, citing the need for painting, new flooring and cabinets. The building has been used well. He encouraged attendees to spread the word about the campaign. While we have successfully secured well over half of the funds we need to do the improvements, we still have a way to go, Krohn said. We need your help in raising additional funds for our capital campaign. Dozens of girls protested in eastern Afghanistan's Paktia Province on September 10 after Taliban authorities shut their secondary schools just days after classes resumed. A resident of Paktia Province who declined to be identified for security reasons told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi that the girls protested in Gardiz, the capital of Paktia Province, on the same day the Taliban closed the schools. Several videos of the demonstration circulated on social media. In one of them a student asks: "Why did you play with our feelings and why did you send us back to our homes disappointed?" She described herself and other girls as "oppressed people. Four schools above the sixth grade opened in Gardiz and one in Samkani two weeks ago only to be closed again by the Taliban on September 10. Thousands of girls had resumed classes at the schools, which were opened in consultation with the school administrators and the girls' parents but not with permission from the Education Ministry. Maulvi Monib, the head of education in Paktia Province, declined to answer Radio Azadi's questions about the demonstration and the closing of the schools. He said that he was traveling and would provide information about it later. The chief spokesman for the Taliban-led government, Zabihullah Mujahid, said in a press conference that authorities are investigating the issue of who ordered the opening of schools in Paktia Province. More than a year has passed since the Taliban took control of the government in Kabul as U.S.-led coalition forces conducted a chaotic withdrawal. The Taliban subsequently closed girls' schools above the sixth grade, depriving girls from continuing their education despite internal and international pressure to allow schools to remain open to girls of all ages. The Taliban established a commission to reopen girls' schools above the sixth grade but so far no practical work has been done. The Taliban Education Ministry has said several times that the commission is waiting for leaders to issue an order. It is not known when the Taliban leadership will decide on the matter. With reporting by AFP and AP UN chief Antonio Guterres has traveled to Pakistan's southeastern Sindh Province, the region hardest-hit by devastating and deadly flooding in the country, where he reiterated his calls for the international to provide "massive" financial and humanitarian assistance. "It is difficult not to feel deeply moved to hear such detailed descriptions of tragedy," Guterres said after landing in Sindh, according to a video released by the office of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who accompanied Guterres. "Pakistan needs massive financial support," Guterres said. "This is not a matter of generosity; it is a matter of justice." Guterres later flew over the southwestern province of Balochistan, another badly hit province. On September 9, the first day of the UN secretary-general's two day visit, Guterres said that Pakistan was a victim of humanity's "war on nature" and was feeling the brunt of other countries' overwhelming responsibility for climate change. Pakistan has not contributed in a meaningful way to climate change. The level of emissions in this country is relatively low," he said while seated alongside Sharif in Islamabad. Other countries that "are more responsible for climate change...should have faced this challenge. The floods, caused by two months of record monsoon rains, have killed at least 1,391 people and affected 33 million more. Guterres has said that by some estimates, Pakistan needs about $30 billion to recover. The UN last week launched an emergency global appeal to raise $161 million to fund the immediate response to the catastrophe. Many towns and cities in Sindh Province are inundated as emergency workers try to bolster dikes and erect makeshift barriers to ease the impact of the flooding. The World Health Organization has warned the widespread risk of disease due to the disruption of Pakistan's health system from the flooding. In July and August, Pakistan received 391 millimeters of rain, nearly 190 percent more than the 30-year average. The southern province of Sindh has seen 466 percent more rain than average. "Nature strikes back in Sindh, but it was not Sindh that has made the emissions of greenhouse gases that have accelerated climate change so dramatically," Guterres said. "There is a very unfair situation relative to the level of destruction." Based on reporting by AFP, AP, and Reuters Four policemen have been killed and two injured in northwestern Pakistan after they were fired upon as they escorted a local official on his way to visit flood-stricken areas. Pakistani police confirmed on September 10 the killings of the four officers in the restive Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province after the incident was reported by state and local media. Local independent journalist Saud Mehsud, speaking to RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal, said the officer were fired upon as they were escorting a convoy carrying local district head Saddam Hussain Khan Bitni on his way to visit areas affected by the devastating floods in the country. Flooding in Pakistan has killed at least 1,391 people and affected 33 million more. Police said that the assailants escaped, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. In August, two policemen were killed in Tank district when they were providing security for a medical team administering polio vaccines. Tom Cronin and Bob Loevy write about Colorado and national politics. Parts of this column were adapted from Tom Cronins new book, co-authored with Michael Genovese and Meena Bose, The Paradox of the American Presidency, 6th edition, Oxford University Press, 2022. Attendees at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit's Bench & Bar Conference heard directly last week from two members of the nation's highest court, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, during the first such legal gathering since the onset of the pandemic. By Trend The official meeting, chaired by the Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov, was held at the Central Command Post on September 10, Trend reports referring to the country's Defense Ministry. Deputies of the Minister of Defense, Commanders of types of troops, Chiefs of Main Departments, Departments and Services of the Ministry participated in the meeting. Commanders of the Army Corps and formations stationed in the liberated territories were also involved in the meeting via video teleconference. Minister Hasanov delivered to the meeting participants the tasks assigned by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev. The current operational situation on the Azerbaijan-Armenia border, as well as in Azerbaijan's territory, where the Russian peacekeepers are temporarily stationed, was extensively analyzed. Emphasizing the possible tension as a result of the intensive firing by the Armenian armed forces in the direction of Kalbajar and Lachin districts, the defense minister ordered to maintain combat readiness to suppress any provocations immediately and decisively. The minister talked about the work done for further improvement of living conditions, and moral and psychological conditions of military servicemen. Colonel General Hasanov gave relevant instructions on strengthening moral-psychological support for the troops to be constantly ready to accomplish combat missions. The minister tasked the army with paying attention to the servicemen's professionalism and the troops combat training, increasing the intensity of exercises and field training sessions, as well as maintaining the level of units combat readiness at a high level. Outlining once again that strict compliance with safety rules during combat duty and daily service activities is important in terms of protecting the health of military personnel, the Minister instructed to regularly convey these rules to servicemen and constantly control their observance. Colonel General Hasanov gave instructions to the relevant officers on completing the winter preparatory work in the units according to the plan and delivering the necessary supplies to the units deployed in mountainous areas. At the end of the official meeting, high-ranking officers were given specific instructions on organizing the troops service, further improving service and social and living conditions, as well as continuing the necessary measures for engineering and medical support. The federal appeals court based in Denver has commenced its first conference since the onset of COVID-19, bringing lawyers and judges from Colorado and five surrounding states to Colorado Springs on Thursday plus one guest from Washington, D.C. One person was seriously injured during a vehicle and motorcycle crash Monday evening. The motorcyclist was transported to the hospital with serious life-threatening injuries. Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the Accession Council at St James's Palace, where he is formally proclaimed Britain's new monarch, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in London, Britain September 10, 2022. Jonathan Brady/Pool via REUTERS The independent expenditure arm of the House Republicans on Friday reserved $2.6 million in fall TV advertising in Colorado's battleground 8th Congressional District as the race to represent the state's newest seat heats up. Part of a $28 million in new spending by the National Republican Congressional Committee across 19 districts, the advertising will support GOP nominee state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer, who is running against Democratic state Rep. Yadira Caraveo in the evenly divided district. We are continuing to expand the playing field deeper into Democrat-held territory and look forward to prosecuting the case against every one of these vulnerable Democrats, said U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, the Minnesota Republican who chairs the NRCC, in a statement. We have the message, the candidates and the resources needed to retake the majority and this investment will help us deliver on our mission. Colorado gained the new district ahead of this year's election based on population growth recorded in the 2020 census. The 8th CD covers portions of Adams, Weld and Larimer counties north of the Denver metro area, including Thornton, Commerce City and Greeley. Hispanic residents make up roughly 38% of its population, the highest share of any district in the state. Republicans need to net five seats in the House in November to win the majority. A spokeswoman for the NRCC told Colorado Politics that winning the 8th CD is key to the party's strategy. Colorado is a top battleground in Republicans effort to retake the House," Courtney Parella said in a text message. "We are confident voters will reject radical Yadira Caraveo, who will be nothing but a rubber stamp for the Biden/Pelosi agenda thats left Colorado families reeling from record cost increases, a crimewave, and an unmitigated crisis at our southern border. A spokeswoman for the Caraveo campaign said the NRCC's spending is a sign of the Republican nominee's weakness. Sen. Kirkmeyer is an extremist 30-year career politician who will strip rights away from Americans if elected to federal office and no amount of cash can hide that truth from Coloradans," Elana Schrager, Caraveo's campaign manager, said in a text message. "Sen. Kirkmeyer's cashless and failing campaign is forcing national Republicans to spend millions in their effort to buy just another rubber stamp for their dangerous agenda. The spending announced Friday pushes potential ad reservations in the 8th CD race past $15 million. The NRCC's Colorado buy lands on top of $4.4 million reserved this spring in the Denver market by the Congressional Leadership Fund, a political action committee aligned with House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. Across the aisle, the Democrats' House Majority PAC has also reserved $4.4 million worth of fall TV ads in the Denver market, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced in late August that it's spending $1.6 million on House races in the state. On Tuesday, Caraveo went on the air with her first general election TV ad, part of a $2.2 million ad reservation made by her campaign through Election Day. Kirkmeyer, who emerged in June from an expensive, four-way primary, hasn't reserved ad time yet. She finished the last reporting period, at the end of June, with $64,000 in the bank. Some of the national parties' early ad buys could wind up supporting their nominees in another targeted House race in the neighboring 7th Congressional District. The contest in the open, Democratic-leaning district pits state Sen. Brittany Pettersen, a Lakewood Democrat, against political newcomer Erik Aadland, a Pine Republican. The Jefferson County-based seat has been represented since 2007 by Arvada Democrat Ed Perlmutter, who announced in January that he isn't seeking a ninth term. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and congressional candidate Zach Nunn said Friday the best way to address Iowas rising problems with fentanyl and meth is better security along the U.S.-Mexico border. Nunn, a Republican state senator who is running against U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne in the 3rd Congressional District, visited the border at the end of August. Nunn said he met with border patrol agents and local law enforcement during the trip to talk about the human crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. Ernst also visited the border in the Texas Rio Grande Valley in July alongside a delegation of fellow Republican senators. While Iowa is far from any national borders, the two politicians said they believed stronger border security is necessary to combat human and drug trafficking across the state. Literally every county is becoming a border county in this fight, Nunn said at the event, held at the Dallas County sheriffs 0ffice in Adel. Nunn said drugs are trafficked from the border along Interstate Highway 35 to Iowa towns and cities, many of which have seen a surge of fentanyl overdose deaths in the past year. Fentanyl overdose deaths rose by 120% in Iowa for people younger than 25 since 2019. He commended local law enforcement, like those at the Dallas County Sheriffs Department, for their work to stop the flow of illegal drugs into Iowa communities, but said the federal government must help by strengthening border security. Ernst called for taking steps like building a physical wall, building better cyber-awareness systems to monitor illegal border crossings and discouraging Latin American countries from allowing migrants to travel through their countries on the way to the United States. She criticized President Joe Bidens administration for giving a welcome to migrants. What we need is the president to be very firm about it, say Do not come to the United States, we dont have the work for you,' Ernst said. On the flip side, we do need to work to modernize our immigration. Delays and other problems with legal immigration encourage people to seek help from cartels, she said, which are behind the drug and human trafficking crises along the border. Ernst said she learned cartels charge people around $8,000 to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, and those who cant pay up front are often forced into drug running or sex trafficking to pay off their debt. Nunn said he heard from people who had spent a decade trying to immigrate to the U.S. legally, who ended up crossing the border illegally because they were fed up. Lets find an on-ramp so that people who want to come here the right way arent forced into an impossible system, Nunn said. Nunn praised measures the Iowa Legislature has taken to stop trafficking, like setting up a human trafficking operation center and limiting the amount of pseudoephedrine, an allergy drug used to make meth, that customers can buy. But it doesnt matter how good we are at enforcing that in our state if 95% is going to come across the border of Mexico, he said. Weve got to find a good way to deter the overwhelming amount of illegal immigration. Thanks for visiting ! The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Thank you for your support! A 62-year-old East Helena man is being charged with his 10th DUI. On Monday, an officer was dispatched for a report of a male who appeared to be sleeping at the wheel of his car, blocking traffic. Dirk Douglas Roberts, the driver of the motor vehicle, refused to stay on the scene until authorities arrived. A witness at the scene stated that Roberts missed multiple light cycles and it was hard to wake him up. Roberts vehicle was noticed by another officer driving south on Sanders Street. The vehicle was located at Walmart in a no-parking zone. An officer made contact with Roberts and could smell alcohol on him. Roberts had slurred speech, watery blood shot eyes and was swaying, the officer wrote in the arrest affidavit. Roberts agreed to Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFSTs) and to providing a preliminary breath test. The officer found nine prior DUI convictions on Roberts criminal history. Roberts was arrested on Monday and booked into the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center. Moran joins Community Foundation DECATUR Rachel Moran of Mount Zion has joined The Community Foundation of Macon County as director of communications. In this role, Moran will be responsible for facilitating collaborative partnerships among Macon County nonprofits. She also will lead the foundation's marketing and other outreach efforts to promote fundraising and to create greater awareness of the foundations resources and assistance in serving donors and nonprofits. Rachel has a deep understanding of the unique needs of nonprofit organizations, says Natalie Beck, foundation president. She brings to this position a depth of professional experience and expertise in communications and marketing that will increase the foundations ability to connect and serve our donors and Macon County nonprofits. Moran comes to the foundation from Macon Resources, Inc. where she served as director of philanthropy since 2018. She previously was communications and event specialist for the University of Chicago Medicine Kovler Diabetes Center. Memorial Health recognized for generosity DECATUR Memorial Health, which includes Decatur Memorial Hospital, was one of the top 25 nonprofit hospital systems in the nation whose spending on patient financial assistance and community investment exceeded the value of their tax exemptions. The national ranking, known as the Lown Institute Hospitals Index, listed the Springfield-based health system as 15th in the nation for fair share surplus, meaning its patient financial assistance and community investment exceeded the total of its tax breaks. It was the only health system in Illinois to be listed among the top 25 nationwide. We take seriously our commitment to give back to our community, said Drew Early, president and CEO of Decatur Memorial Hospital. This ranking shows that we are living our values of integrity and stewardship. We have been entrusted with ensuring that our community is resourced in ways that address the social determinants of health and improve lives. The think-tanks report said Memorial Health spent $31 million more on patient financial assistance and community investment than it received in tax breaks. Memorial Health was one of five nonprofit health systems in the state to have a fair share surplus. HSHS named top place to work DECATUR Becker's Healthcare recently released its 2022 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare list, which highlights hospitals, health systems and healthcare companies that promote diversity within the workforce, employee engagement and professional growth. This year, Hospital Sisters Health System was among the esteemed honorees for going above and beyond to foster a great workplace culture, benefits and colleague satisfaction. As a faith-based hospital ministry, HSHS encourages colleagues to develop a deep personal connection with their patients and with each other. We are a growing community that cares for the patients that put their trust in us, the family that supports them, the community where we live and work, and the colleagues we work alongside, said Theresa Rutherford, president and CEO of HSHS St. Marys Hospital in Decatur. That extra special care, along with our dedicated and talented medical providers, is what sets us apart from other hospital systems. We are a team of colleagues that are stronger together, and committed to the core values of Respect, Care, Competence and Joy. HSHS is headquartered in Springfield, and comprised of nine hospitals in Illinois, six hospitals in Wisconsin, and 183 clinics in Illinois through Prairie Cardiovascular and HSHS Medical Group. Hickory Point Bank welcomes Osborne DECATUR Hickory Point Bank announced that Charles (Charlie) Osborne has been named senior vice president, trust and wealth management. Charlie is a distinguished trust and investment professional. He brings strong leadership skills and financial insights to our growing Trust and Wealth Management team, said Anthony G. Nestler, president and chief executive officer. Charlies investment expertise complements our existing Trust services and stands to provide significant value for new and existing clients. Osborne, who is based in Champaign, will lead the banks trust and investment business. A house in the 300 block of Booher Springs Road in Bristol, Virginia was destroyed in an explosion Saturday morning leaving debris scattered in yards and on rooftops throughout the area. Fortunately, the homeowners had left prior to the 9:45 explosion. There were no injuries reported in the incident. We got the initial call about 9:45 this morning for a loud noise and a possible explosion, Bristol Virginia Fire Chief Mike Armstrong said on the scene of the destroyed property. Immediately after that first call came in, the dispatch center was flooded with calls from all over. Armstrong said initially no one knew exactly what the loud noise was as calls came from downtown and as far away as the Food City on Euclid Avenue. People that far away said they heard a major boom and didnt know what it was, Armstrong said. Units from both Bristol, Virginia and Bristol, Tennessee began searching for the source of the noise and found it after seeing a column of smoke first and then the debris field from the explosion. Theres debris strewn up and down the street all over, Armstrong said. There are multiple houses that were damaged by the explosion. Fire units on the scene mid-morning were waiting for large equipment to move parts of the debris so pockets of fire could be extinguished. There are a lot of pockets of fire under the debris pile, Armstrong said. We have extinguished what we can to this point. We have brought in a piece of equipment from our public works department. Armstrong explained workers would use a trackhoe to pull apart the debris piles. Weve got to put out this fire before we can start a good investigation and we are going to call in some outside investigators just to get an extra opinion on it, Armstrong said. Right now we are just cleaning up the mess. A gas explosion was a common theory as to the potential cause of the explosion at the scene. My early thoughts are is it could be a possible gas leak and explosion within the one house, Armstrong said. Armstrong said gas and electrical service had been cut off to the residence after the incident. He said he was not concerned about a similar scenario happening to any other homes in the neighborhood. Were trying to just isolate the one location and are not concerned about any other houses at this time. We dont have any reason to be. Everything looks like it just involves this one house, Armstrong said. A neighbor living next to the home said their house starting shaking for 15 to 20 seconds during the explosion. John Collins, who has lived in the neighborhood for 50 years, returned home shocked to see bricks and oak floorboards splintered and thrown yards away from the home he said was built around 20 years ago. Assyrian Patriarch Attends the Closing Luncheon of Chaldean Clergy Ankawa, Iraq -- Exactly one year after his election as Patriarch, Mar Awa III, Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, was the guest of honor at the lunch organized at the end of the spiritual exercises that from 5 to 8 September saw the participation of more than eighty bishops and priests of the Chaldean Church. The spiritual exercises and the final lunch were held in Ankawa, a predominantly Christian suburb of Erbil, the capital of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan. Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church, had extended the invitation to Mar Awa - as reported by the media of the Chaldean Patriarchate - who welcomed the Assyrian Patriarch and the delegation that accompanied him, expressing his hope that strengthen the bonds of communion between the two Churches, for the good of Christians and of the entire Iraqi people. Mar Awa, born David Royel, was elected the 122nd Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East on September 8, 2021, succeeding Patriarch Mar Gewargis III Sliwa. As previously reported by Fides (see Fides, 22/10/2021), Mar Awa comes from the USA and studied at Catholic academies, including the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome. The Assyrian Church of the East has never been in direct dogmatic conflict with the Bishop of Rome. The official theological dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East began in 1984 and led to the 1994 'Joint Christological Declaration', which confessed the shared faith in Christ between Catholics and Assyrians. Now, this fraternal theological dialogue continues on the subject of the sacraments and the sacramental nature of the Church. Since 2001, the Assyrian Church of the East has authorized experiences of Eucharistic hospitality with the Chaldean Church, in pastoral situations that require it. The theology and spirituality of the Assyrian Church and the Chaldean Church emphasize the human nature of Christ. In September 2013, Louis Raphael Sako, who had become Patriarch of the Chaldean Church a few months before, had addressed an official invitation to the then Assyrian Patriarch Mar Dinkha IV to start a path of dialogue together to restore full ecclesial communion between the Chaldean Christian community - united to the Bishop of Rome - and the Assyrian, which share the same liturgical, theological and spiritual heritage. Jordanian priest Hanna Kildani, former vicar for Israel of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, preached the spiritual exercises for the Chaldean clergy. By Trend Pakistani companies are welcome to make use of the existing business environment in industrial zones and agricultural parks of Azerbaijan, the press service of the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park (SCIP) told Trend. According to the SCIP, the representatives of several companies from Pakistan involved in the food, construction, furniture and other fields visited the SCIP on August 17 and discussed the possibilities of joint cooperation. They were informed about favorable investment opportunities created for entrepreneurs in industrial zones and agricultural parks of Azerbaijan. Pakistani businessmen also got acquainted with the work carried out in the SCIP, and the production process of its resident - ALCO LLC, a manufacturer of various lubricants and antifreeze according to German and Italian technologies. A man is facing charges in connection with a stolen vehicle case from Hickory, according to a release from the Caldwell County Sheriffs Office. Timothy Wayne Bolick, 39, is charged with two counts each of possession of a stolen motor vehicle and possession of firearm by felon, and one count each of altering a stolen motor vehicle and trafficking methamphetamine. Bolick was issued a $225,000 secured bond. The charges came after Caldwell County deputies went to a home on Yellow Belle Place in Collettsville as part of an investigation into stolen vehicles, according to the release. Bolick was standing in front of the home and ran inside when investigators arrived, according to the release. Investigators obtained a search warrant after observing a Chevrolet Colorado and Honda motorcycle, which had been reported stolen from Hickory and Wilkes County respectively, in the driveway according to the release. Officers found 39 grams of methamphetamine valued at nearly $6,000, a shotgun, handgun and keys to the Colorado and motorcycle, according to the release. Bolick was also found in the home. The sheriffs office also said Bolick was served with outstanding warrants for assault on a government official and resisting a public officer and has several pending cases involving drug, weapons, stolen property and driving violations. A former executive with an Ohio company was sentenced to 18 months in prison last week for his role in a scheme to rig bids and defraud the N.C. Department of Transportation. Brent Brewbaker was also ordered to pay a $111,000 fine and a $600 special assessment during a federal court hearing in New Bern on Wednesday. A jury convicted Brewbaker after a week-long trial in January, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Brewbaker worked for Contech Engineered Solutions of suburban Cincinnati, which pleaded guilty to its part in the scheme last year. Contech agreed to pay a criminal fine of $7 million and pay $1,533,988 in restitution to NCDOT. Prosecutors accused Brewbaker and Contech of sharing bid information with a competitor on several occasions between 2009 and 2018. The two companies were ostensibly competing to provide aluminum drainage structures for roads and bridges. Prosecutors said Brewbaker and others at Contech would contact the would-be competitor, identified in an indictment as Company A, to find out what it planned to bid on each NCDOT project. Contech would then intentionally bid higher, giving Company A an advantage, according to the indictment. But when Company A won an NCDOT contract, Contech also benefited, because it supplied aluminum pieces to Company A for use in those projects, according to the indictment. The bids included signed documents certifying, falsely, that they were made competitively and without collusion, according to the indictment. Company A was identified as a co-conspirator in the indictment, but was not charged by a federal grand jury. Two of the companys former employees were listed as both co-conspirators and cooperating witnesses. Brewbaker was convicted of conspiracy to rig bids, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, three counts of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud, according to the Justice Department. His attorney did reply to an email message asking whether he would appeal. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Justice Departments antitrust division in Washington, D.C., as part of a broader effort to combat antitrust and fraud aimed at all levels of government. The Justice Department created the Procurement Collusion Strike Force in late 2019. Todays sentence reflects the seriousness of offenses that subvert the competitive process, target state and local governments, and ultimately cost taxpayers money, Jonathan Kanter, an assistant attorney general, said in a written statement. The division and its Procurement Collusion Strike Force partners remain committed to holding executives accountable when they choose to cheat instead of compete. GREENSBORO The year was 1947. A young artist was working on a mural at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine when the president of Bennett College called to ask him to head the schools art department. I had to come down from a scaffold to take the call, James Carroll McMillan once recalled. That sparked a real history in terms of my academic career starting the art program there. McMillan, also a co-founder and the first president of the African American Atelier in the Greensboro Cultural Center, died Sept. 1 at the age of 96. He is survived by his grandchildren. His work can be found at The Weatherspoon Art Museum and Bennett College among other places including Greensboros McGirt-Horton Branch Library, where his portrait of building namesake James Ephraim McGirt hangs. He was one of 10 artists in GreenHills inaugural exhibition at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. McMillan grew up in Sanford, the son of teachers and a father who was also a Presbyterian minister. He was valedictorian when he graduated from high school at age 15. He has said that he knew education was a means for achievement, and he enrolled at Howard University while living with an uncle. It was there while pursuing a bachelor of arts degree that he was drafted into World War II. After serving in the Navy from 1943 to 1946, he returned to Howard to finish his degree. In 1947, the year he graduated, he got the call from Bennetts president and became the founding chair of the art department. He would return to the college several times over a long academic career. He pursued his master of fine arts in sculpture at Catholic University and later studied art at the Academie Julien in Paris during the 1950s, where he met and encountered some of the eras great Black artists, such as Native Son author Richard Wright. While many of the Black expatriates he encountered remained overseas rather than return to segregated America, he wanted to be a part of the solution at home. The love of the arts and being in Paris was wonderful, McMillan told the News & Record in 1996. But it dawned on me that this couldnt go on forever, that sooner or later we would have to go back home. That we couldnt always hide out. It made me wonder if we were always going to be the escapists. Was that the solution going to some other place? I felt I had to go back, and if there was anything that could be done, I had to be a part of it. At Bennett, he often joined his students on protest lines and was arrested several times. He used his art to convey a global vision that included the Depression, war and the civil rights movement. A small ink drawing from 1959 juxtaposes a billboard with the slogan Building a Better Greensboro next to to a ramshackle house and an old truck. James McMillans artistic gifts have provided us with a visual memory of those historic struggles, former Bennett President Julianne Malveaux wrote in the introduction to his art catalog in 2011. In 1969, he became the head of the art department at Guilford College the first Black, full-time professor and department head. The students were great, once said McMillan, who held the position until 1988. I found this place, really, an ideal place to be as a college professor. There is a great respect for the arts here, and for Afro-Americans. Thats part of the Quaker tradition. McMillan later helped found the African American Atelier in 1991 under the guiding vision of prominent artist and arts supporter Eva Hamlin Miller, an A&T art professor who held exhibitions in the basement of her home or in the Bennett Street building where her husband used to have his dental offices. The nonprofit art gallery quickly expanded its purpose to promoting the arts in Guilford County, including programs designed for schoolchildren. Episode 54: Last month David Brooks of The New York Times wrote a column headlined Why your social life is not what it should be. Hosts Rick Kyte and Scott Rada discuss how technology, which is designed to bring people together, often keeps us apart. Links to stories discussed during the podcast: The Big Sort, by Bill Bishop Seven key takeaways from Raj Chettys new research on friendship and economic mobility, by Richard V. Reeves and Coura Fall, The Brookings Institute About the hosts: Scott Rada is social media manager with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis. This article was published this week by Extension Educator Chris Enroth, and I thought it would be a perfect time to share right after last weeks article on monarch butterflies. Chris says: Have you read some of the headlines lately concerning monarch butterflies? Monarch Butterflies are Thriving! Monarch Butterflies are Endangered! Both these headlines (or something similar) recently saturated newsfeeds for Americans. Considering these stories came out about two weeks apart, what is a person to think? Are monarch butterflies OK? Or are they in peril? As you may have gathered with headlines like this, the answer lies somewhere in the middle. Lets break down each one of these newsmakers. Are monarchs thriving? Starting with the first story to break, Monarchs are Thriving, if one were to read beyond the headline you would see its not all sunshine for our state insect, but there is good news worth sharing. Entomologists from University of Georgia published results from community science data that indicated monarch butterfly populations are able to rebound during the summer in the United States and Canada. You may be asking, Rebound from what? We can divide monarch butterflies into two types depending on the time of year. There is the breeding population that migrates north in the spring and hangs out with us in Illinois and onward to Canada all summer. These guys live for about two months, but they continue to mate and lay eggs on milkweed increasing the population. Once we hit fall, something changes in the monarch butterfly. They now shift to being migratory and begin the long journey back to their overwintering site in Mexico. These butterflies may live up to eight months. During this journey and at their overwintering site we see a decline in the monarch butterfly population. It is believed lack of nectar to fuel these fluttering beauties and habitat loss is the primary cause. Monarchs declared endangered The second headline declaring the migratory monarch butterfly endangered was made by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This is a well-regarded organization that makes global declarations on the status of wildlife species. For instance, if you looked up the Indian cheetah, you would see the IUCN has deemed it endangered. The same goes for many of the species seen as endangered around the globe. So this declaration does bear weight, but what does it mean for us in the United States? Well, nothing. The legislation that guides the United States in dealing with endangered species is the Federal Endangered Species list. If the monarch butterfly would be listed on this, protections would go into effect for the monarch butterfly. Why aren't they on the U.S. list? It would be bad for most of us, even me on occasion. Monarchs are everywhere. It truly is a North American species. A federally protected monarch means the habitat is protected. We couldnt kill a milkweed plant, because it is the only thing a monarch caterpillar eats. And milkweed grows everywhere! We would no longer be able to use monarch butterflies as teaching tools in schools, rear them indoors, and many more implications. How do we keep help? MATTOON After a pause because of COVID, the Mattoon Rotary Club again will host a Rotary Youth Exchange student. Due to the worldwide COVID pandemic, Rotary International halted its longtime youth exchange program in the summer of 2020. Rotary recently moved to allow clubs to resume hosting and sending high school students on a yearlong exchange. The Mattoon club recently made a commitment to host a Rotary Youth Exchange student for the 2023-24 school year. The club also is encouraging Mattoon-area high school students to consider going on exchange during that same school year. With the two-year layoff, the exchange program is restarting slowly. Just four of six Illinois districts chose to be involved this year. Rotary District 6490, which includes all of East-Central Illinois, is sending two area students on exchange this school year. One is a girl from Charleston going to France while the other is a boy from Tuscola, going to Brazil. In addition, Charleston, Marshall and Monticello are hosting students this school year. The District 6490 Rotary Youth Exchange Committee has some new leadership with strong ties to the exchange program. One of the new RYE committee leaders is Kim Morrison of Mattoon. She has been involved in Rotary Youth Exchange in Mattoon and Arthur and is the parent of a student who spent a year on exchange. Morrison will serve as the district inbound coordinator, working with the foreign students who come to this area on exchange. September and October are the months in which interested teens, ages 15-18, can apply to be Rotary Youth Exchange students. Rotary exchanges with about 40 countries. Students stay with two or three host families and must attend high school in the host country. Bill Lair, a member of the district RYE committee, said the program is a cultural exchange. Were not necessarily looking for straight-A students, Lair said. Students must rank in the top half of their class. Were looking for young people who will be ambassadors for their families, their community, our country and Rotary, Lair added. The program is for above-average students who are personable, smile and enjoy making new friends. Most students go on exchange either their junior year of high school or as a gap year between high school graduation and starting college. The most recent Mattoon student to go on exchange was Sadie Armstrong, who went to Spain during the 2019-20 school year. For more information on Rotary Youth Exchange, contact Kim Morrison at 217-621-7389 or Bill Lair at 217-218-2549. Information also is available at csrye.org. CHARLESTON Eastern Illinois University celebrated the new name of what was formerly Douglas Hall with a dedication Friday afternoon. The residence halls new name, Powell-Norton Hall, honors two Black women with ties to the university. Zella Powell was the first Black graduate from Eastern in 1910 and Ona Norton provided housing to Black students when it was difficult for them to find accommodation. An April vote by Easterns Board of Trustees changed the name from Douglas Hall to Powell-Norton Hall following over a decade of debate around the idea of changing the buildings name. The building was named after lawmaker and lawyer Stephen A. Douglas. The building was named in conjunction with Lincoln Hall, named after Abraham Lincoln, to commemorate a debate between the two men in Charleston during the 1858 U.S. Senate campaign. The pairs main debate topic was the expansion of slavery in the new U.S. territories, which Douglas supported. The building is now the first and only building on the campus that is named after Black women. Friday, descendants of Powell spoke on their grandmothers legacy to members of the board, members of the naming committee that recommended the change and others from the campus and surrounding community that wanted to celebrate the new name. Descendants of Norton were unable to attend, but Eastern Vice President of University Advancement Ken Wetstein said they shared their approval of and happiness for the name change with him. Stephanie Wright-Griggs and Dr. Carla Wright beamed with pride throughout the dedication. It's hard to put stuff in words but (Im feeling) very proud and very humble, Wright-Griggs said. ...Anytime you're associated with someone who makes a difference in history, it's a very humbling experience. The women shared their excitement for the new name and its meaning for their family. She was just very quietly happy and I think that (the dedication) would make her happy because this is her alma mater, Wright-Griggs said. And its right down the street from where she grew up in her life in Mattoon so she would be over the top. It feels it feels great. I mean, because this was her home. This was where she was from, Wright said. The fact that she went here, it makes it, you know, really memorable and important, so I feel great about it. Wright said she never expected a building to be named after her grandmother. This is something we had never thought would ever show up or even occur. But sometimes things just kind of drop out of the sky, Wright said. Powells great-granddaughter, Dr. Louisa Griggs, said she was proud to be part of her familys legacy. It's really important to know your history and to come from such an amazing history is always very inspiring, Griggs said. How could you not be proud and empowered by it? Eastern President David Glassman, who made the final recommendation to the universitys board to name the building Powell-Norton Hall, said he was proud to be the universitys president during the historic moment. Glassman convened the naming committee twice on the renaming of Douglas Hall and said it was the right time for the change. I think there's just a changing thought and a changing culture, Glassman said. We still understand that the Lincoln-Douglas debates are important to this region and important to Coles County, but at the same time, this is an opportunity to name this building after individuals that really have a part of EIUs history. He said he was grateful for all of those who were involved in the process dating back over a decade. It allowed us to look at changes over the course of a decade and what that meant to people and their perceptions and their feelings, particularly towards inclusivity and diversity. There is a history and a lesson just looking at this journey of the first debate to the dedication of the building today, Glassman said. That is what universities are all about. Wright-Griggs will be bringing a copy of a traveling exhibit she created about her grandmother to the campus in early October. The exhibit will feature photographs of her families time in Mattoon as a pioneer family of the town. By Trend Weapons and ammunition were found in Azerbaijan's Tartar, the Barda regional group of the Press Service of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Internal Affairs told Trend. Officers of the Tartar District Police Department discovered a machine gun and 89 cartridges around the Hasangaya village. The fact is currently under investigation. MATTOON Volunteers are needed to help with the Special Olympics Family Festival (SOFF) when this annual event returns to Lake Land College on Saturday, Sept. 17, after being held virtually for two years. Consolidated Communications employee Tiffany Walters, chair of the 2022 festival, said more than 400 Special Olympics athletes from Central Illinois are registered to attend, and the greatest volunteer need is for Friends-For-A-Day. These volunteers are paired with athletes, escorting them through the tent city of games and activities. "They get to experience SOFF through the eyes of the athletes," Walters said. The Friends get to sing karaoke, dance, play games and eat lunch with their athletes. "The best part is the Friends-For-A-Day have made a new best friend. Many of them then request the same athlete every year because they look forward to seeing them." Walters, a longtime volunteer with the festival, said she is excited for this event to return to Lake Land after it was held virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the parent of a Special Olympics athlete, I know the importance of this event to our athletes," Walters said, adding her son, Drew, 14, has been taking part in the festival since 2017. "Bringing SOFF back to an in-person event is a dream come true, and were working to make this years festival the best yet. To make this happen, we need our communitys support and at least 1,000 volunteers. Walters said only 183 Friends-For-A-Day volunteers had registered as of late Friday morning. She said they volunteers are essential because each athlete needs to be paired with one. She said volunteers are also needed to register athletes, help with lunch, staff games, and wear costumes. The festival is taking on a Star Wars theme this year of "SOFF XXXIV: The Return of SOFF." The festival will begin with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. The midway of games and activities will be open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Various shifts are available for general volunteers, and Friend-For-A-Day volunteers are needed 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Festival volunteers must be age 15 or older, and Friend volunteers must be at least 16. Registration is open online at http://vhub.at/SOFF22. SOFF is a great opportunity to help out in your community and get to know people at the same time, Walters said. The friendships and memories made at SOFF last a lifetime. This day ranks up there with Christmas and birthdays for many of our athletes, and it is an honor to be able to participate in SOFF. The festival was created in 1984 by Consolidated employees and is recognized as the largest event of its kind in the U.S. Now in its 39th year, this event is organized by employees from Consolidated, First Mid Bank & Trust and Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System. Those interested in volunteering can visit consolidated.com/soff to learn more and to watch videos highlighting volunteer opportunities. They can also call 800-434-SOFF or email soff@consolidated.com for additional information. A Winston-Salem man was shot and wounded early Saturday in the 700 block of Ferndale Avenue, authorities said. Winston-Salem police went to the 700 block of Ferndale Avenue on a reported shooting in the city's southeastern section, police said. Officers then found Aldahir Quiterio Colon, 19, of Ferndale Avenue with a gunshot wound to his arm. Colon was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, police said. Investigators determined that Colon was shot on the Ferndale Avenue property by an unknown assailant, police said. Officers are investigating the incident. Winston-Salem police are asking for the public's assistance in this case. Anyone with information about this shooting can call Winston-Salem police at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 or its Spanish line at 336-728-3904. Crime Stoppers of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County is on Facebook. The Text-A-Tip program at 336-276-1717 allows people to text tips, photos and videos to the police. Remember the REAL ID, that new kind of drivers license that people were going to need to board a domestic flight? Well, its coming back. After delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government is again poised to begin enforcing stricter identification standards for people boarding airplanes or visiting certain federal offices and facilities. The REAL ID, issued by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles and state DMVs nationwide, is a way to satisfy those stricter standards. More than 3 million North Carolinians have received a REAL ID drivers license or state-issued ID card. If youre one of the millions more who might be considering one, here is (most) everything you need to know about the REAL ID in North Carolina. (If we havent answered your question, please let us know.) What is the REAL ID? The N.C. REAL ID is a drivers license or ID card issued by the DMV that meets federal identification standards established by Congress after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The standards are meant to verify the identity of the person holding the card. Do I need to get a REAL ID? No, neither the state nor federal government requires that you have a REAL ID. Then why would I get a REAL ID? On May 3, 2023, the federal government will begin requiring stricter identification standards to board a commercial flight or to enter a federal facility, including courthouses and military bases, as well as nuclear plants. The REAL ID will be sufficient to board a plane or enter facilities where the public is required to show ID. (Note: Exceptions will be made for people who are called to federal court to sit on juries or testify.) To fly, those without a REAL ID will be required to show another form of identification, such as a passport, Department of Defense ID or one of a dozen other IDs listed on the U.S. Transportation Security Administrations website, www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification. Military bases require two forms of identification if you dont have a REAL ID. Do I still need a REAL ID if I am active-duty military or a retiree? No. An ID issued by the Department of Defense now complies with the federal identification standards. If I can fly with my passport, why do I need a REAL ID? Its mostly a matter of convenience. Even if they have a passport, most Americans are not accustomed to carrying it unless theyre planning to leave the country. Youd have to remember to bring it with you to visit a federal facility as well. I never fly, and I dont plan to visit a federal courthouse or go on a military base. Is there any other reason I should get a REAL ID? No, perhaps not. But before you visit a federal facility, you may want to check ahead to see if youre required to show identification to get in. When will the new identification requirements go into effect? For commercial air travel, the REAL ID, a passport or other approved ID will be required to board a flight starting May 3, 2023. Is May 3, 2023, the deadline to get a REAL ID? A. No. You may hear the word deadline associated with the REAL ID, but the DMV will continue to issue them after that date. And keep in mind you wont be asked to show one until you fly or visit a federal facility that requires an ID. Where do I get a REAL ID? The N.C. REAL ID is available at the 115 DMV drivers license offices in the state. To find the office nearest you, go to www.ncdot.gov/dmv/locations.html. Can I get a REAL ID online? No, not the first time. You need to visit a DMV office to obtain a REAL ID. When you renew a REAL ID, youll be able to do that online. What documents do I need to get a REAL ID? If you already have a state drivers license, you may only need an additional document that proves your date of birth and identity. This can include a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport or any one of a half dozen other documents issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or the Citizenship and Immigration Service. If your name is different than it appears on those documents, because of marriage or divorce, you will need to provide another document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. If youre applying for your first license or ID card, youll need two more types of documents. The first is a document that shows your Social Security number. This includes a Social Security card or one of the following: a 1099 tax form, W-2 form or pay stub, each with your name and full Social Security number. Second, youll need two documents that prove your current North Carolina residency. This can include your current unexpired drivers license, vehicle registration card, voter precinct card, a DD214 veterans form, utility bill, school records or North Carolina vehicle insurance policy. If you are not a U.S. citizen, youll need to provide a document showing you are lawfully in the United States. Note that birth, marriage and divorce documents must be certified. For a full list of documents that can be used to obtain a REAL ID, go to www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/nc-real-id/Pages/requirements.aspx. Will the DMV keep copies of these documents? Yes, the federal government requires that DMV scan those documents and keep them as part of your DMV record. One reason it has taken years to develop the REAL ID system in North Carolina and other states is that each state DMV had to develop new systems to securely store electronic copies of these documents. What if my name has changed? If your name no longer matches the one on your birth certificate or other document used to establish your identity and date of birth, you will need to provide another document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or a document from a court or register of deeds. If your passport has your current name, no additional documentation is needed. Does a REAL ID cost extra? A. If youre renewing your drivers license, a REAL ID costs the same as the license, $44, good for eight years. If it is not time to renew your license, the REAL ID costs the same as a duplicate license, $14. Does a REAL ID look different from a drivers license? No, except a REAL ID will have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. A drivers license that doesnt meet the new federal identification standards will contain the words: Not for Federal Identification. Should I wait until I renew my license to get a REAL ID? You cant renew your license until six months before it expires. If thats going to happen between now and May 3, 2023, or shortly after, you should probably wait. Getting a duplicate REAL ID outside your renewal window doesnt change the expiration date or when youll need to get your license renewed. Can I make an appointment? Yes, go to www.ncdot.gov/dmv/ and click on Driver License Office Appointments or call 919-715-7000 to make an appointment up to 90 days in advance. Try early in the morning; if none are available at an office near you, try again the next morning. The DMV makes a new set of appointments available each day. Will minors need a REAL ID to fly? No. Anyone under age 18 can fly without ID when traveling with an adult companion, but the companion will need acceptable ID. Bus 168 was finishing its route dropping off children from Cloverleaf Elementary School in Statesville in May 2021 when the driver and bus monitor noticed smoke coming from the engine. That smoke soon turned to fire. The bus driver tried to use an onboard fire extinguisher, but it wasnt enough. Soon the bus was engulfed in flames, which had spread from the engine to the back of the bus, both on the roof and the undercarriage. It would take firefighters arriving on scene to tamp down the flames, sending a thick black cloud of smoke into the air. The incident unnerved administrators at Iredell-Statesville Schools, who were thankful no children were on the bus. A possible cause of the fire quickly became apparent, said Ricky Adams, who runs the districts bus garage: a buildup of diesel fuel in the engines oil. Bus 168 was made by International and had a MaxxForce engine. Lawsuits filed against Internationals parent company, Navistar International Corp., and complaints from Iredell-Statesville administrators describe what critics call a known design defect that can increase the chances of too much diesel fuel in the engine oil. Its an issue that can lead to increased maintenance problems or, potentially, engine fire. An analysis by the N.C. Watchdog Reporting Network of hundreds of fuel sample records from school buses with MaxxForce engines across the state shows that oil sample tests found elevated levels of fuel in the oil more than one third of the time. The company has not responded to multiple requests for comment on issues with its engines sent to the media email address listed on its website, either for this story or for previous reporting by network member WBTV in Charlotte last year. Despite the known issues, state education leaders have taken a hands-off approach to the problem. But some school districts have worked to replace MaxxForce engines. That includes Wake County, which paid about $20,000 to $32,000 apiece to replace almost all 149 of its MaxxForce 7 engines starting in 2016, according to spokesperson Matt Dees. He said the school system is monitoring the remaining nine MaxxForce 7 engines to determine the optimal time to replace them. Our mechanics are leery of them In North Carolina, state data showed about 1,300 school buses with MaxxForce engines assigned to public school districts as of 2021. Of those, about 400 buses have the MaxxForce 7 engine like the one inside Bus 168 when it caught fire. Almost 900 buses have a MaxxDT engine. All MaxxForce engines circulate exhaust through the engine in an effort to burn off excess emissions to meet federal standards. Dees said this operation of forcing excess fuel through the oil system caused excessive wear on the internal engine components, leading to premature failure. Its a process thats come under fire in at least a half-dozen lawsuits nationwide, including one class-action suit filed by tractor-trailer owners who alleged the exhaust system caused the engine to malfunction. Navistar settled that lawsuit for $135 million in early 2020. Officials at Iredell-Statesville Schools believe the mechanical problems may have led to the fire in May 2021. Adams, who oversees the bus garage, pointed to fuel saturation in the oil as evidence of the problem. Adams said the bus that caught fire had its oil changed one day before the fire. The mechanic who changed the oil took an oil sample and found 30% fuel dilution. That means 30% of the oil was actually diesel fuel. Adams said that number should be zero. Mechanics took an oil sample after the fire, a little more than 200 miles after the oil had been changed, and found 37% dilution. Theres like, seven quarts of fuel in the engine oil, Adams said. The N.C. Watchdog Reporting Network analyzed hundreds of pages of fuel lab reports for school systems across the state dating back to 2018, which were provided in response to public records requests. Across those counties that provided records for all the MaxxForce buses in their fleet Onslow, Brunswick, Northampton, Duplin, Davie, Montgomery, Washington, Martin and Iredell-Statesville the data show that fuel dilution issues requiring some kind of action popped up about 40% of the time. These findings accounted for just over 50 buses across nine school systems, an analysis limited by some school districts lack of response and gaps in the data. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools told the Charlotte Observer it has 19 buses in the fleet with Maxxforce7 engines. All of those buses are activity buses, Eddie Perez, a district media relations specialist, said. CMS activity buses are usually white and are used for field trips and sporting events. None of the districts yellow school buses used for morning and afternoon commutes have Maxxforce7 engines. Adams recommended Iredell-Statesville Schools not use its other Maxx7 buses until they can pinpoint the problem for sure. Our mechanics are leery of them, scared of them, he said. Frankly, Im a little bit scared of them myself right now, simply because we dont know exactly what happened with this one. No state action, despite potential danger In Statesville, the districts burned bus now sits covered in the back of a maintenance lot. According to Adams, Navistar has not come to inspect the bus; it has only sent a photographer to take pictures. Its not a pretty sight, Iredell-Statesville Schools Superintendent Jeff James said. Looking at it actually gives you cold chills because some child could have died on that bus, James said. Its not a time to start trying to protect yourself, its a time to say, Whats wrong? Lets fix the problem. But the engine, as WBTV reported in August 2021, has never faced a company recall. And state education leaders at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction have said repeatedly that the agency had no responsibility to warn other districts of the potential danger, even though a spokeswoman for the agency told WBTV last year that staff was tracking the problem. While NCDPI advises districts on maintenance of equipment based on the NC School Bus Fleet Manual, the agency does not have daily oversight and refers to the experience and expertise of those on the ground, spokeswoman Blair Rhoades said in a statement in August. These preventative maintenance processes in place which include oil analysis and inspection of oil level and condition are to ensure buses are safe and to allow technicians to report problems that may require additional monitoring, the statement continued. Districts are to use the results of these analyses to make informed decisions about vehicle condition and operation. Iredell-Statesville Schools took their buses with Maxx7 engines off the road. Doing so means the district had to find additional buses with their own money a price worth paying, James said, for the safety of the students. This is serious. Somebody needs to get serious about it from all points, he said. Were trying to, I guess, ring the bell and say theres an issue. This story was jointly reported and edited by Kate Martin, Shelby Harris and Ben Sessoms of Carolina Public Press; Sara Coello and Anna Maria Della Costa of The Charlotte Observer; Tyler Dukes and Jordan Schrader of The News & Observer; Nick Ochsner and Joseph Collins of WBTV; Michael Praats of WECT; Travis Fain and Ali Ingersoll of WRAL; and Jason deBruyn of WUNC. Predictably, many Republicans melted into volcanic spasms and hissy fits after President Biden delivered his speech in Philadelphia last week. In one of his rare prime time addresses to the nation, Biden declared in clear and no uncertain terms that the American democratic experiment is in serious danger due to Donald Trump and those in the GOP who remain his steadfast allies. Former South Carolina governor and ex-U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley said she was disturbed by the dark imagery surrounding the president. The habitually shameful Marjorie Taylor Greene referred to Biden as demented. Equally-horrendous Fox News host Tucker Carlson compared the background accompanying the presidents message to Nazism. Monica Crowley, a former Fox News contributor and Trump administration official, referred to the event as nothing short of satanic. No one should be surprised by such juvenile political histrionics coming from the more extreme corners of the GOP. After all, such routine overzealousness is their stock and trade. For all the chest thumping and disingenuous ranting and raving, did Biden say anything that was false? For those who claim the speech was angry, divisive or hateful, the reality is that many MAGA Republicans epitomize those same traits. By and large, these GOP extremists do not have any genuine regard for the Constitution, spit in the face of the rule of law, disregard the will of the American people and refused to accept the results of a free, fair and equitable election. Indeed, many of the MAGA faithful from politicians to ordinary citizens were very supportive of Trumps determination to overturn his election defeat in November 2020. Who doesnt remember many MAGA rioters (I will not call them protesters) ferociously yelling chilling chants to Hang Mike Pence! Trump, in ever Machiavellian fashion, stated in a radio interview last week that if he was elected again in 2024, he would look very, very favorably at pardoning the Capitol insurrectionists. Lets not forget, Trump-worshiping sycophant Lindsey Graham promised there will be riots in the streets if Trump is criminally charged for hoarding top-secret documents at his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago. Relatedly, you have Republican elected officials in numerous states aiming to place themselves in positions of power to manipulate and control voting machines and other equipment in future elections in an effort to potentially disregard any Democratic wins as null and void. MAGA Republican-controlled state legislatures have also gleefully imposed draconian abortion bans and endorsed disturbingly weak gun laws. Theyve ratified legislation designed to make it harder for historically-marginalized groups of people to vote. Theyve forced school districts to censor books in school libraries. It just goes on and on. In response, a number of prominent historians met with President Biden earlier this summer and discussed their concerns over what they see as a democracy potentially teetering on the brink of collapse. Writing as someone who is a historian by training, not since the 1850s has this nation been so politically and culturally volatile or vulnerable. To be sure, the president made it clear he was not speaking of all Republicans just the right-wing MAGA types. In the true bipartisan fashion that has been one of his primary attributes, Biden proudly discussed how he has productively worked with a number of those on the other side of the political aisle, crafting and passing legislation for the betterment of the nation. Such an image is a far cry from the wanton, retrograde MAGA forces which currently dominate and control the party. There was considerable talk across the political spectrum of Biden having two uniformed Marines in the background as he delivered his speech. Such imagery seemed ominous, but given the theme of his speech, their inclusion seemed most fitting and appropriate. Biden unequivocally stated, We are in a battle for the soul of this nation, pitting democracy against autocracy. I concur with such sentiment. Most rational-minded people can probably only shudder at the prospect of a 2024 presidential election in which a MAGA-controlled Congress propels the reactionary agenda of a dictator-in-waiting, whether it be Trump or some wannabe MAGA clone. Such a situation would likely make martial law seem benign in comparison. What do a Lincoln craft brewer and a Pennsylvania pop-punk band have in common? Not really anything, but that's all about to change. Zipline Brewing Co. has partnered with the Lincoln Calling music festival to produce On the Impossible Past Pilsner, a beer commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the album by festival headliner The Menzingers. The group will be performing all the songs from its 2012 album On the Impossible Past at this year's Lincoln Calling Festival. Zipline said the beer is a new take on an old classic: a traditional, crisp pilsner dry-hopped with next-generation hop Hallertau Blanc. As a big fan of pilsners and a big fan of The Menzingers, Im beyond thrilled we were able to create a unique beer for this special occasion, said Zipline marketing director Craig Reier. This is the kind of beer that goes great with live music, whether its in a big venue or a basement. Were stoked to bring this special collaboration to the festival this year, said Shannon Claire, Lincoln Calling executive director. Zipline plus The Menzingers it just makes sense. On The Impossible Past Pilsner is available at all Zipline taproom locations. Patrons will receive a free pint glass with their first beer purchase. In addition, the official beer of the Lincoln Calling will be announced later this month. Both beers will be available for purchase on draft at Lincoln Calling venues throughout the festival, which runs Sept. 22-24. To get tickets for Lincoln Calling, and to see the festivals performers and venues, head to lincolncalling.com. Editor's note: We have detected a technical issue that is preventing some users from being able to log in to comment. We are working to have the issue resolved shortly. Thank you for your patience. COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Under pressure from his Republican rival, Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman said this week he would participate in one debate before the November election. In Georgia, Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker are still working through the details of what a debate might look like, though they appear to be inching closer to a deal. And in Arizona, Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Katie Hobbs has declined a televised debate with Republican Kari Lake. With the fall campaign rapidly approaching, the time-honored tradition of televised debates as a forum for voters to evaluate candidates may be the latest casualty of constant media coverage and powerful digital platforms, as well as the nation's polarized political climate. For some Republicans, eschewing debates is a chance to sidestep a media structure some in the party deride as biased and align with Donald Trump, who has blasted presidential debates. Some Democrats, including Hobbs, have pointed to raucous GOP debates from the primary season as a reason to avoid tangling with their opponents. Despite such skepticism, veteran political consultant Terry Sullivan defended debates as "the one forum where candidates are forced into answering questions that they don't want to answer." "They're not going to do it in their TV commercials," added Sullivan, who managed GOP Sen. Jim DeMint's 2004 bid in South Carolina and handled media for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's 2016 presidential effort. "And in stump appearances, press conferences, they can evade, they can dodge." And sometimes, Sullivan added, it's the media coverage of what happens onstage, rather than the back-and-forth itself, that can make a bigger impression. In what "should have been the most boring debate in the history of mankind," Sullivan said that a 2004 panelist questioning DeMint and Democrat Inez Tenenbaum asked DeMint if he agreed with a state GOP platform tenet in opposition of openly gay teachers in South Carolina's public schools. "That kind of turned the race on its head for the next three months," Sullivan said, noting headlines he characterized as "DeMint wants to fire gay teachers." DeMint went on to win the open seat by nearly 10 percentage points, a margin typical in recent South Carolina statewide elections. But in more competitive states, Sullivan said, a debate can serve as "a good way to find out where candidates are on the issues." In addition to winning candidates thousands of impressions in earned media and repackaged video clips, debate footage can also propel candidates' messages far more broadly and cheaply than could television ad buys, said Michael Wukela, a South Carolina Democratic media consultant and veteran of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders' presidential bids. "You're getting that in one shot," Wukela said, of a debate appearance being worth airtime that would otherwise cost millions. "That's like a Super Bowl ad." Read the full story, plus check out more of the latest news in politics: Highlights: Nearly 1 in 3 Republican candidates for statewide offices that play a role in overseeing, certifying or defending elections supported overturning the results of the 2020 presidential race, according to an Associated Press review. As the Justice Departments probe into Donald Trumps possession of White House materials deepens, lawmakers of both parties have more questions than answers. Intelligence officials have offered to brief congressional leaders, possibly as soon as next week, senators said, as they launch a lengthy risk assessment. Chief Justice John Roberts defended the authority of the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution, saying its role should not be called into question just because people disagree with its decisions. Sen. Joe Manchin made a deal with Democratic leaders as part of his vote pushing the party's highest legislative priority across the finish line last month. Now, Manchin is ready to collect. But many environmental advocacy groups and lawmakers are balking. A federal judge on Friday blocked enforcement of a new Arizona law restricting how the public and journalists can film police, agreeing with the American Civil Liberties Union and multiple media organizations who argued it violated the First Amendment. ___ A Nebraska woman who lost Medicaid coverage in the midst of cancer treatment is challenging the federal rule that required the state to cut her off. Mary Shaw of Norfolk joined four plaintiffs from Connecticut and Delaware in a class-action lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They are seeking a temporary injunction to block the rule, which was issued in the waning days of President Donald Trump's administration and remains in place. The suit alleges that, because of the rule, Medicaid benefits have been terminated to hundreds of thousands of people nationwide in violation of the Coronavirus Response Act of 2020. The act provided additional federal Medicaid funding to states on the condition that they continue coverage for Medicaid patients throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency. The emergency was declared Jan. 27, 2020, and has been extended multiple times. It is expected to continue into next year. The requirement to keep people on Medicaid during the ongoing crisis was adopted precisely because Congress recognized the severe threat, not just to individuals but to public health, from ending health insurance to vulnerable, low-income people, said Sheldon Toubman, litigation attorney at Disability Rights Connecticut, one of the groups behind the suit. According to the lawsuit, Shaw originally qualified for Medicaid after Nebraska extended coverage to low-income single adults. The coverage, which began in October 2020, allowed her to see a dentist and get physical therapy so she could walk again following a previous hip surgery. Medicaid also covered the beginning of treatment on her right shoulder for a recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, in December 2021. But, based on the "interim final" federal rule, Nebraska Medicaid officials terminated Shaw's full Medicaid coverage in January, the month she turned 65 and got on Medicare. The rule, issued Nov. 6, 2020, required states to reduce or eliminate Medicaid coverage for people who were deemed to have "minimum essential coverage" through special, limited Medicaid programs that help with some Medicare costs. Shaw now qualifies for such a program. It pays her Medicare Part B premiums but does not cover co-pays and deductibles or health needs not included under Medicare. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older and some people with disabilities. Patients typically use supplemental insurance or Medicaid to help with out-of-pocket costs and to cover additional services. Medicaid is a state-federal program for low-income people. As a result, the suit said, Shaw, who lives on about $1,252 per month in Social Security, has had to forgo medical care for her emphysema and for post-surgical care of her shoulder. She also has not sought treatment for an apparent new cancer on her leg because she cannot afford treatment. "Between all of the services that are covered under Medicaid but not covered at all under Medicare and the doctor visits, which are covered by Medicare but now require coinsurance that she cannot afford, the loss of Medicaid has been devastating to her," the lawsuit said. Three Connecticut women filed the original case Aug. 3 in U.S. District Court in Connecticut. Shaw and a Delaware woman were added through an amended complaint, filed Aug. 26, along with the motion to pursue the case as a nationwide class action. A hearing on the request for temporary injunction is set for Sept. 27. Nebraska Appleseed has been working with the groups representing the plaintiffs, which include Disability Rights Connecticut, Justice in Aging, The National Health Law Program and the law firm Stinson LLP. By Trend The three-day trip to Azerbaijan's liberated Karabakh exceeded all our expectations, US traveler Ram Francisco told Trend. He noted that the beauty of the local nature is impressive. "This is my first time in Azerbaijan, as well as in Karabakh. This trip has become a wonderful experience for me. The infrastructure development and the commissioning of facilities within a short period of time here is admirable. It will take time for Karabakh to become a tourist destination, but the region has huge potential for this," said the traveler. The Arts for the Soul Music and Fine Arts Series will feature soprano Lauren Jelencovich in its first concert of the 2022-2023 season at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at First Presbyterian Church, 840 S. 17th St. Jelencovich has garnered acclaim for her portrayals of opera and musical theater roles throughout the United States and abroad. She is currently on a world tour with Yanni as his featured vocalist, and recently returned from Egypt, India, South America, China, Thailand, Russia and Dubai among, other countries. She is featured on Yanni's album "Inspirato." Additionally, she performed at the famed El Morro in Puerto Rico to sold-out audiences with Yanni to film and record the live DVD/CD and PBS special Yanni: Live at El Morro! Jelencovich is also on Yannis other PBS specials, "Yanni: World without Borders and The Dream Concert, which were filmed and performed in front of the Giza Pyramids in Egypt. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music (MSM), Jelencovich made her debut Off-Broadway in the world premiere of "The Music Teacher" by Wallace and Allen Shawn, and made her debut at Forestburgh Playhouse playing the lead role of Teddy Stern in the 1950s hit musical "Wish You Were Here." A deeply passionate artist, Jelencovich is equally at home in Broadway, pop and classical music. She recorded her first album at the age of 16, teaming up with Grammy award-winning writer/producer Dave Merenda. Her second CD is self-titled and features an original song called Wildest Dreams. She is currently writing and working on a new album. For tickets or more information, contact First Presbyterian Church at 402-477-6037 or visit https://fpclincoln.org/arts-for-the-soul/. It is highly encouraged that audience members be fully vaccinated. At this time masks are optional. KENOSHA The woman facing a 2018 homicide charge for the death of a Kenosha man being investigated for sex trafficking was back in a Kenosha County courtroom Friday. Chrystul Kizer, of Milwaukee, faces first-degree intentional homicide for the June 2018 death of Randall Volar, a 34-year-old Kenosha man who prosecutors admit had been preying on Kizer and other underage girls. Kizer, now 22, was 17 at the time she was charged and is accused of shooting Volar in the head and then setting his house on fire. Kizer appeared briefly with attorneys Greg Holdahl, Helmi Hamad and Jennifer Bias before Judge David Wilk on Friday. District Attorney Michael Graveley and assistant district attorney Zachary Brost appeared on behalf of the state. Both parties requested an evidentiary motion hearing, which is scheduled for January. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court of Wisconsin ruled in favor of Kizer so she will be able to use an affirmative defense for any offense committed as a direct result of having been trafficked at her upcoming trial. As the Supreme Courts majority decision, penned by Justice Rebecca Dallet, noted: Unlike many crimes, which occur at discrete points in time, human trafficking can trap victims in a cycle of seemingly inescapable abuse that can continue for months or even years. For that reason, even an offense that is unforeseeable or that does not occur immediately after a trafficking offense is committed can be a direct result of the trafficking offense, so long as there is still the necessary logical connection between the offense and the trafficking. At question is a lack of clarity in state law. Under a state law passed in 2008, victims of sex trafficking are immune from prosecution from crimes they themselves may have committed as a direct result of having been trafficked. The decision does not protect someone who has been a victim of trafficking from all prosecution. The Kenosha County District Attorneys Office argued this protection cannot be stretched to include a defense against killing the trafficker themselves, while those defending Kizer say it can be because the laws on the books have no restrictions on what crimes can be included. 1. Yes. COVID isnt over. Killeen and Cove ISD had 851 cases combined in August alone. 2. Yes. Parents should always be able to track cases in the schools on a daily basis. 3. No. The state isnt requiring school districts to post the numbers; it isnt necessary. 4. No. COVID isnt surging, but if it does, the website dashboards could be reinstated. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether the information is needed with the low threat level. Vote View Results NEW YORK Hours before dawn on March 1, 2003, the U.S. scored its most thrilling victory yet against the plotters of the Sept. 11 attacks the capture of a disheveled Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, hauled away by intelligence agents from a hideout in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The global manhunt for al-Qaida's No. 3 leader had taken 18 months. But America's attempt to bring him to justice, in a legal sense, has taken much, much longer. Critics say it has become one of the war on terror's greatest failures. As Sunday marks the 21st anniversary of the terror attacks, Mohammed and four other men accused of 9/11-related crimes still sit in a U.S. detention center in Guantanamo Bay, their planned trials before a military tribunal endlessly postponed. The latest setback came last month when pretrial hearings scheduled for early fall were canceled. The delay was one more in a string of disappointments for relatives of the nearly 3,000 victims of the attack. They've long hoped that a trial would bring closure and perhaps resolve unanswered questions. "Now, I'm not sure what's going to happen," said Gordon Haberman, whose 25-year-old daughter Andrea died after a hijacked plane crashed into the World Trade Center, a floor above her office. He's traveled to Guantanamo four times from his home in West Bend, Wisconsin, to watch the legal proceedings in person, only to leave frustrated. "It's important to me that America finally gets to the truth about what happened, how it was done," said Haberman. "I personally want to see this go to trial." If convicted at trial, Mohammed could face the death penalty. When asked about the case, James Connell, an attorney for one of Mohammed's co-defendants one accused of transferring money to 9/11 attackers confirmed reports both sides are still "attempting to reach a pretrial agreement" that could avoid a trial and result in lesser but still lengthy sentences. David Kelley, a former U.S. attorney in New York who co-chaired the Justice Department's nationwide investigation into the attacks, called the delays and failure to prosecute "an awful tragedy for the families of the victims." He called the effort to put Mohammed on trial before a military tribunal, rather than in the regular U.S. court system, "a tremendous failure" that was "as offensive to our Constitution as to our rule of law." The difficulty in holding a trial for Mohammed and other Guantanamo prisoners is partly rooted in what the U.S. did with him after his 2003 capture. Mohammed and his co-defendants were initially held in secret prisons abroad. Hungry for information that might lead to the capture of other al-Qaida figures, CIA operatives subjected them to enhanced interrogation techniques that were tantamount to torture, human rights groups say. Mohammed was waterboarded made to feel that he was drowning 183 times. A Senate investigation later concluded the interrogations didn't lead to any valuable intelligence. But it has sparked endless pretrial litigation over whether FBI reports on their statements can be used against them a process not subject to speedy trial rules used in civilian courts. The torture allegations led to concerns that the U.S. might have ruined its chance to put Mohammed on trial in a civilian court. But in 2009, President Barack Obama's administration decided to try, announcing that Mohammed would be transferred to New York City and put on trial at a federal court in Manhattan. But New York City balked at the cost of security and the move never came. Eventually, it was announced Mohammed would face a military tribunal. And then over a dozen years passed. Kelley said talk of military tribunals two decades ago surprised many in the legal community who had been successfully prosecuting terrorism cases in the decade before. The concept of a tribunal, he said, "came out of the blue. Nobody knew it was coming." Then-Attorney General John Ashcroft was not in favor of tribunals and had been supportive of the Manhattan federal terrorism prosecutions, he said. Now, Kelley said, with the passage of time it will be much more difficult to prosecute Mohammed in a tribunal, much less a courtroom. "Evidence goes stale, witness memories fail." The passage of time hasn't dulled the memories of the victims' families or dampened their interest in witnessing justice. Eddie Bracken's sister Lucy Fishman was killed at the trade center. The New Yorker opposed Obama's proposal to move the trial to federal court Mohammed is charged with "a military act," and should be tried by the military, he reasoned. And while he is somewhat frustrated by the delays, he understands them. "The whole world is looking at us and saying, 'What are they doing after all this time?'" he said. But he realizes the case is "a process that the world is seeing, that needs to be done under a microscope. It's up to the United States to do their due diligence, make sure it's done right." While Mohammed has lingered at Guantanamo, the U.S. killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in a 2011 raid and deputy-turned-successor Ayman al-Zawahri in a drone strike just this August. Investigators with the military commission at Guantanamo Bay said he plotted the 9/11 attacks for three years. They cited a computer hard drive seized at his arrest which they said contained photographs of the 19 hijackers, three letters from bin Laden and information about some hijackers. Mohammed, at his tribunal hearing, conceded in a written statement that he swore allegiance to Osama bin Laden, that he was on al-Qaida's council and that he served as operational director for bin Laden for the organizing, planning, follow-up and execution of the Sept. 11 plot "from A to Z." According to the statement, he also took credit for the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center; an attempt to down U.S. jetliners using bombs hidden in shoes; the bombing of a nightclub in Indonesia; and plans for a second wave of attacks after the 2001 attacks targeting landmarks like the Sears Tower in Chicago and Manhattan's Empire State Building. He also claimed credit for other planned attacks, including assassination attempts against then-President Bill Clinton in 1994 or 1995 and an assassination plot against Pope John Paul II at about the same time, the statement said. Bracken traveled to Guantanamo in 2012 to watch one hearing for Mohammed and his co-defendants, and would probably go again if a trial ever happened. I dont know if I want to go there again to bring back all the hurt and pain. But if Im allowed to go, then I guess I would go. Yeah. My sister would do that for me, he said. WASHINGTON A bipartisan group of senators pushing legislation designed to prevent a repeat of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol say a vote on the package isn't likely until after Election Day. The Senate returned from a recess last week but is focusing largely on judicial nominations. Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters Wednesday that the chamber would vote on a marriage equality bill in the coming weeks. The Senate also must work with the House, which returns from its recess this week, to fund the government by Sept. 30. And it's possible Schumer could scrap the chamber's two-week session in October to allow members who are up for re-election to campaign as the party hopes to expand its majority. "I think the prevailing thought is that we will wait, that maybe we would wait until after the election," Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said. "I don't know if we have time to deal with that before the election." A 16-member group of senators seven Democrats and nine Republicans released two proposals in July. The first bill, the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act, would update the Electoral Count Act of 1887 to ensure the electoral votes Congress tallies are an accurate reflection of each state's presidential vote. It also would clarify that the vice president has no authority to accept or reject electors, and make it harder for lawmakers to object to an elector or slate of electors. Currently a single member of the House and Senate may object. Under the bill, at least one-fifth of the members of both chambers must object. The legislation came in response to the Jan. 6 mob of former President Donald Trump's supporters who tried to stop Congress' official certification of the 2020 election results. Trump had pressured Vice President Mike Pence to reject the election certification, something that had always been a formality of the vice president's official duties. But legal experts said the vice president has no such authority and Pence refused. The second measure, the Enhanced Election Security and Protection Act, would double the maximum penalty under federal law to two years in prison for anyone who threatens or intimidates election officials, poll watchers, voters or candidates. It also would provide guidance to states to improve their absentee ballot processes and clarify that the law requires the preservation of electronic election records. It would stiffen the maximum penalties for people who willfully steal, destroy, conceal, mutilate or alter such records from $1,000 and one year in prison to $10,000 and two years in prison. Senate Democrats originally sought to pass a sweeping package of voting rights legislation that would have created automatic and same-day voter registration, expanded early and absentee voting, and made Election Day a federal holiday. But that effort stalled in January with Senate Republicans united in opposition and a pair of moderate Democrats were unwilling to create a filibuster carve-out to pass the measure with only Democratic votes. Though Senate Republicans attacked the broader Democratic bills, which they cast as a federal takeover of elections, a small group of Republicans agreed to hold talks on updating the Electoral Count Act. On Aug. 3, Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, signaled his support for the bipartisan proposal, providing the needed 10th GOP vote to avoid a filibuster. His office confirmed Grassley is now a co-sponsor of the proposal. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., one of the GOP co-sponsors of the scaled-down bipartisan version, said it's unclear whether the legislation would be voted on as a package or two bills. He said the electoral count provisions have broader support than the election security measures. The House is reportedly drafting its own legislation but no policy has been introduced yet. On Sunday, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., a member of the select committee investigating Jan. 6, said on CBS' "Face the Nation" that the Senate measure was "a good first start." "We want to take a much broader view," Raskin said. Raskin said Congress should address "Donald Trump's attack on the entire electoral college process and the entire democratic process, from the counties and the towns and the cities, through the states, all the way up to the federal government." "I think we have got to defend the right to vote and democracy itself," he added. "I think we need to look far more systematically at what Donald Trump was trying to do." Senators were divided on whether they thought the House should attempt to strengthen the package. "Obviously, I would have liked for our group in the Senate to have gone farther than just [electoral college] reform," said Sen. Christopher S. Murphy, D-Conn. "I think the current system has too many vulnerabilities in it." Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., another GOP co-sponsor, said he believes there's room to compromise with the House. "I just want to get something done," he said. But others said the Senate version was the best path forward to passage. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, also a co-sponsor, warned against letting "perfection become the enemy of the good." GRAND ISLAND Western Governors University, a nonprofit, fully online university, and Central Community College recently announced a new joint partnership that will provide students graduating from CCC with their associate degrees with an affordable pathway to earning their bachelors or masters degrees from WGU. Together, the two institutions will seek to create a seamless transfer of credits for CCC students transitioning to WGU to further their education. The partnership between CCC and WGU was first announced earlier this week when Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a Memorandum of Understanding with WGU to expand access to affordable, high-quality degree programs for the estimated 306,000 Nebraskans who have some college credits but no bachelors degree. According to the MOU, the State of Nebraska will commit to supporting the partnership by enlisting relevant agencies to collaborate with and promote WGU in hopes of targeting underserved populations that include dislocated workers, veterans and rural residents. Additionally, WGU will join forces with local employers and employer organizations to meet workforce needs throughout the state. Flexible transfer agreements with WGU will provide yet another high-quality option for our CCC students and for the state of Nebraska to reach our goal of having at least 70 percent of 25- to 34-year-old Nebraskans to have a degree, certificate, diploma or other postsecondary or industry-recognized credential by 2030, said CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall. With three main campuses located in Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings, CCC serves nearly 19,000 students across a 25-county area in central Nebraska. WGU offers students graduating from CCC more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology and health professions, including nursing. The university pioneered online, competency-based education, a model that allows individuals to further their education and careers on their own timeline, no matter where they live. This approach allows students in Nebraska to take advantage of prior learning and work-based experience to move through courses at their own pace and graduate quicker. Students study, complete coursework and take tests on schedules that fit their lives, advancing as soon as they demonstrate they have mastered the subject matter. Like all students at WGU, CCC graduates who enroll will be paired with a program mentor who has expertise in their chosen degree program and supports students in learning and navigating their educational journeys from enrollment through graduation. Under the terms of the agreement, students transferring from CCC to WGU will also be eligible to take advantage of scholarships to make tuition even more affordable. The Community College Partner Scholarship is valued at up to $2,500 each and will be applied to WGUs already-low, flat-rate tuition of about $3,800 per six-month term. Students will also be able to apply for the Nebraska Partnership Scholarship, which is valued at up to $4,000 and is designed for students living in Nebraska who want to further their education at WGU. Additionally, Nebraskans attending WGU who qualify are eligible to apply for the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, a needs-based grant offered by the State for students who meet certain residency, enrollment and financial need qualifications. We are thrilled to provide continuing education options to graduating students of Central Community College, said Dr. Terrance Hopson, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. WGU values the important role community colleges play in upskilling the workforce and is pleased to offer an affordable and flexible pathway for thousands of Nebraskans who need postsecondary education and training to advance their careers and, in turn, their lives. For more information on the partnership between WGU and CCC, visit www.wgu.edu. Bear Creek PAT CHRISTENSEN Sue Olsen joined her sister, Doris Kelley, for breakfast out on Monday morning. Annie Waltemath from Wyeville visited aunt Bonnie Hedding on Wednesday. Randy Waltemath from Wyeville visited Bonnie Hedding on Friday. Ken and Sue Olsen attended Sues class reunion at The Carlton on Saturday evening. It was a great time of renewing old friendships. Joey and Jodi Mosher from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, spent the weekend with Bonnie Hedding. Bonnie Hedding visited her mom, Kate Batten, in Shennington on Sunday. Ken and Sue Olsen went to Rockland on Sunday to the annual Gospel Sing Along Concert. Alicia Waltemath from Wyeville visited Bonnie Hedding on Sunday afternoon. Sharon Bauman from Oakdale visited Pat and Leroy Christensen in Rome on Saturday. Cardell and Emily Potter and Laylah came to visit grandad and Gram Christensen on Sunday afternoon. Laylah is growing so fast. South Side MYRNA FAUSKA As we come to the end of the Labor Day weekend 2022, the fashion police will tell us that we can no longer wear white this season. Well that may be true, or not, but if I have something white that I still want to wear as we enter the fall season, I will wear it. So if you see me wearing white pants and/or white shoes, youll have to arrest me. On to the news of the neighborhood. The Steve Schumann family spent Labor Day weekend celebrating with the hundreds of folks in Kendall enjoying the festivities. I had a busy week beginning last Monday and Tuesday, when I was In La Crosse with health appointments and spent Monday night in the Gundersen Hotel and Suites, a delightful establishment. Wednesday I accompanied Christopher Young to La Crosse to Dahl Subaru for an appointment with his new car. Tuesday after I got home from the big city I attended the 5 p.m. meeting of the Kendall Library Book Club. We each took an autobiography or biography of our choice to read and report on. I chose A Buffalo In The House by R. Rosen and thoroughly loved it. It was written about a couple who adopted an orphan buffalo calf. The wife was a sculptor who wanted to sculpt her great-grandmother feeding a calf on her grandparents buffalo ranch and it tells how the calf became a member of the family as it grew huge. Saturday Christopher and I were at the Kendall Gathering and All School Reunion at the community hall, and on Sunday we watched Monroe Countys largest Labor Day Parade on Railroad Street, and on Sunday we joined the hundreds of folks lined up in two rows the full length of Railroad Street ending past the Glendale Park, where there was a myriad of activities occurring. We opted for our chicken dinners at the community hall and had a good visit with Gloria Benish with son Bob and wife Joan. Sunday Ron Garvens drove the Kendall Lions truck and trailer in the parade and Arlene was one of the throng watching. After the parade they had their chicken dinner in the park. Mary Parkhurst enjoyed an overnight visit from grandson Guy Parkhurst of Janesville on Friday ad the next morning he went over north of Kendall to spend some time with Grandma Elaine Woodard. Saturday Allan and Heather Vlasak were in rural Cashton to celebrate her brother Dean Tompkins and wife Joyce Olsons 70th birthdays at the home of Russ and Julie Everson and kids. Lynette Vlasak and Sally Dana were at both the 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. sessions of the Librarys Book Club on Tuesday. Thursday they had a pot luck meal and attended the St. Johns Lutheran Church Ladies Aid flower show. Friday they spent setting up the community hall for the weekend festivities and lunched at the Almost Home Bar and Restaurant in Clifton. In the evening Sally and Lisa Goostree of Baraboo had take out pizza from the Hidden Inn in Kendall. Saturday after Tor Ennis and his group including LeRoy Petersen entertained the Kendall Gathering, Lynette hosted the All-School Reunion and honored the graduates of the various classes up until the school closed in 1959 and became Royall High School in Elroy. Saturday morning Sally had pancake breakfast at St. Josephs Catholic Church before joining the folks at the community hall. Sunday Alice Brandau was the grand marshal and Lynette and Sally were the parade marshals. After the parade, Lynette opened the library for those who wanted to visit it. The gals also managed to make time for the traditional chicken dinners. What a blessing we enjoyed this past weekend as we gathered with friends and relatives we dont get to see very often. At the Evangelical Free Church in Kendall we welcomed former pastor Vernon Parks to our worship service, while others were getting ready to attend Tor Ennis Cowboy Church in the park. God provided perfect weather for all of the outdoor activities and we give him all the praise and glory for providing this special weekend at the end of summer. During Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the American Red Cross emphasizes the importance of a diverse blood supply to help meet the needs of those with sickle cell disease the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S. Sickle cell disease impacts more than 100,000 people across the country, most of whom are of African descent. Regular blood transfusions are critical to managing extreme pain and life-threatening complications faced by many. Unfortunately, they may develop an immune response against blood from donors that is not closely matched to their own. However, because most individuals who are Black have unique structures on their red blood cells that are not often found in other donor populations, 1 in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease. Seasonal changes can trigger pain crises for those battling sickle cell possibly increasing the need for lifesaving blood transfusions. As summer ends, book a time to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all who come to give through Sept. 18 will get an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Life-threatening complicationsSickle cell disease distorts red blood cells and makes them rigid and crescent-shaped. Sickled red cells can obstruct blood vessels which can cause severe pain, and potentially lead to stroke and organ failure, says Dr. John Weiss, Medical Director, American Red Cross of Wisconsin. Blood transfusions contain healthy red cells to provide the needed oxygen to tissues and organs, and to help minimize crises sickle cell patients may face. Its a pain that Shanice Williams knows all too well. Shanice suffers from sickle cell disease, and the Milwaukee woman has received numerous blood transfusions to deal with the disease. Due to her own pain and the loss of others around her from sickle cell disease, Shanice has become an advocate for blood donations, including at an upcoming drive shes hosting. Blood products are an every day need for sickle cell patients, even those not receiving regular transfusions. Joined by BloodTo help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the American Red Cross is working with partners in the Black community to grow the number of blood donors who are Black through the sickle cell initiative, which launched in 2021. In the first year of the initiative, the number of first-time African American blood donors who gave with the Red Cross increased by 60%. In September and October, the Red Cross launches Joined by Blood, a fall component of the initiative where the Red Cross is teaming up with community organizations, like the National Pan-Hellenic Council and others, to host blood drives and inspire donors who are Black to give blood to support patients with sickle cell disease. To learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood. Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 7-Oct. 7: Vernon CountyChaseburg: 9/24/2022: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Village Hall, 400 Depot St. Hillsboro: 10/6/2022: 10 a.m.4 p.m., Hillsboro Firemens Community Center, 203 Mill St. Viroqua: 9/28/2022: 12 to 5:30 p.m., Church of Christ, 825 Nelson Parkway Westby: 10/7/2022: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Westby High School, 206 West Ave. S. By Trend Turkiye is holding talks with Oman for natural gas trade, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez has said, Trend reports citing Hurriyet Daily News. The minister recalled he engaged in diplomatic efforts for energy last month, visiting several countries amid the sharp increase in global energy prices. In Oman, we held talks on natural gas trade and they look favorably opon the issue. We will act when commercial conditions are appropriate, Donmez told reporters. The minister noted that he attended the G7 energy ministers meeting in Indonesia and had meetings with officials from other countries on the sidelines of the event. Later, I met with Modh Bakke Salleh Chairman of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) in Malaysia. This was an important meeting. We agree to boost cooperation between the two countries. We will bolster efforts in the field of hydrocarbon exploration. Turkiyes natural gas imports declined by 5.64 percent on an annual basis 3.84 billion cubic meters in June, according to the latest data from the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK). The countrys consumption of natural gas fell more than 21 percent in the month from a year ago to 3.05 billion cubic meters. Natural gas storage volume rose by 4.54 percent to 2.7 billion cubic meters. Some 3.3 billion cubic meters of natural gas were imported through pipelines, down 13.5 percent. The country boosted its purchase of LNG by 102 percent to 561 million tons. The Albany train station is looking a little different lately, and travelers are taking notice. Parallel to the train track along chain link fencing marks the site of construction of the Amtrak station. The Justice Department says three Iranian citizens have been charged in the United States with ransomware attacks that targeted power companies, local governments and small businesses and nonprofits, including a Pennsylvania domestic violence shelter. The charges accuse the hacking suspects of targeting hundreds of victims in the U.S. and elsewhere, stealing data from their networks and demanding ransom payments to unlock and return the stolen information. The case was filed in federal court in New Jersey, where a municipality in Union County was hacked last year. The accused hackers are thought to be in Iran and have not been arrested, but a Justice Department official said Wednesday the charges make it functionally impossible for them to leave the country. By Sabina Mammadli Families returning to Zangilans Aghali smart village are being provided with jobs. Hiyafat Hasanova, who works at a sewing enterprise in Aghali village, said that returning to her native land is priceless happiness for her. She noted that the Azerbaijani state provided them with the most modern conditions for living in the village, and created necessary conditions to improve the well-being of the residents. Adilya Suleymanova, who was also provided with a job in the village, said that all members of her family were provided with jobs. "Everyone works in our family - me, my husband, son, and daughter-in-law. Azerbaijan has created all conditions for us. We express our deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the opportunity to return to our native lands, for the favorable living and working conditions available here," she added. In addition, a group of residents was provided with the work in the Family Wellness Center of Aghali village. A total of nine people work in the center, which is also provided with an ambulance service. The head of the department of the Family Wellness Center, Jeyran Abbasova, stressed that it's a great honor for the employees to stand guard over people's health. Health worker Xeyransa Zeynalova expressed gratitude for the comprehensive conditions and the most modern infrastructure created in the village. In total, there are over 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. 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 being 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. Sometimes when Kevin Revolinski is out hiking trails around Madison hell see someone with his 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Madison: Including Dane and Surrounding Counties. I dont personally hike with a book in my hand, but occasionally youll see somebody who pulls up in the car and theyve got a tattered copy, he said. The definitive guidebook, first published in 2008, with new editions in 2015 and 2020, takes readers through well-known spots, such as the UW-Madison Arboretum, Picnic Point, Devils Lake State Park, the Ice Age Trail and Kettle Moraine State Forest, and the lesser-known Ferry Bluff State Natural Area and Rocky Arbor State Park. Revolinski, 54, has written Hiking Wisconsin with 71 of the best trails in the state, and 14 other guidebooks, including Backroads & Byways of Wisconsin, Best Rail Trails Wisconsin and Paddling Wisconsin. He has also co-authored Best Tent Camping: Wisconsin. He said he became the states authority on hiking by chance after answering a Craigslist ad looking for someone to report on five campsites to update another persons book. He said he got paid about $600 for his efforts. From there, the same publisher asked if hed consider writing a Milwaukee hiking guide. I said, sure, absolutely. Ill take any work. Ill go get hiking boots. Revolinski said hes always loved the outdoors, but didnt consider himself a hiker back then. He grew up in small town Marshfield, in central Wisconsin, in neighborhoods that had lots of green space, and his grandparents lived on farms in northern Wisconsin. When he emailed the publisher back about the Milwaukee project, he asked if Madison would make for a better hiking guidebook. They crunched their numbers or whatever magic they do. And offered me a contract to write 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Madison. Revolinski went on to write two Milwaukee hiking books. He also did Wisconsins Best Beer Guide, which first came out in 2010, was updated in 2018, and has another edition due next year. In addition, hes done beer guides for Michigan and Minnesota. Revolinski has written short stories for years, but just last year came out with his first work of fiction, a book of 12 short stories, Stealing Away. It was the first book released by his own publishing company, Back Burner Books. A year spent teaching in Turkey led to his first book, 2006s The Yogurt Man Cometh, and put him on the path of Im gonna travel everywhere all the time. He did that for a number of years, but then felt the need to put down roots and returned to Madison in 2005, Revolinski said. He rented a room off State Street as a home base for more travels. He and his wife, Preamtip Satasuk, 43, live near Tenney Park. He met her in 2006, while in Thailand doing travel writing, and also overseas marketing for Wisconsin English as a Second Language Institute (WESLI). Satasuk was running an enormous business hotel where Revolinski was attending an education fair for WESLI. She now works as an international student services adviser at UW-Madison. What brought you to Madison in the first place? Madison was like New York City to somebody growing up in Marshfield. So, you got to go on a school trip and whoa, Madison. And of course it was nothing like the size it is now. But gosh, its the long way around. I graduated from St. Norbert (College, in the Green Bay suburb of De Pere) a long time ago and took a job in Chicago. Didnt like the big city, moved back to Green Bay and kind of just hung around, played in bands and all this sort of thing, trying to figure out where to go next. And, Madison just seemed like the right choice. What makes you stay in Madison? The right balance between small town and massive city and the crazy variety of foods and restaurants here because people come to the university and they stay. So those influences remain. So you can feel like youre traveling a bit, you have access to those things youve seen out there in the larger world without having to fly to them. Natural beauty. I love the lakes and the green spaces and the park system. You just cant find that in some of the bigger crowded cities and yet you wouldnt have a lot of the cultural offerings and concert series in a smaller town. And youve traveled to, is it 75 countries? Something like that. Yeah. I always recount somewhere in the 70s, Im trying to get to 80 at least. Do you have any trips coming up? I do, a short one just to the Mississippi (River) to spend some time on a houseboat, which is cool. But then, were hoping to go for a couple weeks to Italy and eat our way through Emilia-Romagna, one of the more notable food regions of Italy. You said you sometimes see people with your guidebooks. That must be a good feeling. Its nice to be useful. Theres an old saying of Midwesterners, I guess, thats make yourself useful. Do you and your wife have kids? No. And planning not to, thats our contribution to fighting global warming. Tell me what it was like writing fiction when youre so used to nonfiction. Well, its ironic that you would ask it that way because I was used to writing fiction before I wrote nonfiction. As a kid, I used to love writing. I can remember writing a poem in kindergarten, something to do with the blackbird. I wish I had it. Its just probably god-awful, and making little neighborhood newspapers to pin on the refrigerator door with carbon copies. Good Lord, Im old. But I loved writing creative. I didnt like English class in high school that much. I loved reading. English felt kind of boring to me, but our teacher, Miss Huhn, always came up with creative assignments that I would dive right into. I love the creativity of it. And when I went to college for chemistry, I got tired of cleaning test tubes and thought, I dont want the life of that. So, I switched to English and history, so I wouldnt have a life of anything. Looking at your body of work, Im thinking you probably know the state of Wisconsin better than anyone. Oh boy. I would never make that claim. A good buddy of mine, Mary Bergin, is another Wisconsin travel writer. And Im always amazed by stuff that she turns up that I dont know. And I think, Wow, you know everything, and then Ill say something and shell go, I never heard of that. So, its a bountiful well of things to see and do and eat. This State Journal editorial ran on Sept. 5, 1972: The cashless society, where magnetic credit cards and computers, not greenbacks, are used in everyday transactions, seems to be coming closer. Madison has just witnessed the installation of a 24-hour teller system in a new bank building. Such a mechanism, where a credit card can activate a computer for withdrawals or deposits, could be a forerunner of a cashless monetary system. But the City National Bank of Columbus in Ohio has taken a giant step to check out a way of doing business without cash or checks. Cooperating with a major bank card firm, the Columbus bank issued cards to customers in an affluent suburban community and signed up 27 firms where they installed card terminals as cash registers. When a card holder makes a purchase, the clerk activates the machine, which has its own voice. If the computer repeats the correct charge, it then goes ahead and credits the business with the purchase and debits the customers bank account. Some $500,000 has changed hands in 30,000 transactions over the past eight months, and 260 American and foreign banks have sent representatives to see the Columbus experiment. Yesterday it seemed like pie in the sky to talk about a cashless society. Today it seems like we may soon go to a bank and see stainless steel panels with plastic buttons instead of trim tellers wearing bright blazers. TWIN FALLS South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) encourages Idahoans to make a plan to get boosted against COVID-19 this fall. People 12 and older are now eligible to receive updated COVID-19 boosters (also known as bivalent boosters or Omicron boosters). Doses of the updated COVID-19 boosters arrived in south central Idaho this week and will be available in all SCPHD clinics starting next week. Pharmacies, health centers, and other local clinics are expected to make appointments available as their booster doses arrive. This new booster comes just in time to protect us before the respiratory season begins, said Logan Hudson, SCPHD Family and Childrens Health Division Administrator. Omicron continues to be the leading COVID-19 variant hitting our region. With school back in session and winter viruses on the horizon, this new vaccine will be a big help in keeping us healthy. The updated boosters have been authorized by the FDA and recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The new boosters are the first Omicron-specific vaccines to be made available in the United States. They target the original strain of COVID-19, as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants. The highly contagious BA.5 Omicron subvariant is the dominant strain of COVID-19, making up about 90% of cases nationally. The updated boosters are recommended for people 12 and older who have received their primary COVID-19 vaccine series and have not received a COVID-19 vaccine dose in the last two months. People 12 and older are eligible to receive the updated Pfizer COVID-19 booster, and people 18 and older are eligible to receive the updated Moderna COVID-19 booster. Children ages 5-11 are eligible for the original COVID-19 booster, which provides protection against the original strain of COVID-19. This age group will likely be eligible for updated boosters in the coming months. COVID-19 vaccines remain available to all Idahoans at no cost, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. Appointments at SCPHD for the updated Pfizer booster dose can be made by calling Immunization Services at 208-727-5966. For COVID-19 vaccine availability outside of SCPHD, please contact your pediatrician or primary health care provider. SCPHD is not aware of any providers in the region currently offering the updated Moderna booster dose. SCPHD continues to operate hotlines to help answer questions about COVID-19: (208) 737-5965 for questions in Spanish and (208) 737-1138 for questions in English. The hotline is open on business days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. RALEIGH Roughly everyone in the United States with the possible exception of teacher-union leaders and their pet politicians knew that learning losses from COVID-era school shutdowns were going to be big. But the latest results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) still retained their power to shock. From 2020 to 2022, average scale scores for American 9-year-olds dropped by five points in reading and seven points in math. Thats the largest decline in reading scores since 1990. Its the first-ever decline in math scores. As might be expected, learning losses were largest among students who were already low-performing and among disadvantaged students with less access to parental support and resources while trying to learn at home. Here in North Carolina, 51% of our public-school students scored at grade-level proficiency on state exams in 2022, up from a disastrous 45% in 2021 but still well below the 59% levels of 2017, 2018 and 2019. North Carolina also sets a higher bar, called college and career ready, for which the latest averages are even more sobering: 34% in 2022, compared with 30% in 2021 and 45% in 2019. When the pandemic struck in early 2020, I wrote many times about the difficult tradeoffs our policymakers faced. Although I didnt always agree with the choices they made, I understood the reasoning behind the initial shutdowns and subsequent restrictions on commerce and travel. Presented with limited information, few therapeutic options and no vaccines for this deadly disease, policymakers options were constrained and inherently costly. Early in the pandemic, however, it became clear that the diseases risk profile was greatly skewed by age and preexisting conditions such as obesity. Young children faced (and still face) a tiny risk of serious illness from COVID-19. Other countries started reopening their public schools in the summer of 2020, as did some states. North Carolina didnt. As some of us argued at the time, and as most in retrospect now concede, this was a very bad call. Defenders of Gov. Roy Cooper and his administration would hasten to point out that North Carolina has experienced a relatively low rate of COVID-19 deaths. Doesnt that prove that the states approach to school reopening, and to pandemic restrictions more generally, was the right one? Not so fast. While North Carolinas COVID mortality compares favorably to that of neighboring states, the story is more complicated than that. For one thing, because the risk of serious illness is so strongly related to demographics, simply eyeballing raw totals is unwise. You have to adjust the data. The most recent age-adjusted death rates Ive seen were produced in late August by the Bioinformatics CRO, an international research team. Its figure for North Carolina is 295 per 100,000 residents, ranking the state 29th in the nation. Thats clearly better than the age-adjusted death rates of Tennessee (403), Georgia (359), and South Carolina (356). But North Carolinas rate is actually a little higher than Floridas rate of 288 per 100,000. Remember the furious criticism hurled at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for restricting his states businesses too little and reopening his schools too early? As it turned out, the Sunshine States risk-adjusted COVID deaths arent much different from those of, say, Illinois and Connecticut and are significantly better than those of tightly controlled Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Indeed, according to a separate statistical analysis by the Bioinformatics CRO, the stringency of state lockdown measures including school closures, workplace closures and restrictions on public gatherings shows no correlation with COVID deaths after adjusting for each states age and obesity rates. We cant yet know for certain whether states that opened their schools early, such as Florida, experienced significantly less learning loss than North Carolina did. The NAEP reading and math trends I referenced earlier are not yet available at the state level, and its best to use a common yardstick for such measurements. But Id say its a reasonable guess. Lengthy school closures were, in fact, unreasonable. Up until September 9th, Zimbabwes Minister of Energy and Power Development is in Mozambique for a number of meetings and site visits. Carlos Zacarias, the minister of mineral resources and energy for Mozambique, met separately with Zhemu Soda, Zimbabwes minister of energy and power development, and Santiago Eneme Nsuga, the deputy minister for mines and hydrocarbons for Equatorial Guinea. Zimbabwes Minister Zhemu Soda highlighted his nations interest in taking part in all stages of the Mphanda Nkuwa Hydroelectric Projects development and in securing power to support the countrys mining sector at the meeting, which was the first of his working tour to Mozambique. At a time when the nation is seeking partners for the Mphanda Nkuwa project, which will expand Mozambiques energy potential as well as that of the entire southern African region, Minister Carlos Zacarias indicated his governments openness to this paradigm. In order to further the mechanisms that could increase the energy export to Zimbabwe from the Temane and the Mphanda Nkuwa power plants between 2024 and 2031, Minister Zacarias directed teams from Electricidade de Mocambique (EDM) and the Mphanda Nkuwa Office to join technicians from the National Energy Company of Zimbabwe (ZESA) and members of the governments of both countries for technical meetings. The deputy minister of Equatorial Guinea, Santiago Eneme Nsuga, expressed the desire for his nation to learn from Mozambiques expertise in the growth of the mining industry, including its methods and lessons learned. Since 2017, Mozambique and Equatorial Guinea have worked in the hydrocarbons sector through a memorandum of understanding that will serve as the foundation for a cooperation agreement and is presently being assessed. By Sabina Mammadli Famous foreign travelers visited a mosque in Mardinli village of Fuzuli District on the second day of their trip to Azerbaijans liberated territories, Azernews reports. Travelers saw the remains of the destroyed mosque and were informed about the Armenian barbarism. They were told that Armenians kept livestock in mosques during the occupation and thus showed disrespect for Azerbaijan's cultural and spiritual values. The foreigners were told that Armenia claimed that these lands were theirs, yet did nothing to develop them for 30 years, except for destroying what was remaining. Visiting the center of Fuzuli city, the travelers observed construction work carried out in the city. They were told that at one point the population of Fuzuli was about 100,000 people. According to a survey, conducted by the state, 67 percent of internally displaces persons are ready to return here without any living conditions and built their houses on their own. About 98 percent of the resettled people want to and are ready to return to the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. Further, the guests also visited the Azix cave in Azerbaijan's Xojavand District, where they were informed that the cave is one of the most ancient places of human settlement. Earlier, the travelers also visited Azerbaijan's Aghdam, subjected to Armenian vandalism. There, they got acquainted with the Imarat palace complex, where the founder of the Karabakh Khanate Panah Ali Khan's Palace is located. Travelers witnessed the consequences of Armenian vandalism and were shocked by the scale of destruction committed by Armenian invaders, who laid mines on every inch of the land. The guests previously visited the country's cultural capital Shusha. They were informed about various artifacts testifying to ancient settlements in these territories. Speaking about the trip, Doctor Jagannathan Srinivasaraghavan said that he was impressed by how fast Karabakh is being revived and how fast construction and restoration work is being carried out and new roads are being built. He noted the amount of large-scale work carried out in the liberated territories in such a short time. Further, he expressed disappointment about the mines planted by Armenia and the terrorist acts that Armenia is still carrying out here. "However, I'm very happy that Karabakh is being rapidly revived, and we can be here to witness it," he added. To date, over 100 international travelers from nearly 25 countries have taken part in the trips and this is the fourth such trip that will last until September 10. Currently, work is underway to restore Azerbaijan's liberated lands. Azerbaijan will rebuild its recently liberated areas in four stages. The initial stage includes the solution of the issues of governance and security, and infrastructure, while the subsequent stages include the solution of the issues of social services activities, reconstruction, and development of the economy. In 2021, Azerbaijan allocated $1.5 billion for the reconstruction of liberated territories, followed by AZN 2.2 billion ($1.2 billion) in 2022. These funds will be used primarily to restore infrastructure (electricity, gas, water, communications, roads, education, health, and so on) as well as cultural and historical monuments. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Scientists said Saturday they had identified the mechanism through which air pollution triggers lung cancer in non-smokers, a discovery one expert hailed as "an important step for scienceand for society". The research illustrated the health risk posed by the tiny particles produced by burning fossil fuels, sparking fresh calls for more urgent action to combat climate change. It could also pave the way for a new field of cancer prevention, according to Charles Swanton of the UK's Francis Crick Institute. Swanton presented the research, which has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, at the European Society for Medical Oncology's annual conference in Paris. Air pollution has long been thought to be linked to a higher risk of lung cancer in people who have never smoked. "But we didn't really know whether pollution was directly causing lung canceror how," Swanton told AFP. Traditionally it has been thought that exposure to carcinogens, such as those in cigarette smoke or pollution, causes DNA mutations that then become cancer. But there was an "inconvenient truth" with this model, Swanton said: previous research has shown that the DNA mutations can be present without causing cancerand that most environmental carcinogens do not cause the mutations. His study proposes a different model. A future cancer pill? The research team from the Francis Crick Institute and University College London analyzed the health data of more than 460,000 people in England, South Korea and Taiwan. They found that exposure to tiny PM2.5 pollution particleswhich are less than 2.5 microns acrossled to an increased risk of mutations in the EGFR gene. In laboratory studies on mice, the team showed that the particles caused changes in the EGFR gene as well as in the KRAS gene, both of which have been linked to lung cancer. Finally, they analyzed nearly 250 samples of human lung tissue never exposed to carcinogens from smoking or heavy pollution. Even though the lungs were healthy, they found DNA mutations in 18 percent of EGFR genes and 33 percent of KRAS genes. "They're just sitting there," Swanton said, adding that the mutations seem to increase with age. "On their own, they probably are insufficient to drive cancer," he said. But when a cell is exposed to pollution it can trigger a "wound-healing response" that causes inflammation, Swanton said. And if that cell "harbors a mutation, it will then form a cancer", he added. "We've provided a biological mechanism behind what was previously an enigma," he said. In another experiment on mice, the researchers showed that an antibody could block the mediatorcalled interleukin 1 betawhich sparks the inflammation, stopping cancer from getting started in the first place. Swanton said he hoped the finding would "provide fruitful grounds for a future of what might be molecular cancer prevention, where we can offer people a pill, perhaps every day, to reduce the risk of cancer". 'Revolutionary' Suzette Delaloge, who heads the cancer prevention program at France's Gustave Roussy institute, said the research was "quite revolutionary, because we had practically no prior demonstration of this alternative way of cancer forming. "The study is quite an important step for scienceand for society too, I hope," she told AFP. "This opens a huge door, both for knowledge but also for new ways to prevent" cancer from developing, said Delaloge, who was not involved in the research but discussed it at the conference on Saturday. "This level of demonstration must force authorities to act on an international scale." Tony Mok, an oncologist at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, called the research "exciting". "It means that we can ask whether, in the future, it will be possible to use lung scans to look for pre-cancerous lesions in the lungs and try to reverse them with medicines such as interleukin 1 beta inhibitors," he said. Swanton called air pollution a "hidden killer", pointing to research estimating it is linked to the deaths of more than eight million people a yeararound the same number as tobacco. Other research has linked PM2.5 to 250,000 deaths annually from lung cancer alone. "You and I have a choice about whether we smoke or not, but we do not have a choice about the air we breathe," said Swanton, who is also the chief clinician at Cancer Research UK, which was the main funder of the research. "Given that probably five times as many people are exposed to unhealthy levels of pollution than tobacco, you can see this is quite a major global problem," he added. "We can only tackle it if we recognize the really intimate links between climate health and human health." Explore further Scientists discover how air pollution may trigger lung cancer in never-smokers More information: LBA1 'Mechanism of action and an actionable inflammatory axis for air pollution induced non-small cell lung cancer in never smokers' will be presented by Charles Swanton during Presidential Symposium 1 on Saturday, 10 September, 16:30 to 18:00 CEST in Paris Auditorium. Annals of Oncology, Volume 33 Supplement 7, September 2022. LBA1 'Mechanism of action and an actionable inflammatory axis for air pollution induced non-small cell lung cancer in never smokers' will be presented by Charles Swanton during Presidential Symposium 1 on Saturday, 10 September, 16:30 to 18:00 CEST in Paris Auditorium. Annals of Oncology, Volume 33 Supplement 7, September 2022. www.esmo.org/meetings/esmo-congress-2022 2022 AFP The 40th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Montana and Japan's Kumamoto prefecture arrived Friday with the exchange of a thousand folded cranes, a gift from student Ayano Izaki. A delegation of 22 students from Tohoku University traveled to Montana for two weeks to study shared environmental issues, according to Deena Mansour, the executive director of the Mansfield Center at the University of Montana. They spent time at UM, the Flathead Indian Reservation, the Flathead Lake Biological Station and in Glacier National Park. The exchanges get students sitting side by side, exploring shared issues, and recognizing how much we have in common, Mansour said. The senbazuru of one thousand folded cranes was made by Tohoku student Ayano Izaki, with 50 white cranes representing the 50 states. The senbazuru are symbols of peace, thought to bring good fortune and generally associated with a wish, Mansour said. In this case, Izaki developed it as a wish for peace between the U.S. and Japan. If you look at this in the context of the pandemic, these cells and cranes also fulfill our wish for resumed people-to-people engagements that we've been engaging virtually for two years, Mansour said. In return, UM President Seth Bodnar was to present gifts to Ayano Izaki; professor Richard Mears, a UM graduate who now teaches at Tohoku University, and First Secretary Shiori Yamada of the Consulate General to Japan. Mansour said Japan is an important partner in trade, educational exchanges and critical ally in national security in the region. How did Montana and Kumamoto enter into a sister-state relationship? Heres a condensed version. The center is named after Mike Mansfield, who served as U.S. ambassador to Japan from 1977 to 1988, the longest-ever in the post. Mansfield, a quintessential Montana youth who came from a challenging background, lied about his age to enlist in the military when he was 14, Mansour said. He was stationed in the Philippines and traveled to Japan and China, planting an interest in the area that lasted long after his return. His wife, Maureen, encouraged him to gain an education, so he came to UM and studied the region, eventually becoming a professor of Far Eastern Studies. After his election to the U.S. House and Senate (where he was the longest serving Senate majority leader), he was appointed as ambassador to Japan by President Carter. Against the usual tradition where appointees dont outlast an administration, Reagan asked him to stay on. In 1982, Mansfield initiated the sister-state relationship. It became a key partner at a time of major economic activity, and the states first international trade office was founded in the prefecture and remains a valuable source of trade, Mansour said. High school and college students from both countries have traveled back and forth, with clubs of various kinds of both sides of the Pacific. Tohoku, for instance, is in Sendai, not in Kumamoto. Theyre here looking at shared environmental issues: food security, natural resource development, ecotourism, drought, flooding, timber and mining. The answer to ongoing water contamination flowing into Montana from Canadian coal mines could hide in a treaty signed back in 1909. But it's unclear if the Canadian government will participate in such diplomacy. A bi-national watershed board could resolve long-running concerns over selenium contamination from open-pit coal mines in British Columbia that flows into the U.S. via Lake Koocanusa. The International Joint Commission, created by the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty between the United States and Canada, exists mainly to address disputes over contamination flowing between two countries that share a continental border riddled with lakes, rivers and reservoirs. The commission also brokers arrangements to manage water levels on dammed transnational waterways (such as the Koocanusa reservoir). The body seats six commissioners, three from each nation, all of whom are sworn to uphold the 113-year old treaty. In trace amounts, selenium is essential to animal health. But in greater concentrations it accumulates in fish and bird ovaries, which leads to fewer eggs hatching, animals hatching with birth defects, and young that die before they can reproduce. If requested, the IJC could convene a "watershed board" of experts and stakeholders who would analyze selenium contamination in Lake Koocanusa and advise on solutions. The Ktunaxa Tribal First Nation in British Columbia has for years been at the fore of efforts to push Global Affairs Canada, the equivalent of the U.S. State Department, to join the State Department in making such a request of the IJC, known as a "reference." After 18 months of efforts toward a draft joint reference supported by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Montana and the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho the Ktunaxa Nation said that Global Affairs Canada notified the tribe via email in April that it would not support an IJC reference for Lake Koocanusa. Global Affairs Canada has since walked back that position, stating that it is not opposed to a reference. For now, a possible reference remains in limbo, and tribal nations say they've been cut out of the process by Canada. Teck Resources Limited, which owns four active open-pit coal mines and one mothballed mine that are the main sources of selenium contamination, said in a statement Friday that "Teck is committed to protecting water quality on both sides of the border, including in the Koocanusa Reservoir. We have three water treatment facilities removing about 95% of the selenium from treated water, water quality is improving, and more water treatment facilities are being built and coming online. So far we have invested $1.2 billion in water quality with plans to invest a further $750 million over the next two years." A spokesperson for the company did not answer questions about Teck's stance on a reference to the IJC or whether the company has lobbied the Canadian or British Columbia governments regarding a reference. Lake Koocanusa, a man-made reservoir retained by the Libby Dam, spans the international boundary into southern British Columbia. It was created by damming the Kootenai River (Kootenay in Canada). The selenium in the reservoir comes from the Elk and Fording rivers in British Columbia, which cut through a sprawling landscape of open-pit coal mines operated by Teck before flowing into the Kootenai. Selenium leaches into runoff water that flows through mining waste rock piles and then into the Elk and Fording rivers. Teck has not stated what percentage of overall runoff into the waterways it is able to treat. Cooperation crumbles A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada said in a statement Friday that "Canada and the United States have not rejected the possibility of a reference to the IJC. We are committed to work with Indigenous Nations and the province of British Columbia on a collaborative path forward to address the concerns. Discussions with U.S. officials on how to best address this issue will continue to take place." But leaders of the Ktunaxa Nation said in May that they were "stunned" to learn that Global Affairs Canada had unilaterally, in the tribe's view, rejected a proposed reference developed over the past 18 months in consultation with tribal nations and the U.S. "GAC refused to share critically important information with us, while allowing B.C. direct access to Federal decision-makers to influence this decision in a manner directly prejudicial to our title and rights," the Ktunaxa Nation said in a letter in May. "This is a clear breach of the Federal governments duty to consult. It is also an unfortunate example of high-handed, unilateral Federal conduct taken without any regard for Indigenous peoples. The manner of communicating this decision via an email from staff is also deeply disrespectful." In a statement Friday, a spokesman for British Columbia Ministry of Environment wrote that "at this time, there is no involvement of the International Joint Commission, and BC continues to work with all parties to improve water quality in the Elk River Valley. This work is guided by the Minister-approved Area Based Management Plan (ABMP) titled the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan, that was drafted in 2013-2014." "There hasn't been good communication at all since spring of 2022 from Canada," said Erin Sexton, a senior scientist with the Flathead Biological Research Station. "I don't understand why BC and Canada don't support it. We really need all the best minds at the table to address this problem." "My understanding is that the State Department and Global Affairs Canada continue to discuss framework," said Robert Sisson, a U.S. commissioner on the IJC. "I know the State Department favors a reference to the IJC, but Global Affairs has not reached that conclusion." It's unclear when Canada might reach any conclusion. In May, all six IJC commissioners sent a joint letter to U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raising concerns that selenium in the Elk River and Lake Koocanusa watershed was causing increasing conflict between interested parties and rights holders on both sides of our shared border. The IJC highlighted selenium levels of 9.46 ppb in the Elk River, 4.99 ppb in Lake Koocanusa and 1.4 ppb in the Kootenai River. The selenium contamination, first identified more than three decades ago, has continued to worsen, with no significant bi-national cooperation to protect the water or aquatic and human life, the IJC stated. The IJC acknowledged that the State Department is discussing the merits of a unilateral reference to the IJC, but that we believe it is in the best interests of all concerned if a joint reference were made to the IJC. The IJC highlighted that the body was willing to engage on the matter. Shielded science, soft regulations Wyatt Petryshen, a mining policy and impacts researcher with Canadian conservation group Wildsight, said that "Canada more or less refuses to issue a joint reference" to the IJC. He stressed that "We're not trying to shut down mines" with a reference. Instead, the watershed board created by a reference would be instrumental in bringing scientists, tribal nations and governments of all levels from both nations to a common group with shared, open science. British Columbia sets recommended levels for selenium in water, Petryshen said. The recommended levels are not binding and water around Teck's mines often drastically exceeds the levels. The recommendations state that 2 parts per billion (ppb, or micrograms per liter) of selenium constitutes a risk to wildlife, and 10 ppb selenium in water is harmful to human health. Levels as high as 150 ppb have been detected around Teck's mines. In the U.S., water quality is more strictly regulated under the federal Clean Water Act. Montana developed a site-specific standard of 0.8 ppb for Lake Koocanusa, citing state, tribal and university studies that found that current levels of selenium are harming fish there. But Teck is held to some standards through its mining permit, according to Petryshen and the provincial Ministry of Environment. The BC ministry stated that a 2014 permit for Teck's mines in the Elk River Valley turned some aspects of the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan into "legally enforceable permit requirements for Teck to meet," and Teck is required to implement water treatment to "stabilize and reduce concentrations of selenium to meet permit compliance limits." But Teck "routinely" violates its permit's water quality and treatment standards, Petryshen said, and the fines levied on the massive global corporation do little to encourage compliance. In 2021, the company was fined $60 million after pleading guilty to illegal pollution discharges that resulted in a massive, near-total fish kill. The fine was 10-times larger than any other penalty previously levied under Canada's Fisheries Act, but it was dwarfed by Teck's annual revenue of more than $10 billion that year. "It's just the cost of doing business," he said. "If you're not going to halt mining or limit its expansion, the fines don't really matter." Technically, either nation can send a reference to the IJC by itself. But out of dozens of references, that's only happened one time, Sisson said, when Canada submitted a reference for the "Windsor Hum," a subtle humming emanating from industrial areas of Detroit and affecting Windsor, Ontario. "Under the treaty, either party can provide a reference to us," he said, adding that "the two parties have agreed on when and why to provide a reference to the IJC." Scientists, tribal leaders and even IJC commissioners maintain that a request, or reference, from both nations for the IJC to analyze, monitor and advise on Lake Koocanusa water quality may be the best and possibly the only collaborative path forward to addressing harmful selenium levels in "Lake K." "The problem right now I think is that there's such a lack of trust and transparency between both sides," Sisson said, arguing that Canadians may fear a reference could shut down a coal mining industry that directly or indirectly provides 20% of jobs in the East Kootenay region, and 5% of British Columbia's revenue. But ending coal mining is "not even on the table." An IJC reference, he said, would "pull together a bi-national group of people from all walks of life, rebuild relationships, rebuild some trust, make sure everyone's operating on a standard set of data." Right now, that's not happening. "We have a really big problem with transparency and access to data in this watershed," Sexton said. "I don't know if there's something that Canada or the Provence of BC doesn't want put on a transparent table." Fears of Flathead repeat Sexton has spent decades working on water quality issues related to upstream mining, existing and proposed, on the Flathead River and Lake Koocanusa. She said that the Canadian and British Columbia governments may be wary of a reference to the IJC because of the 1985 conclusion to an IJC reference asking about the impacts of proposed open-pit coal mining on the North Fork of the Flathead barely inside Canada. A bi-national watershed board determined after three years of study that no level of mining could occur without "irreparable damage" to endangered bull trout in the U.S. The British Columbia government refused to accept the result, which was not legally binding, but the mines never materialized anyway. Instead, the governments of British Columbia and Montana signed a memorandum of understanding in February 2010 to limit natural resource extraction, promote conservation and share scientific data in the watershed, in coordination with the Ktunaxa and CSKT. The North Fork Flathead reference may have made the British Columbia government wary of another reference to the IJC on issues surrounding Canadian coal mining. but a reference on Lake Koocanusa would be "completely different," Sexton said. A reference for Lake Koocanusa, she said, would simply create a watershed board that would serve as "a governance table where all the impacted governments can sit around the table." Currently, no one is analyzing the entire watershed, but an IJC watershed board would "unify the science" and "make sure that management ... is talking place, so that at least there is consistency across the jurisdictions." "I think the board could certainly provide some recommendations regarding long-term monitoring in the system," Sexton said. "We've got a legacy mine leaching problem. Some sort of guidance for what that looks like in the long term, which could then be supported by all the governments." Milestone Cafe and home-delivered meals Milestones Community Cafes are serving in-person lunches in most areas. Serving hours are from 11 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. All meals are served on a contribution basis to people 60 years and older. To find the Community Cafe nearest you, or to make a reservation, please call 855-410-6222. Because of COVID-19, some sites continue to not be open to serve congregate meals. For these area there will continue to be home-delivered meals to meet the nutritional needs of our seniors and help them remain healthy, safe and independent in their homes. For questions or concerns, please call Heather at 563-260-9921. Milestones Area Agency on Aging is located at 117 W 3rd St. (ground floor of Clark House) in Muscatine. To inquire about home-delivered meals, call 563-260-9921. The suggested donation for a meal is $5. Income and ability to contribute do not determine eligibility. Persons younger than 60 may attend; however, the charge is $8.50 per meal. Menus are available at milestonesaaa.org. Sept. 12-16 Monday: Beef patty with cooked onions, mashed potatoes, spinach casserole, apple crisp, garlic-wheat roll. Tuesday: Chicken pasta salad, corn salad, sliced cucumbers, seasonal fruit, crackers. Wednesday: Roast turkey, gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans with onions, lemon bar, wheat roll. Thursday: Cook's choice: chicken nuggets, baked potato with sour cream, beets, pears, wheat bread. Friday: Beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, chopped green salad, dressing, mandarin orange cake. The senior nutrition program is sponsored by Milestones Area Agency on Aging. New analysis by Daily Investor revealed that former Shoprite CEO Whitey Basson created a 2,450% return in shareholder value during his fifteen-year tenure. For this analysis, Daily Investor looked at the shareholder returns share price growth and dividends under prominent retail CEOs over the last twenty years. The start date for the analysis is 1 January 2001, and we calculated the performance until 31 August 2022. If a CEO started his tenure before 1 January 2001, his performance was only calculated from 1 January 2001. The analysis revealed that shareholder returns were closely linked to the CEOs performance and the period during which they were in charge. Former Spar CEO Peter Hughes achieved the highest annualized return at 39%, followed by former Woolworths CEO Simon Susman at 28%. However, Whitey Bassons annualized performance over the same period as Hughes was 59%, and he achieved a 30% annualized return over the same period as Susman. It is easy to see why Basson received a pay package of R627.6 million in 2011. He was behind growing Shoprite from an 8-store chain to the largest food retailer in Africa, comprising of 1,649 stores in 15 countries and employing just under 130,000 people. Shoprite chairman Christo Wiese described Basson as a person whose talent is incredibly rare. If I could find another Whitey Basson, I would happily pay him a billion, Wiese said in response to Bassons pay package. Other noteworthy performances came from former Spar CEO Wayne Hook at 21%, former Pick n Pay CEO Sean Summers at 18%, and current Pick n Pay CEO Pieter Boone at 17%. Top South African retail CEOs for shareholder returns The table below shows the shareholder returns for CEOs from JSE-listed retail companies. Top South African Retail CEOs CEO Company Total Return Annualized Return Whitey Basson Shoprite 2,450% 22% Pieter Engelbrecht Shoprite 52% 8% Sean Summers Pick n Pay 177% 18% Pieter Boone Pick n Pay 22% 17% Richard van Rensburg (interim) Pick n Pay 10% 11% Nick Badminton Pick n Pay 53% 9% Richard Brasher Pick n Pay 48% 5% Peter Hughes Spar 86% 39% Wayne Hook Spar 294% 21% Graham OConnor Spar 100% 10% Brett Botten Spar -12% -8% Simon Susman Woolworths 1,025% 28% Ian Moir Woolworths 164% 11% Roy Bagattini Woolworths 26% 9% By Jacques Bartleman, first published on Daily Investor and republished with permission. Now read: Shoprite taking the fight to Takealot and Mr D When people ask Dennis Smith how long it takes him to create a painting, his standard reply is One hour and 40 years. Most people dont know about the years of learning and the enormous amount of practice needed to produce a work of art, he said. They just see an image; theyre not aware of what goes into it. Smiths oil painting A River Runs Through was chosen by his fellow artists as the cover art for the 2022 Open Studios Napa Valley Directory and Map the guide art lovers use for their free, self-guided art discovery tours that take place over the last two weekends in September. Smith is one of 70 artists in 43 locations who will open their studios during the 34th annual Open Studios Napa Valley from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17- 18 and Sept. 24-25. Smith, who was an architect in San Francisco prior to retiring to Napa to pursue his passion, has an eclectic style with images ranging from realistic to abstract impressionism. Much of his work has been inspired by his travels. Visitors to Smiths Studio 41, located at 1638 Los Carneros Ave., can view the watercolors, oils, pastels, acrylics and line drawings done by this versatile artist inside his studio barn. His art will also be on display outdoors and in white tents that were recently set up for a wedding. OSNV is presented as a collaborative effort by the participating artists of Art Association Napa Valley because they believe in the value of sharing a unique artistic experience with visitors who come to their studios. Open Studios is an exploration of ideas and viewpoints. Artists help us see the world from a different perspective, said OSNV Director Frank Trozzo. We are all relieved that the pandemic is not a factor this year, he added. Everyone can just purely enjoy the art. With artists welcoming visitors into their studios, savvy art collectors and those who are just curious about art, can peer into their creative spaces, ask questions, watch demonstrations and buy local art from the source. Part of the fun of visiting studios is witnessing art demonstrations. Fiber artist Sharon Crary and wood sculptor David Mahaffey are among the artists giving demos. Crary will be doing demos on three looms in her garage at Studio 20, located at 1505 G St. She began weaving more than 40 years ago and continues to weave tapestries, rag rugs and weft face rugs using the shaft switching technique. Wood sculptor David Mahaffey will be giving demonstrations at Studio 26, located at 256 Franklin St. I love wood, he said. One of my real joys is exploring the fabulous variety of woods from trees that lived in Napa and now, hopefully, will be enjoyed and valued for more years to come as lathe turned objects of art and utility. Jewelry artist Sue F. Payne is also at Studio 26. Ever since I was a child, I loved making pretty things. Jewelry design has allowed me to continue and inspire that passion to create, said Payne. Payne is known for customizing pieces for individuals who normally cant find jewelry to fit them. All of the talented Napa artists who are opening their studios this month have spent years honing their skills and each studio is well worth a visit. To make the most of this self-guided art tour a 2022 artist directory and map is a necessity. These can be obtained at Art Gallery Napa Valley, 1307 First St.; Jessel Gallery, 1019 Atlas Peak Road; Cartons and Crates, 3250 California Blvd; and Color Theory, 1343 Main St. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that the United States plans to name its military mission to support Ukraine and appoint a general to lead the training and assistance effort. The naming of the operation, the Journal said, formally recognizes the U.S. effort within the military, akin to how the Pentagon dubbed the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedoms Sentinel. What Operation will this be? With what incomprehensible moniker will the U.S. effort in Ukraine be dubbed? This war will now have a name. It cannot die; we dare not kill it. To be sure, U.S. support for Ukraine is, by all accounts, merely support, unlike previous (and many current) U.S. military commitments. Among the competing concepts that the post-Cold War era has produced, the Western foreign policy acropolis accepts as gospel the fact that in today's "rules-based" global order, larger countries that act aggressively against smaller and weaker neighbors should be punished. Despite the exceptions to this consensus on the security policies of states such as Israel and America, it is generally a good principle. World peace has too often been disrupted by the ambitions of revisionist states led by ideologues and imperialists. But what does it say about our liberally ordered world that its preservation increasingly depends on waging war indefinitely? Will this war include indefinite commitments? Will the financing of the Ukrainian war effort be built seamlessly into the essence of U.S. foreign policy over time, as has happened with many other conflicts? Will the question of its nature and importance not raise accusations of defeatism, which is now a concomitant pathology of the raison d'etre of the U.S. security establishment? A recent piece in Responsible Statecraft added to this chorus of questions. If this is not acknowledging a deeper level of U.S. military involvement, what is it? And if so, why shouldnt the American people be wary? Nevertheless, this latest move demonstrates the longevity as well as the depth of America's commitment. To name a thing is to give it meaning, identity, and permanence. For the Ukrainian people, their struggle for survival needs no name. They know it is brutal, violent, and existential. It needs neither sophistry nor taxonomy, but it needs to end. And yet it won't end until one or both sides decide it is necessary. Perhaps the Ukrainians are preparing for a long war, as are their Russian opponents. But they do not consider themselves guileless pawns in some endless border war against a neighboring great power. Nor should the United States. The name this operation will receive will pay homage to freedom, liberty, or Ukrainian sovereignty. But its meaning may be less lofty, and it may make this "supreme" war the same as any other war America has directly or indirectly pursued and continues to pursue. As the number of Ukrainians dying for their country continues to grow, the United States will gradually assimilate their cause into its defense architecture and ask fewer questions about it. Whether this war will eventually lead to peace is impossible to predict. But the name should be remembered for what it was and was not, what it did and did not do. Like a storm in the desert. Like Iraqi freedom. CSTO mission gets acquainted with consequences of Azerbaijani aggression in Armenia Norat Ter-Grigoryants calls for martial law Nancy Pelosi arrives in Yerevan Nancy Pelosi: We will convey strong, ongoing support of US for lasting settlement to Karabakh conflict Toivo Klaar on Azerbaijan attack on Armenia: Disturbing reports of crimes, violence targeting civilians Azerbaijan announces new death toll due to own military aggression against Armenia Armenia Investigative Committee chief: As of now we have 2 confirmed civilian casualties Russia Orthodox Church ready to contribute to starting dialogue between Armenia, Azerbaijan spiritual leaders Yerevan to host 9th Russia-Armenia interregional forum CBN News: War in Ukraine, Russia oil shortfall spark Azerbaijan attack against world's first Christian country Nancy Pelosi's Armenia visit agenda is announced Karabakh President to deliver video message on September 19 Armenia ombudswoman visits some settlements recently targeted by Azerbaijan army (PHOTOS) At least 14 dead in landslide caused by heavy rains in Nepal CSTO stresses need to pacifically resolve Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border situation Representation at ECHR: Armenia petitioned to International Court of Justice Armenia PM, European Council chief discuss matters on settlement of situation Iran objects to any change of internationally-recognized borders in region, Raisi tells Erdogan Armenia representation at ECHR: More than dozen Armenian soldiers captured due to Azerbaijan attack Iran ambassador in Baku details Tehran position towards Armenia, Azerbaijan Biden threatens Russia with consequences in case of using nuclear weapons in Ukraine Ombudsperson publishes report on consequences of Azerbaijan recent military attack on Armenia Azerbaijan embassy representative in US curses at Armenian women, tears protesters banner Germany deputy chief of mission to Armenia is shocked by destruction he saw in Jermuk city by Azerbaijan (PHOTOS) Rally being held in Stepanakert for 3rd day No change, as of 9am, in situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border 5 Syria soldiers killed after Israel missile attack on Damascus airport Newspaper: Armenia PM's not attending Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit not clearly understood Newspaper: Situation at Armenia border with Azerbaijan still very tense despite relative calm White House not ruling out new sanctions on Russia Armenia parliament speaker: Let Russia tell us if it is unable to do anything at this moment U.S. State Department announces updated strategy for Arctic Alen Simonyan: Armenia is dissatisfied with CSTO reaction to Azerbaijani aggression, we made conclusions China imposes sanctions on heads of U.S. companies for supplying weapons to Taiwan Alen Simonyan: Azerbaijan wants Armenia and Armenians not to exist Alen Simonyan: Introduction of martial law may be perceived as act of aggression Japanese PM says he is ready to meet with Kim Jong-un without preconditions Speaker of Parliament: One or two adversary groups who penetrated territory of Armenia are under search Ten people die in Italy due to heavy rains CSTO members do not agree: Kyrgyzstan uses drones to attack Tajik targets Today Armenia will apply to International Court of Justice Russian Defense Ministry: No violations of ceasefire in Karabakh in Russian zone of responsibility during day Turkey wants more Russian gas Putin: Turkey will pay for quarter of Russian gas supplies in rubles Defense Ministry: As of 9 p.m., situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border remains unchanged Putin: Erdogan keeps offering to arrange meeting with Zelenskyy Putin announces Russia's role in localization of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict Gas prices in Europe are getting down Putin: Latest incident on border between Armenia and Azerbaijan has nothing to do with Karabakh Poland signs $3 billion deal with South Korea to buy 48 FA-50 fighters Aliyev: Events show that neither Baku nor Yerevan wants large-scale escalation Scholz: German government ready to revise military export rules Putin calls situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border tense Putin briefs Aliyev on his talks with Pashinyan Greece MFA welcomes Armenia-Azerabaijan ceasefire agreement Digital technologies have no alternative: SAP signs cooperation agreement with Armenian Revytech (PHOTOS) Mexican authorities arrest retired general in connection with kidnapping of 43 students Putin and Aliyev's talks kick off Orban calls the European Parliament's call to cut funding for Hungary 'boring joke' Mourad Papazian and French Armenians hold rally in Paris against Azerbaijani aggression (PHOTOS) Lebanese banks close all their offices after attacks by disgruntled depositors Putin and Erdogan hold talks in Samarkand Inflation in Eurozone hits another record 9.1% Nancy Pelosi confirms reports on her upcoming visit to Armenia State Department: Russia hoped to get military aid from China At least 7,600 people from 3 Armenian regions leave their homes amid Azerbaijani aggression World Bank: rising global interest rates may trigger recession in 2023 Secretary of Security Council of Armenia: Our expectations from CSTO are not justified China hopes Yerevan and Baku will resolve their differences through political dialogue EBRD President notes importance of road construction programs in Armenia Lithuania MPs condemn Azerbaijan military attack against Armenia Stepanakert rally continues for 2 days Azerbaijan reports about death of 77 servicemen German government tries to nationalize three major gas companies CSTO mission receives operational information on situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border American journalist Lindsay Snell tweets about Azerbaijani atrocities Development of private sector is our main focus and objective. Interview with EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso UK retail sales fall, highlighting recession risk Man arrested in Lebanon after bank robbery in attempt to access his own savings Russia envoy: Armenia attaches special importance to CSTO mission Athens: Turkish leadership made a choice that leaves no room for negotiation Armenia army chief: 50-60 member group from Azerbaijan retreated to state border today Armenia army chief: 10-12 member Azerbaijan army detachment is isolated on top of hill, under siege Iranian diplomat: Ankara provokes Baku for war against Armenia on behalf of Israel Armenia army chief: Azerbaijan penetrated 1-2km in Nerkin Hand, half km in Ishkhanasar, gained advantage in Shorzhas National Interest: US actually rewarded Azerbaijan for aggression against Armenia China hopes Yerevan and Baku will observe ceasefire agreement Armenia Vayots Dzor provincial governor: No civilians at Jermuk city dangerous zone, schools closed SCO countries are going to increase cooperation in defense and security field Charles Michel: EU needs to reduce energy consumption Azerbaijanis dismember Armenia servicewoman Armenian ex-president to meet citizens on Monday 209 buildings damaged in 3 Armenian regions amid Azerbaijani aggression Army chief: Azerbaijan aimed to deliver serious economic blows to Armenia by hitting Jermuk city infrastructure Aliyev misinformed SCO participant about Karabakh conflict 'settlement' Japanese PM's rating falls to lowest level since taking office Army chief: Azerbaijan has penetrated into Armenia sovereign territory with 8.5km wide front, up to 7.5km deep Iranian President: Tehran rejects any change of recognized borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan Stoltenberg urges to prepare for long-term war in Ukraine ECHR sends request to Azerbaijan on Armenian captives: Baku given till September 22 Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) has announced that it has successfully priced its inaugural green bond, which will be issued on September 14, raising $500 million to support the financing of low-carbon initiatives. The 5-year bond, priced at a spread of 115 basis points above treasuries with a 4.5 percent coupon rate, was 3.8 times oversubscribed after attracting a range of local, regional, and international investors that placed total orders of over $1.9 billion. The strong investor demand follows a global roadshow and reflects confidence in ADCB and its approach to managing ESG risks and opportunities. The Bank has embedded ESG into its corporate strategy and has aligned its sustainability approach to the UAEs ambitions for an inclusive, net-zero economy. Commitments include providing AED35 billion in green finance by 2030, reaching net-zero in the Banks own operations and reducing financed emissions in line with UAE government net-zero ambitions. The successful pricing of the first ADCB Green Bond is a significant milestone in the Banks implementation of international best practice in ESG. ADCB recognises the important role major banks play in supporting the transition to an inclusive, net-zero economy, and we support the goals of the UAEs 2050 Strategic Initiative. The Bank has adopted a Green Bond Framework to provide a long-term platform to support further mobilisation of capital for green projects. We look forward to collaborating with clients and other stakeholders to advance in our shared ambition for a net-zero future. The favourable pricing for ADCBs green bond was supported by the Banks strong credit ratings of A/Stable/A-1 from S&P and A+/Stable/F1 from Fitch. MSCI has assigned an AA rating for ESG, while the Bank is categorised as Medium risk by Sustainalytics. The proceeds of the bond issuance will further support financing of a low-carbon economy in line with criteria set out in the Framework. Initiatives eligible for green loans include projects or companies associated with renewable energy, green buildings, sustainable water and wastewater treatment, clean transportation, energy efficiency, pollution prevention and control. The Framework, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and based on the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA) Green Bond Principles, is governed by a cross-functional Green Bond Working Group reporting to an executive-level Sustainability Committee. Furthermore, in accordance with industry best practice, ADCB has obtained a Second Party Opinion to externally verify the sustainability quality of the Framework and alignment with Green Bond Principles.-TradeArabia News Service New Delhi will ban fireworks from October to January to reduce air pollution. These months are particularly tough as the metropolis is enveloped in smoke from burning stubble, dust and automobile exhaust. In addition, October 24 is the Diwali festival of lights, and the city fills with smoke from pyrotechnics launching, Reuters writes. New Delhi is home to 20 million people. It is the most polluted capital in the world. To keep people safe from the danger of pollution in Delhi, as last year, this year also completely banned the production, storage, sale and use of all types of fireworks. This time there will also be a ban on their online sale and delivery in Delhi, said Gopal Rai, the city's environment minister. The exact date on which the ban will take effect will be announced in the coming days. In previous years, the restrictions were imposed just before Diwali. It is known that they will last until January 1, 2023. Some Hindus condemn the decision of the city authorities. They believe that banning fireworks during Diwali restricts their freedom of religion. The U.S. government posted a $40,000 reward Friday for information leading to the arrest of the Malaysian defense contractor nicknamed Fat Leonard, who disappeared weeks before he was set to be sentenced for one of the largest bribery scandals in the nations military history, AP reported. Leonard Glenn Francis cut off his ankle monitoring bracelet last Sunday at a San Diego home where he was being held, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Neighbors reported seeing U-Haul trucks coming and going from the home days before he disappeared. Francis had been allowed to remain in home confinement to receive medical care while he cooperated with the prosecution. With his help, prosecutors secured convictions of 33 of 34 defendants, including more than two dozen Navy officers. Francis pleaded guilty in 2015 to offering prostitution services, luxury hotels, cigars, gourmet meals, and more than $500,000 in bribes to U.S. Navy officials and others to help his Singapore-based ship servicing company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia Ltd. or GDMA. Prosecutors said the company overcharged the Navy by at least $35 million for servicing ships, many of which were routed to ports he controlled in the Pacific. Ten U.S. agencies are searching for Francis. U.S. authorities also issued a red notice, which asks law enforcement worldwide to provisionally arrest someone with the possibility of extradition. Malaysia and Singapore both have extradition agreements with the United States. The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) has announced it will hand over buildings to federal entities within the next two months. Mariam Mohamed Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for General Financial Management, stated that all the buildings that will be handed over are sustainable, innovative, and in compliance with the best international standards and practices in line with the UAE Governments directions and efforts in the transition toward a green economy. MoF is keen to implement government building projects and headquarters that provide an attractive work environment for federal government employees. The ministry utilised solar panels and building materials that are compatible with sustainable building regulations and green standards, to improve energy and water use efficiency, and preserve human health and the environment, Al Amiri said. Necessary resources Al Amiri also reaffirmed the ministrys keenness to provide the necessary resources to support infrastructure projects that help enhance quality of life. The Covid-19 pandemic has imposed difficulties on the UAE's construction sector over the past two years, but the Ministry of Finance was able to effectively finish the building construction activities, she added. MoF will hand over the buildings to the federal entities and continue the maintenance processes for one year (the warranty year). Each building will then be managed (in terms of operating and following up on systems and equipment, periodic and preventive maintenance, building and contents insurance, cleaning, guarding, and following up on its development if modifications or additions are needed) in accordance with the recommendations of the Federal Government Properties Department at MoF, and in coordination with the relevant federal entity and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.-- TradeArabia News Service The passing of Queen Elizabeth II means not only the transfer of the crown to her first son Charles - now officially King Charles III - but also the movement of her personal fortune and the transfer of a huge portfolio of assets ranging from iconic castles to crown jewels into trust, CBS News reports. Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year reign came during a period of enormous wealth creation around the world, with new ventures springing up in the decades after World War II. But much of her fortune is tied up in tangible assets that haven't really appreciated, like Microsoft or Amazon stock, which have soared 240,000% and 146,000%, respectively, since their initial public offerings. Still, Queen Elizabeth's historic reign has helped strengthen the British monarchy's brand, which was valued at about $78 billion in 2017, according to an estimate by consulting firm Brand Finance. That amount includes tangible assets such as Buckingham Palace as well as the intangible value of the monarchy's brand, which boosts tourism to Britain and sales of goods bearing the royal warrant or crest, the consultancy notes. The queen's personal fortune is made up of her ownership of art, jewelry, investments and real estate, which includes Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where she passed away Thursday, and Sandringham House in England. Together, these assets are valued at $500 million, according to Forbes estimates. According to Forbes, King Charles will inherit most of her personal assets. King is not subject to inheritance tax They say death and taxes are inevitable, but Britain's monarch is legally exempt from one of the main taxes imposed on wealthy people in inheritance: the inheritance tax. According to The Economist, the country's sovereign pays no inheritance taxes. Thus, King Charles will not face the 40% inheritance tax in Britain that would otherwise "eat up" about $200 million of his mother's fortune. Inherited wealth: $34.3 billion in assets Inherited property will now belong to King Charles III as the country's reigning monarch, but there is one catch: It is not considered his private property because it is held in trust. That means he cannot sell the assets. According to the latest financial report, the Crown Estate corporation includes $34.3 billion in assets and real estate. It includes Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, land and real estate throughout London and the United Kingdom. The huge management company is overseen by an independent organization, not members of the royal family, and surplus income is remitted annually to the British treasury. Although King Charles cannot dispose of the assets of Crown Estates for personal purposes, the royal family benefits financially from his holdings. At least 15% of the corporation's profits go to the royal family in the form of a sovereign grant, according to the royal family's website. In the last fiscal year, the Crown Estate made $311 million in profits, meaning about $47 million was given to the royal family. King Charles III: $24 million from the Duchy Before becoming king, Charles held the title of Duke of Cornwall, which gave him the right to govern the Duchy of Cornwall. That role belonged to the heir to the throne, which meant that the duchy would now pass to Charles's eldest son, Prince William. The Duchy of Cornwall includes more than 130,000 acres of land worth $1.3 billion, according to Fortune. But, as with inherited property, Charles was not allowed to sell the land, although he earned income by renting it out to farmers, businesses and residents. According to the Prince of Wales's website, Charles earned $24 million a year from the Duchy. Charles's 'biscuit' business: $35 million In 1990, King Charles founded a food business called Duchy Organics, whose goal was to sell organic food - an unusual idea for the time. He partnered with grocery chain Waitrose in 2010, and since then has contributed more than $35 million to the Prince of Wales charity, according to Waitrose. The business operates separately from the Duchy of Cornwall, and all profits go to charity, according to the Prince of Wales website. The Duchy line products sold at Waitrose range from organic eggs to organic buttered Highland scones. All EU countries agree that the bloc should take steps to reduce skyrocketing energy prices -- but an emergency summit of energy ministers on Friday got bogged down in the details of how the policy would work. According to the final minutes of the meeting, made available to POLITICO, the ministers expressed support for several key policy proposals presented earlier this week by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. These include an excess profits tax on producers who do not use expensive natural gas to generate electricity, and a parallel profit rebate for fossil fuel companies that generate record profits, coordination of electricity consumption cuts across the bloc and the provision of emergency liquidity instruments to help energy companies cover high collateral costs for trading on public exchanges. Ministers expressed general support for some form of natural gas price cap, but there was disagreement over whether the cap would apply to all imports or only to imports from Russia, as von der Leyen suggested this week. There has also been disagreement over how to reduce energy demand. The commission wants it to be mandatory, but not all countries agree. The request to relax state aid rules until the end of 2023 also featured prominently in the ministers' requests: it would allow governments to bail out weak companies facing the consequences of the situation around Ukraine. In addition to the global price cap, the ministers also touched on another idea not proposed earlier this week by von der Leyen. They called for sending a confidence signal to the electricity market by activating the EU's existing emergency brake on automatic increases in wholesale electricity prices. These ideas have been sent to the Commission for further elaboration. The main fight was over how to reduce the price of natural gas in real time, which has risen seven times since a year ago and has led to higher electricity prices. The commission proposed limiting only Russian gas, but many countries want it to apply to all imports. Roberto Cingolani, Italy's minister for environmental transition, said that 15 countries are in favor of a price cap on all natural gas, with only three countries pushing for a cap for Russia and eight other ministers either opposed, neutral or concerned about the economic consequences. Berlin, Amsterdam and the Commission are not thrilled with the idea. For his part, a spokesman for Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto called the Russian gas price cap absurd. According to Kadri Simson, the Commission will work with countries concerned that vengeful Moscow will cut off their gas supply, to find alternative supplies. Despite these disagreements, French Energy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher expressed optimism about the general desire to move forward. The Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company (SRC), a wholly-owned unit of the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, Public Investment Fund (PIF), said it has signed an agreement with Alinma Bank, a leading financial institution in the kingdom, to acquire one of its real estate financing portfolios. This agreement completes the onboarding of all major mortgage providers in the kingdom by SRC, further highlighting the companys role in supporting the development of a robust, efficient and liquid secondary market, and underpinning the advancement of the financial services sector, said the statement from the company. Through partnerships with major banks and mortgage providers in the kingdom, SRC has acquired in excess of SR20 billion ($5.32 billion) in refinancing assets. It reflects the ongoing efforts by SRC to continue to play an active support role to further develop the residential real estate sector through the expansion of its refinancing portfolio and by providing liquidity to create a stable secondary real estate market in the kingdom, said the statement. "As part of our ongoing drive to support Vision 2030 goals, we continue our focus on enabling a best-in class secondary mortgage market with the necessary liquidity to accelerate the delivery of affordable home ownership objectives," stated CEO Fabrice Susini after signing the deal with Alinma Bank CEO Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa in the presence of Majid bin Abdullah Al Hogail, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing. . "We are working closely with our partners to achieve these goals by providing them with the capital and risk management solutions which are essential to their ability to in turn offer more access to affordable home financing solutions that meet the different needs of Saudi citizens, particularly during changing market conditions," he added. Ali Al Khalifa, said: "We are fully aligned with SRC in our efforts to support the objectives of the kingdoms Vision 2030s homeownership programme. Our strategic partnership with SRC is imperative to meet the continued market demand and further enhance our financing solutions offered to eligible Saudi citizens to support their homeownership aspirations." According to the Ministry of Housing, the Vision 2030 housing programme witnessed significant increase over the past 4 years from 47% to 60% exceeding the target of 52% by more than 8% driven by the combined efforts and partnerships within the private sector and the establishment of several government entities to cater specifically to the Saudi housing ecosystem.-TradeArabia News Service UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Friday that although he is offering his "good offices" for mediating the Kashmir dispute, India has refused it as it considers it a bilateral matter. Guterres, who is on a visit to Pakistan to show "solidarity" with the victims of the floods, told reporters: "On the other hand, we have been very active in relation to the clear affirmation that human rights must be respected". Addressing a news conference in Islamabad with Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at his side, he said that he was "always offering" his good offices for mediation". "But as you know, the Indian side considers that this is a bilateral matter to be solved only by Pakistan and India, and the mediation of the United Nations has not been accepted until now," he said according to a UN transcript. Repudiating Pakistan's attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue, India cited the Simla agreement of 1972 signed between Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who held the office of Pakistan President at that time binding the two countries to resolve disputes bilaterally. Guterres, who said that he has had "a love affair with the Pakistani people for 17 years", is visiting the country to highlight his agenda on climate change by presenting the floods there as the prime evidence against global warming. "This is insanity. This is collective suicide", he said of the climate change situation and the response to it. "From Pakistan, I am issuing a global appeal: stop the madness; end the war with nature; invest in renewable energy now." "Pakistan and other developing countries, from the Horn of Africa to the Sahel, are paying a horrific price for the intransigence of big emitters that continue to bet on fossil fuels, in the face of science, common sense and basic human decency", he said. "Some regions of Pakistan have just experienced their wettest August on record. And rainfall in some provinces was up to eight times higher than usual. Climate change is there." He has issued a $160 million "flash appeal" for Pakistan and as of Thursday, it had received just over $20 million, according to the UN. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) --IANS al/vd ( 396 Words) 2022-09-09-23:12:02 (IANS) United Airlines has announced a $15 million investment in electric aviation startup Eve Air Mobility and will purchase 200 electric aircrafts which can seat four passengers and take off and land vertically like a helicopter. This marks another significant investment from United in flying taxis -- or eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle) -- that have the potential to revolutionise the commuter experience in cities around the world. United signed purchase agreement for up to 400 eVTOL aircraft from Eve, owned by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer. "United is making history again, by becoming the first major airline to publicly invest in two eVTOL companies. Our agreement with Eve highlights our confidence in the urban air mobility market and serves as another important benchmark toward our goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 without using traditional offsets," said Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures. The companies aim to develop small, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that can fly from rooftop to rooftop in a dense city as a taxi service. Under the terms of the agreement, the companies intend to work on future projects, including studies on the development, use and application of Eve's aircraft and the urban air mobility (UAM) ecosystem. "United's investment in Eve reinforces the trust in our products and services and strengthens our position in the North American market," said Andre Stein, co-CEO of Eve. Through UAV, United has led the industry in investments in eVTOL and electric aircraft, hydrogen fuel cell engines, and sustainable aviation fuel. Last month, United gave a $10 million deposit to a California-based eVTOL company for 100 aircraft. Rather than relying on traditional combustion engines, eVTOL aircraft are designed to use electric motors, providing carbon-free flights and to be used as 'air taxis' in urban markets. Eve's design uses conventional fixed wings, rotors and pushers, giving it a practical and intuitive lift-plus-cruise design, which favours safety, efficiency, reliability and certifiability. With a range of 60 miles (100 kms), its vehicle has the potential not only to offer a sustainable commute but also to reduce noise levels by 90 percent compared to current conventional aircraft. --IANS na/ ( 372 Words) 2022-09-09-21:54:02 (IANS) Surat (Gujarat) [India], September 10 (ANI/PNN): DG Sea Connect (https://www.dgferry.com/) has relaunched its much-anticipated Ro-Pax ferry service between Hazira in Surat and Gogha in Bhavnagar on September 7. It is India's first and largest solar-powered Ro-Pax ferry, giving greater convenience to passengers as well as cargo transit between Surat to Saurashtra and vice versa. Hazira-Gogha Ro-Pax ferry services between South Gujarat and Saurashtra by sea were temporarily suspended owing to technological and economic concerns. With its restart, the Ro-Pax ferry will transfer passengers and cargo between the two destinations in three hours. The solar-powered Ro-Pax ferry, according to Voyage Express India, will drastically reduce fuel usage, adding to the Central Government's efforts to promote the use of renewable energy. Furthermore, travellers will have the option to travel between Hazira and Gogha twice a day. The Voyage Express will leave Ghogha at 9 a.m. and from Hazira at 06:30 p.m., while the Voyage Symphony will leave Hazira at 8 a.m. and from Ghogha at 5 p.m. Voyage Express is outfitted with cutting-edge technology to ensure passengers' comfort and freight movement between South Gujarat and Saurashtra. The ferry is fully air-conditioned, with three cafeterias, game zones, and a top deck where one can enjoy the sea's majesty. It can transport 180 executive passengers, 115 business passengers, 80 sleeper class passengers, 22 VIP lounges, and 11 cabins. The ship has a capacity of 70 automobiles, 50 motorcycles, 25 tempos, and 55 trucks. Voyage Symphony, on the other hand, has a capacity of 316 executive passengers, 78 business passengers, 14 VIP lounges, 85 automobiles, 50 bikes, and 30 trucks. This story has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content in this article. (ANI/PNN) This is the fifth weekly fall in the country's forex reserves. The forex reserves had dipped by $3.007 billion for the week ended August 26 and by $6.687 billion in the previous week. The country's foreign exchange reserves have declined sharply in recent months as the RBI continues to intervene in the currency markets to defend the rupee. As per the Reserve Bank of India's weekly statistical supplement, foreign currency assets, which are the biggest component of the forex reserves, dropped by $6.527 billion to $492.117 billion during the week ended September 2. The foreign currency assets had declined by $2.571 billion and $5.779 billion in the previous two weeks respectively. Expressed in US dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-dollar currencies like Euro, UK's Pound Sterling and Japanese Yen held in the foreign exchange reserves. All components of the forex reserves declined during the week under review. The value of gold reserves dipped by $1.339 billion to $38.303 billion during the week ended September 2. The value of India's Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with the International Monetary Fund declined by $50 million to $17.782 billion during the week under review, the RBI data showed. India's reserve position in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) declined by $24 million to $4.902 billion during the week ended September 2, as per the RBI Weekly Statistical Supplement. (ANI) New Delhi [India], September 10 (ANI/Showcase Events): The "Sharing of life stories by Gyanoday's Alumni" started with an opening welcome note by the founder Avinash S Alag. He spoke about Gyanoday and the concept of Udaan. Gyandoday drives social change by helping underprivileged families overcome financial obstacles and educate their children. For the lamp lighting, the Founder Alag invited the Gyanoday Advisory Board members Jugjiv Singh, Maj Gen D N Khurana, Avsm (Retd), Samir Kuckreja, Kr. Raghuvendra Singh and Manoj Pant A Swagat dance by the children of Gyanoday was followed by the release of the Gyanoday film- Shamma Ki Soorat (The Face Of Light). The Gyanoday Heroes, their prodigies who have excelled in their lives and now are working professionals- something which was only a dream for them, was made a reality for them by Gyanoday. Amravati, Sumit, Rakhee, Rajesh Shrivastav, Naina, Rahul Singh Bisht, Sawan Singh Bisht, Srishti Pundir came and presented their success stories. This indeed was a moment of pride and gratitude for the Gyanoday Family. This was followed by a Felicitation ceremony where some of the long serving and exceptional staff members, the Gyandoday prodigies and the lead guiding hands from the board were honoured. Some prominent names like Jugjiv Singh, Maj Gen D N Khurana, Avsm (Retd), Samir Kuckreja, Kr. Raghuvendra Singh and Manoj Pant were amongst those felicitated. The event was supported by The Doon School Old Boys' Society and ShowCase Events. The renowned Qawwals of India The Nizami Bandhu supported the cause and enthralled the audience with their spellbinding and captivating performance. Bindu Mudgal, Headmistress of Gyanoday, thanked all Guests for attending the event and the Nizami Bandhu for making it ever so memorable. With 21 Centres spanning 3 states of India, via its comprehensive and engaging learning process "From Roots To Fruits," by hand holding its beneficiaries from age 3 to 21 years, Gyanoday has impacted the lives of over 1.2 million people by empowering them to lead a life of dignity, self-sufficiency, and prosperity. Besides the Vatikas in the slums, whereby over 0.8 million children have gained basic literacy, scholarships have empowered over 0.5 million children to go through formal schooling. The extensive Vocational Training and Careers and Livelihood programs has led to over 0.2 million Individuals gaining employment and over 1,80,000 women getting empowered towards self-reliance. Renowned agencies who've prepared Reports on Gyanoday's Impact have seen its beneficiaries, gain enormously in Confidence, Aspirations, Employability, Financial Resilience, Decision Making, Future Planning, Vulnerability Control, Risk Reduction, Social Integration, Communal Harmony, Improved Health and Hygiene, Transformed Mindset of Parents and much more. This story has been provided by Showcase Events. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content in this article. (ANI/Showcase Events) Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-President Shixin Chen during his India visit from 5th to 9th September reiterated ADB's commitment to further strengthen its partnership with India and affirmed ADB support to the government's development priorities that target the country's fast, green, and inclusive post-COVID-19 economic recovery, ADB said on Saturday. During his visit to New Delhi, Chen met with Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) Secretary and ADB Alternate Governor Ajay Seth and commended the achievement of record $4.87 billion of ADB lending commitment, including $274 million for private sector operations, to India in 2021 and discussed the future cooperation. "ADB will continue to work closely with the Government of India to support the government's priorities in reinvigorating economic activity to generate more jobs, improve productivity, and create livelihood opportunities held back by the pandemic," Chen said in a statement. "To achieve this, ADB will enhance investments in health and education; micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises; and public sector management, aside from supporting India's national flagship initiatives in infrastructure, logistics, urban development, economic corridor development, and green growth," he said. ADB's current India portfolio comprises 62 ongoing projects worth $14.65 billion across transport, urban, energy, human development, agriculture and natural resources, and finance sectors. Chen underscored that ADB aims to help India battle against climate change by serving as the climate bank for Asia and the Pacific. Support to climate actions in India will focus on decarbonisation of transport, energy transition, climate change adaptation, air quality and water resources improvements, and disaster risk management. ADB also endeavors to mainstream gender equality and social inclusion into the design, implementation and monitoring of ADB-funded projects, and enhance regional cooperation through South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) platform. ADB's upcoming country partnership strategy (CPS, 2023-2027) for India is under preparation, which will guide ADB's India operations. To kick off the CPS formulation through a comprehensive stakeholder consultation process, Mr. Chen along with Mr. Seth opened the day-long national workshop on 6 September to discuss the CPS priorities. Jointly organized by ADB and DEA, the workshop was attended by over 65 senior officials from central government ministries and the state governments. The vice-president chaired separate meetings with private sector representatives and development partners to discuss the CPS priorities. Chen also held sector-specific discussions with secretaries of ministries of road transport and highway; new and renewable energy; environment, forest, and climate change; and Director General of The Energy and Resources Institute. On 7-8 September, Chen travelled to Bengaluru and led the state-level consultation meetings on the CPS with senior state officials led by Chief Secretary Vandita Sharma and also discussed ADB's ongoing and planned future support across various sectors in Karnataka. He also visited the sites of the ADB-financed Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System project and Bengaluru metro project. (ANI) Seems like even Queen Elizabeth II's death might not be enough to repair the strained relationship between her grandsons, Prince William and Harry. According to Fox News, the reason for this is simply because Harry and Meghan, and Catherine and William are not speaking. Though people speculated that the Queen's death would be an opportunity for the royals to get back together but as a source pointed out, while the duo feel sorry for Harry, any feelings of the thaw taking a turn halted when Meghan decided to offer her guttural feelings to the New York-based magazine, The Cut, reported the outlet. Even if William was even thinking of cutting any slack to his younger brother, this stopped him dead in his tracks. Meghan had wittily stated to the magazine that she was ready to forgive the royal family for her time within the family. This caused explosions, not just with William and Catherine, but many senior members Still, William did offer Harry the chance to meet privately on the grounds of Windsor for an informal walk with no cameras or phones but according to a source, Harry insisted that Meghan tag along too, as per Fox News. Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended the throne in 1952, was the world's oldest reigning monarch at age 96. She died surrounded by her family at Balmoral, her palace in the Scottish Highlands, the family announced on Thursday. Her eldest son, King Charles III, has succeeded her. He acceded to the throne immediately following the death of Elizabeth II on Thursday. He described losing his mother as "a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family". (ANI) The longest-serving monarch of England Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday and as the world mourns her death, let's revisit some of her iconic outfits that had a hidden message or meaning. 1. Queen Elizabeth II's Wedding Dress According to many documentaries and Palace staff, the Queen's wedding gown had a very special message. Curated by Joanna Marshner, the gown was paid for by ration coupons given by ordinary women post War. When the Queen married Prince Philip, Britain was still recovering from the economic losses incurred in War and it was difficult to pay for such a heavy gown. So the Queen used her ration coupons given to her by the Government along with a few sent to her by women across the country to pay for the gown. The dress, made of satin, had many spring flowers, which gave a message of hope and renewal to the British nationals at that point. 2. Queen Elizabeth's outfit after Brexit Right after Britain opted to exit European Union, the Queen attended the first opening parliament in 2017 right after the decision was made public. She wore a blue and yellow outfit, which are the featured colours in the European Union Flag. Many believe that the message Queen wanted to give was her disapproval of the decision. 3. Queen's outfit for her COVID-19 address to the nation The Queen chose a green coloured outfit for addressing the nation as the pandemic made waves across the world. Many say that the colour green was picked by her to symbolize growth and renewal. The Queen also wore a diamond and turquoise brooch. The same brooch that Queen Mary gifted her upon her death in 1953. The brooch is considered to be a symbol of protection. 4. Queen's ruby tiara when she met former US President Donald Trump The Royal family is always neutral when it comes to politics however the Queen, has, on a number of occasions, given a message through her outfit of whether she approves or disapproves of a certain decision or person. When the Queen met Donald Trump, she wore a ruby tiara that was originally gifted to her on her wedding day by the people of Burma (now Myanmar). The Burmese ruby tiara symbolises protection from evil and illness. Well, we're not going to say what the hidden message behind Queen wearing the tiara was, just connect the dots! 5. Her bright outfits during public appearances The Queen used to wear bright, vibrant colours during her public appearances for a very simple reason - so that she is noticed amongst the crowd! The Queen's daughter-in-law Sophie revealed this in a 2017 documentary 'The Queen at 90'. (ANI) Hollywood star Harrison Ford brought a first look for 'Indiana Jones 5' to the D23 Expo, at times emotionally choking up as he addressed the ravenous crowd. According to The Hollywood Reporter, while addressing the crowd, Ford said, "Thank you for making these films such an incredible experience for all of us, giving us the opportunity to make these films for you." The footage, which was exclusively shown at D23, included a big sequence during a New York ticker tape parade, a horseback chase in a subway tunnel, a train sequence and Indy using his iconic whip to take on a dozen guns. Director James Mangold and actor Phoebe Waller-Bridge were on hand for the event, where Ford obliquely alluded to the fact that the previous instalment, 2008's 'The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull', was not a high note to the franchise. "I'm very proud to say that this one is fantastic. And this is one of the reasons," said Ford, indicating Waller-Bridge. He added, "Indiana Jones movies are about mystery and adventure, but they're also about heart." 'Indiana Jones 5' has taken a winding road to the screen since first being announced in 2016 for a 2019 release date. At one point, Spielberg had an eye to direct the latest instalment, but he ultimately decided to step back from the project with Mangold boarding in early 2020. The film's cast includes Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Kretschmann, Boyd Holbrook, Shaunette Renee Wilson and Antonio Banderas. This next instalment of the 'Indiana Jones' series is due to be out on June 30, 2023. Mangold steps in for Spielberg, who helmed 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', 'Temple of Doom', 'The Last Crusade' and 'The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull'. (ANI) Amid the ongoing stir in the Sonali Phogat's death case, the police on Friday confirmed that the profile was being reviewed at senior levels and said that a chargesheet will be filed on objective grounds. "It is being reviewed at senior levels. We're confident of filing a chargesheet on objective grounds after remand. Will ensure nothing is left out of the investigation," said North Goa SP Shobit Saxena. He further stressed that the police of the western state have a zero-tolerance policy against illicit activities. "Goa police has zero tolerance towards illicit drug-related activities, had record seizures of illegal drugs in past few years. Action to be taken against those who supply, consume, stock or allow their premises to be used for drug consumption," he added. Earlier, the Supreme Court stayed the demolition of Curlies restaurant in Goa soon after its demolition began on Friday on the subject to the condition that no commercial activities will take place there. This was the same restaurant in Goa where actor and BJP leader Sonali Phogat was allegedly drugged and was later declared dead. The demolition action against the restaurant began after its owner failed to get any respite from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). On Thursday, NGT upheld the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority's previous order to demolish the shack. Owner Edwin Nunes of the 'Curlies' restaurant, located on Goa's famous Anjuna beach, was among five persons arrested in the Phogat death case and on Thursday was granted conditional bail against a personal bail bond of Rs 30,000 and two sureties of Rs 15,000 each. The actor was pronounced dead on August 23 at the St Anthony Hospital in Anjuna, North Goa. A heavy police force has been deployed outside the Curlies restaurant."We are providing police protection for the demolition. As per the order, it is being demolished," said DYSP Jivba Dalvi. Meanwhile, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has ordered the closure of all commercial activity in the form of nightclubs, bars and restaurants being run by Edwin Nunes and Linet Nunes, both Curlies Restaurant and Night Club and guest house, St Michael Wado, Dando, Anjuna, Bardez-Goa. Earlier on Sunday, the Goa Police also visited various locations in the alleged murder case of BJP politician Sonali Phogat in Haryana's Hisar district. "Teams went to various places, as per allegations levelled by the late actor's brother Rinku including property and other issues. Our team is going to all those places, speaking with local witnesses and trying to get information which may help us reach a conclusion," informed Goa Director General of Police Jaspal Singh. Sonali Phogat was declared dead at the St Anthony Hospital at Anjuna in North Goa on August 23. A post-mortem report revealed blunt force injury on her body, following which the Goa Police registered a murder case. On Friday, Goa Police visited Phogat's Sant Nagar residence in Haryana's Hisar district and seized three diaries. Sonali's bedroom, wardrobe, and password-protected locker were inspected by the police search team. The police also sealed the locker at Sonali Phogat's residence. Phogat's PA and his associate were arrested after police accessed the CCTV footage in which the trio were seen partying at a club. Expressing dissatisfaction over the probe by the Goa Police into the death case of Sonali Phogat, her family will approach the Goa High Court demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the matter. Sonali Phogat's family had met Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in connection with the case and had demanded a CBI probe. The Chief Minister had assured of the CBI investigation. However, being dissatisfied with the ongoing investigation, the family has decided to go to Goa High Court with their demand. Speaking to ANI, Vikas Singh, Sonali Phogat's nephew, who is also an advocate in his family said that they have written to Chief Justice of India UU Lalit for a CBI inquiry, and will approach the Goa High Court with a writ petition by Friday if they are not satisfied with the answer of the top court. Earlier, Goa Police had said that Sonali Phogat was forcibly drugged by her two associates who were arrested after being named as accused in the case. Haryana Police detained a man after the family accused him of taking a laptop and mobile from the farmhouse of the deceased BJP leader. Haryana Police has recovered the items following which the questioning is underway. Sonali Phogat who rose to fame with her TikTok videos, contested the 2019 Haryana election as a BJP candidate but lost to then Congress leader Kuldeep Bishnoi (he has since joined the BJP). She also appeared in the reality show Bigg Boss in 2020. (ANI) Lifestyle Developers, a Saudi-based real estate developer, said work has begun on its highly-anticipated waterfront branded residence, the Vue, which is designed in partnership with the globally-acclaimed YOO Studios. YOO Design Studio is an award-winning design collective of architects, interior designers, and product designers designing landmark residential, hotel and private commission projects around the world. Featuring 15 floors and 36 residential units, the bespoke project offers a first of its kind waterfront lifestyle with an exclusive boutique experience, said the Saudi developer in its statement. With the project breaking ground and piling completed, it is on track to meet the plans and timelines established, it added. The Vue is set to be a unique utopia of contemporary living in Jeddah with innovative high-end facilities and private elevator access directly to each apartment as well as private amenities that are unavailable in other residential properties in the Kingdom that promote the concept of uniqueness, exclusivity and comfort serene living and a true testament to the highly sought-after lifestyle. It is part of a wider vision by Lifestyle Developers CEO Sultan Sobhi Batterjee who aims to transform the Saudi real estate sector by defining a higher quality of living for all and building projects with purpose to support thriving communities. "We want to give residents a new reality and to be truly proud to live in the home of their dreams complete with every facility imaginable. We work tirelessly to understand the needs of homeowners when it comes to residential lifestyles and go beyond their expectations," stated Batterjee. "Through our many projects and collaboration with YOO specifically, we have raised the bar for unique lifestyle concepts, and we will continue to make the impossible come to life," he added. According to him, the collaboration with YOO Studio reflects the successful ventures of Saudi companies with international entities in creating new opportunities in the local market as well as the growth of its various sectors. The Vue is one of many exciting and unique projects to come as a result of this flourishing partnership which is focused on developing internationally renowned quality developments by working with international partners to raise and elevate the standard of developments in KSA and beyond, he added.-TradeArabia News Service As a Supreme Court division bench of Chief Justice UU Lalit, on Friday stayed the hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) at the Calcutta High Court on the assets of 19 Trinamool Congress leaders including seven ministers in the West Bengal government, political mudslinging started in the state. The matter will now be heard in the apex court which will decide on the admissibility of the PIL. Trinamool Congress leaders have expressed satisfaction over the Supreme Court decision. Forest minister Jyotipriyo Mullick said that this verdict is a moral victory for them and a slap on the face of the individual who filed the PIL with ulterior political motives. "We have full faith in the judicial system of the country. Some wanted to malign the Trinamool Congress and the chief minister, Mamata Banerjee. The BJP is behind this conspiracy," he said. State BJP spokesman Samik Bhattacharya said that the Supreme Court has only stayed the petition and not dismissed it as yet. "Let us wait till the end. At the same time, we want to say that politics is always not fought in the court. It is fought on the streets," Bhattacharya added. Biplob Chowdhury, who filed the PIL, said that his next course of action will be decided after he gets the copy of the apex court order. "However, our fight will be on in this matter since this exorbitant increase in the assets and property value of a section of the politicians has become a disease for the society," he said. The Supreme Court's decision to stay the hearing has brought relief for the Trinamool Congress leaders on another count. The division bench of the Calcutta High Court's Chief Justice, Prakash Srivastava and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj while admitting the PIL earlier directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to be a party to the PIL. Three ministers named in the PIL -- urban development & municipal affairs minister Firhad Hakim, forest minister Jyotipriyo Mullick and the state corporations department minister Arup Ray -- filed a review petition appealing to the division bench to reconsider its decision on making ED a party in the matter. --IANS src/bg ( 370 Words) 2022-09-09-21:02:01 (IANS) Tension prevailed during the Ganesh procession at MJ Market in Hyderabad on Friday when a Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader confronted Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on the stage and tried to dislodge the mike. A leader of Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samiti (BGUS) was addressing the gathering when a local TRS leader stepped on to the stage and confronted Sarma, taking objection to the remarks he made earlier about Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, popularly known as KCR. The TRS leader, later identified as Nand Kishore, also tried to dislodge the mike. But BGUS leaders caught hold of the TRS leader and whisked him away. The incident led to tension in the area, which was completely filled with devotees participating in the annual procession. Raising slogans against each other, the BJP and TRS workers nearly came to clashes. However, the police intervened to defuse the situation. Later, Kishore was arrested and taken to the police station. The TRS leader was angry over certain remarks made earlier by the Assam Chief Minister against KCR and his family. He alleged that Sarma was called to create hatred among people. He said the BJP and BGUS leaders are trying to disrupt communal harmony in Hyderabad. BJP MLA E. Rajender condemned the attempt to disrupt Sarma's speech. He alleged that the TRS is desperate due to fear of defeat in the 2023 Assembly elections. Every year, BGUS invites leaders of the BJP, RSS or other right-wing groups for delivering the speech at MJ Market, where a special stage is erected to welcome Ganesh idols being carried to Hussain Sagar lake for immersion. Before the incident, the area witnessed some mild tension when BJP leaders and workers demanded that a flexi with pictures of KCR and state minister Srinivas Yadav be removed. The police had to remove the flexi. The Assam Chief Minister later addressed the public gathering. He slammed dynasty rule in Telangana and also said that there is no place for Razakars in the country. Sarma said Telangana should move beyond one political family. He also said that India is becoming a 'Viswa Guru' under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Assam Chief Minister also referred to construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya, ssaying, "People used to say Ram temple will not be built, but a temple is being built at the same place where Babar had built a mosque after demolishing a temple," he said. Earlier, Sarma visited the Bhagyalaxmi temple at Charminar and offered prayers. He wanted to address the people there but the police prevented him on the basis that there is no permission for political speeches. Talking to reporters, Sarma criticised the Telangana Chief Minister. Referring to KCR's call for a 'BJP-mukt Bharat', Sarma said the BJP talks of dynasty-free politics. "We still see pictures of his (KCR's) son and daughter in Hyderabad. The country's politics should be free from dynasty rule," he added. Sarma said a government should be for the people and not for a family. --IANS ms/khz/arm ( 517 Words) 2022-09-09-21:06:03 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday exhorted the youth of Himachal Pradesh to act as a catalyst of change by ousting the traditional political parties from the state. "Don't expect that power falls into your lap but work hard to ensure that a new era of unprecedented development is ushered in your state," he said while promising six guarantees - jobs for all youth, an unemployment allowance, advisory board for traders, ending of inspector rule, a corruption-free administration and others to residents of hilly state. The Chief Minister, accompanied by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, said that by playing musical chairs, the traditional parties have mercilessly plundered the wealth of the state, and have connived with each other to shield their misdeeds. The real sufferers have been the people and state who have lagged behind in progress and prosperity, he said, adding that the time has come when the youth must come forward and work hard to rout these parties from the hill state. He said that people from Delhi and Punjab had already brought revolution in their respective states and now, it should be replicated in the hill state too. Mann said the time has come when the youth must play a decisive role in the process of national building. He bemoaned that though the state and its people have suffered due to poor policies of these leaders but the families of the leaders have prospered. While the people are starving for food, the politicians and their families are living an opulent lifestyle, and this has to be reversed for which the youth must play a vanguard role, he said. The Chief Minister said AAP is continuously working for reform in the education and health sector. Citing the "stark difference" between the education which Gandhi family scion and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi obtained from an elite school and the education which a common child attains from the government school, he said that his party is working on a model to ensure that government schools turn into 'schools of eminence' to provide quality education to youth, so that the common man's child can compete with his convent educated peers. --IANS vg/vd ( 375 Words) 2022-09-09-21:12:03 (IANS) Former Union Minister Uma Bharti, who has been vocal against the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government's excise policy, took a surprise u-turn on Friday over the issue of liquor policy. Speaking to the media at her official residence in Bhopal's Shyamla Hills area, Bharti said a complete prohibition won't be possible, but it should not be part of the state government's revenue generation plan. Bharti said though she would support a complete prohibition in Madhya Pradesh, it won't be possible. Bharti said that rather the state government should formulate a new liquor policy next year which should be made in consultation with people's opinions. "I never said to put a complete ban on sale of liquor. I have spoken to (Chief Minister) Shivraj Singh Chouhan and advised him to frame a new liquor policy for the next year after taking into consideration the views of all sections of the society, especially the women, because women are most affected by liquor related issues," she said. The former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister defended the state government on the issue of liquor, stating that the state's liquor policy is not like that of Delhi government's excise policy. "At least, I have not noticed any kind of corruption or financial irregularities in Madhya Pradesh government's excise policy," Bharti said. She added that the Centre can't formulate a uniform excise policy as the subject falls under the jurisdiction of the state governments, but Madhya Pradesh should make a unique policy which other states could follow. However, Bharti said she would continue her fight against the use of drugs and liquor across the state and on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), she would hold a peaceful protest march for this purpose. Over the past six months, Bharti has been taking on Chouhan over the liquor policy, and had even threatened that the BJP would face public wrath if her voice was not heard. A couple of months back, she had even pelted stones at a liquor shop in Bhopal and protested before a wine shop until the police closed it down. --IANS pd/khz/arm ( 360 Words) 2022-09-09-21:32:04 (IANS) The leaders discussed bilateral and international issues of mutual interest, including initiatives to mobilise climate finance for renewable energy projects in developing countries, a statement issued by Prime Minister's Office said. Modi emphasised on the importance of ensuring equitable, timely and adequate climate finance for the developing world, and appreciated Store's commitment to this cause. The two leaders reviewed various ongoing bilateral cooperation initiatives, including under the Task Force on Blue economy. They also expressed satisfaction at the increasing India-Norway collaboration in areas like green hydrogen, shipping, science and technology as well as education. --IANS ans/vd ( 127 Words) 2022-09-09-21:34:03 (IANS) The Meghalaya Police killed a former extremist leader last year in "a reckless operation using excessive force", according to a report of a judicial commission into the incident tabled in the Assembly on Friday, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday submitted the report of the one-member Commission headed by former Chief Justice of Tripura High Court T. Vaiphei into the killing of former Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) leader Cheristerfield Thangkhiew in Shillong on August 13, 2021. The Commission held that the police operation to arrest the former leader of the banned militant outfit, for alleged involvement in bomb (IED) blasts in Shillong and in East Jaintia Hills district headquarters Khliehriat, from his residence in the early hours was "thoughtless", leading to his death that was "avoidable". "Having entered what could potentially be a lion's den in darkness without proper planning and without taking adequate precaution", the police had taken "purely avoidable and unnecessary risk", endangering their lives as well as that of the deceased, its report said. It said that the forced entry into the house in darkness was a reckless exercise and tantamount to disproportionate use of force. "Thangkhiew's death defeated the very purpose of launching the operation to detain him alive. The police could have arrested him alive had the operation team waited for about two hours for daylight to emerge, cordoned off his house and lobbed teargas into the rooms to force the occupants out." The probe panel also said the post facto excuse that none but the deceased was hurt "cannot be a valid justification for the tactical team-I carried out the operation hastily and recklessly". It advised against raiding houses occupied by civilians in urban areas at night in pursuit of criminals or to arrest them in order not to harm innocent occupants in any manner. The panel recommended carrying police personnel engaged in nocturnal operations with night vision cameras and sensitising the police force to respect the human rights of the citizens. The police had claimed the former extremist was shot in self-defence after he tried to stab them. Thangkhiew's death had led to widespread violence and protests with the angry mob setting vehicles on fire and brandishing firearms snatched from the police. Demanding a judicial inquiry into the violence, Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui had offered to resign on August 15. However, his resignation was not accepted by the Chief Minister. The family of the late HNLC leader on Thursday asserted that they would approach the National Human Rights Commission if the report is "not in their favour". However, after the submission of the commission report on the first day of the autumn session of the assembly, the family members have yet to disclose their opinion. The outlawed HNLC, which was formed with the aim for the state's secession from India, is now in the process of talks with the Central and state governments. --IANS sc/vd ( 497 Words) 2022-09-09-21:44:03 (IANS) Stating that those who pass out of madrasas can become doctors and engineers, Ajmal said, "The state government is running a false narrative against madrasa education. It claimed that students who pass out of madrasas cannot study science or commerce. This is an utter lie." Ajmal advised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to improve school education in the state instead of closing them down or demolishing them. "If the state government is not able to build a good education model in Assam, it can hand over the schools to me. I will improve them and show the BJP how to do it," he said. The AIUDF chief also claimed that he has already done this in Assam. Notably, there is a good number of schools and colleges run by the foundation of Badruddin Ajmal in Assam. The students from these institutions have secured good ranks in the recently-concluded National Eligibility cum Entrance Test or NEET. In Assam, the BJP-led state government has drawn flak for its decision to close down nearly 2,000 schools and amalgamate them with other schools. --IANS tdr/arm ( 229 Words) 2022-09-09-21:52:04 (IANS) The Centre has relaxed DoPT deputation rules to encourage IAS and other all-India service officers as well as those of the Central Services get posted in Jammu and Kashmir, in a bid to address the shortage of officers in the Union Territory. Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said that due to relaxation of DoPT rules, 22 officers belonging to various services and different cadres have been posted in Jammu & Kashmir at various levels at a crucial time. He said that DoPT has played a major role in facilitating induction of Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Services officers into the IAS by coordinating with UT administration, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the UPSC. As a result, recently 16 officers from JKAS have been inducted into IAS and another 8 such vacancies will be filled up shortly giving opportunities to the JKAS officers to become part of prestigious IAS service after a long gap of 12 years. The Minister added that mid-career training of JKAS officers of various seniority was carried out in collaboration with the LBSNAA and this has provided a new level of exposure to the JKAS Officers and more than 200 offices. Some other initiatives by the Ministry include special concessions or incentives to the Central government employees working in the Kashmir Valley in attached and subordinate offices or PSUs falling under control of the Central government. They have been extended special concessions for a period of 3 years with effect from August 1, 2021 and the incentives include an additional house rent allowance, composite transfer grant, per diem allowance, incentive for period of temporary duty, messing allowance, and facility to draw pension at place of settlement in relaxation of relevant provisions. Besides, facilities for retention of general pool accommodation available to officers who have served in the Central government has also been extended to officers posted in Jammu and Kashmir on the pattern of northeastern states. --IANS kvm/vd ( 339 Words) 2022-09-09-21:54:03 (IANS) In a tragic incident, as many as four boys lost their lives during the Ganesh idol immersions in Mahendragarh region of Haryana, said the officials on Saturday. Over 20 people had gone for the immersion near a canal in the Jhagadoli village. Another 4 boys have been rescued from the spot, the officials added. [{37ee0238-d979-4511-9ac3-7fcc852e6338:intradmin/ANI-20220909220839.jpg}] "Around 20-22 people had gone to a canal near village Jhagadoli in Mahendragarh for Ganesh idol immersion. During which many of them drowned in the river. As of now, 4 boys have lost their lives and 4 have been rescued safely," said Mahendragarh DC JK Abhir. The rescue operations are underway. In a tragic incident during the immersion of Ganesh idols, two children drowned to death while one succumbed in the hospital in Unnao, said the officials on Friday. The third child was declared dead at the hospital while undergoing treatment. As per reports, the children had gone to immerse the Lord Ganesha idols in the river Ganga. "Two children drowned to death, while a third died during treatment in Unnao. They had gone for the immersion of Lord Ganesh idols today in river Ganga in Kotwali Safipur area when the incident took place," said police. The 10-day illustrious Ganesh Chathurthi festival came to an end on Friday. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with much pomp and zeal in several states across the country and 2022 marked the return of its celebration after 2 years of COVID-induced restrictions. Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is one of the most popular Hindu festivals. It is celebrated for 10 days and it is believed that during this time, Lord Ganesha arrives on earth with his mother, Goddess Parvati and showers blessings on the people. (ANI) Taking to the micro-blogging site Twitter, Sarma shared a parody video of Rahul Gandhi. The character portrayed as former Congress president can be seen dancing over the song, 'Rahul Mera Naam, Record Mera Badnam'. The parody character of Rahul Gandhi can be heard singing that it is his job to create confusion in the party. Besides, in the parody clip, the former Congress president says he grows potatoes, makes gold and is often defeated in the election but he does not give up. "Let me spread the confusion and make my own brand out of that confusion," the parody video character said. Meanwhile, the video shared by Chief Minister Sarma has drawn major flak from the Congress. Many leaders from the opposition party criticised him for this. Earlier, Sarma had mocked the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' of the Congress party and referred to it as one of the biggest comedies of this century. He said that our country does not need yatras such as 'Bharat Jodo' because "we live in a united India". "India was divided only once in 1947 when a new country Pakistan was born and it was Rahul Gandhi's party Congress which allowed that partition to happen," he said. Sarma suggested the former Congress president that he should instead travel to Pakistan and do the yatra there so that people get an India that was undivided before the Partition. --IANS tdr/pgh ( 263 Words) 2022-09-09-23:12:04 (IANS) For the First Time in 18 Months, Permits Are Being Granted to Hold Prayer Gatherings, Worship Services and Other First Amendment Activities on the Grounds of the US Capitol Prayer and worship service will be held on Saturday, September 10, at 12:30 PM on the Southeast lawn of the Capitol. NEWS PROVIDED BY Christian Defense Coalition Sept. 10, 2022 WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2022 /Christian Newswire/ -- For the first time in 18 months, permits are being granted to hold prayer gatherings, worship services and other First Amendment activities on the grounds of the US Capitol. Rev. Mahoney and the Christian Defense Coalition were granted a permit to hold the first prayer gathering and worship service on grounds of the US Capitol in 18 months. The prayer and worship service will be held on Saturday, September 10, at 12:30 PM on the Southeast lawn of the Capitol. The group will be seeking Gods direction for the midterm elections and praying for a national spiritual awakening. For 18 months, Rev. Patrick Mahoney and the Christian Defense Coalition were denied permits to hold Good Friday Services, prayer vigils, worship gatherings and other peaceful First Amendment activities on the grounds of the US Capitol. Sadly, while peaceful permitted First Amendment activities were being prohibited at the US Capitol, other business was going on as usual. For example, members of Congress and their staff were entering and using the Capitol. Vendors, the media and their crews, invited guests, lobbyists, tourists and so many more were also allowed to enter and use the Capitol grounds. Over the past 18 months, Rev. Mahoney has filed 3 federal lawsuits and has worked passionately to return the "People's House" back to the people. Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition comments on this historic victory; "The 'People's House,' as the US Capitol Building is called, must be a place where all Americans are afforded the right to come and peacefully exercise and express their First Amendment and religious freedoms. Tragically, those rights and freedoms have been denied and trampled for the past 18 months. "With this historic victory, religious freedom and the First Amendment are once again being celebrated and honored on the grounds of the United States Capitol. Our effort to open the Capitol back up to 'the people,' is a powerful reminder that all Americans must continually be vigilant in ensuring our rights are protected. "The Christian Defense Coalition will continue to passionately engage in the struggle for free speech and religious freedom at the US Capitol and across the nation." Rev. Mahoney is being represented by The Center for American Liberty.For more information or interviews contactRev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741 SOURCE Christian Defense Coalition CONTACT: Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540-538-4741 Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has announced that it has signed a landmark gas sales agreement with Dubai Supply Authority (Dusup). The agreement showcases the UAEs commitment to progressive and pragmatic climate action and reinforces Adnocs role in enabling a responsible energy transition, said a statement from Adnoc. As per deal, Adnoc will supply Dusup with natural gas, which will be used instead of clean coal for electricity generation at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)s IPP (Independent Power Producer) Hassyan Power Complex, further reducing carbon emissions from the power generation process. Initially built as a dual-fuel plant with the ability to operate full-time at full load on both natural gas or clean coal, the complex has now been transformed to run only on natural gas, it stated. Present net electricity generation capacity of Hassyan Power Complex is 1,200 MW. A further 600 MW (net) is scheduled to be added in Q4 and an additional 600 MW (net) will be added by Q3 of 2023. This supports the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and its plans to generate electricity from cleaner energy sources, stated the report. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Director-General of Dusup, and Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc Managing Director and Group CEO in the presence of President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and other senior government officials. On the deal, Sheikh Ahmed said: "This agreement supports the vision and directives of the wise leadership to turn Dubai into a carbon-neutral economy and provide 100% of Dubais total power generation capacity from clean energy sources by 2050." "This agreement further strengthens energy cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, building on the foundations originally laid in 1998 and reinforced over the years, to expand the breadth and depth of our energy relations," he stated. "While many countries around the world are returning to coal as a result of geopolitical uncertainty and energy price volatility, the UAE is delivering on its commitment to decarbonize its power sector," he added. Dr Al Jaber said Adnoc was advancing its efforts to harness Abu Dhabis vast natural gas resources to meet the worlds growing demand for this important transition fuel and enable a responsible energy transition. This landmark agreement will significantly reduce power generation emissions at the Hassyan Power Complex, directly supporting the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. "Working in close collaboration with our customers and partners, Adnoc will continue to expand our natural gas capacity to deliver against our strategic objectives of decarbonizing our energy and power systems, ensuring UAE gas self-sufficiency and driving long-term and sustainable growth for the UAE," he added. According to him, Adnocs integrated gas masterplan links every part of the gas value chain to ensure a sustainable and economic supply of natural gas to meet the growing requirements of the UAE and international markets. The plan includes the application of new approaches and technologies to enable increased and competitive gas recovery from existing fields as well as developing untapped resources and leveraging innovation to continually drive emissions reduction. Domestically produced natural gas is more commercially competitive compared to imported coal or gas and it will support economic growth while lowering emissions when used as a subsitute for coal in power generation, he added.-TradeArabia News Service A day after Madhya Pradesh's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) conducted searches at the residence and office of Church of North India Jabalpur Diocese's bishop P.C. Singh in connection with a cheating case that led to the disclosure of large-scale financial irregularities, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday ordered a probe into the activities of the concerned church and related trust headed by the accused Bishop. Talking to the media on this issue, Chouhan said that massive financial irregularities on multiple counts have come to the fore after the EOW action. Chouhan said that the EOW search has resulted in the seizure of huge volume of cash, including foreign currency, documents pertaining to 17 properties, 48 bank accounts and eight four-wheelers. "We've decided for a three-pronged probe into the entire matter. There is a possibility of the funds being invested in illegal activities, including illegal religious conversion by the Church of North India and the associated trust and entities. The EOW will conduct a detailed probe into this serious issue, while the Jabalpur district administration too will have its own role in the probe," Chouhan said. "The EOW and the district administration will also investigate complaints about land leased by the government to the trust and associated entities for religious, educational and medical purposes, actually being used for commercial purposes," the CM added. The Chief Minister further said that there have been complaints about taxes and stamp duties being evaded on a large scale by the trust and related entities in matters related to land lease renewal and related aspects through cheating and fraud. Sources told IANS that the EOW had in 2015 received a complaint which alleged that bishop P.C. Singh, who is also the chairman of the Board of Education Church of North India Jabalpur Diocese, has siphoned off fees collected from students of the educational institutes (run by the Board) to religious entities as well as for his personal usage. It was also alleged that Singh had changed the name of the original society and became its president thereafter. During the EOW probe into the complaint, it was prima facie established that around Rs 2.70 crore had been siphoned off to religious entities and personal use between 2004-05 and 2011-12. Based on the findings of the probe, a case was registered some weeks back against Singh and B.S. Solanki, who was then assistant registrar of the firms and societies. Singh, who is reportedly in Germany currently, is accused in several criminal cases, particularly of fraud, cheating and forgery in various parts of India, including UP, MP, Maharashtra, Punjab, Jharkhand and Rajasthan. --IANS pd/arm ( 454 Words) 2022-09-09-23:20:02 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar expressed grief over the tragic deaths of youths during the Ganesh idol immersion at Mahendragarh and Sonipat on Friday. Taking note of the situation, the state chief also prayed for a speedy recovery. "The news of the untimely death of many people due to drowning in the canal during Ganpati immersion in Mahendragarh and Sonipat districts is heart-wrenching. We all stand with the families of the deceased in this difficult time. NDRF team has saved many people from drowning, I pray for their speedy recovery," Tweeted Manohar Lal Khattar. His remarks came after four boys lost their lives during the Ganesh idol immersions in the Mahendragarh region of Haryana. As per reports another two drowned in the Sonipat region. Over 20 people had gone for the immersion near a canal in the Jhagadoli village. Another 4 boys have been rescued from the spot, the officials added. "Around 20-22 people had gone to a canal near village Jhagadoli in Mahendragarh for Ganesh idol immersion. During which many of them drowned in the river. As of now, 4 boys have lost their lives and 4 have been rescued safely," said Mahendragarh DC JK Abhir. The rescue operations were underway. In another tragic incident during the immersion of Ganesh idols, two children drowned to death while one succumbed in the hospital in Unnao, said the officials on Friday. The third child was declared dead at the hospital while undergoing treatment. As per reports, the children had gone to immerse the Lord Ganesha idols in the river Ganga."Two children drowned to death, while a third died during treatment in Unnao. They had gone for the immersion of Lord Ganesh idols today in river Ganga in Kotwali Safipur area when the incident took place," said police. The 10-day illustrious Ganesh Chathurthi festival came to an end on Friday. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with much pomp and zeal in several states across the country and 2022 marked the return of its celebration after 2 years of COVID-induced restrictions. Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is one of the most popular Hindu festivals. It is celebrated for 10 days and it is believed that during this time, Lord Ganesha arrives on earth with his mother, Goddess Parvati and showers blessings on the people. (ANI) The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has demanded to cancel the show of comedian Kunal Kamra scheduled for September 17 in Gurugram citing that the latter makes jokes on Hindu deities which may lead to a tense situation in the district. The VHP on Friday submitted a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram to cancel a show of comedian Kunal Kamra. It also said that the members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal will stage protests if the show is not cancelled. In the letter given to the Deputy Commissioner, the VHP said, "A show is being organized in Studio Xo Bar on 17th September 2022 by Kunal Kamra. This person mocks Hindu Gods and Goddesses in his comedy shows. There are cases already registered against this person for the same. Therefore, this program can cause tensions in Gurugram. We request you cancel this show with immediate effect otherwise the VHP workers and the Bajrang Dal activists will protest against this. Therefore, we request you cancel this program immediately and share the information of the proper action with us." Meanwhile, taking to Twitter, VHP spokesman Vinod Bansal shared the letter and said, "VHP today gave a letter to the Deputy Commissioner Gurugram to cancel the show of AntiHindu Kunal Kamra scheduled in Gurugram on 17th of this month. These hatemongers must be booked under penal provisions of law. Can't be allowed to perform in public. The Gurugram police should take action." He further said that it is necessary to boycott and oppose such Hindu traitors. "By adopting cheap tactics in the name of freedom of expression, such people are out to kill art. Hindu community will not forgive them," he said. "How can the blatant ridicule of the symbols of Hindu pride be part of an art or culture? The Hindu community is tolerant, but not cowardly. The Hindu community knows well how to deal with such alleged artists in a democratic manner," Bansal added. He further urged Haryana police to immediately take cognizance of this matter and announce the cancellation of the program, otherwise, the Hindu society will be forced to protest. Kamra is scheduled to perform at Studio Xo Bar in Sector 29 of Gurugram. (ANI) Before submitting the joint investigation report, the Commissioner of Lucknow Division and Lucknow Police Commissioner held a meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. According to sources, the report mentioned negligence as the cause of the fire and held six departments including Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration (LESA), District Administration, Fire Services, Lucknow Municipal Corporation and Excise Department as responsible for the incident. The names of officers and engineers responsible for the fire incident were mentioned in the investigation report. The report suggested action on officers of LDA and Fire services. Further, the joint report mentioned a list of illegally-built hotels in Lucknow. It also suggested action against hotels running flouting the guidelines. Four people died and 10 were injured after a massive fire broke out at Hotel Levana in Lucknow's Hazratganj area in the morning hours of Monday. Following the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a joint inquiry by Commissioner Lucknow division and Police Commissioner Lucknow into the cause of the fire incident at the hotel. Lucknow Police registered an FIR and detained the owners and general manager of Hotel Levana. "We have detained hotel owners Rohit, Rahul Agarwal and their general manager. FIR has been registered. An inquiry committee consisting of Police Commissioner Lucknow and Divisional Commissioner will probe the matter," Piyush Mordia, Joint Commissioner of Police, Lucknow. Further, the Fire Services officials inspected the hotel on Monday to ascertain the cause of the fire. Meanwhile, the Lucknow administration ordered to seal and demolish the hotel. "Lucknow's Levana Hotel is to be demolished. Lucknow Divisional Commissioner has given instructions to seal and demolish. No copy of the approved map of the hotel was given to Lucknow Development Authority (LDA)," said Roshan Jacob, Lucknow Commissioner. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to address the valedictory ceremony of the BJP's OBC Morcha's national working committee meeting in Jodhpur on Saturday. Notably, Jodhpur is the home turf of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Shah is also scheduled to address the inaugural session of the BJP's booth-level workers meeting in Jodhpur. National president of the morcha K Laxman, Union Labour Minister Bhupendra Yadav, and the BJP's Rajasthan unit chief Satish Poonia inaugurated the two-day working committee meeting on Friday. While addressing the gathering in the National Working Committee meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party OBC Morcha, Bhupender Yadav pointed out that whenever the issue of reservation of Other Backward Classes (OBC) came up, Congress did not support it. "Since 2014, the government of PM Narendra Modi is working continuously for OBC society," he said. The Home Minister, who arrived in Jaisalmer on Friday evening, on his two-day stay in Rajasthan. He was welcomed by Union Minister Kailash Choudhary, D Pankaj Kumar Singh Director General of BSF and party leaders at Jaisalmer Airport. On Friday, he interacted with BSF officials in Jaisalmer and spend the night at the BSF Officers' Institute. Shah will visit the Tanot Mata temple in Jaisalmer on Saturday morning before leaving for Jodhpur. The Home Minister will lay the foundation stone of the Tanot Mandir Complex Project, Border Security Force Sector Jaisalmer (North) and Bhoomi Pujan of the project under the Border Tourism Development Program by the Ministry of Tourism today. Besides, the Shah will also pay homage to the soldiers killed in the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War on the "Victory Stambh" in Tanot. Taking to Twitter, Shah said, "I will participate in various programs in Virbhoomi Rajasthan. First of all, after bowing down to the heroes on the Victory Pillar in Jaisalmer, I will worship Tanot Mata and worship the development plan of the Tanot temple complex. Then I will address the National Working Committee and Booth President General Conference of BJP OBC Front in Jodhpur." Of the 200 Assembly constituencies, 33 are in the Jodhpur division, including 10 in the Jodhpur district. Of these, the BJP currently holds 14 seats, the Congress 17, while the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party and Independents hold one seat each. The Assembly election in Rajasthan is scheduled to be held later in 2023. (ANI) Preparations to protect the animals in the national capital from the disease will be discussed in the meeting The virus has been found only in cows and buffaloes. There is no danger to humans in eating meat or using milk of animals that do not have the symptoms of Lumpy. Animals can be cured from Lumpy, however, the milk of such animals may get affected due to the virus. As per reports, lumpy skin disease is a viral disease that affects cattle. It is transmitted by blood-feeding insects, such as certain species of flies and mosquitoes, or ticks. It causes fever and nodules on the skin and can lead to the death of the cattle. Meanwhile, providing relief to the livestock of the country, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar on August 10 launched the indigenous vaccine Lumpi-ProVac to protect livestock from Lumpy skin disease. The vaccine has been developed by the National Equine Research Center, Hisar (Haryana) in collaboration with the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar (Bareilly). Ever since the disease came to India in 2019, research institutes have been engaged in developing the vaccine. (ANI) Former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLC Anwar Ahmed's son Afshar Ahmed has been arrested for allegedly misbehaving with the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and others inside a police station in Patna on Friday. According to Police, Afshar Ahmed misbehaved with DSP Ashok Singh at Pirbahore police station in Patna. Afshar Ahmed, who is also a ward councillor was allegedly forcing police to let a man go who allegedly attacked police team on Thursday during a raid. After this Afshar was taken into custody. Later Afshar's father Anwar Ahmed also arrived at the police station. "He was forcing us to let a man go who attacked a team that went for a raid. He misbehaved with us and abused me. We told him that we will free the person only if he was found innocent in our probe. He and others started a ruckus and misbehaved with us. I told them to leave but he verbally abused me and said that he will come back with 5,000 people and give it a different angle. He has been arrested," said Ashok Singh, DSP Town. Speaking to ANI, Senior Superintendent of Police, Patna Manavjeet Singh Dhillon said, "The ward councillor has been arrested for obstructing government work, misbehaviour with on-duty police and the uproar in the police station. All the CCTV footage is being scanned. No one will be spared." "There was an attack on the police patrol team, in which the accused were caught and brought to the police station, to rescue them, these people came to the police station and created a ruckus and misbehaved with the police," added the official. On Thursday, locals attacked the police team that went on a raid in Sabzibagh area. The cops were beaten by locals. The very next police party went to the area and brought a shopkeeper to the police station for questioning. The MLC's son along with others then came to the police station to free the shopkeeper from the police station. (ANI) Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is going to introduce battery operated robotic boat called Lifebouy to rescue people from drowning in the sea. The robotic boat can cover 30 metres in 5 to 6 seconds and save the victim, who is drowning. Referring to police records, GVMC said at least 30 sea drowning deaths are reported every year in the Visakhapatnam coast. District collector A Mallikarjuna, GVMC commissioner G Lakshmisha and Visakhapatnam Mayor Hari Kumari inspected the battery-operated robotic boat on Friday evening at Rama Krishna Beach. The operator demonstrated a demo with the machine. District Collector Mallikarjuna said that Visakhapatnam will be transformed into a safe beach. "If someone is lost in the sea, this robotic boat will go up to 700 metres at a speed of 7 km and help in rescue them. It is useful for the immediate rescue of those who are drowned in the sea," said Mallikarjuna GVMC Commissioner Lakshmisha said that the depth of Rama Krishna Beach in Visakhapatnam is greater than 10 metres of other beaches. He said most of the sand slips away when the wave comes and goes. Lakshmisha said that GVMC is also planning to introduce the water rescue drone very coming soon. "Failure to anticipate this can lead to slipping and slipping of the legs. These Syphilis drones are used to rescue those in danger at sea," said Lakshmisha. He further inspected a battery-operated robotic boat called Lifebouy. (ANI) The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Ministry of Jal Shakti in collaboration with APAC News Network organised the 10th edition of 'Igniting Young Minds Rejuvenating Rivers' webinar on Thursday with the aim of connecting youth and students with river conservation and promotion programmes. According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the theme of the webinar was Natural Farming. In this special session, the need to effectively educate the youth about natural farming in Ganga basin states under Arth Ganga Project was discussed. Giving the keynote address, DG, NMCG, G Asok Kumar gave an overview of the Namami Gange Programme and informed about the various steps being taken to make River Ganga Nirmal and Aviral. Kumar highlighted the concerns of seepage of chemicals from fields into the river basin, and the need for chemical-free farming on the banks of River Ganga for improved biodiversity and the quality of water. He said that natural farming is one of the most important pillars of Arth Ganga and it can address several issues related to Ganga rejuvenation. Recalling the vision given by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in the first meeting of the National Ganga Council in Kanpur in 2019, he highlighted NMCG's efforts towards sustainable agriculture with natural farming being one of the pillars of the Arth Ganga model. He discussed Namami Gange's efforts in identifying pollution sources and putting diversion systems to treat unclean water. "With Nirmal Jal Kendras (STPs), quality water is being put back into rivers," he informed. On natural farming, he said that the chemical fertilizers used in farming flow into the river with rainwater and pollute the water bodies. It becomes a major nonpoint pollution source. He called for the 'More Net Income Per Drop' campaign, a step ahead of the 'More Crop Per Drop' slogan. This puts emphasis on the net income from the sale of crops in a monetised economy by reducing the expenditure of farmers through natural farming. This is in line with decreasing the usage of chemicals and employing natural means of crop production. With natural farming, he noted that "we can save 50-70 per cent of water in the economy wherein at least 85-90 per cent of water is used in the agriculture sector. This will ensure efficient usage of water and save water being used for other purposes like drinking water." He mentioned that interactions with farmers and many rounds of discussions with experts is being undertaken by Namami Gange, to educate farmers about the benefits of natural farming and bring a behavioural change in their farming practices. Kumar also stressed the importance of supporting farmers through the process by handholding initially. He advocated for post-harvesting marketing strategies to help brand the produce coming from these farmers. "This will help in increasing the revenue of farmers growing crops through natural farming. Hence, Prime Minister's vision of linking people to rivers can be achieved through Namami Gange's natural farming project," he added. Sharing his insights about the importance of awareness and participation, Pro Vice Chancellor, IMS Unison University, Dehradun, Ravikesh Srivastava talked about improving the mindset about the relevance of clean water through school education. He propagated active participation of communities directly or indirectly living near the Ganga basin. Srivastava emphasised the monetary evaluation exercises to see the ground impact of Ganga projects. He also noted the importance of giving premium product status to crops produced through natural farming. He ended his address with a suggestion to continue more focused research on natural farming in the agricultural universities of India. Vice Chancellor, GNS University, Bihar Dr MK Singh talked about mixing the practices of natural and chemical-based farming. He also discussed zero-budget farming and various studies that showed reduced farming costs and increased farmers' income due to natural farming practices. With natural farming, there has been a considerable improvement to soil's physical and mental health. Speaking about the difference between natural and organic farming, Agriculture Expert and Vice President of DeHaat Dinesh Chauhan, mentioned that India should focus on farm practices that show a minimal adverse impact on the environment and the health of the consumers. He recalled the 'Beej Se Bazaar Tak' slogan and highlighted the relevance of choosing natural farming practices. With issues in securing certifications required to sell crops from organic farming, small farmers run the risk of being unable to secure the right money for his produce without proper certifications, Chauhan said. He also highlighted the importance of employing traceability of crops produced through natural farming being done with the help of barcodes. It was noted that with the validation of crops, the profitability of the crops will increase and promote sustainable agriculture practices. Pro Vice-Chancellor, SGT University, Gurugram, Dr Vikas Dhawan discussed the healthy way of living through natural food in the modern era. He noted that farmers need to be educated on natural farming, ensuring long-lasting impacts on the environment and the health of the consumer. The panellists of the webinar included Dr Dinesh Chauhan, Dr MK Singh, Dr Ravikesh Srivastava, and Dr Vikas Dhawan along with students of Uttaranchal University- Abhishek Singh and Bandana Rawat. The session was presided over by the Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, G Asok Kumar. The webinar ended with an interactive session with students. (ANI) A woman died and about 30 houses were destroyed in the cloud burst incident in the Lasko river flowing close to the India and Nepal border at midnight in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. "About 30 houses have been destroyed in the cloud burst incident and one woman has died," District Magistrate (DM) Ashish Chauhan told ANI. Due to the flood in the Kali river in Dharchula last night, there has been a lot of damage in Dharchula and its adjoining areas. Many houses have been washed away, and some houses are severally affected due to floods. A building was also collapsed and got submerged in water owing to a strong current in the river this morning. The DM said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) teams are engaged in the relief work on the spot. The damage caused by the floods in the Kali river has occurred in the villages of both India and Nepal. More details about the incident details are awaited. Earlier on August 20, a similar incident of cloud burst in Dehradun had intense repercussions as reports of heavy water flow damaging various roads came to the fore. "We have received reports of water entering various premises and road damage in many areas. SDRF and NDRF carrying out relief and rescue and restoration operations," Commandant of SDRF Dehradun, Manikant Mishra said. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami then inspected the affected areas in Sarkhet village in Dehradun's Raipur. The water washed out multiple properties and entered several buildings disrupting the everyday lives of the commoners. Dhami ordered the State Disaster Management Department and other administration officials to be on alert regarding the devastation following heavy rainfall in the Garhwal division including Dehradun. The Chief Minister also directed all the concerned departments to reach the affected areas."All the people stuck in the village were rescued while some took shelter in a resort nearby," said SDRF. (ANI) British Airways and British Airways Holidays have launched their September sale, with reductions made across a range of flights and holidays all the way into the summer of 2023. Running until 20 September 2022, the sale offers discounts on travel across the globe, from Europe city-breaks to far-flung Caribbean getaways and 2022 winter sun trips to 2023 holidays-of-a-lifetime. Return British Airways flights available include Heathrow to Dubai from 399 ($459), Gatwick to New York from 308, Heathrow to Miami from 339 and Heathrow to San Francisco from 397. Those looking for far-flung holiday packages (flight + hotel) with British Airways Holidays can enjoy seven-night stays in Orlando from 429pp, the Caribbean from 599pp and the Indian Ocean from 919pp. Those in the market for a mini-break can jet off on three-night trips to Dubai from 439pp or New York from 449pp. Two-night city breaks to destinations including Rome, Venice and Prague start from just 119pp. Meanwhile in Europe, seven-night European favourites such as the Algarve are available from just 199pp, Lanzarote from 249pp, Tenerife from 259pp, and Cyprus from 329pp. Holiday packages can be secured with deposits from 60pp, with the final balance due up to four weeks before travel. Executive Club Members can also now earn double Tier Points on flights taken as part of a package holiday, for travel up to 30 September 2023. Travellers interested in exploring British Airways newest destination, Oranjestad in Aruba, can enjoy seven nights on the Caribbean island from 979pp. Flights begin on 26 March 2023, operating twice weekly from London Gatwick. British Airways Holidays is also offering customers an additional saving of up to 300 on selected holidays, for a limited period. Those booking between 1 6 September 2022 can book a flight + hotel or flight + car holiday and make the following extra savings, on top of the September sale prices: 300 extra discount with a minimum spend of 10,000 per booking (flight + hotel) 200 extra discount with a minimum spend of 5,000 per booking (flight + hotel) 100 extra discount with a minimum spend of 2,500 per booking (flight + hotel & flight + car) 50 extra discount with a minimum spend of 1,250 per booking (flight + hotel & flight + car) 25 extra discount with a min spend of 650 per booking (flight + car) Claire Bentley, Managing Director of British Airways Holidays, said: We know that, more than ever, many of our customers are keen to ensure value for money. This sale offers a huge variety of flights and holidays at a wide range of prices, giving plenty of choice for those keen to get away. This is coupled with The British Airways experience, from generous baggage allowances to great quality food and drink on board. British Airways Holidays customers can also benefit from our low deposits and the additional protection that comes with our holiday packages, so they can book with complete peace of mind. TradeArabia News Service Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is slated to participate in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of major cooperative institutions of Gujarat on Sunday. In his day-long visit to his hometown, the Minister will participate in the co-operative symposium-- an AGM of major cooperative institutions of Gujarat organised in Amreli city in Gujarat around 11.30 am. Sources said that the pride of dairy co-operatives and owner of the brand Amul, GCMMF, the apex body of 18 milk unions spread across the state of Gujarat, may also participate in the AGM as the Union Cooperation Minister months ago this year lauded its commitment for strengthening the co-operative movement and empowering women. Speaking at the AGM, an official said detailed turnover, profits and future plans of the major co-operative institutions in Gujarat are expected to be discussed. The meet is being organised two days after, the Home Minister chaired a two-day conference of State Cooperation Ministers organised by the Ministry of Cooperation in New Delhi on September 8 to 9 in which deliberations were held on various important themes including - National Cooperation Policy, National Cooperative Database, New Proposed Schemes of Ministry of Cooperation like Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in every Panchayat, Export of Agro-based and other products, promotion and marketing of Organic Products, expansion of Co-operatives to New Areas. In the meeting, subjects related to PACS and Model Bye-Laws including PACS Computerization, Action Plan for Revitalization of defunct PACS and Model Bye-Laws of PACS were also discussed along with issues related to Primary Co-operative Societies regarding prioritizing long-term financing, Milk Co-operative Societies and Fish Cooperative Societies in presence of 21 states and Lieutenant Governors of two Union Territories. After attending the cooperatives' meeting, as per the current schedule, the Home Minister will go for worship at Lord Somnath temple at 3 pm. (ANI) Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah on Saturday laid the foundation stone for border tourism development work at Tanot temple complex adjacent to India-Pakistan international border, which lies around 120 km from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The Home Minister laid the foundation stone of the project as part of his two-day visit to Rajasthan. He reached Jaisalmer on Friday evening. Tanot Mandir Complex Project is being started by the Union Ministry of Tourism, under the Border Tourism Development Program. An amount of Rs 17 crore 67 lakh has been approved by the Government of India for the Tanot Mandir Complex project. Under this project, a waiting room, amphitheatre, interpretation centre, room for children and other necessary facilities will be developed to promote tourism. This project of the Ministry of Tourism will develop areas of Tanot and Jaisalmer adjoining the India-Pakistan border and increase employment opportunities in the border area. Director General Border Security Force Pankaj Kumar Singh, Additional Director General (Western Command) P. Ramashastri, Inspector General (Rajasthan Frontier) David Lalringa, Economic Advisor of the Ministry of Tourism Gyan Bhushan and other officers were present at the event. In the 1965 India-Pakistan War, thousands of bomb shells were dropped by Pakistan in the Tanot Rai Mata Temple Complex but none of them were detonated by the miracle of Tanot Mata. Since 1965, the BSF is taking charge of the worship and arrangement of this temple. The BSF operates this temple through trust and every morning and evening Mata's 'Aarti and Bhajan Sandhya' are organized in which thousands of devotees come from different states of the country. During the India-Pakistan Longewala War of 1971, brave soldiers of the BSF played an important and decisive role at Longewala Post. On December 4-5 last year also, the Home Minister visited Tanot temple and took stock of the tourism prospects there as well as boosted the morale of the soldiers by taking night rest at other border posts. (ANI) Soon after the video of meeting controversial Tamil pastor George Ponnaiah went viral, Congress hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that the ruling party at the Centre has been spreading lies adding that its "typical mischief" is an attempt to damage the spirit of 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'. "It is a completely bogus video. What was said in the conversation has nothing to do with the tweet. We have issued the full text of what was said. It is typical mischievous lies being spread by the BJP to damage the spirit of Bharat Jodo Yatra," said Jairam Ramesh. He slammed BJP for dividing the country and said, "We are trying to unite people and to bring people together because India is being broken because of economic inequality, social polarisation and political centralisation. The BJP divides and Congress unites. BJP believes in uniformity while congress unity. BJP rejects India's diversity but Congress celebrates India's diversity." He further said that this Bharat Jodo Yatra is like Lord Hanuman which will bring 'Sanjeevani' for the revival of the Congress party. "We are determined that this Bharat Jodo Yarta will be a huge success, it will create the new political culture and it will strengthen the Congress party organisation. India needs a strong vibrant Congress and the Bharat Jodo Yatra is Hanuman to create 'Sanjeevani' for Congress," he added. Taking to Twitter, Ramesh said that the video bears no relation whatsoever to what is recorded in the audio. "An atrocious tweet from the BJP hate factory is doing the rounds. It bears no relation whatsoever to what is recorded in the audio. This is typical BJP mischief that has become more desperate after the successful launch of Bharat Jodo Yatra which is evoking such a huge response," he said in a tweet. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi's meeting with the priest and said that "it is Rahul Gandhi's Nafrat Jodo Abhiyan" while adding that today they have met a person like George Ponnaiah, the poster boy of Bharat Jodo Yatra-who challenged, threatened Hindus and said inappropriate things about Bharat Mata. Congress has a long history of being anti-Hindu." Poonawalla attacked Rahul Gandhi, "George Ponnaiah who met Rahul Gandhi says Jesus is the only God unlike Shakti (& other Hindu Gods)" He further said, "Earlier he was arrested for his bigotry remark, when he said, "I wear shoes because impurities of Bharat Mata should not contaminate us." Poonawalla took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi's meeting with the priest, saying, "Bharat Jodo with Bharat Todo icons?" Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is on a 150-day-long Bharat Jodo Yatra, on Friday met a controversial catholic priest George Ponnaiah in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. A video clip of Rahul Gandhi's interaction with the Tamil Nadu pastor went viral, in which Rahul Gandhi can be heard asking, "Jesus Christ is a form of God? Is that right?" to which the Tamil Nadu priest George Ponniah replied, "He is the real God." Ponniah goes on to say, "God reveals him(self) as a man, a real person...not like Shakti...so we see a human person." Ponniah has a history of delivering provocative statements that have landed him in trouble in the past. He was arrested last year in July in Kallikudi, Madurai for allegedly making a 'hate speech' against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, DMK Minister and others. Rahul Gandhi met him at the Muttidichan Parai Church, Puliyoorkurichy where he camped for a morning break on Friday. Pastor George Ponnaiah was arrested last year in July for his hate speech targeting the Hindu community. He made contentious remarks in a meeting on July 18, 2021, at Arumanai in Tamil Nadu. (ANI) A 10-year-old boy was severely mauled by a pitbull in Sanjay Nagar area of Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad city. Sources on Saturday said that the boy who suffered severe injuries from the dog's bite received more than 150 stitches on his face. The boy is a resident of Ghaziabad and the jurisdiction came under the Madhuban Bapudham Police Station. On September 3, the children of Sanjay Nagar were playing in the A block park in the area, when suddenly a pitbull dog roaming there attacked the children. Following this, the dog dropped Mahal and bit his cheeks and ear. The people present at the spot saved the boy and informed his family who immediately took the injured boy to the hospital. The child received 175 stitches on his face. According to Mahal's grandfather, "The dog attacked the child when he was playing in the park; thankfully, someone saw it, or else the dog would have killed him. The child can no longer eat or speak clearly". The family members filed a complaint with the police, who reached the spot. The dog's owner had removed the dog from the place of the incident. As per Circle Officer Ritesh Tripathi, "A fine of Rs 5,000 has also been imposed by the Municipal Corporation against the owner of the dog and a warning has also been issued". The Municipal Corporation appealed to the people to register their pets by visiting the municipal portal. "People are constantly being made aware that they should inform the Municipal Corporation about their animals. People have to be aware of this themselves so that they and other people can also know whether the dog is properly vaccinated or not", CO Ritesh Tripathi added.The official assured of taking action as per the law. The child can barely talk and is petrified to look at his pictures. A similar incident happened days ago in Gaziabad when a school boy was bitten by a dog inside a housing society elevator even as the animal's owner appeared to be a mute spectator, following which the Ghaziabad police registered a case, an official said. The incident, a video of which had gone viral, happened in Rajnagar Extension's Charms Castle when the boy, with a schoolbag on his shoulder, was bitten by the dog inside the lift of the high-rise residential building. The boy's parents approached Nandigram Police Station where a complaint under IPC section 289 (negligent conduct with respect to animals) of IPC was registered. "In the viral video from Charms Castle in Rajnagar Extension, a boy was attacked by a dog and the woman stood in her place holding the leash. A complaint has been lodged by the boy's father and the investigation is still underway," said Alok Dubey, Circle Officer. The incident was caught on a CCTV camera installed inside the elevator of the residential complex. The video shows the boy being attacked by the dog with its leash in the woman's hand. When she walked out of the lift, the dog again leaped upon the child but was pulled away by the woman. (ANI) Gen Rawat died in a chopper crash last year in December along with his wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 other military personnel. The event to rename the military station was attended by state Governor Brig BD Mishra (Retd) and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, senior military and civilian dignitaries along with daughters of the late CDS. During the ceremony, Kibithu Military Camp was renamed as General Bipin Rawat military garrison, wherein a grand gate built in local traditional architectural style, was inaugurated by the Governor. Gen Rawat commanded his Battalion 5/11 Gorkha Rifles as a Colonel at Kibithu from 1999-2000 and contributed immensely to strengthening the security structure of Kibithu, a small hamlet on the banks of the Lohit Valley. The 22 Km road stretch from Walong to Kibithu was also dedicated as GENERAL BIPIN RAWAT MARG by the state Chief Minister. "A majestic life-size mural of the General was also unveiled followed by an address by the Governor," Army officials said. (ANI) According to Mattannur Police, a bomb exploded about 50 meters away from the house of Sudheesh, an RSS worker. Police registered the case under the explosive act. The forensic team collected evidence from the spot. The dog squad also visited the spot. Further, the district police chief visited the place. Police said that Sudheesh was also accused in many cases. Further investigation is underway. Notably, a clash had broken out between RSS and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) workers in the area after a bomb explosion last month. Several houses and properties were damaged during the clash. In another incident, a bomb exploded near the house of Salahudheen, a former SDPI worker on Friday in Kannavam. Police registered a case and an investigation is underway. (ANI) Despite all odds and challenges in life, Yoga has changed the life of a 14-year-old girl suffering from Down Syndrome with a 75 per cent intellectual disability. In a heartwarming moment on Saturday, Anvi Vijay Zanzarukia, popularly known as 'Rubber Girl', met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. "We had lost all hope in life when one day my wife discovered Anvi used to sleep with legs touching her shoulder as it give her relief in pain. That day I noticed flexibility in her body and encouraged her to perform Yoga," said Anvi's father Vijay Zanzarukia. He added that practising Yoga has decreased her dependability on medicines. She had undergone open heart surgery and she is suffering from mitral valve leakage at present. She has a disability in the large intestine due to 21 trisomy and harsh spring disease. She also faces difficulty in speaking. "Yoga has given a new life to our daughter. Every day she practices Yoga for an hour in the morning and evening. In competitions she has performed with other normal children and has won many awards," said her mother Avani Zanzarukia. Anvi, a resident of Gujarat's Surat, is suffering from Down Syndrome with 75 per cent intellectual disability. She won Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on January 24 this year. She was accompanied by her parents who have arrived in Delhi from Surat to participate in an event on Thursday, later they approached the Prime Minister's Office with a request to meet the PM and they were amazed after they got a call from the Prime Minister's Office confirming their meeting. "It is like a dream come true. It was possibly the biggest day of her life where she met PM Modi and performed yoga in front of him," Anvi's father Vijay Zanzarukia said. He added that she used to call PM Narendra Modi as "Namo Dada". During the meeting she performed yoga in front of him, the PM also appreciated her efforts and blessed her with a great future. He has promised to meet her next time when he comes to Gujarat. "It was like we are sitting with a family member and he (PM Modi) interacted with Anvi and said he will talk about her in Maan ki Baat. He is a very grounded person with a great gesture," he said. During the meeting, she also got a signature of PM Modi on her Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar certificate. (ANI) A Delhi Court hearing North East Delhi riots of 2020 recently directed to provide security to a prosecution witness in a case against Shahrukh Pathan. Witness Rohit Shukla had suffered a gunshot injury during the riots. Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat of Karkardooma Court directed Delhi police to provide security to Prosecution witness Rohit Shukla. The court has directed to send a copy of the order to the Commissioner of Police, Delhi. Shukla suffered a gunshot injury and is a prosecution witness against Shahrukh Pathan. The court noted that Rohit Shukla submitted that he was threatened and he should be provided security. This case is connected to an FIR no. 49/2020 registered at Jafrabad. The Court had on December 23, 2021 framed charges against Shahrukh Pathan under various offences dealing with rioting, unlawful assembly and an attempt to murder. The Court had also framed charges against the other four accused, Salman, Gulfam, Aatir and Osama. The case pertains to unlawful assembly within the jurisdiction of Police Station Jafrabad, and the accused being a member of unlawful assembly along with four other associates armed with bottles, stones and pistols obstructed police officials or public servants, who were posted there to maintain law and order, in the discharge of their public functions. The police alleged that the accused caused injuries to police personnel and gunshot injury sustained to one Rohit Shukla. Earlier, in a separate case, the Court had framed charges against Shahrukh Pathan, who had allegedly opened fire at police personnel in February 2020 during the protest and violence against the Citizenship Amendment Act. Pathan is named as an accused in a separate case related to pointing a gun at head constable Deepak Dahiya. He was arrested on March 3, 2020, and is currently lodged in the Tihar Jail. According to police, Pathan, after the incident in February, initially kept roaming in the national capital before slipping away to Punjab and Uttar Pradesh's Shamli, from where he was arrested by the Crime Branch later. In February 2020, clashes broke out in the northeast area of Delhi between the groups regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act, which led to the deaths of at least 53 people. (ANI) Following a letter from the Centre, the UP government has issued directions to all departments to observe one-day state mourning on Sunday as a mark of respect after the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. As per the UP government's instructions issued in the letter of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India the national flag will be flown at half-mast in a state of mourning. No official work will be done during state mourning. Queen Elizabeth II had passed away on Thursday. "As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the Government of India has decided that there will be one day of State Mourning on September 11th throughout India," reads a statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Queen Elizabeth II breathed her last in Scotland. Condolences poured in from around the world following the demise of the 96-year-old monarch. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered her as a "stalwart of our times", saying she "provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people" and "personified dignity and decency in public life". The Queen was not keeping well of late and was under medical supervision as doctors were "concerned for Her Majesty's health". Buckingham palace announced she died at Balmoral Castle where members of the royal family had rushed to her side after her health took a turn for the worse. The Queen had been suffering from what Buckingham Palace called "episodic mobility problems" since the end of last year. After her coffin is brought back to London, the Queen will lie in state in Westminster Hall for about four days before her funeral. (ANI) "We are celebrating 75 years of Independence as 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'. India should be united and not divided to move ahead," said the minister. Thakur was speaking in Una's Garget in the event organized on the 75th year of Himachal Pradesh's establishment where he addressed a public gathering. He said that our PM's vision and people's cooperation will lead to a new age in India. "Our PM has shown the right direction for India in the next 25 years on Red Fort this Independence Day," he said. Encouraging people for the restoration of heritage of the country, he further said, "Creating a new-age India means development along with keeping the rich historical and cultural heritage alive." Earlier, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur launched a state-level "Pragatisheel Himachal" programme to commemorate "75 years of the formation of Himachal Pradesh". Today, the state CM thanked the people of Himachal Pradesh and said we have come a long way. "I am thankful to all residents of the state for bringing change. Himachal Pradesh, 75 years back and now has a major difference, we have come a long way. The condition of roads, healthcare system, schools, education and farming sector have all developed," Thakur said in the programme. (ANI) Flag carrier Turkish Airlines has signed a codeshare agreement with Air Seychelles that is mainly aimed at boosting its partnership in bid to maximise the travel opportunities offered to the passengers of both airlines through its flight networks. Starting officially as of October 15, this new codeshare agreement is to broaden the commercial partnership between the two companies and their respective countries while offering passengers more travel options between Turkiye and Seychelles, said the statement from Turkish Airlines. As per the agreement, Turkish Airlines will be placing its code on Mahe Praslin flights operated by Air Seychelles, while the Seychelles carrier will place its code on Istanbul Mahe, Istanbul Tel Aviv and Istanbul Paris flights operated by Turkish Airlines. In addition, the agreement is planned to be expanded in the future as well, it added. On the agreement, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Eksi said: "We are pleased to sign this codeshare agreement with Air Seychelles, and aim to improve our partnership to maximize the travel opportunities offered to our passengers through our flight networks." "We believe that this partnership will not only bring benefits to both carriers from a commercial perspective, but also improve the cultural and tourism relations between two countries," stated Eksi after signing the deal with Air Seychelles Acting CEO Sandy Benoiton at Turkish Airlines Headquarters in Istanbul in the presence of senior officials from both sides. Benoiton said: Air Seychelles is thrilled to offer the TK code on our domestic flights between Mahe and Praslin, allowing a single-ticket transaction for seamless travel to Seychelles second largest island." "Additionally, the Air Seychelles HM-code will appear on key cities in Europe and the Middle East, allowing further options and travel date flexibility to our passengers," he added.-TradeArabia News Service The Assam government will start the constitution works of 1 lakh Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY) houses in the state from September 17. Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Assam Panchayat and Rural Development Minister on Saturday told ANI that the state government has decided to start the construction works of 1 lakh PMAY houses from September 17 across the state. "There are 16 lakh beneficiaries in the state and construction works of 13 lakh PMAY houses are going on. We have now decided to construct 1 lakh more houses in the state. On September 17, the public representatives of the state such as the ministers, MPs, MLAs and Panchayat members will flag off the construction works of 1 lakh PMAY houses across the state," Ranjeet Kumar Dass said The Assam Minister also said that the state government will also start the construction works of 1000 Amrit Sarovar in the state from September 17. "We have prepared the DPR (a construction company) to construct 3007 Amrit Sarovar in Assam. We will start construction works of 1000 Amrit Sarovar in the state from September 17," Dass further said. He also said that the state government will give one one-time financial aid of Rs 25,000 each to 12000 Widow beneficiaries of the state on September 17. "There are 1.39 lakh widow beneficiaries in the state who are currently getting Rs 300 as Widow pension per month. Out of them, the state government will provide one-time financial aid of Rs 25,000 to each of 12000 widow beneficiaries," the minister said. He said that the state Panchayat and Rural Development department has taken various initiatives for the development of the state. "In last 15 months of the current government in the state led by Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, we have completed around 2.50 lakh houses," Dass added. (ANI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against six accused in a case related to the targeted killing of the sarpanch of the Adoora village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam, the agency said on Saturday. "On Friday, NIA filed the Charge-Sheet in NIA Special Court, Jammu in the case of the targeted killing of Sarpanch Shabir Ahmad Mir of village Adoora, Kulgam by the terrorists of proscribed terrorist outfit Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). The case was initially registered as FIR no. 32/2022 dated 11.03.2022 at PS Kulgam, J&K and re-registered by NIA on 08.04.2022," stated NIA. Investigations have revealed that the handlers of proscribed terrorist organization Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) operating from Pakistan, hatched a criminal conspiracy in collusion with terrorist associates/OGWs and terrorists of HM active in Kashmir Valley, to carry out the target killing of Sarpanch namely Shabir Ahmad Mir of village Adoora, Kulgam. Apart from this incident, carrying out targeted killings in Kashmir Valley was part of larger conspiracy by terrorists of HM and other proscribed terrorist outfits to disturb peace and disrupt the democratic process established by the Panchayti Raj System in Kashmir Valley and also to create terror among the politically elected representatives. The NIA has named Danish Ayaz Dar, Faisal Hameed Wagay, Nisar Rashid Bhat alias Nasir, Zubair Ahmad Sofi, Mushtaq Ahmad Itoo, Farooq Ahmad Bhat alias Farooq Nalli under different sections of the UAPA Act. Further investigations in the case are in progress. (ANI) According to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday, the attempt by a man to dismantle his mic on the stage at a rally in Hyderabad went against the principle of Atithi Devo Bhava (a guest is like a god). Addressing the media, Sarma said, "We were at zero distance. If a member of a political party does such a thing, then it looks indecent. It was against India's culture of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'." Earlier on Friday, a man tried to confront Sarma by dismantling the mic installed on the stage at a rally in Hyderabad. Sarma has demanded KCR government to take action on the matter. "He could have attacked me with the sharp weapon. The Telangana government should take action," Sarma said. The man who tried to confront Sarma, Nand Kishore Vyas said, "He can have Ganesh darshan and give speech but when he used derogatory language for the Chief Minister, we could not tolerate it. If someone says something wrong about our Chief Minister, it will not be tolerated." Sarma was on a visit to Hyderabad to participate in various programmes including Ganesh immersion Shobhayatra. Meanwhile, commenting on the viral video of Rahul Gandhi meeting with a pastor in Tamil Nadu during Bharat Jodo Yatra, Sarma said, "Rahul Gandhi is clearly provoking the priest to speak against Hindus. You should not draw comparisons as it creates a communal divide in the country." Sarma further said that Rahul Gandhi should restrain from humiliating Hindus. Notably, a video clip of Rahul Gandhi's interaction with the Tamil Nadu pastor went viral, in which Rahul Gandhi can be heard asking, "Jesus Christ is a form of God? Is that right?" to which the Tamil Nadu priest George Ponniah replied, "He is the real God." Ponniah goes on to say, "God reveals him (self) as a man, a real person...not like Shakti...so we see a human person." Assam CM also took a swipe at Congress's Bharat Jodo Yatra, saying they should apologize for what Nehru did to the people of the country then you can go to Islamabad and Lahore. "India was divided during the regime of JL Nehru. Grandfather will part the nation and grandchildren will unite it? Apologize for what Nehru did to the people of the country then you can go to Islamabad and Lahore," Sarma said. (ANI) Reacting to Catholic priest George Ponnaiah's controversial statement "Jesus Christ is the real God, not like Shakti," Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai said that Rahul Gandhi is meeting "divisive personalities". Speaking about George Ponnaiyan, Annamalai said, "Nothing new in what George Ponnaiyan has done. What is striking is the personalities RG is meeting. He is meeting divisive personalities." "George Ponnaiyan has spoken badly against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Bharat Mata. Rahul Gandhi said it is Bharat Jodo Yatra but it is like Bharat Todo Yatra. Hardly 500 attended the meet in Kanyakumari. Walkathon is like how he is walking. This yatra is doing nothing to register in people's minds." Speaking on forced conversion, he said, "I am in receipt of the letter and it is alarming that the state child protection officers had gone to a CSI Monhatan school and it was found that students were forced to convert into Christianity and were ill treated. The NCPCR is saying that state officials are not taking action and are supporting the facility. No action has been taken and this shows how the state government is trying to protect those who are involved. Children are saying they are forced to convert." When asked if forced religious conversion is increasing in the state, the state BJP chief said, "We have to look at the number and many officials support certain organisations. To ordinary people, the forced conversion has become a menace." "BJP will be forced to file a writ petition to make the government act against forced conversion," he added. Meanwhile, Annamalai called Rahul Gandhi "India's divider and chief" after a row erupted over his meeting with George Ponnaiah. "India's divider & chief Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Todo Elite walkathon with 60 air-conditioned caravans concluded in Kanyakumari after meeting Andolan Jeevi (some of whom were slapped sedition charges during UPA), Anti-Nationals & divisive elements of our society," K Annamalai tweeted. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is on a 150-day-long Bharat Jodo Yatra, on Friday met a controversial catholic priest George Ponnaiah in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. A video clip of Rahul Gandhi's interaction with the Tamil Nadu pastor went viral, in which Rahul Gandhi can be heard asking, "Jesus Christ is a form of God? Is that right?" to which the Tamil Nadu priest George Ponniah replied, "He is the real God." Ponniah goes on to say, "God reveals him(self) as a man, a real person...not like Shakti...so we see a human person." Ponniah has a history of delivering provocative statements that have landed him in trouble in the past. He was arrested last year in July in Kallikudi, Madurai for allegedly making a 'hate speech' against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, DMK Minister and others. Rahul Gandhi met him at the Muttidichan Parai Church, Puliyoorkurichy where he camped for a morning break on Friday. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla attacked Rahul Gandhi, "George Ponnaiah who met Rahul Gandhi says Jesus is the only God unlike Shakti (& other Hindu Gods)". He further said, "Earlier he was arrested for his bigotry remark, when he said, "I wear shoes because impurities of Bharat Mata should not contaminate us." Pastor George Ponnaiah was arrested last year in July for his hate speech targeting the Hindu community. He made contentious remarks in a meeting on July 18, 2021, at Arumanai in Tamil Nadu. (ANI) Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology Jitendra Singh today called for linking StartUps with Industry right from the beginning as equal stakeholders in order to ensure sustainable StartUps. While chairing the Leadership session of Ministers from different States on the first day of the 2-day "Centre-State Science Conclave" at Science City in Ahmedabad, Dr Jitendra Singh said, his Ministry is proactively reaching out to Start-Ups across the country and providing seed funds for incubation and quality research with 50-50 investment mechanism from the DST and the Start-Ups. Earlier, the 2-day 'Centre-State Science Conclave' was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Science City, Ahmedabad. Referring to Prime Minister Modi's launch of StartUp India from the ramparts of Red Fort in 2015, Jitendra Singh said, India in its 75th year of Independence is now home to more than 75,000 Start-Ups taking a huge leap from 300 odd start-ups a few years ago. He said, India ranks globally 3rd in the Start-Up ecosystem and also in terms of the number of Unicorns. Dr Jitendra Singh informed that a special session with the CEOs of over 100 Start-Ups and industry at the Centre-State Science Conclave' in Ahmedabad will try to explore state-specific solutions for unique problems faced by individual states. The Minister promised all support from all the six science departments to the potential start-ups willing to work with state governments with funding from all stakeholders. Science and Technology Ministers of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Haryana and Chief Secretaries and Science and Technology Secretaries of other States and UTs gave brief presentations about the STI policy and other achievements in scientific endeavours and Start-ups in their respective states. Dr Jitendra Singh said, the integration of Research, Start-ups, Academia and Industry is no longer an option but a dire necessity to attract young innovators in the country, particularly in the States to come out with cutting-edge and globally competitive products and solutions. He said, "Doubling Private Sector investment in R&D by 2030" and supplementing the country's and State's overall economy is a key agenda of the Conclave in tune with Atma Nirbhar goal of the Modi Government. Bowing to the will of State Ministers for proactive engagements between Centre and States in S&T and creating a mechanism to facilitate the flow of STI information and data between Centre and States, Dr Jitendra Singh said, after two days manthan, small joint committees will be formed between the Centre and different cluster of states for taking forward the STI policy to its logical conclusion. The Minister said, Capacity Building of Scientists, technologists and professionals from States will be the key focus area and added that the Centre and States will work together to promote Private sector participation in the State R&D and will try to put in position a robust and long term "Centre-State coordination and monitoring Mechanism in STI at the highest level. Taking a cue from Prime Minister's address at the conclave to open more Innovation Labs in the higher education institutes of the States, Dr Jitendra Singh promised that the Department of Science and Technology at the Centre will provide all support including monetary support for establishing niche innovation centres in the States. Dr Jitendra Singh informed that in tune with Prime Minister's relentless efforts to facilitate innovation and entrepreneurship in the country, the first-of-its-kind Conclave will strengthen Centre-State coordination and collaboration mechanisms in the spirit of cooperative federalism to build a robust science, technology & innovation (STI) ecosystem across the country. Referring to the theme of Leadership Session "Anusandhan se Samadhan", Dr Jitendra Singh informed that important plenary sessions with State S&T Ministers are being organized during the two-day summit on issues like Agriculture, Innovation for producing portable drinking water including the application of technologies like Desalination, Heli borne methods developed by DST, Clean Energy for All including S&T role in Hydrogen mission, Deep Sea Mission of MoES and its relevance for Coastal States/UT, Digital healthcare for All and Synergizing Science with National Education Policy. Earlier, delivering the welcome address at the 'Centre-State Science Conclave', Dr Jitendra Singh lauded the vision and bold initiative of Modi for unlocking the Space Sector for private participation and now we are looking forward to Gaganyaan Mission. Similarly, joint ventures in the Department of Atomic Energy is leading to the establishment of new institutes and new research initiatives. The Minister said the Deep Sea Mission along with a manned submersible will also have an Integrated Mining System for mining Polymetallic Nodules from 6000 m depth in the central Indian Ocean along 7,500 kms of coastal length in the country. Dr Jitendra Singh concluded that the two-day Science Conclave will focus on the inherent capacities and innovative spirit of Indian Youth to make India a global centre of research and innovation in this Amrit Kaal to fulfil the Prime Minister's dream of making India a frontline country in the world in its 100 years of Independence. (ANI) Poll strategist Prashant Kishor on Saturday took a dig at Nitish Kumar, who took oath as Bihar Chief Minister for the eighth time last month, saying the JD-U leader had broken alliances but continued to be on "CM chair" and Fevicol should make him "their brand ambassador". Kishor's remarks came days after Nitish Kumar had taken a jibe at him calling him a publicity expert who might be wanting to help the BJP. Nitish Kumar last month broke off his alliance with BJP and re-aligned with Rashtriya Janata Dal to form a Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar. "We've seen many alliances being made and broken in Bihar... only one link doesn't break- between CM chair and Nitish Kumar, be it any alliance. It's exemplary; can be only done by him... Fevicol should make him their brand ambassador. We have been hearing the line 'Fevicol ka jod hai, nahi tutne wala hai' (it's Fevicol bond, won't break)," Kumar told ANI. Kishor also said that there is a need for a "credible face" and mass movement to seek people's vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and opined that meeting leaders of various political parties "would not make much of a difference". He said such meetings cannot be seen as Opposition unity or political development. Nitish Kumar, during his visit to the national capital, had met several opposition leaders. "Such meetings and discussions taking place will not change the political situation on the ground. I do not have such an experience. He is more experienced than me. But I do not see the meeting of some leaders individually or collectively, holding discussions or press conferences, as opposition unity or a political development," Kishor said. "Unless you create a people's movement and generate a popular narrative, form a formidable entity, and a credible face that can make the public believe that he can be a better alternative to the BJP, only then they (people) will vote for you," he said. "When he was with the BJP, he met the leaders who were with them. Now he is no more with the BJP, so he is meeting the parties and leaders who are in opposition of the BJP. That would not make much of a difference. You need a credible narrative, people's trust, workers on the ground, and a trustworthy face and people's movement for doing it," he added. Asked who can be a better face of the Opposition among leaders such as Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal and KCR, he said, "Right is the one who can unite everyone and is acceptable to all." Asked about Kumar's displeasure with him- stating BJP links, Kishor said "Nitish Ji isn't angry with me, it's his way of speaking". "I've a kindred relation with him. Who'll take his talks seriously? He was with BJP a month ago," Kishor said. Nitish Kumar, who addressed a press conference during his visit to the national capital, responded to a question about Prashant Kishor who had joined Janata Dal-Untied and was later expelled from the party. Without naming Kishor, Kumar said his statements have no meaning and asked if knows what has been done in the state since 2005. "He joined me and I told him to quit (the work he was doing). He did not listen to me and worked for so many parties," Kumar said."Vo uska dhandha hai (This is his business)," Kumar told reporters. "Let him do what he wants to do in Bihar. His statements have no meaning. Does he know ABC of what has been done in the state since 2005? "Yes, these people know how to take publicity, make statements. They are experts in this and keep stating it. If someone is talking like this, then try to understand, there must be something in his mind. It could be to stay with BJP or help BJP in a covert way," Kumar added. (ANI) Modi congratulated Truss on assuming the office of the Prime Minister of UK. He also appreciated her contributions to the India-UK bilateral relationship in her previous roles as Trade Secretary and Foreign Secretary. Both leaders committed to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK. According to officials, the two leaders discussed various issues of bilateral interest including the progress in the implementation of the Roadmap 2030, ongoing FTA negotiations, defence and security cooperation, and the people-to-people ties between both countries. On behalf of the people of India, Prime Minister Modi conveyed deep condolences to the Royal family and the people of UK on the demise of Queen Elizabeth II. --IANS miz/pgh ( 143 Words) 2022-09-10-20:12:02 (IANS) The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) completed its successful second year on Saturday, said the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The Ministry held an event in the national capital with a key objective to show the achievements and future action plans of the PMMSY flagship programme. Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Parshottam Rupala was the Chief Guest at the event. "About 300 fishers and fish farmers, along with senior officials from States/UTs, attended the celebration and shared their experiences and success stories. The event witnessed the launch of Booklet on PMMSY and its achievements, Matsya Sampada: 3rd edition of DoF Newsletter, Tilapia Action Plan as a part of Export Diversification, Scampi Action Plan, National Seed Plan," read a statement by Ministry. Union Minister Rupala congratulated the Department of Fisheries and PMC team for ideating the event, publishing booklets and representing it in an interesting manner that captures the essence and amalgamation of achievements and future action plans. Minister of State, FAHDDr and I&B Dr L Murugan shared how the fishery sector is programmed for sectoral transformation in India from its independence to the present day and the ancient history of subsistence of the fishery sector as a crucial sector in India. The Secretary, Ministry of FAHD, Jatindra Nath Swain, shared how to utilize the true potential of our reservoirs and natural resources by infusion of technology and public stocking and rejuvenation of water bodies by river and sea ranching programme. He addressed the fishery and fish farmers as the nucleus of PMMSY and congratulated them for their success in the fishery sector under the PMMSY scheme. Former Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Tarun Shridhar shared his experience regarding the introduction of the Shrimp revolution in the nation and shared valuable information pertinent to diversification in the fisheries sector. Tarun Shridhar, Former Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Dr S. Ayyappan, Former Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Jatindra Nath Swain, Secretary, Ministry of FAHD were also present. The Government of India, as part of the 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat' package, introduced the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with investments to the tune of Rs. 20,050 crores, the highest ever investment in the sector. "In the last two years, though Covid-19 has impacted the sector adversely, the sector has managed to bounce back under the scheme by adopting a series of systematic approaches. The fisheries growth rate in the last 2 years, shows an impressive growth of 14.3per cent from 2019-20 to 2021-22. Further, fish production reached an all-time high of 141.64 lakh tons during 2019-20 to 161.87 lakh tons (provisional) during 2021-22," added the statement. (ANI) After the meeting, NCP general secretary Praful Patel said Pawar has been elected unopposed by the party's national executive. The party would hold national council meeting on Sunday during which Pawar is expected to lay out the road map for the national-level alliance of the opposition parties. Patel, meanwhile, said that OBC census should be done and all the parties should come together to challenge the BJP. He also said Bihar Chief Minister and senior Janata Dal-United Nitish has left the NDA and there was a need for unity. Nitish Kumar, who was in national capital this week, met scores of political leaders starting from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M Secretary General Sitaram Yechury, CPI's D. Raja and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal (AAP). Nitish Kumar's purpose of the visit was around the talks of opposition unity. He also intends to meet Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi when she returns from abroad. Before coming to the national capital, the Bihar Chief Minister had met RJD leader Lalu Prasad and TRS supremo K. Chandrasekhar Rao -- the Telangana Chief Minister. --IANS miz/pgh ( 218 Words) 2022-09-10-22:42:03 (IANS) The police swung into action after a video of the boy crying for mercy surfaced on social media on Saturday. Shockingly, the boy was reportedly punished for 'stealing' almonds kept for offering prayers at the temple. The boy's 'greed' enraged the priest who decided to teach him a lesson. In the viral video, the boy could be seen crying relentlessly and seeking mercy from the priest, who tied him to a tree at the temple premises. When a man asked the priest to free the child, he was told, "You just mind your own business." According to the police, the accused priest has been identified as Rakesh Jain, a resident of Sagar district. Later, the father of the boy lodged a complaint with the local police station. According to the complaint, the priest and another man tied the child to a tree and beat him up. "A case has been registered against the accused priest under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act," a police official said. --IANS pd/arm ( 214 Words) 2022-09-10-22:48:03 (IANS) Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has continued to strengthen its commitment in the US market with increased flights from New Yorks JFK International Airport on the heels of the launch of the airlines new A350 aircraft, and an expanded partnership with JetBlue. On Friday night, Etihad invited friends and partners to an event in New York at Cipriani Downtown to celebrate the airlines latest milestone and continued commitment to the US market and its North American partners. A number of key representatives from Abu Dhabi's tourism sector joined the delegation, including Mohammed Al Zaabi, Chief Executive Officer of Miral Asset Management, Husain Al Hashmi, Regional Manager at Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, Francois Bourienne, Chief Commercial Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports. They were joined by executives from the hospitality and travel sectors, helping to strengthen the connections between the UAE and the US. Tony Douglas, Etihad Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, commented: The US remains one of our leading markets and that is why New York and Chicago were amongst the first destinations to be serviced by Etihads new A350. We are proud to continue to offer our guests a premier travel experience and enhanced connectivity through our growing partnership with JetBlue. In June Etihad launched its new A350 aircraft, Sustainability50, which carries a unique livery in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the federation of the UAE and Etihad's commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The new aircraft is currently serving two routes in the US with flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Chicagos OHare International and New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport. The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-powered Airbus A350 is one of the most efficient aircraft types in the world, with 25% less fuel burn and CO2 emissions than previous-generation twin aisle aircraft. Developed in partnership between Etihad, Airbus and Rolls Royce, the Sustainability50 programme will see Etihad's A350s used as flying test beds of new initiatives, procedures and technologies to reduce carbon emissions, building on the learnings derived from Etihad's similar Greenliner programme for the Boeing B787 aircraft type. Also in attendance at Cipriani Downtown were executives from Etihads longstanding codeshare partner, and New Yorks Hometown Airline, JetBlue Airways. Etihad and JetBlue have been codeshare partners since 2014 and currently codeshare across 46 destinations throughout the Americas. JetBlue recently began code sharing on Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi to Chicago and New York, with Washington, D.C to be added soon. As Etihad prepares to increase flights to New Yorks JFK International Airport in November, the partners are planning to add additional destinations offering travellers seamless connectivity to new gateways. In addition to increasing connectivity through the codeshare partnership, Etihad and JetBlue are developing a frequent flyer partnership that will allow both TrueBlue frequent fliers and Etihad Guest members to earn and redeem miles across both networks. In June, it was announced Etihad would be one of the first airlines, and first Middle East carrier, to be offered a permanent presence at JFKs New Terminal One, with the airlines leadership attending the ground-breaking ceremony on September 8. Etihad passengers travelling to the US are able to take advantage of Etihads US pre-clearance facility, the only US Customs and Border Protection facility in the Middle East. This allows passengers bound for the US to process all immigration, customs and agriculture inspections in Abu Dhabi before they board their flight, avoiding immigration and queues on arrival in the US. TradeArabia News Service US President Joe Biden will be prominent among several high-profile heads of state who are likely to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, the White House confirmed on Friday. Biden is not the only major figure who may be expected to attend the funeral of the Queen. Foreign heads of state and government, including other European monarchs, presidents and prime ministers, are almost certain to join the mourners in the United Kingdom. The 96-year-old queen died at her home in Balmoral, Scotland, on Thursday as close family members rushed to be with her, including her grandson Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge. Biden and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, offered their condolences on the Queen's demise in a lengthy statement issued on Thursday. "Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special," the Bidens said. "We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are not only mourning their Queen, but their dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world," the statement went on. The late Queen's son, now King Charles III, has declared a period of royal mourning that will last until seven days after his mother's funeral. Details of the funeral are expected to be announced soon. Operation London Birdge has already been set in motion, and a set of elaborate protocols will be observed until the Queen's funeral, seven days hence. Biden also issued an order on Thursday that flags at the White House and other federal government buildings should fly at half-staff until the Queen's funeral, according to media reports. The Bidens had met Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle in June 2021, just a few months after Joe Biden became the President. It was his first foreign trip as commander-in-chief. Buckingham Palace issued a statement on Friday about the procedures for royal mourning and explained what the public can expect in the coming days. "Following the death of Her Majesty the Queen, it is His Majesty the King's wish that a period of royal mourning be observed from now until seven days after the Queen's funeral. The date of the funeral will be confirmed in due course," the statement said. The new king is travelling from Balmoral to London on Friday where he will meet the recently appointed Prime Minister Liz Truss. On Saturday morning, Charles III will be formally proclaimed king after the traditional accession council. "The proclamation will be read by Garter King of Arms, accompanied by the Earl Marshal, other Officers of Arms and the Serjeants at Arms. This is the first public reading of the Proclamation," the Buckingham Palace said in a statement. Other public proclamations will follow in London and elsewhere. --IANS ash/arm ( 495 Words) 2022-09-09-20:54:03 (IANS) United States Agency for International Development (USAID) chief Samantha Power on Friday called on Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and extended full support to Pakistan to help mitigate the disastrous impacts of ravaging floods. While appreciating Power's visit to Pakistan at this difficult hour when unprecedented rains had caused the most severe floods in Pakistan's history, the Foreign Minister welcomed US support and solidarity with the people of Pakistan, read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan press release. Bilawal added that the ravaging floods had washed away entire villages affecting over 33 million people; the death toll stood at 1,300; four million acres of crops were destroyed; 800,000 livestock had been lost, and billions of dollars have been lost in critical infrastructure. He underscored that Pakistan was among the most severely affected countries due to climate change, especially with less than 1 per cent carbon footprint, added the release. The Foreign Minister underscored that despite Government's full engagement with rescue and relief efforts, continued international support, solidarity, and assistance were required to respond to the devastating impact of this disaster. The Foreign Minister looked forward to Pakistan and the US building extensive engagement on climate change and on tools of climate resilience. He stressed that the developed countries must step up their climate ambition, including the provision of predictable climate finance for mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change in the developing world, said the release. He called for greater climate justice and hoped that the developed countries would take all those measures that would support developing countries deal with the worst impacts of climate change. The Foreign Minister thanked USAID for providing financial assistance in the wake of the floods and hoped that having witnessed the first-hand account of the devastation faced by the flood-affected population. Bilawal also underlined that the government of Pakistan had instituted a very transparent mechanism to ensure that international financial assistance was efficiently and transparently disbursed, added the release. Meanwhile, one of the world's oldest preserved human settlements has been significantly damaged by torrential rain in Pakistan as the country battles the worst floods in its history, reported CNN. Moenjodaro (also styled Mohenjo-Daro), a World Heritage site in the Indus River Valley 508 kilometres (316 miles) from Karachi, was built in the Bronze Age, some 5,000 years ago. "Unfortunately we witnessed the mass destruction at the site," reads a letter from the Cultural, Tourism, & Antiquities Department of Singh state sent to UNESCO and signed by curator Ihsan Ali Abbasi and architect Naveed Ahmed Sangah. UNESCO has responded to the request for help, allocating USD 350,000 from its emergency fund for damaged historic sites in Pakistan during UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's visit to the flood-ravaged country this week, reported CNN. Currently, an estimated one-third of Pakistan is underwater after monsoon downpours combined with water from melting glaciers. (ANI) The victim's family claimed that he took the extreme step after having been subjected to violence by a policeman. Sources in Tando Mohammad Khan said that Alam, 35, son of Prem Kohli, had gone to the civil hospital where he had a heated exchange of words with the policeman, identified as Qadir, who was on duty there. Alam's family claimed that the policeman had beaten him black and blue and a close-circuit television camera had recorded the incident. Somehow, Alam ran away from the hospital in a bid to hide and jumped into the well, which proved fatal for him, Dawn reported. The victim's relatives blocked the Hyderabad-Sujawal road in protest and told reporters that due to fever, Alam had been visiting the hospital for two days. They demanded registration of an FIR against the policeman. Alam was a resident of Pandhi Wah. --IANS san/arm ( 198 Words) 2022-09-09-23:26:03 (IANS) Former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta, Anil Trigunayat, said that it is the end of an era after the demise of Elizabeth II, adding that Queen considered India very important. "She considered India as very important...at the same time, Indian leaders, that time Jawahar Lal Nehru, thought it well that we could remain part of the Commonwealth. So India is a very major part of the commonwealth and that we are using to our own advantage. The relationship with the UK going very well," he added. Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch of the UK, passed away on Thursday. He said, "It's the end of the era. She has been the longest-serving monarch, I think in recent history. And definitely for the UK. And when she took over in an anticipated circumstance at a young age as the monarch, the world was going through a major upheaval and then she had to sit on, basically, the demise of the British Empire." "But somehow, she tried to maintain the collectivity of commonwealth and she was the head of the state for at least 14 other countries other than the UK including Australia. And so, she has gone through many problems but at the same time the kind of dignity, determination and democratic norms in the country, she retained herself in great strength," Trigunayat also said that the world identifies her as a monarch. He also said that the Queen lived as an icon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the death of the Queen as he hailed her inspiring leadership.Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister recalled his memorable meetings with the Queen during his UK visits in 2015 and 2018. Buckingham Palace issued a statement announcing the demise of the Queen on September 8. The statement referred to the Queen's eldest son, Prince of Wales, Charles as the new King succeeding the queen who reigned for 70 years and 7 months. Born on April 21, 1926, at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London as Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, the Queen was the oldest child of the Duke and Duchess of York - who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Condolences poured in from around the world. Leaders and politicians took to Twitter to mourn the death of the Queen. After the demise of Queen Elizabeth II, her eldest son Charles, who took the regnal name of Charles III, will be officially proclaimed as Britain's new monarch at a meeting of the Accession Council at St James's Palace on Saturday. (ANI) US President Joe Biden on Friday announced to attend the funeral of British monarch Queen Elizabeth II who died on Thursday aged 96. Biden, on being asked by the reporters whether he planned to attend the funeral, said "Yes. I don't know what the details are yet, but I will be going." The president was asked before boarding Air Force One in Columbus, Ohio, CNN reported. The US President said that he has not yet spoken to King Charles. "I know him. I haven't spoken to him," Biden said. "I did not call him yet." According to CNN, on Friday, White House aides had begun making initial preparations for Biden to travel to London to attend the Queen's funeral. They had only planned to announce his attendance after the palace reveals the arrangements, according to people familiar with the matter. The President will likely be accompanied by an official delegation. Biden remembered the Queen on Thursday as a "great lady" who "defined an era." On Friday, Biden with First Lady Jill Biden signed a condolence book at the British Embassy in Washington after the death of British Queen Elizabeth II. "We mourn for all of you. She was a great lady, I'm so delighted I got to meet her," Biden said. "Our hearts are with you," the First Lady said. Biden thanked the staff and said, "As my mother would say, God, loves you." Mourning the death of the Queen, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in a statement, "We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are not only mourning their Queen, but their dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world." Biden said that in a world of constant change, Queen was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her. US President and First lady further said that Queen Elizabeth II led always with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example, supported by her beloved Prince Philip for 73 years. Biden called Elizabeth II a "stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy" who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. He said that Queen helped make the relationship between the countries special. "We first met the Queen in 1982, travelling to the UK as part of a Senate delegation. And we were honoured that she extended her hospitality to us in June 2021 during our first overseas trip as President and First Lady, where she charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom. All told, she met 14 American presidents," they wrote. "She helped Americans commemorate both the anniversary of the founding of Jamestown and the bicentennial of our independence. And she stood in solidarity with the United States during our darkest days after 9/11, when she poignantly reminded us that "Grief is the price we pay for love," the statement further added. Born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London, Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-serving monarch of the UK. She was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York - who later became King George VI - and Queen Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth II, died peacefully at Balmoral castle aged 96, the royal family said in a statement. The UK's longest-reigning monarch was placed under medical supervision earlier on Thursday after her condition deteriorated. King Charles III acceded to the throne immediately following the death of Elizabeth II on Thursday. He described losing his mother as "a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family". As per the media reports, to give tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on her demise, royal gun salutes of 96 rounds to mark each year of her long life took place in London, Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh. (ANI) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday said that Pakistan needed "massive" financial support for relief, recovery and rehabilitation in the wake of the catastrophic floods that displaced more than 33 million people and are estimated to have caused USD 30 billion of damage. The remarks of the UN Secretary-General came after he attended a briefing at the National Flood Response Coordination Centre (NFRCC) alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Dawn reported. UN Secretary-General who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan landed on Friday to express solidarity with the country's people drenched by extreme monsoon rains that have led to the country's worst flooding in a decade. According to Dawn, Guterres, in his address said that the numbers are appalling. "But beyond the numbers, I see the families that have lost their loved ones, houses, crops, jobs and are living in desperate conditions," he expressed. He called on the international community to help the flood victims, saying, "Pakistan needs massive financial support to respond to this crisis as according to initial estimates, the losses are around USD 30 billion." "I know how these floods have devastated Pakistanis and I assure them to mobilize all our resources to divert the attention of the international community towards it," Guterres said. US Secretary General said that he had been to Pakistan 17 years back when the country was hit by an earthquake and floods in 2010. He said that the country has done almost nothing to contribute to climate change, yet it suffers. "I urge countries to generously support the humanitarian response, recovery and reconstruction as a matter of solidarity and justice." "It is absolutely essential that this is recognised by the international community, especially by those countries that have contributed more to climate change. And effective solidarity and justice is shown by mobilising massive support," the UN chief said. UN chief warned that the world was heading towards a disaster. "We have waged war on nature and nature is striking back in a devastating way. Today, it is Pakistan. Tomorrow, it can be your country. We need to stop increase in emissions and start reducing them now." "This matter would be discussed at the next Conference of States Parties," the secretary-general added. It is the international community's obligation to drastically reduce emissions and support countries that need to invest in resilience and recovery, he said. The UN Secretary-General, upon arriving in Pakistan was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He had welcomed the UN secretary general as he arrived at the PM House along with his delegation. "I have arrived in Pakistan to express my deep solidarity with the Pakistani people after the devastating floods here. I appeal for massive support from the international community as Pakistan responds to this climate catastrophe," the UN chief tweeted. PM Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with the UN chief to discuss the situation arising from the catastrophic floods in the country. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and senior officials were also present in the meeting, the Dawn reported. Sharif thanked the UN secretary general for visiting Pakistan, stating that authorities would provide him with first-hand information about what was happening in the country. According to an official statement, the Secretary-General's visit will further raise global awareness about the massive scale of this calamity and the resulting loss of life and widespread devastation. As Pakistan struggles to deal with the unprecedented floods situation, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has also warned about the worsening crisis in the country ravaged by the record rains. "We are following closely and with deep concern the humanitarian crisis currently facing the people of Pakistan as a result of devastating monsoon floods," said Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, on the floods in Pakistan. In a press statement issued on September 5, Dr Al-Mandhari said the current scale of damage and destruction due to the floods is like none seen before in Pakistan - a result of long-term global climate change leading to more severe weather conditions. So far, at least 1,325 people have lost their lives in Pakistan due to floods. (ANI) Former Congressional candidate from Virginia and Army veteran Manga Anantmula confronted Pakistani Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan over the rapes of women belonging to minority communities in the name of flood relief. Recently, a minor Hindu girl was gang raped in Sindh province, who was lured by free ration amid the devastating floods in Pakistan. Masood Khan was addressing a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington DC on Friday where he was giving an update on the record flooding in Pakistan. Confronting the Pakistan Ambassador, Manga during the press conference on Friday asked Masood Khan to address the issues of forced conversions, rape and other atrocities on minority women in Pakistan. Manga Anantmula also held up a poster during the press conference in an attempt to lodge a strong protest against the atrocities on women and requested the Pakistani envoy to address the issue of forced conversions. According to a report, a total of 157 women were kidnapped, 112 women were a victim of physical assault and 91 women were raped across Pakistan in the month of June. During the press conference on Friday, Pakistan's efforts to play victim were challenged and questions were raised as to why Pakistan could not develop sustainable infrastructure and instead has been investing in its military and nuclear capabilities. Ambassador Khan was visibly disturbed and was unable to deliver convincing answers to the pertinent questions raised by the activist. Meanwhile, the United States announced that it is providing an additional USD 20 million in humanitarian assistance to support the people affected by severe flooding in Pakistan resulting from heavy monsoon rains, as well as landslides and glacial lake outbursts, which have been ongoing since June. The estimated economic loss due to the unprecedented floods in Pakistan has neared around USD 18 billion, an increase from USD 12.5 billion estimated earlier, as calculated by the Centre and endorsed by the provinces. Agriculture growth faced a much more severe impact in the aftermath of floods. The catastrophic floods have destroyed crops in 8.25 million acres as compared to the initial assessment of 4.2 million acres which has further increased the economic losses, reported The News International. In the wake of the increased economic losses and reduced GDP growth, the per capita income is projected to slow down. The government had envisaged a GDP growth rate of 5 per cent for the current fiscal year. Moreover, poverty and unemployment will go up manifold from 21.9 per cent to over 36 per cent. Some 37 per cent population was hit by poverty after floods in 118 districts, as estimated by the Pakistan government. A high-profile committee with representation from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Planning, State Bank of Pakistan, FBR, PIDE and others evaluated that poverty and unemployment have gone up manifold, rising from 21.9 per cent to over 36 per cent. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday landed in Pakistan on a two-day visit to take stock of the floods-related situation and express solidarity with the country's people hit by extreme monsoon rain. (ANI) Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Saturday said that fruitful discussions had been held over the course of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Ministerial meeting to bring together a group of like-minded, rules-based, transparent countries with a shared interest in an open Indo-Pacific region. Highlighting that India had engaged very exhaustively in all the various streams of discussion, Goyal in an official statement said that on three out of four pillars related to supply chains, tax and anti-corruption and clean energy, India was comfortable with the outcome and text and has joined the declaration. On one pillar, which deals primarily with trade, the Minister said that the contours of the framework - particularly on commitments required on environment, labour, digital trade and public procurement -- are still emerging. "We have to see what benefits member countries will derive and whether any conditionalities on aspects like environment may discriminate against developing countries who have the imperative to provide low cost and affordable energy to meet the needs of our growing economy, the Minister, who is in United States, said in a statement. Goyal also underscored that India was in the process of firming up its own digital framework and laws, particularly regarding privacy and data and said that therefore India, while continuing to engage with the trade track in the IPEF, will wait for the final contours to be energe. In the meantime, officials will be participating in the discussions with an open mind and in the best interest of the people and businesses in India, he added. Responding to a query, the minister said that certain responsibilities of the developed world should also be an integral part of any such agreement and that is a matter that will require deeper engagement. Goyal also complimented all the member countries for the speed with which, from launch in May to first ministerial laying down the broad contours of future engagements have been drawn up in September. The Minister also complimented the US and both the US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai for their unwavering commitment in making IPEF a success and for the inclusive nature of discussions. "They have both been very supportive to India throughout the discussions and negotiations," he said in the statement. The Minister expressed confidence that together this group of 14 countries will define the rules of trade among countries which believe in fair play, transparency and rules-based trading in the future. Goyal also met Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell on the side-lines of IPEF meet in Los Angeles on Saturday. "Our trade and investment ties have strengthened with the signing of Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. Discussed ways to further boost bilateral trade & cooperation under the IPEF", he tweeted. The Minister interacted with Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs of Indonesia, Airlangga Hartarto on the side-lines of the Ministerial meet. "Discussed expanding bilateral trade & investment under IPEF, giving further impetus to economic cooperation between India & Indonesia," the Minister tweeted. Goyal also visited the Los Angeles Port, one of the busiest seaports in the world. "It is the right time to invest in India's ports sector that is being expanded & upgraded to strengthen logistics. India & US look to deepen trade & investment ties & build resilient global supply chains", he tweeted. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) was launched jointly by the USA and other partner countries of the Indo-Pacific region on May 23, 2022, in Tokyo. (ANI) The debt trap policy of China has affected the Sri Lankan economy as Colombo was declared bankrupt due to Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative projects in the south Asian country, according to experts. The debt trap diplomacy of China has severally affected the fundamental and human rights of several South Asian countries including Sri Lanka, according to experts. Speaking at an international conference -- China Debt Trap, several prominent members across the globe raised concerns over the Chinese debt trap, which is being expended through its Belt & Road Initiative projects in several South Asian countries. "Many Chinese Belt & Road Initiative projects fall too heavily on the debt of underdeveloped countries," Andy Vermaut President Postversa, President World Council for Public Diplomacy and Community Dialogue told reporters on September 8. "I would want to express my love for all individuals who have fallen into the trap of rejecting the China Debt Trap since this is the falsehood that is now being propagated worldwide under pressure from the Chinese propaganda machine, " he said further in the conference. The conference was organised, by the World Council for Public Diplomacy and Community Dialogue. Citing Sri Lanka's example Andy Vermaut said; "The situation of Sri Lanka is raising a new global worry as a result of China's global lending to underdeveloped nations. This is a very serious and timely problem. The debt that developing nations owe China is a significant issue. Many Belt & Road Initiative projects fall too heavily on the debt of underdeveloped countries, and many of these nations are unable to fulfill their debts. Thus, this is an actual issue. Sri Lankan walked into China's "debt trap" diplomacy and has been facing its worst nightmare till now. It has become a cautionary tale of misgovernment and misfortune as the sweeping impact of the pandemic crashed the vital tourism sector. "Sri Lanka has awoken the global community to this problem. The notion that China is accumulating debt with weaker nations in order to gain power over them and acquire both private and public assets is a very sophisticated strategy to completely rule the globe," said to media persons. While Sid Lukkassen, an author and political philosopher raised concerns "An example of this is Sri Lanka, where an enormous harbor was built and financed by Chinese loans. The Sri Lankan government could not meet its payment obligations, forcing it to pawn the port to China until 2116. This means that China gained a geopolitical base in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Fitting in with this is the Belt and Road Initiative," he said. "China invests seven trillion dollars in building a network of transportation and energy connections across 64 countries. How many of these deals will eventually turn out to be 'Sri Lankan ports'? Also in Europe, China wishes to deploy its geopolitical soft power. China has a long-standing tradition in which enterprise and state power are intertwined. But that is not the most far-reaching consequence for the peoples of Europe. Whoever controls the flow of capital also influences geopolitics. Whoever controls geopolitics, influences culture," he added in the conference. Thursday's conference was attended by various speakers including Monica Andrei (International Programme Manager working for the European Commission), Manel Msalmi (EP Mena Affairs and European Association for the Defense of Minorities, President MR Women Brussels), David Vander Maelen - Hiking for Children, Tibet Support Group Belgium and Sid Lukkassen, Author and political philosopher. (ANI) Pakistan is still witnessing a severe dollar liquidity crunch despite the resumption of the last month of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, local media reported adding the floods in the country have aggravated the macroeconomic fundamentals. The IMF programme under USD 6.5 billion was restored in late August. Geo tv reported that Pakistan's currency has been under pressure since the Imran Khan regime while economists expected the rupee-dollar parity to improve after the revival of the IMF programme. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is in Pakistan said on Friday that Pakistan needed "massive" financial support for relief, recovery and rehabilitation in the wake of the catastrophic floods that displaced more than 33 million people and are estimated to have caused USD 30 billion of damage. The remarks of the UN Secretary-General came after he attended a briefing at the National Flood Response Coordination Centre (NFRCC) alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Dawn reported. Official sources as quoted by Geo tv reported that the exchange rate has gone under immense pressure in recent days whereby the rupee nosedived 9 per cent against the US dollar. "The situation has aggravated as demand for imports has gone up manifold but the country does not have enough dollars. Without improving dollar injections, Pakistan's macroeconomic vulnerabilities are not going anywhere," Geo tv reported citing sources. According to Geo tv, the initially estimated losses have accumulated in the range of USD 18 billion while Pakistan's agriculture sector faces the worst blow. The worst performance of the agriculture sector will put pressure on increased demand for commodities imports and if Pakistan fails to generate desired levels of dollar inflows it might create food shortages in the current fiscal year, the media outlet said. Pakistan is facing the worst calamity in past years, which has pushed most of the country into a crisis. As heavy floods continue to ravage the region, the water flow of the River Indus in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kohistan District is increasing very fast forcing the police to evacuate people in surrounding areas, Geo News reported. (ANI) Female students in Afghanistan's Paktia province protested against the closure of their school and marched in the area. "Girls protested in the streets in the centre of Paktia to protest the closing of their schools. Earlier, some girls' schools above grade 6 in the province had been reopened due to a decision by tribal elders and local educational officials, but the schools were closed again," reported Tolo News. Several human rights and education activists had urged world leaders in an open letter recently to mount diplomatic pressure on the Taliban to reopen secondary schools for girls in the war-torn country as the Taliban's brutal regime in Afghanistan will soon complete a year in August. Young girls and women have been compromising with their aspirations as it has been almost 300 days since their development has been distorted, the activists said adding, that if this situation persists, their aims and hopes will suffer greatly, reported Khaama Press. World leaders, regional allies, and international organizations were urged in the letter to take serious actions to fulfil their commitments in order to promote and protect Afghan girls' rights, especially the right to education which was snatched away from them after the Taliban-led Afghan government banned the education for girls in classes 6 and above. Taliban has imposed draconian restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association, assembly and movement for women and girls. The Taliban's decision to ban female students above grade six from going to school has drawn widespread criticism at the national and international levels. Further, the Taliban regime which took over Kabul in August last year has curtailed women's rights and freedoms, with women largely excluded from the workforce due to the economic crisis and restrictions. As a result of this, women and girls in Afghanistan are facing a human rights crisis, deprived of the fundamental rights to non-discrimination, education, work, public participation and health. Afghan women are staring at a bleak future due to a number of restrictions imposed by the Taliban governing aspects of their lives within 10 months of Afghanistan's takeover. According to HRW, women and girls are blocked from accessing health care as well. Reports suggest that women and girls facing violence have no escape route. Allowing girls into schools and other educational institutes has been one of the main demands of the international community. The majority of countries have refused to formally recognize the Taliban amid worries over their treatment of girls and women and other human rights issues. Women are no longer allowed to travel unless accompanied by men related to them and are being curtailed from wearing make-up as well as their reproductive rights. (ANI) As Afghanistan continues to witness a debilitating rights situation, the UN body for humanitarian affairs expressed concerns over the grave condition pointing out that 25 million people in the country are living in poverty, media reports said. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in Afghanistan and the World Food Program (WFP) has voiced concerns over the rising food insecurity and poverty that has gripped the country's people, Afghanistan's local media Tolo News reported. Taking to Twitter, OCHA in Afghanistan said that 25 million people in Afghanistan are facing poverty. "19 million people are facing food insecurity, 25 million people are living in poverty, 5.8 million people are in protracted internal displacement, and thousands of houses are damaged by floods and earthquakes. To survive the winter, they require food, nutrition support, warm clothing & a roof over their heads," tweeted OCHA. Meanwhile, the World Food Program has voiced concerns about the economic crisis in Afghanistan. "The economic crisis wiped out jobs, salaries & livelihoods across Afghanistan, helping families & communities support themselves is more important than ever," said WFP on Twitter. "A nation cannot reach prosperity until the poverty and unemployment are eradicated, so the way that can end poverty and unemployment is strengthening the private sector, attracting investment and creating employment in the country," said Abdul Naseer, a political analyst. Moreover, Human rights groups called on the United Nations for stronger accountability in Afghanistan. In an open letter to the UN, they called for the establishment of a dedicated accountability mechanism by the Human Rights Council (HRC), alongside the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, reported Tolo News. "The signatory organizations call your attention to the deplorable state of human rights in Afghanistan and in particular the absolute lack of accountability for gross and systematic human rights violations and abuses, including crimes under international law, occurring in Afghanistan, especially against women and girls, ethnic and religious minorities, journalists, and human rights defenders," the letter read. Richard Bennett is the current UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, and the renewal of his post was called for in the open letter, reported Tolo News. "The Western countries will call for the renewal of Richard Bennett. China and Russia will also accept it but the report of Richard Bennett is made from outside Afghanistan. For better transparency, it is better than Richard Bennett to stay in Kabul and write the report from Kabul," said Torek Farhadi, a political analyst. This comes as the Taliban has repeatedly denied the reports of the violations of human rights, and called them baseless, reported Tolo News. The Taliban stressed that it is committed to human rights and women's rights based on Islamic values. Since the Taliban seized power in Kabul last year, the human rights situation has been exacerbated by a nationwide economic, financial and humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale. The Taliban dismantled the system to respond to gender-based violence, created new barriers to women accessing health care, blocked women's aid workers from doing their jobs, and attacked women's rights protesters. With the US troops' withdrawal from the country, large-scale violence has been unleashed creating political uncertainty in different parts of the country. At least 59 per cent of the population is now in need of humanitarian assistance - an increase of 6 million people compared with the beginning of 2021, according to UNAMA. (ANI) Pakistan's Balochistan Awami Party lambasted former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's party leadership for "negative and misleading" statements against state institutions and urged the judiciary to intervene, media reports said. While speaking to the media on Friday, Senator Saeed Ahmed Hashmi termed the state institutions as the guarantors of a country's security and stability and added the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is trying to undermine their image. He thrashed PTI saying for not been loyal and sincere to the country and its citizens, reported Pakistan local media outlet Dawn. Hashmi expressed concerns that PTI's "negative manipulations" is aimed at fulfilling their "lust for power". The Senator cautioned that PTI's actions will paralyse and weaken the institutions, as per the media reports. Earlier, Imran Khan accused the ruling coalition of trying to pit him against the military and judiciary and said that the government is "scared of him winning the elections." The former premier made these remarks during a public rally in Peshawar and said, "The three stooges, including Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, know they cannot defeat me in elections. That's why they are hatching conspiracies to get me disqualified." The PTI Chairman Imran Khan accused the ruling government of hatching a conspiracy to derail his "positive prospects" of winning the elections. He accused the government of deliberately trying to create discord between him and the state institutions, reported The News International. "I have stated that the army chief should be selected on merit and I still stand by my statement as there was nothing wrong with it. I have further stated that the two dacoits, Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari, should not select the future army chief," the former Prime Minister added. Clarifying his previous comments that Imran Khan made in a public rally in Faisalabad where he criticized the government for delaying the elections to appoint an army chief of its own, Khan said that he made such remarks as Nawaz Sharif was a criminal. He alleged that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was convicted by a court on corruption charges of billions of rupees and then escaped from the country. "The people of Peshawar should tell me if a person convicted by the court in corruption of billions of rupees should have the right to select the army chief," he asked the participants of the public rally. It is worth noting that Imran is contesting by-elections for the National Assembly from Peshawar and is facing tough competition from an elderly Pakhtun nationalist leader, Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, commonly known as Haji Bilour. Ghulam Bilour is a senior leader of the Awami National Party (ANP) and is a joint candidate of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). Furthermore, Imran Khan who is also surrounded by terrorism charges for making defamatory comments against a judge said in his defence that he had never intended to threaten a judge but the way his chief of staff Shahbaz Gill was treated during the investigations, it hurts him, as per The News International. Imran Khan spoke about the "torture" inflicted upon his close aid Gill and thrashed the government for putting pressure so that "Gill could give a statement against me and disqualify me for the election." The PTI chief said his political opponents had their propaganda wings and they always twisted his statements for their political gains in the country. "They have even tried to prove me a terrorist in the court, but I will continue to fight them," the PTI leader vowed. Another theme of his speech was the rhetoric of a foreign conspiracy where he blamed foreign forces for his ouster from power. "The undersecretary of the United States had clearly warned our ambassador in the US to replace the PTI government or face the consequences. And the threat came when the no-confidence motion was not even tabled in the parliament. And then they purchased corrupt parliamentarians by using their ill-gotten money," said the PTI leader. (ANI) The Islamabad High Court has given the Pakistan government two months to take measures in order to recover missing persons and criticized the government for its sheer apathy in the matter, media reports said. IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah on Friday said that the government should resign if subordinate institutions are not under control, reported Pakistan's local media outlet The Express Tribune. During the case hearing, CJ Minallah stated that "it [missing persons] is a serious issue" as he explained why the PM had been called to the court. Earlier in July, the court had given the incumbent government till early September to recover six missing persons, including journalist Mudassar Naro, and present them before the court, warning that in case of non-recovery, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will have to appear in person at the next hearing. "The matter has been pending in court for several months now," he added as he expressed dissatisfaction over the government's inaction on the issue. The court said that as the chief executive the responsibility to address enforced disappearances lies with him. Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif, who appeared before the court said that he cannot "promise all missing persons will return but will leave no stone unturned." The prime minister said that he had met with the families of the missing persons as he reminisced on one child in particular that had appealed to him to recover his father. Acknowledging the committee formed by PM Sharif and his efforts, the court went on to express deep concern saying "this is not an issue for a committee". The IHC also said that the pain of the affected families had not been taken into account as it observed that no action had been taken even in the case of the recovered individuals, reported The Express Tribune. "No issue is larger than this one before the court," remarked the judge confessing that the Baloch students' issues were "most disturbing" and that enforced disappearances were a matter of going against the constitution. The court also regretted the impression that state agencies were involved in the disappearances. Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing of the missing persons' cases till November 14. Families and activists have described being harassed, arbitrarily arrested and detained, and subject to violence for simply exercising their right to peaceful protest - a right protected by international human rights law and domestic law. Enforced disappearance is a violation of international human rights law and a crime under international law. It also violates the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan. (ANI) Newly-appointed UK Prime Minister Liz Truss on Saturday had a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi who extended his condolences over the demise of Queen Elizabeth II. "On behalf of the people of India, Prime Minister Modi conveyed deep condolences to the Royal family and the people of UK on the sad demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," as per a government press release. PM Modi also congratulated Truss on assuming office of Prime Minister of UK. He also appreciated her contributions to the India-UK bilateral relationship in her previous roles as Trade Secretary and Foreign Secretary. Both leaders committed to further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and UK. The two leaders discussed various issues of bilateral interest including the progress in the implementation of the Roadmap 2030, ongoing FTA negotiations, defence & security cooperation, and the people-to-people ties between both countries, as per a government release. Modi on Thursday condoled the death of Queen Elizabeth II as he hailed her "inspiring leadership". Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister recalled his memorable meetings with the Queen during his UK visits in 2015 and 2018. "I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings, she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her on her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture," PM Modi tweeted. The Prime Minister said Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a stalwart of our times. "She provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people. She personified dignity and decency in public life. Pained by her demise. My thoughts are with her family and people of the UK in this sad hour," he said in a subsequent tweet. Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch of the UK, died earlier Thursday at the age of 96. King Charles III was proclaimed as the new monarch of England on Saturday after his mother Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday. King Charles Philip Arthur George paid tribute to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and spoke of the "great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty." Meanwhile, PM Modi on Monday congratulated British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss for getting elected as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. In the congratulatory message, PM Modi said under her leadership, the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will be further strengthened. "Congratulations @trussliz for being chosen to be the next PM of the UK. Confident that under your leadership, the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will be further strengthened. Wish you the very best for your new role and responsibilities," PM Modi tweeted. Truss was announced as the new head of the Conservative Party today. Forty-seven-year-old Truss will become the third female prime minister of the UK. She defeated former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak through a postal ballot of all Conservative members. Truss secured 81,326 votes while Sunak got 60,399 votes. (ANI) Pakistan's macroeconomic vulnerabilities are not going anywhere as the country is reeling under a severe dollar liquidity crunch while the recent flash floods have aggravated. This comes despite a resumption of the IMF programme after a pause of seven months, reported The News International. Top govt sources said that Pakistan's macroeconomic vulnerabilities are not going anywhere without improving dollar injections. Pakistan has not yet made any fresh request to the IMF for the provision of a Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) or Natural Calamity Response-related funding facility on the expectations of a lukewarm response from the Washington-based international lender. The IMF programme under USD 6.5 billion was restored in late August after it was stalled in February 2022 under Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regime when it provided unfunded fuel and electricity subsidies, reported The News International. Moreover, in the wake of severe floods, the initially estimated losses have accumulated in the range of USD 18 billion, Pakistan's agriculture sector faces the worst blow as the agriculture growth might remain zero or slide into negative against the envisaged target of 3.9 per cent for the current financial year 2022-23. The worst performance of the agriculture sector will put pressure on increased demand for commodities imports and if Pakistan fails to generate desired levels of dollar inflows it might create food shortages in the current fiscal year, reported The News International. "The situation has aggravated as demand for imports has gone up manifold but the country does not have enough dollars. So in totality, the exchange rate has gone under immense pressure in recent days whereby the rupee nosedived 9 per cent against the US dollar," top official sources said while talking to The News here on Friday. It is estimated that Pakistan will have to import additional cotton worth USD 2 billion during the current fiscal year because it witnessed severe damages in the wake of flash floods affecting those areas of Sindh where the cotton production was destroyed completely. Now the government will have to dewater the areas where sowing of wheat is done, otherwise, there is a potential threat of less production in the range of 3 to 5 million tonnes. The minor crops of onion and tomato were also damaged in KP and Sindh. The demand for the import of pulses might also go up for the current fiscal year. Another problem may emerge on the trade front as the country's exports rely upon imports on accounts of raw material and inter-mediatory goods as value was added for exporting finished products, reported The New International. In the wake of the increased economic losses and reduced GDP growth, the per capita income is projected to slow down. The government had envisaged a GDP growth rate of 5 per cent for the current fiscal year. Moreover, poverty and unemployment will go up manifold from 21.9 per cent to over 36 per cent. Some 37 per cent population was hit by poverty after floods in 118 districts, as estimated by the Pakistan government. A high-profile committee with representation from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Planning, State Bank of Pakistan, FBR, PIDE and others evaluated that poverty and unemployment have gone up manifold, rising from 21.9 per cent to over 36 per cent. (ANI) Since coming to power in 2012, Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a series of campaigns nominally about fighting corruption but aimed at eliminating political opponents and establishing his political prestige, resulting in the emigration of the Chinese elite class. Jianli Yang, founder and president of Citizen Power Initiatives for China and Evan Osborne, Professor of Economics at Wright State University, writing in RealClear Policy said that a self-respecting Chinese person does not wish to live a walled-in life. As of April 2022, the national prosecution authorities had filed a total of 4.388 million cases against a total of 4.709 million officials at all levels. And the outcome usually has nothing to do with whatever actual guilt there is, and extorting confessions by torture is a common tactic used by authorities to dispose of cases promptly. According to statistics, from 2012 to 2019 more than 260 senior political and business officials in the CCP died unnatural deaths, reported RealClear Policy. The widespread arrest of human-rights lawyers on July 9, 2015, told the Chinese people all they needed to know about the Xi regime's comprehensive crackdown on previously budding civil society, said Jianli and Osborne. According to The Economist, citing data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, from the year Xi took power in 2012 to 2020, 613,000 Chinese applied for asylum in other countries, the annual number growing 13-fold between 2010 and 2020 and by far the highest for any country. The lessons are that when political power is wielded arbitrarily and mercilessly, the rule of law that people rely on to live and work in peace disappears, and they seek to shelter themselves to the extent they can and, if they cannot, seek to escape. For the economic elite, accumulating wealth and creating social value through commercial means is how they pursue self-development and self-improvement. And this requires a stable, orderly, legally protected market environment in which to do business. The Xi regime has forcibly intervened in the economic order through bureaucratic means as if it had divine authority. In the past few years, it has tightened control of Internet finance, suppressed the real-estate industry, dramatically repressed the previously flowering education/training industry, and strongly pressured other industries. The resulting widespread business closures and large increases in unemployment have caused confusion among economic elites concerning investment and internal management, said Jianli and Osborne. Moreover, Xi's raising of his "common prosperity" agenda at the end of 2021 has raised fears about his possible desire to fulfil communism's promise to eradicate private ownership. According to estimates by the UK investment immigration consultancy Henley & Partners, 10,000 high-net-worth residents in Shanghai intend to withdraw as much as USD 48 billion in wealth from China this year. Further, the sudden, cold-blooded closure of Wuhan in 2020 has received praise in some quarters, but the quixotic anti-Covid measures in Shanghai in the spring, of 2022 have thoroughly demonstrated the CCP's disconnect from reality. Residents' dignity was crushed by forces they could do nothing about, in front of their parents and children, so even people's most basic human responsibility, protecting their families, became impossible. People were in essence imprisoned, deprived of most of what makes life worth living and humiliated by those with the power to do so. The economic collapse caused by the lockdown has left countless people without jobs and income. Statistics recently released by the National Bureau of Statistics show that in the first half of 2022, unemployment in Shanghai reached 8.9 per cent, the highest in the country, and increased to 12.5 per cent in the second quarter, the peak period of the city's closure. In the ten years that Xi has been in power, the country's situation has not improved and continuously darkened. The caging of free thought by ideology has become comprehensive, and Xi's decision-making style has become more and more uncompromising in its willfulness, irrationality, and inhumanity. The new emigrants are escaping a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness about what would be their future if they stayed. In escaping, they will take their talents and wealth with them and their frustrated desires to help create a better China. These are the people China can least afford to lose. (ANI) William, the Prince of Wales, on Saturday wrote a heartfelt message over the demise of his "Grannie", the late Queen Elizabeth II. Recalling the cherished memories with his grannie, Prince William expressed gratitude towards the Queen's wisdom and reassurance. Prince also reminisced his grannie's fond memories while thanking her for 20 years of guidance and support to the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton. "While I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen's wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had 20 years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives. She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life." "On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute. So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign. I, however, have lost a grandmother," he added. He termed the passing away of the Queen as an unreal day for him. "I knew this day would come, but it will be sometime before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real," the Prince of Wales tweeted. "My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen. I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can." Prince William also admired the Queen for her life-long devotion and service to the nation. "I thank her for the kindness she showed my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all." After King Charles III took the throne as the new monarch of England on Saturday after his mother Queen Elizabeth II passed away, a second Proclamation following the principal proclamation was read in the City of London, at the Royal Exchange. The second proclamation has been made at the Royal Exchange in London as thousands gathered to witness history in the making. State trumpeters sounded a fanfare, as crowds fell into silence to hear the announcement. As is convention further Proclamations will be read in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales at 1200 hours the following day on Sunday, September 11. In recognition of the new Sovereign, flags are flown at full mast from the time of the Principal Proclamation at St James's Palace until one hour after the Proclamations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, after which flags will return to half-mast in mourning for the death of Her Majesty The Queen. King Charles III was proclaimed as the new monarch of England after his mother Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday. King Charles Philip Arthur George paid tribute to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and spoke of the "great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty." "I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me. In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these Islands and of the Commonwealth Realms and Territories throughout the world," King said soon after being proclaimed Britain's new monarch at the Accession Council at St James's Palace in London. Dressed in a formal black tuxedo, Charles, 73, has been proclaimed the new King of England. With the new development, his wife Camilla Parker Bowles will now be England's Queen consort. On Friday, Charles, the longest heir to the throne, and Camilla arrived at Buckingham Palace in London and met mourners, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Buckingham Palace was swarmed with waves of mourners held back by barriers as Charles met the crowds. The royal dignitary received a warm reception as he passed the crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace. Charles was offered bouquets of flowers and even a kiss on the cheek as he shook hands with those who had gathered to see him arrive. He was by his mother's side at her beloved Scottish Highlands home as her health deteriorated, and returned to the capital to hold his first audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss. Born on November 14, 1948, he was the first child of Elizabeth and Philip, then the princess and prince. At the age of 19, he formally became the Prince of Wales on July 1, 1969. He married Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981, and became the first royal heir since 1660 to marry an English woman. In August 1996, Diana and Charles went their separate ways and got legally divorced. After Diana's demise in a car accident, Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in April 2005. Soon, the couple got the royal title of Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. (ANI) King Charles III along with Queen Consort Camilla on Saturday met with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and newly-appointed UK Prime Minister Liz Truss at Buckingham Palace in London. "This afternoon at Buckingham Palace, His Majesty The King, accompanied by Her Majesty The Queen Consort, held Audiences with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Prime Minister and Members of the Cabinet, and Opposition Party Leaders," the Royal Family wrote in a tweet. The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will take place at Westminster Abbey on September 19, a statement by the UK Royal Family said. "The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19th September at 1100 hrs BST. Prior to the State Funeral, The Queen will Lie-in-State in Westminster Hall for four days, to allow the public to pay their respects," it read. King Charles-III was proclaimed as the new monarch of England on Saturday after his mother Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday. King Charles Philip Arthur George paid tribute to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and spoke of the "great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty." "I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me. In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these Islands and of the Commonwealth Realms and Territories throughout the world," King said soon after being proclaimed Britain's new monarch at the Accession Council at St James's Palace in London. Dressed in a formal black tuxedo, Charles, 73, has been proclaimed the new King of England. With the new development, his wife Camillas Parker Bowles will now be England's Queen consort. On Friday, Charles, the longest heir to the throne, Camilla arrived at Buckingham Palace in London and met mourners, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.Buckingham Palace was swarmed with waves of mourners held back by barriers as Charles met the crowds. The royal dignitary received a warm reception as he passed the crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace. Charles was offered bouquets of flowers and even a kiss on the cheek as he shook hands with those who had gathered to see him arrive. He was by his mother's side at her beloved Scottish Highlands home as her health deteriorated, and returned to the capital to hold his first audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss. Born on November 14, 1948, he was the first child of Elizabeth and Philip, then the princess and prince. At the age of 19, he formally became the Prince of Wales on July 1, 1969. He married Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981, and became the first royal heir since 1660 to marry an English woman. In August 1996, Diana and Charles went their separate ways and got legally divorced. After Diana's demise in a car accident, Charles remarried Camilla Parker Bowles in April 2005. Soon, the couple got the royal title of Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. (ANI) Amnesty International on Saturday called for a UN resolution on Afghan human rights following reports of violations by the Taliban. They requested in a letter to the Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the UN Human Rights Council that a resolution be issued in support of the human rights situation in Afghanistan, reported Tolo News. "We are writing to call on you to support a strong resolution on the human rights situation in Afghanistan. The situation in Afghanistan is extremely worrying as the country faces an increasingly intertwined spate of crimes under international law, gross human rights violations and a deteriorating humanitarian crisis. The Taliban have been grossly and systematically violating women`s rights since their takeover on 15 August 2021," read the letter. "We ask the UN Human Rights Council to establish an impartial, independent international mechanism to address the severe violations of human rights in Afghanistan. With the Taliban's arrival, we can clearly see that internal monitoring systems have been destroyed," said Amnesty International Researcher Zaman Sultani. According to the letter, violence against women has increased due to the closing of human rights support institutions, reported Tolo News. "They have imposed a ban on girls beyond grade six from attending schools and dismantled institutions such as Ministry of Women's Affairs (MoWA), Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) and other structures that were addressing women's human rights," the letter reads. "We ask the international community, human rights organizations, and women's rights advocates to pay attention to the women of Afghanistan; human rights organizations in Afghanistan should be active and put pressure on the current government," said Laila Basim, a women's rights defender. Amnesty International added in the letter that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has been worsening due to cuts in international development assistance and the freezing of Afghan assets, reported Tolo News. "The humanitarian situation has been worsening due to cuts in international development assistance, freezes of Afghanistan assets, challenges in transferring humanitarian aid and severance from international market because of sanctions. This situation is exacerbated by the increasing drought and flash floods due to climate change. The number of internally displaced people due to conflict and climate changes remained high and forced return of Afghan refugees from other countries in the region continued unabated," the letter further stated. Amnesty International asked the United Nations to support the Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate the cases of human rights violations in Afghanistan. "Support the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and enhance the Special Rapporteur's capacity to 'seek, receive, examine and act on' human rights information as mandated by UN Human Rights Council resolution 48/1. To this end, adequate additional resources, should be provided to the Special Rapporteur," the letter reads. "Women in Afghanistan are facing numerous challenges, schools are closed, those women who were working are staying at home, and on top of all these problems, protest avenues are closed to all women; women are detained, are suppressed, and are imprisoned," said Navida Khorasani, women's rights activist. Previously, Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, at the 50th Session of the Human Rights Council, said the people of Afghanistan are experiencing some of the "darkest moments of a generation." "The people of Afghanistan are experiencing some of the darkest moments of a generation. In the wake of years of conflict, and since the takeover by the Taliban in August last year, the country has been plunged into a deep economic, social, humanitarian and human rights crisis," she said. Since the Taliban seized power in Kabul last year, the human rights situation has been exacerbated by a nationwide economic, financial and humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale. The Taliban dismantled the system to respond to gender-based violence, created new barriers to women accessing health care, blocked women's aid workers from doing their jobs, and attacked women's rights protesters. With the US troops' withdrawal from the country, large-scale violence has been unleashed creating political uncertainty in different parts of the country. At least 59 per cent of the population is now in need of humanitarian assistance - an increase of 6 million people compared with the beginning of 2021, according to UNAMA. (ANI) Russia's Defence Ministry on Saturday said that they are pulling back forces from two areas in Ukraine's Kharkiv region where a Ukrainian counteroffensive has made significant advances in the past week. The Russian backed-local authorities in the north Kharkiv region have announced that the Russian military is leaving the area "temporarily", reported CNN. The Military-Civic Administration of the Vovchansk district, through which many Russian supplies travel toward the front lines, said in a brief Telegram post, "Russian military are leaving Volchansk!![?] (Vovchansk) temporarily. City's population continues to evacuate." The administration quoted a member of the Russian parliament, Evgeniy Evtushenko, as saying that the local headquarters would be moved across the border to the Russian city of Belgorod. "To save civilians' lives, Russian Armed Forces have decided to leave our city. (The) The city's administration will be moved to Belgorod. Its branches will be in Kursk, Yakutsk, Vladivostok and St Petersburg till the situation in the city stabilizes," Evtushenko said. "Russian armed forces will return control of all Russian land in the Kharkiv region," he added. Vovchansk has been an important link in the Russian military's supply chain from Belgorod, and it remained under Russian control even as Ukrainian forces retook some territory north and east of the city of Kharkiv in May, reported CNN. In its first response to the gains made by Ukrainian forces in the last few days, the Russian Defence Ministry has said that "the decision was made to regroup Russian troops in the areas of Balakleya and Izyum and redirect their efforts in the Donetsk direction," reported CNN. The ministry said the "Russian Federation's forces were reduced and redeployed to the DNR (Donetsk People's Republic) over three days," and had "opened heavy fire on the enemy to prevent incurring losses." The ministry did not acknowledge any retreat from Kharkiv, suggesting instead a planned redeployment, reported CNN. Ukrainian forces appear to have opened a new front against Russian defences on the border of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The head of the regional military administration for Luhansk, Serhiy Hayday, posted a message indicating that the city of Lysychansk was the target of the new offensive, reported CNN. The city was lost to Russian forces and their allied militia after weeks of fierce fighting in June. A senior Ukrainian official said that the "main artery" for Russian forces through the Kharkiv region has been severed. Yurii Mysiagin, a Ukrainian member of Parliament and deputy head of the parliament's committee on national security, said on Telegram that "a few days ago, military experts said that the Armed Forces of Ukraine were trying to take the main logistical artery of the Russians in the Kharkiv region under full fire control." He said that artery ran from Vovchansk in the north, close to the Russian border, down to Izium, on the border of the Donetsk region -- a distance of some 125 kilometres (approximately 77 miles). The Ukrainian military says losses have been inflicted on Russian forces in the Kherson region of southern Ukraine as well as in the Kharkiv region, reported CNN. In an operational update, the General Staff said "the liberation of settlements that were temporarily captured by the Russian occupiers in the Kharkiv region and the South Buh direction continues. For the safety of our servicemen, official information will be provided later." The mayor of Izium in the Kharkiv region, Vladimir Matsokin, has said in a radio interview the city has been liberated, reported CNN. Matson told a Ukrainian radio station, "Our Armed Forces of Ukraine are in Ilium. It cannot be said that the military operation to liberate Izium is over, but our military is working." Matson said above the city on the Kremenets mountain "our blue-and-yellow flag is already fluttering. This has been confirmed." (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Secretary-General of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf on the mechanism of consultations between India and the GCC. The MoU was signed between the Secretariat General of the cooperation council for the Arab States of the Gulf and the Government of India. Besides, Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with the Secretary-General and discussed the relevance of India-GCC cooperation in context with the current regional and global situation. "Productive meeting with @GCC Secretary General Dr Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf. Signed the MoU on mechanism of consultations between India and GCC. Exchanged views on the current regional and global situation and the relevance of India-GCC cooperation in that context," Jaishankar tweeted. The External Affairs Minister is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia from 10-12 September 2022, his first trip to the Kingdom as India's External Affairs Minister. "Began my visit to Saudi Arabia with an interaction with our community. Appreciated the contribution of our Diaspora in facing national challenges. Spoke to them about our country's resilience, especially during time of the Covid & national transformation that is underway in India," Jaishankar tweeted. [{90d8454a-3ece-4ca3-ac3a-0c4ffb9b41e8:intradmin/ANI-20220910194146.jpg}] Upon reaching Saudi Arabia, Jaishankar addressed the Indian diaspora in Riyadh. During his address, Jaishankar highlighted that India has made powerful efforts to actually grow its economy and move toward becoming a higher-income country. "A lot of this required a vision, prudent management of our fiscal resources. It has required policies which made it easier for banks to lend .. to make it easier for small and medium companies to get lending, for self-employed people to get lending." He said that India thinks about the ways in which it can change its credit, banking, education and labor policy. "Many big reforms have taken place and we can see the result of that in two very interesting developments. In the year ending 31 March, 2021 we have posted the highest export that we have ever done. Our total exports were 670 billion USD. We had to trade in goods for 400 billion USD." Jaishankar stressed that the idea of India as a trading power has become credible today. He noted that despite the challenges posed by the Ukraine crisis, India is confident that it will be the fastest-growing major economy in the world this year with at least 7 per cent growth. Noting the world is facing many fallouts of the Ukraine crisis such as rising oil prices, Jaishankar while addressing the Indian diaspora in Riyadh said, "We are very confident that India will be the fastest growing major economy in the world this year. We will get at least 7 per cent growth." The External Affairs Minister said that when he holds the meeting, his Saudi counterpart will be meeting "the Foreign Minister of the fifth largest economy, the Foreign Minister of a country that not only responded to the COVID challenge but also come out of it very strongly.. one whose digital infrastructure capabilities such as health infra has grown in this period and despite the challenges posed by the Ukraine crisis, India is confident that it will be the fastest-growing major economy in the world this year with at least 7 per cent growth, a country whose ability to take care of its people abroad has also been demonstrated." Jaishankar also lauded the growing ties between India and Saudi Arabia. "During the past few years, we saw our international friendships. Saudi Arabia was very helpful and provided supplies of oxygen. Two years of Covid are when the country was tested but we came through," said Jaishankar. Speaking about the key role the Indian diaspora plays in the ties between the two countries he expressed appreciation for the Indian community in Riyadh. "In many ways, all of you shaped the image of India and what Saudis think about India and what we are about. Consciously or unconsciously, all of you through your achievements, contributions, profession, and friendships have collectively built up what is the total Saudi perception of India. For that, your country will be always grateful." "I would like to express my appreciation for the government and the country for all of you. We know, it's not always easy living abroad," said Jaishankar. "We have two and half million Indians living in Saudi Arabia, at the time the numbers have been more. Naturally, you will have your concerns, your interests, your problems and it's very useful for me to know that, to understand that, so, that when I engage with the authorities, with my counterpart or with the officialdom, I have also your interest at heart. In some way, we as the govt or I as Foreign Minister or the Embassy or the foreign ministry can be helpful to advance your interest to make you more comfortable, to ensure that your requirements are met and your problems in whatever way may be addressed," he added. During his two-day visit, the external affairs minister will co-chair the inaugural Ministerial Meeting of the Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation (PSSC), established under the framework of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. "The two Ministers will undertake a comprehensive review of the entire bilateral relationship and will discuss the progress under the four Joint Working Groups of the PSSC Committee, namely Political & Consular; Legal and Security; Social and Cultural and Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation," the MEA said. The meetings of these Groups and Senior Officials (at the Secretary level) have been held over the past few months, the release added. "Both sides will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest including their cooperation at the United Nations, Group of Twenty (G20) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," the MEA said. India-Saudi Arabia relations have strengthened considerably over the past few years including in political, security, energy, trade, investment, health, food security, cultural and defence fields. The top leadership of both countries remained in close touch even during the Covid-19 pandemic. (ANI) SAN DIEGO (AP) The U.S. government posted a $40,000 reward Friday for information leading to the arrest of the Malaysian defense contractor nicknamed Fat Leonard," who disappeared weeks before he was set to be sentenced for one of the largest bribery scandals in the nations military history. Leonard Glenn Francis cut off his ankle monitoring bracelet around 7:35 a.m. Sunday at a San Diego home where he was being held, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Neighbors reported seeing U-Haul trucks coming and going from the home days before he disappeared. Francis had been allowed to remain in home confinement to receive medical care while he cooperated with the prosecution. With his help, prosecutors secured convictions of 33 of 34 defendants, including more than two dozen Navy officers. Francis pleaded guilty in 2015 to offering prostitution services, luxury hotels, cigars, gourmet meals and more than $500,000 in bribes to Navy officials and others to help his Singapore-based ship servicing company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia Ltd. or GDMA. Prosecutors said the company overcharged the Navy by at least $35 million for servicing ships, many of which were routed to ports he controlled in the Pacific. Ten U.S. agencies are searching for Francis. U.S. authorities also issued a red notice, which asks law enforcement worldwide to provisionally arrest someone with the possibility of extradition. Malaysia and Sinapore both have extradition agreements with the United States. WBAL - Baltimore Videos A police pursuit started late Friday morning in east Baltimore and ended in the Timonium area of Baltimore County. While on the Beltway, it appeared the suspect vehicle side-swiped another car and get a flat tire. Three people bolted from the car around 12:15 p.m., when the car stopped in the northbound lanes of Interstate 83 near the Beltway interchange. SkyTeam 11 reported police officers apprehended all three occupants. SkyTeam 11 video showed an occupant of the car throw an object out of the window. Workers package orders at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Moreno Valley in 2021. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) A coalition of workers at an Amazon warehouse in Moreno Valley announced Friday a push to join the Amazon Labor Union, which mounted the first successful unionization effort at any Amazon warehouse in the United States. Leading the effort is Nannette Plascencia, a worker in the Amazon fulfillment center ONT8 who created the coalition United 4 Change ONT8 during the pandemic to advocate for better wages and safer conditions. "Everything just kind of fell into place," said Plascencia, a Perris resident, who began working at the facility in Moreno Valley nearly eight years ago, shortly after it first opened. Ive been there for so long that I gained a lot of friendships there and a lot of my friends were hurting, Plascencia said. Right now we break our back for nothing ... after this they'll have so much." The pouring rain did not stop a crowd of workers from showing up at a news conference outside the warehouse and signing union authorization cards after the announcement. The organizers timed the gathering near the 4:30 p.m. shift change to catch workers coming and going from the warehouse, Plascencia said. Were just trying to do right by our workers, Plascencia said. Plascencia was joined by Chris Smalls, who led a group of workers at Amazons warehouse in Staten Island to a historic win when in April they voted to join the Amazon Labor Union, making their facility the first where workers enjoy formal recognition. "Today, were bicoastal," Smalls said. "This is something that's really going to continue to grow, just like Starbucks." Union efforts at Amazon and Starbucks have gained momentum in recent months, fueled by the spotlight that the pandemic put on health and safety risks for front-line workers. Smalls' labor group has also thrown its support behind organizing campaigns at warehouses in New York and Kentucky. Amazon workers in Albany, N.Y., recently filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board backed by Smalls' grass-roots group. Story continues Smalls estimated nearly 100 workers at Friday's announcement. "This is a great day for them," he said. The union organizing effort is significant because Moreno Valley and the surrounding region is crucial to Amazon's business. The Inland Empire, spanning Riverside and San Bernardino counties, is the nations biggest warehouse center. Amazon is the regions largest employer, with an estimated 40,000 logistics workers. Amazon spokesperson Paul Flaningan said via email that the company prefers to work directly with employees rather than negotiate with a union. Our employees have the choice of whether or not to join a union. They always have," Flaningan said. "As a company, we dont think unions are the best answer for our employees. Our focus remains on working directly with our team to continue making Amazon a great place to work. Plascencia launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe to support the union drive in April. Plascencia wrote on the fundraiser website that she and other workers have been "overlooked, overworked and underpaid for far too long" and that forming a union will give workers a chance to negotiate better benefits and job security and raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Meet lead organizer Nannette of ONT8 San Bernardino press conference today at 3pm pst Today myself and @amazonlabor leaders will be here in the Inland Empire #Hotlaborsummer pic.twitter.com/lyyjMtAwcY Christian Smalls (@Shut_downAmazon) September 9, 2022 International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the country's largest unions, voted last summer to launch a nationwide project dedicated to "building worker power" at Amazon, including providing resources to workers aiming to achieve a union contract. Plascencia said she had reached out to various groups, including Teamsters, but ultimately wanted to work with the Amazon Labor Union because of its experience with the company. "They felt us, they felt our pain," Plascencia said. "Only people who work in [Amazon] are gonna know how it really is and what you really need to do. You gotta think outside the box with Amazon 'cause they're a different breed. You can't be conventional with them." Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Federation, said she was excited for workers to organize with the Amazon Labor Union due to its previous success in organizing within Amazon. From the Federations standpoint, were super excited anytime workers want to come together to fight for a union in any way they see as important to them, she said. Gonzalez said she was encouraged by the passing of Assembly Bill 701 last year, a California bill that included anti-retaliatory measures allowing workers to take employers to court for violating state health and safety standards. Amazon is under investigation by federal prosecutors for such violations. Plascencia hopes to move fast with organizing efforts in the following weeks because of the rapid turnover of workers at Amazon's warehouses. "In Amazon time, it needs to be done quick," she said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine may have displaced 7.1 million Ukrainians, creating the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II, but it also created a resolve among Ukrainians who stayed put. Ukrainian reservists, combat veterans and even some civilians who stayed behind were integrated into the country's military as the Territorial Defence Forces (TDF). Jerry Hultin, a former under secretary of the Navy under President Bill Clinton, says it was the 100,000 members of the Territorial Defence Forces who stopped the drive to Kyiv and put Russia on its heels. The intervention of irregular civilian fighters forced Russia to change its strategy from capturing Kyiv to fighting a war of attrition. As the Russian drive stalled, Hultin and a handful of veterans, defense officials and logistics experts created Fighting Chance Ukraine, a nonprofit network that helps fund and supply the TDF, who are usually fighting with fewer weapons and equipment than the regular army. "It was often small groups of civilians organizing themselves that really stopped that drive south and turned the war," Hultin tells Military.com. That resonated with us. Ordinary people, families joining in. The husband would go to the front line. The wife would take care of the kids, and together, they try to have a life. They teamed up and really changed the war." Hultin says the TDF makes a huge tactical difference in battles and frees up the regular military to make advances, such as the offensive currently underway in the country's south. Fighting Chance Ukraine was formed in conjunction with the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and is made up of members with diplomatic, military and logistical experience and connections in Europe, including former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst and a former Supreme Allied Commander, Retired Gen. Philip Breedlove. "We all, for our own reasons, had skills to bring and felt this was a place that we could really make a difference," Hultin says. "There are those who know what it takes to help educate people and get them engaged. We have international relief experts who know how to find things and get them shipped, and we have networks on the ground in Ukraine who tell us what is needed." Story continues After learning from the TDF what supplies are needed, the group raises money and procures those supplies in the U.S. Using their networks, they move equipment to areas adjacent to Ukraine, like Poland or Lithuania. The materials are then shipped into Ukraine and distributed. Fighting Chance Ukraine has provided everything from basic needs like food, blankets and medical supplies to other non-lethal aid such as helmets, boots, backpacks, flak vests, night-vision goggles, encrypted cell phones, radios, walkie-talkies, drones, GPS, computers and satellite services. "It's the first time in many years where we're supporting a country where there's real depth of support inside that country for providing freedom and supporting democracy," Hultin says. "I fought in Vietnam, and we didn't have the support that we should have from the South Vietnamese. We've seen some of that be true in Afghanistan and also in Iraq, but Ukraine's different. We've really seen the population create new ways to approach things and volunteer." For Hultin, the fact that Ukraine has not lost its resolve and has pushed Russian forces back is significant. There may come a time where Russia determines that a continuation of the war is not in its best interest. "I think we're right on the cusp, and that's why Fighting Chance Ukraine is so important," Hultin says. "First, it allows American military families to support Ukrainian military families, and secondly, it encourages and keeps the capacity of Ukraine to win and push back the Russians." Americans identify with Fighting Chance Ukraine, Hultin believes, because they can identify with a fight for freedom against an overwhelmingly powerful opponent. Young Americans who still want to do something to help look for organizations like Fighting Chance Ukraine. "It's part of our history to defend democracy," says Hultin. "Those of us who are veterans, who have fought in our wars from Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan know what combat's like. They know how hard it is on the front lines. In Ukraine, citizens are on the front lines, and they need the kind of support that American military families and American veterans can provide." To learn more about Fighting Chance Ukraine or to donate money for nonlethal support to the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces, visit FightingChanceUkraine.org. -- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook. Want to Learn More About Military Life? Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for post-military careers or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox. The day of the Queens state funeral is to be a bank holiday, it has been announced. No date has yet been announced for the funeral, but it is likely to take place on Monday 19 September. The one-off holiday was formally approved by King Charles III at his first meeting with the Privy Council in St Jamess Palace in London. Acting Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt read out two draft proclamations appointing the day as a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and in Scotland. Charles responded with the single word Approved before signing the proclamations. The move means that schools, businesses, government offices and many shops will close for the day, allowing the maximum possible people to watch the funeral. The procedure for events in the wake of the monarchs death are set out in a strict set of protocols codenamed Operation London Bridge. Under this plan, the Queens coffin will be taken in procession to Westminster Abbey on a gun carriage, pulled not by horses but by naval ratings sailors using ropes. Flags will fly at half mast during the period of mourning (PA Wire) Senior members of the royal family will follow behind on foot, just as they did for the funerals of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000. US President Joe Biden has confirmed that he will attend. The service will be televised, and a national two minutes silence is expected to be held. Following the funeral, the Queens coffin will be taken to St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised committal service. There are usually eight annual bank holidays for workers in England and Wales, while those in Scotland normally get nine or 1. There was an additional bank holiday earlier this year on Friday 3 June to mark the Queens Platinum Jubilee. The new bank holiday was announced moments after Charles was formally proclaimed King at the accession council ceremony. Story continues Following the proclamation in Charless absence in the palaces picture gallery, around 200 members of the privy council trooped into the throne room for their first meeting with the new monarch. In a declaration to the council, Charles vowed to follow the inspiring example of Elizabeth II in his service to the nation for what remains to me of my life. Standing before the royal throne in the palaces Throne Room, Charles spoke of the irreparable loss to himself, his family, the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the whole world represented by the death of his mother. There will be a bank holiday for the Queens funeral (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) It is the greatest consolation to me to know the sympathy expressed by so many to me, my sister and brothers, he said. In recognition of the new Kings reign, official flags were raised to full mast for Proclamation Day before being returned to half mast until the end of the Royal Mourning period. Charless speech was his second as monarch, following a televised address to the nation on Friday, in which he named his elder son William Prince of Wales and sent a message of love to his younger son Harry and his wife Meghan . Paying tribute to his late mother, he said then: I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen my beloved Mother was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example. He ended with a heartfelt tribute tohe Queen, bringing tears to the eyes of many of those watching. To my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you, he said. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. In todays address, he hailed Elizabeths example of lifelong love and selfless service, he said he was deeply aware of this great inheritance and the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me. He added: In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands and in the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world. Charles also formally renounced financial revenues from the Crown estate, in return for the sovereign grant from the government to support him in his duties. In de-occupied Hrakovo, the bodies of two murdered men were exhumed Kharkiv police chief Volodymyr Tymoshko said the murdered victims were not from Hrakove. Their bodies bear signs of torture and gunshot wounds. Hrakove resident Serhiy Lutsan alerted law enforcement of the burial site, once the village was liberated from Russian forces. This was in mid- or late March, said Lutsan. Soldiers approached me, threatened me with weapons, brought me to where they have bodies of two young men. Ive lived here for seven years, and I didnt know who they were. They had to be buried. Read also: Ukraine recaptures about 2,500 sq. km in Kharkiv Oblast, may create cauldron for Russian troops around Izyum Lutsan added that Russian troops brought destruction to Hrakove, and prevented locals from fleeing to Ukraine-controlled territory. Police will examine two more sites in Hrakove, where Russians reportedly engaged in atrocities once the area is swept for landmines, chief police detective of Kharkiv Oblast, Serhiy Bolvinov said. Read also: Assessment of recently liberated Ukrainian settlements Hrakove fell to invading Russian forces on Feb. 25. Around 40 people remain in the village; they are receiving humanitarian assistance. Ukrainian forces have liberated more than 30 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast, as Russian lines in the area around the town of Izyum are apparently collapsing. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Sep. 10CHATSWORTH For a time, it appeared that North Murray High School may have been the team to run away with a convincing win in a Friday night showdown with Northwest Whitfield. The Mountaineers scored the first 14 points of the game, and, on two other first-half occasions, North Murray drove inside Northwest's 10-yard-line. Then the Bruins roared to life. Northwest Whitfield (4-0) made big defensive plays early then scored 35 unanswered points to storm past North Murray (2-2) 35-14 in Chatsworth Friday night. "The defense kept us in it and the offense found a way," Northwest head coach Josh Robinson said. "Things weren't going well early, and we found a way to turn it around and end up with a win." One of the catalysts for that 35-point barrage? Junior wide receiver and defensive back Hudson Gray. After surviving the first half down just 14-7 thanks to an Owen Brooker rushing touchdown with just over a minute to go before the break Gray put his stamp on the game with two quick touchdowns. After a would-be touchdown pass from Brooker to Isaiah Foster early in the half was called back due to penalty, the Bruins didn't stay deflated. On the very next play, Brooker went deep again, and Gray popped the ball into the air as a defender arrived and managed to catch it on its way down. That play got Northwest down to the 5 of North Murray, and Brooker found Gray for the 5-yard score to tie the game at 14 with 10:27 in the third. "It was amazing to make those plays," Gray said. "We came out slow early, but we ended up executing at the end, and that's all that mattered." After the kickoff, North Murray quarterback Seth Griffin had his first-down pass deflected right into the waiting arms of Gray. Gray took the gift back 40 yards for the touchdown, and Northwest had its first lead of the night at 21-14. "That was a big deal for us. He's a really good player," Robinson said. "He's becoming what we know he can be." Story continues The Bruins pulled away from there. Early in the fourth quarter, Brooker found Dominick Johnson in the flat for an 8-yard scoring pass, then Caden Ramsey powered in for a 3-yard touchdown as the Bruins milked the clock after leaping on a Griffin fumble. Brooker was 16-for-26 passing for 204 yards and two touchdowns, and the senior added 48 rushing yards and a score. Brooker turned the ball over once on a second-quarter fumble, but four turnovers from Griffin helped the Bruins catch up and pull away. Griffin made some highlight plays in the first, tossing for 218 yards before the break and breaking in for a rushing touchdown, but an interception late in the first half picked off by Jax Brooker took away a Mountaineer scoring chance, and two second-half fumbles dwindled North Murray's hopes for a comeback. Griffin, after leading the Mountaineers to 50 points or more in back-to-back games, was held to 11-for-33 with 270 yards on the night. Judson Petty caught four passes for 124 yards. "I thought we played outstanding against a very potent offense with a very good quarterback and receivers," Robinson said. Northwest was faced with the early 14-0 hole as its offense sputtered. North Murray scored on its first drive of the night on a Skyler Williams 1-yard score. After Northwest punted, the Mountaineers were quickly back inside the 10. A potential touchdown pass was called back because of a penalty, and a sack knocked North Murray back before the Mountaineers missed a field goal. It was the third meeting between the two schools and third in three seasons after the two met for the first time in Chatsworth in 2020. North Murray won last year in Tunnel Hill, while Northwest grabbed a road win two seasons ago. Northwest now leads the series 2-1. Northwest Whitfield hits the road next week for its final non-region test. The Bruins will travel to Rome Friday to play Darlington. North Murray is idle next week before starting its Region 7-2A schedule against Haralson County at home on Sept. 23. Pope Francis heads to Kazakhstan next week, despite an injured knee, for a visit likely to be dominated by tensions in the Central Asian region following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The 85-year-old pontiff, who uses a wheelchair and has admitted he must slow down or consider retirement, will take part in an inter-religious summit in the capital city, Nur-Sultan, from September 13 to 15. Some 100 delegations from 50 countries are expected to take part in the event in Kazakhstan, which is just south of Russia and gained independence with the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Authoritarian President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, 69, is an ally of Russia, though there have been tensions between the two countries since Moscow launched the invasion of Ukraine in February. Tokayev has refused to support the invasion and the presence of a large Russian community in the north of Kazakhstan has sparked fears of a revival of Russian imperial ambitions in the area. Kazakhstan borders other former Soviet republics, as well as China and the Caspian Sea. "Given the dramatic international situation, the visit brings hope for peace and reconciliation on a global scale," the Archbishop of Nur-Sultan, Tomasz Peta, told Vatican News ahead of the trip. - China question - There had been murmurs of a possible meeting in Kazakhstan between Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, as part of the pope's diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. While the pope has called for peace and denounced a "cruel and senseless war", Kirill has defended Putin's "military operation" and the fight against Russia's "external and internal enemies". The chance for a possible meeting was lost last month, however, when the Russian church said Kirill would not be travelling to Kazakhstan. Francis may find himself instead meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will be in the country at the same time. The Vatican is currently negotiating with China over the renewal of a historic provisional accord on the appointment of bishops in China. Story continues China severed ties with the Holy See in 1951, forcing Catholics to choose between membership of the state-run Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association or underground churches loyal to the pope. No meeting has been announced. Without diplomatic ties between the Vatican and China, any face to face between Francis and the president would be unofficial. - 'Consolidation of power' - The pope, who suffers from knee pain that has forced him to cancel numerous events at the Vatican, is expected to land Tuesday early evening in Nur-Sultan, where he will go to the presidential palace and deliver a first speech to the authorities and the diplomatic corps. On Wednesday, he will address the opening of the plenary session of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions congress, before celebrating a mass in the afternoon and winding up his trip Thursday by meeting Catholic leaders. Energy-rich Kazakhstan has 19 million inhabitants, 70-percent of whom are Sunni Muslims, while 26 percent are Christians -- mainly Russian Orthodox. Less than one percent are Catholic. Tokayev began a series of reforms after his election in 2019, but the country was rocked by protests over fuel prices earlier this year that left over 200 people dead and shattered its image of stability. Adrien Fauve, researcher and director of the French Institute for Central Asian Studies, told AFP there were "very significant tensions" in the country, which was "witnessing a stage in the consolidation of the power of the current President Tokayev". Francis is the second pope to visit Kazakhstan after John Paul II's trip in September 2001. cmk/ide/cdw/ach Karla Hernandez-Mats, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor in Florida, and Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Gaston De Cardenas/AP Photo and Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images Democrat Karla Hernandez-Mats referred to Florida's Republican governor and lieutenant governor as "Commander DeSantis" and "Aunt Jeanette." Hernandez-Mats, who is running for lieutenant governor, was making a thinly veiled reference to dystopian novel "The Handmaid's Tale." She told Insider that Florida laws on abortion, education, and voting led to the characterization. MIAMI BEACH, Florida Karla Hernandez-Mats, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor in Florida, said Friday that living in the state is beginning to feel like "The Handmaid's Tale," the dystopian novel from 1985 that rocketed to the bestseller list during Donald Trump's presidency. During a speech at a fundraiser known as the Miami-Dade Democratic Party Blue Gala, Hernandez-Mats the No. 2 on the gubernatorial ticket with Charlie Crist swiped at Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez by comparing them to characters in the Margaret Atwood novel. "We can't allow Commander DeSantis and Aunt Jeanette to continue down the path of turning Florida into a mini Gilead," she said, referring to the book's fictitious Republic of Gilead, a military and religious dictatorship that overthrows the US government. In the novel, women known as "Handmaids" are raped and forced to produce children for the male ruling class, known as "Commanders." Handmaids are not allowed to read, write, or own property, and newspapers are censored. The Aunts train and indoctrinate Handmaids. "Obviously a lot of people have read 'The Handmaid's Tale,' and I think that we're going backwards just like that," Hernandez-Mats said in an interview with Insider following the event, a plated dinner featuring other Democratic speakers and held at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Hernandez-Mats drew comparisons to laws that have passed under DeSantis, including a 15-week abortion ban without exceptions for rape and incest, a push to redraw the state's congressional map, and the state's decision to reject certain math textbooks that didn't comply with a new education law restricting the way race is discussed in classrooms. Story continues "All these things, unfortunately, sound like they're fictitious and fantastical and that it would never happen because that's what I thought when I read that book and here we are in 2022," she told Insider. "We're seeing a governor that acts like a dictator, that is authoritarian, and that is taking away and depriving our freedom, which is exactly what happened in Gilead." Hernandez-Mats said she hadn't used the comparison in a speech before Friday, but the comparison in Washington, DC, when Trump was president wasn't unusual. Protestors dressed as Handmaids and gathered outside the US Capitol when the GOP-controlled Senate was confirming Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, and when Republicans were attempting to repeal the Affordable Care Act, former President Barack Obama's healthcare law. Hernandez-Mats told Insider she read the book but had not watched the Hulu rendition of "The Handmaid's Tale," which has won numerous Emmy Awards and stars Elizabeth Moss. Rep. Charlie Crist celebrates as he announces his running mate Karla Hernandez-Mats at Hialeah Middle School in Hialeah, Florida, on Saturday Aug. 27, 2022 as he challenges Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in November. Gaston De Cardenas/AP Photo Governor's race homes in on defining freedom Hernandez-Mats, whose parents immigrated to the US from Honduras, is a former special education teacher who then went on to become president of the United Teachers of Dade, a teachers' union. "My focus as a teacher is on teaching emotionally, behaviorally disturbed children," Hernandez-Mats said during her speech on Friday evening. "So I think you'll agree that by itself makes me uniquely qualified to deal with dysfunctional legislators in Tallahassee." Crist announced on August 27 that he'd picked Hernandez-Mats to be on his ticket and resigned from the US House a few days later. He was governor of Florida from 2007 to 2011, though he was a Republican at the time. DeSantis rarely mentions Crist in his speeches. Instead, he regularly touts his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic to "keep Florida free" and has called the Sunshine State the "freest state." DeSantis defied federal health officials and drew a loyal base of supporters after allowing states and businesses to stay open far earlier than other states. National name recognition and speculation that he'll be running for president in 2024 have followed. During public events in recent weeks, DeSantis warned voters "not to take any of it for granted" that Florida would have operated similarly during the pandemic if he were not governor. DeSantis won his first term by less than half a percentage point against Democrat Andrew Gillum, the former mayor of Tallahassee. DeSantis has criticized Hernandez-Mats for backing pandemic-induced school lockdowns when she led the teacher's union. Hernandez-Mats told Insider on Friday she supported reopening but wanted to do so safely. Yet DeSantis views his education policies as one of his strongest cases for reelection. Though he was met with backlash over school reopenings for months, many blue states eventually followed suit amid parental backlash and as officials concluded virtual learning harmed social and educational outcomes. Read the original article on Business Insider TheStreet.com Chief executives and political commentary rarely go well together when outgoing Whole Foods CEO John Mackey went on a podcast to say that the "socialists are taking over" and young people "don't seem like they want to work," the internet did not let him retire without one last scandal. The latest person to make a splash with his remarks is McDonald's chief executive Chris Kempczinski. During a conference at the Economic Club of Chicago, Kempczinski drew attention to the issue of crime in the Midwestern metropolis that serves as the headquarters of the Golden Arches. The college professor whose tweet hoping Queen Elizabeth II had an excruciating death is standing by her criticism of the monarchy after her comments were condemned by Carnegie Mellon University and she faced a racist and misogynistic backlash. Dr Uju Anya tweeted on Thursday: I heard the chief monarch of a thieving raping genocidal empire is finally dying. May her pain be excruciating. The tweet was removed by Twitter for violating platform policies, but not before a backlash began, including a response from Amazon found Jeff Bezos. Dr Anya followed up her initial tweet with another post, stating: If anyone expects me to express anything but disdain for the monarch who supervised a government that sponsored the genocide that massacred and displaced half my family and the consequences of which those alive today are still trying to overcome, you can keep wishing upon a star. She also responded to Mr Bezos, tweeting at him directly: Otoro gba gbue gi which roughly translates to an Igbo insult wishing someone death May everyone you and your merciless greed have harmed in this world remember you as fondly as I remember my colonizers. Now, in an interview with The Cut , Dr Anya expanded on her tweets and discussed the backlash, explaining that she has been locked out of Twitter, but that hate mail was reaching her by email. Talking about the response from Mr Bezos, she said: Jeff Bezos incited violence against me. He rarely tweets in his own voice, but he took the time to single me out when literally half the planet rejoiced over the news. I cant ignore the racism and misogyny the emails Ive been getting all start with the N-word, bitch, genetically inferior, all kinds of things. I dont open them, but I see the subject lines. She further reasoned on why she feels she caught Mr Bezoss attention: I recently met Chris Smalls, the young Black man who unionised at Amazon, at an event. I took a picture with him and tweeted it, praising him and saying, Extraordinary brilliant and powerful young man who unionised Amazon. We all know Bezos is a small and petty man. Story continues Dr Anya, who describes herself on Twitter as an antiracist and feminist, was born in Nigeria to a Nigerian father and mother from Trinidad and Tobago. Both countries were colonised by the British Nigeria became independent in 1960, with Trinidad and Tobago following suit two years later. Explaining her thoughts about the monarch and what she represented, Dr Anya told The Cut that it goes beyond the legacy of enslavement and colonialism to direct harm. My experience of who she was, and the British government she supervised, is a very painful one. The harm shaped my entire life and continues to be my story and that of the people she harmed that her government harmed, that her kingdom harmed, however you want to frame it. The genocide of the Biafra killed 3 million Igbo people, and the British government wasnt just in political support of the people who perpetrated this massacre; they directly funded it. They gave it political cover and legitimacy, she said. Stressing that this was something that directly impacted her family and her life to this day, Dr Anya said she sound it deeply offensive to be told she has to cry over the death of someone who killed her people when to her they are a violent oppressor. In my tweet, I did not wish her death. I did not tell anyone to kill her. I said nothing except wishing her the pain in death that she caused for millions of people. Theres not going to be any apology from me. I stand by what I said. As a direct recipient of her governance and as the child of colonial subjects, I reserve the right to say what this womans life and monarchy and the history of the British monarchy as a whole means to me. Dr Anyas employer, Carnegie Mellon the Pennsylvania university where she is an associate professor of second language acquisition issued a statement on Thursday. We do not condone the offensive and objectionable messages posted by Uku Anya today on her personal social media account, the university tweeted. Free expression is core to the mission of higher education, however, the views she shared absolutely do not represent the values of the institution, nor the standards of discourse we seek to foster. A two-decade-long megadrought in the American West is forcing farmers and ranchers to rethink how they raise crops and cattle as water resources become stretched. "You know, our farmers and ranchers are used to dealing with curveballs coming their way, but we're in a new era," Kate Greenberg, commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, told Yahoo Finance Live (video above). "We're really thinking about diversity, resilience, perseverance to make sure that we can keep producing food here in Colorado, knowing we're under a future of less water." As of August 30, nearly half of the state (46%) is experiencing drought conditions, while 86% of the state is classified as "abnormally dry," according to the latest Drought Monitor report. The most severely drought-stricken areas also happen to overlap with the top agricultural-producing counties in the state, as seen in the maps below. Agriculture makes up a $47 billion industry in the state, around a tenth of Colorado's gross economic output, and employs over 195,000 workers. Cattle is the top commodity produced in the state. The latest drought conditions for the state of Colorado. (Drought Monitor) Greenberg explained that Colorado farmers and ranchers started adapting by diversifying revenue streams, including building solar farms and looking at new ways of production that use less water. The Department of Agriculture also announced a $1.9 million investment into drought preparedness projects, including grants to farmers and funding for water infrastructure. "We are focused on finding solutions that we can do here in Colorado agriculture to be proactive," Greenberg said. "We know we're expecting to see not just drier times and hotter times, but more variability, less certainty." While Colorado has seen natural fluctuations in its hydrology over the years, Greenberg emphasized that climate change will accelerate shifts in the region's climate and the water cycle. "We are focused on finding solutions that we can do here in Colorado agriculture to be proactive," Greenberg said. "We know we're expecting to see not just drier times and hotter times but more variability, less certainty." Story continues The top agricultural producing counties in Colorado are experiencing drought. (Colorado Department of Agriculture) Increasing competition over water resources is already inserting uncertainty as states, tribal nations, and federal government scramble to address the water needs of millions of people and various industries. The drying of the Colorado River, which begins in the Rocky Mountains and supplies water to 40 million people across seven states, has become one of the more pressing concerns lately. In June, federal officials gave states that rely on the Colorado River Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming 60 days to come up with a plan to conserve 2 to 4 million acre-feet of water. The states failed to reach an agreement by the deadline, and now all eyes are on the government to see how it will respond. Meanwhile, as farmers are forced to cut back on water from rivers, they are relying heavily on groundwater from underground aquifers. A bathtub ring of light minerals shows the high water line of Lake Mead near water intakes on the Arizona side of Hoover Dam at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area on June 26, 2022, near Boulder City, Nev. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) But that can pose challenges of its own. When groundwater aquifers are overly depleted, it can cause subsidence, a phenomenon where the land sinks and the aquifer loses its capacity to retain water. "We're dealing with both the surface water and the groundwater issues out here in many of our basins," Greenberg said. "While we're experiencing this tightening in both the surface and the groundwater, we're also seeing development of new technologies, new forms of collaboration, new ways of thinking about how we support our local economies in a drier future." Greenberg noted that a lot of the leadership is happening on the ground at the local level. "Here at the state, we're helping those local communities absorb some of the risk of those changes, get resources where they're needed, and help with the transition to a vibrant economy of the future that is less dependent on water, but still dependent on the agricultural communities and production that we rely on," Greenberg said. Grace is an assistant editor for Yahoo Finance. Read the latest news on the climate crisis from Yahoo Finance Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Flipboard, and LinkedIn On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fatherhood P.R.I.D.E., an initiative of Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition, will be hosting a community resource event at 5300 North Pearl St. 32208. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Their goal for this event is to overcome the stigma associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Shaken Baby Syndrome, and Accidental Infant Deaths to reduce the Infant Mortality Rate in Jacksonville. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] In honor of September being Infant Mortality Awareness Month, Fatherhood P.R.I.D.E. will be discussing Jacksonvilles high infant death rate. With the slogan, Make a Noise and Make a Difference, and the name #Day366, the organization hopes to highlight the day after a childs first birthday along with all the possibilities one more day can hold. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] There will be health and wellness organizations there to make their presence in the community known, games and activities for the kids, and parenting workshops for adults. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Prince William Living magazine chronicles local news from Prince William County, Virginia, near Washington: a fall festival, a car accident, community service projects. But its website -- princewilliamliving.com -- is also one of the first to pop up (along with the royals' official site) in a Google search for "contact Prince William." And brace yourself: Some people don't read their Google results very closely. The result has been a small flood of phone calls and emails with condolences, sketches, poems, requests -- even an offer to make a casket drape -- pouring into the magazine's small offices. Publisher Rebecca Barnes said Saturday that roughly 40 such messages have arrived a day, from all over the world -- India, Bhutan, Japan, Egypt, both North and South America, and England itself. "Even people in England don't know how to Google," Barnes quipped to AFP. One teenage girl said she was a huge fan of the royals and hoped for an invitation to the Queen's funeral. Another messenger offered to work in the royal household "as a housekeeper or something," adding, "I'm a very clean person." The county, incidentally, far predates the Prince William who is now first in line to the throne. Formed in 1731, it was named after the Duke of Cumberland, third son of King George II. But because of the name confusion, Barnes said misdirected messages are not new. They have arrived for years, usually when the royal family was in the news. She long ago stopped trying to respond to every message, but recently found she could not resist. A man messaged to ask if he could be the next King of England. "Who am I to stand in his way," Barnes said. "I wrote back and asked him to submit an application." bbk/md A woman was killed in an officer-involved shooting following a series of crimes that included a shooting, carjacking and driving into Walmart on Christmas Eve, 2020. A Redding police officer was justified in the fatal shooting of a woman who went on a Christmas Eve rampage in 2020 that included a separate shooting, carjacking and crashing a vehicle through the front entrance of Walmart. Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett issued her findings Friday, saying officer Khae Saelee was lawful in shooting and killing 39-year-old Tara Liubakka when she ran toward him screaming with knives in her hands. "Under these circumstances, officer Saelee was justified in using deadly force in response to Liubakka's actions. I find the shooting to be lawful and will take no further actions in this matter," Bridgett wrote. Here's the account provided by the DA's office: The day started with Liubakka contacting Redding police several times. She told a dispatcher about 5:30 a.m. that she was suicidal, under the influence of methamphetamine and wanted to report a drug deal. She didn't answer the phone when police called back, but she called 911 again in the afternoon to say she had been drugged and sexually assaulted. An officer spoke to Liubakka by phone and she declined medical attention. The officer determined Liubakka didn't meet the criteria for an involuntary mental health hold. After 6 p.m., Liubakka told SHASCOM she had just bought methamphetamine and heroin from a home on Irwin Road. A half-hour later, a woman who said she was Liubakka's mother reported that her daughter was suicidal. In another phone call, Liubakka told police she had shot a man. Soon thereafter, a 911 call reported the shooting and police arrived at the Irwin Road address. The shooting victim told police at the hospital that Liubakka had shot him twice from inside a vehicle when he approached to talk to her. The next crime scene was at Domino's Pizza on East Cypress Avenue where the DA's office said Liubakka carjacked an employee by pointing a gun at the woman and taking her keys. Story continues Liubakka drove the stolen vehicle to Olde West & Loan on North Market Street. She drove onto the sidewalk about 7:30 p.m. and unsuccessfully tried to get inside the store by ramming the front gate. The parking lot at the Redding Walmart is empty on Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, as the store was temporarily closed. Police said a driver crashed through the front of the store and drove around the cashiers' area on Thursday evening. The vehicle matched the description from an earlier carjacking. An officer later shot and killed a female suspect. The Walmart had reopened by Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. The next stop was the Redding Walmart, which was closed just before 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The DA's report says employees heard a loud crash from the front entrance and saw Liubakka drive inside. Liubakka was unable to break into a display case in sporting goods and instead took a package of kitchen knives before driving back out of the store. Police were going to the various crime scenes when another officer saw Liubakka pull into an apartment complex on Old Alturas Road. The woman eluded officers while she broke into an unoccupied unit and stole more knives. A woman was killed in an officer-involved shooting following a series of crimes that included a shooting, carjacking and driving into Walmart on Christmas Eve 2020. Just after 8 p.m., officer Saelee broadcast over the police radio that he was running after Liubakka at Churn Creek Road and Browning Street. Saelee said the woman was armed with a knife and trying to carjack vehicles. Other officers were trying to catch up as Saelee was telling Liubakka to stop. She turned and charged Saelee with a knife in each hand. "As Liubakka approached him and while he was moving backward, officer Saelee fired his gun three times, striking Liubakka and causing her to fall to the ground," the report says. Liubakka was taken into custody and given medical attention. She later died with the autopsy concluding her cause of death was a gunshot wound to the chest. "Facing the imminent threat posed by Liubakka, officer Saelee chose to use deadly force to end that threat," Bridget said. Bridgett added that by using deadly force, the officer prevented the woman from killing him or other people. Mike Chapman is an award-winning reporter and photographer for the Record Searchlight in Redding, Calif. His newspaper career spans Yreka and Eureka in Northern California and Bellingham, Wash. Support local journalism by subscribing today. This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: DA: Redding police justified in 2020 Christmas Eve shooting of woman Darren Till is eager to rebound. Till (18-4-1 MMA, 6-4-1 UFC) will look to snap a two-fight losing skid when he faces South African knockout artist Dricus Du Plessis (17-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) at UFC 282 on Dec. 10. Having lost four of his past five bouts, the former UFC title challenger wants to make a statement against surging contender Du Plessis. I think hes tough, Till told The MacLife. I swear Im just gonna come to rip this guys head off. I just want to beat him bad. I really do, but well see. Till has been plagued with injuries as of late from a broken collarbone to a torn ACL, to an injured leg, which forced him to withdraw from his fight against Jack Hermansson in July. But Till, whos been training with UFC 279 headliner Khamzat Chimaev, is in a good place right now and is content with the work hes been getting at Allstars Training Center in Sweden. Good, as good as it can be, Till said. Ive just gotta be smart with my movement. I want to spar a lot, I want to get a lot of good rounds Ive been getting good sparring lately with good guys. It builds me up when I have good sparring. Although hes currently enduring a rough patch, Till gains confidence from his performance against former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in July 2020. Although Till lost that fight on the scorecards, he was able to drop Whittaker early and stand toe-to-toe with him in a back-and-forth battle. Whittaker has only lost to current champion Israel Adesanya at 185 pounds. He further cemented his place as perhaps the second best in the division with an impressive win over Marvin Vettori at UFC Fight Night 209. Look at what Whittaker just done to Vettori and my fight with Whittaker, Till said. I know I can be one of the best. So I just gotta be smart with my movements and get the good rounds in and treat my body right. Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie The latest twist in one of the U.S. militarys biggest corruption cases Fat Leonards prison escape has sparked questions about why the U.S. government was not able to keep him under stricter watch. Well talk about the prison escape. Plus, well talk about the latest push to end the temporary hold on F-35 fighter jet deliveries. This is Defense & National Security, your nightly guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. For The Hill, Im Jordan Williams. A friend forward this newsletter to you? Subscribe here. Prison escape leaves unanswered questions In a scene from a thriller, a 350-pound cancer patient at the center of the biggest U.S. military corruption case in the last decade cut off his GPS ankle monitor this past weekend and fled from house arrest, weeks before he was finally set to be sentenced. The manhunt for Leonard Francis the Malaysian contractor known as Fat Leonard who pleaded guilty in 2015 to cheating the Navy out of tens of millions of dollars has quickly pulled in at least 10 federal, state and local agencies and likely reached across the Mexican border. The escape has raised myriad questions, such as why Francis wasnt being watched day-and-night as his Sept. 22 sentencing date approached. A quick refresher: Francis, the former president of Singapore-based Glenn Defense Marine Asia, was arrested in 2013 and convicted in 2015 for a decades-long grift in which he plied dozens of top-ranking Navy officers with cash, cigars, top shelf alcohol, sex workers and parties in exchange for bloated supply contracts. The bribery bilked the Navy out of more than $35 million, led to the first active-duty admiral to be convicted for a federal crime, and was a massive embarrassment for the Pentagon. Since his conviction, Francis had languished in a legal limbo for seven years. The plea deal he took meant he had to help U.S. prosecutors implicate three-dozen military officials, cases that have played out slowly, with the last one ending in June. Story continues How was his monitoring? One thing that is clear about his escape is that the U.S. government had less than ideal monitoring of Francis at the time. From early 2018 until he fled, the judge in the case allowed Francis to live in a private home in San Diego due to his renal cancer; however, under the deal, Francis was responsible for paying for 24-hour security at his residence and was required to wear an ankle bracelet. But that self-funded security detail had its gaps, with the house left unguarded for almost three hours after the guard took a lunch break, according to a court transcript from a Dec. 17, 2020, hearing with Francis. So, how did he escape? It is unclear if guards were on duty in the days before Francis fled, but early Sunday morning he hacked off his ankle monitor and caused the device to alert U.S. Pretrial Services, the agency responsible for monitoring him. U.S. Marshals Service officials were then sent to his residence, which they found empty with no guard present. Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Omar Castillo told The Hill that his San Diego office received the call from U.S. Pretrial Services around 2:30 p.m., assembled a team and were at the residence in no more than 30 minutes. That means more than seven hours elapsed between Francis cutting off the monitor and authorities arriving at the house. The outstanding mysteries: Among the mysteries of the case is how the security around Francis remained so lax, even after officials appeared ruffled by his podcast. Another head scratcher is why authorities werent tipped off by security about the moving trucks. Theres all kinds of questions in my mind. Did somebody pay off the guards? If not, where were they? And how the hell would this happen? Its just another black eye for the Department of Justice and the federal government in this case, said Tom Wright, host of the nine-part Fat Leonard podcast. Theyve allowed him to escape in almost a Keystone Cops set of circumstances. Read the full story here. Pentagon hopes for waiver to restart halted F-35s The U.S. military does not yet know how long a temporary hold on F-35 fighter jet deliveries will be in place but is working to resolve the issue after officials discovered a part within the aircraft used raw materials from China, the Pentagons top acquisition official said Friday. Undersecretary of Defense for acquisition and sustainment William LaPlante said an investigation is underway and moving quickly to look into how an alloy made in China ended up in magnets in the turbomachine pumps of the Lockheed Martine-produced F-35. The use of the Chinese materials in the F-35s turbomachine, made by Honeywell, is not allowed under Defense Department regulations, prompting the Pentagon earlier this week to stop accepting new jets from Lockheed. What happens now? Theyre looking at two things one, impact on security, if any, and impact on air worthiness or safety, if any, LaPlante told reporters. Right now, so far it doesnt appear to be either of them. If the investigation finds neither is a problem, LaPlante can then issue a national security waiver to get the production line moving again, and deliver assembled jets that already contain the alloy. Issuing such a waiver means the Pentagon would not move to replace the part at issue in already delivered aircraft. Why did this happen? LaPlante partly blamed the oversight on issues with the ever-shifting defense industry supply chain. Even major weapons firms arent always aware of the details of their supplies, he noted. Lockheed, for example, revealed Wednesday that the company that provided Honeywell the Chinese alloy was a fifth-tier supplier to the larger firm. Ive just seen enough cases of discovering things in supply chains that I wouldnt be surprised by anything, he said. Any company that says they know their supply chain is like a company saying theyd never been hacked, so its an endless battle. Read the full story here. Austin selects new public affairs chief Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has chosen Chris Meagher to serve as Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs. In a statement, the Pentagon chief said Meagher will oversee the departments media relations and public outreach efforts, as well as serve as his senior adviser on public affairs and strategic communications. Meagher will join the Pentagon from the White House, where he was a deputy press secretary to President Biden. His appointment comes a month after Austin chose Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder to serve as Pentagon press secretary. Chris has deep and diverse communications experience that will serve the entire Department well, Austin said. Chriss experience and insight will help me and the entire Department effectively communicate our important work to defend the nation, take care of our people and succeed through teamwork. ON TAP FOR MONDAY The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies will release a policy paper titled Decades of Air Force Underfunding Threaten Americas Ability to Win at 9 a.m. The Stimson Center will host a discussion on Recalibrating US Extended Deterrence on the Korean Peninsula at 10 a.m. George Washington University will hold a discussion on Kabul One Year Later at 11:30 a.m. The Brookings Institution will hold a discussion on Technology and the security of democratic societies at 1:30 p.m. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace will host a book launch for Surveillance State: Inside Chinas Quest to Launch a New Era of Social Control at 4 p.m. WHAT WERE READING Treasury sanctions Irans intelligence ministry for alleged cyberattack on Albania Proud Boys Hawaii chapter founder pleads guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding Thats it for today! Check out The Hills Defense and National Security pages for the latest coverage. See you next week! VIEW FULL VERSION HERE For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Donald Trump has revealed what Queen Elizabeth II told him about all the prime ministers that served under her. Writing for DailyMail.com, the former president spoke of the Queens grace, charm, and nobility, and how she fully exemplified the traits of dignity, steadfastness, resolve, duty, and patriotic devotion. Noting that during her 70-year reign she counseled 15 prime ministers and 13 presidents, Mr Trump wrote that spending time with her was one of the most extraordinary honours of my life. Her Majesty had a sharp mind, missed nothing, and always knew exactly what to say, he says in the article. Recalling a specific conversation, the former president observed that every prime minister from Winston Churchill onward served under her: When I asked her who was her favorite, she told me she liked them all. More follows... Photograph: Mary Altaffer/AP A week before the Capitol attack, on a video call organised by a member of a Christian nationalist group, a Pennsylvania state senator who is the Republican candidate for governor in the battleground state prayed that supporters of Donald Trump would seize the power on 6 January 2021. Doug Mastriano attended the pro-Trump rally in Washington that day, after which supporters, told by Trump to fight like hell to overturn his election defeat, stormed Congress in an attempt to stop certification of Joe Bidens victory. The riot was linked to nine deaths, including suicides in the aftermath of the attack among law enforcement. Related: You have to run: Romney urged Biden to take down Trump, book says Mastriano denies crossing police lines at the Capitol and affiliations with Christian nationalist groups. He is now one of a number of Republican candidates for state positions with sway over elections who support Trumps lie that his 2020 defeat was the result of voter fraud. Two months from election day, the polling website fivethirtyeight.com puts Mastriano just shy of seven points behind his Democratic opponent. Mastrianos 6 January prayer, first reported by Rolling Stone on Friday, was delivered during a Zoom call, titled Global Prayer for Election Integrity, organised by what the magazine called a prominent figure in the far-right New Apostolic Restoration movement. As defined by Rolling Stone, Christian nationalism is a central tenet of NAR [which] emerge[ed] from charismatic Christianity (think: Pentecostalism) and is anchored in the belief that we are living in an age of new apostles and prophets, who receive direct revelations from the holy spirit. NAR adherents hold that the end times are fast approaching and their calling is to hasten the second coming of Christ by re-fashioning the modern world in a biblical manner. Mastriano is a US army veteran who once dressed up as a Confederate soldier. In his prayer, he listed historical events including the battle of Gettysburg in 1863 and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93, the plane which came down in a field in Pennsylvania on 9/11, after passengers attacked their hijackers. Story continues He said: In 2001, while our nation was attacked by terrorists, a strong Christian man from Paramus, New Jersey, Todd Beamer, said, Lets roll. God I ask you that you help us roll in these dark times, that we fear not the darkness, that we will seize our Esther and Gideon moments. That when you say, Who shall I send? we will say, Send me and not him or her, we will take responsibility for our republic and not waver in these days that try our souls. Were surrounded by wickedness and fear and dithering and inaction. But thats not our problem. Our problem is following your lead. In the weeks before the Capitol attack, Mastriano was involved in failed attempts to overturn Trumps defeat in Pennsylvania, the announcement of which confirmed Bidens electoral college win. On the Zoom call, Mastriano displayed what he said were letters that President Trump asked me this morning to send to [Senate Republican leader] Mitch McConnell and [House leader] Kevin McCarthy, outlining the fraud in Pennsylvania, and this will embolden them to stand firm and disregard what has happened in Pennsylvania until they have an investigation. He also said: We think about our elected officials in Pennsylvania whove been weak and feckless and weve handed over our power to a governor Tom Wolf, a Democrat who disregards the freedoms of this republic. I pray that well take responsibility, well seize the power that we had given to us by the constitution, and as well by you providentially. I pray for the leaders and also in the federal government, God, on the sixth of January that they will rise up with boldness. After the Capitol riot, when Congress reconvened, McCarthy was one of 138 Republican congressmen and nine senators who voted to object to results in Pennsylvania or Arizona or both. CONCORD Tyler Townsend, 28, of Dover pleaded guilty Friday to repeatedly sex trafficking a minor in 2017, according to U.S. Attorney Jane Young. Townsend, previously charged with assault while incarcerated at Strafford County Jail in 2019 and arrested on two felony counts in 2013 for sale of a controlled drug, is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 19 on the sex trafficking charge. Townsend was accused of advertising a girl for sex on a now-defunct website five years ago, according to court documents and statements made in court. Search of email and phone records provided evidence of his involvement, according to Young. She said he negotiated terms and prices with people who responded to the ads. The Dover man would frequently accompany the minor to collect money from the people engaging in sexual acts, according to Young. From last year: Dover resident faces federal indictments for child sex trafficking and images Townsends guilty pleading on Friday was solely on the sex trafficking of a minor charge. He had been indicted on an additional charge of production of child pornography last year. Townsends case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Dover Police Department and has been prosecuted by Assistant U.S. attorneys Kasey Weiland and Anna Dronzek. Court records show Townsend is represented by attorney Timothy James Connors, who did not immediately reply to a request for comment Friday. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Tyler Townsend of Dover NH pleads guilty to child sex trafficking HOUSTON (AP) A visit to Houston on Friday by the Dutch queen highlighted a long friendship between Texas and the Netherlands that grew from their fight against a mutual enemy: flooding. While meeting with Houstons mayor, Queen Maxima learned how the Netherlands has worked with local officials on efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding following the deadly destruction that Hurricane Harvey wreaked on the city in 2017. Harvey dumped more than 50 inches (127 centimeters) of rain on parts of the Houston area. The storm caused $125 billion in damage in Texas. The queen also met with state and federal officials and heard about how Dutch engineers and academics have been helping Texas in the development of what could be the largest storm surge barrier in the world. The coastal barrier system in nearby Galveston, which has been in discussion since Hurricane Ike in 2008 battered the Texas Gulf Coast, was inspired by structures in the Netherlands. Queen Maxima, who also visited the San Francisco Bay Area and Austin, Texas, this week, said she was impressed that the two countries' strategies for flood mitigation could preserve the economy and the environment, but also (produce) knowledge to actually help the rest of the world. We need you, so thank you very much and I hope you continue this fantastic cooperation, she said. Texas and the Netherlands are natural partners in the fight against flooding. Houston, the nations fourth-largest city, floods frequently because it doesnt have sufficient infrastructure to handle heavy rain. Development of the area has sharply reduced the natural wetlands that previously soaked up storm water runoff. Every hurricane season, the Texas Gulf Coast faces potentially devastating storms. Hurricane-fueled storm surges can pose a flooding danger to the Houston Ship Channel, which is home to 40% of the nations petrochemical industry. The Netherlands is a global leader in flood-management design and initiatives. About 26% of its 17 million people live below sea level and the country has spent billions of dollars to build a system of dams, levees and storm surge barriers. Story continues Michael Braden, chief of the mega-project division with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District, said his agencys efforts to build the barrier system along the Texas Gulf Coast would not be where they are today without help from the Dutch. The barrier system, which borrows from a similar project nicknamed the Ike Dike and was first proposed by a Galveston professor, is expected to soon get final approval by Congress before being forwarded to President Joe Biden for his signature. Funding for the nearly $31 billion project, which could take up to 20 years to build, would have to be approved separately. Were addressing a regional issue here with the coastal project, but the things we learn in the design and the construction will eventually be needed by coastal communities all around the world, Braden said. Dutch and U.S. officials said Friday that their efforts to tackle flooding have become more important because global warming has made torrential rainfall and stronger hurricanes more common. A United Nations report released in March warned that states along the Gulf of Mexico, including Texas, are under serious threat from rising seas, collapsing fisheries and toxic tides due to climate change. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said many of the flood mitigation strategies that have been developed with the help of the citys Dutch partners, including prairie conservation efforts that will help reduce water runoff and neighborhood resilience plans, will soon be implemented. But we want our community not only to respond and to recover but to grow and to thrive, to build forward from recovery. We dont want to build back. Building back is building for failure. We want to build forward, Turner said. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70 The Hyperion Treatment Plant in Playa del Rey. (Cassy Cohen / Los Angeles Times) The El Segundo City Council on Thursday declared a local state of emergency and authorized a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles regarding ongoing issues stemming from a massive spill that dumped millions of gallons of sewage into Santa Monica Bay and left residents complaining of headaches and stomach and eye pain due to the noxious odors. The council's unanimous actions Thursday come after more than a year of frustration with Los Angeles and lingering effects of the spill from the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, said El Segundo Mayor Drew Boyles. "In July 2021, when we first got the call of what was going on, we were in disbelief, frustrated and angry," Boyles told The Times. "Now, 14 months later, we all feel exactly the same." About 17 million gallons of sewage were dumped into Santa Monica Bay following the failure at the Playa del Rey plant. The resulting odors were later blamed by residents who said they developed rashes, nausea, burning eyes and other symptoms in the aftermath. The L.A. city attorney's office did not respond to a request for comment. More than 1,100 odor-related complaints have been lodged against the plant this year, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued nearly 50 notices of violation to the facility, most of them for public nuisance. Also on Thursday, the district issued a stipulated order for abatement against the plant to address several issues, including air monitoring, and set up a 24-hour hotline for odor complaints. The district alleged in its order that the Los Angeles sanitation bureau, which operates the facility, "is unable to contain the sewage odors at Hyperion and cannot conduct operations at the wastewater treatment plant" without violating a rule prohibiting "the discharge of contaminants that may cause injury or nuisance." According to Boyles, an ad hoc committee issued dozens of recommendations to the plant to address some issues but "very few" have been implemented. Story continues "We were fed up so we decided to finally declare a state of emergency and pursue legal action," he said. Thursday's declaration allows the city to take some action and seek resources, but Boyles said he hopes it will draw the attention "of people who can help influence the condition of the plant and get it in good working order." Pursuing a lawsuit was a "no brainer," he added. "We have to get some other governing body or judge to weigh in on this and get them to take action," he said. El Segundo's lawsuit would not be the first filed regarding the sewage spill. Earlier this year, more than 100 people living in and near El Segundo filed a suit accusing the city of Los Angeles of exposing them to toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. WINCHESTER An embattled commonwealths attorney accused of trading favors with a defendant in exchange for nude images of her swore under oath Friday he didnt remember any of the 230 Facebook messages they allegedly exchanged. In a hearing on whether Ronnie Goldy Jr. should be temporarily suspended from practicing law because he poses a danger to the public, he did not deny he sent the messages to Missy Helton or that she returned them only that he had no recollection of ever seeing them. Commonwealth's Attorney Ronnie Goldy Goldy, whose office prosecutes in Bath, Menifee, Montgomery and Rowan counties, gave the same answer when asked about more than a dozen messages by Chief Bar Counsel Jane Herrick. Helton, however, confirmed the authenticity of the messages and said Goldy pressed her for the images over a five-year period in exchange for help in court. She also testified that she and Goldy engaged in sexual relations, the first time that allegation has been made. Read More:'A unique kind of cruelty': Woman questioned about miscarriage speaks out at abortion forum The Courier Journal reported in July that the messages, which emerged in an unrelated case, appeared to show Goldy told Helton if she sent him the images, he would talk to judges about continuing her cases and setting aside warrants. They also showed Goldy told her he had delivered on some of those promises. Facebook messages between Commonwealth's Attorney Ronny Goldy and a defendant. In court Friday, Goldy suggested the messages had been altered or modified, but cell phone forensic examiner Dan Jackman, a former Louisville Metro Police officer who also served six years on the FBI's National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force, said there was no evidence of tampering. Goldy said the only time he asked Helton for video was when she called him and said she had one showing evidence of drug trafficking, but Helton denied ever mentioning it. Herrick, the chief bar counsel, asked him how he could remember that phone call yet not the Facebook messages and he said, That is not something you would forget. Story continues Goldy seemed to score points when he cited a recent news article in the Mount Sterling Advocate in which Helton told a reporter that they were just friends and that Goldy did nothing wrong. Helton testified that wasnt true. Where I come from, you dont tell on people, she said. When Goldy pointed out that none of the Facebook messages explicitly asked for nude photos, she replied, Do you think he was asking for photos of my cat? Local crime:Louisville man charged with terroristic threatening over viral video taken on JCPS bus In other testimony that appeared to damage Goldys credibility, Circuit Judge David Barber cited a 2020 case where Helton appeared in his courtroom trying to retrieve a car that had been seized by police. He said when he told Helton she would have to pay towing fees, "she became indignant and said, Ill call Ronnie.'" Barber said it was strange she would say that during a court hearing and that he later asked Goldy about it. "He said they were related," Barber said. Goldy testified Friday that they are not related by blood or marriage. Helton also denied they are related. Retired Judge Jean Chenault Logue, who presided over the hearing, has 30 days to report her findings and recommendations to the Kentucky Supreme Court. An inquiry commission already has initiated charges that could result in permanent sanctions up to disbarment. The Kentucky Commonwealths Attorneys Association expelled Goldy from its membership in August. Andrew Wolfson: 502-582-7189; awolfson@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @adwolfson. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky prosecutor denies recalling explicit image request in court Englands Liz Young shot a final-round 69 at the VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open to secure her first victory on the Ladies European Tour. Young finished on 12 under par at at Golfpark Holzhausern in Risch-Rotkreuz to win by one stroke from Swedens Linn Grant. Fellow Englishwoman Rosie Davies was a shot further behind after a final-round 70. Young, the overnight leader, recovered from a bogey on the first to re-establish her credentials with birdies on the third and seventh. After narrowly avoiding going out of bounds and saving par on the 10th, she then took a two-stroke lead with further birdies at the 11th and 14th. Grant made a late charge with three successive birdies from the 15th to 17th but pars on the last four holes proved enough for Young to hold on. Young, who is in her 14th season on tour, said: I cant believe it right now. Ive been out here a while and havent had the win yet, so to do it here in Switzerland is just fantastic. I knew my game was coming together and I was getting better and better. Thats why Im still out here. I hope my daughter is watching. JACKSON, Miss. A team from the Environmental Protection Agencys Office of Inspector General arrived in Jackson last week to begin a multidisciplinary top-to-bottom review of the current drinking water crisis, an agency spokesperson told NBC News. The EPA OIG is keenly interested and concerned about what is happening in Jackson, Mississippi, said the spokesperson, Jennifer Kaplan. Last week, we began sending OIG personnel to collect data and conduct interviews, and over the coming week we expect to announce work related to the citys water system. The inspector generals office is staffed by teams of auditors, evaluators and criminal investigators; the office did not say which specific teams were deployed to Jackson. In recent years, the issues with Jacksons water system have come under scrutiny from state and federal regulatory officials, who have flagged problems ranging from inadequate staffing at the citys main water treatment plant to delays in carrying out needed repairs. Residents recently experienced a dayslong outage of running water, and even now more than 150,000 residents in Mississippis capital still lack clean drinking water. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Friday that a citywide boil-water notice in effect since July 29 was unlikely to be lifted over the weekend. The inspector generals inquiry in Jackson is similar to the EPAs involvement in Flint, Michigan, beginning in 2014, which culminated in a blistering report on lead contamination four years later. That report concluded: The EPA should strengthen its oversight of state drinking water programs to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the agencys response to drinking water contamination emergencies. The Flint water crisis ultimately resulted in nine indictments. The inspector generals Jackson review will start with conversations with local, state and federal players who have a role in overseeing the public resources dedicated to ensuring residents have clean water. Story continues While the problems with water in Jackson are not new, the inspector generals decision to begin a probe so soon after the crisis hit a boiling point appeared significant to Erik Olson, the senior strategic director of health and food at the Natural Resources Defense Council, who said it could prove to be a large step forward from the bungled oversight of the Flint water crisis. The inspector generals independence of the EPA hierarchy would also challenge the longstanding dynamic on the ground, as regional EPA officials often work closely and have longstanding relationships with state and local governments, Olson said. I think the inspector general, who after Flint has recognized some of the huge flaws in EPAs approach, could unearth a lot of the fundamental problems that have been occurring in Jackson and maybe even draw a line between the flaws in Flint and whats happening here, he said. That would be potentially very powerful because they could document that theres a systemic problem that has gone unresolved. The EPA previously looked into Jacksons water treatment facilities in a March 2020 enforcement investigation that found problems at the citys water treatment plants, including the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant that has been the focus of the citys current water crisis. Cases of bottled water are handed out at a Mississippi Rapid Response Coalition distribution site (Brad Vest / Getty Images) The investigative report showed the citys water treatment plants had inoperable equipment and inadequate staffing, had failed to monitor for lead and copper and had water filters that had been broken for three years. The report also noted that equipment had collapsed in 2018, putting the lives of two water operators at risk. The city of Jackson unsuccessfully applied for EPA funds to rehabilitate more than 100 collapsed pipe sites in 2019, according to online public records. Mississippi is receiving roughly $75 million in EPA funds to improve drinking water and wastewater systems across the state, according to a December 2021 EPA funding announcement. Its unclear how much of those funds are focused on Jackson. Mississippis Legislature allocated $450 million of the states share of federal funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan, a Covid-19 relief package, to water infrastructure improvements. Mississippi water utilities were able to begin applying for that money last week, with requests for funding due by Sept. 30. Laura Strickler reported from Washington, D.C.; Bracey Harris reported from Jackson; Phil McCausland reported from New York. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A former elementary school principal was accused of abusing a 9-year-old student after video showed him shoving the child to the ground, officials said Thursday. Brian Vollhardt, who resigned from Wolters Elementary School in Fresno after the school district launched an investigation into the June 7 altercation, faces a charge of willful cruelty to a minor, police and school officials said during a Thursday news conference. Court records show Vollhardt is scheduled to be arraigned for the alleged crime, a misdemeanor, on Sept. 26. Theres no excuse for repugnant behavior such as this, school district superintendent Bob Nelson told reporters. A video of the incident was released by the Fresno Unified School District and Fresno police with some faces blurred. Nelson said the incident occurred after Vollhardt joined a group of students eating breakfast. Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama described the boy as a "special needs" student, though he did not provide additional details. Related video: Some U.S. counties plan to arm school officers with AR-15s "When you have a child that is special needs, 9-years-old, and in an environ where he should be supported and protected and that does not occur that constitutes a crime," Balderrama said. Nelson said he was upset. In the 30-second video, which is muted and was first reported by the Fresno Bee, the boy can be seen approaching the principal and point in his direction. The boy can be seen walking away before he approaches Vollhardt again and points. Moments later, Vollhardt can be seen pushing him to the ground. "Instead of de-escalating the situation, which is what wed expect of an educator in our system, the former principal aggressively shoves the student down instead," Nelson said of what the video appeared to show. A message left on a number listed under Vollhardt's name was not immediately returned. Vollhardt reported the incident to the district, as did other adults in the room, Nelson said. The boy's guardian also contacted the school about it, he said. Story continues Balderrama said school officials reported the altercation on June 9, but he said that he didn't see the video until Tuesday. "I will acknowledge some system failures that were uncovered during this case," he said. Under a previous practice, he said, the department "suspended" investigations of misdemeanor crimes because of the volume of such cases. Now, all misdemeanor assault cases will be reviewed, he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The claim: Queen Elizabeth II was shot dead in Detroit On Sept. 8, Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom's longest reigning monarch, died at the age of 96. Some social media users are circulating a bizarre claim about her death. An Instagram post shared on Sept. 9 shows an image of the queen with text overlaying it that reads "Queen Elizabeth shot dead in Detroit." "Cant have s--- in Detroit," reads the caption of the post. Various other posts say she was shot dead in Houston; Memphis, Tennessee; and Philadelphia. Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks The posts together generated more than 50,000 likes in less than a week. Similar posts have amassed hundreds of interactions on Instagram. But the claim is baseless. The queen's last visit to the U.S. was in 2007, so it is not possible she was shot dead in Detroit or any of the cities the posts claim. She was suffering from health issues in recent months and died peacefully at her estate in Scotland, according to news reports. USA TODAY reached out to the social media users who shared the claim for comment. Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she arrives at Tweedbank Station on September 9, 2015, in Tweedbank, Scotland. Queen Elizabeth II died in Scotland Buckingham Palace announced in a Sept. 8 statement that the queen was under medical supervision at Balmoral Castle, her private estate in Scotland. That same day, the Royal Family tweeted that she had died "peacefully." It is not possible that the queen was shot dead in Detroit, as her last overseas trip was in 2015 in Malta, according to The Telegraph. Fact check: Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip not involved in disappearance of Canadian children The queen visited the U.S. six times during her reign, most recently in 2007, according to the U.S. State Department. Detroit and Memphis were not cities she visited. The Detroit News reported that the closest the queen came to Detroit was Windsor, a Canadian city that she visited three times. Story continues She visited Philadelphia in 1976 and Houston in 1991, according to the U.S. State Department. But no news reports indicate she visited those cities recently. The Royal Family did not issue a statement on the exact cause of the queen's death, but USA TODAY reported she had experienced mobility and health issues in recent months, which led her to skip events and delay meetings at her doctor's suggestion. PolitiFact also debunked the claim. Our rating: False Based on our research, we rate FALSE the claim that Queen Elizabeth II was shot dead in Detroit. The queen had been suffering health issues and died peacefully in Scotland. Her last visit to the U.S. was in 2007, so it is not possible she was shot dead in Detroit or any of the cities claimed. Our fact-check sources: Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: Queen Elizabeth II died 'peacefully' in Scotland Farm Share, one of Floridas leading food nonprofits and the states largest food bank, is distributing food to food-insecure Floridians this Saturday 8 a.m. until supplies last at the Farm Share distribution with Lake Butler Community Center (155 NW 3rd St., Lake Butler). Recipients will receive fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, distributions are drive-thru only to minimize contact and to help ensure the safety of all parties, and attendees must wear a mask and arrive in a vehicle with a trunk or cargo bed. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< With more than 3.9 million families suffering from food insecurity throughout Florida, Farm Share meets the everyday hunger needs of Floridians by working hand-in-hand with local farmers to recover and redistribute produce that would otherwise be thrown away due to aesthetic imperfections. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Farm Share distributes food to the community through its network of soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, churches, and senior centers across Florida, free of charge. To find a food distribution near you, click here [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. The former administrative manager for the city of Covington has been indicted by a federal grand jury on fraud and theft charges, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District of Kentucky. Allison Donaldson, 49, was indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft. She worked as an administrative manager for the Public Works Department from 2005 until 2022 and had access to credit card information for the department. Donaldson is accused of defrauding the city of Covington from Feb. 2020 until Feb. 2022 by using employee credit cards and making over $150,000 in purchases for herself and her home. The purchases listed in the indictment include repairs for a Mercedes Benz, Crate & Barrel furniture, and designer counter stools. Donaldson will appear in court at 2 p.m. on Sept. 19. She faces up to 20 years on each count of wire fraud and up to two years on each count of aggravated identity theft. Officials said Donaldson also faces judgments for restitution and forfeiture of the property attained through the fraud. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Feds: Former city official used employee credit cards on herself John Fetterman, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, will hold a rally on the anniversary of 9/11 with Planned Parenthood featuring an activist who pushed for defunding police. Fetterman announced this week that Planned Parenthood would hold a Women for Fetterman event with Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Alexis McGill Johnson, who said in 2020 that "we must keep demanding change, including the call to defund the police." The event will highlight Fetterman's support for abortion, and the description for the rally says the "stakes for reproductive freedom in Pennsylvania have never been higher. Thats why this rally is so important. The more people who come out to this event, the stronger our campaign's message for reproductive freedom will be." PENNSYLVANIA LT. GOV. FETTERMAN, SENATE CANDIDATE, SAID SANCTUARY CITIES MAKE EVERYBODY SAFER The Fetterman campaign sells shirts in bright pink emblazoned with "FETTERWOMAN" on the front, a play on the candidate's name. Nearly 3,000 people died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. In the past two decades, memorial services on the 9/11 anniversary have highlighted the heroic deeds of police, firefighters and other law enforcement officers and first responders. DEM SENATE CANDIDATE FETTERMAN PUSHED TO FREE MAN CONVICTED OF FATALLY SHOOTING, STABBING VICTIM Fetterman has made abortion a key part of his campaign, attacking Republican nominee Mehmet Oz for his pro-life positions. "We *need* to stand together to protect reproductive freedom against extreme attacks from Dr. Oz + the GOP," Fetterman tweeted to announce the Planned Parenthood event. Fettermans past statements and record on police and prison reform have come under scrutiny, while Oz has drawn attention to crime, which he says is a crucial issue for Pennsylvania voters. Fetterman has called for an end to mandatory life sentences for second-degree murder convicts. As lieutenant governor, he supported reducing Pennsylvanias prison population by a third. Story continues Since suffering a stroke in May, days before the Democratic primary he won, Fetterman has been mostly absent from the campaign trail, though he has recently delivered short speeches and participated in Labor Day marches to show support for unions. Oz has called attention to Fetterman's recovery, which has apparently contributed to his hesitancy to debate the Republican candidate. Oz told Fox News Digital that either Fetterman is unable to debate and would then seem unfit for work in the Senate representing Pennsylvania or he is afraid to defend his policies to voters. Fetterman said he is committed to debating Oz in the middle or end of October and said his recovery was the main reason for delaying candidate forums. "It was just simply only ever been about addressing some of the lingering issues of the stroke, the auditory processing, and were going to be able to work that out," Fetterman told Politico this week. Fetterman's campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov spoke about the results of the Ramstein-5 meeting Recent successful Ukrainian counteroffensive have shifted the priorities in the ever-growing flow of Western weapons, the minister said. First of all, increasing Western weapons shipments elevate the need to conduct repairs and maintenance on them, said Reznikov. Second, as the countries of the free world werent ready for a full-scale European war, there are limited amounts of kit readily available to us. Nevertheless, Ukraine has demonstrated that the Kremlin can be defeated something nobody believed before, Reznikov added. Read also: Blinken makes unscheduled visit to Kyiv, announces new aid to Ukraine sustain, long-term, and training were key points (discussed at the meeting) this time, the minister said. Moscow still has plenty of resources. Victory is not imminent, but it is inevitable. Discussing our cooperation in medium- and long term has become a priority. Ive outlined our plans for 2023 to our partners. Ukraine needs to attain technological superiority over Russia in key areas, in order to liberate all of its lands from Russian occupation, the Minister explained, adding that building up a three-tiered air defense system is one such crucial element Ukraine will need in the coming months. Read also: Ukraine can win war against Russia, says NATOs Stoltenberg He noted that meanwhile, the defense industries of Western countries are gradually spooling up, ensuring Ukraine and its partners will be able to replenish their reserves in a sustained, systematic way. Several steps were taken to that end during Ramstein-5, Reznikov added. The need of further military-industrial investments, responding to the Russian threat, will be discussed during a coming NATO meeting. Read also: Ukrainian military shares details of counter-offensive in south of Ukraine Troop training is another pillar of sustained growth of Ukraines defense capacity. We have a wide range of needs from individual skills, to battalion-wide exercises and staff officer training, said Reznikov. Story continues The minister noted that the UK-led training program for Ukrainian troops is well-underway, and has since been joined by Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and New Zealand. This one program alone will see 30,000 troops returning to Ukraine fully-trained and ready for combat with skills and well-equipped, Reznikov said, adding that similar initiatives are being set up by Poland and the EU. Read also: Spain joins military training for Ukrainian troops The minister suggested similar programs could be established in other neighboring countries. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine MINNEAPOLIS - The Minneapolis Fire Department rescued a man who repelled 85 feet down a storm drain shaft and got stuck early Friday. Fire crews cut through the fencing, set up a high-point anchor rope rescue system, and scaled down over the edge to rescue the man, the fire department said. Crews then reached the victim, and confirmed he wasn't injured. They put the man in a rescue harness and hauled him up, out of the storm drain. The fire department did not say why the man repelled down the shaft. Did Billy Eichners Bros just make history at the Toronto International Film Festival? It certainly felt like it. The Universal movie is breaking all kinds of barriers: Its the first gay rom-com ever made by a major studio, the first with an all openly LGBTQ cast and Eichner is the first openly gay man to ever write and star in a studio movie. Audiences finally got to see the movie for themselves in Toronto on Friday night and, judging by the shrieks of laughter throughout the screening, it was a hit. More from Variety I want to thank TIFF for letting a comedy into a movie festival! Eichner yelled into the audience before the film rolled, making a valid point about the dearth of studio comedies that world premiere at top international film festivals. Eichner stars in Bros as Bobby, a frail museum head whos down on his luck with the complicated, modern dating world. That is, until he runs into Luke Macfarlanes Aaron, a buff lawyer whos the complete opposite of Bobby but changes everything for him. Like any rom-com, the two have their own meet-cute (this time at a gay dance club) that turns into a whirlwind romance. Nicholas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Neighbors) directs the film, which also features Bowen Yang, Jim Rash, Dot-Marie Jones, Harvey Fierstein and more hilarious cast members. Bros played to an extremely enthusiastic audience at the Princess of Wales theatre, many of whom stuck around for the post-screening Q&A. While Toronto audiences dont seem to engage in the lengthy standing ovations that are now becoming the norm at fests like Cannes and Venice, the crowd was on its feet for almost two minutes when the cast emerged. Story continues Keep it going longer than The Whale! shouted Eichner, referencing the six-minute standing O for the Brendan Fraser movie in Venice last week. Only 20 more minutes of this! In the Q&A, both Eichner and Macfarlane spoke to the wider significance of Bros and what the movie will come to represent for the LGBTQ community. I cant help but think of the journey Aaron goes on, and what I would be, watching this movie if I was 18, 19 years old, said Macfarlane. Eichner added that the LGBTQ national history museum in the film is still very much a fictional concept and exists in Bros before it exists in real life in America. When I was doing research for it, there were so many things even I as a middle-aged man didnt know, that I dont know about our own history, because we are never taught our own history. Were never taught it, straight people are never taught it. We dont know who we are in the context of history. In his Variety cover story last week, Eichner discussed the responsibility he feels for Bros to do well. Ive worked so hard on it, I care so much about it, and I want it to do well for the sake of the LGBTQ stories getting greenlit. So theres a burden I feel, much as I want to sit here and just talk about how funny the movie is. Prior to the screening, the cast and crew, along with top Universal executives, convened at Le Germain for Varietys party honoring the movie and Eichners cover. Bros releases in theaters on Sept. 30. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. By Ludwig Burger and Alexander Ratz FRANKFURT (Reuters) -German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Berlin's support for Ukraine would not falter in the face of reduced Russian energy supplies as she arrived on Saturday for her second visit to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. "We will stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary," Baerbock said in a statement, adding that German support would include arms, as well humanitarian and financial aid. In May, Baerbock became the first member of the German government to visit Kyiv since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls "a special military operation". Germany, along with other European Union countries, is scrambling to support homes and industries burdened by a further surge in energy prices after Russia halted supplies through the Nord Stream 1 natural gas pipeline. "(Vladimir) Putin is banking on us tiring of our compassion for Ukraine's suffering," Baerbock said. "This plan will not and must not work out because all of Europe knows that Ukraine is defending our peace and security order," she added. Baerbock, who is scheduled to meet her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba later on Saturday, said one focus of her visit was to offer Ukraine help to clear anti-personnel mines left by Russian forces in farmland and buildings - a task she said could take decades. (Reporting by Ludwig Burger and Alexander RatzEditing by Alexander Smith and Helen Popper) I had a great time exploring the dunes and trails at Oval Beach on Lake Michigan. Gabi Stevenson/Insider As a Southeast Pennsylvania native, I grew up taking beach trips to the Jersey Shore. After I moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2021, I wanted to visit a beach on Lake Michigan. I was surprised by how much I liked life on the lake, even though it was pretty windy. As a kid, I visited the Jersey Shore for day trips and overnight stays. My visit to Long Beach Island in 2020 was one of my last trips to the Jersey Shore before moving to Michigan. Gabi Stevenson/Insider Over the years, I've visited New Jersey's beaches in Wildwood, Ocean City, Cape May, and Long Beach Island. From my hometown in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, it was usually about a two-hour drive, a quick day trip, to the sun and sand of the Jersey Shore. I would often stay with my friends and their families for a few days during those visits. As a teenager, I loved walking on the boardwalks, buying graphic T-shirts at local shops, eating soft-serve ice cream, and watching the sunset against the shoreline. After moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in October 2021, I was curious about the beaches along Lake Michigan, located about a half hour away. I spent time on freshwater lakes in Canada as a child, but I didn't remember much about those family vacations, so I decided to give it another shot. My mom and I decided to take a trip to Oval Beach on the shore of Lake Michigan, near the sister towns of Saugatuck and Douglas in June. Even the sky looked more blue above Lake Michigan. Gabi Stevenson/Insider The day started off on a high note when we realized how quick the drive would be. About 40 minutes after we left the house, we were driving through the small beach town of Saugatuck looking for Oval Beach. As we got closer to the shoreline, our GPS stopped working because we didn't have cell service. After a few wrong turns, we were able to find the parking lot behind the beach, which cost $10 to park all day. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that even on a Thursday in the summer, not many people were there. I didn't notice anything different about how people dressed compared to the beaches in New Jersey, but I did note a difference in the mood. Most of the beachgoers were very mellow, casually sipping from their drinks and reading books under the sun. Story continues It was a windy day on Lake Michigan, so we ditched our umbrella when we arrived. After my first day at Oval Beach, I made a mental note not to bring any large towels next time. Gabi Stevenson/Insider After parking, we carried our chairs, bags, and umbrella down a small hill from the car to the beach. I instantly noticed how windy it was, which made anchoring our umbrella nearly impossible. After a few minutes of adjusting, we decided to take it down. Another downside was that the wind whipped the sand around. We laid out a large towel in front of our beach chairs to put our belongings on, but it repeatedly got buried, so instead, we sat on our beach chairs for the day. While I hung out in the water and on the beach, I noticed differences from the beaches at the Jersey Shore. The waves at Oval Beach were smaller than the waves at the Jersey Shore, even with the wind on the lake. Gabi Stevenson/Insider Besides the wind, the weather was beautiful. The temperature was in the mid-80s and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. After settling into our spot and letting my sunscreen sink in, I took a dip in the water. Although the water was pretty chilly at first with the wind, I got used to it once I dunked my head underneath and spent some time floating around. It was nice to avoid the sting of saltwater on my cuts and not worry about it going up my nose. The water was just as murky as the water in New Jersey, but I really enjoyed the crisp feeling of the freshwater on a hot day. After I got out of the water, I walked up and down the beach as I dried off. I noticed there were more ducks on the beach than seagulls, so I felt safe eating my lunch and snacks on the beach because I knew the ducks wouldn't swarm unlike the birds in New Jersey. After swimming and relaxing for a few more hours, we decided to walk over to the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area. This little nature preserve gave us a better view of all the beaches along the coastline. Gabi Stevenson/Insider The Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area is a nature preserve that sits between Lake Michigan and Oxbow Lagoon on the Kalamazoo River. The trail, which runs parallel to the beach along sand dunes and plains of tall grass, was accessible from the end of the parking lot. The entrance to the walkway was about a four-minute walk from where we sat. Thanks to an abundance of early evening light and a much gentler breeze, our short walk was one of the best parts of the day. After we walked up a sand trail on a hill, we reached a small clearing between some trees. From there, we could see farther down the coastline than before. We took in the view for a bit before heading back to the car and driving over to the nearby towns of Saugatuck and Douglas. By the time we left the beach, we were ready for dinner. While exploring some of the neighborhoods near the beach, we stumbled across the Douglas Root Beer Barrel. The Douglas Root Beer Barrel stuck out like a sore thumb among the houses in the neighborhood. Gabi Stevenson/Insider According to WXMI, the Douglas Root Beer Barrel is a real, wooden barrel built by a couple in Flint, Michigan, and was approximately a six-minute drive from our spot at the beach. In 1952, it was moved to West Michigan, where it changed hands a few times before falling into disrepair. The outlet reports that the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society bought the property for $1 in 2010 before leasing it to its current owner. In 2016, The Barrel served its first customer in 40 years. When we pulled up to the restaurant, we couldn't believe its size. The menu consisted of summer classics like hot dogs and root beer, so we decided to eat at a table in the yard instead of ordering to go. I ordered my hot dog with lots of toppings and a side of potato salad. After a day of playing in the sun, it was nice to stock up on some yummy summer foods. Gabi Stevenson/Insider I ordered the Barrel's "BLT Dog" which came with bacon bits, lettuce, tomato, and the restaurant's housemade aioli. I filled up on it very quickly, but the lettuce and tomato made it feel fresher than a regular frank. In between bites of my hot dog, I was loading up on the baked potato salad, which was pretty delicious. It was a bit too creamy for my liking on a hot day, but the overall flavor was tangy and salty. Altogether, my hot dog and potato salad (the latter of which I split with my mom) cost about $7.25. Before heading home for the day, we stopped at Wade's Bayou Memorial Park in Douglas. I saw similar sculptures to this one as we drove around the Saugatuck-Douglas area. Gabi Stevenson/Insider Wade's Bayou Memorial Park, also located on the Kalamazoo River, is known for its fishing spots, boating docks, and beautiful sunsets. After driving three minutes from the barrel to downtown Douglas, we parked and walked down a hill to take pictures and look at local wildlife. Across the bayou, we saw a few swans swimming among kayakers. We also watched a mother duck lead her ducklings around the docks and onto the grass, where they cleaned their feathers and nestled in for the night. One of the most beautiful things about Wade's Bayou was a large, red sculpture by the water. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts writes on its website that if you look down Center Street, the main road that cuts through Douglas, you can see a perfectly encircled sunset through the archway. Not all my souvenirs from the beach were good I found lots of dried duckweed stuck to my skin when I got home. I brought some souvenirs back from the beach by accident. Gabi Stevenson/Insider Smooth stones and shells were all along the tide at Oval Beach, so I decided to collect some and put them in a small dish when I got home. However, I didn't anticipate bringing so much duckweed with me. After I got home, I noticed dried bits of the aquatic plant stuck to my arms, legs, stomach, and back. They came off easy enough, but I had to give my shower an extra rinse when I was finished or they would stick to the walls. Although it was different from the nostalgia of the Jersey Shore, I was so happy I got to experience life on the lake for a day. I was able to go to Oval Beach one more time before summer ended, but my first trip was my favorite. Gabi Stevenson/Insider Between the easygoing atmosphere, the freshwater swimming, and access to nature, I felt replenished when I got home. I was still tired from spending time in the sun, but I truly felt at ease on Oval Beach. There was something about the friendly locals and cute shops that reminded me of the Outer Banks beaches in North Carolina, which I also visited as a teenager. I was able to go back to the beach in Saugatuck one more time before summer ended, but it was much busier because I went on a Saturday. The next time I visit, I'd love to turn it into a weekend trip and experience some of the local nightlife as well as more restaurants and daytime activities. The area has so much to offer antique malls, breweries, dune tours, a marina and I can't wait to try it all. Read the original article on Insider Matt Mowers, a former Donald Trump campaign aide, at a rally in Manchester, N.H., Feb. 7, 2020. (Alyssa Schukar/The New York Times) WASHINGTON He calls her fake MAGA Karoline from the swamp. She calls him a Fauci foot soldier and a pharma bro. A congressional primary in New Hampshire between two young, conservative former Trump staff members has divided MAGA Republicans and the partys leaders in the House, devolving into a bitter, expensive battle over who carries the mantle of Trumpism. The race, in a highly competitive district currently held by a Democrat, will be decided Tuesday. Its outcome could determine whether Republicans have a chance at flipping the seat in the midterm elections in November as part of their drive to reclaim the House majority. The contest has also highlighted a power struggle in the party ranks that will shape what that majority might look like if Republicans take control. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Matt Mowers, 33, who worked on Donald Trumps 2016 campaign, served him at the State Department and was endorsed by the former president in an unsuccessful bid for the same congressional seat in 2020. Mowers entered the race last year as the presumed front-runner against Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., who is one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the country in this election cycle. Mowers is viewed as a strong candidate with high name recognition in the states 1st Congressional District; he drew favorable coverage from right-wing news outlets such as Breitbart and a well of endorsements from powerful conservative figures. They include Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the minority leader; Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., the No. 2 House Republican; Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind.; and Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie, former Trump campaign managers. But despite all that, Mowers is facing a strident and surprisingly fierce challenge on his right from Karoline Leavitt, 25, a former assistant in Trumps White House press office. She is backed by a host of hard-right Republicans in Congress, including Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Jim Jordan of Ohio and Elise Stefanik of New York, the No. 3 House Republican. Story continues The race has turned less on any ideological divide between the candidates, who have few discernible differences on policy, than on style and tone. Where Mowers opts for nuanced, carefully worded statements, Leavitt almost always reaches for the most extreme and provocative ones. Her success at turning the primary into a neck-and-neck competition has underscored how in the current Republican Party, fealty to Trump is not always enough on its own to sway voters. What increasingly matters is a willingness to mimic his tactics, by adopting inflammatory language and making the most incendiary statements possible. Maybe in part because Leavitt came out of the White House press operation, its like a second language to her, Dante Scala, a political science professor at the University of New Hampshire, said of her ability to channel the style and rhetoric of the MAGA movement. Her campaign has been the whole package, and thats put Mowers to the wall. Take, for instance, Trumps lie that the 2020 election was stolen. Pressed about whether he agrees, Mowers has said he harbors concerns about voting irregularities around the country. That was too wishy-washy for Leavitt, who repeats Trumps falsehoods unequivocally. We need candidates who are willing to speak truth about the election, who are willing to push back, she said during an interview at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February, where she also bragged that Facebook had removed an interview she had done with former Trump adviser Steve Bannon in which she asserted that the election had been stolen. If youre not willing to say what happened in 2020, then, gosh, you dont deserve to be elected. Leavitt later accused Mowers of siding with Joe Biden and the Democrats by refusing to stand for election integrity and support audits. She has also said she would support Jordan for speaker rather than McCarthy, although she later said she would back McCarthy. At a recent debate, asked whether he would support impeaching President Joe Biden, Mowers said he would want to have hearings to look into the issue. Leavitt said without qualification that she would support any impeachment charge against Biden. Each candidate has been savaging the other as a creature of Washington. Mowers campaign operates a fake MAGA Karoline website, which accuses her of having never held a real job outside the swamp, attending private school in Massachusetts and being registered to vote from the penthouse apartment where she lived in Washington before moving back to New Hampshire to run for office. On a site operated by Leavitts campaign, titled backdoor Matt, the campaign refers to Mowers as a Fauci foot soldier for his role working in the administration for Dr. Deborah Birx, the former White House coronavirus coordinator. It also refers to him as a big pharma bro who worked as a lobbyist for a pharmaceutical company. Matt Mowers is the swamp, the website proclaims, noting that he voted in two states New Hampshire and New Jersey in the 2016 Republican presidential primary. The race has grown so close and so heated that it is drowning out New Hampshires competitive Senate race, with ads from both campaigns blanketing the 5 p.m. news. A recent poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center showed Mowers leading Leavitt by a razor-thin margin: 26% to 24%, with a 2.2% margin of error, although 26% of likely voters said they remained undecided. A third Trump-aligned candidate, Gail Huff Brown whose husband, former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, served as Trumps ambassador to New Zealand was trailing with 16%. Two other lesser-known candidates have gained little traction in the race. Money has also poured into the contest, with several outside groups spending millions of dollars trying to defeat Leavitt, who some Republicans fear could be a weaker opponent against Pappas. Mowers probably has a slight advantage in running against Pappas, because hes already done it, said Thomas D. Rath, a former New Hampshire attorney general and longtime Republican strategist. But shes engaging because of her youth, her energy and her fierce competitiveness. The momentum is with her. Even top House Republicans are torn over the race, signaling lingering divisions in the party that could shape how it defines itself no matter who wins. For McCarthy, who is campaigning to be speaker, a victory by Mowers would add a reliable ally to his ranks. Leavitt would be a wild card more in the mold of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and other hard-right lawmakers who have sometimes proved a thorn in McCarthys side. A senior Republican strategist close to McCarthy said Mowers was one of several candidates who ran in 2020 whom the leader was supporting this election cycle, in part because he believed their name recognition and established networks of donors would position them for victories in the general election. But Stefanik, who has styled herself in Trumps image and has ambitions to rise in the party, is backing Leavitt, who previously worked as her communications director. She calls Leavitt a rising star in the Republican Party who will carry the torch of conservative values for generations to come. The Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC aligned with McCarthy, has spent more than $1.3 million supporting Mowers. Another super PAC that supports moderate Republicans, Defending Main Street, has spent more than $1.2 million and is running an ad that describes Leavitt as a woke Gen Zer and plays a Snapchat video she once posted where she uses crude language to refer to her viewers. E-Pac, Stefaniks outside group that supports conservative female candidates, has maxed out to Leavitts campaign, and Stefanik has served as an informal adviser to her former aide. Leavitt has leaned into the attacks to paint herself as a victim. I am officially the top target of DCs money machine, she posted on Twitter this week. The Establishment knows I am the greatest threat to their handpick puppet Matt Mowers. Leavitts backers view the money elevating her opponent and the increasingly negative attacks against her as signs of fear from Mowers and McCarthy, who they say is trying to put together a compliant conference and views Leavitt as a maverick who would be difficult to control. In order to sell himself as the Trumpier candidate, Mowers has advertised his 2020 endorsement from the former president on his campaign mailers, even though Trump has not made an endorsement in the current contest. (A top Trump aide said he was still thinking about the race.) Despite the heated attacks and the stylistic differences, operatives with both campaigns admit there is little that distinguishes the candidates on policy. In their ads introducing themselves to voters, Leavitt and Mowers both come across as deeply angry about the state of the country under Bidens leadership and pitch themselves as fighters who want to secure the border and stand in the way of Bidens agenda. Both oppose abortion rights at the federal level, saying the issue should be left to states. Their rivalry has given Democrats renewed hope of holding the seat. Collin Gately, a spokesperson for Pappas, said the contest had given New Hampshire voters a front-row seat to the MAGA show that has prompted both candidates to run to the right. Their eventual nominee is getting weaker by minute while were building a bipartisan coalition to win in November, Gately said. 2022 The New York Times Company Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Hillary Clinton called out Sen. Ted Cruz on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live" on Thursday. "I would have to say Ted Cruz is the eternal blowhard, right?" Clinton said. Cruz fired back at Clinton's remarks in a tweet on Friday. Hillary Clinton took a jab at Ted Cruz during a late-night talk show appearance, calling the Texas senator a "blowhard." Clinton made the comments during an appearance on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live" Thursday night. During the "Plead the Fifth" segment, host Andy Cohen asked Clinton: "You served as a Senator from 2001 to 2009. What US Senator is, or was the biggest blowhard?" "Oh, too many to count," the former secretary of state responded. "I would have to say Ted Cruz is the eternal blowhard, right?" Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea, were on the program promoting their new Apple TV+ series called "Gutsy." Hillary In Pictures (@HillaryPix) September 9, 2022 Cruz responded to Clinton in a tweet on Friday with the caption: "This you?" The tweet included a clip of Clinton speaking with PBS News Hour in 2019 about a "rematch" with former President Donald Trump. Clinton has previously taken digs at Cruz, especially after the Republican senator made headlines last year for traveling to Cancun, Mexico amid a devastating winter storm in Texas and allegedly leaving his poodle, Snowflake, behind. "Don't vote for anyone you wouldn't trust with your dog," Clinton tweeted at the time. On "Watch What Happens Live," Cohen also asked the 74-year-old if she's seen several dramatic interpretations of her family on television and in film, including the 1998 movie "Primary Colors." "I have not watched any of them," Clinton said. "I've lived it. There's no reason to watch it." Read the original article on Insider Princess Elizabeth with the Duke of Edinburgh at Treetops, Kenya The Queen before she acceded, in Kenya with her husband Prince Philip. Her father died when they were in Kenya, on a royal tour, making her Queen. (NCJ Archive/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images) During her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II visited more countries than any other British monarch. She paid official state visits to more than 120 nations throughout her monarchy, regularly traversing the globe. All of her extensive travelling has been completed without a passport. British passports are issued in her name, and so she was the only member of the Royal family not required to carry one. As well as close Commonwealth allies, the Queen also visited a number of unexpected destinations, including the tiny Pacific island nation of Tuvalu and pre-republic Libya. Travel was always an important element of the Queens reign, which actually began during a foreign visit she was on safari in Kenya when she received the news that her father had died. During the very first year of her reign she travelled 40,000 miles. Her first Commonwealth tour was an ambitious one, taking in 12 countries over a period of six months between November 1953 and May 1954. Here is a collection of pictures from some of her visits. A biologist poses with newly-hatched Cuban crocodiles as they are relocated at a hatchery in Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba (Reuters) Shirtless and waist-deep in the dark waters of Cubas palm-speckled Zapata Swamp, researcher Etiam Perez releases a baby crocodile confiscated from illegal hunters back into the wild. It is a small victory, he says, in a bigger battle. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cubas Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. We are trying to bring them back from the edge of extinction, Perez says as the spotted reptile, mouth full of fine teeth, kicked its striped tail and disappeared. A newly-hatched Cuban crocodile emerges onto a biologists hand at a hatchery in Zapata swamp (Reuters) Cuban crocodiles swim at the Zapata hatchery (Reuters) Illegal hunting and hybridisation with American crocodiles which muddles the species genetics have for decades threatened populations here. A warming climate, which alters the sex ratio of newborn crocs, poses a new threat. And despite the fact that the Cuban government has protected virtually all of the vast swamp widely considered to be the best preserved in the Caribbean that may still not be enough, scientists say. When you compare the Cuban crocodile with other species in the world, its house is very small, says Gustavo Sosa, a Cuban veterinarian at Zapata. A Cuban crocodile swims with fishes after being released into the wild in Zapata swamp (Reuters) Cuban crocodiles scramble for bait at the Zapata Swamp hatchery (Reuters) Cuban scientists estimate that around 4,000 Cuban crocodiles live in the wild. But because the area they prefer within the wetland is relatively small, a climate-related disaster increasingly common now globally could wipe out most of the population. Those concerns decades ago prompted the Cuban government to underwrite a hatchery program that annually releases several hundred crocodiles into the wild. Researchers like Perez also liberate crocodiles confiscated from hunters as part of a program that has helped reduce poaching of the species. A crocodile taxidermy in a restaurant at Zapata swamp (Reuters) Cuban crocodile meat is prepared in a restaurant at Zapata swamp (Reuters) The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which listed the species as critically endangered in 2008, says its assessment and population estimates need updating, but confirms long-standing concerns over the limited habitat of the species. Story continues With the hatchery we are trying to increase the historical range of the Cuban crocodile and of course increase the number of these individuals in the wild, Perez says. A Cuban crocodile swims after being released into nature in Zapata swamp (Reuters) Veterinary technician Enrique Vasallo releases newborn Cuban crocodiles into their cage at the Zapata hatchery (Reuters) The sale of crocodile meat in Cuba is tightly controlled by the state, and only those crocodiles with physical defects or hybrid genetics, for example, are allowed in restaurants. An illegal market, however, can still be found in some areas, particularly around the swamp. Fuel shortages, antiquated equipment and often inhospitable conditions are constant challenges in Cuba, a Caribbean island nation gripped by a dire economic crisis. A Cuban crocodile hatches at Zapata swamp (Reuters) Veterinarian Gustavo Sosa washes newly-hatched Cuban crocodiles in the Zapata hatchery (Reuters) But at Zapata, those concerns feel distant as this years crop of freshly hatched crocs, still covered in mucus from their eggs, snap their jaws at pieces of fresh river fish, moving in unison as they discover their new world. The newborns quickly become fierce and intimidating predators, scientists say, capable of reaching lengths of nearly five meters as adults. The Cuban crocodile, says veterinarian Sosa, is especially pugnacious, with little fear of humans. It is a very curious critter, says Sosa. When you see one in nature ... you know it is a Cuban crocodile because they come to you. Photography by Alexandre Meneghini Reuters Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. One way to achieve this is by employing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example! We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Albertsons Companies Step By Step Through The Calculation We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$1.44b US$1.39b US$1.59b US$1.70b US$1.58b US$1.51b US$1.47b US$1.45b US$1.45b US$1.46b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x3 Analyst x4 Analyst x3 Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Est @ -4.31% Est @ -2.44% Est @ -1.12% Est @ -0.21% Est @ 0.44% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 6.1% US$1.4k US$1.2k US$1.3k US$1.3k US$1.2k US$1.1k US$974 US$908 US$855 US$809 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$11b Story continues After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (1.9%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 6.1%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032 (1 + g) (r g) = US$1.5b (1 + 1.9%) (6.1% 1.9%) = US$36b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$36b ( 1 + 6.1%)10= US$20b The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$31b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of US$29.7, the company appears quite undervalued at a 49% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf Important Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Albertsons Companies as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.1%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.971. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. Looking Ahead: Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For Albertsons Companies, we've compiled three pertinent elements you should explore: Risks: To that end, you should be aware of the 4 warning signs we've spotted with Albertsons Companies . Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for ACI's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every American stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here BAMAKO (Reuters) - Members of an Islamic State affiliate in Mali killed about 30 civilians in an attack this week on a town in a violence-plagued area bordering Burkina Faso and Niger, a coalition of pro-government militia said late on Friday. Mali has faced instability since 2012, when Islamists hijacked an ethnic Tuareg rebellion in the north. Since then they have spread across West Africa's Sahal, killing thousands and displacing more than 2 million people in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The coalition, known as the Platform, said several hundred militants attacked its fighters and forced them to retreat on Tuesday near Talataye in the Gao region - long a hotspot for jihadist and militia violence. As well as attacking local residents, the militants looted shops and burned food stocks, the Platform said in an online statement, adding that three of its fighters had also been killed. "Reinforcements dispatched by the Platform reached the town where they discovered the massacre as well as hundreds of women and children who had been wandering the town without food for two days," it said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the alleged attack. Malian authorities did not respond to a request for comment. In March, the U.N. peacekeeping force in Mali expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation in the same area of central Mali, decrying the deaths of hundreds of civilians in a surge of attacks by the Islamic State affiliate. (Reporting by Tiemoko Diallo; Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Helen Popper) Japanese Emperor Naruhito is scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. The Imperial Household Agency stated that Naruhito and his wife, Empress Masako, were observing a solemn three days of mourning for Elizabeth. Naruhito and Masako both attended Oxford University in England, where they met. Both speak fluent English, and Naruhito met with Queen Elizabeth II multiple times as crown prince. QUEEN ELIZABETH II'S DEATH: A LOOK AT THE BRITISH MONARCH'S RECENT HEALTH SCARES The couple intended to visit the British royal family in 2020 as their first official trip after ascending to the Chrysanthemum Throne. The coronavirus pandemic squashed those plans. The trip will be Naruhito's first overseas voyage since becoming emperor. QUEEN ELIZABETH II DIES AT 96: A LOOK AT HER LIFE AS BRITISH ROYALTY Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral will be held in the coming weeks at Westminster Abbey. Alastair Grant/WPA Pool/Getty Images Emperors rarely leave Japan to attend funerals or other ceremonies for foreign heads of state. However, there is a strong cultural and political bond between the British and Japanese royal families stretching back centuries that most likely is motivating the trip. While the Japanese throne has been extant longer than the British crown, it was the English monarchy that helped inspire the modern structure of the Japanese imperial system under Emperor Meiji the Great at the beginning of the 20th century. Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michicko attended the funeral of King of the Belgians Baudouin in 1993, the only recorded instance of a Japanese emperor attending a state funeral for a foreign royal. A judge has ruled that prosecutors can tell a jury that a Caldwell police officer showed colleagues a video of him punching a handcuffed detainee. But the judge also ruled in the officers favor by throwing out evidence prosecutors wanted to include about a previous instance when the officer used force when detaining another person. Visiting Wyoming U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl ruled Friday on what evidence could be admitted in the upcoming trial of Joey Hoadley, a Caldwell officer for over 20 years. Hoadley faces four criminal charges. Prosecutors wanted to include evidence of five instances where Hoadley used force against people he was arresting in Caldwell and one instance where Hoadley showed fellow officers a video of him using force on someone he was arresting. Hoadley and his lawyer wanted to include the criminal history of one person Hoadley struck and evidence of Hoadleys character. Skavdahl said the jury could consider evidence from prosecutors that Hoadley showed colleagues the video of him punching the handcuffed detainee. The judge said the government is trying to prove that Hoadley intimidated a lower officer to prevent the officer from reporting anything negative about Hoadley, and the lower officer was present during the video. Hoadleys lawyer, Charles F. Peterson, did not want the evidence of the video admitted. Prosecutors case against Hoadley stems from an incident in 2017 when officers responded to a call from the home of a man identified only as B.H. Prosecutors said Hoadley punched B.H. while arresting him. Peterson said B.H. is lying. Peterson wanted to include B.H.s 2022 conviction for committing battery on his girlfriend in 2021. Skavdahl said the jury could consider that conviction but nothing more about the battery. Prosecutors wanted to include another incident where they allege Hoadley shoved and struck a person identified as K.W., but the judge ruled that the jury could not consider that. Story continues Skavadhl also ruled that neither Hoadley nor prosecutors could introduce evidence about the character of anyone involved. Hoadley faces one count of willfully depriving another person of rights under the color of law, one count of falsifying records in a federal investigation, one count of witness intimidation; and one court of record destruction. He is scheduled to stand trial starting Sept. 19 in the James A. McClure Federal Building. Ex-Caldwell cop allegedly bragged about punching detainee in the head to other officers Family claims police used excessive force against a man shot by officers last year Khloe Kardashian Khloe Kardashian/Instagram Khloe Kardashian is quietly coming into life as a mom of two. The Good American founder who welcomed a baby boy with ex Tristan Thompson in August subtly acknowledged her son on social media by posting a very special gift. On Friday, Kardashian shared photos of a baby blue Moschino Baby gift set, which included a diaper bag, a hat and a bib that were covered in a sweet teddy bear print. The included card read, "With Love, Jeremy" on Jeremy Scott stationary. Kardashian also shares daughter True, 4, with Thompson, who is also dad to son Prince, 5, with ex Jordan Craig and son Theo, 9 months, with Maralee Nichols. 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. khloe Kardashian BACKGRID While speaking with Elle last week about her new Good American collection Pop Off Pink, the Kardashians star, 38, also talked about being a mom of two. "I know it's cliche, but I love everything, even the hard parts," Kardashian said of having two children. The Keeping Up with the Kardashians alum said that her children "challenge me as a person," adding that "being able to shape little people into really incredible big people is an honor and a gift." She continued, "We have to take those roles seriously, especially in today's day and age, with how much accessibility children have and the information they're exposed to so young. It's super scary, but I take my job very seriously. I love it so much." RELATED: Khloe Kardashian Says True Inspires Her Inclusive Designs: 'I Want Everyone To Feel Validated' https://www.instagram.com/p/CgNaRRDP8xB/ khloekardashian Verified Me and my best girl making the best memories. I will forever have your back my angel girl 1w khloekardashian/Instagram Last month, Kardashian's best friend Malika Haqq talked about how Kardashian is "on a personal level" considering "the whole Tristan thing" during an appearance on Carlos King's podcast, Reality with The King. Haqq replied, "I think she's doing about as well as you could expect for someone in her circumstances." Haqq said Kardashian is "not the first woman to ever endure adversity in a relationship or be forgiving ... but there are some glory times that are really meant to just be glory times. And some of that has been stripped from her, and it's sad, but she really is one of the strongest people I know." Added the actress: "She's got a good head on her shoulders. Faith is something else, and she's got a great deal of it. I'll tell you that much. 'Cause this ain't easy. It's not easy for me to watch, so I know it's not easy for her." LONDON King Charles IIIs already undisputed claim to the British throne got the royal rubber stamp Saturday when whats known as the Accession Council formally proclaimed the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II the new monarch. There was pomp and pageantry and tradition and zero suspense because Charles became king when Elizabeth died Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Charles accession to the throne was a modern version of the Anglo-Saxon Witan, a two-part gathering of notables that predates the Middle Ages and that was called after a sovereign died. But this was the first time this ancient ceremony was televised and millions around the world watched as the 73-year-old swore to uphold the constitution, protect the Church of Scotland, and signed the proclamation that made him king. Follow NBC News live coverage here. Crowd gathered outside St. Jamess Palace in London bore witness to the fanfare and the deafening fusillades that followed the proclamation. "My mothers reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion," said Charles, who was clad in a black suit of mourning. "Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty, which have now passed to me." Image: BRITAIN-ROYALS-KING (Jonathan Brady / AFP - Getty Images) His wife, Camilla, the Queen Consort, and his eldest son, William, who now carries his father's former title, the Prince of Wales, stood alongside Charles as he spoke. When he finished and the proclamations were signed, Penny Mordaunt, the Lord President of the Council of the United Kingdom and a senior Conservative Party politician, asked the new king whether the declaration that has just been signed could be made public. Approved, Charles replied. No date has been set for Charles' coronation, where he will receive the orb and scepter as symbols of his reign. Charles was cheered on by large crowds seeking to get a glimpse of the new king as his motorcade headed back to Buckingham Palace from nearby St. James's Palace. The sound of drumbeats echoed across the city as the proclamation was reread and soldiers dressed in brightly colored uniforms from an earlier era marched through the streets. Story continues Members of the public wait outside St. James's Palace in central London. (Amara Eno for NBC News) Charles wasn't at St. James's Palace earlier Saturday when the 680 or so privy counselors, who are mostly current and past politicians, judges and clergy from the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, gathered in the Picture Gallery to formalize his ascension to the throne. Joining them was the new British prime minister, Liz Truss, and many of her predecessors, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the high commissioners from the Commonwealth countries where Charles will also be king. Charles arrived for the second part of the ceremony with Camilla, William and his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales. There, Charles made his personal declaration and took his oath before the Archbishop of Canterbury. The new king could have chosen to reign under a different name. But once again, the carefully choreographed royal transition following the death of Elizabeth eliminated any chance Charles might take another royal name like George, which was the name of his maternal grandfather, George VI. When Charles left the room, four trumpeters clad in gold-colored uniforms heralded the arrival of David Vines White, the Garter King of Arms, which is a heraldic position that has been in the royal household since 1484. White then read a proclamation announcing that Charles is the new king of England from the balcony of St. Jamess Palace overlooking the Friary Court. Well-wishers gathered outside the gates of St. James's Palace as Charles was announced king. (Amara Eno for NBC News) "Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to his mercy our late sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth the Second of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the crown of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to Prince Charles Philip Arthur George," the proclamation began. "God save the king!" he declared. In London and across the country, flags that had been lowered at public buildings after Elizabeth died were raised to full-staff. Back at St. James's Palace, a military band played the first verse of the national anthem, which for the 70 years of Elizabeth's reign, was known as "God Save the Queen." Shortly afterward, a 41-gun salute erupted at Londons Hyde Park which was followed by a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London. "Three cheers for his majesty the king," White declared, while below the members of the Kings Guard removed their iconic bearskin hats. "Hip, hip!" "Hooray," they replied three times. Outside the palace, three women who did not know each other before Saturday Astrid Jacobs, Virginia Forbes and Penny McDermid became fast friends as they waited for Charles to arrive. Virginia Forbes waits outside St. James's Palace. (Amara Eno for NBC News) McDermid, who lives in London, said she feels an overwhelming sense of hope for the countrys future but acknowledged that Elizabeth will be a tough act to follow. She almost never put a foot wrong, was not a political figure, was basically universally loved, she said. Its going to be very hard to live up to that. Jacobs, who lives in Cambridge, said she's happy for Charles but still mourning the queen. Its a mixed time I find, emotionally, she said. Youre trying to reconcile the future with the pain that youre feeling at her loss. I wasnt prepared. An anti-royalist protester holds a 'Not my King' sign outside St. James's Palace as King Charles III holds his first Privy Council meeting in London. (Amara Eno for NBC News) Not everybody was cheering for Charles. Outside St. James's Palace, a mother and her 13-year-old daughter who had been carrying placards that read "Not my king" and "Republic now" had the signs torn out of their hands by angry supporters of the royals. Im really stunned, said the mother, who asked not to be identified by name but who said she was born in the United States and had lived in London for more than 20 years. Violence has no place in political discourse. The monarchy has become a harmful tradition. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By Michael Holden and Kate Holton LONDON (Reuters) -The state funeral for Queen Elizabeth will be held on Monday, Sept. 19, royal officials said on Saturday, as her son Charles was officially proclaimed Britain's new king in a colourful ceremony laden with pageantry and dating back centuries. The death of the 96-year-monarch has provoked tears, sadness and warm tributes, not just from the queen's own close family and many Britons, but also from around the world - reflecting her presence on the world stage for 70 years. "We all thought she was invincible," said her grandson Prince William https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/prince-william-pledges-support-king-charles-every-way-he-can-2022-09-10, now the heir to the throne. "It's been surreal," he said during a walkabout outside Windsor Castle where he and his wife Kate appeared closely in public for the first time in two years with his younger brother Harry and his wife Meghan - a sign Elizabeth's death might help heal a rift between Charles' sons. Elizabeth's oak coffin, covered with the royal standard of Scotland and with a wreath of flowers on top, has been lying in the ballroom of Balmoral Castle, her summer home in Scotland where she died peacefully on Thursday. On Sunday, it will be driven by hearse https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/plans-run-up-queen-elizabeths-funeral-2022-09-10 through remote highland villages to Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, during a six-hour journey that will allow people to pay their respects. The coffin will then be flown to London on Tuesday where it will remain at Buckingham Palace before being taken to Westminster Hall to lie in state until the funeral at Westminster Abbey at 11 a.m (1000 GMT) on Sept. 19. The death of Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, has prompted an outpouring of emotion around the globe. Buildings and landmarks in Europe, America and Africa have been lit up in the red, white and blue of the United Kingdom's flag. Story continues Charles, 73, immediately succeeded https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/process-by-which-charless-accession-throne-is-formalised-2022-09-08 his mother but an Accession Council met at St James's - the most senior royal palace in the United Kingdom built for Henry VIII in the 1530s - to proclaim him as king on Saturday. The council - formed of Privy Counsellors whose centuries-old role has been to advise the monarch - included his son and heir William, wife Camilla and Britain's new prime minister, Liz Truss, who signed the proclamation of his accession. Six former prime ministers, senior bishops and a swathe of politicians cried out "God Save The King" as the announcement was approved. "I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me," Charles https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/challenges-facing-britains-new-king-charles-2022-09-10 said. "I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set." Later, on the Proclamation Gallery, a balcony above Friary Court of St James's Palace, the Garter King of Arms, David White, accompanied by others in gold and red heraldic outfits read out the Principal Proclamation, as trumpets sounded. Soldiers in traditional scarlet uniforms shouted "hip, hip, hurrah" as White called for three cheers for the king. Watching on were a few hundred people allowed into the court, including small children on parents' shoulders, a woman clutching flowers and elderly people on mobility scooters. ROYAL POMP Charles is the 41st monarch in a line that traces its origins to the Norman King William the Conqueror who captured the English throne in 1066. Saturday's events reflected proclamations announcing new kings and queens that date back hundreds of years. He became king and head of state not only of the United Kingdom but of 14 other realms including Australia, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. It was the first proclamation of a monarch to be televised. And for most Britons, it was the first such event in their lifetime as Elizabeth was the only monarch they have ever known. Charles himself was just 3 when she became queen in 1952. Britain has declared a period of mourning until the state funeral for Elizabeth, which will be a public holiday. Leaders from around the world are expected to attend, including U.S. President Joe Biden, who said he would be there. Charles' coronation will take place at a later date - and the timing for that is not yet clear. There was a 16-month gap between Elizabeth becoming queen and her coronation in 1953. He has already made his eldest son William, 40, the new Prince of Wales, the title traditionally held by the heir to the throne, and William's wife Kate becomes Princess of Wales, a role last held by the late Princess Diana. The couple had a highly public falling out with Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, after they decided to exit royal duties and move to California in 2020. Harry and Meghan coincidentally happened to be in Britain this past week to attend some charity events and had not even been expected to see William - until the death of their grandmother. However, the foursome stood together and chatted briefly, although they looked rather awkward and did not spend much time together during the 40-minute walkabout in Windsor, which followed an invitation from William to his brother. It was an important show of unity at an incredibly difficult time for the family, a royal source said. 'VERY EMOTIONAL' Meanwhile at Balmoral, the queen's three younger children - Anne, Andrew and Edward - and their own families also made a public appearance, visiting a nearby church before they inspected the messages among the flowers and thanked the crowd for their support. Princess Eugenie, one of Prince Andrew's daughters, was seen wiping away tears and hugging her father. "It was a very emotional moment, it was very heartfelt," said Ian Smith, a local businessman who was at the front of the barriers. "It was really special that they came to acknowledge us and we could show them our support." Elizabeth, who was the world's oldest and longest-serving head of state, came to the throne following the death of her father King George VI on Feb. 6, 1952, when she was just 25. Over the decades she witnessed a seismic change in the social, political and economic structure of her nation. She won praise for modernising the monarchy during her long reign, despite intense media scrutiny and the often highly public travails of her family. (Reporting by Kate Holton and Michael HoldenAdditional reporting by Muvija M, Peter Nicholls, and Alistair Smout in London and Andrew MacAskill in Balmoral, Scotland;Editing by Andrew Heavens, Christina Fincher and Frances Kerry) Journalist Jeff German is shown on Las Vegas Boulevard on June 2, 2021. He was found dead on September 3, 2022. K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Image An investigative reporter was brutally murdered last week at his own home in Las Vegas. An elected official has been charged with his murder. A local magistrate called details of the case "quite chilling." LAS VEGAS A politician was "upset" at a journalist's ongoing investigations into alleged mismanagement within his office, and must now wait for a decision on whether the death penalty will apply if found guilty of his murder, AP reported Thursday. Jeff German, a 69-year-old investigative journalist, was one of Nevada's most prominent media members having worked at the Las Vegas Review-Journal and, previously, the Las Vegas Sun, according to his author page. The veteran reporter was found dead outside his home on September 4 after suffering seven stab wounds times the day before, police said at a news conference Thursday. Officers and medical personnel pronounced German dead at the scene. There was initially a degree of mystery to the killing, as Arthur Kane a colleague of German's at the Review-Journal told CNN that some at the Las Vegas publication assumed it was, at first, a "robbery gone bad." The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department even said, according to CNN, that the person involved "was potentially casing the area to commit other crimes before the homicide occurred." Police appealed for people to check any surveillance footage that may have captured the suspect. Within days, clues to the case began to mount and a SWAT team swooped in to make an arrest. The journalist had been investigating Robert Telles an elected official Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo and LVMPD Captain Dori Koren at a news conference regarding Robert Telles' arrest. Photo by Getty Images In May, German published a story that alleged Robert Telles a Clark County public administrator oversaw a toxic work environment, and detailed complaints from six "current and former employees." The Review-Journal reported that the "hostile work environment was fueled" by an "inappropriate relationship" Telles had with a staffer. This caused wider "emotional stress, bullying, and favoritism" in the workplace, German's reporting alleged. Story continues Telles, who went on to lose a re-election bid in the Democratic primary, described German's work as a "lying smear piece" in a mid-June tweet. Police had leads within 48 hours of discovering German's body On Sep. 6, Las Vegas Police released images of the suspect walking near the journalist's property while wearing high-visibility clothing, a straw hat, and black gloves. At a news conference that day, police released an image of the suspect's maroon-colored GMC Denali and asked for help locating the vehicle, according to the Review-Journal. The newspaper reported later that an SUV matching that description was parked in the driveway of Telles' home. Kane, one of German's colleagues, called the discovery "concerning and surprising," according to CNN. LVMPD Captain Dori Koren speaks at a news conference following the arrest of Robert Telles. Photo by Getty Images On Wednesday, police interviewed Telles. Officers returned Telles, dressed in a white jumpsuit, to his home after speaking with him. However, when DNA results tested positive linking Telles to the crime scene officers moved to apprehend him, Captain Dori Koren told reporters at this week's news conference. SWAT vehicles arrived later that afternoon and officers arrested him on suspicion of murder. Telles left his home on a stretcher, after temporarily barricading himself inside, and was transported to a hospital for treatment of what officers termed self-inflicted wounds that were not life-threatening. A judge ordered 45-year-old Telles to be held without bail at Clark County Detention Center following a brief court appearance Thursday. Insider contacted Las Vegas Police for a copy of the police report. Insider also requested comment from police but did not receive an immediate response. The Clark County public administrator's office, where Telles used to work, said through spokesperson Erik Pappa that German's death was "shocking and tragic," in a statement sent Friday to Insider. The office is "reviewing its options under the law regarding Telles' current status as the Public Administrator," Pappa said, adding that "the County has suspended Mr. Telles' access to county offices or property." Telles' wife Mae Ismael did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. It was not clear if Telles had instructed a defense attorney, or had been appointed one who could speak on his behalf, as of Friday. Telles' DNA was found underneath German's fingernails, police say Speaking at a news conference Thursday, Las Vegas Sheriff Joseph Lombardo called the fatal stabbing "an unusual case from the beginning." He said officers booked 45-year-old Telles into Clark County Detention Center Wednesday on the charge of open murder. "This is a terrible and jarring homicide one that has deeply impacted Las Vegas," said Lombardo. "Every murder is tragic but the killing of a journalist is particularly troublesome." Koren called the maroon GMC Denali, together with the unique, brightly-colored clothes and the straw hat, "a very critical lead" in their investigation. "We developed information that indicated Telles was driving the GMC Denali the morning of the murder," Koren told reporters at the conference. A "search warrant effort recovered a pair of shoes that matched the suspect's description," too, Koren said. He said the shoes and the straw hat were "likely cut in a manner that was to destroy the evidence." Evidence in the open murder case. Photos by NBC / YouTube Koren said "one of the most important aspects of this investigation" was the "DNA results that showed Robert Telles' DNA at the crime scene." He added later that the elected official "was upset" about German's articles that "exposed potential wrongdoing." At the conference, Koren added: "Telles had publicly expressed his issues with the reporting" and was "upset" after "learning there was additional reporting 'pending'." Clark County's Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Scow said at the same news conference that German's articles "ruined" Telles' "political career, likely his marriage, and this was him lashing out at the cause." Scow added that German had Telles' DNA underneath his fingernails a detail that Justice of the Peace Elana Lee Graham called "quite chilling." Graham said this was "presumably during the time in which he was fighting for his life." Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said German's death was "brutal and meaningless," as per an AP report. Wolfson said a decision on the death penalty would not be made "for months." The murder weapon had not been recovered as of Thursday, police said. In a statement to Insider, Glenn Cook, the executive editor for the Review-Journal, said the newsroom was both relieved and outraged at Telles' arrest. "We are relieved Robert Telles is in custody and outraged that a colleague appears to have been killed for reporting on an elected official," Cook said. "Journalists can't do the important work our communities require if they are afraid a presentation of facts could lead to violent retribution." Read the original article on Insider Documents to be discussed at upcoming CPC Central Committee plenary session deliberated Xinhua) 09:01, September 10, 2022 BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Friday held a meeting to deliberate documents to be submitted for discussion at the seventh plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee. The meeting, presided over by General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping, deliberated a draft report by the 19th CPC Central Committee to the 20th CPC National Congress, a draft amendment to the CPC Constitution, and a draft work report by the 19th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection to the 20th CPC National Congress. The meeting heard reports on the previous work to solicit opinions on the three draft documents and decided to revise the documents in the light of the opinions discussed at Friday's meeting, and then submit the documents to the seventh plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, which is to be convened on Oct. 9, for discussion. The meeting demanded careful study and adoption of suggestions from various parties. Wisdom should be pooled to draw up a 20th CPC National Congress report that responds to the common aspirations of the Party and the people of all ethnic groups, conforms to the requirements of upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, and adapts to the goals and tasks of the Party and the state on the journey ahead in the new era, read a statement issued after the meeting. Meanwhile, the amendment to the CPC Constitution should adapt to the Party's innovative development in theory and practice as well as the need of advancing the great new project of Party building in the new era, it noted. The meeting demanded a scientific perspective on the development trends of China and of the world as a whole, as well as a thorough review of the CPC's practice and experience of leading the people in advancing reform, opening up, and socialist modernization. Efforts must be made to devise the strategic plans and arrangements for the cause of the Party and the country in accordance with new conditions, and open up new horizons for socialism with Chinese characteristics under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. Appropriate amendments to the CPC Constitution under the new situation and tasks will help the whole Party better study, observe, implement, and safeguard the Constitution, as well as better advance the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the new project of Party building, the meeting noted. The meeting stressed that it is necessary to incorporate in the Party Constitution the major theoretical viewpoints and strategic thoughts to be established in the 20th CPC National Congress report. Thus, the amended Constitution would fully embody the latest achievements in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. It would also fully reflect the new ideas, thoughts, and strategies on national governance put forward by the CPC Central Committee since the 19th CPC National Congress. It would clarify the new requirements for upholding and strengthening Party leadership and promoting full and strict Party self-governance under the new situation. The meeting noted that it is imperative to firmly uphold the CPC Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. It is also vital to unswervingly exercise full and strict Party self-governance, advance the great new project of Party building in the new era, further improve Party conduct, uphold integrity, and fight corruption. It was agreed at the meeting that the seventh plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection would convene on Oct. 7. Also reviewed at Friday's meeting were a report on the implementation of an eight-point decision on improving Party and government conduct by the Political Bureau of the 19th CPC Central Committee, and a report on the work of rectifying the practice of pointless formalities and reducing burdens at the grassroots since the 19th CPC National Congress. Since the 19th CPC National Congress in 2017, the Party's Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has amended and improved the rules for implementing the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving Party and government conduct. As a result, some deep-rooted problems and misconduct left unaddressed for a long period have been solved, according to the meeting. Pointless formalities and bureaucratism within the Party have been curbed to a certain extent, the meeting said. The meeting stressed adhering to the central Party leadership's eight-point decision over the long term. It urged efforts to improve the long-term mechanism designed to ease the burdens at the grassroots level and deliver more benefits to primary-level officials and the people. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Bianji) Labor endorsed candidates from across Georgia and other progressive and leftists organizations held a Labor Day rally at the IBEW building in Atlanta on Labor Day, Sept. 5, 2022 National AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Fred Redmond believes the Peach State is politically ripe for more growth in unions and more protections for workers. "Well here in the state of Georgia we have what we think is one of the best slates of candidates, particularly in the South, from the top to the bottom," Redmond told the USA Today network following a Labor Day speaking engagement in Atlanta. "We're feeling a lot of energy in Georgia. We think with what's happening in Georgia, particularly in the retail sector ... this is, you know, the place for me to be." The percentage of workers in Georgia belonging to a union ticked up slightly between 2020 and 2021, from 4.6% to 4.8%. That's well below the national rate of 10.3%. Redmond visited Georgia for Labor Day because he believes opportunities exist to close the gap. ALF-CIO national secretary-treasurer Fred Redmond speaks on Labor Day, Sept. 5, 2022 at the UAW Hall in Atlanta. "Brothers and sisters, I am so happy to be here with you this afternoon, because we know, in the labor movement, that everything we are fighting for, everything we are working for, comes through Georgia," he said in a speech at UAW Hall. Charlie Fleming, the state president of the AFL-CIO, agreed. "This is one of the fastest growing states in the country, and I think that's a good thing and a bad thing," Fleming told the USA Today Network. "The bad thing is that our percentage hasn't really gone up. ... The good thing is that more and more people have been moving into this state that have actually had unions, are familiar with unions." Mykah Owens, an organizer with We Vote We Win, leads chants through a megaphone during IBEW building in Atlanta on Labor Day, Sept. 5, 2022 New sectors for organizing unions Electric vehicle manufacturing is coming to Georgia Hyundai outside of Savannah, Rivian outside of Atlanta, and SK Battery in Commerce. Redmond and Fleming hope the industry will also grow in its unionized workforce, although there are no specific organizing pushes yet. "We're watching it very closely, you know, to see how things materialize, so we'll keep an eye on it," Redmond said. "We don't have any specific campaigns that we've identified or that we can talk about at this point, but it's a growing industry." Story continues Fleming thinks that the need for skilled workers will draw more union workers in, and said the IBEW, the union for electrical workers, expects to add 300,000 members nationwide by the end of the decade. Related: Augusta Starbucks union organizer fired for 'March on Boss' prior to strike Related: Fired Augusta Starbucks worker discusses strike, unionizing, and what comes next "This is a new industry, and any new industry is going to want to have the most qualified, the most educated, trained people to build these plants. Plus, you want good skilled labor," Fleming said. "And that's what the labor movement does. We have the best training facilities, bar none, when it comes to our trades." Sectors of the auto manufacturing sector have been unionized for decades, but Redmond is also quick to point out the push in service workers looking to unionize, including a massive campaign among Starbucks workers. "I think one of the pushes behind it is that this is an industry that is comprised by a lot of young people," Redmond said. "(It's) just something we haven't seen, this sort of energy in the labor movement, in quite a while. And the amazing thing about this in terms of the service industry, it's not all about wages, you know." Instead, Redmond said, workers are asking for better paid time off, having a say in shift scheduling, childcare assistance, and health and safety. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams speaks on Labor Day, Sept. 5, 2022 at the UAW Hall in Atlanta. Labor, politics and campaign season Candidates running with the backing of labor used the Atlanta event to make their pitches. "We're going to grow jobs here in Georgia by investing in the people of Georgia through apprenticeships in the state of Georgia," Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams told the crowd. Sen. Raphael Warnock spoke both at the Atlanta Labor Day event and last week in Augusta with a group of labor leaders. "I always consider it to be an honor to be among workers of heart and soul," Warnock said during this campaign stop in Augusta. "Over time there has been an unfortunate devaluing in our country of people who make things." Sen. Rafael Warnock speaks to labor groups on Labor Day, Sept. 5, 2022 at the UAW Hall in Atlanta. Mostly, though, Warnock fielded questions from labor leaders about federal action on labor priorities. Melanie Silverstein, a political representative from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, asked about ensuring employees are not incorrectly identified as contractors, and thus shut out from benefits. Glen Kelly Jr., president of the International Union of Bricklayers Local 8 Southeast, asked about Warnock's support for nuclear power; many of his craftsmen found work at Plant Vogtle. Benyoel Morgan, president of the Transportation Workers Union of America, asked about how to prepare for a future of electric busses and autonomous vehicles. "I don't think they'll be any shortage of jobs," Warnock replied, but said that education systems have been slow to make adjustments. He told the USA Today network afterwards that he would like to see unionization efforts in Georgia's expanding fields of electric vehicle and solar manufacturing. "I think that the work that we did this congress is helpful to workers, like the bipartisan infrastructure bill," he said. "And there is language in those bills that protects those workers." Dewey McClain, state House representative and former president of the Atlanta-North Georgia Labor Council, leads a chant at the IBEW building in Atlanta on Labor Day, Sept. 5, 2022 A right to organize The main goal of labor and labor endorsed elected officials remains the passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize, or PRO Act. It would, among other things, repeal right-to-work laws which allow workers in unionized businesses to opt out of union membership and dues, even if they are represented by a union contract. It would also limit a business' ability to counter union campaigns, such as mandating anti-union meetings, and enforce monetary penalties against companies that break labor law. Warnock is a vocal supporter of the law, which failed to even make it to a vote in the Senate last year. Georgia Rep. Rick Allen, R-Augusta, has introduced legislation directly aimed at countering the PRO Act. Georgia Reps. Austin Scott, Barry Loudermilk and Buddy Carter are co-sponsors. Elections 2022: UGA football icon Walker, high-profile pastor Warnock clash in 2022 U.S. Senate election Elections 2022: Promises, promises? What Georgia governor's candidates said in 2018, have done since "We haven't given up on the PRO Act. I want to make that clear," Redmond said. "... Our main objective is to pass the PRO Act, but like I said, if we could get to legislation that allowed workers to organize without any sort of reprisal or without fear of losing their jobs, that's our goal." Fleming said that Georgia did pass legislation last session that clarified some aspects of the independent contractor and employee issue, but that it was just a start. "That's one of the biggest things, I think, is the misclassification of workers, especially in the gig economy," he said. "These people are told where to be, when to be there, what uniform to wear, and yet they're independent. It doesn't make sense, doesn't add up." This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Union leaders talk future of organized labor in Georgia Lisa Rinna sparked some drama before filming Friday's reunion of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." (Jordan Strauss / Invision/Associated Press) Weeks after speaking out about the racist cyberbullying attacks on her co-star Garcelle Beauvais' teenage son, Jax, "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Lisa Rinna says she's being targeted by haters. "I have been threatened for the past 4 months by 'people' basically trying to scare me, trying to ruin my credibility, trying to call me a liar, creating things that are untrue and don't exist, but guess what? Today we're going to sit down and we are going to talk about it all," she captioned a selfie posted to her Instagram Story on Friday. "I will tell my truth. And yes you better believe I'm gonna talk about it all." While Rinna didn't explicitly explain what prompted her dramatic post, the "Days of Our Lives" actor shared her message hours before meeting up with her fellow housewives to film the "RHOBH" reunion on Friday. Just before that Instagram Story, Rinna shared what appeared to be a screenshot of text messages from co-star Kathy Hilton. Users zooming in on the screenshot can see that Hilton's texts were sent in January, around the same time the cast of the Bravo reality series embarked on a trip to Aspen. As usual, some drama unfolded on that trip, which Wednesday's episode of "Real Housewives" dug into. "Please do not say anything we discussed. Otherwise it will make a huge scene that everyone gets dragged into. No bueano," the first text message from Hilton said. "Please it goes further than you would want to know. Silence is golden. I am staying silent," read Hilton's second text. Rinna's Instagram Story also featured a response from a follower who said, "Oop, in Italy we have a word for this which is Omerta and it's basically a mob thing," followed by a shrug emoji. "It's a threat for sure!," Rinna captioned the story, along with a sticker of an emoji holding an Italian flag. Rinna's latest tension with Hilton has yet to reveal itself in upcoming episodes, but on Instagram, Andy Cohen teased the upcoming reunion. Story continues "We already got a bombshell, I have to say," the Bravo personality said on his Instagram Story. "A mystery has been solved that I even didn't know existed." While fans are eager to learn what drama is brewing for the housewives, Cohen said on Instagram, "This is gonna be good." In August, Rinna was among the "RHOBH" stars to voice support for Beauvais and her son, who said in a statement that "middle aged women [spammed] me with racist and crude comments about my family." Also standing in solidarity on social media were Hilton, Crystal Kung Minkoff, Sutton Stracke and Dorit Kemsley. Their co-star Diana Jenkins was blamed for the messages, but on Thursday Jenkins filed a lawsuit against anonymous "bots" that she alleges were behind the inappropriate comments. Someone who posts racist and threatening messages to a fourteen-year old is morally bankrupt, the suit says. "But, Defendant was not content with attacking an innocent child. Defendant ensured that the profile and content of the postings would lead people to conclude that Ms. Jenkins was the one who had purchased the bots used in the attack. That conduct too is in the realm of the morally bankrupt. The messages repeatedly demanded that Beauvais "leave Diana alone." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Disney has released the first teaser trailer for the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. The film, set to be released in 2023, stars Halle Bailey as the mermaid Ariel, Javier Bardem as King Triton, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric. Footage of the film was unveiled at Disneys annual D23 fan event. The teaser includes a snippet of Bailey taking on Part of Your World, one of the best-known numbers from Disneys original 1989 musical animation. Fans have shared their reactions to the teaser on social media, with responses being roundly positive. WHY AM I ON THE VERGE OF TEARS??!? OH MY GOD??!?! one person wrote. Actor Beverly Naya wrote: This is one of the most beautiful teasers Ive ever seen. Didnt like The Little Mermaid as a child but I will most definitely be watching this! Ps. Halle looks and sounds so angelic! Out of the sea, wish I could be... part of that world. Disney's The Little Mermaid is coming to theaters May 26, 2023. pic.twitter.com/lUw5BmYRK5 Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) September 9, 2022 This just unlocked a feeling in me that I havent felt since I watched the movie as a kid, someone else commented. Elsewhere at the D23 Showcase, Disney announced a number of new projects, including a sequel to the hit Pixar animation Inside Out. The Little Mermaid is released in cinemas next May. Local universities announced they will be supporting Intels semiconductor manufacturing workforce through partnerships for job training and research opportunities. Wright State University, Miami University, the University of Dayton, and Central State University all are looking to support the workforce by partnering with Ohio-southwest Alliance. As part of Intels Ohio Semiconductor Education and Research Program, eight Ohio higher education institutions will submit proposals. Miami University announced it will develop and offer courses to train technicians and engineers, according to a press release. These courses, hands-on workshops, and rapid certification will be developed from the grants awarded to OASiS. >>Giant Intel semiconductor plant in Ohio to create economic ripple that will reach the Miami Valley CEC faculty expertise and facilities in the areas of semiconductor packaging, automation, and smart manufacturing are integral to the development of adaptable workforce and curriculum, and we are really excited to be part of this alliance, said Kumar Singh, professor of Mechanical Engineering, who is leading the project at Miami University. Wright State will also plan to collaborate with other regional universities to develop a new curriculum. Wright State is excited to be an active participant in both grant projects to help build the curriculum and create the workforce training programs needed to support Intel. We are strongly positioned with several of our programs aligned currently with Intels workforce development needs, said Subhashini Ganapathy, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Biomedical, Industrial and Human Factors Engineering and chair of Wright States Intel Initiative. Central State University and Wright State University will work together to develop a semiconductor education program, a microelectronics lab, and experiential learning opportunities. Central States goal is to develop a minor degree program in computer hardware technology and a certificate program in semiconductor processing. Story continues The university is looking to also establish a microfabrication lab to provide experiential learning opportunities for underrepresented undergraduate STEM students. Collaborators include: NASCAR.com BRISTOL, Tenn. A lot has changed for Tyler Reddick in the last few months. On July 12 it was announced that Reddick would depart Richard Childress Racing when his contract expires at the end of the 2023 season to join 23XI Racing. Then, earlier this week, it was announced by Richard Childress Racing that [] BAMAKO (Reuters) - Mali's interim president wants a mutually beneficial solution to end a diplomatic row over 46 Ivorian soldiers detained in Mali, noting that Ivory Coast has given asylum to political figures wanted by his junta, state television said on Saturday. The Ivorian soldiers were detained at Mali's international airport in the capital, Bamako, on July 10. Mali's junta said they had flown in without permission and were seen as mercenaries. Ivory Coast, which has repeatedly requested their release, says the soldiers had been deployed as part of a security and logistics support contract signed with the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali. Interim President Assimi Goita "has made it clear that at a time when Ivory Coast is requesting the release of its soldiers, it continues to serve as a political asylum for certain Malian political figures who are the subject of an international arrest warrant," the state broadcaster said. Goita's junta came to power in a coup two years ago, ousting former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, whose son Karim is in Ivory Coast along with former government ministers Tieman Huber Coulibaly and Igor Diarra. According to the broadcast, Goita would like a mutually beneficial solution to the stand-off over the soldiers "as opposed to a one-way solution that consists of acceding to the Ivorian demands without any compensation for Mali". Since coming to power, Mali's transitional authorities have repeatedly sparred with neighbouring countries and Western powers over election delays, alleged army abuses and cooperation with Russian mercenaries in the West African nation's fight against Islamist militants. (This story corrects spelling of name of minister Coulibaly in paragraph 5) (Reporting by Tiemoko Diallo; Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Helen Popper) Clay County prosecutors have charged 48-year-old Keith Bass with first-degree murder for allegedly killing his wife and critically wounding another man in an Excelsior Springs shooting early Wednesday. Bass, of Belton, also faces charges of first-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action, court records show. Bass surrendered to authorities in northern Texas on Wednesday as he was being sought in the killing, and Clay County prosecutors have asked that he be held on a $1 million bond. The shooting unfolded shortly after midnight early Wednesday morning on a residential street in Excelsior Springs. According to court records, local police officers were dispatched around 12:11 a.m. Wednesday to the 700 block of Main Street for a shooting. Officers found Theresa Bass bleeding on the front porch. At the open front door they found Bobby Neal Jr. with gunshot wounds, including one to his face. Both gunshot victims were taken to Liberty Hospital, where Theresa Bass was pronounced dead. Neal was conscious long enough to tell investigators that Keith Bass had shot both of them before the wounded man was put into a medically-induced coma. Among the witnesses interviewed by police were Theresa Bass two daughters, ages 17 and 13. They told police they were upstairs when they heard the sound of gunfire and came downstairs to find their mother shot. They also told police they suspected their step-father was responsible, according to court papers. Records show the Basses were married Aug. 22, 2020 in Clay County. At the time of the shooting, court papers say Bass was living in Belton with his brother-in-law. Also interviewed by police were employees of Montery Park, a rehabilitation and health care facility in Independence, where authorities say Bass worked. One of his co-workers reported that Bass had disappeared from work at one point before calling her around 1 a.m. During the phone call, the woman told police that Bass admitted to killing his wife and said he had nothing left to live for, a detective wrote in charging papers. The co-worker was unable to give authorities any information as to Bass whereabouts. Roughly 12 hours after the shooting, Bass was taken into the custody of the Floyd County Sheriffs Office in northern Texas. Authorities allege he turned himself in. Court papers did not list an attorney for Bass as of Friday afternoon. An altercation outside a Turlock liquor store turned deadly Friday morning when a man was fatally stabbed, authorities said. Police arrested one suspect and are looking for two others. According to a news release from the Turlock Police Department, officers responded to a report of a stabbing near Lander and Bernell avenues at 8:18 a.m. They found a 28-year-old man who had been stabbed. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died. Surveillance video from the area showed three Hispanic men showed up at a liquor store in the 900 block of Lander Avenue in a 2003 GMC Yukon and surrounded several men, including the victim, standing outside the store. After a brief altercation, the victim ran across Lander Avenue to try to get away, police said. But two of the suspects chased him, and one caught him and stabbed him at least once in the upper body. The three suspects left the scene in the SUV, heading north on Lander. Detectives were able to identify and locate one of the suspects within three hours of the initial call, the news release said. Police found Manuel Maldonado, 29, of Turlock driving the SUV in the 600 block of Vermont Street at 11:20 a.m. and arrested him. He was booked into Stanislaus County Jail on a murder charge; he remained in jail Saturday morning with no bail set. Investigators are still looking for the two other suspects. Authorities believe the incident was gang-related. Gang violence will not be tolerated in Turlock, Police Chief Jason Hedden said in the release. We have one suspect in custody and our detectives and special investigations unit will not stop until we have all of the suspects involved in police custody. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this mornings homicide victim as they mourn the loss of their son and brother. Authorities ask anyone with information about the case to call Detective Frank Navarro at 209-664-7319, contact the Turlock Police Departments Tip Line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or email tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us. Reuters Videos STORY: Whos invited to the Queens funeral, and whos not?Queen Elizabeth's funeral has become a magnet for world leaders, royalty and other dignitarieswho received invites and said theyll be there.On the 19th September, an impressive line-up will descend on London.King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain.Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan.The King and Queen of Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway the list goes on.President Joe Biden and Jill Biden are set to touch down two days before the funeral.Likewise the Presidents of India, Austria, Germany, Brazil, South Korea, Italy and Poland have all accepted.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plans to attend. President of European Commission Ursula von der Leyenand New Zealands Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern - among many more. In total, foreign office officials have handwritten around 1,000 invitations.Invites are also being sent to all holders of Britain's highest military honor, the Victoria Cross, and the George Cross, which can also be held by civilians.Perhaps the real question is who wont be there?Russia, Myanmar and Belarus did not received invites.Syria and Venezuela have also not been asked to attend,Because the foreign office says - Britain does not currently have diplomatic relations with those states.Afghanistan wasnt invited due to the current political situation.North Korea did receive an invitation but only at ambassadorial levelmeaning leader Kim Jong Un has not been welcomed.Taiwan meanwhile said its is looking for the most 'appropriate' way to express its condolences and is still in the process of understanding plans for her state funeral.Those who will be there have been invited to Monday's funeral and a reception with King Charles on the Sunday.They will also be invited to visit the Queen's Lying in State inside parliament's Westminster Hall ahead of the funeral. A 22-year-old man was shot and killed Saturday morning on Columbus' Near East Side. Kenneth D. Robinson Jr. died at 5:37 a.m. at Ohio State East Hospital after suffering multiple gunshot wounds, according to Columbus police. A man called 911 at 5:08 a.m., saying he shot his son, a Columbus police dispatcher said. Officers arrived at 5:13 a.m. at the scene, in the 1000 block of Wildwood Avenue, where they found Robinson in the backyard. Investigators have found a person of interest but declined to release the person's name, though the initial investigation shows the shooting involved a domestic relationship, according to police. Robinson's death, which remains under investigation, is the 94th homicide in Columbus this year. Authorities ask anyone with information about the shooting to call the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477). mhenry@dispatch.com @megankhenry This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Man shot and killed on Columbus' Near East Side HOLYOKE, Mass. (AP) Police in western Massachusetts have charged two men with murder following separate shootings earlier this month. The Holyoke Police Department announced Saturday that they arrested Victor Diaz-Torres in connection with the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Alex Larkin of Chicopee on Sept. 3. Diaz-Torres, a 23-year-old Holyoke resident, was arraigned Friday on a charge of murder and is being held in jail. In the second case, police said they arrested 35-year-old Angel Velez of Springfield in connection to a deadly shooting Wednesday night. Velez was set to be arraigned on a single murder charge on Saturday. The victim in that shooting was identified as 40-year-old Kevin Ventulett of Holyoke. It was unclear Saturday whether Diaz-Torres and Velez are being represented by attorneys. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Getty Images Biden capped his student-loan forgiveness to only include borrowers making under $125,000 a year. Alex, a single dad with $200,000 in student debt, makes just over the income cap. He said he could have really benefitted from the relief and is disappointed he can't qualify. President Joe Biden's student-loan forgiveness was intended to target the borrowers who need it the most. But one borrower who didn't make the cut says he really could have benefitted from the relief. Alex, who requested his last name be withheld for privacy but whose identity is known to Insider, is a single dad with a $200,000 student debt load from graduate school in the early 1990s. Currently working in the media industry, he makes just over $125,000 which is the income cap for Biden's debt cancellation meaning he does not qualify for federal relief. But he said his six-figure salary doesn't necessarily mean he's equipped to pay off his debt burden, and instituting that cap is "definitely an oversight." "I'm a single, divorced dad, I still pay child support, and in the end my income on paper isn't necessarily what I get," Alex said. "I consider myself a responsible person, but I think all of us have made decisions that could have been better financially speaking and we should get some breathing room." Biden's income cap was intended to counter the criticism that his student-loan forgiveness would benefit the highest earners, like doctors and lawyers. He ensured Pell Grant recipients, who come from low-income households, would be eligible for the highest amount of possible debt relief. It's undoubtedly a significant measure 20 million federal borrowers are set to see their entire balances wiped out and it was a long-awaited announcement, as well, given Biden promised $10,000 in loan forgiveness on the campaign trail. While Alex acknowledged $10,000 in relief wouldn't make a huge dent in his balance, he's disappointed he can't get any help paying off his loans while he's still balancing a number of other expenses. Story continues "I'm living with my sister to save some money, and I've had to utilize extra funds for necessities, like clothing for my kids, schooling, and food," Alex said. "I don't even know the last time I've taken a vacation. I was hoping for more from Biden." 'It's a burden that's always in the back of my mind' Alex took on student loans to attend business school, but upon graduation he faced difficulty finding a job so his loans were placed on deferment for financial hardship, during which interest continued to accumulate. Once he got off deferment, he said he was placed on an income-driven repayment plan that allowed him to make $0 monthly payments. He hoped that once it came time to resume payments Biden would enact substantial student-loan forgiveness. "One of the things he advocated for when he was looking to become president was that he would look strongly into addressing student debt," Alex said. "And that for me was one of the main reasons I voted for him, and that it's taken this long to even just get $10,000 and it's capped at $125,000 and doesn't help me in any way, is just disappointing." In the months leading up to Biden's final decision, many Democratic lawmakers and advocates were urging the president to go as big as possible on relief without targeting it. Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, for example, led her colleagues in requesting information from the Education Department in June on how it planned to implement student-debt relief "should the administration not follow the strong advice of experts and academics against including an income cap or other means-testing." Insider also previously reported that placing income caps on relief could be an administrative burden with the potential to block low-income borrowers out who may not have the resources they need to apply. "You're not making the policy more progressive because of how hard it's going to be for folks to demonstrate that they have a low enough income to benefit," Mike Pierce, executive director of nonprofit Student Borrower Protection Center, said. Still, the White House maintains that it's equipped to roll out Biden's relief and will make available an application in early October for federal borrowers to self-certify their income. But for Alex, the only way he can see himself paying off his loans anytime soon is by getting a pay cut so he can qualify for relief, and he said he's facing a lot of financial uncertainty once it comes time for him to resume paying off his debt next year. "It's a burden that's always in the back of my mind," he said. "It doesn't go away. It's unfortunate because it's caused stress and it's limited me to not be able to do some of the things I want to do, like purchase property and create a home for myself and my daughter. It's not the way I want to live." How does student-loan forgiveness impact you? Share your story with Ayelet Sheffey at asheffey@insider.com. Read the original article on Business Insider A Melbourne police officer was shot during an incident at a Melbourne hotel Friday, police said. Police said officers responded to a 911 call at the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel around 5 p.m. According to a release, once the officers arrived at the scene, two people shot at them inside the hotel room. Melbourne Police Chief David Gillespie said officers had a brief conversation with the suspect through the door. But the suspect became silent, and it is still unclear what exactly was happening behind the closed door. Police said the suspects barricaded themselves in the room and bolted the door shut before firing at officers through the door. When he got to 3, 2, 1, he started to fire, Gillespie said. Read: WATCH: The Search: Tracy Ocasio & Michelle Parker This did not give the police time to take cover. One officer, who has served 26 years in the department, was struck during the incident and was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Gillespie said the shot hit the officers bulletproof vest, and even while he is currently undergoing scans and x-rays, all signs point to survival. The vest did its job and protected him, Gillespie said. Read: Small plane crashes into marshy area of Osceola County lake Investigators said the two suspects are in custody and that this appears to be an isolated incident at the hotel. Crisis Negotiation Unit and SWAT officers were also present at the scene. Gillespie said hes grateful that the officer is expected to be OK. Thank God that hes going to be here to see another day, he said. The officers name has yet to be released. Watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates on this developing story. Read: Ocala man, 25, accused of killing toddler See a map of the scene below: Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. WEST PALM BEACH After five years and six arrests, a judge has sent a third person to prison for the 2017 murder of 25-year-old MMA fighter Aaron Rajman. Austin Baker received a sentence of 25 years after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and two counts of home invasion robbery Friday morning. His plea comes 10 days after jurors found Roberto Ortiz, one of six people charged in Rajman's death, guilty of first-degree murder. Ortiz likely will become the fourth person in prison when he is sentenced, scheduled for Oct. 21. 'I gotchu': Family, friends remember Nick Lampp as his killer tries to avoid a murder charge 'Stand your ground': They thought the 'stand your ground' defense would save them. Only once did a judge agree. 'He dreams of killing others': Witnesses say Nikolas Cruz's childhood marked by paranoia, aggression Public defender takes issue with investigators' tactics Two other defendants Alton Anders, 33, and Cameron Burgess-Clark, 28 both are awaiting trial on one count of first-degree murder and two counts of home invasion robbery. Summer Church and Jace Swinton pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2019 in exchange for 10 years in prison and 10 more of probation. Prosecutors said the group shot and killed Rajman at his familys home west of Boca Raton during a home invasion on July 3, 2017. Authorities arrested Swinton, Church and Ortiz in connection with his murder months later. A witness told investigators that Ortiz said he committed the murder with his brother, a nickname Ortiz often used to refer to Baker. Deputies arrested Baker after finding a gun and documents with his name on it under a mattress at Ortiz's home. Mixed martial arts athlete Aaron Rajman, 25, was shot and killed in what investigators believe was a planned home invasion on July 3, 2017 at his residence west of Boca Raton. Palm Beach County Public Defender Carey Haughwout, who represented Baker, argued in motions to the judge that the prosecutors' case against him was built on unreliable witness testimony. "There are no eyewitness identifications, DNA or fingerprint evidence," she wrote. "He believes he will be set free when he has an opportunity to properly prepare and present his case to a jury." Story continues Swinton initially told detectives that he didn't know any of the people who accompanied him to Rajman's house except for Ortiz, but reversed course in 2019, identifying Baker's mugshot out of a lineup. "He already knew who law enforcement was wanting him to identify," Haughwout wrote. He'd seen that very mugshot once before in a batch of court records provided by the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office and knew that investigators were eyeing him as possible suspect, she said. Swinton, then 20, faced life in prison for his own role in Rajman's murder, but his testimony that day helped build the case against Baker and soften the charges against him, according to Haughwout's filing. Judge found other defendant's testimony persuasive Circuit Judge Howard Coates ruled that though the photo lineup was tainted and his testimony inconsistent, Swinton had testified with enough certainty to convince the court that Baker hadn't been misidentified. Circuit Judge Daliah Weiss, standing in for Coates on Friday, announced Baker's sentence, crediting him for the nearly three years he spent in jail. Rajman was a 145-pound featherweight who trained at a gym in Coconut Creek. He made his MMA debut in April 2014 and had a 2-2 record as a professional. He grew up in the Boca Raton area, having moved to Florida from New York when he was a child. Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Judge sentences man in 2017 murder of MMA fighter Aaron Rajman CHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldova's civil aviation authority has blocked Air Moldova and other national carriers from restarting flights between Chisinau and Moscow, Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu said. Air Moldova had said on Friday that it hoped to restart flights from Chisinau to Moscow from Oct. 1. Moldova suspended air links with Russia over its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine. (Reporting by Alexander Tanas; writing by Tom Balmforth; editing by Alexander Smith) Sunny Hostin attends the Disney 2022 Upfront presentation at Basketball City Pier 36 in New York. (Charles Sykes / Invision / Associated Press) "The View" host Sunny Hostin said what a lot of "subjects" and critics of the British Empire were thinking following the death of Queen Elizabeth II: "We can mourn the queen and not the empire. After a fierce anti-colonizer discussion raged online Thursday upon news of the 96-year-old monarch's death, Hostin echoed some of that discourse on the ABC talk show Friday when she recalled her time living and studying in London. She said she too enjoyed British traditions like the changing of the guard and the idea of meeting the monarch for a time. "I got caught up in the pomp and circumstance of it all ... because I think we all love glam and pageantry, she admitted. "And I think though, that we can mourn the queen and not the empire. "Because if you really think about what the monarchy was built on, it was built on the backs of Black and Brown people. She wore a crown with pillaged stones from India and Africa. And now what you're seeing, at least in the Black communities that I'm a part of, they want reparations," she said. The queen, who ruled for seven decades, has seen droves of former colonies declare independence during her reign. And Hostin mentioned that Barbados left "this colonization" as recently as last year, and she expects to see Jamaica leave the Commonwealth, perhaps under the rule of Britain's new King Charles III, Queen Elizabeth's 73-year-old son. "Charles now is in a position that he has 14 colonies that he is now head of state, including Australia and Canada," Hostin said. "It's time for him to modernize this monarchy and it's time for him to provide reparations to all of those colonies. And I also think, with monarchy, it's very easy to uplift one family. The harder thing is to uplift all families. And I think he's in a position to be able to do that." Of course, "The View" being a hotly debated show about hotly debated topics, offered additional viewpoints from co-host Joy Behar who noted that the queen fought against apartheid in South Africa but that she didn't have much power as a figurehead. Co-host Ana Navarro added that the U.S. was also built on the backs of Black and Brown people, to which Hostin, who is Black, swiftly replied: "And we want our reparations." Story continues The panel also discussed a controversial tweet from Nigerian-born Carnegie Mellon University professor Uju Anya, who referred to Queen Elizabeth II as the chief monarch of a thieving raping genocidal empire" and hoped that "her pain be excruciating. The missive was deleted from the platform, but also stoked conversations about decorum and colonization. Hostin defended Anya by arguing that the empire was indeed "a thieving, raping, genocidal empire." The discussion eventually evolved into the allegations of racism in the royal family lobbed by Prince Harry Charles' younger son and his American, biracial wife Meghan, the "Suits" actor who became the Duchess of Sussex upon marrying the prince. The couple's astounding departure from royal duties in early 2020, numerous lawsuits, allegations of bullying and other moves have torn open a rift in the royal family that continued to be a topic of debate this week, with many joking online that it caused the queen's death. But Hostin was sympathetic toward Meghan (despite the latter recently throwing shade at royal officials in her "Archetypes" podcast), and joined Navarro in sharing ways the new king could right the crown's wrongs "to get some popularity" back by addressing a number of those issues. "And maybe bring his family back together after the allegations of racism that have been made by Duchess Meghan Markle and her husband, his son Prince Harry. Maybe he can address that as well," she said. On Friday, in his first address to the nation, King Charles showed some affection toward the embattled couple. The new monarch delivered a pre-recorded address in which he paid tribute to his late mother and renewed her "promise of lifelong service" for himself and to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart" of their nation as the queen set out to do seven decades prior. Those swept up in the dramatic saga of Harry and Meghan listened closely for the new king's first reference to them, after many speculated that it was either Charles or his wife Camilla (or as Hostin called her, "a sidepiece"), who questioned the skin color of their mixed-race grandchild during Harry and Meghan's bombshell 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. The king made a brief nod to Harry who is now fifth in the royal line of succession behind elder brother Prince William and his three young children after he announced new roles for William, the new Prince of Wales, and his wife, Catherine. I want also to express my love to Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas, he said. Harry and Meghan quietly saluted the queen Thursday by making their Archewell website a makeshift memorial for the late ruler. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. On a recent episode of "Influencers Andy Serwer," Northrop Grumman CEO Kathy Warden reflected on space exploration and the aerospace industrys bright future. Space is the most exciting area of our portfolio at the moment, Warden told Yahoo Finance. The U.S. aerospace industry saw serious challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, shrinking by 87,000 jobs and seeing total revenues drop 2.8% to $874 billion between 2019 and 2020, according to the most recent Aerospace Industries Association Facts and Figures Report. Though it has yet to reach pre-pandemic levels of success, the global aerospace industry has recently turned a corner. It reported $712 billion in revenue in 2021, which is up 4% over 2020. It also reported $62 billion of operating profit, up 136% according to an analysis by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The James Webb Space Telescope is packed up for shipment to its launch site in Kourou, French Guiana in an undated photograph at Northrop Grumman's Space Park in Redondo Beach, California. NASA/Chris Gunn/Handout via REUTERS Northrop Grumman an aeronautics, defense, and cyberspace company headquartered in Falls Church Virginia with origins in the 1930s builds missiles, bomber aircrafts, and solid rocket boosters for NASA's Space Launch program. The company has a long history of working with NASA. But since 2018 when it acquired aerospace firm Orbital ATK, the company's space division has expanded. In the last quarter, space-related business accounted for over 30% of the company's total sales. The expansion of opportunity in space has been significant, and I foresee that continuing into the future, Warden remarked. One of the company's most significant products is the James Webb Telescope. Launched into space in December 2021, the telescope takes pictures of astronomical objects using infrared radiation. NASA released its first full-color images during a televised broadcast last July. The pictures, which went viral on social media, depicted part of Carina, a constellation of stars. In space exploration, like the work that we recently launched the James Webb Space Telescope. And it brought back, just fantastic images of the origins of our universe that will help to rewrite science textbooks, Warden said. And help, I hope, a new generation of people to get really excited about what may be happening in space in generations to come. Story continues This week, NASA released two new images taken by the James Webb Telescope. They show the Tarantula Nebula and could yield scientific discoveries about how stars form. The telescope will remain in space for another decade and continue to produce new images. Dylan Croll is a reporter and researcher at Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter at @CrollonPatrol. Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Download the Yahoo Finance app for Apple or Android Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and YouTube Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Getty/Courtesy of the Los Vegas Police Department John Cahill never saw it coming. In 2018, after serving 12 years as Clark County public administrator, a low-key elected position responsible for securing the estates of recently deceased Las Vegans, Cahill anointed a fellow Democrat as his would-be successor. His choice? A 45-year-old Mississippi-born HVAC technician-turned-probate lawyer by the name of Robert Telles. Cahill told The Daily Beast that at the time, nobody had flagged any potential issues with Telles. And ultimately, his endorsement of the married father-of-three who had been named Nevada Legal Services 2014 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year proved fruitful when Telles won the Democratic nomination, and then the general election. Any contact I had [with Telles] was a positive one, Cahill said. His classmates at the law school, a couple of them were attorneys who said hed do a great job. Once Telles took over, Cahill did start to catch wind of troublelike whispers from employees that Telles was pretty hostile if he thinks people are pushing back on him. Then, Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative journalist Jeff Germans articles started coming out in May about Telles allegedly presiding over an atmosphere rife with bullying and favoritism in Cahills old workplace. (Telles denied the allegations.) But even after the two old allies exchanged a mini-war of words on Facebook, Cahill stressed he would not describe Telleswho lost a bid for re-election in the wake of Germans reportingas a violent man. Which made what came next all the more stunning. On Wednesday night, Telles was arrested after allegedly disguising himself and fatally stabbing German seven times during an altercation next to the journalists garage the previous Friday morning. How could he be so dumb? How could he think he could get away with this? Cahill asked. None of it makes any sense. Its so mind-boggling, he added. [Telles] stalked him. He hunted him. He got a disguise. He put a lot of thought into this. Its still hard to believe. Story continues The macabre slayingand Telles subsequent arrest after authorities found his DNA under Germans fingernailshas rattled journalists, sparked right-wing media fervor, and sent shockwaves throughout the Las Vegas community. How Murdered Journalist Jeff Germans Colleagues Hunted Down His Alleged Killer But for some of the people who knew or worked in proximity to the man, wrapping their heads around how a sort of bookkeeper of death might have refashioned himself into a cold-blooded killer was its own odyssey. I am going to see him tomorrow and figure out what is going on, criminal defense attorney Ozzie Fumo, who says he was friends with both German and Telles, told The Daily Beast, referring to an upcoming jail-house visit. There are so many questions. Telles has yet to enter a plea and was set to make his initial court appearance on Tuesday. Neither his family nor an attorney could be reached for comment. The disgraced politician is being held without bond in Clark County Detention Center after he was briefly treated for self-inflicted wounds following his Wednesday arrest. Cops nabbed Telles after a dramatic hour-long standoff during which he barricaded himself in his home and police called Fumo to help coax their man to surrender. I dont know why they called me, but I didnt think twice. I was like, Of course, I wanted to help them. I wanted to help Rob, Fumo said, recalling the strange 22-minute drive. They got him out of the house before I got there, though. Im just glad everyone is OK. Fumo said that he has been in contact with Telles family, and that his wife has yet to speak to her husband as of Friday afternoon but was devastated and just focusing on their kids. Authorities have not offered an explicit motive for the Sept. 2 stabbing. But Las Vegas Metro Police Department Captain Dori Koren said Thursday that Telles was upset about articles that were being written by German as an investigative journalist that exposed potential wrongdoing, and Telles had publicly expressed his issues with that reporting. And then ultimately Telles was also upsetfrom what we found out laterthat there was additional reporting that was pending, Koren added. Germans previous reporting may have doomed Telles re-election campaign in June, spurring the public administrator to publicly lash out at the journalist online. Looking forward to lying smear piece #4 by [Jeff German], Telles tweeted on June 18, just one week before he conceded defeat. One trick pony I think hes mad that I havent crawled into a hole and died. Despite Telles online fervor, Fumo insisted on Friday that his long-time friend was more sad about Germans reporting than angry. Fumo said that Telles even reached out to him after Germans first story in May accusing him of fostering a toxic workplace and said that he was upset and sad by it but didnt say anything about Jeff specifically. It blows my mind that he would be that angry over a story to do something, he told The Daily Beast. Cahill, however, said that the rumors about Telles behavior were so alarming that he actually offered to speak to his successor last year. The idea was scrapped, he said, at the behest of some current employees, who feared Telles would retaliate for their talking to their old boss. I go back and forth about whether there was some indication that I missed? Some kind of signal? Cahill said. It wasnt a matter of temper. Its not like he walked up to him in a bar and punched him in the face. Indeed, Koren on Thursday detailed how surveillance footage captured that the suspect was wearing a large straw hat and construction-style shirt, apparently to help conceal his identity. But investigators were quickly able to identify the suspects vehiclea GMC Yukon Denaliwhich Koren said had been spotted multiple times around Germans neighborhood. One neighbor, Jay Sabs, told The Daily Beast that his home-security camera captured the man police identified as Telles pacing back and forth outside of his home at about 11 a.m. last Friday at the northwest corner of Bronze Circle and Wintergreen Drive. Sabs, 30, described the footage as showing the maroon Yukon passing his house and then the man pacing for about 10 to 15 minutes. Sabs said he did not see the Yukon himself and that he turned over the footage to the police. (Vegas Police did not respond to a request for comment.) Eventually, reporters at the Review-Journal found Telles car via Google Maps after police put out a call asking for information, as the journalists recounted to The Daily Beast. Authorities were able to match the SUV to Telles car and ultimately execute a search warrant at his house on Wednesday. While no murder weapon was found at the house, police recovered cut-up shoes and a similar, but destroyed, straw hat, as well as bloody shoes. They returned to arrest him hours later. For Patsy Brown, the Republican nominee vying for the position that Telles was set to vacate in December, the nature of the gig made the murder allegation all the more jarring. This is normally like a bottom-of-ballot position that happens to do with death, she stressed. I spend most of my time explaining to people the position because they dont even know what it is. Brown also raised a disturbing possibility: that Germans family may have to work with Telles old office to handle the beloved reporters estate. After all, in addition to securing the property of recently deceased individuals while their family members are identified and located, the public administrators office can also serve as the manager of estates under extreme circumstances. Its as if a funeral home had this type of shenanigans going on, she said. This office is supposed to be helping grieving families figure out how to handle their lost loved ones property. Now someone in that office is accused of prompting that loss. Its surreal. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. EUROPEAN PRAVDA SATURDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2022, 09:23 British Intelligence reported on the increasing isolation of Russian forces around Izium and the threat to Russian forces as they might lose Kupiansk [both settlements are in Kharkiv region - ed.]. European Pravda writes about this, referring to the intelligence review of the British Ministry of Defence. The British Ministry of Defence reports that Ukrainian troops began offensive operations in the south of the Kharkiv Oblast on 6 September, 2022. Lead elements have advanced up to 50 km into previously Russian held territory on a narrow front. "Russian troops were likely taken by surprise. The sector was only lightly held, and Ukrainian units captured or surrounded several towns," the review says. "A Russian force around Izium is likely increasingly isolated. Ukrainian units are now threatening the town of Kupiansk; its capture would be a significant blow to Russia, because it sits on supply routes to the Donbas front line," British intelligence notes. As it is emphasised, since the Ukrainian operations are also continuing in Kherson, the Russian front is under pressure on both northern and southern flanks. The British Intelligence states that Russian commanders faced a dilemma against the backdrop of Ukraine's offensive in the south: they should choose whether to deploy operational reserves to support their offensive in Donbas, or defend against the Ukrainian forces offensive in its southern oblasts. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron. Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Mehmet Oz is going on the offensive against his Democratic rival John Fetterman after weeks of falling victim to Fettermans robust digital operation and trailing in the polls. This week marked a shift in Ozs strategy as his campaign ramped up pressure on Fetterman to participate in televised debates. Meanwhile, a pro-Oz group rolled out an ad targeting Fetterman over a 2013 incident in which he pulled a gun on a Black male jogger he suspected of a crime. His new onslaught against Fetterman come as the environment in Pennsylvania and across the country increasingly favors Senate Democrats, with several election handicappers recently shifting the Keystone State Senate race into the toss-up category. The latest RealClearPolitics polling average shows Fetterman leading Oz by 6.5 points, but Ozs allies say that the Republican will likely close that gap as many candidates do after Labor Day. Its full steam ahead, said one national Republican operative. I think Dr. Ozs shift is just everyone is coalescing around him and Fetterman can no longer hide behind Twitter. The weeks coverage of the race was largely dominated by the back-and-forth between Oz and Fettermans teams over scheduling televised debates ahead of Election Day. Oz has called on Fetterman to participate in a series of debates beginning this month. On Tuesday, the Republican Senate candidate used a joint press conference with retiring Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) to call on the lieutenant governor to debate the celebrity doctor. The following day, Fetterman told Politico in an interview that he is committed to attending one debate against Oz sometime in the middle to end of October and on a major television station in Pennsylvania. Were absolutely going to debate Dr. Oz, and that was really always our intent to do that, Fetterman told the outlet. It was just simply only ever been about addressing some of the lingering issues of the stroke, the auditory processing, and were going to be able to work that out. Story continues Ozs allies have framed the interview as a concession from Fetterman after Oz hit him over debate attendance. They also point to the fact that Fetterman was absent from a primary debate that took place in early April. Before John Fetterman had his stroke he was also scared to debate his opponents, especially in the primaries, said the national GOP operative. Ozs allies argue that a debate held during the middle or end of October will be too late for most voters looking to vote early. Fettermans allies say that the date works well given that the election is on most voters minds by the middle of October, as opposed to a September debate. Republicans also point to what they say is a natural advantage for the former TV doctor. Hes got a huge amount of experience on television and that experience is in an interactive setting, so I think hes used to that, said Keith Naughton, a Republican strategist with experience working on Pennsylvania campaigns. The key for him is to have some good practice so that he can handle some of the aggressive questioning that hes not used to. Democrats, on the other hand, argue that the Oz camp is essentially using the back-and-forth over the debates as a distraction from what they say are bigger issues with the Republican candidate. Its important to remember that hes attempting to dig out of a pretty big hole that hes in after the summer he had, said a national Democratic operative. If any issue has been defining the race its been Mehmet Oz is not from Pennsylvania and doesnt get Pennsylvanians. Fettermans campaign over the summer launched an aggressive digital campaign painting Oz as out of touch and unfamiliar with the state. In July, they enlisted former Jersey Shore cast member Nicole Snooki LaValle to highlight the question of Ozs residency in a campaign video. Fetterman also started a petition last month to add Oz to the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Fetterman and Democrats have also hammered Oz over his properties. Every week of this campaign has brought fresh revelations about Mehmet Oz that have put him on the defensive, and theyve all pointed to one conclusion: hes a fraud, an out-of-touch millionaire who doesnt understand the concerns of Pennsylvanias working families, said Patrick Burgwinkle, a spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. The only reason hes running for Senate is to serve himself, and his multi-millionaire friends, and thats why hell be rejected in November. Fettermans supporters also pointed to an op-ed from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazettes editorial board on Friday calling on Oz to stop attacking Fetterman over the debates. Now that Mr. Fetterman has thrown down the gauntlet, its time for Mr. Oz to call off his attack dogs, the papers editorial board wrote. The op-ed marks a notable change in tone for the publication, which had argued that Oz had legitimate concerns about Fettermans health amid the debate row. If Mr. Fetterman is not well enough to debate his opponent, that raises serious concerns about his ability to serve as a United States senator, the piece said. While plans for a debate have not yet been set in stone, most observers seem to agree that Pennsylvanians shouldnt count on seeing Fetterman and Oz on a debate stage together more than once. I expected that theyre going to do one and thats it, Naughton said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Early Saturday morning, Atlanta police were seen examining the area of a Walgreens in Atlanta. The location was at a Walgreens on Peachtree Street. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In the video, you can see investigators capturing footage of objects on the ground and there is caution tape visible. Channel 2 Action News reached out to APD for details early Saturday morning. We are waiting to hear back. TRENDING STORIES: IN OTHER NEWS: The Prince of Wales and his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II - WPA Pool/ Getty Images Europe The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to his "Grannie" Queen Elizabeth II following her death aged 96, saying it would be "some time" before her loss "will truly feel real". The Prince also said his children would have "memories that will last their whole lives" from their time spent with the late Queen, adding he would "honour her memory" through supporting his father, the King. King Charles III announced William and Kate as the new Prince and Princess of Wales in his historic address to the nation on Friday evening. He set his affairs in order in the television broadcast, saying he was proud to bestow the title of Prince of Wales on his eldest son and heir. In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, the new Prince said that while the country had lost an "extraordinary leader", he had "lost a grandmother". He said that while he would grieve her loss, he also felt "incredibly grateful" to have the benefit of the late Queen's wisdom throughout his life. He also said his wife, the new Princess of Wales, had "20 years of her guidance and support". William's new title means the Prince is following in his father's footsteps, while Kate has become the first person since Diana, Princess of Wales to use the title - which Diana held when she was married to Charles. The former Duchess of Cornwall was entitled to use it, but chose not to because of the sensitivities around her role in the break-up of the Kings marriage to his former wife. Princess Beatrice - DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images Princess Beatrice is expected to become one of four counsellors of state, allowing her to stand in for the King if he is abroad or incapacitated. Under the 1937 Regency Act, the spouse of a monarch and the four adults next in line to the throne can be deployed as counsellors of state on official business. Queen Elizabeth II had four Counsellors of State - the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of York - with the Duke of Edinburgh also acting as one before his death. Buckingham Palace has been under pressure to eject Prince Harry and Prince Andrew from their roles and install other adult members of the working Royal family in their places. Prince Harry can technically still act as a counsellor because he retains a UK address at Frogmore Cottage, Windsor, despite living in California, which he now calls home. Prince Andrews effective sacking as a working royal over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and a civil court case in which he was accused of sexually abusing sex trafficking victim Virginia Giuffre, prompted questions about whether he should still be permitted to perform the role. His elder daughter, Princess Beatrice, is now ninth in line to the throne but the fourth aged over 21. The Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge - Stephen Lock / i-Images She married property tycoon Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020 and they had a daughter, Sienna, in September 2021. She works for software company Afiniti as vice president for strategy and partnerships and although not an official working royal, does carry out occasional engagements. In this new role, she would be authorised to attend Privy Council meetings, sign routine documents and receive the credentials of new ambassadors to the UK. The Queen is now eligible to become a counsellor of state as the Kings wife. It is rare for counsellors of state to be called upon but not unprecedented. In May, the then Prince Charles and Prince William attended the State Opening of Parliament on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, opening the new session after being deployed to deputise for her. Two Counsellors of State were required to be present in order to be constitutionally sound. The founder of the Hawaii chapter of the Proud Boys along with a second MAGA loyalist each pleaded guilty Friday to a felony charge in connection to the violence of Jan. 6, 2021, the Justice Department said. Nicholas Ochs, 36, of Honolulu, and Nicholas DeCarlo, 32, of Fort Worth, Texas, entered their pleas in Washington, D.C. federal court to charges of obstruction of an official proceeding. Ochs is an elder with the Proud Boys, court papers state. The Anti-Defamation League calls the Proud Boys a right-wing extremist group with a violent agenda. Ochs traveled from Honolulu to a Virginia hotel on Jan. 5, where he met-up with DeCarlo, who had arrived from Texas to witness former president Donald Trumps next-day rally to challenge the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. After attending Trumps pep talk, the pair went to the Capitol and hurled smoke bombs at law enforcement officers protecting elected officials certifying President Bidens electoral victory. They then climbed the stairs to the Upper West Terrace, the Justice Department reports. At approximately 2:23 p.m., Ochs and DeCarlo illegally entered the Capitol through the Senate Wing Doors. They moved through the Crypt (where they filmed themselves smoking cigarettes), Capitol Visitors Center, East Foyer, Statuary Hall, and the Rotunda before exiting at 3 p.m. Using a magic marker, DeCarlo wrote the words Murder the Media on a door in the Capitol, the feds said. He copped to vandalizing the doorway, which led to an office named for a pair of slain Capitol Hill police officers. Were all felons! DeCarlo reportedly declared on the Capitol grounds. Inside the building, he was heard calling out for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. When asked about his level of education, DeCarlo told D.C. federal Judge Beryl Howell hed finished high school, but soon after confessed hed quit the 11th grade, Law & Crime reports. Ochs and DeCarlo were also accused of rummaging through a duffel bag belonging to a Capitol Police officer and made-off with a pair of handcuffs. After leaving the Capitol, prosecutors said Ochs was seen on video apologizing for not having recording live when insurgents made Congress flee. Story continues Ochs was arrested the day after the attack on the capitol in Hawaii. DeCarlo was apprehended in Texas fewer than three weeks later. Ochs and DeCarlo each face up to to 20 years behind bars when theyre sentenced on Dec. 9, though Law & Crime says their plea agreement will likely result in a sentence of roughly four years behind bars. They also agreed to pay $2,000 in restitution. The Capitol endured nearly $3 million in damage during the insurrection attempt. In the weeks leading up to Jan. 6, then-President Donald Trump falsely insisted the election had been stolen from him and boasted the rally to resist certification will be wild. The DOJs investigation of the assault on the Capitol remains open. More than 870 arrests have been made. The Queens coffin will travel over 100 miles on Sunday through the Scottish Highlands towards Edinburgh, with thousands of people expected to pack the streets to watch it pass. The hearse will set off from Balmoral Castle at 10am in a convoy of cars before slowly making its way through the small villages of Ballater and Aboyne. Many in Ballater, a Victorian village in the heart of Deeside, will know the royal family from their summers spent at Balmoral. The Queen was known to meet walkers in the Cairngorms and local Ballater tradesmen were invited to the annual Ghillies Ball, held at the castle, for a night of Scottish dancing. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh after unveiling a plaque on the Royal Bridge, Ballater (PA) The coffin will pass by the Loch of Aboyne (The Independent) From Ballater, the coffin will head to Aboyne, a village with a population of only a few thousand, which sits on the River Dee. The convoy will drive along a picturesque road, with heather moors on one side and the freshwater Loch Kinord on the other before arriving at Aboyne. From there, the procession will continue on the A93, a road which follows the River Dee as it heads east to Aberdeen. It is likely that the convoy will head to Banchory, another Aberdeenshire town, where the River Feugh meets the River Dee. The Queens coffin will be moved from Balmoral castle to Edinburgh (PA) Aberdeen is a port city and home to almost 200,000 people so the reception for the procession is likely to be in its thousands once it arrives there later on Sunday morning. From there, the Queens coffin will be driven south through Stonehaven, a pretty harbour town on the north-east coast, and on to Dundee, Scotlands fourth-largest city. It is then thought that the coffin will be driven to Perth before it arrives finally in Edinburgh. The Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the Queen will lie in rest for one day (PA) In a statement issued on Saturday, Buckingham Palace said: The Queens coffin currently rests in the ballroom at Balmoral castle. Her Majestys coffin will travel to Edinburgh tomorrow, Sunday 11th September, by road, to arrive at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where it will rest in the Throne room until the afternoon of Monday 12th September. On Monday afternoon, the coffin will be taken from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral, on the Royal Mile, where the Queen will lie at rest for a day to allow the people of Scotland to pay their respects. It will then be flown to London, accompanied on the flight by Princess Anne. Finally, it will be transported from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster on September 14, where it will lie in state until the morning of the funeral. "I do hope you can see me from where you are," Queen Elizabeth II deadpanned before a packed House chamber. House and Senate members had squeezed into the room to hear the queen speak before a joint meeting of Congress. They first roared with laughter at the queens dry wit. They then stood to give the queen a standing ovation. Lawmakers from both sides certainly saw Elizabeth that day May 16, 1991. They saw her peach dress, peach hat and pearls. After all, the queen spoke to Congress on the very dais in the House chamber where presidents deliver their State of the Union remarks to lawmakers each year complete with late House Speaker Tom Foley, D-Wash., and former Vice President Dan Quayle looming behind her. KING CHARLES III DELIVERS FIRST ADDRESS AFTER QUEEN ELIZABETH II'S DEATH Queen Elizabeth II addresses a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber in May 1991 in Washington, D.C. Anwar Hussein/Getty Images With Prince Phillip at her side, everyone in Americas legislative branch could hear and see the queen atop the House rostrum. That was not the case the day before at the White House. A battery of microphones and a towering lectern embossed with the presidential seal shrouded the 5-foot-4 queen when she spoke next to then-President George H.W. Bush. Commentators characterized the speech as the "talking hat." All people could see on TV was the queens triple-striped, brimmed hat her eyes barely visible above the microphones. But the queens wicked sense of humor resonated in the halls of Capitol Hill as she became the first British monarch to address a joint meeting of Congress a day later. Late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill spoke to a joint meeting of Congress in 1941. PHOTOS: QUEEN ELIZABETH THROUGH THE YEARS "Your Congress and our Parliament are the twin pillars of our civilizations and chief of many treasures we have inherited from our predecessors," the queen told lawmakers. "A significant part of your social contract is based on custom as well. But the spirit is the same. It is the spirit of democracy. But these ideas must never be taken for granted. They must be nurtured through fluctuation and change." Story continues But the queens address to Congress wasnt without controversy. Former Rep. Joseph Kennedy, II, D-Mass., and other lawmakers boycotted the address. Kennedy protested what he characterized as the British "occupation" of Northern Ireland. The queen arrived in Washington just months after Bush, former British Prime Minister John Major and other world leaders assembled a massive, international coalition to stare down Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and kick his forces out of Kuwait during the Gulf War. Queen Elizabeth II addresses a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., May 16, 1991. Anwar Hussein/Getty Images "The best progress is made when Europeans and Americans act in concert," the queen said during the joint meeting. "I know the servicemen and women of Britain and all the members of the coalition were proud to act in a cause alongside their American comrades." The maneuvering to assemble the international partnership to stand against Iraq was extraordinary. Not since World War II had the international community rallied in such fashion. The queen knew something about conflict and standing up to the forces of evil. QUEEN ELIZABETH II BECOMES WORLD'S SECOND-LONGEST REIGNING MONARCH OF ALL TIME Elizabeths first public speech was a little like her remarks at the White House in 1991. People could hear her. They just couldnt see her. A 14-year-old Princess Elizabeth spoke on the BBC radios "Childrens Hour" in 1940 as the German Luftwaffe and the Royal Air Force battled in the skies during the Battle of Britain. A Royal Air Force victory eventually deterred Germany from invading the United Kingdom. Elizabeths remarks on that broadcast were an effort to calm British children and commiserate about the upheaval of war. "Thousands of you in this country have had to leave your homes and be separated from your fathers and mothers. My sister Margaret Rose and I feel so much for you as we know from experience what it means to be away from those we love most of all," the future queen said. "To you, living in new surroundings, we send a message of true sympathy and, at the same time, we would like to thank the kind people who have welcomed you to their homes in the country." Russian President Vladimir Putin is accompanied by Queen Elizabeth II during his state visit June 24, 2003, in London. Julian Herbert/Getty Images Elizabeth closed with this: "And when peace comes, remember it will be for us, the children of today, to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place." The queen ascended to the throne in a period that may have been a little happier. But the globe quickly descended into the Cold War which was still ongoing, but waning when Elizabeth spoke to Congress in 1991. BIDEN TO ATTEND FUNERAL OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II "The world was still coming out of the shadow of the Second World War and during a bold, uncertain, uncharted future," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the floor just after Elizabeth died. "Her reign saw the dawn of the atomic age. The age of the internet. The fall of the Soviet Union. An unprecedented global pandemic. She didn't just witness the great turns of history. She helped shape them." Schumer characterized the queen as "a rock," adding, "I daresay we will never see a leader quite like her for as long as we live." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., ordered flags at the Capitol lowered to half-staff shortly after the queen died. Queen Elizabeth II (left) and U.S. President George H.W. Bush (1925-2018) stand together as the former is welcomed on the White House South Lawn during a state visit May 14, 1991. Arnie Sachs/CNP/Getty Images During an event in San Francisco, Pelosi spoke of how her father the late Baltimore Mayor and Rep. Thomas D'Alesandro, Jr., D-Md. attended the queens coronation when he was in London with the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Pelosi said she attended a garden party at the residence of the British ambassador to Washington when the queen visited in 2007. Pelosi said she confided in the queen that her father was present when she took the throne. Pelosi recounted when the queen came inside at the end of the party, "she said only one thing. The speakers father was at my coronation." Pelosi confided that she had never before told that story. "Their loss is our loss," Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, said of the queens passing. "Shes led the country though very difficult times. And, of course, in a monarchy like that, like all of us, they have family issues. And she guided the family through difficult times." Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the queen was of "sterling character." "The queen made sure her reign was never really about herself. Not about her fame. Or her feelings. Or her personal wants or needs," said McConnell. The House of Representatives meets Tuesday for the first time since early August. Pelosis office says the House will adopt a bereavement resolution and later adjourn for the day in Queen Elizabeth's honor. LONDON With the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of Prince Charles III, one era has ended and a second has begun for millions of Britons. During this time of mourning, reflection and unease about the future, NBC News teams traveled across across the country to see how the new king's subjects felt after the death of his mother. Below are a selection of their comments. St. James's Palace, London King Charles' already undisputed claim to the throne got the royal rubber stamp when whats known as the Accession Council proclaimed the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II the new monarch on Saturday. Ahead of the ceremony, crowds gathered outside St. Jamess Palace to bear witness to the fanfare and the fusillades that followed the proclamation. Rochelle and Sasza Bandiera with their daughters, Cataleya and Tallulah. (Amara Eno for NBC News) Among them were Sasza Bandiera, 37, and Rochelle Bandiera, 36, who brought their 6- and 4-year-old daughters to witness the historic event. Rochelle Bandiera, a stay-at-home mother, said she was 11 years old when her parents took her to Kensington Palace after Princess Diana died. She wanted her daughters to have a similar memory of this historic moment and intends to lay flowers in the same spot for Queen Elizabeth. I still remember the smell of flowers and lots of people crying, she said, while holding her 4-year-old daughter, Tallulah, on her shoulders. I want [my daughters] to remember this day. Its a patriotic thing to do, her husband said. Its the right thing to do. Sasza Bandiera, the managing director of a local recruitment agency, said that he remained indifferent to King Charles: I dont really know what the change will be or how it will look. Hes a bit old school, interjected his wife. Among the first to line up in the viewing area outside St. James's Palace were Astrid Jacobs, Virginia Forbes and Penny McDermid. The three woman did not know one another but became fast friends as they waited for King Charles, members of the Privy Council and ambassadors to Commonwealth countries to arrive. Story continues Graphic: The British royal family tree and line of succession Its a very traditional part of what happens next. A lot of people dont actually know about it, said Jacobs, who made the 60-mile journey to London from her home in Cambridge shortly after the announcement of the queens death. Its a mixed time I find, emotionally, she said. Youre trying to reconcile the future with the pain that youre feeling at her loss. I wasnt prepared. Members of the public, Astrid Jacobs, left, and Virginia Forbes. (Amara Eno for NBC News) Jacobs last saw the queen at her 70th Jubilee in June. She recalls a silent understanding spreading throughout the crowd that it would be her last public appearance. Forbes, also a Cambridge resident, said she was inspired by the international outpouring of love and support for the queen. Its extraordinary in this age of cynicism and social media whats come out, she said. McDermid, of London, said she felt an overwhelming sense of hope for the countrys future but acknowledged that the queen was a tough act to follow. She almost never put a foot wrong, was not a political figure, was basically universally loved, she said. Its going to be very hard to live up to that. Of King Charles, McDermid said she felt a kind of sympathy for him and the rest of the royal family members, who must continue with official business despite mourning the loss of their matriarch. She also questions his staying power as the oldest monarch to ascend. He is up the task but its unfortunate hes so old, she said. Penny McDermid waits outside St. James' Palace (Amara Eno for NBC News) Balmoral, Scotland For Scots living in rural Aberdeenshire, the queens death at Balmoral Castle was like the death of a significant community member and a family member, according to Robert McGregor, a transport officer at Aberdeen City Council, the local government. The Royal Family views flowers laid outside Balmoral Castle (Andy Buchanan / AFP via Getty Images) McGregor said he had been responsible for organizing fleets of double-decker buses ferrying hundreds of mourners from nearby towns such as Ballater and Braemar. The 50,000-acre estate, 70 miles north of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, was one of the queen's favorite residences, a place where she could enjoy long walks and other outdoor pursuits with her iconic corgis. Weve got people from across Scotland and indeed across the world, but the vast majority of people Ive spoken to are people from the local area, McGregor said. They very much regarded the queen as a local, and the royal family as part of their home. Edinburgh, Scotland Over the next few days, the queens body will be transported from Balmoral Castle to Edinburgh. Once there, it will go to Holyroodhouse, the monarchs official residence in Scotland, before being taken in a procession down the citys Royal Mile to lie in state at St. Giles Cathedral, where the public can view the coffin for 24 hours. Bagpiper Cailean Gillies stands on Edinburgh's Royal Mile outside St. Giles' Cathedral. (Alexander Smith) Thats not to say the royals are universally or even widely loved up here. A poll by British Future, a think tank, found earlier this year that 58% of Britons wanted to keep the monarchy, but that number dropped to 45% when only Scotland was included. I dont dislike the people but the idea of an unelected head of state, who is publicly funded, is getting harder and harder to justify, said Cailean Gillies, 33, who was dressed in tartan and busking with his bagpipes as he stood opposite the cathedral. That sentiment is probably quite strong within a certain contingent in Scotland, particularly among the independence movement. Of course, thousands of people are expected to turn out to pay their respects as the late queen makes her final journey back to London. We are going to try to get onto the Royal Mile and into the cathedral if we can, but the crowds will be humongous, said Andrew Golds, 51, who works in technology and is on vacation from Derby, England, with his partner, Elaine Coyle, also 51. Its been an emotional week. Im over 50 and the queen is the only royal Ive known. She was a role model for all humanity, and this is the last time well get to pay our respects, now shes gone. Windsor, England Carrie Titterrell (Daniel Arkin / NBC News) Carrie Titterrell, 38, says she was fortunate to have met the queen earlier this year when she worked as a caterer on the set of the video of the monarch with Paddington Bear, recorded for the queen's Platinum Jubilee. Titterrell said she hadnt spoken directly with the queen, but they did meet briefly at the time. It was fascinating and a real privilege, said Titterrell, who went to Windsor Castle with her husband and kids. It was important to pay tribute to the queen, she said. Royal Air Force veteran Ken Cooper, 75. If you like, I worked for Queen Elizabeth. He said the United Kingdom should remain mindful that tens of thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans made sacrifices for the queen, too. pic.twitter.com/8enNb7DEjZ Daniel Arkin (@d_arkin) September 10, 2022 Not everybody in Windsor is banking on the royals. Ramin Cheruckal, 38, owner of the Purple Gifts souvenir shop, said he has no plans to stock King Charles III merchandise because the items related to the late queens son have not proved popular in the past. Instead, he said he expected Queen Elizabeth II memorabilia will be the centerpiece of his business for years to come. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Republicans across the country are working to make it harder to pass ballot measures a direct threat to abortion-rights advocates and other liberal groups efforts to bypass governors and legislatures and take issues directly to voters. The next major test for the strategy comes in November: Arizona and Arkansas GOP-controlled legislatures are asking voters to approve constitutional amendments that would raise the threshold for ballot initiatives from 50 percent to 60 percent. Arkansas proposal would apply to constitutional amendments and citizen-initiated state statutes on any subject matter, including abortion. Arizonas applies only to taxation-related measures, though some see it as a prelude to a broader version. "Our state constitution should only be amended when there is genuine consensus among voters, said Arkansas state Rep. David Ray, the Republican who sponsored the proposed amendment. "[The ballot measure] provides a much-needed guardrail so that big money, out-of-state special interests quit trying to hijack our state constitution and ballot initiative system by pulling the wool over voters' eyes and effectively buying new laws and constitutional amendments. The Republican push to regulate ballot measures has escalated in recent years as citizen-led initiatives have been used to legalize marijuana, expand Medicaid, create independent redistricting commissions and raise the minimum wage in purple and red states. But the tactic is under new scrutiny after deep-red Kansas anti-abortion referendum failed by a wide margin, which gave abortion-rights supporters around the country hope that ballot measures can be a viable way to circumvent GOP-controlled legislatures and restore access to the procedure. Some progressives worry they could lose one of their last remaining tools to defend or advance abortion rights in a post-Roe country. "Red states know that this is the one lever that reproductive rights advocates still have in many of these states where we've lost both chambers of the legislature, we've lost the gubernatorial seats, and we don't have very much hope in the court system, said Kelly Hall, executive director of the advocacy group The Fairness Project. "Ballot measures remain the one true muscle that the people still have to flex. Story continues Conservative groups in North Dakota are expected to try again next year to impose a supermajority vote threshold for ballot initiatives after their signature-gathering attempts to put such a measure on the November ballot fell short earlier this summer. Republican lawmakers in South Dakota are also expected to take another swing at making it harder to approve ballot initiatives after voters rejected one 60 percent vote requirement during the states June primary. In Florida, a state where proposed constitutional amendments already need 60 percent approval to pass, lawmakers recently imposed limits on fundraising for ballot campaigns, though that policy was blocked by a judge this summer. In Nebraska, legislators this year banned signature-gathering near voting drop boxes as part of an omnibus election bill. Lawmakers in Missouri, Oklahoma and Utah are also expected to soon renew their push for other restrictions, such as raising the vote or signature threshold, requiring signatures from a certain number of counties in the state, limiting what topics citizen-initiated ballot measures can address, or dictating what font size canvassers need to use. The Constitution is supposed to be a framework and then you have laws that operate within that framework. But, increasingly, our Constitution is becoming a law book in and of itself, said Missouri state Rep. Bishop Davidson, who supports limits on the ballot measure process. Davidson added that the threat of a pro-abortion rights ballot measure something activists are discussing after their victory in neighboring Kansas may persuade more of his Republican colleagues to support reforms to the initiative petition process next session. I would be shocked if there wasnt a petition circulated from the pro-choice side of this debate, he said. I think it is coming. I am concerned. Proponents argue these changes, which more states are expected to debate when legislatures reconvene in January, are aimed at preventing out-of-state money from pouring into their states and influencing voters to change laws or amend their constitution. I know that theres a lot of paid petitioners out there. Is it truly the people who are wanting these things, or is it just groups that are paying for these things? said Oklahoma state Rep. Carl Newton, a Republican. The pattern extends beyond state legislatures into other parts of government. In Michigan, Republicans on the states Board of Canvassers voted to block the certification of a sweeping abortion-rights ballot initiative that got far more than the required number of valid signatures over claims the text of the proposed constitutional amendment had spacing and formatting errors. The states Supreme Court overrode their decision on Thursday, meaning voters will have a chance in November to decide whether abortion remains legal. And last year in Mississippi, a conservative-leaning court struck down the states entire ballot initiative process. "This new tool in our box to protect reproductive rights and liberty is going to give our opposition even more incentive to take that away from us and to make it harder to pass ballot measures, said Corrine Rivera Fowler, director of policy and legal advocacy at the progressive Ballot Initiative Strategy Center. Of the two dozen states that allow citizen-initiated ballot measures, 11 have laws prohibiting most abortions, though some are temporarily blocked in court. The efforts to stymie ballot initiatives, however, havent been targeted specifically at abortion. Arkansas legislators, for example, acted after liberal groups turned to voters to raise the minimum wage and legalize medical marijuana. But these policies may have their greatest impact on abortion rights as lawmakers across the country consider not only whether and when the procedure should be legal but also what punishments to mete out to physicians and patients. Arkansas Right to Life hasnt taken a position on the proposed supermajority vote requirement. But the groups executive director, Rose Mimms, told POLITICO its passage would help prevent efforts to amend the states Constitution to codify a right to abortion. The lawmakers pushing for the higher threshold, she said, are very good pro-life people, so Im thinking they had not only [abortion] but other conservative issues in mind when they wanted to protect our Constitution from being changed so easily by making that supermajority a requirement. Weve seen it here in Arkansas with marijuana, that once you start amending the Constitution, theres no meaning to it, she added. Opponents of the 60 percent requirement argue it would make it much more difficult to pass progressive policies, including protections for abortion, in a state where Republicans in the Legislature outnumber Democrats 3 to 1. This is the only tool we have in a state like Arkansas, said Kymara Seals, policy director for the Arkansas Public Policy Panel, one of the groups campaigning against the amendment. Thats why we must fight to protect our access to the ballot because were not going to get it in the legislature. Groups that oppose the restrictions also argue that the process is already time-consuming and expensive. In Michigan, for example, tens of thousands of canvassers mostly volunteers with some paid staff worked for months to gather hundreds of thousands of signatures to get the abortion rights amendment on the November ballot and planning for the effort began years earlier. Both SBA Pro-Life America and Students for Life, two national anti-abortion groups that have spent millions on ballot initiative fights in Kansas and other states, told POLITICO they arent getting involved in debates over the ballot process. Too many state and national leaders are not responsive to what voters really want, so the rise in ballot initiatives as a trend comes from people taking advantage of the course open to them, said Kristi Hamrick, the spokesperson for Students for Life. I hope this isnt about silencing constituents. Polls show that Roes demise has helped Democrats close the enthusiasm gap and Democratic candidates have benefited from a surge in donations since POLITICO published the draft Supreme Court opinion in May, but progressive groups fear not enough attention is paid to the ballot initiative process. We are really raising the alarm bell about what's happening this November, Hall said. Because if they succeed in any of these [states], it will be all the more fuel on the fire to say that they should be proposing these restrictions everywhere else. The Fairness Project was behind a successful Medicaid expansion ballot measure in Oklahoma in 2020, after which lawmakers introduced several bills to make it harder to pass citizen-led ballot initiatives, including a proposal to raise the threshold for approving constitutional amendments to 55 percent. The legislation failed this year, but Newton said he plans to bring back his bill in the 2024 legislative session. Newton added that while hes not specifically concerned about an out-of-state group introducing a pro-abortion rights ballot measure in Oklahoma, there is a possibility because there are some groups [like] Planned Parenthood that would want that to be a reality. So they may pick us out as a target state. Abortion-rights groups within Oklahoma, meanwhile, are contemplating unwinding the states near total ban by putting the question directly to voters. Thats why protecting ballot access is so crucial, said Laura Bellis, executive director of Take Control Oklahoma, which advocates for reproductive health care access. We have to protect ballot initiatives in general before we can even think about having one to protect abortion rights, she said. The Recount On Late Night with Seth Meyers, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commented on Trumps possession of classified documents and having them at his country club. In early August, Donald Trumps country club Mar-a-Lago was raided by FBI agents due to his possession of classified top secret documents, some dealing with nuclear security measures. This is a threat to our national security that somebody would actually have in his country club storage room, his desk, his bedroom top secret information and you have to ask yourself, why? The South Carolina Democrat vying to oust Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Scott is facing calls from within her own party to fold her campaign, following the publication of additional leaked audio in which she appears to make disparaging remarks about her constituents. The calls for state Rep. Krystle Matthews to withdraw just two months ahead of the general election came Thursday in reaction to leaked audio published by conservative activist group Project Veritas of Matthews speaking to one of its members, without her knowledge. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Run-off election: Matthews wins Democratic US Senate nod in South Carolina Sitting in a restaurant, Matthews, who is Black, is heard saying that she represents a mostly white district, adding, of white voters: I keep them right here like under my thumbs. ... Otherwise, they get out of control like kids. You ought to know who youre dealing with, Matthews goes on to say. Youve got to treat them like s-. Thats the only way theyll respect you. In a statement, Matthews acknowledged her voice on the recording, calling Project Veritas a satirical MAGA Powered news outlet. The compilation also features more of Matthews conversation, parts of which were previously published by Project Veritas, in which she spoke to an inmate about funding her campaign with dope boy money and having Democrats run as Republicans, saying secret sleepers represent the only way youre gonna change the dynamics in South Carolina. At the time of the earlier release, ahead of South Carolinas June primary runoff, Matthews confirmed to The Associated Press that it was her voice on the tape but said the edited audio of a tongue-in-cheek exchange didnt reflect the full picture. ALSO READ: Labor Party argues whether to put candidates on SC ballot Matthews won the runoff to face Scott, who is seeking what hes said will be his final Senate term and is among South Carolinas most popular politicians. The Black Republican is widely expected to win the general election in South Carolina, where no Democrat has won a statewide race in more than 15 years. Story continues On Thursday, Democrats including gubernatorial nominee Joe Cunningham said he concurred with state Rep. Justin Bamberg, who in an op-ed published online called Matthews toxic. If any of our white counterparts had said the same thing with regards to blacks, the minority community, including myself, would be up in arms calling for that members immediate resignation, Bamberg added. In a statement provided to AP, Cunningham said that there is absolutely no place in our political discourse for Matthews comments, adding that the Democratic Party cannot and should not tolerate such behavior from our elected officials and candidates. State Sen. Brad Hutto, Democrats leader in that chamber who was also his partys nominee to challenge U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham in 2014 echoed Cunninghams comments about Matthews Senate bid, telling AP, When candidates of either party start making irresponsible statements, beyond what party theyre from, they need to reevaluate their candidacy, and thats what needs to happen here. READ MORE: North Carolina tightens rules for partisan poll watchers One of the fellow Democrats Matthews defeated, Catherine Fleming Bruce, told AP she agreed with the calls for Matthews to step aside, saying the nominee has made it impossible for her to be that standard bearer, representing our states diverse population. Trav Robertson, chairman of the states Democrats, emphasized on Thursday that Matthews didnt represent the partys perspective but stopped short of urging her to quit her campaign, which he said was becoming a distraction to other Democrats on the ballot. If I were advising her campaign, I would focus on her getting reelected to the (state) House of Representatives, Robertson told AP. Were Matthews to suspend her campaign, her name would likely still remain on ballots, which party officials said were already being produced for overseas voters. With no third-party candidate in the race, Scotts name is the only other that would appear. Regardless of race, I love everyone, Matthews said in her statement. One thing you can learn from Project Veritass first audio attack on me, is obviously I have no biases toward a certain ethnic group. (WATCH BELOW: Theres no winging it: Meck Co. Board of Elections shows the preparation process for the primary) Senator Marsha Blackburns (R-TN) latest opinion piece clarifies her position in support of Taiwans independence against Chinas mission for dominance. In an op-ed titled We must stand with Taiwan published in The Tullahoma News, Blackburn condemned the actions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and said the country was "at the helm of the New Axis of Evil. First used by U.S. President George W. Bush in Jan. 2002 to support the War on Terror, "axis of evil" referred to Iran, Iraq, and North Korea. However, Blackburn's "New Axis of Evil" includes Iran, Russia, China and North Korea. As the new axis of evil (Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea) presents an ever-growing threat, the United States and our allies sent a clear message last night. We will always fight to protect innocent civilians and defend the free world. More from NextShark: Vietnamese Coffee Shop Robbed of $400 in 30 Seconds in Seattle Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) April 14, 2018 Citing Hong Kong and the genocide against the Muslim Uyghurs, Blackburn argued that China has led a hostile takeover and will invade independent countries and destroy democratic leadership to achieve that end. More from NextShark: Police Seek Help in Finding Robber Who Punched Asian Man in Cincinnati Blackburn was part of a late-August congressional delegation to Taiwan, which followed House Speaker Nancy Pelosis earlier trip to the island. During her trip, Blackburn met with Taiwans Ministry of Foreign Affairs and publicly reaffirmed Americas backing of Taiwan in front of dozens of diplomats and ambassadors. In her speech, Blackburn referred to Taiwan as a country, inciting controversy and a response by the CCP. I will continue to stand with the Taiwans and their right to freedom and democracy. Xi Jinping doesnt scare me. More from NextShark: 'That choice is very clear': Boston Globe endorses Michelle Wu for mayor Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) August 25, 2022 According to Blackburn, the CCP provided an unhinged response to her office by doubling down on their denials of Taiwans independence and levying veiled threats to regional stability. Upon reflecting on her trip to Taiwan, Blackburn stated that it [is] abundantly clear that the leaders in Taiwan want the United States and our allies to stand with them as they fight to keep their independence. Story continues More from NextShark: Woman Plans to Sue Fitness Club After Her Child Defecates in the Pool Blackburn argued that if Taiwan were to be reunified with China, China would be given control of the South China Sea, a military stronghold and a production powerhouse. In contrast, the United States economy would suffer, she firmly stated. To conclude her piece, Blackburn proposed legislation to strengthen supply chains and relationships and vowed to defend democracy. With the United States leading the way, Taiwan will remain sovereign and the New Axis of Evil will not win. If the United States backs down, China's dominance is all but guaranteed, wrote Blackburn. Featured Image via Senator Marsha Blackburn Sex offender Jason Minton, who was recently acquitted of rape and kidnapping charges in a case in which a video showed him dragging a woman to his vehicle, was back in jail on Thursday, according to the Volusia County Sheriffs Office. The sheriffs office arrested him on three counts of failure to properly register as a sex offender. Each charge is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Minton was held without bond until his first appearance on Friday, at which time Volusia County Judge Rachel Myers set a bond of $15,000. The judge also ordered that Minton be monitored electronically. Minton's defense attorney, Aaron Delgado, said on Friday evening that Minton will remain in the jail until Monday so that a GPS tracker can be placed on him. Sex offender acquitted: DeLand sex offender shown dragging woman to truck found not guilty of kidnapping, rape Sex offender jailed: No bail for sex offender accused of dragging woman Accused serial rapist pleas: Man charged with rape in three separate cases agrees to plea deal, sentenced to 8 years Minton, who has an Orange City address, had a brief period of freedom after his acquittal before deputies placed him in cuffs again on Thursday. Detectives determined Minton used two email addresses and a phone number that he never reported to the sheriffs office as required by law due to his status as a registered sex offender, the sheriffs office release stated. Minton has been a registered sex offender since his conviction in 2006 of lewd assault and sexual battery of a victim under 16, according to the Florida Department of Corrections. He was also convicted in 2006 of failing to comply with registration requirements. He served prison sentences totaling five years. Minton's latest sexual battery trial Mintons most recent case drew widespread attention two years ago due to video of him dragging the apparently unconscious woman from the River Grille at 950 U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach and into his pickup truck. Story continues On Aug. 26, a jury found Minton not guilty of kidnapping to facilitate the commission of a felony, which was punishable by up to life in prison. Jurors also found Minton not guilty of sexual battery on a helpless person, which was punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood stated in a Facebook post after Minton's acquittal that Minton would have to strictly comply with the law to avoid a trip back to jail. Minton still faces a separate case involving another woman in which he is accused of third-degree felony battery. Minton is accused of meeting a DeLand woman for a fake job interview on Feb. 14, 2020, at an Orange City bar. Then he drove her to a secluded area and pulled at her shirt and bra and touched her shoulders several times against her will, reports show. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida sex offender back in jail after failing to register NextShark Chinese universities, including Peking University and Tsinghua University, are among the top universities to produce the most ultra-wealthy alumni, according to a recent report from data company Altrata. Peking University, the alma mater of Baidu co-founder Robin Li, has produced about 1,101 ultra-high net-worth (UHNW) individuals, landing the school at No. 8 on the list. Tsinghua University, the school from which Chinese President Xi Jinping graduated, churned out about 1,100 ultra-wealthy alumni, placing it at No. 9 on the list. A Silver Alert has been canceled for an 84-year-old who was reported missing in Stanly County. Authorities said Calvin Junior Trull was last seen on Oak Road in Norwood. He is believed to have dementia or another cognitive impairment. ALSO READ: Coast Guard suspends search for 9 people missing after float plane crashes in Puget Sound Around 7:45 p.m. Saturday, the NC Center for Missing Persons announced that the Silver Alert had been canceled. (WATCH BELOW: Silver Alert issued for missing, endangered 75-year-old man from Rowan County) Sunny Hostin is sharing her feelings following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and Her Majesty's connection to British colonialism. During Friday's installment of The View, co-host Hostin, 53, spoke on the history of the monarchy one day after the Queen's death at age 96. "We can mourn the queen and not the empire," said Hostin, who noted that she lived in London "for a while" as a student. "Because if you really think about what the monarchy was built on, it was built on the backs of Black and brown people." She added that Queen Elizabeth "wore a crown of pillaged stones from India and Africa. And now what you're seeing, at least in the Black communities that I'm a part of, they want reparations." RELATED: Queen Elizabeth Had 'No Fear of Death' and 'Hope in the Future,' Archbishop of Canterbury Says Queen Elizabeth II smiles on the balcony during Trooping The Colour on June 02, 2022 in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952 Chris Jackson/Getty Hostin pointed out that Barbados parted ways with the Queen last year when it became a republic and that Jamaica is likely to follow suit. For more on Queen Elizabeth, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day. "It's time for [King Charles III] to modernize this monarchy," Hostin said. "It's time for him to provide reparations to all of those colonies. A monarchy it's very easy to uplift one family the harder thing is to uplift all families. I think that he's in a position to be able to do that." Co-host Joy Behar then mentioned that, during her reign, Queen Elizabeth condemned apartheid in South Africa. RELATED: President Joe Biden Will Travel to U.K. to Attend Queen Elizabeth II's Funeral Apartheid which began in 1948 after the election of the National Party was "a system of legislation that upheld segregationist policies against non-white citizens of South Africa," according to History.com. Hostin responded, "That was one of the good things she did." "She also was very angry when [former Prime Minister of the U.K. Margaret] Thatcher refused to do sanctions against South Africa," Behar continued. "So she tried her best that she could. She really didn't have that much power. She was a figurehead." Story continues Co-host Ana Navarro chimed in and said institutions like the United States and the Catholic Church were "built on the backs of Black and brown people." Hostin added, "And we want our reparations," later stating that King Charles should "bring his family back together after the allegations of racism that have been made by Duchess Meghan Markle and her husband, his son Prince Harry." RELATED VIDEO: King Charles Delivers First Address as Monarch Following Death of Queen with Some Major News Along with Hostin, political analyst Richard Stengel who served as under secretary of state in the Obama administration questioned during a segment on MSNBC Thursday why U.S. press coverage was mostly ignoring Her Majesty's ties to colonialism. During her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth served as head of state to 32 countries. South Africa withdrew from the Commonwealth in 1961. "You played a clip of her speaking in Cape Town in 1947, in South Africa. That's the year apartheid took effect in South Africa. That was something British colonialism ushered in," Stengel explained in part. "British colonialism, which she presided over, had a terrible effect on much of the world." Richard @Stengel on Queen Elizabeth II's role in the UK's legacy of colonialism & racism: "You played a clip of her speaking in Cape Town in 1947 That's the year apartheid took effect British colonialism, which she presided over had a terrible effect on much of the world." pic.twitter.com/RtxgBxTRyi The Recount (@therecount) September 8, 2022 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. Queen Elizabeth died Thursday afternoon at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Around the world, including in the other nations that called her the head of state or Sovereign, her death was grieved by those to whom she was an unwavering fixture amid the turmoil of ever-changing times. But the loss was most profound for her large family, including her four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. The Scheherazade has been seized by Italian authorities. Federico Scoppa/Getty Images Funds for the Scheherazade were a Christmas gift to Putin from Russian oligarchs, per Dossier Center. The $700 million superyacht is said to have been used by his lover Alina Kabaeva, per the report. The vessel features two helipads as well as a swimming pool, cinema and beauty salon. The hundreds of millions needed to build a superyacht linked with Vladimir Putin were given by oligarchs to the Russian president as a Christmas gift in 2014, a Russian opposition website has claimed. Dossier Center, which "tracks the criminal activity of various people associated with the Kremlin", said a group of Russian business figures led by Gennady Timchenko collected the 583 million needed to construct the 459ft Scheherazade. It was built in a German shipyard and launched in July 2019. The Dossier Center is connected with Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a key Russian opposition figure and founder of the Open Russia movement. The superyacht, thought to be worth $700 million, was seized by Italian authorities in May after their investigation found significant connections between it and the Russian government. It had been undergoing repairs since June 2020 in the Italian port of Marina di Carrara. Timchenko and his family were sanctioned by the US government as part of sanctions imposed on Russia by the West following Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The Dossier Center report does not fully identify the other oligarchs involved, but it said that one of the offshore companies, High Definition which donated $60 million can be linked to Ziyavudin Magomedov. He was arrested in Russia in 2018 and charged with racketeering in a corruption scandal and remains in jail. Other major donors include Alera Assets, which the Center said gave $226 million, and Diams Overseas, which contributed $289 million. Insider has not been able to verify the figures cited by Dossier Center. The Scheherazade is believed to have been used by Alina Kabaeva, said to be Putin's lover, according to a source who spoke to Dossier Centre. Kabaeva was only sanctioned by the US in August. Story continues The vessel's existence was revealed in March after the British captain spoke to The Times newspaper. The crew members were mostly members of the Russian secret service. The yacht's true ownership has been hard to determine, as Insider has reported. It is controlled by the former president of Rosneft, Eduard Khudainatov, according to Dossier Center. The "Scheherazade" has six decks and can accommodate 18 guests along with a crew of 40. Its features include a helicopter landing pad, large swimming pool, cinema, and a system to crash drones, according to Superyacht Fan. Read the original article on Business Insider ISLAMABAD (AP) Taliban authorities Saturday shut down girls schools above the sixth grade in eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province, according to witnesses and social media posts. The schools had briefly opened after a recommendation by tribal elders and school principals. Earlier this month, four girls schools above grade 6 in Gardez, the provincial capital, and one in the Samkani district began operating without formal permission from the Taliban Education Ministry. On Saturday, all five schools were once again closed by the Taliban. Dozens of tearful former students some in head-to-toe burqas, others in school uniforms and white vails - protested Saturday in the streets of Gardez, according to social media posts. Mohammad Sediq, a resident of Gardez, said he had been happy that his two sisters could go to school, but the Taliban disappointed him by closing the girls schools. Taliban government spokespersons and Education Ministry officials were not immediately available for comment. A year after the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, teenage girls are still barred from school and women are required to cover themselves from head to toe in public, with only their eyes showing. Hard-liners appear to hold sway in the Taliban-led government, which imposed severe restrictions on access to education and jobs for girls and women, despite initial promises to the contrary. Former president Hamid Karzai in a series of tweets on World Literacy Day on Thursday, encouraged respected clerics, elders and influential Afghans to "encourage the education of our children, both boys and girls, as much as possible, Last week, Khaliqyar Ahmadzai, head of information and culture in Paktia, told local media that schools for female students above grade 6 had been reopened in the province. The decision was made by local school leadership and not based on an official order, he said. Since taking power, the Taliban have struggled to govern and remain internationally isolated. An economic downturn has driven millions more Afghans into poverty and hunger as the flow of foreign aid has slowed to a trickle. US House of Representatives Texas GOP Rep. Louie Gohmert met with a Capitol rioter after her release from federal prison. He gave Dr. Simone Gold a flag that once flew over the Capitol as a gift. Gohmert falsely called Gold a "political prisoner." Texas GOP Rep. Louie Gohmert presented a Capitol rioter with an American flag that flew over the Capitol to celebrate her release. Gohmert met with Dr. Simone Gold on Friday after she was released from federal prison. Gold, the founder of America's Frontline Doctors, a group that spreads disinformation and conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic, was previously known for touting unproven claims during the pandemic. In March, Gold took a plea agreement for her involvement in the riot. Gold pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, according to the plea agreement, Insider's Ashley Collman previously reported. She was sentenced to 60 days in prison in June, CNN reported. In a press release, Gohmert falsely called Gold a "political prisoner" and blamed President Joe Biden's administration for "unjustly prosecuting" her. "After having her name and reputation shamefully dragged through the mud, the Biden administration's DOJ threw her in prison for peacefully walking into the U.S. Capitol on January 6 and delivering a speech. Dr. Gold is the definition of what a political prisoner looks likesomething I never thought I'd see here in the United States of America," Gohmert said. "God Bless Dr. Gold. History will not look kindly upon those who persecutedand prosecuteddoctors who spoke out against the COVID lockdown, mask and vaccine mandates." Gold, in a tweet, said she was "honored" to receive the recognition. Dr. Simone Gold (@drsimonegold) September 9, 2022 Story continues "I am honored to receive this recognition from Congressman Gohmert, a true believer in freedom and a fierce defender of our constitutional rights," Gold wrote. Read the original article on Business Insider I love being nomadic but it has peeled back so many layers of what I thought I knew about travel. Coming from a big city, I knew I had much learning to do about how to live by the coast, how to chop a coconut, what to do when you come across a bull while minding your business on your way to the beach, for instance. It has been a joyful moment in my twenties that corporate life just couldnt offer. I write often about how cute life generally is when in constant movement and uninterrupted flow. Even still, Ill be the first to say that it gets real, often and suddenly. The truth about travel, particularly as a lifestyle, is that you have lots to unlearn. In this piece, I unpack the truth about travel as a means of unlearning and a way back to self. Not traveling with assumptions of what Blackness means Getty Images Ill start by saying it because were all thinking it, anti-Blackness is very real and traveling wont shelter you from that. If anything, it exposes you to the saddening depths of it. Even still, I no longer assume its there waiting for me as soon as I land. I do my research before I arrive in a new space. Im aware of history, migrations, communities and how they navigate Blackness in the country all of this is business as usual as an avid traveler. Starting my travels in Mexico, I knew I wanted to land in Oaxaca because of what I thought was proximity to Afro-Mexican land. I actually showed up in Oaxaca City, notably far from the Costa Chica where most of the Afro-Mexican towns are located. After sharing with my Airbnb host my dream of connecting with the diaspora here in Mexico (and my disappointment with the sometimes hostile Otherness of being a Black woman in Oaxaca City), I knew that I had to adjust my mindset. She recommended me some places to visit and reminded me of how vast Mexico is. I assumed that being in Oaxaca state would work out for me and that this was the principal place where I would feel comfortable. In reality, this was only something experience could teach; experience, open-heartedness, and Irma, in whose house I learned exactly what type of friend and listener I had become. Story continues My assumptions about what Blackness would mean in Latin America were informed by my experience growing up in the UK. This was another thing worth unlearning. It is not only unlearning assumptions but also fear. I unknowingly expected certain behaviors which I have slowly unlearned. Mexico has shown me many different experiences, from colorism to intense kindness to familiar Caribbean energy to Mexican friends who have become family. Unlearning those assumptions as a form of survival mechanism, has been crucial to my long-term travels. The reality of being triggered No doubt I have been triggered while solo traveling as a Black woman. There are endless scenarios that come to mind, from having to explain in Spanish why I dont want to have my picture taken to having other white travelers from Europe and the U.S. present colonizer-type behaviors that remind me of exactly what I moved away from. This is expected as I travel from place to place, I remind myself of this. While I purposefully expose myself to some of the most beautiful energies and individuals possible, an unfortunate balance often exists. Even though it cant be avoided, thankfully it doesnt need to be indulged in. Being nomadic has taught me how (scarily) easy it is for me to up and go, to move, to re-center myself. When in a triggering environment, I do not feel obliged to sit through it, I simply leave. If I am unable or unwilling to and/or safe enough, I find ways to assert myself. I take up space and teach my body softer ways of handling discomfort. Its different for everyone mapodile | Getty Images The unlearning process is different for everybody. I think that this has been the most easeful of all the lessons. The truth is, depending on your home country, how youve been socialized, your family, your passion, your birth chart, and so on (and on), you will handle change differently. If travel has taught me anything, it is to stay in my lane and be in the moment, completely, and with tamales at hand if possible. Relearning the self In the midst of dismantling what I believed life to be, I also found myself discovering new parts of myself. Of course, this was to be expected. I was traveling far from everything known and familiar, navigating in countries that looked nothing like my own. And just as I took my time to relearn the world around me, I found myself slowly meeting new versions of myself. By that I mean I was unpredictable to myself, I mean I was new. Traveling has exposed me to new personalities that seem to only exist in another language; a way of extending my voice and introducing myself that I have never truly had to think about; new ways of communicating with self and family back home even, and so much more. I know I have a lot to thank the world for, the parts I have torn down and the parts I am journeying towards. All of it serves to help me see life in its fullest, most authentic state, dia a dia. Related: Explorer YiNkZZ Finds Spirituality & Brotherhood in Travel Photo Illustration by Erin O'Flynn/The Daily Beast/Getty, Rmesanic/Wikimedia Commons and Wikimedia Commons During her confirmation hearing to become a federal judge in July 2020, Aileen Cannon, like virtually every GOP nominee, described herself as an originalist. Originalists claim to be paragons of judicial restraint, devoted to limiting the scope of their rulings, thereby not veering into the role assigned to the democratically elected branches of government to make laws and decide political and social policy. But Judge Cannons recent ruling in Donald Trumps case against the United States governmentordering the partial shutdown of an investigation into the purloining of national security materials by the former president who appointed herdemonstrates that conservative jurisprudence has devolved into a brazen power grab, at direct odds with our democratic system of government, and the constitutional separation of powers. Cannon's order may ultimately be voided; but the fact that she issued it will remain as a stark warning about just how far Trump judges and other similarly minded GOP nomineeshundreds of whom have been installed, at all levels of the federal judiciaryare willing to take the very judicial activism they claim to abhor to serve radically anti-democratic goals. In recent decades, GOP judges have (i) selected a president, (ii) remade the electoral process, including by gutting campaign finance laws, as well as the heart of the Voting Rights Act; and (iii) trashed a constitutional fundamental right generations of Americans relied upon. Now, avowed originalist Judge Cannon, installed during the waning days of the Trump administration, has engaged in one of the most audacious acts of right wing judicial overreach to date: Directly interfering with the current presidents performance of his core, constitutionally assigned, duties to protect national security and enforce the criminal laws enacted by Congress. It is hard to imagine a more brazen act of judicial supremacy. Trump Recommends Judge Who OKed Carter Page Surveillance for Special Master Story continues Cannon's ruling is a very good subject for legal realist analysis. Legal realism was a theory of judicial decision-making developed in the first half of the 20th Century, and initially associated with liberal scholars, who posited that judicial rulings purportedly grounded on abstract legal principles are inevitably actually products of the political and normative views of the judges who issue them. While not an exponent of realism, Felix Frankfurter, a Harvard Law School professor, and later appointed to the Supreme Court by Franklin Delano Roosevelt,, shared realists skepticism about the often unacknowledged motives underlying judicial decisions. Frankfurter had been perhaps the leading liberal lawyer and scholar of his generation.He courageously led the unsuccessful effort to obtain due process for alleged anarchist terrorists Sacco and Vanzetti during the height of the racially tinged Red Scare that overtook the country during and following World War I. But after joining the Supreme Court in 1939, and initially voting to uphold FDRs New Deal reforms as enacted by Congress, Frankfurter became an increasingly squeaky wheel on a liberal post-World War II Supreme Courtmost notably where issues of school desegregation were concerned. Frankfurters view was that judges must hesitate to move into the purview of the political branches, and therefore he spent much of his career on the bench seeking to police what he viewed as the danger of judicial overreach. Cannons ruling exemplifies just that danger. A realist would say Cannon apparently issued her ruling for career reasons, and that her audience is a future GOP president who might elevate her to a higher court. In this regard, Cannon appears to be following the strategy employed by some Trump appointees to the Supreme Court, including Neil Gorsuch, who famously argued, in a lower court dissent, that a textual reading of a federal safety law permitted an employer to fire a trucker for leaving his damaged trailer during subzero weather to avoid dying of hypothermia. Gorsuchs dissent was absurdly cruel and nonsensical, but it sure got him noticed by Trumps judge pickers. Similarly, Cannon is likely betting thateven though her opinion is being rightfully mocked as sloppy and at odds with the lawit will please, and ensure she is noticed favorably by, those who matter to an ambitious Trump judge: those who select appellate court nominees in a future GOP administration. The Justice Dept. Just Eviscerated the Trump-Appointed Judge in the Mar-a-Lago Case There is a dark irony to this development, because concerns about the risk of judicial overreach were also a purported foundation of the original understanding theory initially advocated by conservative judicial luminaries Robert Bork and Antonin Scalia. And, purportedly, adopted by Judge Cannon herself. In an odd parallel with realists (who favored empirical approaches to judicial decision-making), originalists purported to ground their rulings on historically driven inquiries into the prevailing understanding of a given law or constitutional provision at the time of its enactment. Originalists claimed that their historical approach to adjudication would limit the risk of judicial overreach, by preventing judges from inserting their own normative and political views in their decisions, thereby leaving it to voters and the officials they elect to do heavy lifting of governance and public policy, as they should. Realists are skeptical of such claims, and in the case of self-described originalists on the right, such skepticism has proven to be merited. Cannons claim to be an originalist goes to show how absurdly unmoored supposed originalists, like Cannon and Alito (who was once nicknamed Scalito) have become from the original rationale for originalism. Theyre now brazen opportunists, willing to use the thinnest of analytic and factual bases to reach the results they want. In Alitos case, his plain goal is to impose reactionary social and political policies on the entire nation, voters preferences be darned. In Cannons case, the likely goal is simply personal aggrandizement. But, in both cases, the damage to the democratic system, and to the separation of powers that is fundamental to our constitutional system of government, is equally grave. Frankfurter would be shocked to see how the principle of judicial restraint he hewed toat the cost of being regularly criticized by his past liberal allieshas been betrayed by right wingers who disingenuously employ rhetoric of restraint to engage in judicial overreach. It is hard to believe, however, that Antonin Scalia, the patron saint of all right wing originalists, would share the same unhappiness. Scalia was never a particularly principled adherent to the judicial philosophy he championed. He had a curious tendency to consistently find that the original understanding of constitutional provisions matched up exactly with his own favored right wing social policies. Scalias most outrageous departure from his own originalist theory was in the Bush v. Gore case, where he and four other right wing justices on the Supreme Court employed the 14th Amendments Equal Protection Clausewhich Scalia and others had devoted decades to underminingas a basis to install George W. Bush in the White House (dont ask me to explain how). The Courts reasoning was so embarrassingly flimsy that the majority opinion expressly warned against lower courts relying upon it in the future. Before issuing the decision effectively declaring Bush the winner of the election, the Court ordered a halt to the recount of votes in the state of Florida. Scalia, in a concurrence to that earlier decision, observed that it was important to end the counting of votes, because it risked casting a cloud upon what [Bush] claims to be the legitimacy of his election. Put otherwise, the recount risked demonstrating that Gore received more votes. Alitos Dobbs Opinion Overturning Roe Is Judicial Activism at Its Most Self-Deceptive In her Trump ruling, Cannon curiously echoed Scalias reasoning, stating that she was blocking the criminal investigation of Donald Trump in part because of the risk that a review of the evidence could lead to an indictment that could inflict grave reputational harm to the former president. Of course it is true that a meritless indictment does great damage to the defendant (and I, as a lawyer, have proudly sought to vindicate the rights of wrongfully accused persons). But assuming that the use of evidence obtained pursuant to a properly issued search warrant will lead to a wrongful indictment, an argument concerned about reputational harm to Trumplike Scalias assumption that counting duly cast votes would undermine the legitimacy of Bushs claim to the presidencyis not only absurd, but more than a little disturbing. Both judicial remarks are emblematic of the now routine overreach that has come to permeate the right wing judiciary, at grave cost to our nation, and its constitutional and democratic order. There is every reason to be concerned that the worst is yet to come. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. VALENTYNA ROMANENKO SATURDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2022, 10:03 In just three days, Ukrainian defenders have destroyed Russian air targets worth 157.5 million US dollars in total. Source: press service of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Quote: "In just three days of the war, the occupiers blew away about 157.5 million US dollars. And we are talking only about air attack means: cruise missiles, planes and helicopters destroyed by anti-aircraft missile detachments of the Ukrainian Air Force, Ground Force Air Defence and Airborne Assault Forces between 5 and 7 inclusive". This is an estimate of the invaders losses in hard currency, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Details: The Air Force notes that the X-101 cruise missile is one of the most expensive and most technologically advanced missiles in service with the Russian Federation. The Russian forces launched six X-101 over Ukraine on 5 September (five of them were shot down by air defence systems). The estimated cost of one X-101 is US$13 million per unit, which makes a total of US$ 78 million. In addition, the Ukrainian forces downed - two X-59 guided air-to-ground missiles - 600,000 dollars (US$300,000 per unit); - two Ka-52 attack helicopters for US$32.4 million (US$16.2 million per unit) and a Mi-24 attack helicopter (US$12.5 million per unit); - three Su-25 attack aircraft worth 33 million dollars (US$11 million per unit) were destroyed by the soldiers of the Air Assault Forces; - ten operational-tactical UAVs of the Orlan-10 type - US$1 million (US$100,000 per unit). So, according to approximate estimations, the losses of the Russian army amounted to 157,500,000 US dollars over three days of war - and that is just aircraft and missiles. The press service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine emphasises that air defence systems keep working for victory, killing the occupiers both in the skies and on the ground. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron. Ukrainian forces have advanced from two to several dozens of kilometers in some areas in southern Ukraine Read also: Ukraines SBU uncovers Russian agent who blew up Ukrainian ammo in the south And well report soon on those settlements that are happy to welcome our soldiers, she added. Read also: Russia loses 350 troops in one day, Ukraine says Commenting on a report regarding the transfer of a unit of up to 1,300 fighters from the so-called Kadyrovtsy formation, who are supposed to strengthen the Russian forces in Kherson Oblast, Humeniuk said Army Command had recorded this redeployment, but so far these troops were too far away to influence operations. Humeniuk added that the military believes that the Kadyrovtsy realize that Ukraines Armed Forces have fire control over large swathes of territory completely covering the right and some parts of the left bank of the Dnipro River. Read also: Ukrainian troops liberate Oleksandrivka near Kherson Theyre trying to stay away from being in this damage zone, Humeniuk stressed. Those reserves that are now deployed on the right bank and are being transferred by artificially created crossings a barge, a tugboat, a boat these are the LPR/DPR fighters, aged 55-60. Read also: Russian invaders switching to terror tactics against local population in Kherson Oblast The official added that even the units that have arrived to reinforce the area have refused to do so. Meanwhile, on the northern front, the Armed Forces of Ukraine recaptured more than 30 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast over the past few days. Read also: Russia preventing access to Ukrainian war prisoners, says UN According to Ukraines General Staff, Ukrainian law enforcers are now recording numerous crimes by Russians in the liberated territories, while mine clearance is underway and the population is being provided with assistance. Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that since Sept. 1, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have liberated more than 1,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory and dozens of settlements from the Russian invasion forces. Story continues Read also: Ukraine plans to seek at least $300 billion in war reparations from Russia The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in its Sept. 9 report that Ukrainian forces had recaptured an estimated 2,500 square kilometers in Kharkiv Oblast and have an opportunity to create a cauldron for Russian troops around Izyum. The Ukrainian military has also recaptured the town of Kupyansk, which was an important logistical hub for the Russian invaders, through which supplies traveled to the town of Izyum, which is currently contested by Ukrainian forces. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A view of the Gaviota Pass with Hollister Ranch in the distance from Gaviota Peak in the Santa Ynez Mountains. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Authorities don't yet have the full picture of Tim Sgrignoli's final hours in the mountains north of Santa Barbara, but one thing is clear: He was on a mission to help his girlfriend. The 29-year-old and his partner, both residents of Ventura, set out to hike Gaviota Peak on Sunday morning, said Cmdr. Erik Raney of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office. She was stricken by the heat and would have to be rescued by helicopter later that day, but Sgrignoli who had ventured off alone in search of help was missing until Thursday, when his body was found in thick brush about 20 feet away from the 101 Freeway. Though the couple had packed water, the popular trail winding through the rugged Santa Ynez Mountains is known to be steep and challenging even during mild weather let alone the punishing temperatures that broiled the state over the weekend. The couple reached the summit Sunday and were making their way back down the Trespass Trail when Sgrignoli's girlfriend, whom authorities didn't publicly identify, grew ill from the high temperature, Raney said. The pair sought refuge in the shade of a rock outcropping and hatched a plan. Sgrignoli would leave their remaining water and his cellphone with his girlfriend, Raney said. He marked their location along the trail using GPS and sent it to her phone, which they'd left in their car at the trailhead parking lot. Then he left to find help. Sgrignoli told his girlfriend that if he didn't return or contact her by a certain time, she should call 911, Raney said. He planned to get to the car, call for help, gather supplies and make his way back to her. Authorities aren't sure how much time passed after he left his girlfriend, but at some point her condition deteriorated and she called 911, the sheriff's spokesperson said. Rescue crews reached her by helicopter and retrieved her with a hoist, Raney said. They flew to a nearby fire station for a planned transport to a hospital. When she told authorities Sgrignoli was missing, crews launched a search, the spokesperson said. Story continues For the next four days, authorities undertook a major search operation, Raney said. Supplementing Santa Barbara County search and rescue personnel were teams from around the region, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Ventura and Orange counties, San Diego, San Luis Obispo and as far as the San Francisco Bay Area. Amid punishingly hot conditions, crews scoured the area using helicopters, drones, dogs, electric bikes and other tools. Search teams remarked that the temperature at the trailhead parking lot reached 114 degrees on Sunday, Raney said. "We know that it's hotter up on the hill," he said. "It's exposed with no shade or water." Search parties and dogs were unable to stay out for long periods of time because of the heat, Raney said, and sweltering conditions would only continue over the following days. Rescuers persisted, eventually settling on an area of the Trespass Trail that features a view of the 101 Freeway. Authorities believed Sgrignoli may have seen the roadway and decided to leave the trail in hopes of shortening his route. It's there that his body was found Thursday. Authorities spotted no obvious signs of a fall or other trauma, and while the county coroner's bureau is still investigating, authorities believe Sgrignoli succumbed to a heat-related illness, Raney said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mikhail Metzel/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images Vladimir Putin sent a note congratulating King Charles III on his ascension to the British throne. "I wish Your Majesty success, good health and all the best," he said in a letter issued on Saturday. The United Kingdom has been a staunch backer of Ukraine against Russia's invasion of the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday congratulated King Charles III for his ascension to the British throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in the country's history. Putin in a note addressed to the king from the Kremlin, Putin wrote that he wished him "success." "Your Majesty, Please accept my sincere congratulations on your Accession to the throne," the note read. "I wish Your Majesty success, good health and all the best." Putin in a telegram on Thursday sent his condolences to the king after he learned of the monarch's death at the age of 96. "For many decades," he wrote, "Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage." He continued: "I wish you courage and perseverance in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss. I ask you to convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the members of the royal family and all the people of Great Britain." The British royal family has been steadfast in their backing of Ukraine, which Russia invaded beginning in February, sparking a devastating conflict that has leveled cities and sparked an international humanitarian crisis. One of the 12 founding members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United Kingdom has been a staunch defender of Ukraine against Russia's invasion. Read the original article on Business Insider Vladimir Putin, pictured on Friday visiting the opening of new International Center of Box and Sambo, has congratulated Charles III on becoming King - Getty Images Vladimir Putin was the first world leader to congratulate King Charles III on his official accession to the throne - even though the new King once compared the Russian president with Adolf Hitler. In a brief message, Putin sent his "sincere congratulations" from the Kremlin to King Charles. "I wish Your Majesty success, good health and all the best," he said. Russia has been locked in a proxy war with Britain and the West since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February. On Saturday the Accession Council, headed by Penny Mordaunt, met in St Jamess Palace and formally approved Charles as King of England - succeeding his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday aged 96. Putin and King Charles have met a handful of times, including during the Russian leaders state visit to Britain in 2003. In 2014, on a trip to Nova Scotia in Canada as the Prince of Wales, the King was reported to have told a Jewish refugee that Putin was acting like Hitler after annexing Crimea from Ukraine and invading the eastern Donbas region. The comments set off a major diplomatic row. This year, the King also criticised Russia for its brutal aggression and said its invasion of Ukraine in February was an attack on democracy. Putin is one of the world's longest-serving leaders. He has been in power since 2000, but his attack on Ukraine has turned him and Russia into pariahs. He is also coming under increased internal criticism too. With Russian forces retreating along Ukraine's northern front, Russian analysts who normally support Kremlin doctrine and strategy have started to question its tactics and competency. They also said that the Ukrainian forces that pushed Russian soldiers back have been trained in Britain. However, Putin appeared unconcerned about recent battlefield defeats during a round of media events on Saturday to celebrate the day of the founding of Moscow city. He voted, online, in municipal elections, and opened a new wrestling school and a new Ferris wheel called Sun of Moscow. Sun of Moscow is now the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, beating the London Eye by 5m. A Mid-South community came together in prayer and unity to remember the victims lost in recent weeks to senseless acts of violence. Residents in West Memphis, Arkansas stood in solidarity as they remembered the life of Allison Parker, the nurse and mother of three who died Wednesday following a shooting rampage that broke out across the city of Memphis. These random acts of violence have terrorized our communities, and brought fear to people within our communities, said West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon. RELATED: 3 people killed, 3 others injured after man goes on shooting spree across Memphis Friday, city leaders hosted a prayer vigil where they acknowledged Parker, as well as Eliza Fletcher who was abducted in Memphis the morning of September 2nd while on her daily jog. Miss Fletcher was taking a morning jog at 4:20 in Memphis and life was stolen away from her. RELATED: Supporters finish Eliza Fletchers run after murder of Memphis mother Runners share a moment of silence before the start of Parker, a native of Marion, Arkansas, worked at the Family Practice Center in West Memphis. She touched the lives of many of her patients, including Patricia Lark, who said Allison had been her nurse at the clinic for the last 17 years. I just got sick all over again. I just couldnt believe it, said Lark. She was just the sweetest, gentlest, kindest person youd ever want to meet. West Memphis native, Philip Rodgers, also attended the prayer service. Rodgers said he and his family now do things differently, changing up their routine, following recent tragedies. My wife went to an event over in Memphis Monday night and I would usually let her go by herself, but I went with her this time, Rodgers said. Its too dangerous now for a woman to be out by herself. It seems to be getting worse and worse, faster. A community is now left hurting, hoping that turning to a higher power and working together will solve a bigger issue of habitual violence and a spike in crime. Im calling out faith-based communities, said McClendon. We must come outside the building and bring that message into the streets. People are dying because of a lack of knowledge. Story continues McClendon said he is now pursuing a collab effort between nearby states to put a dent in spiking crime rates and murders. Im now pursuing a new Mid-South collaboration where Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi communicate and share information because our crimes are their crimes, and their crimes are definitely our crimes, the mayor said. Download the FOX13 Memphis app to receive alerts from breaking news in your neighborhood. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD Trending stories: Nearly two weeks after the fatal police shooting of Donovan Lewis, members of his family are preparing for his funeral Saturday as the investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Investigation continues into his death. Lewis, 20, was fatally shot early Aug. 30 while Columbus K-9 officer Ricky Anderson and several other officers were trying to arrest him on multiple felony and misdemeanor warrants. Why was Donovan Lewis wanted by police? Police obtained multiple warrants for Lewis, who was wanted on a felony charge of improper handling of a firearm, a misdemeanor probation violation and misdemeanor charges filed in connection with an Aug. 10 domestic violence and assault incident involving Lewis' girlfriend, court records show. Donovan Lewis:What we know What led to the shooting? Police body camera video shows Lewis did not respond to officers at the door of Lewis' apartment on Sullivant Avenue, who arrived shortly after 2 a.m. and were knocking for eight to 10 minutes and identifying themselves as police. One of two other young men in the apartment finally answered. Those two men, who have not been identified or charged, were detained in handcuffs outside the second-floor apartment at the three-story building on the 3200 block of Sullivant. Donovan Lewis Full video: Columbus police body camera footage of Donovan Lewis shooting Police, including a K-9 and his handler, Anderson, a 30-year veteran, went into the apartment. Police warn that they will release the dog, but Anderson leashes the K-9 as he and another officer approach the closed bedroom door where Lewis is inside. Anderson opened the bedroom door as the other officer yelled "Hands." Within a second of the door opening, Anderson leans into the doorway opening and shoots Lewis, who was sitting up in bed with what Police Chief Elaine Bryant said later turned out to be a vape pen in his left hand. Lewis was handcuffed, patted down and carried out of the apartment and downstairs to a grass area outside. Story continues After Lewis was carried from the apartment, officers rendered medical aid by applying what appears to be a trauma bandage and performing CPR. Medics, who did not immediately respond despite being told three times to go straight into the scene, arrive several minutes later and took Lewis to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, where he died at 3:19 a.m. Did Lewis have a gun? A search warrant return filed by Columbus police in Franklin County Municipal Court on Wednesday shows what was collected as evidence from Lewis' second-floor apartment. The return warrant shows no firearm was found in the apartment. While the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is the lead agency investigating the shooting, Columbus police obtained the search warrant on their behalf. The document requested that BCI agents be able to execute the search warrant. The search warrant return shows that two items were collected by BCI at the apartment that morning. One item is the black vape pen that is seen on the body camera footage. The other is Anderson's spent cartridge casing that was found on the floor in the doorway to the bedroom from where the officer fired. What does the family say? In new body camera footage from after the shooting released on Thursday by Columbus police, Lewis' mother, Rebecca Duran, is seen speaking with a sergeant who is at the scene of the shooting. Duran tells the sergeant that she received a call from Lewis' girlfriend, who had gotten called by police to alert her that a shooting had taken place. Duran asks to know what hospital Lewis was taken to and does not yet know that he has died. In speaking with the sergeant, Duran said her son is "mentally ill" and that she "knows that's always the story." She said she had "begged" prosecutors for help for her son for years. Previous coverage: Family's lawyer Rex Elliott criticizes Columbus officer Duran said Thursday at a press conference called by Lewis' family and their legal team outside Columbus City Hall that she had sought help from counselors, psychiatrists and others for the majority of his life because of issues she as a mother had recognized in her child. "He was special and different and had good and bad days," Duran said. "People thought it was a discipline issue and not a mental health situation." Before a crowd of more than 150 demonstrators gathered last Friday to protest Lewis' death outside the Columbus Division of Police headquarters Downtown, Lewis' parents publicly spoke for the first time about him. "He was so sweet and so kind, even when someone disrespected him and there was a situation," said Daryl Lewis, Donovan's father, who is black. "He was so forgiving he would forget about it and still come to you and show you love." Duran, who is white, said her son loved music. A song his family said he created was played at one intersection as demonstrators marched through Downtown on Sept. 2, the first of three days of demonstrations. When is the funeral for Lewis? Lewis' funeral will be held Saturday at noon at Christian Valley Baptist Church at 3330 Scottwood Road on Columbus' East Side. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. with the service beginning at noon. Seating is limited. What's next? The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is investigating the shooting of Lewis and a nonfatal police shooting of a 17-year-old male, one of two armed passengers who jumped out of a car during a traffic stop around 3:30 p.m. Aug. 27 at the intersection of East Main Street and Seymour Avenue. The other male was arrested after a foot pursuit. Read more: Demonstrators march to OSU campus in protest against fatal police shooting Those investigations are likely to take several months to complete while they await the results of Lewis' autopsy, which will include toxicology tests. Once finished, BCI will turn its findings over to the Franklin County Prosecutors office, which will take the cases before a grand jury to consider whether any charges should be filed. Tthe Columbus Civilian Police Review Board unanimously passed a motion Tuesday directing Columbus Inspector General Jacqueline Hendricks to investigate the fatal police shooting of Lewis and two other Columbus police shootings that took place in an eight-day span, Aug. 22-30, whether or not a complaint has been filed. Besides the shooting of Lewis and the nonfatal shooting of the 17-year-old, the third police shooting incident involves a gunshot fired by an officer Aug. 22 at suspects who fled while police responded to a report of a group of armed men at the Wedgewood Apartments in the Hilltop. No one was hit, so BCI passed on that investigation, which is being conducted internally by Columbus police. The inspector generals office will wait until the criminal investigations into those incidents are completed before opening administrative misconduct investigations. Donovan Lewis shooting: Columbus officials call for peace, highlight reforms in Urban League forum Per a charter amendment voters approved in November 2020, the inspector general is tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct against Columbus police officers and making recommendations to the Civilian Police Review Board. The volunteer board then decides whether to pass recommendations including recommendations about discipline on to the citys public safety director or police chief. @Colebehr_report Cbehrens@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: The fatal police shooting of Donovan Lewis: What we know now One of the men charged in the killing of James Whitey Bulger inside a West Virginia prison said in an exclusive jailhouse interview that all the inmates in his unit knew in advance that the notorious gangster was being moved there. Bulger, 89, was found beaten to death less than 12 hours after he was placed in his cell at the USP Hazelton federal prison, one of the most violent penitentiaries in the country. Everybody knew he was coming, Sean McKinnon told NBC News in a phone call from a Florida jail. McKinnon, 36, is accused of acting as a lookout while two other inmates rushed into Bulgers cell and beat him with a lock on the morning of Oct. 30, 2018. At a detention hearing last month, prosecutors said McKinnon told his mother in a recorded phone call before Bulger was moved to the prison that the Boston mobster was set to arrive there, suggesting he had inside information that played a role in the killing. McKinnon told NBC News that Bulgers impending arrival at USP Hazelton was an open secret in his housing unit. James I heard it from another inmate not even one of the guys from Massachusetts, he said. It wasnt like I got this secret news. I was just a little fish in the sea. The federal Bureau of Prisons has received sharp criticism for its decision to place Bulger in the general population of a penitentiary where two inmates had been killed in the previous six months. It remains unclear why an inmate like Bulger, an elderly, former FBI informant, was moved to a prison like USP Hazelton. What did they think was going to happen? said Jack Donson, a retired Bureau of Prisons official who spent most of his 23 years at the agency screening inmates set to enter the federal prison in Otisville, New York. There was a breakdown at every level. A spokesman for the Bureau of Prisons declined comment. Prosecutors say two men, Fotios Freddy Geas, 55, and Paul J. DeCologero, 48, killed Bulger minutes after all the cell doors on their unit were unlocked ahead of breakfast. Story continues Geas and DeCologero were both involved in organized crime in Massachusetts. Geas, a mafia hitman, was serving a life sentence for murder. DeCologero was serving a 25-year sentence after being convicted of racketeering and witness-tampering. McKinnon was from New Hampshire and had no known affiliation with organized crime, according to local authorities. He was in prison for stealing guns from a firearms store and selling them in exchange for drugs, and he was locked up in the same cell as Geas. Fotios Freddy Geas (Don Treeger / The Republican via AP) Once the unit's doors opened at 6 a.m., DeCologero went into the cell shared by Geas and McKinnon, according to prosecutors. The three men walked out a few minutes later, with Geas and DeCologero heading straight into Bulgers cell. It took them only seven minutes to murder the once-feared crime boss and leave his cell, prosecutors said. During that time, McKinnon was sitting at a table that provided him a view of Bulgers cell and the guard station, according to prosecutors. In his interview with NBC News, McKinnon said he was in fact sitting among a group of other inmates watching television. There were 10 other guys there with me, he said. McKinnon professed his innocence and said he believes hes been targeted in a witch hunt. Im an innocent man caught up in the wrong stuff, he said. A spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, which is handling the case, declined to comment. Bulger was moved to the West Virginia penitentiary from a prison in central Florida known as a safe haven for government witnesses and others likely to be targeted by fellow inmates. He was almost 90 years old with a history of heart problems and high blood pressure, and he needed a wheelchair to move around. According to prison records, he was designated to be transferred after he threatened a nurse. But he only arrived at Hazelton USP after someone had inexplicably changed his medical classification to a level that indicated he was in relatively good health, the records show. Bulger was wheeled into his cell after 8:30 p.m. on the night of Oct. 29. 2018. He was found dead the following morning at 8:07 a.m., prosecutors said. Nearly four years after the killing, Geas, DeCologero and McKinnon were charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Geas and DeCologero were hit with additional charges: aiding and abetting first-degree murder, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. McKinnon was also charged with making false statements to a federal agent. In the interview, McKinnon said FBI agents interviewed him twice in the following years. He said he had no information to provide to them. I dont know nothing. I wasnt part of nothing. I dont know what they did that morning, he said, referring to Geas and DeCologero. McKinnon was out of prison, living and working in Florida when he was arrested in connection with Bulgers murder. He said he found out about the charges after he was tricked into showing up at the federal courthouse in Ocala. Earlier in the day, his parole officer called him on the phone and said he needed to come in to fill out some paperwork. McKinnon said he was told he could finish his shift at work. But soon after he arrived at a federal courthouse, two U.S. marshals pulled him aside and handcuffed him. It was a heartbreak, McKinnon said. I did stupid things when I was younger, he added. But Ive been trying to make up for that by living as a productive person and now its been ripped away. He said his mother set up a GoFundMe account in the hope of raising enough money to hire a private attorney. These are the worst kind of charges conspiracy, McKinnon said. Its going to be the fight of my life. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Randolph College hosted a ceremony at Wimberly Recital Hall to unveil a marker honoring former English professor Nellie Powell. This for me is now like the end of seven years of trying to get places identified, Nancy Tate, Virginia coordinator of the National Votes for Women Trail, said last week. So it's a very happy ending, very celebratory. I'm really pleased that the college embraced it this much. The historical marker was placed near the corner of Rivermont and Norfolk avenues. A crowd of nearly 40 faculty, students, staff and members of the local League of Women Voters attended the unveiling. Randolph College is one of two sites in Virginia that will be included on the National Votes for Women Trail, which seeks to tell the story of the long struggle for womens voting rights in America, according to a news release. The trail is a project of the National Collaborative for Womens History Site, which provides free roadside markers for significant suffrage sites around the country. I just think it's so exciting and special that we're one of only two places in Virginia that got a marker. And I think it's a great opportunity for people to come and learn about an aspect of history that they didn't know about before, said Jennifer Gauthier, professor of communication and co-president of the League of Women Voters of Lynchburg. Powell and her students formed an Equal Suffrage League Chapter at the college in 1913. She served on the Randolph-Macon Woman's College Suffrage League Board of Directors and was the faculty advisor to the student suffragettes. She frequently lectured about the suffrages in Lynchburg and marched in Washington, D.C., to the Capitol in 1913 to deliver a petition on the behalf of the 48 states according to Ted Delaney, director of the Lynchburg Museum System. Under Powells leadership, the college often hosted Suffrage Schools in its classrooms during the summertime. Women of all ages learned about citizenship, civics and contemporary political issues such as the Great War in Europe now known as World War I and child labor issues in this country. Delaney said in his remarks to the audience that one reason Lynchburg was a center of activity in the women's suffrage movement in Virginia was Randolph-Macon Womans college, the predecessor to Randolph College. The campus was home to the only other suffrage organization in the city, founded by Elizabeth Lewis, according to Delaney. The local chapter was founded in the fall of 1913 and its membership peaked at one point with 130 women. Randolph College sophomore Reese Copper said the event was inspiring. I wasn't really educated on how the college was back then, and so hearing how involved they were and how much they really were part of the change, is really inspiring for us, Cooper said. Randolph College student Alissa Gracia-Cruz didnt know anything specifically about Nellie Powell. It was definitely very eye-opening and just a historical event to witness, Garcia-Cruz said. And just a good experience in order to see our campus come together for a great cause that has historically impacted us. The 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave the constitutional right for women to vote, was in 2020. Tate said because of that, a lot of groups around the country decided they should do something. The National Collaborative for Womens History Sites created the trail often in the form of an online map. However, Tate said the group asked someone in every state to be the coordinator to look for sites that had been important somehow in womens suffrage. In this case, one of the things that was different about this [Lynchburg] was that it was at a college, because there were college chapters of suffragettes, but that's not very well known. So that was a different part of the story, Tate said. Overall, Tate said it makes her happy to see all those who attended the event and said there's a lot of inspiration in this story. You know, I just think it's very inspiring that anybody, as an individual, can decide to make a difference. And that's what I want people to know, Tate said. It's not just about history. It's about how you can see other human beings like you who stood up and did something. Richard Stehly served the community with the Council Bluffs Police Department for decades, and now in semi-retirement he finds himself serving in a different capacity. Stehly grew up in St. Louis. He attended John F. Kennedy High School there, graduating in 1978. He then went on to St. Louis Community College, where he earned an associates degree in criminal justice. Following college, he worked around St. Louis before moving north up to Council Bluffs after getting a job with the citys police department. Stehly has been here for the past 41 years, and he worked for the Council Bluffs Police Department for 37 of them. He said he worked in several roles over the years, and no matter what capacity he was serving in, he always enjoyed being there for the citizens of Council Bluffs. He said that aside from having to work on some pretty serious crimes, Stehly loved being a part of and overseeing his community. I really enjoyed it, he said. Helping people, working with the other guys. Overall, the work was pretty interesting. Stehly retired from the department in 2018. After his time in the force, he spent a lot of time with his wife, Alice, whom he met in Council Bluffs shortly after moving to the area; however, after a year or so he said he wasnt quite ready to stop working. Thats when he became a part of the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency after the referral of a friend, and hes been there ever since. SWITA is a public transportation service meant for residents in Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby counties. Stehly said that just like with his job with the police department, hes been able to meet all sorts of people while driving them around. He said it makes every day different, and he enjoys helping out those who may not have access to transportation otherwise. Stehly has seemed to be doing well with his driving job, as hes received some accolades the past two years. In 2021, Stehly was named SWITAs Outstanding Driver of the Year. He is also the Driver of the Year Award recipient for 2022. He said there are many drivers deserving of those titles, but he is happy to be recognized. Outside of work, Stehly and his wife spend a lot time with family. They have three kids, four grandchildren and one more grandchild due in October. It will be their first granddaughter, who they are excited to meet. Until then, hell be looking forward to getting the people of southwest Iowa safely to their destination. Pottawattamie County middle and high school girls are invited to dream big during the Girl Power on Display forum on Saturday, Sept. 17. The free event will run from 10 a.m. to noon at the H.H. Red and Ruth Nelson Council Bluffs Boys & Girls Club, 815 N. 16th St. in Council Bluffs, with registration starting at 9:30 a.m. It is being offered by the American Association of University Women, Loess Hills Branch, with the help of a $1,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Western Iowa, according to branch member Mary Anne Kuhr. We want to inspire girls to reach for higher goals, said Vergarie Sanford, a branch member who led organization of the inaugural event last year. We would really like mothers of middle school and high school girls to bring them out. Girls will have an opportunity to discuss making positive life choices regarding education, training, career paths and personal success and begin to develop leadership skills, according to a press release from the Loess Hills AAUW. We think this is the perfect age group to build those skills they can take with them throughout their lives, Sanford said. Four outstanding women from different backgrounds and generations will share stories of their paths to success. Speakers will include Barbara Sanford, social worker and relaxation specialist at Mount Zion Refuge Center; Dr. Malena Rousseau, program officer at the Iowa West Foundation; DeMeria Bruce, CEO/Owner of Fulton Homes Education Center; and Viridiana Almanza, director of programming at Latino Center of the Midlands. We thought if disadvantaged girls or other girls met someone they could talk to or could see someone whos been successful in their life, it might help them to have a better school year, Kuhr said. The relaxation specialist will offer girls a way to deal with stress, whether its from challenges at school or in life. When we did this last year, the girls really love this, Kuhr said. A donut breakfast and boxed lunches will be served. Door prizes will be awarded, and each girl will receive a goodie bag. Parents are welcome to attend. AAUW is a nationwide organization of women who value education and work to contribute to a more promising future for all women and girls. For more information, email loesshillsaauw@gmail.com or go to Loess Hills AAUW on Facebook. MHS recently introduced you to the new Head Veterinarian, Dr. Farrington, who has already made a multitude of impactful changes since her arrival a few months ago. We are now thrilled to welcome Derek Rollins to the team as the Volunteer & Foster Care Coordinator. Derek joins MHS after spending time in Colorado at the Foothills Animal Shelter as a customer care representative, working closely with both the public and volunteers. He comes with a great passion for helping both animals and people and brings many exciting ideas on how to help the volunteer program flourish. He has an adopted cat at home named Kimchi and looks forward to bringing Kimchi home a furry friend to play with. I look forward to bringing forth my volunteer experience from my time at the Foothills Animal Shelter and to implement new ideas into the program at MHS, he said. I am immensely enjoying getting to know our current, dedicated volunteers and I am beyond excited to add more rock star volunteers to our roster. Volunteers are utilized in all aspects of the daily operations at Midlands Humane Society and are vital in ensuring the animals in our care stay happy and healthy while awaiting adoption. Many volunteers spend their time walking dogs, cleaning cat and dog kennels, and performing necessary general cleaning like doing dishes and laundry. For the animal people who are open to also working with people, volunteers are needed at fundraising events, offsite adoption events in the community, and can even work with the front desk to assist in facilitating adoptions. So, how do you become a volunteer? The first step will be to attend a general orientation where you will learn more about MHS and the mission of saving animals, more information on available volunteering opportunities, and get a tour of the building. To sign up for an orientation, visit the MHS website at midlandshumanesociety.org and select new volunteer under the how to help tab. Once orientation is complete and you have submitted your application, you can sign up for any of the available training sessions. When training is complete you can utilize the volunteer schedule to sign up for available shifts that work for you! MHS recommends a minimum of four volunteer hours a month to stay current with the animals and processes in the building. Volunteers make such a huge, positive impact on the animals lives and Midlands Humane Society is extremely grateful to the volunteers who dedicate their time and hearts to the furry friends being cared for every day. We thank our amazing volunteer team and look forward to continuing to grow the program with Dereks new and innovative ideas. If you have questions about volunteering, please contact Derek at drollins@midlandshumanesociety.org or 712-396-2263. MHS Pets of the Week brought to you by Tracy Hough State Farm: Hank, pictured with Derek, is a male 3-month-old domestic medium hair. When he isnt rough housing with his littermates, he enjoys taking a nice long nap. Rabbit is a 7-month-old male Beagle/Lab mix who is ready to run and play at his new home. He is a big love bug who thrives on attention and will be a great companion for his new owners. Tito is a 5-year-old male Rottweiler looking for an owner who is experienced with his breed. He is a big guy who would benefit from daily exercise to lose weight to keep him healthy. He has previously lived with children, but would prefer a home with older kids or adults only. Skippy Jon Jones is a 4-year-old male Siamese mix who is as sweet as pie and is ready to find a furever family of his own. Visit our adoptable animals on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekdays from noon to 6 p.m. at 1020 Railroad Ave. in Council Bluffs. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig honored 351 Iowa farm families with Century or Heritage farm designations at the Iowa State Fair today. The program celebrates farms that have been owned by the same families for 100 and 150 years, respectively. I always look forward to honoring our Century and Heritage farm families and hearing stories about their incredible journeys, Naig said in a press release. This event is about recognizing the legacy and resiliency of the family farms that make up the fabric of our agriculture communities. Several southwest Iowa families were among those honored during the ceremony, including five Heritage farms owned by Sandra Sorlien and the Jensen family, Underwood; the Carmichael family, Harlan; Ricky Taylor, Red Oak; the Patti Bell Wilson family, Bridgewater; and the Tanner family, Atlantic. Agriculture and Iowas farm families are the backbone of the state and an essential part of our rural communities and economy, said Brent Johnson, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. We are honored to co-sponsor the Century and Heritage farm programs celebrating multi-generational farm families that have persevered over 100 or 150 years and kept their farms in the family. The Century farm program began in 1976 as part of the Nations Bicentennial Celebration. This year, 232 Century farms and 119 Heritage farms were recognized. Photos of the recipients are available at flickr.com/photos/iowaagriculture/albums. To date, 20,773 Century farms and 1,685 Heritage farms have been recognized across the state of Iowa, according to the press release. The following southwest Iowa families were honored as Century farms: Elton Bates family, Oakland Roger and Jill Chambers family, Treynor Robert and Mary Jones, Red Oak Margaret Niemoller family, Mineola Fred Pitt family, Logan Roger and Connie Pierce family, Hancock Plagman family, Irwin Kenneth Dave and Georgia Roberts family, Dunlap LuAnn Smith family, Macedonia David and Carol Souter, Manilla Greg and Lorna Steenbock, Persia Carol Olsen family, Atlantic Pottawattamie Conservation executive director Mark Shoemaker was recently named president of the Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors. Shoemaker, who joined the Pottawattamie County conservation department as a park ranger intern in 1992, has served on the CBCVB board since 2016, and was named vice president in 2020. This is a very exciting opportunity, Shoemaker said in a press release. The CBCVB has an outstanding staff and to be able to continue to work with them in this capacity is truly an honor. The CBCVB works to grow Pottawattamie Countys visitor economy through collaborative sales and marketing, destination advocacy, and sustainable placemaking activities in order to enhance the regions quality of life, according to the bureaus website. Shoemaker, who was named Pottawattamie Conservation executive director in 1998, sees obvious crossover with his work for the county. When you talk about highlighting the great things Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County have to offer, some of that appeal starts with our natural landscape and what were able to do with conservation, he said. There are so many things in place to allow us to be leaders in tourism in the state of Iowa and across the Midwest. Shoemakers duties as CBCVB board president include chairing monthly board meetings and providing direction and assistance to staff. CBCVB executive director Mark Eckman said Shoemaker displays passion and offers a wealth of experience. As a board member, Mark has helped lead the CBCVB as it has achieved its most significant accomplishments, Eckman said in the press release. These include the purchase of its office building, being designated as an Iowa Welcome Center, and receiving seven Iowa Tourism Awards during the past six years. Shoemaker was named president during the Aug. 25 CBCVB board meeting. He said his primary goal is to keep things moving in a positive direction. I just want to see us continue to grow and compete with CVBs across the state, Shoemaker said. The board and staff are already making that a reality, but continuing to market Council Bluffs by attracting high quality and meaningful events to the area is important. For more information on the Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau visit UNleashCB.com. To learn more about Pottawattamie County Conservation visit PottConservation.com. Kim Reynolds first campaign ad of the 2022 cycle was published Thursday. The 30-second ad from the Republican incumbent governor has a theme that Reynolds has stressed when speaking at campaign events: her belief that Iowa state government is doing all the right things while the federal government is doing all the wrong things. Iowas state lawmaking process is under full Republican control, while Democrats are in full control of the federal lawmaking process. Reynolds, who has been Iowas governor since 2017, is being challenged by Democrat Deidre DeJear, a businesswoman from Des Moines and 2018 candidate for Iowa Secretary of State. Iowa Libertarian Party candidate Rick Stewart is also on the ballot in the gubernatorial campaign. Reynolds first campaign ad of 2022 contrasts the failures of Joe Biden and the Democrats in Washington, D.C., with the success story happening in Iowa under the leadership of Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, according to a news release from Reynolds campaign. The ad will run statewide on cable, broadcast, online and digital platforms, Reynolds campaign said. FARM BUREAU ENDORSES NUNN: Add Zach Nunn, the Republican candidate in Iowas 3rd Congressional District, to the list of those receiving the endorsement of the Iowa Farm Bureaus political arm. The Republican Party of Iowa announced the Farm Bureaus endorsement of Nunn. Nunn is challenging Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne. With one in every five Iowans employed in agriculture and ag-related industries, we must elect Friend of Agriculture candidates who will continue to be champions for agriculture and the hardworking Iowa families who make their living feeding and fueling the world, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation PAC chair Kriss Haglund said in an Iowa GOP news release. Gazette Des Moines Bureau This weekend I unwittingly stepped onto a board with a nail sticking up. The nail went through the sole of my tennis shoe and into my foot and then was pulled out all in less than two seconds. I didnt take off my shoe to look at the damages, but I knew one thing: I was going to need a tetan Namibia and Equatorial Guinea are looking to strengthen energy ties and specifically focusing on LNG development and knowledge-sharing opportunities. A high-level delegation led by Namibias Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, visited regional gas leader, Equatorial Guinea, earlier this week aimed at strengthening energy ties and expanding dialogue between the two nations. A series of bilateral meetings, collaborative discussions and site visits are expected to pave the way for further cooperation between Namibia and Equatorial Guinea. Specifically the delegations site visit to Equatorial Guineas Punta Europa Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) complex has provided it with insights into facility operations, challenges and successes. Having made two sizable oil and gas discoveries this year, Namibia is very much interested in learning firsthand how the facility operates, while Equatorial Guinea is keen to share its best practices regarding gas monetization in Africa. Therefore, bilateral meetings discussed specifically the role national oil companies play in driving oil and gas developments in Africa, the training and development of nationals and the role gas plays in boosting the local and regional economies. In May 2007, EG LNGs first cargo was delivered, making it one of the fastest LNG projects in terms of the timeline it took from final investment decision to first cargo and Namibias Minister Alweendo is hoping to replicate the projects development. Hoping to mirror this success, a group of Namibian engineers will stay on in Equatorial Guinea for the next four months, training and working closely with Equatorial Guinean nationals. Senegalese President Macky Sall has pledged not to transgress democracy amid heated debate about a possibility of a third term in office. Ive never answered that question in my country, and Im not going to do it abroad, Sall told Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Rotterdam conference on climate change, when asked about his plans to run for a third mandate. I am not someone who seeks to deviate from democracy, he added. The Western African country, one time known as a beacon of democracy in the region, has been rocked recently by protests caused suggestions that the incumbent leader may seek another term in office meaning a change of the constitution. Next presidential elections are expected in 2024 and domestic political atmosphere has been dominated by rejection of the opposition of Salls alleged plans to alter the constitution to seek other five years in office. Sixty-year-old Sall, was elected in 2012 for seven years then re-elected in 2019 for another five. His coalition has lost its absolute majority in parliament by a single seat, despite finishing first by a narrow margin in July legislative polls. The Algerian regimes attempts to use the Arab League Summit to serve its own agenda have been crushed on the bulwark of solid vigilance of Arab states. Now, Algerias sole hope is to be able to hold the summit per se, to be able to use the event as a propaganda element to cover its series of foreign policy failures. At first, President Tebboune had promised to hold the summit in March 2021 with the participation of Syria. He said a landmark agreement will be reached between Palestinian factions at the event and hinted at including the Sahara issue. The summit hence never took place and was postponed twice as Arab states notably in the GCC reject the participation of the Syrian bloody-regime, while Egypt looks with suspicion at Algeria punshing above its weight by entering into an uncharted territory of inter-Palestinian negotiations. Algeria which boasts to offer a venue to unite Arabs has severed ties with its immediate neighbor Morocco and banned its flights from crossing its airspace in addition to waging a propaganda and warmongering campaign that puts it in contradiction with its rhetoric. Few days before begging Arab states to attend the summit in Algiers on Nov 1-2, Algerias chief propagandist Ammar Bellani continued his diatribes against the Kingdom of Morocco accusing it of foiling previous Arab summits. Ironically, at the same time, Algeria was sending emissaries to Arab capitals to invite Arab heads of state to attend the summit. Algerias justice minister is expected in Morocco to hand in an invitation. Algeria has in fact isolated itself in its Arab environment due to its hostile and childish diplomacy towards Morocco. Would Morocco accept the invitation? And on what terms? The Dominican Republic has reaffirmed support to the Morocco-proposed autonomy plan for the Sahara. This came during the constituent general assembly of the Moroccan Association of Friendship with the Dominican Republic (AMARD) held this week in Rabat. The ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Morocco, Amaury Justo Duarte, who hosted the AMARD constituent assembly, explained that his country considers that the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco for the population of its southern provinces, remains the only fair, credible and timely solution to the dispute over the Sahara. We take this opportunity to inform that our country has supported the position of Morocco on the autonomy of the Sahara, in the sense that it is the only fair, credible and timely solution within the legal framework of the United Nations, said the ambassador. Spain has already adopted this position and we have immediately supported it, recalled the diplomat, considering that the act of establishing a Moroccan Association of Friendship with the Dominican Republic, is an ideal opportunity to announce and reaffirm this support. The creation of the AMARD, whose constitutive assembly took place at the residence of the Dominican ambassador, is an initiative that will strengthen the political, economic and cultural ties between our two brotherly peoples, said the diplomat, adding that steps are being taken in Santo Domingo to create a similar association. AMARD will seek to contribute to the growth of diplomatic and fraternal relations between the two countries, to bring together personalities from different sectors to collaborate on a common goal and to promote cooperation in many areas, the diplomat Justo Duarte said. Morocco is among the countries that meet requirements of fiscal transparency, the US Department of State pointed out in a report released on Friday. The Department concluded that of the 141 countries (and the Palestinian Authority) evaluated, the governments of 72 countries met minimum requirements of fiscal transparency in 2021, including Morocco. Fiscal transparency informs citizens how government and tax revenues are spent and is a critical element of effective public financial management. Transparency provides citizens a window into government budgets and those citizens, in turn, hold governments accountable, the US Department of State underlined. For this report, the minimum requirements of fiscal transparency include having key budget documents that are publicly available, substantially complete, and generally reliable. The review includes an assessment of the transparency of processes for awarding government contracts and licenses for natural resource extraction. Fiscal transparency is a critical element of effective public financial management, helps build market confidence, and underpins economic sustainability. Owners of three homes in different parts of North Platte are again facing a gross 2022 property tax increase after this past weeks first budget decisions by local governments serving them. This installment of The Telegraphs annual look at how property tax bills are assembled adds in the impacts of 2022-23 budget votes by the North Platte City Council and the boards of the Lincoln County Agricultural Society and the Twin Platte Natural Resources District. Two more puzzle pieces will be placed this coming week, when the boards of Educational Service Unit 16 and the Mid-Plains Community College Area hold budget hearings and votes on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. Our three sample homes are spread out across North Plattes historic footprint between its two Platte River branches. Home 1 sits north of the Union Pacific tracks; Home 2 sits south of the tracks near Westfield Shopping Center; and Home 3 sits southwest of Home 2 but still north of the South Platte River. The Telegraphs projections of their gross tax bills before state tax credits are applied maintains last years tax and valuation figures until each is updated in turn by local governments. All three homes saw their 2022 taxable values rise in June, which would have guaranteed their owners a higher net tax bill if no other 2021 figures changed. Their valuations, however, went up at different rates for the first time in five years. The Lincoln County Assessors Office imposed across-the-board increases of 7% north of the U.P. tracks and 4% south of the tracks, both triggered by a state law requiring residential valuations to be 92% to 100% of actual value. The countys Aug. 22 release of local governments total taxable values all of which grew canceled out most or all of the relative impact of the three homeowners June valuation boosts. However, the north-side Home 1 was still looking at a projected gross tax increase even after individual and total taxable values were finalized. A tax-tracker story in The Telegraphs Aug. 22 print edition incorrectly reported otherwise due to a calculation error. With Tuesdays and Thursdays budget votes by the council, fair board and NRD board, all three homes again are facing higher gross tax bills though just barely for the other two. NRD board members left their tax request unchanged from 2021-22, while the Ag Society board and City Council included higher tax requests in their new budgets. The council wont finalize its request until Oct. 4. Heres how The Telegraphs projected tax bills shake out at this stage: Home 1, which saw its 2022 taxable value rise from $109,950 to $117,647, currently faces a $66.57 total increase if no other tax requests change. The home has 1 stories, three bedrooms and a basement. Home 2, the Westfield-area home, at the moment would face only a $1.52 combined tax increase. The single-story, two-bedroom home with no basement saw its valuation grow from $105,325 to $109,538. Home 3, which has two stories and four bedrooms but no basement, now shows a projected net tax increase of $4.11. Its taxable value, the highest of the three homes, grew from $285,720 to $297,149. Next weeks ESU 16 and Mid-Plains budget decisions will leave budget season unfinished for three local governments: the North Platte Airport Authority, Lincoln County and the North Platte Public Schools. All three are planning budget votes in the last week before the Sept. 30 deadline to submit finalized budgets to State Auditor Charlie Janssens office. Those votes, and the ones this coming week, will decide whether the three homes gross tax bills will end up higher or lower than in 2021. County boards must ratify final 2022 property tax rates by Oct. 20. The total tax bills they yield, however, will be reduced directly by a state property tax credit and indirectly by two credits available early next year on Nebraskans 2022 income tax bills. Spoon and Interpol brought their "Lights, Camera, Factions" tour to the TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park on Thursday, Sept. 8. Note: Follow along with the photo captions for a full recap of the show. Jeffrey Everett NUVO Photo Contributor Follow Jeffrey Everett 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 About 30 local runners gathered early Monday in downtown Auburn to finish Eliza Fletchers run. Fletcher, 34, a teacher and mother of two from Memphis, was abducted and killed while on a run just after 4 a.m. on Sept. 2. Her body was found on Monday in a vacant lot in Memphis several miles from where she was last seen. The hashtag #runforliza spread across the country, and running communities in 20 different states held runs for Eliza on Friday. Preston Henry, 34, of Auburn, met Fletcher several times through a mutual friend who also lives in Memphis. She decided to reach out to Mari Wilkes, a member of the Auburn-Opelika Running and Track Association, to see if they could hold a run for Eliza here in Auburn. I just wanted to honor her, and Im a runner and a teacher and a mom so it hit close to home just because I can relate to all of her roles in life, Henry said. I run early a lot and just cant imagine what her family is going through. I just wanted to support her and support her friends and family. Henry has been a runner since she was a teenager and is currently a first grade teacher at Auburn Early Education Center. With the help of Wilkes and Clement Tanaka, the race manager of Auburn Opelika Running & Track Association, they were able to organize the run. Wilkes was able to get everything together and get the word out on Wednesday, and Tanaka mapped out the route for the event. It started at Auburn United Methodist Church. One family from the Memphis area, in town visiting their daughter who attends Auburn University, came out to run as well. The group had a 34-second moment of silence, one second for each year of Fletchers life, and started the group run around 4:30 a.m. Runners chose to run 1, 2, 3 or 5 miles. Henry and Wilkes each ran 5 miles for Fletcher. Wilkes, 40, of Auburn, has been a runner for about 10 years. As a runner, Wilkes and six of her friends go for early-morning runs together, and she said that safety is always on their minds. I think Eliza Fletchers run just kind of hit us all a little bit differently because it could have been any of us, Wilkes said. There have been times where all of us individually have had to run by ourselves that early in the morning. Wilkes said Fletcher was in the middle of her usual 10-mile run, which was close to her home and probably a route shed taken countless times before. According to a 2021 survey of more than 2,000 runners by Runners World magazine, 60 percent of women said they had been harassed when running, 25 percent reported being regularly subjected to sexist comments or unwanted sexual advances, and six percent said they had felt threatened to such an extent by harassment while running that they feared for their lives. In a time in the world where things are dark and heavy, there is light, and to see all of these different, big cities and small towns across the country that came together to run in her honor is really amazing, Henry said. Henry described Friday morning as touching, as people who didnt know Fletcher personally came out to honor her and finish the run for her. It was just cool to see our little community show up and support a bigger cause, Henry said. It was a very emotional experience, Wilkes said. It was just a way for us as runners to emotionally connect with her as a runner, her family and her running friends and all that they are having to go through. Chambers County Sheriffs deputies gathered at the East Alabama Medical Center several weeks ago to celebrate the birth of Gianna, the daughter of fallen deputy JMar Abel and his fiancee Jasmine Gaddist. On Aug. 26, deputies, family members, friends and hospital staff lined the hallways from the room all the way to the parking lot as Gaddist and Gianna were wheeled out of the hospital, Everyone started clapping, and on the drive home Gaddist and Gianna received a police escort from all the deputies who came. Gaddist said she was surprised by all of the love and support. It was really bittersweet, she said. I got really emotional when I saw everything and saw everybody lined up, even the car ride home. It felt good because I felt like it honored him in a way that it was just amazing. I knew that he was probably smiling down at that moment because it was beautiful. Abel, a 24-year-old Chambers County deputy, was killed in the line of duty while engaged in a car chase pursuing a suspect on June 20. During the chase, Abels car overturned after he left the road at a sharp turn and struck a ditch, according to police. Bystanders helped get Abel out of the car and performed CPR. He was then taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries. The suspect was stopped near the Georgia state line. Three days before the car crash, Abel had the opportunity to see his unborn daughters face through a 4D ultrasound for the first time, after two previous tries. The morning of June 20, Abel and Gaddist admired the images at breakfast and laughed about how Gianna already looked so much like her father. Bittersweet Weeks before going into labor, Gaddist said the Chambers County deputies held a baby shower for her, and she asked Sgt. Derick Wright, who trained Abel, to be Giannas godfather. They were very close. They were just like brothers, Gaddist said of Wright and Abel. JMar would come home and tell me stories or tell me what they did. They really bonded. Wright, 42, from Lanett, has been with the sheriffs office for almost 10 years and is a sergeant in the patrol division. When Abel left his position at the jail to become a deputy, he was assigned to Wright for field training. Me and him, we shared a car for the better part of five months before he went to the academy, Wright said. On the day of the car crash, Wright was also involved in the pursuit and was responsible for deploying the spikes to stop the suspects vehicle at the Georgia state line. When dispatchers notified Wright that one of the county units had been in an accident, he did a headcount and realized Abel was missing. He traveled back down the road, rounded a corner and saw the smoke and three civilians doing chest compressions on Abel. Since the crash, Wright has become close with Gaddist and her family and even went with Major TJ Wood to drop Gaddists 4-year-old son, Bryson, off on his first day of school. Wright met Gaddist and her family for dinner at Cracker Barrel one night where he was presented with a gift, a card that said Will you be my godfather? and a shirt that said, Promoted to godfather. He said he was holding back tears. Its hard to describe it. It was very special, he said. I was very honored that they did that, and I was glad I was able to be a part of their lives. Wood, 42, of Valley, has been with the Chambers County Sheriffs Office for 20 years and was one of Abels supervisors. He was a one-in-a-million kind of guy, Wood said. He was definitely happy-go-lucky He was one that you can depend on, and he is definitely the one that you look for when you look to hire in law enforcement. He checked all the boxes. Like Wright, Wood has become close with Abels family, and both men were at the hospital at the time of Giannas birth. It was amazing, because it was like being there for my actual sister, Wood said. Gianna was born on Aug. 24 and was welcomed into the world by her grandparents and her fathers aunt and grandmother. Two days later, she was welcomed by the law enforcement community. Gaddist said she was not expecting the parade of people when she was leaving the hospital. Every corner I turned, every hallway I went down, it was people lined up, she said. Some had signs, they clapped and a lot of people whispered congratulations and said how beautiful she was. Wood isnt sure how many deputies came to the hospital, but he said that during the drive home he was the seventh car in line, and the cars stretched back behind him as far as he could see. It was amazing to watch how Auburn, Opelika and Lee County came together and just gave her the support and gave our department the support that they did, Wood said. Words really cant explain it. I dont even know how to explain the feeling that I had when I walked out there and saw it myself. When you have grown men trying to hold tears back, that says a lot. SPONSORED The Fundamentals of Fall Protection for Workers at the Edge For many industrial employees, working at height is a regular part of the job. A worker can experience a fall in the blink of an eye, caused by a momentary lapse in concentration, misplaced footing, reaction to an unexpectedly loud noise, slipping or simply loss of balance. Falls are the second leading cause of workplace fatalities. But they dont have to be. There is a lot that can be done to prevent falls, and it all comes down to understanding the fundamentals of fall protection. While there has been progress in recent years, falls from height remain a common cause of injury and death in industries such as oil and gas, construction, civil engineering, maintenance, scaffolding and utilities. Examples of when a worker may experience a fall include construction workers moving around a flat roof or a scaffolder putting platforms in place on the side of a building. No matter the environment, the safety of workers at height depends upon a process of rigorous risk assessments and detailed planning, followed by the application of best practice techniques and, of course, sourcing and using PPE that complies with the necessary standards. Conducting a Comprehensive Fall Risk Assessment All projects require planning, and planning for jobs that may require work from heights must begin with a risk assessment. At the outset of a project, the first step to mitigate risks is to identify foreseeable hazards and help to eliminate them. After all, the most effective remedy is avoiding work near edges wherever possible. However, for many jobs, this is unavoidable. In these instances, control measures need to be implemented and regularly reviewed to maintain a healthy and safe work environment. Identifying fall hazards requires locating all places and tasks where falls might occur. Spaces that typically need extra attention include: Structures being constructed or installed, demolished or dismantled, inspected, repaired or cleaned Fragile surfaces such as rusty metal roofs and skylights Potentially unstable surfaces Elevated work platforms or portable ladders Sloping or slippery surfaces such as glazed tiles Unprotected open edges Holes or pits This article originally appeared in the September 1, 2022 issue of Occupational Health & Safety. Todays emergency meeting is just the latest of many efforts the EU has made to quash economic upheaval due to industry shutdowns, and to prevent protests due to skyrocketing energy prices. According to the WSJ, the electricity rationing plan appears to have support from many member states. A meeting of EU energy ministers on Friday has suggested that each EU country implement strategies to reduce overall electricity consumption by a minimum of 10 percent, the Wall Street Journal has reported. The EU should also reduce electricity by at least 5% during peak price hours, according to a draft document seen by the WSJ. The EU asked its members earlier this summer to reduce gas consumption by 15% starting this fall and running through the winter. While initially a request, it left the door open for it to become mandatory should the need arise. The 15% gas cut framework could also be applied to todays plan to cut electricity usage by 10%, the ministers said on Friday. According to the WSJ, the electricity rationing plan appears to have support from many member states. The emergency EU energy minister meeting was held on Friday to discuss skyrocketing consumer energy bills and a price cap on Russian natural gas. The meeting concluded without a concrete plan, with the group stating that more work needed to be done. Proposals for potentially capping the price of Russian gasa controversial measure that critics claim will be ineffectiveare due mid-September. Russia, for its part, has vowed to withhold gas exports to countries engaged in price capping, threatening to let Europe freeze if it runs contrary to Russias interests. Nevertheless, the EU seems determined to show its resolve on the matter to find a solution to restricting Russias oil and gas revenues. Todays emergency meeting is just the latest of many efforts the EU has made to quash economic upheaval due to industry shutdowns, and to prevent protests due to skyrocketing energy prices. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: On November 12, 2021, at the eighth (and final) summit of the Turkic Council in Istanbul, Turkey, the groups name was changed to the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and Turkmenistan was admitted as an observer state (Turkkon.org, accessed July 20). Simultaneously, the document View of the Turkish World 2040 was ratified (President.az, November 12, 2021). The current situation implies that the OTS is particularly interested in multilateral cooperation in all spheres, especially on economic, education and cultural considerations, as well as building confidence regarding regional cooperation issues (Az.trend.az, July 3; Turkkon.org, July 31). To promote economic integration and adequately respond to global shocks, the OTS is fostering collaboration in various directions, including trade, energy, transport and logistics, cybersecurity, agriculture, tourism, law and order, the formation of platforms for overcoming modern challenges and cultural relations (Azertag.az, May 14, 24, 27, July 1; Apa.az, June 30). Several recent examples have illustrated these efforts. First, some of OTSs work and projects regarding internal economic integration and cooperation are of great importance for the development and strengthening of trade and economic relations between Europe and Asia. At the eighth meeting of the heads of the OTSs Customs Service in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, discussions focused on the creation of a simplified customs corridor aimed at increasing the efficiency of transportation, optimizing the passage of goods through border control, developing transport and logistics system, as well as facilitating and ensuring the security of these processes (Az.trend.az, June 11). Second, at the ad hoc meeting of responsible information technology ministers from the organizations member countries in Baku, Azerbaijan, proposals were put forward to increase regional collaboration on cybersecurity. Integration will be done both in multilateral and bilateral formats, in connection with the recognition of electronic signatures (Azertag.az, May 27). Third, at the OTSs agribusiness forum in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the possibility of expanding cooperation between member countries via the implementation of joint projects was discussed, particularly in agricultural education, technology transfer, as well as plant and animal health (Agro.gov.az, July 4). At the first meeting of the Organization of Turkic States on Human Resources, convened in Istanbul on July 2829, the member countries agreed on several measures that will be executed jointly, including the formation of thematic working groups, experience-sharing programs and the launch of a comprehensive training program for bureaucrats of OTS member and observer states (Turkkon.org, July 31). Beyond regional influence, the organization pursues expanding relations on an international scale and cooperates with global entities such as the World Health Organization, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and United Nations Development Programme, among others (Turkkon.org, July 20). The representation of Hungary in the organization is expected to play a special role in developing relations with European countries and continental organizations in this regard (President.az, October 15, 2019). It is not a coincidence that, last year, Hungary proposed convening a joint summit of the OTS and Visegrad Group (V4) heads of state during Budapests rotational V4 presidency (see EDM, November 17, 2021). Related: Xi To Meet Putin In Uzbekistan In First Overseas Trip Since Start Of Pandemic Currently, the OTS is becoming more and more attractive, and various countries are eager to either join it or participate in its activities as observers (President.az, November 12, 2021). As of the end of July 2022, 15 countries have declared interest in joining the organization as observers (Turkkon.org, July 31). Several reasons underline this fact. OTS member countries possess rich natural resources, modern infrastructure, energy resources and logistics arteries toward the European Union and China. Additionally, the organization has not been confronted with any competitive third parties from a political point of view. In terms of relations among OTS members, bilateral relations are of critical importance. In this light, particular attention is paid to the development of transportation routes and energy corridors passing through the Caspian Sea from Central Asia. From this perspective, large infrastructure investments have been made in these countries, and such investment projects are expanding (Azertag.az, June 29). Thus, the opportunity has presented itself to turn all roads, including the Trans-Caspian East-West-Middle Corridor through the Caspian Sea, into the main arteries for the region, mirrored by the global export routes of Central Asias energy resources (President.az, November 12, 2021). As a continuation of this policy, on June 27, the first tripartite meeting of the foreign and transport ministers from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkey was held in Baku. This format is planned to become an effective mechanism in strengthening security, stability and cooperation, both regionally and in a broader sense (Apa.az, June 27). Therefore, the OTSs main objectives include creating favorable conditions for regional trade relations and investments; striving for comprehensive and balanced economic, social and cultural development; expanding mutual relations in science, technology, education and culture; and contributing in a significant manner to the regions peace and security. However, the organization does not limit itself to purely working within the framework of its member states. The OTS regularly cooperates with neighboring states and organizations. Currently, as threats to global security, stability and economic development are increasing, strengthening cooperation in the transport, energy and economic sectors will be crucial for preventing and reducing the risks and challenges of the wider Eurasia region. It is therefore no coincidence that the expert community evaluates the OTS as a new geopolitical reality in the Eurasian space. By The Jamestown Foundation More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways from August to September as the index rose 1.13%. Copper prices remain steady. Copper prices began to slide at the beginning of September. After they caught a temporary bounce in late summer, prices began to break through short-term lows, which indicates potential for further price declines. Markets remain highly volatile amid competing macro economic pressures. Energy Crisis Threatens Europes Metal Sector Although energy-intensive metals like aluminum and zinc production remain most at risk from soaring energy prices in Europe, the gravity of the crisis appears capable of threatening the continents entire metal industry. According to Guy Thiran, Director General of the European non-ferrous metals trade association Eurometaux, European metal producers are already preparing for a life-or-death winter. Thiran went on to say, any further reduction of European metals production risks being permanent, threatening job losses and knock-on impacts on a complex web of essential and strategic EU value chains from medical equipment and critical infrastructure to automotive and aerospace. Impact on Copper and Copper Prices For copper, the energy crisis presents three primary challenges. High energy prices will immediately translate to increased input costs for European producers. Roland Harings, CEO of Europes largest copper producer Aurubis AG, told investors those costs would be eventually passed down to consumers. For this year, Aurubis hedged roughly two-thirds of its electricity costs. However, Europes crisis will likely not be resolved in the near term, which would mean prices could see sharp increases by next year. While copper ingot prices have declined since late August, European-sourced products will likely begin to carry a premium over their global counterparts. Over time, this could lead to a deterioration of Europes role within the global supply chain. Secondly, consumer price pressures will continue to weigh on demand and copper prices. For the second consecutive month, the Eurozone Manufacturing PMI remained in contraction territory in August with a score of 49.6. This represents the lowest reading since June 2020 and was dragged downward by a sharp contraction of new orders. Related: Europes Central Bank Rules Out Liquidity Support For Energy Firms Some European businesses have already noted a three-fold increase in energy bills just this year. According to Goldman Sachs, average monthly household energy bills in Europe could rise from 160 euros in 2021 to 600 euros in 2023. Increasingly less affordable energy prices ahead of and into the winter months will likely lead the continent into a recession. Continued demand declines will have a downward effect on prices. Europe Feels the Energy Crisis Strain Lastly, as has already occurred with numerous aluminum, zinc and steel producers, shutdowns remain a possibility. Harings noted this as a worst-case scenario outcome in his comments to investors and suggested any such shutdowns would be very controlled. Aurubis continues to lobby politicians and regulators for capped energy prices, which could insulate the industrial sector from the current crisis. How the sector fares as a whole will largely depend on whether or not European countries adopt a protectionist approach to such industries as it manages limited energy supplies. Chile Rejects New Constitution In a historic Sept. 4 referendum, Chilean voters overwhelmingly rejected the new constitution. A resounding 62% of voters and all 16 regions of Chile voted to reject the document. How will this effect copper prices? A vote to approve the new constitution would have likely added support to prices amid the current market uncertainty. Most bull narratives for copper are underpinned by waning supply against growing demand. This is largely due to the green energy movement. While annual copper output within Chile remains within a downtrend since 2018, the new constitution would have increased mining restrictions and impeded foreign mine investment. Chile accounts for roughly 28% of global copper output, which makes it the largest copper producer in the world. The rejection means the market dynamics will remain unchanged within Chile. In a broader sense, it could also indicate collapsing momentum of the leftward swing within Chilean politics. President Gabriel Boric vowed to work with Congress for a new constitutional process. With such a resounding defeat, however, this will likely mean any future drafts will be far less progressive. By AG Metal Miner More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Hot rolled coil prices in Northern Europe declined further the past week due to low demand in steel manufacturing. According to sources, this was due partly to higher costs and uncertain economic outlooks. There is too much pressure from imports, and stock levels are too high, one trader told MetalMiner when asked about the declining prices for the flat rolled products. Last week, offers from mills in Northern Europe were 800 ($795) per metric tonne exw for October rolling. This figure represents a decline of almost 6% from the 850 ($845) offered in early August. However, as one trader noted, transactions are more likely to occur at closer to 750 ($745). The source also commented on the availability of material from East Asia. Indeed, import offers from South Korea and Taiwan now stand at 665 ($660) per metric tonne cfr. This figure is specific to North European ports for October rolling and December delivery. In late June, import offers from Asia were 750 ($745). Of course, higher energy prices are predominantly due to ongoing Russian gas-supply concerns. As Europe enters winter, it becomes more unlikely that flat-rolled products will stay at these levels. It doesnt make sense for them to lower prices, the source added. Steel Manufacturing Hindered by European Energy Crisis Information from Trading Economics showed that Benchmark, Dutch TTF gas was 214.66 ($213.72) per kilowatt hour on Sept. 2. These numbers are a 36.7% drop from the 339.20 ($337.71) seen last week. However, the latest price are four times higher year-on-year, when gas was 51.92 ($51.69). Russia drastically limited its supply of gas into Germany and many other European Union countries earlier this year. Despite technical difficultly excuses from the Kremlin, most experts believe the cut-off was a reaction to sanctions imposed by the bloc for Russias Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine. About 40% of Europes gas supply normally originates in Russia, and the results to the cut off have hit hard. High prices and weak demand are causing major disruptions to steel manufacturing and other metals production. On Sept. 2, ArcelorMittal announced plans to indefinitely shut down one of the blast furnaces at its Bremen works. The company hopes to make the move by the end of September. The group also plans to shut down the DRI plant in Hamburg around the same time. ArcelorMittal Hamburg can produce up to 600,000 metric tons of DRI annually using grey hydrogen extracted from natural gas. The site also has an electric arc furnace that can produce about 1 million metric tons per year of crude steel. The site casts this into billets in 125x125mm and in 130x130mm sizes. This is later rolled on 26 stands into wire rod in 5.5-16mm diameters with various carbon levels. Applications for Hamburgs finished products include construction and feed stock for drawing mills to further process into spring wire, rope wire, wire rod for pre-stressed concrete and technical springs. Related: China's Annual Oil Demand Could Drop For The First Time In 20 Years In France, ArcelorMittal plans on blowing down the BF 3 at Dunkirk for relining work. This comes on top of the planned July stoppage of BF 2 for decarbonization. The Dunkirk facility can produce up to 6.8 million metric tonnes per year of pig iron. It uses this to produce up to 6.75 million metric tonnes of crude steel via three basic oxygen furnaces. The site also casts poured steel into slabs for rolling into hot rolled coil. Before Septembers end, ArcelorMittal also plans to blow down the BF A at its Asturias plant in northwestern Spain. Winter is Coming, but Russia Continues to Play Politics On Sept. 2, Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom stated that it would indefinitely suspend gas flows to Germany through its Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The company blamed the move on a malfunction in one of the turbines. Of course, European officials also have not ruled out a link between the Nord Stream 1 suspension and the tentative imposition by the Group of Seven (G7) intergovernmental political forum. The forum aims to create price caps for Russian oil and petroleum products. According to reports, these could come into effect by December. The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, and Germany make up the G7, whilst the EU is a non-enumerated member. By AG Metal Miner More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says he sent the two buses of migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border who were dropped off near Vice President Kamala Harris home in residential Washington. It's part of a political battle over the Biden administrations immigration policies. Abbott tweeted Thursday he sent the buses to call on the Biden administration to "secure the border. The men and women who were dropped off stood outside Harris' official residence, the U.S. Naval Observatory, clutching bags of their belongings before moving to a nearby church. Republicans say President Joe Biden's policies encourage migrants to vanish into the U.S. Democrats criticize the Trump-era policy of forcing migrants to wait out their asylum cases in Mexico. LOS ANGELES (AP) Forces were beginning to collide in California on Thursday as wildfires threatened communities, an epic heat wave stressed the electrical grid and as moisture from a tropical storm was expected to bring thunderstorms and floods along with cooling. Firefighters struggled to control major wildfires in Southern California and the Sierra Nevada that have grown explosively, forced extensive evacuations and produced smoke that could interfere with solar power production. The Fairview Fire in Southern California covered about 37 square miles (95 square kilometers) of Riverside County and was just 5% contained. Two people died while fleeing flames on Monday and at least 11 structures have been destroyed. More than 18,000 homes were threatened by the fire fed by shifting winds, officials said. In the Sierra, the Mosquito Fire burned out of control, scorching at least 11 square miles (28 square kilometers), forcing evacuations for some 2,500 residents in Placer and El Dorado counties, while blanketing the region in smoke. Flames jumped the American River, burning structures in the mountain hamlet of Volcanoville and moving closer to the town of Foresthill, home to about 1,500 people. Fire spokesperson Chris Vestal called the fast-moving blaze an extreme and critical fire threat. The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection warned the Reno area that air quality could be very unhealthy to hazardous due to smoke from the Mosquito Fire 100 miles (160 kilometer) away. The fire's cause remained under investigation. Pacific Gas & Electric notified the state Public Utilities Commission that the U.S. Forest Service placed caution tape around the base of a PG&E transmission pole but that no damage could be seen. PG&E said unspecified electrical activity occurred close in time to the report of the fire on Sept. 6. Another dangerous blaze burned in stands of timber near the Big Bear Lake resort region in the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles. It was just 2% contained after scorching nearly 2 square miles (5 square kilometers). A surge of clouds and showers associated with Tropical Storm Kay off Mexicos Baja California peninsula knocked the edge off temperatures in Southern California at times but also were a potential problem for solar generation. The storm was downgraded from a hurricane Thursday evening. Despite the initial impacts of Kay, forecasters warned that the heat was not yet done. The seemingly endless heat wave that has been plaguing California will finally becoming to an end across at least Southern California, but not before two more very hot days and very warm nights, the Los Angeles-area weather office wrote. Operators of Californias power grid issued another Flex Alert call for voluntary cuts in use of electricity and expanded the period by two hours, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wildfire smoke and the cloud cover created uncertainty about solar power production in afternoon hours when temperatures rise toward their peaks, said Elliot Mainzer, president and CEO of the California Independent System Operator. There was also uncertainty about wind power at the back end of the period. Cal-ISO has issued Flex Alerts since last week and has avoided ordering rolling power outages, although a miscommunication with one Northern California provider led to blackouts. With record demand on power supplies across the West, California snapped its record energy use around 5 p.m. Tuesday with 52,061 megawatts, far above the previous high of 50,270 megawatts set July 24, 2006. An emergency appeal for conservation that was sent to Californians cellphones was credited with an immediate drop in demand on the electrical grid that evening. Electrical demand hit 50,184 megawatts on Wednesday but it ended up being a relatively quiet operation on the system, Mainzer told a briefing. The electrical load forecast for Thursday afternoon and evening was higher, however, and the uncertainty involving the renewable energy sources made the situation a bit more complex, he said. We certainly think were close to turning the corner, but we still have challenges ahead of us this evening, Mainzer said. Storm and wind conditions associated with the approaching hurricane were likely to create a new set of risks for power shortages in Southern California, he noted. Tropical Storm Kay was expected to reach northern Baja California on Friday, the National Weather Service said. Despite losing hurricane strength, Kay was expected to send a surge of moisture into Southern California. Strong winds, heavy rain and flash floods were likely Friday evening through Saturday. Tropical storm warnings were posted for mariners. Up the West Coast, forecasters predicted strong, gusting winds and low humidity across western Oregon beginning Friday' and authorities warned of heightened wildfire danger after an unseasonably hot and dry late summer. An Oregon utility said it will cut power to about 12,500 customers to the south and west of Portland just after midnight Friday in anticipation of strong, dry winds that pose a severe wildfire danger in the region. Another utility says about 30,000 additional customers could see their power cut as well in a bid to prevent fire from sagging or broken power lines. Towns and cities across western Oregon and southwest Washington also imposed fire bans, including in the town of Seaside, where even beach bonfires were prohibited. Forecasters warned of a chance of rapid fire spread but said winds were not expected to be as intense as those that hit on Labor Day weekend in 2020, fanning wildfires that burned more than 1 million acres, destroyed 4,000 homes and killed at least 11 people. Associated Press writers Stefanie Dazio and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles, Gillian Flaccus in Portland, Oregon, and Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, contributed to this report. On a rainy Saturday morning, Glenn Greet stood behind the counter watching the television as King Charles III was officially proclaimed Britains new monarch. Hes got big shoes to fill, Greet said as he turned away from the broadcast. Chippys the British gift shop, bakery and restaurant that Greet owns and operates has been packed with people mourning the death and celebrating the life of Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday at 96. She was the longest-serving British monarch, with a reign that lasted more than 70 years and spanned 14 U.S. presidencies. For British expats living in Nebraska and Americans alike, Chippys has become a place to gather in the wake of the queens death. For Greet, the increase in business isnt the point its creating a space where people can come to be together and honor her legacy. The sale is not important to me, he said. Its about community. Weve had Brits and Americans, you know, people from all around the world want to come pay their respects. By the cash register, a framed photo of the queen sits next to a vase of white roses. A condolence book with several pages already filled rests in front of the display. Both Chippys Omaha and Lincoln locations have an official condolence book that will be open for patrons to sign until the day of the state funeral on Sept. 19. After the funeral, the books will be shipped to Buckingham Palace to be a part of the national archives. Its an opportunity for Nebraskans to really do something official and to have their condolences reflected in the national record, Greet said. Joan Friedrichsen of Council Bluffs was one of dozens of people who stopped by Chippys on Saturday to sign the condolence book. Shes a regular at the shop and said she felt pulled to make a visit after hearing the news. The queen represented honor and heritage, and she was a grandmother figure to everyone, she said through tears. Its just amazing that we have a place like this here in the Midwest. Greet himself is a British expat and dual citizen who came to the U.S. 22 years ago searching for the American dream. He found it, he said, which led him to stick around. Still, he has always preserved a strong connection to his home country. Though the role of the monarchy can be unclear to some Americans, Greet saw the queen as a figure of neutrality, peace and unity. The unique thing about the queen is that she isnt political, he said. Every other figure on the planet is political. She has no agenda besides peace. And shes not like a president, coming and going every four to eight years, so people have established this real connection to her. Greet is optimistic about the reign of King Charles III, in large part because he has long warned of the dangers of climate change and advocated for environmental protections. The queen will be honored with a state funeral at Westminster Abbey on Sept. 19. The founder of the Hawaii Proud Boys chapter and a Texas man who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and posed for a picture in front of a door on which one of them had written Murder the Media each pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to a felony charge in connection with the riot. Nicholas Ochs, founder of the far-right extremist group's Hawaii chapter and a onetime Republican state House candidate, and Nicholas DeCarlo, of Fort Worth, Texas, admitted to obstructing the congressional certification of President Joe Biden's Electoral College victory. They shared a social media channel called Murder the Media and initially claimed to be working as journalists on Jan. 6, according to the government. Federal guidelines for Ochs, 36, and DeCarlo, 32, call for sentences between about 3 1/2 years and four years behind bars, although the judge can decide to go above or below that. In exchange for pleading guilty, prosecutors agreed to dismiss several other charges against them. They are to be sentenced in December. Edward MacMahon, a lawyer for Ochs, noted after the hearing that his client did not injure anyone at the Capitol and said he hopes Ochs is sentenced consistent with others who did not participate in any violence. A lawyer for DeCarlo did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment. Ochs and DeCarlo attended the Stop the Steal rally near the White House in support of then-President Donald Trump on the morning of Jan. 6 and then marched together to the Capitol. The men admitted to throwing smoke bombs at a line of police trying to keep the mob from the stage set up for Biden's inauguration. DeCarlo admitted to writing Murder The Media in permanent marker on a door in the Capitol building, prosecutors said. The men then posed in front of the door with a thumbs-up sign. DeCarlo also rummaged through a Capitol police officer's bag and stole a pair of plastic handcuffs, prosecutors said. Ochs posted on Twitter a picture of the men smoking cigarettes inside the Capitol, and the caption said: "Hello from the Capital lol, according to court papers. After leaving the building, they filmed a video together in which Ochs said they came to stop the steal" and DeCarlo declared: We did it, the government said. "Sorry we couldnt go live when we stormed the f----in U.S. Capitol and made Congress flee, Ochs said in a video with the Capitol visible in the background. Ochs told CNN that he was working as a professional journalist" and that he did not have to break into the Capitol, but just walked in and filmed. Before his arrest, DeCarlo also told The Los Angeles Times that they were journalists. What I did was journalism: Follow the events and show people what happened, DeCarlo told the newspaper. Ochs was the Republican Partys candidate to represent Waikiki in the Hawaii House in the November 2020 election. Ochs lost to Democrat Adrian Tam. Ochs and DeCarlo are among dozens of members and associates of the Proud Boys who have been charged in the Capitol riot. The group's former chairman, Enrique Tarrio, and other leaders have been charged with seditious conspiracy the most serious charges brought so far in the insurrection. The leader and members of another far-right extremist group, the Oath Keepers, are heading to trial later this month on the charge of seditious conspiracy. The Oath Keepers are the first Jan. 6 defendants facing the rare and difficult-to-prove charge to go to trial. Also on Friday, a lawyer for the Oath Keepers, Kellye SoRelle, pleaded not guilty to a charge of conspiracy to obstruct the certification of the Electoral College vote. SoRelle, a close associate of Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, was arrested this month in Texas. More than 870 people have been charged so far in the Capitol riot. Nearly 400 have pleaded guilty to charges ranging from low-level misdemeanors for illegally entering the building to felony seditious conspiracy. For full coverage of the Capitol riot, go to https://www.apnews.com/capitol-siege SAN DIEGO (AP) Parts of Southern California were lashed by severe winds from a tropical storm Friday that brought high humidity, rain and possible flooding to the parched region but also the promise of cooler temperatures after a 10-day heat wave that nearly overwhelmed the states electrical grid. Firefighters had feared powerful winds that topped 100 mph (161 kph) could expand the massive Fairview Fire burning about 75 miles (121 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles but instead crews made significant progress and pegged Monday as a day when they should have full containment. More than 10,000 homes and other structures remained threatened and evacuation orders were still in place. Hurricane Kay made landfall near Mexicos Bahia Asuncion in Baja California Sur state Thursday, but it quickly weakened into a tropical storm by the time it reached Southern California. Still winds, were ferocious in places speeds reached 109 mph (175 kph) on San Diego Countys Cuyamaca Peak, the National Weather Service said. The tropical conditions added a swelter to the heat wave that saw temperatures soar past 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in many parts of California this week. Even places like San Diego, renowned for its temperate climate, baked in the heat. By late morning Friday a steady rain pelted downtown San Diego as Charles Jenkins swept the accumulating puddles away from the tarps of his makeshift home. The heat was killer, so for now this feels good, Jenkins said. I just hope the water doesnt get too high. But I will rough it. Ive got pallets I can put underneath to keep out the rain. Around 1 p.m. as rain continued, a Navy-contracted, twin-engine plane carrying two civilian pilots slid off the end of a runway after it touched down at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado and parked in a spit of sand. The planes nose was damaged but the pilots were able to depart on their own and were taken to a hospital for observation, Naval Base Coronado spokesperson Kevin Dixon said. Though rainfall generally was moderate across Southern California Friday there was a chance of isolated thunderstorms and heavy downpours into Saturday. With flooding possible, officials in coastal cities posted warning signs in low-lying areas and made sandbags available to the public. September already has produced one of the hottest and longest heat waves on record for California and some other Western states. Nearly 54 million people were under heat warnings and advisories across the region this week as temperature records were shattered in many areas. Californias state capital of Sacramento hit an all-time high Tuesday of 116 degrees (46.7 C), breaking a 97-year-old record. Salt Lake City tied its all-time high temperature Wednesday at 107 degrees (41.6 C). On Tuesday, as air conditioners whirred amid the stifling heat, California set a record for power consumption and authorities nearly instituted rolling blackouts when the electrical grid capacity was at its breaking point. Scientists say climate change has made the West warmer and drier over the last three decades and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. In the last five years, California has experienced the largest and most destructive fires in state history. While firefighters made progress against the Fairview Fire, the fast-moving Mosquito Fire in the foothills east of Sacramento doubled in size Friday to at least 46 square miles (119 square kilometers) and threatened 3,600 homes in Placer and El Dorado counties, while blanketing the region in smoke. Flames jumped the American River, burning structures in the mountain hamlet of Volcanoville and moving closer to the towns of Foresthill, home to about 1,500 people, and Georgetown, population 3,000. More than 5,700 people in the area have been evacuated, said Placer County Sheriff's Office Lt. Josh Barnhart. David Hance slept on the porch of his mothers Foresthill mobile home when he woke up to a glowing red sky early Wednesday morning and was ordered to evacuate. It was actually fricking terrifying, cause they say, Oh yeah, its coming closer, he said. It was like sunset in the middle of the night. Hance left behind most of his electronic gear, all his clothing and family photos and fled to Auburn, where he found his mother, Linda Hance, who said the biggest stress is wondering: Is my house still there? Organizers of the Tour de Tahoe announced Friday they were canceling the annual 72-mile (115-km) bicycle ride scheduled Sunday around Lake Tahoe because of the heavy smoke from the blaze more than 50 miles (80 km) away and noted that cycling is a heavy cardio activity that does not pair well with terrible air quality. Last years ride was canceled due to smoke from another big fire south of Tahoe. The Mosquito Fires cause remained under investigation. Pacific Gas & Electric said unspecified electrical activity occurred close in time to the report of the fire on Tuesday. HUDSON The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said Saturday that reports of a cougar roaming near Hudson on Friday were unfounded and the animal had been misidentified by people on social media. IDNR Director of Communications Jayette Bolinkski said in an email to The Pantagraph that wildlife biologists and Illinois Conservation Police investigated the report and visited the site. The animal had been spotted and photographed in a backyard near the outskirts of town, Hudson Police Chief Mark Kotte told The Pantagraph on Friday. By comparing objects in the photo, including the fork in the tree and the height of the grass, IDNR has determined the animal was too small to be a cougar, Bolinski said. She said it was most likely a feral cat, or a house cat. On Friday afternoon, McLean County Unit 5 in a Facebook post alerted parents of students at Hudson Elementary and requested students be picked up instead of being walked home. The school district shared photos of the animal taken by a parent and made the request "out of an abundance of caution." Wildlife Illinois is an online resource for preventing issues with fauna in Illinois, and states that cougars, also known as mountain lions, pumas or catamounts, are rare in Illinois, and are protected under state law. The site describes cougar sizes averaging between 60 and 95 inches long, 27 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder and 115 to 160 pounds for males and 75 to 110 pounds for females. They became extinct in the state by 1870 and IDNR does not believe there is a breeding population in Illinois. Bolinkski also noted Wildlife Illinois states that feral or domesticated house cats are commonly misidentified as cougars. The website added the sight of a house cat from a distance across a open field may deceive you into thinking you are seeing a mountain lion, especially if you have no point of reference. The director said no tracks were visible at the site in Hudson, no droppings were found for analysis and the reporting party only had the animal in view for 30 seconds. BLOOMINGTON Since late July, Afni has been the target of five different class action lawsuits filed in response to a 2021 data breach that exposed the personal information of more than 261,000 individuals. Each suit alleges negligence and breach of an implied contract both for failing to implement reasonable security measures to protect this information and for waiting more than year to notify victims that their information was exposed in the data breach. Thomas McClure, acting chairman of Illinois State University's Department of Politics and Government, said one of the major benefits of class action suits is that it consolidates individuals' claims, which could save time for the court and individual parties. But since multiple suits were filed in the same district court, McClure said he would expect the cases to be consolidated so there would be only one lead case. The first suit was filed July 25 by Illinois resident Marian Caldwell Powell. The suit claimed that the customer engagement company owed a duty to the plaintiff and all class members to implement and maintain security measures to safeguard personally identifiable information. This sensitive information, such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers and birthdates, is provided to Afni as a condition of employment. With access to this information, cybercriminals can open new financial accounts or take out loans in victims' names, obtain government benefits, file fraudulent tax returns, file false medical claims, or obtain a driver's license in a victim's name with a different photograph. About a month later, former employee Nicole Prochnow of Normal filed a separate lawsuit claiming she suffered seven separate instances of identify theft since the data breach. Two days later, Leslie Green of Michigan filed her own suit, calling Afni's inability to defend against the 2021 data breach a "willful and wanton failure." On Sept. 1, former employee Thomas Davis filed a fourth suit. Davis, who worked at Afni as a care associate from 2019 to 2020, claimed that he started to receive a significant number of spam texts and phone calls over the summer. Davis said he experienced identity theft when his phone was ported to another provider and the offender posed as Davis to access his financial information, according to the suit. Davis' bank notified him of the fraud and data misuse and also alerted him that his email address and credit card number were found on the dark web. In response, Davis said he froze his credit reports and now checks his accounts more frequently to mitigate the damage. On Sept. 2, former employee Clara Owens filed the fifth lawsuit. Owens had worked at Afni from 2005 to 2021. According to her suit, the victims have suffered harm, including the loss of time and money resolving fraudulent charges, the loss of time and money obtaining protections against future identity theft, and losses related to exceeding credit and debit card limits and balances. McClure said most class action lawsuits reach settlements. However, it may take a while for suits to go to trial depending on the number of criminal cases that come before it and how long it will take to conduct discovery. "Because it's a civil action, it's always going to be preempted by criminal cases in federal court because of the Speedy Trial Act," McClure said. BLOOMINGTON The Bloomington-Normal branch of the NAACP has announced several award winners who will be honored Sept. 17 at the annual Freedom Fund Gala. Awards will be presented to the following individuals: Nikita Richards, Merlin Kennedy Community Service Award. Richards, a U.S. Navy veteran and senior media specialist in communications with Country Financial, previously served as the City of Bloomingtons community relations manager. In 2018, she was appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to serve on his transition team for veterans across the state. She has since been appointed by Pritzker to serve her second term on the Illinois Council of Women and Girls, where she works to create policy that promotes equity and opportunity. Georgene Chissell, Roy Wilkins Award for exemplary service to the local branch. As chair of the Political Action Committee of the local NAACP branch, Chissell works to ensure voter empowerment and to increase awareness and participation in the electoral process. She also owns Divine Cleaning Services of Central Illinois and strives to empower other Black entrepreneurs in establishing their own businesses. Dr. Jeanne Morris, Woman of the Year. Morris was a curriculum and instruction professor at Illinois State University, where she had major responsibility for developing the universitys bachelors degree in early childhood education. Among the first Black professors at ISU in the 1960s, when Black students could not get housing on campus, Morris joined resources with other professors and bought four houses in Normal to rent to African American students. In June, the NAACP Youth Council did a documentary film on Dr. Jeanne Morris and her husband, Dr. Charles Morris, honoring their contributions to education. Cana Brooks, Harry Hightower Youth Community Service Award. Brooks, a senior at University High School and the daughter of Prentice and Shelley Brooks of Normal, has been instrumental in the Black Student Union at her school, helping to create an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment to discuss topics of race and other areas of social justice and to engage in service to the community. Through her organization, Cana Cares, she created opportunities for young people to serve groups such as the homeless, the elderly, victims of domestic violence, and children in foster care. She plans to attend college and major in psychology, with a future as a child psychologist. Additionally, scholarship awards will be presented to Sean Halperin, Naomi Elliott and Michael Coleman. The Freedom Fund Gala will be held Sept. 17 at the Parke Regency Hotel. More details can be found at www.bnnaacp.org. The event is the primary fundraiser for the branch in support of scholarships for high school students and community programs including financial workshops, voter registration and education. The 2022 theme is This is Power, and the keynote speaker is Bishop Larry Taylor of Bloomington, senior pastor of Center for Hope International Ministries. For more information, contact Freedom Fund Chair Willie Holton Halbert at dime54@aol.com. MATTOON Cross County Mall was home to CIL-Con 2022 throughout the weekend as vendors, cosplayers, speakers and everything in between came to get their supernatural fix. Dozens of tables were set up around the mall for those with paranormal products, crystals, card readings and more to engage with cosplayers and fans of the occult. Candace Comelleri came to sell her artwork while assisting Tim Walden with his makeup for a zombie escape room featured at the event. The pair, who are both from Terre Haute, Indiana, said they wanted to see their "con family." Comelleri said the event has a "nice environment and community" and helps her network with others in the convention community. "Whether it's networking with artists to help them with their books or other artists themselves to work on projects together, it really gets your name out there and allows you to network with people you might not be able to reach in your own area," Comelleri said. Crystal Remy, who returned to the area for the convention, said it was a good excuse to wear a costume. She came to the convention dressed as Moaning Myrtle from the Harry Potter series. Remy said she came up with her costume to follow the theme of the convention, which focused on the paranormal. From the theme she decided on "ghost nerd" Moaning Myrtle. She said Mattoon was a good fit for the convention. "It is a good area to have it in and it brings more people to the area and shows that they have things to do here," Remy said. "I don't live here anymore, but when I did live here, there was literally nothing to do," Remy said, "and so having something like this that brings people together, it gives people an opportunity to meet others." Maia Dothager said she came to the event with her father, who was talking to people for his podcast, "The Riverlands Podcast." She said her father wanted to connect with others who have similar interests. Dothager, who enjoys horror-related things, said she enjoyed seeing what vendors had to offer. "I've gone to around two booths that had like paranormal stuff and what they're involved in, and it's been just overall really, really cool," Dothager said. Ethan Goodey, of Bloomington, came as a handler for two big names in horror, Michael Meyers and Jason Voorhees, to promote their upcoming Midwest Toy and Comic Fest. "The vendors have been saying they like it a lot. They've been making a lot of money off it, so overall I think it's a big success," Goodey said. "We've had a lot of people really liking Jason and Mike coming out here. It's been a fun time." Being involved with similar conventions, Goodey said Mattoon was a good area for the convention because it is central to small cities in and around Illinois. The convention started Friday and ends at 8 p.m. Saturday, with free admission. BLOOMINGTON Two men face weapon charges after being arrested in Bloomington. Jerome Camphor, 50, of Hazel Crest, and Marjoe S. Smith, 49, of Bloomington, were each charged as armed habitual criminals (Class X felony). Their other charges include unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon (Class 2 felony) and violating the Illinois Firearm Owners Identification Card Act (Class 3 felony). According to court documents, Camphor possessed a firearm after being convicted in Cook County of armed robbery in 2005 and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon in 2010. Smith also possessed a firearm after being convicted in Cook County of unlawful possession and delivery of a controlled substance in 1994 as well as unlawful use of a weapon by a felon in 2009, according to court documents. Both appeared in court Friday with private attorneys via Zoom. Camphor was represented by Attorney Greg Smith and Marjoe Smith was represented by Attorney Mike Gillespie. Both Camphor and Smith were arrested Wednesday and are in custody at the McLean County jail. Camphor's bond was set at $250,000, meaning he would need to post $25,000 plus fees to be released. Smith's bond was set at $200,000, meaning he would need to post $20,000 plus fees to be released. Both have an arraignment hearing set for 9 a.m. Oct. 7. HUDSON Hudson police and wildlife officials are looking into a possible sighting of a cougar in the village, but are not yet sure it was the rare animal. A photo said to be taken Friday shows a feline animal in a backyard, though officials are not sure if the photo shows a cougar or a housecat. The animal was seen near the outskirts of town, Hudson Police Chief Mark Kotte said. He said if it is a cougar, it it not thought to be an escaped pet, and he suspects it has already moved on from the area. Kotte said the department has contacted the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to have an expert identify the animal. McLean County Unit 5 alerted parents of students at Hudson Elementary School and asked them pick up their students rather than let them walk home. In a Facebook post, the district shared photos and said the request for pick-ups was "out of an abundance of caution." The photos the district shared were submitted by a parent, the district said in the comments. Cougars, also called mountain lions, pumas or catamounts, are rare in Illinois. According to the Wildlife Illinois website, cougars average between 60 and 95 inches long, 27 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder and 115 to 160 pounds for males and 75 to 110 pounds for females. The animal was extinct in Illinois by 1870 and IDNR does not believe there is a breeding population in the state. Cougars are protected under state law. LE MARS, Iowa Darlene Knapp knew her husband was mad when he returned inside their home. Tom Knapp had noticed a birdbath knocked over in their yard that morning and went outside to set it back up. Darlene Knapp said raccoons probably knocked it over, but she knew Tom likely would blame her son, Kevin Juzek, who lived in their basement. "We was probably blaming both of us," Darlene Knapp said, testifying that her husband didn't like having Juzek in their home, but there had never been any physical confrontations between them. "I guess he just really never liked Kevin whatsoever." Minutes later, Juzek was dead on the living room floor, shot twice by Tom Knapp after Juzek had stepped in to stop him from assaulting Darlene. Knapp, 84, has pleaded not guilty in Plymouth County District Court of first-degree murder and willful injury for the May 11, 2020, shooting of Juzek, 51, who was his stepson. Knapp also is charged with willful injury and domestic assault for assaulting Darlene prior to the shooting. If found guilty of first-degree murder, Knapp would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. Knapp is accused of shooting Juzek with a 20-gauge shotgun through his bedroom door, striking him in the abdomen, then shooting him a second time from point-blank range in the chest in the living room floor. Darlene Knapp testified that her husband punched her at least twice in the face when she brought some fresh water to him. Inside his bedroom, Tom knocked her down, then pulled her up onto the bed by her hair. He then struck her with a wooden exercise stick similar to a broomstick at least twice, one of the blows breaking fingers in Darlene's left hand as she tried to protect herself. Juzek came to the door, Darlene said, and she ducked under Tom to leave the bedroom. She said Juzek held the door shut so she could call 911. She didn't hear the first shot. "Kevin came out and told me Tom shot him in the stomach," she said. Juzek fell to the floor and was sitting up. "Then Tom came out and he kind of kicked Kevin in the foot and said 'you mean you aren't dead yet?' and then he shot him in the chest," Darlene said. "Kevin was absolutely petrified. When (Tom) pointed the gun at him, (Kevin) said 'oh, no,' and those were Kevin's last words. "I'll never forget it. It's in my heart." Darlene Knapp said Tom pursued her as she left the house, holding the gun against her. "I was scared I was going to get shot in the back," she said. Able to escape, Darlene called 911 a second time from outside, and officers soon arrived while Tom Knapp remained inside the house. Knapp's attorneys say his actions were justified and he shot Juzek in self-defense. In an audio recording of Knapp's interview with investigators played Thursday for the jury, Knapp said Darlene had threatened her with the stick, and he took it from her and hit her. He also told deputies Juzek was screaming at him from outside his bedroom. Plymouth County Sheriff Mike Van Otterloo, who has since retired, responded to the shooting and spoke with Tom Knapp, who was seated in the back seat of a patrol car. After Van Otterloo advised him of his right to remain silent, he asked Knapp why he shot his stepson. "Because he was attacking me," Knapp said in a video recording of the conversation played for jurors. "He was jerking on the door. He had a wood thing, he was going to hit me with it." On Thursday, jurors heard other recordings of Knapp telling investigators that Juzek purposely annoyed him, and even played some kind of electronic device that kept Knapp awake at night. Darlene Knapp testified she never heard the noise her husband -- the two are now divorced -- complained about. At the conclusion of her testimony, Plymouth County Attorney Darin Raymond rested his case after a day and a half of witness testimony and evidence. After speaking briefly with Knapp in private, public defender Wendy Samuelson then rested the defense case without calling Knapp or any other witnesses to testify. The trial will resume with the attorneys' closing arguments on Tuesday morning before the case is submitted to the jury. PAXTON The Ford County Public Health Department has confirmed the first mosquito to test positive for West Nile virus from a batch collected in Piper City on Sept. 2. This is the first specimen to test positive for West Nile this year in Ford County, and there are no reported human cases of the virus in the county so far this year. Ford County health officials urge residents to be aware of the virus' activity in their area and to take steps in protecting themselves and their family from other mosquito-borne diseases. West Nile virus is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes, and seasonal outbreaks often occur in local areas that vary from year to year. Approximately one in five people infected with West Nile will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, while less than 1% will develop a serious neurological illness like encephalitis or meningitis. People of over the age of 50 or those with certain medical conditions cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and organ transplants are at greater risk for serious illness. People with milder illnesses typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks. In more severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized. Anyone with symptoms of concern should contact a health care provider. According to Ford County health officials, the best way to prevent West Nile is to avoid mosquito bites and to practice the three "R's" reduce, repel and report. First, make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, and repair or replace any tears or other openings. Also eliminate or change out each week all sources of standing water where mosquitos can breed, including water in bird baths, ponds, flower pots, wading pools, old tires and any other containers. Individuals should wear shoes with socks, long pants and long-sleeve shirts and apply insect repellent when outdoors. Finally, report locations where you see water sitting stagnant for more than a week, such as roadside ditches and flooded yards. Ford County health officials may be able to add larvicide to the water, which will kill any mosquito eggs. Contact Christy Wallace or Nancy Mandamuna at 217-379-9281. For more information on West Nile virus, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website at dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/west-nile-virus/faqs. NORMAL State Sen. Jason Barickman on Friday spoke with the local Sons of the American Revolution about what sets the state constitution apart from the federal one. Barickman spoke to the General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter of the SAR on Friday during their Constitution Day event. The actual holiday is Sept. 17. As a state-level politician, Barickman said he planned to focus his talk on Illinois' constitution and its history. The latest state constitution, passed in 1970 and effective the next year, is the fourth in Illinois history. It includes that Illinois voters are asked every 20 years about a constitutional convention, something Barickman said more people might consider now given problems in the state's finances, redistricting and representation. Voters will be asked about a new constitutional convention in 2028. "I don't know my own answer to that question today," he said. The SAR also honored local first responders for acts of service, heroism and lifesaving. Those awarded included retired Normal Police Chief Rick Bleichner. A full list of recipients can be found on the GJBSAR website at gjbsar.org under the SAR Programs tab. I was looking for something else recently on Scott Kennedys Illinois Election Data website and noticed he had voter turnout numbers from statewide races since 1990. We all know that downstate has lost a significant amount of its political importance, but the numbers really help illustrate this decline. In 1990, 42% of the total vote for governor came from downstate counties, while a mere 17% came from the suburban collar counties outside Cook. By 2018, just 36% of the total vote for governor came from downstate and 25% was from the collars. When you expand the definition of the collar counties to include some in the Chicago metro region that had previously been considered more rural, the downstate figure drops to 31% and the share of the collar county vote rises to 29%. I happened to be talking with former Gov. Jim Edgar about something else shortly after seeing those numbers, and when I brought it up he said that in those days Republicans would figure on being stomped in the city, but theyd win the Cook and collar county suburbs and then the margin downstate would wind up being pretty close to the statewide spread. In Edgars first gubernatorial election in 1990, thats just what happened. He lost Chicago by 33 points, won suburban Cook by 18, won the collars by 27 and took downstate by 3, winning overall that year by just under 3%. Edgar focused intently on the suburbs, campaigning on a promise to cap local property taxes and highlighted his strong support of abortion rights, among other things the voters in that region cared about. By 2018, Chicago and suburban Cook County made up almost the same share of the total vote for governor as it did in 1990, declining only by about a point. The difference, though, is that the Cook County suburbs are now firmly in Democratic control. Edgar won them by 18 points back in the day, but J.B. Pritzker won them by 29 points in 2018. Thats a 47-point swing. The collars have leaned Democratic during presidential years since Barack Obamas national bid in 2008, and gradually started trending more Democratic in off-year races, culminating in Pritzkers three-point collar county win over Bruce Rauner in 2018 and historic county-wide Democratic wins in the region both that year and in 2020. Downstate has become much more reliable for Republicans. No statewide Democrat except Secretary of State Jesse White has won the region for the past 10 years. Obama won it in 2008 by four points, but lost downstate four years later by 7, an 11-point flip. Pritzker lost it by 10 points four years ago. But the increase in Republican identification in the region has not been enough to make up for its falling vote share and the partys more recent disadvantages in the suburbs. Pat Quinn lost downstate by 24 points in 2010 and still managed to eke out a narrow victory, after all. Partisan red meat works well in downstate, and Republican gubernatorial candidate Sen. Darren Bailey will likely run up his numbers there. But it definitely doesnt work in the suburbs. Bailey has spent much of his campaign ignoring this basic Illinois electoral math and crafting an under-funded message that, if anything, almost appears to be designed to turn away those collar county voters. Its impossible to win statewide by running up the score in a region which contains barely more than a third of the vote while turning off, and even firing up opposition in, the rest of the state. Baileys recent kitchen table policy proposal is to require the University of Illinois flagship campus to guarantee that 90% of its enrollment is made up of Illinois residents. Other states have similar requirements mainly because of pressure from parents, and many of those folks live in the suburbs. When Bruce Rauner was governor and universities struggled without a state budget, UIUC and other campuses were left to their own devices. The fiscal situation was only marginally better under Pat Quinn. Rauner took a fiscal crisis and turned it into a calamity. State finances are better now, so perhaps it is time to start discussing the use of large numbers of international students to subsidize tuition for everyone else. But, on the politics side, Bailey is gonna need infinitely more than this to overcome his geographical and ideological deficits. Consider all that is going on here and in the world right now. It seems there is a crisis of varying degrees and lasting varying lengths of time about every other day. Maybe that is just the world we live in now. A constant emphasis and focus on "today" and what is immediately in front of us. But we should never forget the past as this weekend illustrates. Sunday marks 21 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C., and in a field in Pennsylvania. Those attacks literally changed the world we live in and will continue to do so for decades to come. For this generation, it was the Pearl Harbor of its day, a tragedy so immense and unthinkable that it is still hard to imagine it happened at all. But it did. In all, 2,996 people were killed and more than 6,000 were wounded in the attacks statistics as jarring as they were when we learned of the totality of tragedy 21 years ago. There were a lot of anniversary events to commemorate that day in the immediate years after 9/11. But by and large, the headlines about that day have faded. We have moved onto other concerns and the inevitable march of time that allowed us to think about other things. Certainly, the families of the victims have not forgotten and the day has been marked every year with a ceremony at Ground Zero in New York, where all the names of those who died are solemnly read aloud. A lot of us pause that day, too. We might say a prayer or close our eyes for a moment. But then we go about our day and confront the good and bad that happen in our own lives. Time, it is said, heals all wounds. Perhaps, but not this one. And it never should. There are people, including our presidents who have served since then, who most assuredly lie awake at night thinking, "Can it happen again?" There have been terrorist attacks in the succeeding years, with radical extremists killing innocent people. But what was done to our country on that day, on 9/11, cannot happen again. This, despite all our differences. Despite all the political discord. Despite the growing perception among many that the world seems to be on the brink. As a nation, we cannot allow it. Back then there was naturally a lot of talk about this being the "united" states of America. We can't forget that, either. Residents of Ridge, a suburb in Sunyani, on Thursday, August 25, 2022, woke up to witness an operation by armed policemen who had surrounded the house of a businessman in search of two children aged four and 18 months. The businessman, Mr Sam Bennet, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eusbett Hotel in Sunyani, is the maternal grandfather of the two children. The children are at the centre of a tussle over which of their parents is entitled to their custody after separation. The couple, Ms Ernestina Angela Owusuaa Bennet and Mr Eric Asante who lived in the United Kingdom (UK) are now separated after some marital misunderstanding. When Miss Bennet relocated to Ghana, she brought the two children with her, and their custody has since become a tussle between the couple. The matter is currently before a Sunyani High Court, but Mr Asante is said to have also sent the matter to a court in the United Kingdom which granted him the custody of the children. To execute the order, Mr Asante has filed a motion at the Tema High Court while lawyers of Miss Bennet have also filed a stay of execution against the order which is expected to be heard on Friday, September 23, 2022. Search However, Mr Bennet told The Mirror that a bailiff from the Kumasi High Court had since been coming to his house with armed policemen in search of the two children without a warrant from the court. He said on Thursday, August 25, 2022, the bailiff who was accompanied by about 40 policemen was at his residence and even though he had no warrant, I allowed him to search my house because of the sheer number of policemen who accompanied him. Not satisfied with the result of their search in my house, they also searched my hotel, Eusbett Hotel which is adjacent to my house, Mr Bennet stated. Bailiff According to him, the bailiff, whom he identified as Jude Owusu, had come to his residence four times in a bid to search for the two children. Today, they were here at about 4.30 a.m. during which they surrounded my house and blocked all access roads until 11 a.m, he explained. I feel traumatized and insecure and call on both parties in this matter to allow the rule of law to take its course in this matter, he stated. He called on the police to follow due process in the matter adding that since the matter was before a court of competent jurisdiction, they should stop the harassment and allow the court to come out with its ruling before embarking on any venture. Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A 74-year-old man has been burnt to death after a 5 bedroom house was gutted by fire at Aburaso in the Ashanti Region. The incident which occurred around 1am on Saturday left five others with serious injuries. The septuagenarian got trapped in one of the rooms when the fire started; leading to his death subsequently. The deceased has been identified as Stephen Dapaah, a former Ashanti regional director of Audit Service. Everything in the house has been reduced to ashes. The Ghana National Fire Service has commenced investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire. The injured are receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital whilst Body of the deceased has been deposited at the same facility. Source: 3News Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Seasoned Journalist, Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has reiterated his position on Ghana seeking financial help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Ghana seeks IMF bailout of US$3 billion to help the country navigate through her economic crisis resulting from the adverse effects of the deadly coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Monday, 5th September 2022, met with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The IMF boss expressed the institution's determination to work with government and the Ministry of Finance and ensure an agreement before the end of the year. We have started very constructive discussions already and to the people of Ghana, like everybody on this planet, you have been hurt by exogenous shocks. We have to support Ghana because your strength contributes to the strength of your neighbours; it contributes to a stronger world, Kristalina Georgieva pledged. But Mr. Pratt maintains his position that IMF deal is not, has not and will never be a good deal for the country in terms of development and progress. He replied; "The President said that our proposal to the IMF is ready. As at that time, it had not been submitted. As at the time of the closed-door meeting, that proposal has not been submitted . . . So, what is basis for the IMF Managing Director's statement that the deal will be finalized by December?" He further alluded to the stringent conditions that accompany the IMF help to the country which do not benefit the citizenry. "We have gone to the IMF for seventeen (17) times and it didn't help us. What's the assurance that going for the 18th time will help us?", he questioned. He made these submissions on Friday's edition of "Kokrokoo" on Peace FM. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Several area memorial ceremonies are scheduled on Sunday to remember the victims of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Glens Falls The Glens Falls Fire Department will remember the lives lost in a remembrance ceremony at the fire station at 134 Ridge St. at 9 a.m. The Glens Falls Fire Department chaplain will open with a nondenominational prayer and remarks. Glens Falls Councilman at-Large Jim Clark will also speak. Kenny T. Fuller and D.C. Steve will perform a couple of songs honoring the lives lost and Glens Falls firefighters will hold an official honor guard. The ceremony includes guest speaker Jack Tims, a retired member of the FDNY who now teaches EMS courses in Warren County and volunteers as a firefighter with Bay Ridge Volunteer Fire Company. Tims began his EMS career in 1987, when he joined a volunteer fire department in Suffolk County and subsequently was hired by New York City EMS, prior to the FDNY/NYC EMS merger, as an emergency medical technician. He became a paramedic in 1991 and worked at NYC EMS Station 34 in East New York, Brooklyn. He spent many years with the FDNY EMS Academy as an instructor and as a paramedic at FDNY EMS Station 46 in Elmhurst, Queens. In 2008, he was promoted to the rank of FDNY EMS lieutenant. He was assigned to the FDNY EMS Academy and then to the FDNY EMS HazTac Battalion on Randalls Island. He retired from FDNY EMS in 2017 and then moved to the town of Queensbury with his family. The ceremony, held at the 9/11 memorial outside the firehouse, will conclude with the last alarm bell ringing ceremony performed by a member of the Glens Falls Fire Department. It is the 5-5-5-5 last alarm to honor the 343 firefighters killed on Sept. 11, 2001 and the over 200 who have died since then from 9/11-related illnesses and cancer. Hudson Falls The Hudson Falls American Legion at 72 Pearl St. has a ceremony planned for noon Sunday, which follows a breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The breakfast is $9 per person or $30 for a family of four. The menu includes sausage gravy with biscuits, scrambled eggs, home fries, pancakes, bacon, sausage and French toast. The event is open to the public with tickets available at the door. Saratoga Springs The city of Saratoga Springs will hold a ceremony on Sunday in the High Rock Park at 112 High Rock Ave. at 8:30 a.m. 10,000th China-Europe freight train arrives in Germany Xinhua) 09:12, September 10, 2022 Staff members pose for photos with the first "Shanghai Express" in Hamburg, Germany, on Oct. 26, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Qing) HAMBURG, Germany, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The 10,000th fully loaded China-Europe freight train in 2022 arrived here from Xi'an International Port in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Friday. At the Eurogate train terminal in Hamburg, the welcome ceremony was attended by Wang Wei, deputy consul general of the People's Republic of China in Hamburg, and Axel Mattern, chief executive officer of Port of Hamburg Marketing. "This is an important milestone for China's cooperation with Hamburg, Germany and Europe," Wang said. "The high-capacity connections of the China-Europe goods trains have greatly helped foreign trade in reducing costs and increasing efficiency, and effectively promoted economic development along the route," she added. Mattern told Xinhua that China is a very important partner of Hamburg and that the China-Europe freight train plays a crucial role in stabilizing the security of supply chain. "Especially during this difficult time and due to the congestion of the sea route, the China-Europe freight train still functions effectively," Mattern said, adding that he is looking forward to welcoming more trains from China. The number of China-Europe freight train trips in 2022 reached 10,000 on Aug. 21, 10 days earlier than last year, the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. said. With 82 routes, the trains now reach 200 cities in 24 European countries, forming a transport network covering the whole of Europe. The trains transport more than 50,000 types of goods across 53 categories, such as automobiles and parts, clothing and accessories, and grain and timber. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Bianji) ATLANTIC CITY A group working to crack down on repeat shoplifting and other offenses is now focused on getting numerous street lights repaired as an anti-crime and safety measure. At its bi-weekly meeting Friday morning, the Atlantic City Clean and Safe group heard a report from Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds about what he found the evening of July 27 during a walk on both sides of Atlantic Avenue from Tanger Outlets The Walk to the county building at 1333 Atlantic Ave. He and more than 40 members of his office, as well as the Atlantic City police and public works staffs and AtlantiCare, found many nonfunctioning lights and four nonfunctioning crosswalk signals, Reynolds said. Many were in the area around Tanger Outlets, which attracts large numbers of visitors and has had a serious shoplifting problem. Reynolds said he looked at other areas of the city when he drove around Wednesday night and found dozens more nonfunctioning lights and crosswalk signs. I was at a homicide (recently) on Bellevue Avenue ... from 1:45 a.m. to 8 a.m., Reynolds said Friday at City Hall. One of the things I noticed ... the lights at Pacific and Bellevue were out. ... We should have spotlights there. Reynolds said the area is known for drug activity, and the darkness is a problem for safety. Assemblyman Don Guardian, R-Atlantic, said lights that are out in a neighborhood around Ocean Casino Resort belong to the city. Next meeting, we will have everybody involved in the light situation, said Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz, who organizes the Clean and Safe meetings. Shabazz said he will invite representatives from Atlantic City Electric, Public Works and other departments. We need to put attention on that. If we cant, were in trouble, Shabazz said. We have the funding. Broken and nonworking street lighting has been the topic of complaints from residents for years. City officials have said the city owns some lights, and Atlantic City Electric owns others, and that Calvi Electric Company, of Egg Harbor Township, is under contract to fix broken lights. Crackdown on repeat offenders in Atlantic City yielding results ATLANTIC CITY A crackdown on repeat shoplifters and other criminal offenders, first announ Fridays meeting was the ninth for the group, which has addressed issues from arresting repeat shoplifters to finding ways of cracking down on all-terrain vehicles being driven illegally on public roads. Guardian and his chief of staff Joe Berg said they have drafted bills to help police statewide arrest those who are illegally using ATVs, and another to start a mental health court in New Jersey based on a California model. We will be giving police officers the opportunity to bring someone in, not arrest them but bring them in for services, determine what is needed and if they need long-term help, Guardian said of the mental health court bill. Berg said the ATV bill would create ATV law enforcement task forces in counties that want them, that would be multijurisdictional groups led by the county prosecutor and sheriff. Guardians office expects to have drafts of both bills to stakeholders next month, and to introduce them soon in the state Legislature, Berg said. Staff members from the Save A Lot store in Renaissance Plaza attended Friday morning to ask for help managing large numbers of people with substance abuse and mental health problems who hang out and panhandle in front of the grocery store. The liquor store next door attracts them, said Director of Retail Operations John Palmer. We have really good people shopping at Save A Lot, and we are doing out best, said General Manager Rajohn Odom. You cant walk in the door without somebody asking for something. The stuff going on outside the building is unbelievable. We plan as a store to be around for a long time but really need help with Plaza getting worse week by week. When our security guard is done at 3 p.m., its like a party outside. Acting Police Chief James Sarkos said the department is moving some officers from duty on the Boardwalk to Atlantic Avenue now that summer is over. But the city is struggling to keep its Class II officers from being lured to nearby municipalities for jobs, and is trying to increase their ranks to help with patrols. The challenge is getting the right amount of officers, Sarkos said. A program to hire civilian Atlantic Avenue ambassadors will also begin soon, he said. It will use civilians to help police keep an eye on the area and encourage people not to loiter. OCEAN CITY Throughout the summer, residents have been pushing for a return to the option of being able to participate remotely in City Council meetings. On Thursday, Councilman Bob Barr had no other option. Council meets in chambers on the third floor of City Hall. At this meeting, the elevator was not functioning, with a sign in the lobby of City Hall indicating that those who wanted to attend the meeting would have to take the stairs. Thats not possible for Barr, who uses a wheelchair. The meeting could not be moved to an accessible location without at least 48 hours notice. Before the start of the meeting, Barr was on the ground floor of City Hall. At that time, he said he was advised that he could not call in to the meeting because of a recent state ruling. City attorney Dorothy McCrosson did not specify what the ruling was during the public meeting Thursday and declined to comment Friday. She forwarded questions to city spokesperson Doug Bergen, who did not respond by Friday afternoon. Barr eventually participated in the meeting by phone. He indicated there were discussions and presentations he could not hear. In other communities, including in Upper Township, officials have stated that under the current guidelines from the state, if there is no option for the public to participate in meetings remotely, officials cannot participate remotely. In other words, if the public has to come in person, so do the council members. In 2020, under emergency rules put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, most municipalities began either meeting over the phone or using Zoom or other videoconferencing platforms. With meetings now back face-to-face at City Hall, the city decided to end remote participation in July. Since then, residents have steadily called for its return, citing the difficulty for elderly residents and second-homeowners to participate in meetings. Video of the meetings is posted to YouTube soon after they conclude, but by then it is too late to comment. Some city officials say there are multiple other options to offer opinions on city matters, including calling or emailing members of council or the city administration. Several residents pleaded with council Thursday to return the remote option. Resident Donna Moore said the lessons learned from COVID-19 should continue into the future. You need to revisit this issue, said resident Sheila Hartranft. I want you to bring back Zoom. Im really getting annoyed, said resident Suzanne Hornick, who had often participated in the meetings remotely when Zoom was available and who has advocated for its return. She suggested putting a resolution to a vote. Lets see who is willing to stand up for the people of Ocean City and who wants to continue to prevent the citizens from accessing their government, she said. Its wrong. It shouldnt be happening. I can only think or assume that there is something to be hidden. Its not right. Barr declined to comment on the matter Friday. Apparently there were extensive discussions about how to handle the situation before the meeting began. Council member Tom Rotondi questioned Barrs absence. Is Bobby going to be excluded from this meeting? Rotondi said at the start of the meeting. He cant come up the elevator because its broken, and hes not allowed to call into the meeting. I get that there was a ruling a couple of weeks ago saying you cant Zoom in to the meeting. But its not like Bobbys in Florida in Disneyland. McCrosson said she discussed the matter with Barr and Council President Pete Madden. She does not make decisions for council, but rather offers legal guidance and advice, she said. I explained to them the pros and cons. Hes not being excluded. Whether hes calling in is completely up to him, McCrosson said. She said Barr was not told he could not participate in the meeting. He was told he cant be included in the meeting. So if he cant be included, Im not staying, Rotondi responded. At that point, Madden called Barr. Bobby, you are in the meeting. Welcome, he said. At times, he held his phone to a microphone so Barr could be heard. Later in the meeting, Barr explained why he was not present. Councilman Terry Crowley suggested the city create a contingency plan, to allow meetings to be moved to the Music Pier or the library if something similar occurs. I can tell you Ive been sitting here for 12 years and this is the first time its happened, McCrosson said. But we can look at how we can deal with this contingency. There was no information available for what was wrong with the elevator, when it broke down or when it might be fixed. Even before 2020, it was common practice for elected officials to phone in to public meetings, if scheduling conflicts would otherwise make them unavailable for specific votes. On Thursday, councilmember Jody Levchuk made a motion for council to return to having Zoom meetings available. McCrosson told him a resolution would need to be in writing to be voted on, but one could be prepared for the next meeting. Madden said the resolution would be discussed at the next agenda meeting. The next council meeting is 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at City Hall, 861 Asbury Ave. In previous interviews, and on Thursday, Madden said the city has not ruled out continuing a remote meeting option, but was looking at options. Even at the start of the summer, there appeared to be a consensus on council that the remote meeting option should continue. MAYS LANDING A Trenton woman charged in the death of a state Human Services police officer must return to jail after she was charged in a second crash last month, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said. Judge Dorothy Incarvito-Garrabrant on Friday revoked the release of Taquaysha Bell, 30, who was involved in the 2020 crash that killed off-duty New Jersey Human Services Police Officer Michael Luko Sr., the Prosecutors Office said in a news release. Bell, 30, has been indicted on charges of vehicular homicide and assault by auto in that case. At 11:07 p.m. June 19, 2020, Bell was traveling west on the White Horse Pike in Hammonton when she entered the oncoming lane and struck a 2003 Honda Civic operated by Luko, 53, of Mays Landing, who was on his way home from work, authorities said. Luko was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus in Galloway Township, where he was pronounced dead early the next day. Trenton woman charged in fatal June 2020 Hammonton crash Taquaysha Bell, 29, was arrested Dec. 15 at her home by detectives of the Mercer County Pros Bell and rear passenger Chanelle Morgan were transported to AtlantiCares City Campus in Atlantic City, where Bell was treated and her blood taken for a toxicology test. Morgan underwent surgery. Two male passengers were also taken to the hospital, but neither required medical attention, the Prosecutors Office said. On Dec. 21, 2021, Bell was released from jail pending trial, over the states objection. On Aug. 19, Bell was involved in another motor vehicle accident in Trenton, where she injured a bicyclist and left the scene, the Prosecutors Office said. As a result, Bell was charged with failing to report an accident and leaving the scene of an accident involving bodily injury. Based on those violations, the state moved to have Bells release revoked and requested she remain incarcerated pending trial in the vehicular homicide case, the Prosecutors Office said. Garrabrant granted the states motion, stating that Bells conduct is a danger to the community. Bells next court date in the Atlantic County case is scheduled for Oct. 28. Two Wildwood men are accused of distributing drugs throughout Cape May County. Pedro Rodriguez-Lopez, 32, and Jose Roman-Maysonet, 25, were arrested after police seized more than $750,000 worth of heroin and fentanyl, as well as $115,000 in cash, through 10 searches executed Thursday, the Cape May County Prosecutors Office said in a news release. SWAT teams from Cape May and Atlantic counties executed the search warrants. Both men live in the 200 block of East Maple Avenue. The arrests were made following an investigation that began in May 2021 after several kilograms of drugs and $65,000 were seized in Wildwood, the Prosecutors Office said Friday. Investigators learned Rodriguez-Lopez was leading a drug distribution ring that sent narcotics throughout the Wildwoods, Middle and Lower townships and Puerto Rico. Both men are charged with maintaining or operating a drug production facility, conspiracy to maintain or operate a drug production facility, possession with intent to distribute heroin greater than 5 ounces, possession with intent to distribute cocaine greater than a half ounce, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl greater than 1 ounce, possession with intent to distribute tramadol, money laundering, possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia and possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public property. The investigation is ongoing. Additional arrest warrants may be issued, the Prosecutors Office said. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration assisted the Prosecutors Office and Wildwood police in the investigation, as did the Cape May County Sheriffs Office; police from Wildwood Crest, Ocean City, Lower Township and Middle Township; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. ATLANTIC CITY With the 21st anniversary of 9/11 two days away, the Absecon Island community came together to honor those who died during the terrorist attacks. About 200 people gathered beside the Boardwalk off Jackson Avenue on Friday morning for the annual Saracini-ONeill Sept. 11 Memorial Ceremony. The event honors Atlantic City natives Victor Saracini, captain of United Airlines Flight 175, which hijackers crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center; and John P. ONeill, who had retired from the FBI after a long career of combating terrorism. A few weeks before the attacks, ONeill took over as director of security at the World Trade Center. He was killed after reentering the South Tower to help others. A large American flag anchored by firetrucks from Atlantic City and Ventnor provided the background as speakers remembered the events that transpired in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania. We all remember 9/11 as one of those moments thats stuck in time, Mayor Small Sr. said before thanking military and first responders at the ceremony. Small recalled the day he and millions watched as the World Trade Center collapsed. We were the United States of America, Small said. As our president addressed and explained that we would be stronger than ever, we all cheered with one voice, and it truly unified our country. In the days after the attacks, Americans found themselves coping with the tragedy, wondering how to explain the attacks to their children. But, as days passed, Americans found themselves more united in a nation often divided by politics, race, religion and culture, Small said. The American flag at the Saracini-ONeill 9/11 Monument was lowered to half-staff about 10 a.m. The monument was erected beside the exit ramp of the Boardwalk at Jackson Avenue. Squeezed in between a brick setup is a metal column from the World Trade Center, mimicking a similar monument in Absecons Heritage Park. Assemblyman Don Guardian, R-Atlantic, and Atlantic County Public Safety Director Michael Fedorko delivered the events keynote speeches, in which both men recalled the story of United Airlines Flight 93. The plane, along with the passengers who tried taking control of the aircraft after it had been hijacked, crashed into an open field in Pennsylvania. Both men told the story of how passengers called their loved ones to say goodbye knowing they were about to meet the terrorists head on in an attempt to regain control of the aircraft. During the ceremony, soon-to-be retired U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Sean OBrien was honored as a Hero Among Us, an award recognizing a significant first responder or military member. OBrien served as Coast Guard Station Atlantic Citys commanding officer before handing off the job. Before, he piloted Coast Guard helicopters, doing so on several missions including rescues after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. They (Coast Guard) often perform extraordinary acts in extraordinary circumstances, Guardian said. They exhibit remarkable courage, confidence and commitment in the performance of their duty. After Guardians remarks, OBrien was presented with a folded American flag sealed in a case. Its very humbling because everybody in the Coast Guard, military, firefighters, police department, theyre always putting themselves out there, OBrien said after the ceremony. Its very humbling that Im one that would be getting honored when everybody is sacrificing themselves. GALLERY: Saracini-ONeill Sept. 11 Memorial Ceremony in Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City web only Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Latest Headlines Atlantic City September Eleven Memorial Ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Sean OBrien, left, is presented with a folded and framed American flag as a Hero Among Us. Bagpipers perform during the 9/11 ceremony Friday. Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City People leave roses at the citys 9/11 memorial on the Boardwalk. Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City A first responder salutes during the ceremony. Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Tuesday July 20, 2021. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City Atlantic City firefighters Thomas Crozier-Carole, left and Captain Christopher Johnson,right take part in raising of the flag during Sept. 11 Atlantic City firefighters Thomas Crozier-Carole, left, and Capt. Christopher Johnson raise the flag during the ceremony. Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. speaks at Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. speaks at Sept. 11 ceremony at Jackson Avenue Boardwalk in Atlantic City Friday Spet 9, 2022. Edward Lea People line up along the Boardwalk at Jackson Avenue for the annual Saracini-O'Neill Sept. 11 Memorial Ceremony in Atlantic City. ATLANTIC CITY Offshore wind farm developer rsted North America laid out plans Thursday night to minimize traffic impacts on the Bungalow Park neighborhood where it plans to build a maintenance and operations hub on the waterfront. It happened at a community meeting at Community Baptist Church on New Jersey Avenue, where the pastor voiced support for rsteds plans. This change is coming, whether you like it or not, said the Rev. Elias Thomas Jr. How can we come together ... to get a win-win out of the situation? Thomas stressed the importance of the jobs and opportunities the company will bring to city residents. But a small group of residents who have opposed the project remained skeptical about the effect truck traffic and the vehicles used by an expected 60 to 70 workers commuting to the site daily would have on their neighborhood. The workers will arrive about 6 a.m. to start their 12-hour shifts and catch a boat to the worksite, and finish their shift about 6 p.m., according to rsted. Bungalow Park neighborhood meeting Thursday on wind project ATLANTIC CITY Without fanfare or much discussion, the Planning Board on Tuesday memorializ Resident Al Bailey asked all Bungalow Park residents to raise their hands, and about 15 people did so. Then he asked how many supported the project, and only about 5 left their hands up. These are my neighbors. I got more than 120 names (on a petition) saying they dont want it in Bungalow Park, Bailey said. They have got to be heard. He said he delivered the petition to the City Clerks Office. A few times a month it floods back there, said resident Sherrie Terrell. You are talking about all these ways in and out. Everything you just said is not going to happen. ... You need to go back there see whats going on before you do this. As she spoke, the water was coming up into the street by the church, and by the end of the meeting there were several inches of water in the intersection, causing many cars to back up and go a different way. McCurry said the company will look into ways to help mitigate flooding in the neighborhood. Atlantic City Planning Board OKs phase 1 of rsted maintenance facility ATLANTIC CITY The Planning Board on Tuesday gave site plan approval for Phase 1 of a maint Truck traffic will exit Route 30 on Caspian Avenue, then turn onto Maryland, Wabash and Delaware avenues to the site, said traffic consultant Kevin Dixon, and four-way stops will be installed at many intersections in the neighborhood. Regular vehicles will use New Jersey Avenue, Dixon said. One man said Delaware Avenue has developed sinkholes in the past and may not be able to handle the truck traffic, but Dixon disagreed. rsted is an offshore wind farm developer that has state approval to build two large wind farms off the Atlantic City coast, and promises to provide hundreds of jobs for local and state residents. Davon McCurry, rsteds New Jersey deputy head of marketing and government affairs, said the maintenance hub will consist of about 16,000 square feet of warehouse space and 8,000 square feet of office space. There also will be slips for vessels to transport workers out to build and service the wind farms. A construction road has been built on the site and office trailers and construction equipment delivered, and large trucks are being chaperoned to the site by rsted representatives, said rsteds Bill Pettitt. Bungalow Park residents skeptical of rsted wind farm maintenance hub ATLANTIC CITY rsted North America representatives tried to reassure residents at a meetin The company is renovating the Davenport Community Center building on New Jersey Avenue, which is part of the property, to use as a construction office. After that it will be given to the city for use as a community center, Pettitt said. It will be fully waterproofed, asbestos and lead will be removed, and a new kitchenette and ADA-compliant bathrooms installed, said local architect Tom Sykes, who is handling the design for the renovation. Sykes said the renovation will be complete, with new windows and doors and a waterproof membrane installed four feet up on the building. In June the Planning Board gave rsted North America site plan approval for Phase 1 of its maintenance and operations facility, which includes building bulkheads to stabilize the 4.5-acre lot and docks to accommodate six vessels. The project meets requirements of a 2020 redevelopment plan and does not require variances, Planning Board members have said. rsted was named the redeveloper of the site a former oil depot for several gas companies in 2020. It has an agreement with former owner Exxon Mobil to let the oil company complete its cleanup of petroleum products that contaminated the soil decades ago. Phase 2 of the project, construction of a building and other improvements, will be before the Planning Board on Tuesday. A series of political mailings that resemble newspapers and excoriate Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker over crime issues has prompted the governor to claim theyre the work of racist political consultant and right-wing radio show host Dan Proft, who also is financially supporting Republican governor candidate Darren Bailey. The mailings, tailored to specific areas and sent to voters under such labels as Chicago City Wire, DuPage Policy Journal, and Will County Gazette, are filled with purported news articles containing misinformation about the effects of criminal justice reforms enacted under Pritzker. The mailings contend the new law will free dangerous criminal suspects from jail and unleash them into the suburbs. A recent two-page spread features photos of predominantly Black men the mailer states are suspects in violent crimes who could be released from local county jails and into neighborhoods under the states no-cash bail policy that goes into effect Jan. 1. Under the new law, judges are to consider pretrial release on an individual basis, including those charged with murder, based on whether suspects are a risk to the community or a flight risk. The mailings state the new law mandates murder suspects awaiting trial be released from jail and gave a list of charges that it said were non-detainable. This is a messaging thats coming from a racist political consultant, who used to associate himself with Illinois, now lives in Florida. And hes sending messages that are, if you look at what hes printed, its clearly all about the idea that, again, what hes printing, that Black people are threatening your way of life. Thats essentially what hes putting in these publications, Pritzker said of Proft at an unrelated event in south suburban Harvey. Its a scare tactic. Its meant to have people (show) concern for their safety. And the truth of the matter is that what hes purveying here is complete hogwash. Im probably being polite when I say that. Its disgusting. Its a terrible thing to do, he said. And frankly, hes doing it on behalf of Darren Bailey. And that says as much as you need to know about Darren Bailey. In an email reacting to Pritzker calling him racist, Proft said, Its like being called ugly by a frog. In a Twitter post, Proft said Pritzker infuses race into every, single policy debate. He never deal on the merits, particularly on public safety. He signed the states death warrant with his no cash bail law. He challenged Pritzker to name one specific item in the newspaper you excoriate that is untrue or inaccurate. But in statements, supporters of the SAFE-T act and the Pretrial Fairness Act, as the cashless-bail portion is known, noted that any of those pictured as potential dangers to local communities could be released now if they posted bail. In the current system, the amount of money someone has determines whether they can be released not whether they pose a threat to someone else or are likely to free prosecution, the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice said in a statement. Still, Profts use of the mailings was backed by Bailey, the downstate farmer and state senator from Xenia who has made crime the top issue in his Republican campaign for governor. These newspapers that are circulating the state that are full of facts and truth and Gov. Pritzker has the gall to call it a lie, to keep the people uninformed, Bailey said in an interview on Profts Chicagos Morning Answer show Thursday. With the help of these newspapers that are circulating across the state, now theyve got these facts in them. And its awesome because every day when people are receiving this, theyre texting me this information, Bailey told Proft. I mean, Ive been trying to expel this and talk about this for two years, but its finally getting out and its finally resonating. The mailings represent the latest in a long line of controversies involving Proft, a radio host on WIND-AM 560 who now lives in Naples, Florida. Proft heads the People Who Play By the Rules political action committee, an independent expenditure fund supporting Bailey that is primarily funded by millions of dollars from wealthy conservative megadonor Richard Uihlein, who founded the Uline office packaging and supply business. Proft, who finished sixth out of seven candidates with less than 8% of the vote in a bid for the 2010 GOP governor nomination, has previously been cited by the State Board of Elections over similar newspaper-like mailers distributed by a previous PAC he ran. The state elections board found the Liberty Principles PAC wrongly coordinated with a candidate to spread favorable material and was required then to place a political advertising disclaimer on the materials. That PAC closed in 2019. He opened the latest PAC in March of this year. In 2018, Proft also was behind one of the most controversial political ads ever to air in Illinois on behalf of former state Rep. Jeanne Ives of Wheaton in a GOP primary challenge to one-term Gov. Bruce Rauner. The ad, formally denounced by the state Republican Party at the time, mocked transgender people, poor women seeking an abortion and unionized Chicago Public Schools teachers. The mailers are the latest iteration of the Local Government Information Services, or LGIS, which publishes online and often during election season sends printed copies. Proft formed LGIS before the 2016 general election. His current relationship to the company is unclear, though he has often defended its product. Despite different names for the publications, all feature nearly identical stories that often showcase candidates or address issues that are supported by Profts political committee. LGIS online sites have run several stories built around culture-war themes that are also preceded or followed by stories featuring comments about those issues from conservative politicians, including Bailey. Some stories included a disparaging preview of Lake County PrideFest, a Machesney Park school districts decision to ban the book Gender Queer and the raising of an LGBTQ flag by River Forest schoolchildren. In the spring, the West Cook News used a presentation at an Oak Park and River Forest High School school board meeting to push a story that claimed the school was creating a race-based grading system that would require teachers to account for the skin color or ethnicity of its students. Even though nothing in the presentation suggested such a policy, the story went viral online and gained a national audience through influencers and conservative media and forced school leaders to declare the story was false. Another person behind LGIS is Brian Timpone, a former spokesman for the Illinois House Republican minority leader in the 1990s who went on to own a company that provided hyperlocal news to the Tribune until the newspaper suspended the arrangement amid complaints of plagiarism and fake bylines. A 2018 Tribune investigation found many LGIS stories featured candidates supported by Profts political committee. On Wednesday, Pritzker said the mailings were an effort by this right-wing network of newspapers trying to take over where local real journalism, unfortunately, has receded. If you get something in the mail and you dont know that its from the far-right wing and people who align themselves with the semi-fascists, as President Biden has called them, then you might think thats something real. its not, When you get one of these in the mail, you should know that that is not a real newspaper, he said. Iowa politicians joined leaders from around the world to offer condolences and pay tribute to Britains revered and longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who died Thursday at the age of 96. Queen Elizabeth II was a strong and graceful leader for the better part of a century, 88-year-old U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a statement. As queen, she was a tremendous source of stability and clearly loved the people she served. Shell forever be a symbol of decency and humanity for the whole world. Queen Elizabeth II leaves a remarkable legacy of duty, honor and service. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, in a statement, called Queen Elizabeth a remarkable and steadfast woman who fought side by side with the United States through some of the Free Worlds most trying times. Ill always admire her fortitude, love of freedom, and tenacity that has inspired other women in leadership, Reynolds said. Kevin and I join with Iowans in sharing our condolences to the Royal Family. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, paid tribute to the queen as a global stalwart and a resolute leader of the United Kingdom for seven decades. Queen Elizabeth II was the steady foundation of the flourishing special relationship between our two nations, promoting freedom and peace alongside American leaders throughout history, Ernst said in a statement. While we grieve her death, Queen Elizabeth II leaves behind an incredible, well-revered legacy. May she rest in peace. U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Ottumwa, in a statement, said the queen set the standard for leaders around the globe, and her service will be remembered for generations to come. Queen Elizabeth II devoted her life to serving her beloved nation with grace and humility for over 70 years, Miller-Meeks said. Through her tenure, the United Kingdom faced many triumphs and hardships, yet the Queen never wavered. ... My heart goes out to her family during this difficult time. Rather than threatening to quit as they have in the past to win raises, housekeepers and other workers at the Hampton Inn Richmond-West Innsbrook hotel are preparing to unionize. We are not peons. We are human beings, said Marty Barnett, a 72-year-old employee who has worked at the hotel for 26 years. We need to be respected and that doesnt just go for me or [the people who work at] this hotel it should be a global thing. In a small gathering at the hotel Thursday, half a dozen workers who are petitioning to form a union and negotiate a labor contract with Shamin Hotels, the regions largest hotel operator, described not making enough money to pay their bills and unpleasant, demanding work conditions. The Innsbrook hotel workers are attempting to form their union as local government workers in Virginia and employees of large corporations such as Starbucks and Amazon are giving more consideration to labor organizing to obtain better wages, benefits and work conditions. Shamin has yet to issue a formal response or statement about the union effort specifically. They dont have to breathe in the dust, [cleaning] chemicals and mold, Jessica Morton, 28, said of management. Theres shower pieces falling apart and things coming out of the wall. All they do is patch it up. The workers said they make about $13 to $15 an hour plus tips. While thats higher than the Virginia minimum wage of $11 per hour, they said its not enough to cover their bills and regular expenses but just over the limit to qualify for food stamps and other forms of government aid. Desiray Shelton, 39, said she lives at her parents home in Hanover County with her two children, ages 22 and 17, because she cant afford her own place. I take care of my parents and both my kids, she said, explaining that one of her children suffers from seizures due to a medical condition. Im trying to do what I can to keep my parents house afloat and still ... put money aside so that I can buy me something, and its hard. Its really hard. Tony Miller, director of hotel performance for Shamin Hotels, is leading the effort to organize the employees at the hotel the company operates. Shamin Hotels is the Richmond regions largest hotel operator with more than 60 properties open and under development throughout Virginia and six other states. About half of its properties are in Richmond and the central Virginia region. (The company also owns the building in which the Richmond Times-Dispatchs downtown office is located.) As an executive with Shamin, Miller acknowledged that his role could put him at odds with his colleagues and supervisors, but said he feels strongly that the companys hourly paid employees should be entitled to higher pay and more respect. I have no problem with ownership generating revenue. However, theyre obliged to invest that back into their assets and staff, he said. The ownership here and with most of the hotels have no desire to take care of their staff at all. Neil Amin, the CEO of Shamin Hotels, said in an email Friday that he was surprised by these assertions after learning of them Thursday. We have always valued our associates, he said, adding that the company had provided bonuses to hourly associates during the coronavirus pandemic and established a $100,000 employee assistance fund. Many of Shamin Hotels leadership, including the founders and their families, lived in motels and started by cleaning rooms and working in other service aspects of the company. Amin declined to comment specifically about the union effort. Out of the 20 or so hourly workers at the Innsbrook hotel, 13 of them have signed cards to call for a union election, Miller said. Generally under federal law, employees at a workplace can set out to form a union if at least 30% of them sign cards or a petition saying they want to do so. The National Labor Relations Board may then certify the union if a majority of the workers vote in favor of it in an official election overseen by the board. Alternatively, employers can voluntarily agree to recognize a union to negotiate labor agreements. Miller said he expects to lead the workers under a new independent labor organization hes formed called Hotel Workers United. He said his goal is to organize workers at other Shamin properties as well. Twenty-one years later, Stanley Meador still remembers 9/11 and the aftermath. Now the special agent in charge of the FBI Richmond office, Meador at the time was a Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority agent in Alexandria. I can remember it, Meador told The Times-Dispatch last week. Probably the most vivid memory I have is the heat. Ive said this a number of times to folks, but the heat coming off the crash site was almost indescribable. Nearly 3,000 were killed when airplanes hijacked by terrorists crashed in Arlington, New York City and Somerset County, Pa. The anniversary is Sunday. To recognize the lives lost, Meador helped found the Richmond 3,000. For the second year in a row, federal agents officers have pledged to walk, jog or run 3,000 laps around the local FBI building as their way of recognizing and honoring 9/11 victims. Last year, participants took their mark and blasted through their goal of 3,000 laps. They eventually completed 6,471. Meador said the agency this year took an extra step to ensure theyd exceed their goal and invited neighboring law enforcement agencies to participate. All last week, members came to the FBI field office on East Parham Road to get laps in and tally the results. I would say there was probably a friendly squad competition for bragging rights, Meador said. The bigger accomplishment is achieving a common goal, he said. I think that today is for us and to them an invitation to partner up, a reassurance that we can work together, Meador said. Because just like on 9/11, we work through our partnerships. ... I think it reinforces to the community that we stand side by side. Meador, who was named to the Richmond post in March 2021, has also held positions with the FBI in Washington state, the Middle East, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The Galax native received a Declaration of Valor for his response at the Pentagon on 9/11. He said the Richmond 3,000 is to also recognize survivors and first responders still dealing with health effects in the aftermath of the attack, including himself. When I left the Pentagon, I had a moment where I thought that because of what we had done there that we were all going to get sick from this, Meador said. And then in 2013, I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Meador said he didnt waiver through the ups and downs of his illness. My cancer metastasized in 2016, but I just had my five years remission, Meador said. But my perspective is, you know, I live in the moment to try to focus on living for today. He said he hopes the biggest takeaway from the event is how tightly knit his team has become because of it. I think for me, Im just immensely proud of the commitment that the team shows each year, Meador said. When you see the younger people that may not have been around in 2001, you get to see them support this event. ... For us senior folks, that sends a good message. Lohmann: For New Kent deputy, 9/11 was a personal experience On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Nicholas Nick Fico reported to his job in the warehouse of a Danish furniture company in Branchburg, N.J. One of those young agents Eric Davis, 22 was out running Friday. Davis, an operational support technician with the bureau, was 2 years old in September 2001. I just remember being in day care and my parents having to come pick me up, Davis said. They were serving in the military at the time. For Davis, pledging to do a lap isnt just a chance for him to remember that day, but to reaffirm his commitment to the bureau and fellow agents like David Lewis, the assistant special agent in charge of the Richmond office. Lewis was living in New York in 2001 and remembers seeing the billowing smoke rising in Manhattan from his office building in New Jersey that day. The Richmond 3,000 is a way to celebrate what we are doing now and the talent and the people we have now, but also remember those who paid that ultimate sacrifice, said Lewis. On Friday, after a moment of silence followed by the sounding of taps, participants had completed over 5,058 laps. Were like a family here, said Davis, who racked up 30 laps Friday. This event is about remembering the fallen and about working together and completing our mission to uphold peace. What better mission is there? Photo: Contributed The Marula beer festival in South Africa. We have friends who are currently walking the Camino del Norte in Spain. Many people do the pilgrimages in that part of the world, walking a path that has been walked for hundreds of years by thousands of people. Some of them have a religious motivation. Some have a goal of self-discovery. Have you ever heard of someone making a pilgrimage for food? Maybe you have done it. I am not talking about just a craving for Cinnabon. This is more like having heard about some incredible specialty that is only made in one town, maybe only at a certain time of year, and deciding to travel for the purpose of tasting that one dish. Maybe you think thats crazy. Well, we all do crazy things for love. In case you want to see just how crazy people can be, I offer up a few of the available pilgrimages across the globe. Maybe you want to add something else to your list of places to go. I would recommend you dont read this column while hungry. It could motivate you to do something unusual. If youre into carbs The worlds rarest pasta is cooked only two nights per year in a small town in Sardinia. If you are up for the 20-mile trek to Santuario di San Francesco in early May or October, you can sample the handmade threads of God in its mutton broth with Pecorino cheese. If your travel dates are outside these nights, try another unique pasta in the Sardinian town of Usinisundried spirals called andarinos, served with fresh tomato sauce. Maybe you want cheese with your carbs Poland is known for many regional specialties, but this one is particularly rare. Only a few people from the Balkan tribe, the Vlachs, continue the tradition of making their special smoky sheeps milk cheese called oscypek. This golden-hued molded cheese in decorative forms was once used as a currency; now it is served with beer or vodka and sometimes local fruit preserves. If youre into drinks You may have had Amarula liqueur, but how about the drink made from the exotic marula fruit that is only consumed by locals? Head to Royal Thonga Safari Lodge in South Africa during the harvest season and you can attend the Marula Festival and enjoy marula beer after you see the elephants. Perhaps you want something more down-to-earth A bit closer to home we have a less exotic combination of flavours. Take a trip to a small town in Tennessee called Bell Buckle in June and attend the RC-MoonPie Festival Locals claim the combination of RC cola and a sweet treat resembling an un-roasted smore is something worth celebrating. (Note: You might want to offset the calories by also participating in the 10K run they hold.) As my last example shows, a food pilgrimage that includes a few miles of activity is perhaps the best recipe for a healthy experience. Mirriam-Webster defines a pilgrimage as a journey to a sacred place, or the course of life on earth. Since every meal is a part of that journey, why not treat them as rewards? This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Today, when rule of the people, for the people and by the people looks increasingly precarious, let us recommit to the idea that one of public educations crucial purposes is to prepare future citizens for democratic decision-making. Central to that endeavor is an unvarnished understanding of our history. Failure to confront the truth of our past obscures the need to redress ongoing harms created by unequal power and racial hierarchy. It also leaves us overly susceptible to falling victim to the same mistakes going forward. Several years ago, as I was doing research for a book on intentionally diverse schools in the Richmond area, I came across an old history textbook called The History and Geography of Chesterfield County. The chapter on education detailed the scattershot, unequal and racially exclusionary schooling available to county children prior to the Civil War. Virginia, pressed into action by Thomas Jeffersons emphasis on education for an enlightened citizenry and a (limited) democracy, required that all (white) children learn to read and write through several years of compulsory schooling. Yet resistance to paying taxes for public schools rendered available education private. During the pre-Civil War period, Chesterfields wealthy white school age children were either sent to English or Scottish schools or learned with private tutors brought over from those countries. Private academies and boarding schools represented additional options for white children with means. Non-wealthy, white children were either educated in old-field schoolsbuilt on fallow fields and communally run by families who built the school and hired the teacheror family schools taught by ministers. Philanthropists supported endowed schools, free to students. Not mentioned in the textbook: an 1831 statute, passed by white Virginia lawmakers worried about Black uprising, prohibiting meetings designed to teach free and enslaved African Americans to read or write. This racialized and privatized educational landscape shifted swiftly. In 1870, Virginia gained readmission to the Union by enshrining the right to public education for all students, regardless of race, in her new constitution. Black political movements, newly empowered by Reconstruction amendments guaranteeing citizenship and the right to vote, made public education for all Virginias students possible. Once readmitted, the state had thirty days to erect a public system of schooling. What was true then remains true now: inclusive public schools and inclusive democracies rise and fall together. As schoolchildren across the Commonwealth return to their desks, we would do well to remember these lessons from the past. Wistful, regressive calls for privatized education and niche curricula, akin to early Virginia schools like in pre-1870 Chesterfield, should be quickly dismissed. Unfettered school choice undermines public education and democracy, fracturing students into silos where they encounter little difference in viewpoint or background. Lack of meaningful contact layered onto extreme variation in courses of study thwarts shared student understanding of the past or present, ill-equipping them for governing in a multiracial society. Publicly subsidizing new forms of already intense school segregation divides students and families into less democratically accountable sectors. Traditional public schools still educate the vast majority of school age children in Virginia. They should be places where ideas are not banned from on high but wrestled with together. Places where values and beliefs are honed and clarified by listening to the perspectives of diverse classmates and asking thorny questions together. Places that foster belonging for all students; that offer challenge and provide care. Places that honestly reckon with historical injustice to better make meaning of contemporary inequities. In the same Chesterfield textbook, I scoured the index for the words slavery, enslaved, or slave and could not find them. Plantation was there, though. The page I flipped to described these sites of brutal, race-based and intergenerational enslavement simply by noting, here negro servants and craftsman worked. Published in 1980, the year I was born, this incomplete and inaccurate accounting of our history surely shaped the understanding of some in my generation. This fall, Virginias state board of education should be putting the finishing touches on new history and social studies standards, laying out markers for what public school students will learn over the next seven years. Final public hearings and approval were expected in September and November, concluding an extensive curricular vetting process involving input from roughly 200 expert committee members and thousands of public comments. Earlier this summer, however, several of Gov. Glenn Youngkins newly appointed board members voiced hesitation over the new standards and asked for more time. Against the backdrop of the administrations efforts to sow distrust in public schools and police educational dialogue related to racial equity, the delay is worrying. Only two of Youngkin five appointees were scheduled to be seated on the board of education this year, following a staggered expiration of terms outlined in the state constitution. The careful schedule allows the board to reflect a longer arc of democratically elected governors and check rapid swings in power and policy. Upturning it thwarts democratic norms and offers Youngkins appointees a majority on the board far earlier than anticipated. A majority that wields power over what the rising generation of public school students will learn in their history and social studies classes, among other crucial responsibilities. Public educationand democracyare ongoing projects without solid foundation. In this state, they have always rested on the shifting sands of racial, ethnic and wealth-based exclusion. Recommitting to both projects first requires a shared acknowledgement of past failures. So that we do not repeat them. And so that we might openly work to rectify them. A new report highlights the near-term impacts of rising sea levels to coastal counties and cities across the country, including parts of Virginia. Using the average of several simulations, the research team at Climate Central found Virginia has about 160 square miles of land roughly the size of James City or King George counties that will fall beneath the average low tide line in the next 30 years. While there is some flood risk along all of Virginias counties and cities that border the waterfront, two of the counties at the highest risk of losing land are located on the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck Middlesex and Northumberland counties. Middlesex County is home to the Urbanna Oyster Festival. Northumberland County is at the east end of U.S. Route 360, adjacent to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. Taking the average of several simulations, the researchers determined the average sea level in those two counties will be about 1.3 feet higher than their levels from the year 2000. More specifically, the loss of land in those counties is based on how rising sea levels will alter the average position of low tide, which marks the boundary between private property and public waters in Virginia. In Middlesex County, about 2,500 additional parcels of land, or 17% of all parcels countywide, will fall under that line in the next 30 years. For Northumberland County, which also has the Great Wicomico River running through it, about 5,900 additional parcels will fall under that low tide line in that time around 25%. Losses of private land have broader ramifications for counties and their economies. Initially, the loss of private land can lead to a decrease in property tax revenues for the counties. With less usable land as the water levels rise, individual property owners may also be hesitant to pay taxes on land that is regularly underwater. Businesses and homes that are near the new tidal zone will have to be removed, relocated or abandoned. Septic systems and underground storage tanks will also need to be removed or at least fortified against corrosion and leakage into the adjacent waterways. With local money at the risk of drying up, Virginias more rural waterfront counties and towns will likely ask the state or federal government for financial help in dealing with the semi-permanent flooding. The loss of land and property tax revenue for each county will vary, but in Middlesex County, the financial loss would be about 10% in the next 30 years. Losses there and in other coastal counties are likely to accelerate after the middle of the century. The state is already helping via its participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Since the beginning of 2021, RGGI has returned $452 million to the state, with about half of that money used to fund the Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Program (the other half is for energy efficiency programs). Individual municipalities must apply for those flood funds through the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, with the awards going out in stages. The first two stages have already been awarded, and the third is currently under review. Most recently, the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission, which includes Middlesex County, was awarded $336,000 from these funds to develop flood defenses through flood plain restoration and proven vegetated buffer zones. Farther upriver, the town of Tappahannock was awarded about $70,000 for using similar methods to protect areas adjacent to Hoskins Creek. Other locations in Virginia will be at risk, although the threats will become more serious after 2050. Tidal gauges in Norfolk, Yorktown and the Northern Neck already show sea level is about 1 to 1.5 feet higher than in 1950, and satellite measurements of sea level since 1993 show the rising water levels are accelerating. The speed of planetary warming will determine the ultimate amount of sea level rise and how frequently Virginias coastlines continue to flood. That rate of warming governs how much land-based glacial ice melts into the oceans and how much the ocean waters physically expand. But as an average, an additional foot of sea level rise seems nearly unavoidable over the next 30 years along the Virginia waterfront. On the current planetary warming trajectory, an average of 2 to 3 feet of rise is most likely by 2100. Virginia Tech President Tim Sands will host a conversation with Amazon Vice President Babak Parviz on Monday, Sept. 12, at 5 p.m. at the Moss Arts Center on the university campus. The event is free and open to the public and registration is requested, but walk-ups are welcome, according to a university news release. The creator of Google Glass, Parviz will present his talk, Building from the Ground up at Amazon, and share insights from his career experiences and how Amazon built two products Amazon Explore and Amazon Glow, according to the release. He will also be joined by Sands for an interactive dialogue about future innovations and his career path. Parviz has helped lead Amazon into health care, experiential e-commerce, machine learning for biotech, smart eyewear, and devices for childhood development, according to the release. Parvizs work has been on display at the London Museum of Science. He has received numerous recognitions and awards including National Science Foundation Career Award, MIT Technology Review 35, Time magazines best invention of the year (2008 and 2012), IEEE Circuits and Systems Industrial Pioneer award, Your Health Top 10 Medical Advance of the Year, and About.com Top Invention. He was selected by Ad Age as one of the 50 most creative people in the United States. In 2017, he received the University of Michigan Bicentennial Alumni Award. - The Roanoke Times A stealthy fugitive who eluded authorities in the New River Valley backcountry for several weeks last month prior to his arrest now faces nine criminal charges in four counties. Shawn Michael Tolbert, 42, was incarcerated in the New River Valley Regional Jail on Aug. 31, where he is being held without bond, according to the facilitys inmate lookup system. Five of his nine charges were filed in Craig County. Three of them are misdemeanors: falsely identifying self to law enforcement, trespassing and obstruction of justice and resisting arrest. The two other charges are counts of felony assault on a law enforcement officer. In Montgomery County, he has been charged with felony eluding, and in Pulaski County, he has been charged with misdemeanor obstruction of justice and resisting arrest. The other two charges against Tolbert, felony eluding and misdemeanor reckless driving, were filed in Roanoke County. Craig County Sheriff Trevor Craddock said Friday that Tolbert was taken to a medical facility after he was arrested, but only for a short while. Tolbert was arraigned Tuesday on the charges against him in Craig County. Tolbert first fled a Virginia State Police trooper trying to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle he was driving in Botetourt County, according to a news release. Tolberts car matched the description of one connected to a lottery ticket robbery suspect that was relayed to state police by the Botetourt County Sheriffs Office on Aug. 11. Tolbert was pursued to Craig County, where he crashed his vehicle and fled. Police believed he was living in the woods to elude them and that he was armed and potentially dangerous. A search for Tolbert ensued in Craig County. On Aug. 12, the sheriffs office told residents through Facebook that police were looking for him in the vicinity of Virginia 42 and Virginia 630 in the Sinking Creek Valley The next day, a sighting was reported along Virginia 42. Canines and a drone were deployed without success. No other reports of Tolbert in Craig County surfaced until Aug. 16, when the county sheriffs office said an unconfirmed sighting had been reported across the Giles County line near Newport. On Aug. 18, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office reported another Tolbert sighting nearby after a security camera recorded an attempted break-in at a residence on Brush Mountain west of Blacksburg. We ask the public to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, a sheriffs office post said. We will continue to maintain a heavy presence in and around the area until he is either captured or believed to no longer be in the area. We have utilized saturation patrols, foot patrols, K-9 units, and drone searches when following up on sighting reports, a second update on Aug. 19 said. We have received no reported sightings since this morning. Then the trail went cold until 10 days later, the Dublin Police Department announced Tolbert was in custody. The department said in a news release on Facebook on Aug. 30 that a citizen had reported Tolberts whereabouts. An officer in an unmarked police vehicle also reported a Tolbert sighting, and all units were deployed to find him, which turned out to be a bus in a back yard, the news release said. The Pulaski County charges of misdemeanor obstruction of justice and resisting arrest were placed after his arrest. Tolbert, of Burkeville, is familiar with Virginias criminal justice system. Between 2004 and 2005, he faced nine traffic-related charges in Prince Edward County, according to Virginias online court case information system. Among them were eluding, DUI and obstructing justice offenses. In 2009, he faced additional eluding and DUI charges in Nottoway County. And in 2014 in Charlotte County, he was charged with four counts of justice obstruction and single counts of malicious wounding and assaulting an officer. Longtime Radford police officer Chris Caldwell left the city force this week and is being investigated by the Virginia State Police, the citys police chief confirmed Friday. Chief Jeff Dodson said he could not comment on what prompted the abrupt departure of Caldwell, who was a captain and part of the departments top leadership. State police said that no charges have been filed but an investigation is ongoing. Contacted Friday and asked specifically about the investigation of Caldwell, a state police spokeswoman responded with a three-sentence statement that did not name the former officer but said investigators are looking into an allegation made against a Pulaski County resident which concerns comments made by the adult male to another individual via a digital device. The investigation continues and at this stage no charges or arrests have been made, state police said. Similarly, Pulaski County Commonwealths Attorney Justin Griffith, when asked about Caldwell, said only that a special prosecutor had been named to assist a state police investigation of a resident of the Fairlawn section of the county. The special prosecutor is the commonwealths attorney of Williamsburg and James City County, Nate Green. He did not reply to messages left late Friday. Caldwell was with the Radford department for more than two decades. A notice of Caldwells promotion to captain last year that was posted to the departments Facebook page said that at that time, he had logged 21 years with the force and worked in all its divisions. LOCUST GROVE An Alexandria man has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $15,557.25 for damage caused while metal detecting on the Chancellorsville Battlefield, according to a release from Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. An investigation conducted by park rangers under the authority of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act revealed evidence indicating the man was responsible for illegal excavation and damage to an archeological resource while metal detecting on National Park Service property, the release stated. On March 16, 2021, an off-duty Virginia State Police trooper observed a white male digging in the Chancellorsville battlefield and reported it to park officials. Rangers responded and found a person matching the description. Park officials discovered multiple unauthorized excavation sites along with damage to archaeological resources within the boundary of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, adjacent to the Chancellorsville History Trail, the release stated. National Military Park battlefields are protected by federal laws and regulations. Archeological resources on public lands administered by the National Park Service are an irreplaceable part of the nations heritage, according to the release from Hilary Grabowska, an Interpretive Park Ranger at Chatham Manor. Enacted in 1979, ARPA makes it a violation of federal law to excavate, remove, damage, or otherwise alter or deface, or attempt to do so, any archeological resource located on public lands. Penalties for persons convicted of felony violations may include up to two years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000, the release stated. Metal detecting is banned in all national parks. Prosecutors say a Northern California sheriffs deputy has been charged in the killings of a husband and wife who were shot inside their home Photo: The Canadian Press Parliament Hill is bathed in purple light and the Royal Cypher of Queen Elizabeth II is projected on the Peace Tower, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in Ottawa, on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang A ceremony to proclaim the accession of King Charles III as Canada's new head of state will take place Saturday morning at Rideau Hall. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and members of the federal cabinet and Privy Council are also expected to meet as part of the protocol needed to formally proclaim the new sovereign. Trudeau is signing the book of condolences for the Queen this evening, after he returns to Ottawa from a three-day cabinet retreat in Vancouver. A date for Canadas national commemoration ceremony for Queen Elizabeth II has not been announced, as officials await public confirmation about when her state funeral will be held. Canadian Heritage says it will hold a ceremony involving a televised church service, a memorial parade, as well as a 96-gun salute and military flypast to honour and remember Canada's longest-serving head of state. Government officials say it will be the same day as the Queen's state funeral in London. FLORENCE, S.C. Leroy James was at home when the report came on television that the World Trade Center had been attacked. Like many Americans, he was shocked. It was completely unbelievable, James said. At the time, I really didnt understand what was going on. I caught on later on. James said the terrorist attack slightly put fear into his heart about airplanes and the possibility of another attack, but he said that fear is no different than todays fear of the probability of him being shot in a church, store, or parking lot. I didnt feel safe then and I dont feel safe now, James said. Its hard to even go to the store nowadays without something happening. James said 9/11 was a terrible thing and he hates that some many people had to lose their lives and hopes the families of those who were slain are still moving along. Sharon Weatherford said she vividly remembers where she was. Weatherford said she was at the doctors office preparing to leave for Lynchburg, Virginia, to visit her daughter. I was devastated, Weatherford said. My doctors son was in New York. He wasnt in the Trade Center, but he was in a building right next to it. I was his first and only patient. He saw me, heard about the news and left for New York. Weatherford said the doctors office was in a frenzy from hearing about the news. We made it to Lynchburg, Virginia, to be with my daughter, Weatherford said. Her husband was leaving Virginia to go to Florida for business and we were going to be with her. He had a flight to Florida, but all flights were canceled and he rented a car and drove. Willie Mae Woodberry said she was in Boston, Massachusetts, at work. Woodberry said she was shocked that something like that could happen. I didnt have family in New York, but I had family in Washington. Woodberry said. I had a niece who worked at the Pentagon and they were running and trying to get away from that area. Woodberry said she didnt have any uneasiness about getting on flights in the future, but she said the incident did make her vigilant about her surroundings and made her question people instead of taking them at face value. What you see is not what you get from people, Weatherford said. More than anything, that is what the attack taught me and I hope nothing like that happens again because it was a terrifying experience. Martha Jackson Taylor said she was at home watching television when she got word of the attack. The only thing I could say was wow, Taylor said. I asked myself what the world was coming to. Taylor said she had family in New York at the time of the attack and she was deeply concerned about their safety. I didnt call because I knew that they had a lot of families actually in New York that were worried about them and calling them, Taylor said. I knew that the other family members would get to them. I just prayed for their safety. Taylor said from time to time she may have a thought about a terrorist attack when she is in a crowded area, but it is rare. I am just careful of my surroundings, Taylor said. I pay attention to all the exits and as long as I can get in and out I am fine. Mary Johnson said she was on the way to an AME annual conference in Conway when she heard about the crashing of the World Trade Center. I did not know what to do, Johnson said. It also made me nervous about future terrorist attacks because you never know. Who wouldve thought something like that would happen? Johnson said the scariest thing about the terrorist attack is that you never know and it is least expected. FLORENCE, S.C. More than a thousand comic book lovers, artists, and writers flocked to the Florence Center dressed as their favorite superheroes or villains. For many, Comicon serves as a day to let their alter ego run wild without judgment. Steve Thompson with Power Comicon said the event is one of unity that breaks down the barriers of age, sex, and gender. Its a big happening for the community, Thompson said. People of all ages love comics and all people want the opportunity to share their other side and feel free. Thompson said the event is a no-judgment zone and allows people the opportunity to freely explore their imagination. We have been away from each other for a long time due to COVID, Thompson said. We get to come together as a community and everyone is from all ages, sexes, and gender and it is a wonderful thing to see. This was the first time since 2020 that Power Comicon had no restrictions. Zasha Bennett of Marion said she has always been interested in comics and makes an effort to attend Comicon every year. She made her own costume for the event. I made this costume two years ago, Bennett said. I was exposed to comics when I lived in North Carolina and I moved to Marion and I continued on with my love for comics. Bennett was dressed as Hidan, a villain from the anime series Naruto. He is a villain known for his disrespectful behavior. A lot of people dont like Hidan, Bennett said. Thats partly why I chose him and I enjoy being seen as the villain. Alison McCarroll from Concord came dressed as a cloud. McCarroll said she comes to Comicon every year because of the art, vendors and the environment of acceptance. I enjoy being able to dress up and be anyone I want, she said. Everyone is accepting and it feels good being here. A lot of people arent accepting and its nice to find a community where you can make friends. Jeremy Miles from Florence is an author who writes Halloween-themed poetry. Miles said October is his favorite time of the year and he channels the dark energy of October into something positive. All of my books are poetry, Miles said. I write the most poetry in the month of October than any other time. People in the world are feeling dark now and I am trying to tap into the darkness and show people that there is light on the other side of darkness. Miles said he tries to communicate through his books that hard times dont last always. If something is all pervading then thats all you see, Miles said. If you have a contrast and can tell the difference between darkness and light then you know that each is temporary. Miles said his poetry isnt really deep or philosophical, but holds simple truths. He said he was always attracted to writing, but pursued other things. Later on in life, he realized he was gifted in writing and began pursuing it. He said he attends Comicon as often as he can and enjoys the artistic atmosphere. Chris Hoffman, from Fayetteville, North Carolina, came dressed as Goku and said he identifies with the character because of their similar personalities. I am a goofy person who is humble, Hoffman said. That is pretty much who Goku is. He also embraces who he is and has positive energy. Hoffman said he wants to embody that energy in real life and seeks to not allow negative things get him down. Every day I try to make a positive impact on people and the world around me, he said. Hoffman said he never misses a Power Comicon because it is a place that allows him to express his true character. Caleb Hannah from Florence came dressed as a maid and said he wanted to challenge the societal norms of gender roles. Today is a day where I get to come out and really dress how I want to, Hannah said. I dont feel out of place nor uncomfortable. I dont believe that we should stick to certain things because society feels like only men or only women should do something. Hannah added that he is studying psychology at Francis Marion University and seeks to challenge the world and make everyone internally question why they do the things they do. Split Washington Supreme Court revisits its limits on long prison terms for juvenile offenders | Main | Making the case for jury nullification in response to criminalization of abortion September 10, 2022 "Irrational Collateral Sanctions" The title of this post is the title of this new article now available via SSRN and authored by Michael Zuckerman. Here is its abstract: In the modern era, a criminal sentence is rarely truly over just because someone has served their time. Instead, both legal and social barriers continue to haunt most people who have been convicted of crimes for years. These barriers often persist long past the point of making good sense. While social barriers like stigma are not always easy for lawyers and lawmakers to address, legal barriers like so-called collateral sanctions (also known as collateral consequences) are their bread-and-butter. In Part I of this Essay, I tell an anonymized client story that illustrates many of the existing efforts to blunt the effects of collateral sanctions in Ohio. In Part II, I discuss in more depth both the problem of collateral sanctions and both the challenges and opportunities posed by existing remedial efforts. In Part III, I discuss the opportunity for rational-basis challenges to irrational collateral sanctions when other remedial opportunities are unavailing. September 10, 2022 at 10:04 AM | Permalink Comments Post a comment ONE INNOVALE 21.43 12830 3.2515 Wetland 3200 15 PatagoniaiPhone 41% 91651 SEC 0.89% 2.65% 15 5%100 iPhone 143360 510 HKTVmall 0.42% 1.24% iPhone14 512GB Pro Max2400 7%5% 707 NORFOLK, Neb. Northeast Community College will play a key role in a new $25 million effort to help Nebraska become a national leader in robotic technologies and automation in the manufacturing and agriculture industries. Northeast is one of six partners in the Heartland Robotics Cluster that was awarded a $25 million grant on Sept. 2 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) through its Build Back Better Regional Challenge program. The Heartland Robotics Cluster was one of 21 winners of the $1 billion challenge. The project was selected among a pool of 529 applications from all 50 states. In December, 61 proposals were named finalists, of which 21 were awarded funds. The program will be led by Invest Nebraska and also includes participation by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering, Metro Community College, Nebraska Innovation Studio, the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership and The Combine. The Heartland Robotics Cluster and private sector partners have been working on the concept since early 2021, said Dan Hoffman, CEO of Invest Nebraska, which is a public-private organization that invests in early stage startup companies. We are extremely grateful to receive this support and recognition from the EDA. Northeast will receive approximately $4.6 million of the clusters overall award - $3.4 million for the development of a fabrication lab in downtown Norfolk and $1.2 million to create a two-year robotics/automation curriculum and technology outreach program. It is the largest federal grant Northeast has ever received. The lab will be geared to the workforce needs of local and area manufacturers, many of which generate products and serve clients that support the agriculture industry. The lab will also create an environment where ideas are shared and become reality through applied technologies, economic and community development, business and industry training and personal development. Once the space in downtown Norfolk is renovated, it will feature high-tech equipment and collaborative workspace to allow manufacturers to explore ideas, streamline production processes and create prototypes. The lab will be open to the public, offer a variety of membership and use options, and include space for student robotics use. Northeast Dean of Applied Technology Shanelle Grudzinski said the college is beyond excited to partner with Invest Nebraska and others who share a vision of looking at rural vitality and community growth through a different lens. As an innovative approach to engaging cross disciplinary boundaries and programs, along with the community, the Northeast Community College Fabrication Lab is being built in the heart of downtown Norfolk to assist in stimulating the entrepreneurial ecosystem and expanding educational opportunities for a wide variety of groups ranging from K-12 students to two-year and four-year college students, to incumbent workers, to the community at large, Grudzinski said. It is an opportunity to combine resources, knowledge, and local talent while offering affordable and accessible manufacturing and creative equipment for individuals to ideate, prototype, problem-solve, and produce with as we work collaboratively to address workforce challenges and economic development opportunities. The Build Back Better Regional Challenge places community and equity at the heart of its design. With this grant, technological development, revitalization of communities, and job creation go hand in hand, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a news release. Invest Nebraska Corporation and its coalition partners will spur technology innovation in the state to fortify our nations food supply chain, support rural workers, and accelerate technology, she said. Hoffman said the grant money will be used to develop an automation demonstration space and program for Nebraska manufacturers led by the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership; grow the robotics engineering curriculum for undergraduate students and build R&D robotic lab space at the UNL College of Engineering; create an automation fabrication lab managed by Northeast Community College; develop urban ag/robotics outreach and training by Metro Community College; expand the robotics makers space at Nebraska Innovation Studio; and increase technical assistance for robotic ag-tech startups managed by The Combine. Today, we start the long process of investing in our states automation infrastructure and growing the future talent pipeline in automation, robotics, computer vision, and AI, Hoffman said. Lincoln Journal Star reporter Matt Olberding contributed to this story. SIOUX CITY The Sioux City Art Center, 225 Nebraska St., will be hosting a new exhibit of large-scale collaged paintings by Lincoln, Neb.-based artist Nancy Friedemann-Sanchez. Entitled "Turn of the Sea," Friedemann-Sanchez's exhibition title comes from Volta do largo, a Portuguese navigational term that speaks to the 15th century Age of Discovery, historical trade routes and, more recently, currents of ocean pollution. Friedemann-Sanchez's intricate work is deeply rooted in her Colombian ancestry, as well as her knowledge of South America's indigenous cultures and their encounter with Spanish explorers. The exhibit opens on Thursday and is slated to run until March 5, 2023. It was organized by guest curator Karen Emenhiser Harris. A public reception is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Art Center. Friedemann-Sanchez will speak about her art in the gallery and refreshments will be served. SIOUX CITY Sioux City Police arrested a man in connection with a handgun that was discharged in downtown Sioux City on Aug. 28. The dispute was over a love interest between the two men, according to the Sioux City Police Department. Rico M. Willis of Sioux City has been charged with going armed with intent, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a controlled substance and keeping a disorderly house, according to a SCPD press release. At 11:44 a.m. on Aug. 28, officers responded to a report of shots fired at 1013 Pierce St. Willis, 44, followed a male he knew back to his apartment build and confronted him, according to the release. He pointed the handgun at him and pulled the trigger. "The gun failed to fire and Willis reloaded the firearm and then struck the victim with it. When Willis struck the man, the gun discharged," according to the release. No one was injured by the gunfire. Originally, the encounter was investigated as a "road rage" incident. A search warrant on Willis' residence found the firearm used as well as marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Willis is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Russia announces troop pullback from Ukraine's Kharkiv area KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russias Defense Ministry says it's pulling back forces from two areas in Ukraines Kharkiv region where a Ukrainian counteroffensive has made significant advances in the past week. A Defense Ministry spokesman says the troops will be regrouped from Balakliya and Izyum to the eastern Donetsk region. Izyum was a major base for Russian forces in the northeastern Kharkiv region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy taunted Moscow over the withdrawal, saying its army was demonstrating the best that it can do showing its back. Western officials and analysts say Ukraine has punched through the front lines south of the countrys second-largest city, taking large swaths of territory and threatening to cut off Russian supply lines. Charles is proclaimed king; sons unite to thank the public LONDON (AP) King Charles III has been formally proclaimed sovereign of the U.K. in a ceremony in London. The development Saturday came as details emerged of the highly choreographed ceremonies that will end with the funeral of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Sept. 19. In this time of sorrow, there was also signs of reconciliation. Prince William and his brother Harry, together with Catherine, now Princess of Wales and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, appeared jointly in Windsor to thank thousands of mourners who came to lay floral tributes to the queen. It was the first time that the quarelling younger generation of royals had worked together since the Sussexes stepped aside from royal duties and moved to California in 2020. Stepping up: Next generation of royals to see more scrutiny LONDON (AP) Prince William and wife Kate have made a surprise joint appearance with Prince Harry and wife Meghan warmly greeting a large crowd gathered outside Windsor Castle to remember their long-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Their walkabout was the first time the brothers have appeared amicably together in public since March 2020. The display of unity comes at a time when the younger generation of Britains royal family must step up their responsibilities significantly. William, long second-in-line to the throne, is now the heir apparent after his father, King Charles III, became Britains new monarch upon his mothers death. That means William and Kate, both 40 and parents of three young children, immediately assume a much more central role as the new face of the monarchy. Not Mar-a-Lago: Congress' secrets in sealed rooms, lock bags WASHINGTON (AP) Security-sealed rooms and lock bags are some of the ways Capitol Hill keeps classified documents secured. It's an elaborate system of government protocols and high-level security clearances. And it stands in stark contrast to the storage room stash of secrets at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. As the Justice Departments probe into the Republican former presidents handling of White House materials deepens, lawmakers of both parties have more questions than answers. The search of Trump's private club is unprecedented for a former president. Intelligence officials have offered to brief congressional leaders possibly as soon as next week. But that could be delayed. Iga Swiatek beats Ons Jabeur for 1st US Open title, 3rd Slam NEW YORK (AP) Iga Swiatek has defeated Ons Jabeur 6-2, 7-6 (5) to win her first U.S. Open championship and third Grand Slam title overall. The No. 1-ranked Swiatek cemented her status as a dominant figure in womens tennis by triumphing at the tournament that is expected to be the last of Serena Williams career. Swiateks victory improved her record in tour-level matches to 55-7 with seven trophies in 2022. She won the French Open in June for the second time and is the first woman since 2016 to collect two major titles in a season. Jabeur is now 0-2 in Slam finals. She was the runner-up at Wimbledon in July. Visa, Mastercard, AmEx to start categorizing gun shop sales NEW YORK (AP) Payment processor Visa Inc. says it plans to start separately categorizing sales at gun shops. The move disclosed Saturday marks a major win for gun control advocates. They say it will help better track suspicious surges of gun sales that could be a preclude to a mass shooting. But gun rights advocates have argued such a step would unfairly segregate legal gun sales when most sales do not lead to mass shootings. Visa said it would adopt the International Organization for Standardizations new merchant code for gun sales, just announced Friday. Until Friday, gun store sales were considered general merchandise. It joins Mastercard and AmEx, who said they would also start adopting the standard. GOP hopefuls for election posts see enemies within own party WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Four Republicans who have promoted false claims about the 2020 presidential election and are seeking to overhaul how elections are run by becoming their states chief election official say they are fighting against a corrupt system. They're even pointing a finger at mysterious forces within their own party. The candidates are Arizonas Mark Finchem, Michigans Kristina Karamo, Nevadas Jim Marchant and New Mexicos Audrey Trujillo. They appeared at a conference Saturday at a South Florida hotel. The event featured numerous speakers falsely claiming the 2020 election was stolen from former President Donald Trump. Marchant, an ardent Trump supporter, says the candidates' "biggest enemy is our own party. Black preacher arrested while watering flowers sues police BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) A Black pastor who was arrested by white police officers while watering the flowers of a neighbor has filed a federal lawsuit over the ordeal. Michael Jennings is suing three officers and the central Alabama town of Childersburg for an unspecified amount of money. He alleges the arrest violated his constitutional rights and caused lingering problems including emotional distress and anxiety. Jennings was helping out a friend by watering plants when a neighbor called police about a suspicious person and officers showed up. He was arrested after refusing to provide identification, but the charge was later dropped. A city attorney didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Indiana Jones, Black Panther take spotlight at Disney expo ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) An emotional Harrison Ford has unveiled a trailer for the fifth Indiana Jones film, saying this one will be his last. Ford and castmate Phoebe Waller-Bridge appeared on stage at Disney's D23 Expo after an arena-sized audience in Anaheim watched the trailer. Ford choked up as he called making the film an incredible experience and said this one is fantastic. He also said this is it, I will not fall down for you again." Cast members of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" showed footage from the new film. The scene acknowledges the death of Chadwick Boseman's character T'Challa. Boseman died of prostate cancer in 2020. Marshall upsets No. 8 ND 26-21; Freeman to 0-3 for Irish SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) Steven Gilmore returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter and Khalan Labron ran for 163 yards as Marshall shocked No. 8 Notre Dame 26-21. Marcus Freeman became the first Fighting Irish coach to lose his first three games. Gilmore, the brother of Stephon Gilmore of the Indianapolis Colts, picked off a pass by Tyler Buchner with 4:35 left, raced to the end zone and then jumped into the stands where Marshall fans were already celebrating the victory. Marshall (2-0), the first Sun Belt Conference team to play at Notre Dame Stadium, beat a team ranked in the top 10 for just the second time in school history. Photo: The Canadian Press Police investigate the scene of a stabbing where one person was killed and two others injured in Edmonton, on Wednesday September 7, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson A 25-year-old man who was arrested after a series of stabbings in Edmonton that sent a neighbourhood into lockdown has been charged with second-degree murder. Brian Berland, 38, of the Cold Lake First Nation in northeastern Alberta, died in the attack on Wednesday and two women suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries. Clarence Lawrence, 25, was taken into custody about two hours after authorities warned the public about the attacks. Police issued an update Friday afternoon stating that an autopsy has confirmed Berland died from stab wounds. The update also says Lawrence has been charged with second-degree murder as well as two counts of aggravated assault. Edmonton police initially said they believed the assaults were random in nature, but in a news release Thursday, police said the suspect knew one of the women. While police were searching for the suspect Wednesday, they warned residents, pedestrians and motorists to avoid the northeast neighbourhood of Homesteader, near Hermitage Road and Henry Avenue. They said officers were looking for a man with an "edged weapon." Residents were also advised to shelter in place. Four Catholic schools, four public schools and at least one daycare in the area were on alert as a precaution, meaning the exterior doors were locked. Berland's brother-in-law, Allen Frost, told The Canadian Press that Berland was in Edmonton to visit family and was attacked while walking with his sister and his sister's dog. Police said Thursday a 32-year-old woman was stabbed at a bus stop and a 41-year-old was attacked moments later in her tent a short distance away. The Republican nominee for Kansas governor is trying to make the Democratic incumbent's support for abortion rights a liability. GOP nominee and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt pursued that tactic Saturday during a debate at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson despite last month's strong statewide vote affirming abortion rights. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has been a strong supporter of abortion rights. Voters last month rejected a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the Kansas Constitution that Schmidt supported. But he suggested Kelly is out of step with Kansas voters and supports abortion on demand. She said, He's making that up. LINCOLN Since taking over the role of Nebraska GOP chairman in July, Eric Underwood has filled most of the openings left in the wake of his election. However, one big vacancy remains: the executive director. With Underwood focusing his energy on the November general election, he said its unlikely the position will be filled until the start of 2023 at the earliest. Underwood was elected chairman during a tumultuous GOP convention this summer, which prompted more than a dozen resignations within the party, including the executive director, the national committeewoman and the first and second congressional district chairs. Underwood said the party has filled all of its constitutionally required roles, with the executive director being one of the last remaining vacancies. He said he wants the position selected through a hiring process, with Underwood providing a range of in-state and out-of-state candidates for the partys executive committee to vet. However, his plan presents multiple roadblocks that will delay the selection. Several of the candidates Underwood said he is considering are currently busy with upcoming elections, and the executive committee must convene in an official meeting to vet the candidates. Underwood said he would rather focus the partys energy on the general election, so he expects that meeting will have to wait until early 2023. The executive director is a full-time job that oversees the partys operations. Without anyone in that position, Underwood said he will assume many of those responsibilities, but he doesnt consider it much of a sacrifice. Most of the vacancies were either appointed by Underwood or elected at a state central committee meeting on Aug. 20. One of the notable elections at the meeting included new National Committeewoman Fanchon Blythe, who narrowly beat former gubernatorial candidate Theresa Thibodeau for the role, according to Underwood. Blythe is a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump who was near the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot protesting President Joe Bidens election. Blythe told the Lincoln Journal Star that she moved away from the Capitol that day as law enforcements presence heightened and she wasnt fully aware of the situation inside the Capitol until she returned to her hotel. She also said she had no regrets about attending the event. Blythe was one of seven delegates who had their credentials revoked before the state GOP convention in July, and was reinstated after a tense vote by the remaining delegates that preceded the former chairmans firing. Blythe strongly supported Underwoods campaign for chairman at the convention, but Underwood said he didnt take sides during the central committees vote. He said he made an effort to make the process as fair as it can be. Im not going to weaponize this party, Underwood said. Blythe could not be reached for comment. She replaces Lydia Brasch, who was the target of many delegates ire during the convention. Underwood said he didnt know Brasch well, but he is confident that Blythe will do a good job promoting engagement within the party. Underwood, Blythe and National Committeeman J.L. Spray will represent Nebraska on the national level within the Republican National Committee. Blythe and Underwood received intense criticism by central committee member Chris Chappelear in a column posted in the Nebraska Examiner last week. Chappelear said the direction the Nebraska GOP has gone following the convention has enforced a culture in which the only things that matter are supporting Trump and agreeing with the new party leadership. Chappelear called for Underwood to resign. With Eric Underwood at the helm, the Nebraska GOP is a worthless entity, Chappelear said in the column. Our nominees need support, yes, but I cannot trust Eric Underwood. Underwood declined to comment on Chappelears column in an interview. Instead, he provided a written statement via text, in which he praised Chappelear for exercising his right to free speech. As Republicans move towards the Nov. 8th elections his unwavering support for our Republican nominees will be critical to the success of a #redwave in Nebraska, Underwood said in the statement. We look forward to Mr. Chappelears use of his journalistic talents to promote our candidates. Another new face to the party establishment is Meg Kallina, who was elected as first congressional district chair and serves as the partys new communications director. Kallina replaced interim communications director Jack Riggins, who was removed from the role after an illustration depicting oral sex was posted to the NE GOPs Twitter page last month, which Underwood said Riggins was responsible for. Underwood said Riggins was already looking to take a step back from the position before posting the tweet, and he had been in conversations with Kallina about taking over the role. He said Kallina assumed the position within a week of Riggins departure. In addition to filling the vacant roles, Underwood said he has created a new position within the party, a volunteer to voter coordinator who will work with local party offices to organize volunteer campaign efforts. Mary Hilton, who worked with Underwood while he served with the Lancaster County Republicans, currently holds the role, he said. Hilton ran for the Lincoln City Council in 2021 but lost. Underwood acknowledged that friction remains in the party, although he said he isnt sure if that is because the party is actually fractured or just filled with passionate members. He said he plans to focus the general election campaigning on the partys platform values, which he hopes will unite Republican voters. By Nov. 8, we are going to be a unified party, Underwood said. IOWA CITY Six years after a Davenport veterans suicide sparked national attention and calls from members of Congress for an investigation after having been denied inpatient psychiatric care, the Iowa City Veterans Administration Medical Center is planning for a major expansion. Over the past several years, mental health both in the military and civilian sector has been recognized as a shortcoming in our medical treatment of individuals, whether they veterans or civilians, Heath Streck, associate director for operations, said following a 9/11 flag-raising ceremony on Friday at the Iowa City VA Health Care System. Streck, though, stressed several mental health initiatives and newly approved funding by Congress will facilitate infrastructure improvements and the hiring of additional mental health professionals and social workers to help with workload and increased need. President Joe Biden in June signed the Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act into law. The legislation was named for Sgt. Brandon Ketchum. The 33-year-old served in Iraq and Afghanistan and struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse after serving in the U.S. Marines and the Iowa Army National Guard. He died by suicide in 2016 after being denied inpatient psychiatric care at the Iowa City Veterans Administration Medical Center. The new law, supported by Iowas congressional delegation, will establish three new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE) program centers, which provide a small team of specialists to meet the needs of rural veterans with serious mental health and daily living issues. It also requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study and report on whether the VA has sufficient resources to serve rural veterans who need mental health care that is more intensive than traditional outpatient therapy. The VAs Office of Inspector General concluded in a report that while VA staff were not directly to blame for the way Ketchum was treated by hospital staff, the system could be improved. The psychiatrists decision not to admit the patient was within acceptable practice based on the information available to him at the time, the report states. However, if the admitting psychiatrist had been aware of the extent of the patients psychosocial struggles the psychiatrist may have decided to admit the patient. Moreover, the psychiatrist made a good-faith effort to reengage the patient after he abruptly left the session. Streck and Jamie Johnson, public affairs officer, said the Iowa City-based VA health system is in the process of developing a medical psych unit and plans to develop a community living center in addition to a residential rehabilitation treatment program to fill gaps and meet demand. The VA Health Care System in Iowa City serves veterans and their families in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. About 35 percent to 40 percent are enrolled in the VA and receiving treatment. And demand for inpatient mental health care is expected to increase 6.2 percent by fiscal 2029, according to a VA market recommendation report for Eastern Iowa. The demand for long-term care is expected to increase by 64.9 percent by fiscal 2029, the report states. Johnson said that demand is mostly driven by the health care systems largely aging patient population, who mostly live in rural areas. Theres a large swath of veterans out there that just arent seeking the services that we would really like to have come see us, he said. There are things that we are doing to improve the services, or expand the services and offerings, to veterans that might fall into that category. The Biden administration announced plans in March to reposition the countrys veterans health care system to conform to new needs among patients in the coming years, which includes recommendations to build a new 30-bed residential rehabilitation and treatment program to provide mental health services and a partnership to expand long-term care services in a new community living center. Johnson, the public affairs officer for Iowa City VA, said both projects had been planned for before the report was released. He also noted the recommendations must still be approved by Congress and Biden early next year. Community Living Center The VA will likely need to identify a new site to construct a stand-alone VA nursing home for dementia and post-surgical care, due to its Iowa City campus being small and landlocked, with a highway on one side and University of Iowa campus on the other. If the proposal is approved, Johnson said he anticipates the VA would look to acquire land or partner with another organization in 2024 to lease a site to expand long-term care services That is in the preliminary stages, and thats going to be a little further out, Johnson said. Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program Currently, Iowa City VA patients must travel to St. Cloud, Minn., or Des Moines to receive treatment under a rehabilitation and treatment program, which sometimes prevent veterans from engaging in inpatient treatment programs, due to the distance, transportation requirements and separation from family and local support networks, Johnson said. Well be able to offer extended residential treatment locally without having to transport our patients to other VAs, he said. The programming is group-based and focused on helping patients manage chronic disorders, including depression, (post-traumatic stress disorder), substance use disorders and other conditions along those lines. Often patients need weeks, sometime months, to regain function and be able to recover as best they can. So having an RRTP here will allow us to provide that longer-term care to our acute-care unit. Inpatient Medical Psych Unit While the Iowa City VA Health Care System already has an inpatient mental health unit, its new medical psych unit will add 10 beds for veterans who have an acute medical issue combined with underlying mental health conditions. Johnson said new inpatient unit which would be housed in converted administrative office space at the VA hospital is already being designed, and anticipates it will be ready for use in 2024. It would be only the second such unit in the VA Health Care System nationwide, he said. Staff would be specially trained to treat combined illness, such as addiction, depression and PTSD, and serve as a training site for the University of Iowa Internal Medicine and Psychiatry program, where resident physician will be trained in both specialties, Johnson said. Our veteran population is aging, and that aging population also suffers from illnesses associated with aging, such as mood disorders (and) dementia things that can lead to hospitalization. He noted many hospitals across the region have closed or reduced the census of their inpatient psychiatry units, resulting in more veterans seeking care within the VA due to a shortage of beds. Those things will help us fill those gaps for veterans, Johnson said. Nebraska does not appear poised to join the small but growing number of states enacting policies penalizing investment firms focused on climate change and environmental issues. That is despite the fact Nebraskas treasurer heads one of the leading organizations behind the movement. Nebraska Treasurer John Murante chairs the State Financial Officers Foundation, which was the subject of a New York Times article in August. The story documented the connections between the nonprofit foundation and a campaign to weaponize state treasurers offices against efforts to reduce climate change. It includes the adoption of policies to restrict or otherwise punish companies that reduce their support for fossil fuel businesses. Murante, who declined a request for a formal interview and provided comments via email, said such policies are not in the works in Nebraska at this time, but clarified his office has the authority to make sure Nebraskas best financial interests are met. According to the New York Times reporting, after President Joe Bidens election, the foundation began its countereffort to slow his climate plan. Since then, at least five primarily conservative states have passed laws to restrict businesses that have cut ties with fossil fuel companies. For example, West Virginia earlier this year adopted a law that allows that states treasurer to blacklist banks from receiving state contracts if the banks have limited their relationship with fossil fuel companies. West Virginias treasurer said in a press release that the law would help protect our coal, oil and natural gas workers and companies from unfair, un-American boycotts. Similar policies have not been proposed in Nebraska, and outgoing State Sen. Matt Williams of Gothenburg, who chairs the Legislatures Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, said he hasnt caught wind of any potential bills that may come up in future legislative sessions. Moreover, he said he doesnt think it would be wise to put fences around Nebraskas borders simply because a company supports climate action. In addition to being largely run by Republicans, the states that have adopted those policies also tend to be rich in fossil fuel resources coal in Kentucky and West Virginia, oil and gas in Texas and Oklahoma. By comparison, Nebraska has a low stake in the fossil fuel industry. It doesnt produce any coal, and contributes only 0.03% of the nations total crude oil reserves, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. While Nebraskas fossil fuel presence is small and slowing, the states renewable energy industry is small but growing. The Energy Information Administration reported that Nebraska is the countrys second-largest producer of fuel ethanol, and has some of the best wind energy potential in the U.S. The State Financial Officers Foundation and its members have been accused of pushing the restrictions out of political motivations, rather than doing so for the financial benefit of their states. Dawn Rockey, a Democrat who served a term as Nebraska treasurer in the 1990s, said although the treasurer is an elected position, it hasnt traditionally been seen as a partisan role. The treasurer serves as the chief financial officer for the state government. The office offers college savings plans, seeks to return unclaimed property to citizens and handles child support payments. Rockey said she doesnt see how the climate change policies could be interpreted as anything other than a political move. Its outside the scope of the job, Rockey said. State Financial Officers Foundation members, including Murante, a Republican, have rebuked these accusations, arguing that they are not the ones playing politics its the climate activists pushing a political agenda. We simply want financial institutions to make the best decisions based on their fiduciary responsibility, not based on politics, Murante said in the email. One company at the center of this issue is the multitrillion-dollar investment firm BlackRock, whose CEO Larry Fink has openly stated his desire to move away from fossil fuels in favor of more sustainable energy sources. BlackRock has landed on lists of blacklisted firms in West Virginia and Texas. Murante said his office does not have a banking relationship with BlackRock. However, several other state offices are focusing on the company. The Nebraska State Investment Council, which Murante is a nonvoting member of, heard a presentation from BlackRock representatives in July about a policy known as Environmental, Social and Governance, or ESG, which is criteria used by companies to make environmentally smart investments. And in August, Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson joined 18 other attorneys general in signing onto a letter questioning BlackRocks practices of putting investors interests and returns behind the asset managers ideological push. Peterson told The World-Herald that he became concerned about BlackRock after hearing about the companys views in the news. His office has not received any complaints about the company. Climate change policy should be debated by state legislatures, rather than dictated by businesses, Peterson said. He described the practices by BlackRock as corporate tyranny. Although there are other companies that concern Peterson for similar reasons, he said BlackRock is the biggest dog in the backyard. Peterson said he hopes by shining a spotlight on BlackRock, smaller companies take it as a cue to reduce their support for climate action. Meanwhile, Michael Walden-Newman with the Nebraska Investment Council said BlackRocks presentation was mainly to educate the council about ESG. He said he approached BlackRock requesting the presentation after Fink released a letter supporting ESG earlier this year. BlackRock oversees some of the councils investments. Walden-Newman declined to say whether the council, which manages $40 billion in investments, was considering any actions for or against BlackRock. Murante asserted that companies supporting ESG have a devastating impact on Nebraskans and the states economy. Similar to Peterson, Murante said climate change policies need to be considered in Washington, not Wall Street. There are attacks by extremist global elites on American farmers, ranchers, and energy production going on right now, Murante said in the email. However, many environmental experts argue that climate change mitigation is financially wise, mainly because efforts will only become more expensive as time goes on. Climate change could be especially costly in states like Nebraska, where the agriculture sector is known as the backbone of the states economy. A recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City noted that Nebraskas gross domestic product grew at the fastest pace in 10 years during 2021, largely driven by expansion in many industries and notable strength in agriculture. A 2014 report by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln noted that climate change-induced stresses will lead to declines in crop and livestock production in many agricultural regions. The 1979 Trans Am rolled out of a Michigan barn and into Dave Halls muscle car shop north of Lincoln last year. He and his crew cleaned it, polished it, detailed it inside and out. They changed the fluids, tuned it up, made sure it starts and runs. But they didnt drive it. When Hall bought it last fall, the odometer showed just 35 miles. It still does. You can find cars that are restored, Hall said. But its not easy to find cars with low miles that have never been touched, that are survivors. Its a time capsule of a Trans Am. And it spent most of its four-plus decades about 80 miles north of Detroit, covered in dust. In 1979, an excavating company owner bought five new Trans Ams as investments, but had sold at least one. That car ended up in the hands, and barn, of a retired General Motors executive, who sold it to a neighbor last year. That neighbor sold it to Hall, a Firebird expert who estimated he and his shop, Restore A Muscle Car, has bought and sold roughly 2,000 Trans Ams. On its own, and with its options package, the 79 Trans Am isnt particularly rare, Hall said, though the black exterior-red interior wasnt a common color combination. But the double-digit mileage is the wild card that could drive its price. After he bought it, Hall was contacted by museums and would-be private buyers, who wanted to know how much they had to pay to make it their own. He didnt know, but he knew how to find out. I told them it's just probably going to go to auction and sell to the highest bidder, because it was a car that was really hard to throw a value on. He thought about selling it through an online auction, like Bring-A-Trailer or eBay, but decided it would likely sell better in person. So on Saturday, it will roll across the stage -- and the broadcast feed of MotorTrend TV -- at the Mecum Auction in Dallas. Hall doesnt know what to expect, though last year he said it could be a six-figure car if the right buyer was interested. But he knows it will get to Texas safely. Im putting it in my trailer and Ill be taking it down there personally myself to deliver it, because I dont really trust anyone else. Editor's note: We have detected a technical issue that is preventing some users from being able to log in to comment. We are working to have the issue resolved shortly. Thank you for your patience. WASHINGTON (AP) Horseback riding with Ronald Reagan. Yachting with Bill Clinton. Sipping tea with Joe Biden. Queen Elizabeth II, who died Thursday at age 96, had met every American president since Dwight Eisenhower, with the exception of Lyndon Johnson, who did not visit Britain during his presidency. Biden was the 13th and final U.S. president to meet the woman whose reign spanned seven decades. Keep scrolling for a gallery of photos of U.S. presidents with Queen Elizabeth II Every living former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump joined Biden in mourning her passing and sending condolences to her family. Biden and first lady Jill Biden said the queen's legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world. Obama and his wife, Michelle, recalled the queen welcoming them, America's first Black president and first lady, to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity. Biden first met the queen in 1982 as a U.S. senator traveling in the U.K. with a delegation from Congress. He last saw her in 2021, several months after he became president, while attending a world leaders' summit in southwestern England. She mingled with Group of Seven leaders at a reception that she and other royals hosted at an indoor rainforest. After the summit, the Bidens traveled to Windsor Castle, near London, at the queen's invitation for a private audience. The queen was a 25-year-old princess when she came to Washington in 1951 and stayed with President Harry Truman and his family. She met Herbert Hoover in 1957, more than 20 years after he left office. Full story: A look through the years: How is the digital weather space changing? We talked with the team of meteorologists at WeatherBrains, the long-running video and audio podcast based in Birmingham, Alabama. We discussed how our careers brought us to this point and how we envisioned digital weather content for local audiences in the years to come. How do we compete with a new generation of social media influencers, and how do we deal with some of the plusses and minuses of working in an exclusively digital space? And check back Monday for the next episode when the team chats with Ashley Morris, emergency management planner in Baltimore County, Maryland. About the Across the Sky podcast The weekly weather podcast is hosted on a rotation by the Lee Weather team: Matt Holiner of Lee Enterprises' Midwest group in Chicago, Kirsten Lang of the Tulsa World in Oklahoma, Joe Martucci of the Press of Atlantic City, N.J., and Sean Sublette of the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia. Photo: The Canadian Press Commissioners Leanne Fitch, Michael MacDonald, chair, and Kim Stanton, left to right, observe as commission counsel Jamie Van Wart questions Deputy Commissioner Brian Brennan, in charge of contract and Indigenous policing for the RCMP, appearing by video at the Mass Casualty Commission inquiry into the mass murders in rural Nova Scotia on April 18/19, 2020, in Halifax on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. Gabriel Wortman, dressed as an RCMP officer and driving a replica police cruiser, murdered 22 people. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan A deputy commissioner of the RCMP told an inquiry today that in May 2020, less than a month after a gunman killed 22 people in Nova Scotia, he opposed informing the public that a police safety bulletin had raised red flags about the killer nine years before the shootings. Deputy commissioner Brian Brennan, the RCMP's second-highest-ranking officer, confirmed that another senior officer suggested during a meeting that the bulletin should be shared with the public, but Brennan rejected the idea. The bulletin had been distributed to all police forces in the province on May 4, 2011, after an officer with the Truro Police Service learned from a source that Gabriel Wortman wanted to "kill a cop" and was possibly in possession of at least one handgun and several long rifles. The internal warning was not released publicly until May 29, 2020, when CBC News obtained the document through a freedom of information request. The bulletin confirmed police across Nova Scotia were aware Wortman could be dangerous nine years before his shooting rampage, even though the RCMP had stated shortly after the murders he was not known to police. On Friday, Brennan told a commission of inquiry that the bulletin should not have been released because it was unclear what impact it would have had on the RCMP, adding that the Mounties wanted to first speak with Truro police. Last year, Truro police Chief David MacNeil told inquiry investigators that shortly after the mass murder, he took part in a call with senior RCMP officers who he said "nudged" him not to release the bulletin. On Thursday, Sept. 1, in a prime-time speech at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, President Joe Biden described Trumpism as a clear and present danger to American democracy. During CNNs analysis of the speech, White House correspondent John Harwood noted that the presidents core point was true. Thats something thats not easy for us as journalists to say, said Harwood. Were brought up to believe theres two different political parties with different points of view, and we dont take sides in honest disagreements between them. But thats not what were talking about. These are not honest disagreements. The Republican Party right now is led by a dishonest demagogue. Many, many Republicans are rallying behind his lies about the 2020 election, and other things as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Harwood before his departure from CNN pic.twitter.com/TIFcvENMKn Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) September 2, 2022 The next day, on his Twitter account, Harwood announced he was leaving CNN effective immediately, and it was hard not to draw a direct connection to his frank on-air characterization of Trumps Republican Party. Regardless of whether Harwoods analysis itself was what earned him the heave-ho, or whether he felt free to speak so bluntly because he already knew he was being shown the door, the two incidents were clearly correlated. Advertisement Advertisement Calling Donald Trump a dishonest demagogue shouldnt be the sort of thing that might get a journalist in trouble. The statement is roughly as disputable as saying that fire is hot or water is wet. Trump lost the 2020 presidential election, pretended he didnt, induced thousands of idiots to storm the U.S. Capitol in order to stop the steal, and is now using his political clout to support those midterm candidates who most aggressively subscribe to his election lies. Journalists are supposed to report the facts, and Trumps dishonest demagoguery is one of the plainest facts of the present day. Advertisement So why does the new management at CNN seem so intent on pretending otherwise? The answer, of course, is because millions of Americans still support Trump and believe his obvious lies, and because CNN would like very much for some of these people to help boost the networks flagging ratings. After the February departure of longtime network CEO Jeff Zucker, and the April merger of CNNs parent company with Discovery, the network has been under a renewed mandate to build a stronger, more sustainable business in the cord-cutting era. But in its haste to renew its appeal with the sorts of old cranks who will be last in line to cancel their cable subscriptions, the network risks damaging its credibility as a news organization that can be counted on to tell the truth even when its viewers do not want to hear it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harwoods departure was just one in a string of notable CNN departures over the past month. In August, longtime Reliable Sources host and occasional Fox News critic Brian Stelter lost his job when new network CEO Chris Licht abruptly canceled his show. This Friday, investigations editor Pervaiz Shallwani, whose team covered policing, announced on Twitter that he had recently left CNN to pursue other projects. Shallwanis announcement came days after CNN had hired John Miller, recently the NYPDs deputy commissioner of counterterrorism, who earlier this year had publicly defended the departments controversial post-9/11 Muslim surveillance program. Advertisement Advertisement The link between Harwood and Stelter, at least, is that both men had been conspicuously willing to speak blunt truths on air about the fundamental dishonesty and demagoguery of the modern GOP and the right-wing media outlets that wield misinformation as a tool of tribal cohesion. And all three departures come at a time when CNN as a whole seems to be actively tacking toward the middle, or at least an idea of it: pulling back on direct critiques of the Trumpist right while seeking out voices and perspectives that are equally as critical of Biden and the left. Many have speculated that this transition has been prompted by right-wing pressure in the new C-suite and boardroomand, indeed, current Warner Bros. Discovery board member John Malone has gone on record as praising Fox News while noting that hed like to see CNN evolve back to the kind of journalism that it started with, and actually have journalists, which would be unique and refreshing. Advertisement Advertisement This take on the relative merits of Fox News and CNN indeed sounds like the sort of thing youd expect to hear from a very rich man who gave at least $250,000 to Trumps 2017 presidential inauguration, and who is currently a director emeritus of the Cato Institute. But new CEO Licht, who before coming to CNN was executive producer of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, doesnt strike me as an obvious right-wing hack, and partisan capture isnt the only possible explanation for the recent personnel shifts at the network. Advertisement Advertisement At the end of his final episode of Reliable Sources, Stelter expressed his belief that the world needs CNN to be strong. Put another way, in a highly partisan environment rife with factual instability and motivated misinformation, there is great value in having one authoritative source that a plurality of people trust to report the news as it actually is, a source with credibility on both sides of the aisle. This role as the One True Reliable Source is, I think, the one that CNN wants to regain after having lost a bunch of viewers who disliked what they perceived as constant opinionating about the president from ostensibly neutral analysts and reporters. Advertisement By curtailing the blunt assessments of Trump and Fox News and others in that same loopy, malignant orbitassessments that, no matter how true they might be, likely arent changing anyones minds at this point, and which arent always absolutely central to the broad texture of the networks reporting and analysisCNN may well hope to win back some of the viewers who tune out when they hear Trump named as what he is. Over time, if these viewers start watching again, they might come to think more critically about the aggressive misinformation that pervades so much of the Trumpist right. In times of national crisis, then, these people might be more apt to trust CNNs accurate reporting over the motivated illogic of people who are hoping to personally profit by stoking or exploiting those crises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if this is CNNs best case for pursuing false balance while dissuading its personalities from calling Trumpism by its name, its not a very convincing one. News outlets earn their credibility not by euphemizing the truth in order to appeal to more people, but by telling the truth even when its difficult. How can CNN claim to speak with authority when it simultaneously seems to be muzzling some of its most morally articulate reporters? The fact that this seems to be the networks path forward tells me that its new leaders fundamentally misunderstand the realities of media in the post-Facebook era. Advertisement Advertisement CNNs uniquely authoritative voice during the decade or so after its founding was largely the product of a constrained media environment in which news consumers lacked easy access to other options. Back then, major networks and newspapers were able to wield significant influence within the country and their communities because they were basically the only game in town. Today, though, the sphere of consensus has fractured, and no single neutral outlet now exerts the same level of influence that their predecessors did on mainstream opinion. CNN isnt going to regain its pre-internet stature, because that stature was largely a function of the eras structural limitations. People have more options now, and the big names in news and opinion no longer serve the same unifying roles that they once did. Instead, weve got countless smaller outlets that reach audiences cohered by their pre-existing affinities, as well as hordes of loons with Twitter and YouTube accounts who will passionately argue that compression socks and yelling are the real cures for COVID-19. Advertisement Advertisement The point is that tacking to the middle in order to regain an authority that was largely the product of an expired era in media is a flawed strategyand that constraining ones reporters and analysts in response to bad-faith criticisms will ultimately make your network beholden to the biases of people who dont actually value your work and will always just find some other dumb reason to hate you. No party or standpoint holds a monopoly on media criticism, and there are intelligent critiques of CNN to be found on the left, the right, and in the middle. But its also true that the dominant MAGA critique of CNN is not based on logical, objective responses to the networks reporting and analysis: Its based on Trumps choice to thumb his nose at fact-based reporting while yelling fake news, fake news over and over. CNN will be hard-pressed to win back the viewers who fled during the Trump era, because their flight wasnt rational in the first place. These lost viewers dont want objective reporting: They want the network to suppress any and all criticism of Trump and the right, or at the very least to balance it out by criticizing Biden and the left in equal measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN should criticize Biden and the left when they deserve it. CNNand, indeed, every hard-news outletshould not align itself with any political partys goals or fortunes. Democracy needs its media outlets to cultivate adversarial relationships with all who hold the levers of political power. But what happens when the nation is, objectively, in an era where the right qualitatively deserves more and deeper criticism than the left? What happens when the right is led by a demagogue driven exclusively by self-interest and the left is led by an old dude who stutters sometimes? Should the choice be to adhere to some outdated fairness principle and criticize both sides in equal measure? This brand of false balance has poisonous side effects. If one political party claims that the presidential election was stolen, and the other says that it wasnt, it is insufficient to just report the debate as if both sides have an equal claim on the truth. Refraining from calling out egregious lies for fear that doing so will offend the liars constituencies is a form of cowardice that emboldens the liar and ill-serves the rest of us. Choosing false balance and milquetoast smarm over competent analysis serves no one except for those on the right who are actively attacking the nations democratic foundations for their own personal gain. Advertisement Advertisement It can be tempting for journalists to take a speech such as Bidens Independence Hall address and, when analyzing it, focus on how abnormal it is for a sitting president to call out factions in the opposing party as anti-democraticand to do so against a backdrop of two Marines standing at attention and the Marine Band, as CNN correspondent Jeff Zeleny wrote on Twitter. (Zelenys CNN colleague Brianna Keilar also called out the optics of positioning Marines in uniform behind President Biden for a political speech.) Fair enough! Reporters should be free to criticize the optics of Bidens choicesbut they also shouldnt lose sight of the ongoing context in which those choices reside. There are norms and then there are norms, and the one that Biden transgressed by speaking so bluntly in Philadelphia came in response to the norm that Trump and so many on the right continue to transgress by pretending that the 2020 election was stolen. Any reporter who cant see the differenceor who can see the difference but is nevertheless willing to primly claim false equivalence between the respective norm violationsought to turn in their notepad. Advertisement Advertisement As uncomfortable as it might make journalists who were trained in an ethic of strict neutrality to admit, Bidens read on the threat that the MAGA movement poses to American democracy is absolutely accurate, and in times of great crisis it is a shallow and destructive choice to focus on tone rather than substance. Because the thing is that both Biden and John Harwood were right. It is definitionally dishonest to claim, over and over, that you won something that you lost, and it is definitionally demagogic to do so in order to rile up logically challenged voters so that they might help you retain public office. By this point, the only people who would dispute Trumps dishonest demagoguery are motivated by either stupidity or greed. By this point, the only people who would resist calling Donald Trump a demagogue are those people who have a vested interest in pretending that he isnt. Is the perception of equity and nonbias the goal for the new CNN, or is the execution of truth-based reporting and analysis the goal? The latter is a goal that serves the country; the former is a goal that serves the people who want to destroy it. Same-sex marriage legislation is going to get a vote one way or another, either as a stand-alone piece of legislation or lumped into the government funding bill. On this front, weve seen a couple of developments that have, officially, made the Surge giggle. First: Some intensely lame snitch has pointed out to the bills negotiators that a drafting error may leave the door open for federal recognition of polygamy, and Republicans Have Raised Concerns. One option here is for Republicans to live a little, you know? The other, more likely option is that the legislation will be updated with some comically hard-ass language clarifying NO POLYGAMY, EVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Another sticking point is language regarding religious liberty. Frankly, Republicans who dont know what to do about this legislation are using that as their off-ramp from supporting it. Chief among them is Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, who is confused about how hes supposed to run for reelection. When the legislation was first introduced over the summer, he said he saw no reason to oppose it but was generally irritable about having to deal with it. He remains generally irritable about having to deal with it, but now is saying he wont support it in its current state. He also explained to radio host Hugh Hewitt that theres nothing to worry about, as Obergefell will never be overturned by the Supreme Court: I mean, stare decisis protects decisions that if they were overturned, it would disrupt peoples lives. I dont want to disrupt peoples lives. Yep, thats the SCOTUS we know and love: Definitely wouldnt disrupt peoples lives. King Charles III, Photo: https://www.royal.uk/ I have no axe to grind with the British monarchy because I have no dog in the fight. Once you get past the mixed metaphor of grinding and dogfight you will find some interesting details in my post. I have long wondered how much it costs the British exchequer to maintain the royalty and all the trimmings and appurtenances that go with it. I have a specific answer for this year to March 31. The net expenditure is 102.4 million pounds or a little over $118 million. This is not a figure I have conjured up in the grip of irrational rage. It is from the horses mouth, the horse being the official website of The Royal Family. The official financial summary of the royal familys upkeep costs makes for some interesting reading. For instance, of the 102 million pounds 63.9 million pounds was spent on property maintenance and 23.7 million pounds on payroll. Obsequiousness and servility come at a cost. This is how the summary explains the sovereign grant that the Windsors receive. The Sovereign Grant Act 2011 came into effect from 1 April 2012 and consolidated the funding provided to support the official duties of The Queen and maintain the Occupied Royal Palaces. Until 31 March 2012, funding had been provided under the Civil List and the Grants-in-aid for the Maintenance of the Occupied Royal Palaces, Royal Travel and Communications and Information. The Queens official expenditure is met from public funds in exchange for the surrender by The Queen of the revenue from The Crown Estate. The Core Sovereign Grant is calculated based on 15% of the income account net surplus of The Crown Estate for the financial year two years previous. The Crown Estate surplus for the financial year 2019-20 amounted to 345.0 million, thereby producing a Core Sovereign Grant of 51.8 million for 2021-22. Here are some key financial details. The total Sovereign Grant for 2021-22, including the dedicated amount for Reservicing, amounted to 86.3m (2020-21: 85.9m), equivalent to 1.29 per person in the UK. The 86.3m is made up of a core grant of 51.8m which funds official travel, property maintenance and the operating costs of The Queens household, and an additional dedicated amount for Reservicing of 34.5m. The core grant equates to 77p per person in the UK. Income earned to supplement the Sovereign Grant was 9.9m, an increase of 5% from 9.4m (2020-21). The figure remains less than 50% of pre-pandemic levels and continues to largely reflect the impact of Covid-19 on The Royal Collection Trusts ability to welcome visitors to the Occupied Royal Palaces. Official expenditure was more than the Sovereign Grant and the supplementary income earned, with net expenditure of 102.4 million, a 17% increase on the previous year. This was driven by spending totaling 54.6m on the Reservicing of Buckingham Palace an increase of 41%. The Sovereign Grant reserve has reduced by 14.6m (2020-21 2.3m was drawn down) to pay for significant work relating to the Reservicing of Buckingham Palace. I suppose since it costs an equivalent of just 1.29 pounds per person in the United Kingdom to fund the sovereign grant it is fine. The question though ought to be why it costs anything at all any person in the U.K. other than the members of the royal family. As republicanism likely grows in the Britain and elsewhere in the U.K. and anti-monarchy sentiment rises with it, it would be useful for the people to know these details. In the Indian context, which once had more than 550 small princely states before its independence in 1947, the country used to give the families lording over these states what is known as privy purses, a sort of regular allowance to maintain their lifestyles. Privy purses were one of the conditions on which many of these princely states agreed to join the Indian union. They were a version of what the British monarchy receives even while still ruling the country. The privy purses were abolished by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1971 much to the chagrin of indolent royal families. In fact, the term privy purse is very much part of the British system even today. The sovereign grant is reviewed every five years by the Royal Trustees who include the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Keeper of the Privy Purse. In the interest of clarity, the privy purse is not an actual purse like an Hermes bubblegum pink purse, that costs an obscene 38,000 dollars in the U.S. It is another name for the state funding royal hubris. After Charless formal proclamation today as king perhaps he should seriously consider asking William, now the Prince of Wales and his official heir, Kate, the Princess of Wales to start earning some real money to underwrite their fabulous lifestyle. After all, how long can an average citizen and others pay even if it is just 1.29 per person in the UK. Ryanair Spain-UK flight turned around after hitting flock of birds Passengers travelling to Liverpool from Barcelona were transferred to another plane Ryanair flight headed for Liverpool had to conduct a quick about-turn just after departing Spain on Wednesday night, September 7, and return to its Barcelona base after the aircraft flew into a flock of birds and reportedly hit at least one. Apologising for the significant delay, a Ryanair spokesperson confirmed that the Boeing 737-800 left Barcelona El Prat airport on time but soon after encountered a minor bird strike. The aircraft landed normally, and passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft which departed to Liverpool, explained Ryanair. It is understood that some of the birds may have flown into the engine, as several people living close to the Barcelona airport reported hearing an unusual noise as the plane flew over their homes. The flight, which was scheduled to land in the UK at 10.25pm, eventually touched down in Liverpool at 1.35am, more than three hours late. Speaking about the industrial action in Barcelona this week, Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson explained the delicate relationship between the airline, workers and unions: They were not able to reach an agreement over four years, and our cabin crew tired of that and theyve now gone with CCOO, and weve got a good agreement there, I think. Were not going to get everything we want either. But as I said before, its like a marriage. You have to stop shouting at some time and enjoy life, he said. Image: Archive Another event at Pusty Hrad, an historic castle, is planned in early September. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Pusty Hrad, an ancient castle above the town of Zvolen, recently witnessed the re-eanactment of a royal wedding that originally took place at the site in 1247. Visitors to the castle compound were treated to demonstrations of life in the Middle Ages, battles and several accompanying activities. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement A helping hand in the heart of Europe get your copy of the Slovakia travel guide. "We have been re-enacting this royal wedding for three years now. This time we also added something new, namely the conquest of the castle. Visitors could also spend the night in experiential period tents," Jiri Pec, director of the Regional Tourism Organization of Central Slovakia, told the TASR newswire. Another event at Pusty Hrad castle is planned for early September. It will comprise historical scenes, music and an uncovering of the secrets of the castle by archaeological experts, regional daily My Zvolen reported. The 'Hike to Pusty Hrad' will mark its 30th anniversary on Saturday, September 3. More events at the castle The program will start at 10 a.m. with the traditional greeting of participants in the History Cycle Ride. "Visitors will be delighted by a performance of fencing, by the theatre group Via Historica and the popular falconers of St. Bavona and the Slovak folk and country legend Bukasovy masiv will take care of the musical experience," explained Branislav Miksik from the press department of the city office. https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1hU5x_KvNleHoURJYNrXfuKuAgZ8dh7E&ehbc=2E312F The program will be complemented by accompanying activities, among others a photo exhibition about Pusty Hrad, 'Castle dug from the rubble', which brings to light 30 years of archaeological research and historical restoration of the castle, as well as an exhibition of this year's most beautiful archaeological finds, historical archery and coin minting. Various activities also await children who visit. The current season of archaeological research at Pusty Hrad is focused on the reconstruction of the main gate at the Upper Castle. Spectacular Slovakia travel guides Some people want to spread panic, police warn. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The police are warning against fraudulent call-up papers that many Slovaks receive, the police stated on their social network profile, where they deal with hoaxes and fraud. The fake order states that the person in question should come to the military unit in Kezmarok and that people should participate in a voluntary military exercise lasting 14 days. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement According to the police, the call-ups also state that a person must immediately notify their employer that they are joining basic service. "This is a fraud. We regularly warn you of various tactics scammers employ, but as you can see, they try many things. Most of them want to take money away from you, for some it is about inducing panic," the police noted on social media. The Slovak Republic has not declared a state of war and there is no reason for anyone to conscript people into military service. "The papers you find in your mailbox contain your data, but its text is printed on paper that is several decades old. It does not contain any military stamp, nor true information," the police informed Slovaks, adding that there is no need to respond and the papers should be thrown away. https://sputniknews.com/20220909/flags-in-uk-to-be-raised-to-full-mast-for-26-hours-in-recognition-of-new-king---london-1100623167.html Flags in UK to Be Raised to Full-Mast for 26 Hours in Recognition of New King - London Flags in UK to Be Raised to Full-Mast for 26 Hours in Recognition of New King - London MOSCOW (Sputnik) - National flags in the United Kingdom will be flown at full-mast over the weekend for 26 hours in recognition of UK King Charles III... 09.09.2022, Sputnik International 2022-09-09T23:23+0000 2022-09-09T23:23+0000 2022-09-09T23:21+0000 world uk flag king charles iii queen elizabeth ii /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/09/09/1100614052_0:174:1674:1116_1920x0_80_0_0_5a18b5b510fa8acb031c3cf27b01796e.jpg On Thursday evening, Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled the Kingdom for more than 70 years, died at Balmoral castle in Scotland at the age of 96. Her eldest son, Charles III, will be officially proclaimed King at 09:00 GMT on Saturday, with his wife Camilla becoming Queen Consort."In recognition of the new Sovereign, flags will be flown at full-mast from the time of the Principal Proclamation at St James's Palace until one hour after the Proclamations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, after which flags will return to half-mast in mourning for the death of Her Majesty The Queen," Buckingham Palace said in a press release.On Friday, the UK government issued a flag flying guidance following the passing of the Queen. According to the guidance, all official flags should be half-masted from Friday until 08.00 a.m. the day following The Queens State Funeral. The government also instructed that all non-official flags be taken down and replaced with a Union Flag at half-must.The Times newspaper also reported the Queen's coffin will be delivered from Scotland by plane.According to the report, the initial plan was to deliver the coffin to London by train in the event of the Queen's passing at Balmoral castle. Nevertheless, UK police and Buckingham Palace rejected the initial plan in favor of another one. According to new arrangements, the coffin will be taken from Balmoral castle to Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh and then flown to London. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International uk, flag, king charles iii, queen elizabeth ii https://sputniknews.com/20220910/controversial-catholic-priest-mocks-hindu-goddess-in-his-meeting-with-congress-leader-rahul-gandhi-1100631150.html Controversial Catholic Priest Mocks Hindu Goddess in His Meeting With Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Controversial Catholic Priest Mocks Hindu Goddess in His Meeting With Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Catholic priest George Ponnaiah is known for making controversial comments which have landed him in hot water in the past. Last year, he was arrested by Tamil... 10.09.2022, Sputnik International 2022-09-10T14:57+0000 2022-09-10T14:57+0000 2022-09-10T14:57+0000 india rahul gandhi congress congress indian national congress bharatiya janata party (bjp) hinduism controversy catholic catholic /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/09/0a/1100639278_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_21ca2645440f10ef89ee762d425704b7.jpg Controversial Catholic priest George Ponnaiah appeared to mock Hindu deities in his meeting with former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu on Friday.Rahul Gandhi is currently undertaking a 3,570 km long "Bharat Jodo Yatra" ("Unite India Journey") to draw attention to the rising price of essential commodities and rising unemployment under PM Narendra Modi's government. The campaign kicked off at India's southernmost point, Kanyakumari on Wednesday and will end in Srinagar in Kashmir. The march will cover 12 Indian states and union territories in 150 days.However, Congress' campaign caused a massive controversy during the week after a video of Gandhi's interaction with the Catholic priest went viral on social media. In the video, Rahul Gandhi asked the Tamil Nadu pastor, "Jesus Christ is a form of God? Is that right?" to which Ponniah responded, "He is the real God."Shakti, also known as Parvati, Durga, or Kali, is the wife of the Hindu God of destruction, Lord Shiva, and is one of the most important goddesses in the religion.As the video of Gandhi's meeting with the Catholic priest circulated on Twitter, BJP slammed the Congress leader. "George Ponnaiah who met Rahul Gandhi says Jesus is the only God unlike Shakti (& other Hindu gods)," BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said on the microblogging platform.Poonawala also recalled how Ponnaiah was earlier arrested for a "bigoted remark" when he said, "I wear shoes because impurities of Bharat Mata (Mother India) should not contaminate us." tamil nadu Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Pawan Atri https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/05/12/1082926219_0:0:358:358_100x100_80_0_0_aca1d9bdccc7af990e49b4511ee80344.png Pawan Atri https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/05/12/1082926219_0:0:358:358_100x100_80_0_0_aca1d9bdccc7af990e49b4511ee80344.png News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Pawan Atri https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/05/12/1082926219_0:0:358:358_100x100_80_0_0_aca1d9bdccc7af990e49b4511ee80344.png rahul gandhi, congress, congress, indian national congress, bharatiya janata party (bjp), hinduism, controversy, catholic, catholic, priest, priest, tamil nadu, pastor, narendra modi, narendra modi https://sputniknews.com/20220910/ethiopia-slams-un-statement-on-tigray-conflict-1100636839.html Ethiopia Slams UN Statement on Tigray Conflict Ethiopia Slams UN Statement on Tigray Conflict On September 7, the UN Human Rights Councils International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia expressed concern over the resumption of hostilities... 10.09.2022, Sputnik International 2022-09-10T14:37+0000 2022-09-10T14:37+0000 2022-09-10T14:37+0000 africa africa ethiopia hostilities /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/09/0a/1100636529_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_0b45f7dbfa268e16485040d023e0ffba.jpg The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry has reacted to the statement of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia which condemned the resumption of fighting between the government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), with Adis Abeda noting that the commission has neiter "competence" nor "proper appreciation" of the conflict.The Commission cannot arrogate to itself a mandate to pronounce on matters of threat to peace and security. The Commissions ultra vires and blatant call for action against Ethiopia by the Security Council only show the reckless behavior of the Commission and vindicates the Governments assertion that the resolution establishing the Commission, and the works of the Commission are politically motivated, Ethiopias Foreign Ministry stated.It also claimed that the commission uses the issue of human rights as a weapon for political pressure, which closes all opportunities for cooperation between the government and the UN grouping.On September 7, the UN Human Rights Councils International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia expressed its deep concern about the renewal of hostilities between the government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front.Both sides reported that the first shots after a five-month truce were fired in the early hours of August 24 on the southern borders of Tigray in the city of Kobo, blaming each other for starting hostilities.The flaring up of the conflict comes amidt hopes of an extension in the truce and possibility of the peace talks. https://sputniknews.com/20220909/tplf-offers-truce-via-un-two-weeks-after-breaking-ceasefire-demands-ethiopian-troops-withdraw-1100618725.html africa ethiopia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Olga Borodkina Olga Borodkina News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Olga Borodkina africa, ethiopia, hostilities https://sputniknews.com/20220910/iran-europes-unconstructive-statement-on-jcpoa-talks-may-undermine-nuclear-deal-revival-1100640988.html Iran: Europe's 'Unconstructive' Statement on JCPOA Talks May Undermine Nuclear Deal Revival Iran: Europe's 'Unconstructive' Statement on JCPOA Talks May Undermine Nuclear Deal Revival Representatives of France, Germany and the UK earlier expressed concerns regarding Tehran's "commitment" to restoring the nuclear deal, citing the issue of the... 10.09.2022, Sputnik International 2022-09-10T17:53+0000 2022-09-10T17:53+0000 2022-09-10T18:27+0000 world iran nuclear deal /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/03/0d/1093828484_0:143:3071:1870_1920x0_80_0_0_7e02fe5e9544a4d3b61a213ae44fceb5.jpg Iran has condemned the statement by France, Germany and the UK made earlier today as "unconstructive" and threatening the prospects of negotiations on restoring the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, also known as the Iran nuclear deal).The diplomat lamented that the European states chose to come up with such a statement when negotiations are so close to success. Russian representative to the talks, Mikhail Ulyanov, echoed that sentiment, calling the three countries' statement "very untimely" and coming at a "critical moment" of negotiations.Kanani added that should the talks to restore the JCPOA fail, the three countries will bear the responsibility.The UK, France and Germany earlier expressed concern over Iran's commitment to restoring the JCPOA. They said that Tehran raised issues regarding its responsibilities under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the agreement signed with the IAEA. Iran previously scaled back its cooperation with the IAEA after the latter declared having found nuclear material remains at the sites that were not supposed to store them.The Islamic Republic accused the agency of politicizing its work and reminded it that Tehran unilaterally scaled back on its JCPOA commitments, including in regards to IAEA inspections in response to the US re-imposing sanctions in 2018. https://sputniknews.com/20220904/mossad-chief-to-rally-against-iran-nuclear-deal-revival-on-us-visit-israeli-pm-confirms-1100365619.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International iran nuclear deal Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wears a black ribbon on his lapel as he arrives to deliver a statement on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in Vancouver on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and British Columbia Premier John Horgan met over lunch in Vancouver on Friday, before Trudeau was set to travel back to Ottawa following a three-day cabinet retreat marked by the death of Queen Elizabeth II.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and British Columbia Premier John Horgan met over lunch in Vancouver on Friday, before Trudeau was set to travel back to Ottawa following a three-day cabinet retreat marked by the death of Queen Elizabeth II. A readout from the Office of the Prime Minister says the pair acknowledged with sadness Her Majesty's passing at the age of 96 on Thursday, noting the "tremendous influence" she had throughout Canada during her 70-year reign. It says the two leaders also spoke about pressures on Canada's health-care systems and agreed on the importance of different levels of government working together to make improvements for patients and health-care workers. The readout says Trudeau and Horgan discussed opportunities for B.C. and Canada to become "reliable sources of energy and natural resources in a net-zero world," meaning the economy either produces no greenhouse gas emissions, or its emissions are offset. It says they agreed to continue working closely on shared priorities, including reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and economic development initiatives. Trudeau was set to sign the book of condolences for Britain's longest-serving monarch set up in Rideau Hall upon returning to Ottawa Friday evening. The prime minister and members of the federal cabinet and Privy Council were also expected to meet as part of the protocol needed to formally proclaim King Charles III as Canada's new head of state. A ceremony is scheduled to take place Saturday morning. https://sputniknews.com/20220910/irans-irgc-reports-seizing-foreign-smuggling-vessel-with-757000-liters-of-fuel--1100640389.html Iran's IRGC Says It Seized Foreign Smuggling Vessel with 757,000 Liters of Fuel Iran's IRGC Says It Seized Foreign Smuggling Vessel with 757,000 Liters of Fuel Iranian authorities claim to have redoubled their efforts to combat smugglers of fuel and other oil-related products in recent years, claiming several dozen... 10.09.2022, Sputnik International 2022-09-10T17:15+0000 2022-09-10T17:15+0000 2022-09-10T17:18+0000 world iran fuel smuggling /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/0b/13/1081212505_0:18:791:463_1920x0_80_0_0_adec881aada877c6b190588e2daa1e19.jpg The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has reported that it seized a foreign vessel in the Persian Gulf 95 kilometers off Iran's shores, accusing its crew of smuggling fuel out of the country. The IRGC Navys second command zone chief, General Ramezan Zirahi, said that the ship was seized as a result of coordinated efforts with the Intelligence Ministry.The vessel, which was captured near the southern province of Bushehr, was reportedly taking 757,000 liters of diesel to foreign countries. The general's statement did not specify the ship's destination nor nationality.The ship's seven foreign crew-members were arrested by the IRGC, which boarded the vessel and handed it over to local authorities for prosecution. General Zirahi stressed that combatting fuel smuggling is one of the IRGC Navy's priorities, as such illegal activities undermine national production and the economy.Since March 21, the IRGC has stated that it has arrested 44 smugglers and seized several vessels carrying a total of 1.5 million liters of fuel. The fight against fuel smugglers has been actively reported by Tehran since oil and fuel sales were complicated by US unilateral sanctions. According to media reports, US sanctions did not cut off Iran's foreign oil sales completely, but affected prices due to increased risk.A March Wall Street Journal report suggested that Iran has been using an alternative commercial network to barter its oil and fuel in exchange for necessary imports, avoiding the use of US dollars and dodging US sanctions. US sanctions against Iran were re-introduced by the Trump administration in 2018 following a unilateral pull-out from the Iran nuclear deal. https://sputniknews.com/20220826/oil-back-under-100-after-biden-admin-says-will-accept-iran-deal-that-works-for-us-1100007465.html iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Tim Korso https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/03/0d/1093831826_0:0:216:216_100x100_80_0_0_e3f43a960af0c6c99f7eb8ccbf5f812c.jpg Tim Korso https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/03/0d/1093831826_0:0:216:216_100x100_80_0_0_e3f43a960af0c6c99f7eb8ccbf5f812c.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Tim Korso https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/03/0d/1093831826_0:0:216:216_100x100_80_0_0_e3f43a960af0c6c99f7eb8ccbf5f812c.jpg iran, fuel, smuggling https://sputniknews.com/20220910/las-vegas-official-charged-with-murder-of-investigative-journalist-after-stand-off-at-home-1100621410.html Las Vegas Official Charged With Murder of Investigative Journalist After Stand-off at Home Las Vegas Official Charged With Murder of Investigative Journalist After Stand-off at Home The local Democratic public administrator struck after finding out that the investigative journalist who helped derail his primary bid was working on another... 10.09.2022, Sputnik International 2022-09-10T01:07+0000 2022-09-10T01:07+0000 2022-09-10T01:05+0000 americas us las vegas news journalist killing /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/09/0a/1100624691_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_52d741c9a95e2e901389b0d849e6ef3d.jpg Las Vegas police took Democratic Clark County public administrator Robert Telles into custody Thursday following an hourslong standoff after charging the official with murder in the death of Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German last Friday.The veteran local investigative reporter produced a devastating expose of Telles in June that was credited with helping cost the suspect his primary race, and German was reportedly working on another critical report on Torres at the time of his killing.Heres what we know so far:On Monday, investigators released footage of a maroon GMC resembling Telles vehicle which was reportedly spotted in the vicinity of the crime. After questioning Telles at his home Wednesday, police returned just hours later with SWAT teams and arrested the official, who was taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries after initially refusing to surrender.An arrest report which surfaced Wednesday indicates Telles killed German in a surprise attack outside his home the morning of last Friday, fatally stabbing the victim at least seven times before calmly walking away from the scene, per video footage recovered by police.The Las Vegas public administrator suffered an embarrassing primary loss in June after a devastating report was published by German in the Las Vegas Review-Journal headlined: County office in turmoil with secret video and claims of bullying, hostility.Telles responded by lashing out at the reporter in an angry blog post accusing German of bullying him and dismissing the Review-Journal as the local rightwing paper. And when it turned out the journalist was gearing up for another takedown, thats when authorities say Telles decided to strike.German had long cultivated a reputation as a tough-nosed reporter who was unafraid to investigate corruption wherever he found it. According to his editor at the Review-Journal, he cut his teeth covering the mob.Germans family reported being "shocked, saddened and angry about his death."Jeff was a loving and loyal brother, uncle and friend who devoted his life to his work exposing wrongdoing in Las Vegas and beyond," they said in a statement. "Jeff was committed to seeking justice for others and would appreciate the hard work by local police and journalists in pursuing his killer. americas las vegas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Wyatt Reed Wyatt Reed News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Wyatt Reed us, las vegas, news, journalist, killing https://sputniknews.com/20220910/nigeria-reports-lowest-oil-exports-in-25-years-amid-disastrous-theft-crisis-1100630090.html Nigeria Reports Lowest Oil Exports in 25 Years Amid Disastrous Theft Crisis Nigeria Reports Lowest Oil Exports in 25 Years Amid Disastrous Theft Crisis In July, Angola became Africas largest oil exporter, bumping the oil-rich country into second place, OPEC data suggests. 10.09.2022, Sputnik International 2022-09-10T08:57+0000 2022-09-10T08:57+0000 2022-09-10T08:57+0000 africa africa nigeria oil /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/103967/04/1039670430_0:288:5521:3393_1920x0_80_0_0_63f94a286364b7d2935d6255a1d384de.jpg Nigerias crude oil production fell below 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in August, and the total oil and condensates output dropped to an annual low of 1.18 million, according to figures provided by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.This is the lowest daily output since 1997; Nigerian authorities blame industrial-scale oil theft for the decline: according to the state oil company NNPC LTD, at least 700,0000 bpd went missing from its exports, while some fields have been shut down across the country.At the same time, the Nigerian oil workers' union threatened to organize a strike if the government fails to address the issue, saying that the thieves and pipeline vandals are putting the lives of the union's members at risk.The African nation loses millions barrels of crude every year, as security forces are not able to stop the thieves. According to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission's head Gbenga Komolafe, over nine million barrels of oil was stolen in the first quarter of 2022 alone, resulting in about $1 billion in lost revenues.Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari has previously urged law enforcement agencies to tackle theft, noting that its consequences are "enormous." africa nigeria Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Evgeny Mikhaylov https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/09/07/1080390164_0:0:1440:1440_100x100_80_0_0_46c187f2ab0908f86849a7d09a7def57.jpg Evgeny Mikhaylov https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/09/07/1080390164_0:0:1440:1440_100x100_80_0_0_46c187f2ab0908f86849a7d09a7def57.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Evgeny Mikhaylov https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/09/07/1080390164_0:0:1440:1440_100x100_80_0_0_46c187f2ab0908f86849a7d09a7def57.jpg africa, nigeria, oil https://sputniknews.com/20220910/trump-team-doj-submit-their-special-master-contenders-for-ongoing-mar-a-lago-probe-1100626707.html Trump Team, DoJ Submit Their Special Master Contenders for Ongoing Mar-a-Lago Probe Trump Team, DoJ Submit Their Special Master Contenders for Ongoing Mar-a-Lago Probe Trumps legal team and Bidens DoJ lawyers both sought to downplay the impression that theyre playing team sports by proposing a judge nominated by the other... 10.09.2022, Sputnik International 2022-09-10T03:24+0000 2022-09-10T03:24+0000 2022-09-10T03:22+0000 americas donald trump us justice department mar-a-lago special master candidates /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/08/1b/1100055805_0:159:3079:1890_1920x0_80_0_0_6c756e5e64955c258e1c6b6c8b36778b.jpg The US Department of Justice and the defense team for former President Donald Trump have announced their candidates for the proposed special master thats likely to be charged with determining which documents seized by Federal Bureau of Investigations agents can be used by prosecutors, a newly-published filing shows.If the Biden administrations appeal against the decision to grant Trumps request for a special master is ultimately unsuccessful, the DoJ has proposed the Honorable Barbara S. Jones and the Honorable Thomas B. Griffith for the job both Republican appointees. Former Attorney General John Fishwick told MSNBC that the selections send a strong message that Justice Department officials want to have somebody from the other party, originally appointed by the other party.Trump, meanwhile, has proposed the Honorable Raymond J. Dearie, a former FISA court magistrate, and Paul Huck, Jr., a senior judge from Florida nominated to the circuit court by former US President Bill Clinton an apparent attempt to neutralize the ostensible DoJ push to minimize partisan perceptions.Differences of opinion in how the case should proceed go well beyond the identity of the proposed special master, however. Trumps legal team is arguing that whoever is named to the position should have oversight over all documents seized during the raid of Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate last month including those marked classified.The DoJ wants the special masters purview to be limited to those documents not subject to classification and says they should be barred from taking claims of executive privilege into account.Theyre also insisting Trump foots the bill for the special master process, too. The former presidents lawyers, meanwhile, argue that the costs should be split down the middle.For now, it remains to be seen whether Trump will ultimately be charged with any criminal wrongdoing over his alleged mishandling of sensitive documents and, if so, with what specific crimes. americas mar-a-lago Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Wyatt Reed Wyatt Reed News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Wyatt Reed donald trump, us justice department, mar-a-lago, special master, candidates https://sputniknews.com/20220910/un-chief-surveys-damage-in-flood-hit-pakistan-but-could-disaster-have-been-mitigated-1100642062.html UN Chief Surveys Damage in Flood-Hit Pakistan, But Could Disaster Have Been Mitigated? UN Chief Surveys Damage in Flood-Hit Pakistan, But Could Disaster Have Been Mitigated? United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, during his two-day visit to Pakistan said that the situation in the country is 'unimaginable' and that it... 10.09.2022, Sputnik International 2022-09-10T20:34+0000 2022-09-10T20:34+0000 2022-09-10T20:32+0000 opinion & analysis columnists pakistan floods /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/09/0a/1100641916_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_23b4f79035fb7236034882f6635f3b51.jpg Floods across Pakistan have left nearly one-third of the country (roughly size of the UK) underwater, with 33 million people displaced and over 1,300 dead.The World Health Organization (WHO) and Pakistani health officials have warned of outbreaks from water-borne illnesses such as cholera, diarrhea, dengue, malaria and typhoid. Concerns have grown more dire by the fact that some 1,460 health facilities were destroyed in the floods.In light of the devastation, UN Chief Antonio Guterres remarked on Saturday said that the current state of the world was very unfair as he called on wealthy nations to play their part to help countries that havent contributed to global emissions.During his two-day visit in Pakistan, Guterres flew to flood-affected areas of Sindh and Balochistan, calling on the world to provide massive financial support to Pakistan.An official statement by Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs read that Guterres' visit will help in "raising global awareness" about the tragedy, which the Pakistani government says has been caused by climate change.According to Pakistan's officials, the devastating floods caused by torrents of monsoon rains have caused more than $10 billion of economic losses. The UN has already issued a flash appeal for $160 million to help flood victims.In a recent interview with a foreign publication, Pakistan's minister for climate change, Sherry Rehman, highlighted the level of destruction caused by the floods, underscoring that little restitution has been provided by rich countries that have caused climate change extremes.She further said it is becoming very obvious that the bargain made between the Global North and South is not working.Although Pakistani officials have correctly attributed the natural disaster to climate change caused by big corporations that cause global warming, the countrys vulnerability to climate change is well known.It is not the first time Pakistan has suffered a disaster of such a scale. For decades, the country has suffered record-breaking temperatures, torrential rains, glacial melt, droughts, and floods.Back in 2010, scientists described Pakistans floods as "the worst natural disaster to date attributable to climate change." The flood disaster was massive and unprecedented, killing more than 1,700 persons, affecting over 20% of the land area, more than 20 million people, and causing a financial loss of billions of dollars.That was twelve years ago and it seems those lessons were not learned as prevention methods were not fully implemented.Pakistani officials are ignoring an uncomfortable truth: The deadly effects of floods are made worse by poor governance and corruption.In 2021, a study published by the Population Council included a series of interviews conducted in poor communities in two districts most susceptible to climate change - Umerkot and Thatta. What this research confirmed was that climate change was a known reality in these communities for years. Locals living in Umerkot and Thatta found that changing weather patterns lead to droughts that were followed by floods, two occurrences that were already posing great threats to their health and livelihoods - and a finding made way before the devastating floods of last month.The study, named "Impacts of Climate Change in Vulnerable Communities in Sindh, Pakistan," was comprised of focus group discussions (FGDs) that saw all respondents from across five communities agree that summers had become much hotter and longer. Rainfall patterns have become less predictable and more intense, with longer dry spells and sudden downpours prompting destruction to crops, trees, and soil."Winter used to start in October but now it is delayed. There is no autumn or spring now. As soon as winter ends, summer starts. And it goes on for months," respondent from Kanbhar Badha, Umerkot told the researchers.The 35-page study is one of many conducted by scientists across Pakistan that shows how climate change and its drastic effects on the population has been building up for years; and yet it seems that the federal and provincial governments have been deaf to people's warnings.One might ask, what could Pakistan's government do to prevent the effects of climate change?According to one expert, Pakistan could just observe and follow the methods of other countries that have faced similar issues.He further said that Pakistan should repeat West's consumption, channeling and reservoir technologies and use the annual event of the monsoon for harvesting the rainwater.Flood management forms one of the biggest parts of Chinas budget, with over 1 trillion yuan ($144 billion) invested in these projects in 2017."This sum is larger than what was spent on health care or railway construction," according to analysis by David Fickling for Bloomberg.Hence, allocation of serious budget for flood management is something Pakistan's government needs to do, considering that the country has the largest irrigation system in the world.Pakistan's Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS), formed by river Indus and its tributaries services Afghanistan, China, India, and Pakistan, and provides water to more than 1.6 million square kilometers of agricultural land in Pakistan.The farmland irrigated by IBIS produce huge amount of food staples to feed the local population and to provide food products for export. It is about 4,000 years old and as Pakistan's economy is based mostly on agricultural products, it means that it critically depends upon IBIS's irrigation water.However, the Indus and its tributaries have been neglected by the authorities and has lacked investment for years, indicating it cannot presently effectively manage the risks of natural disaster, such as floods.Whatever pillars of defense against floods, those in Pakistan's arsenal are all British colonial-era projects. One such is the vast Sukkur Barrage, which is a system of dams and canals that divert the waters of the Indus to irrigate dry southern Sindh Province. Unfortunately, these dams are in a bad state and need repairs, but years of underinvestment and corruption have left the system in a dire state.Meanwhile, the two giant water dams - Tarbela and Mangla - have become so blocked with silt coming down from the Himalayas that theyre losing their ability to store floodwaters and prevent it from flowing downstream.Tarbela Dam, by the way, is the largest Earth-and-rock fill dam in the world and stands 147 meters above the Indus riverbed. This feat of extreme engineering is now functioning at only 50% capacity due to negligence and lack of proper funding for its maintenance.Many flood victims now - most of them still living in the same areas that were hit by flood back in 2010 - are questioning why more hasnt been done in the past decade to flood-proof their communities. Had these dams and river banks been maintained and kept in good shape, perhaps the disaster could have been prevented.According to Jumaina Siddiqui, senior programme officer for South Asia at the Institute of Peace: She further said that Pakistan's irrigation departments and environmental protection agencies are not in touch with locals, noting that the "Balochistan disaster management authority is currently the most useless institution in the country."Hence, the government must heavily invest in flood risk reduction and building resilient infrastructure, as well as stronger river embankments and implementing updated water infrastructure.Moreover, the received international funds must find their way to improve data modelling, alongside educating and training the next generation of climate scientists and urban planners, who should then become part of related ministries to implement the right decisions on the government level.Currently, the citizens of Pakistan who are known for their generous philanthropy have stepped up to compensate for the state's limitations in responding to the tragic floods.Numerous civil society organizations such as Edhi Foundation, Shahid Afridi foundation, Akhuwat and many others are coordinating aid and food supplies. Pakistanis oversea are also known to come to aid by donating large sums of money to their home country.However, that is not a permanent solution and government's task lies in preventing such disasters from happening in the first place, or at least minimizing the effects.A changing climate will only worsen the problems Pakistan is facing currently, more so as the region is also home to the largest glaciers on the planet after the poles. As rising temperatures melt away at glaciers and prompt a spike in water levels and severe flooding, it is vital Pakistan is prepared for what the future holds.The views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik. https://sputniknews.com/20220909/un-chief-visits-pakistan-to-coordinate-global-response-to-floods-as-pm-sharif-faces-backlash-1100581964.html https://sputniknews.com/20220908/pakistans-climate-minister-says-global-corporations-responsible-for-devastating-floods-1100545057.html pakistan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Aneela Rashid https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/09/0e/1100768477_0:338:606:944_100x100_80_0_0_af078d1bbaf1e33c21f16169e9ed7a5f.jpg Aneela Rashid https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/09/0e/1100768477_0:338:606:944_100x100_80_0_0_af078d1bbaf1e33c21f16169e9ed7a5f.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Aneela Rashid https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/09/0e/1100768477_0:338:606:944_100x100_80_0_0_af078d1bbaf1e33c21f16169e9ed7a5f.jpg columnists, pakistan, floods https://sputniknews.com/20220910/us-strategy-on-ukraine-european-support-for-ukraine-migrants-bussed-to-dc-and-politics-roundup-1100618205.html US Strategy on Ukraine, European Support for Ukraine, Migrants Bussed to DC and Politics Roundup US Strategy on Ukraine, European Support for Ukraine, Migrants Bussed to DC and Politics Roundup DOJ appeals decision for a special master in Mar-a-Lago investigation 10.09.2022, Sputnik International 2022-09-10T07:56+0000 2022-09-10T07:56+0000 2022-09-10T07:56+0000 ukraine energy crisis migrants political misfits radio us house us senate radio sputnik /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/09/09/1100618059_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_dbc93afa6c062eef8f75fbca9a265316.png US Strategy on Ukraine, European Support for Ukraine, Migrants Bussed to DCa and Politics Roundup DOJ appeals decision for a special master in Mar-a-Lago investigation Chris Hedges, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter who is a former Middle East Bureau Chief for the New York Times joins the show. He has also written for Truthdig and his work now appears on Substack. Hedges and the Misfits begin the conversation with Donald Trump and his current predicament. Weve been saying for days that legal scholars believe that Judge Amy Cannon erred in naming a special master to review the documents seized at Mar-a-Lago. Even Trumps Attorney General, Bill Barr, said that Cannons ruling was a mistake. Then the Misfits and Hedges talk about how Lindsey Graham said a few days ago that if Trump is convicted of a crime, there will be riots in the streets and that those riots would be justified. Later in the segment, they discuss Joe Bidens foreign policy. The expectation was that the Biden administration would reenter the JCPOA and improve relations with Iran. Hedges and the Misfits close with a discussion about US military aid to Ukraine and whether it's extending and escalating the conflict.Mark Shmueli, is a local immigration attorney. He is the immediate past chair of the Federal Bar Associations Immigration Law Section. And through the Sanctuary DMV, Mr. Shmueli has been providing on-call legal advice and has been welcoming and orienting immigrants arriving by bus in DC. Shmueli joins the show to talk about the impact of Texas governor Gregg Abbott sending migrants to DC and New York City. Then they talk about the enforcement of curfews in Prince Georges county Maryland and Washington in response to rising crime in the areaRae Valencia, Sputnik News analyst and producer for Political Misfits joins the Misfits to talk about competitive Senate and US House races. They talk about the rising gender gap in voter registration since the reversal of Roe v. Wade in mid June.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Michelle Witte https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/11/1082103644_0:1:240:241_100x100_80_0_0_aa1e89cc3422c54bfdeb46decb112e73.jpg Michelle Witte https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/11/1082103644_0:1:240:241_100x100_80_0_0_aa1e89cc3422c54bfdeb46decb112e73.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Michelle Witte https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/11/1082103644_0:1:240:241_100x100_80_0_0_aa1e89cc3422c54bfdeb46decb112e73.jpg ukraine, energy crisis, migrants, , radio, us house, us senate, radio sputnik https://sputniknews.com/20220910/weekly-news-wrap-up-queen-of-england-dies-fbi-hunter-biden-scandal-liz-truss-takes-power-1100620934.html Weekly News Wrap-up; Queen of England Dies; FBI Hunter Biden Scandal; Liz Truss Takes Power Weekly News Wrap-up; Queen of England Dies; FBI Hunter Biden Scandal; Liz Truss Takes Power Queen Elizabeth has died at age 96 as the age of European colonialism seems destined to fall 10.09.2022, Sputnik International 2022-09-10T08:05+0000 2022-09-10T08:05+0000 2022-09-12T10:38+0000 fbi ukraine propaganda facebook cuba the critical hour radio radio sputnik donald trump /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/09/09/1100620747_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_2577c0e752647b798a3814f27083c23c.png Weekly News Wrap-up; Queen of England Dies ; FBI Hunter Biden Scandal; Liz Truss takes power Queen Elizabeth has died at age 86 as the age of European colonialism seems destined to fall Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of Economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, joins us to discuss this week's stories. According to Jon Pilger, the propaganda of the US empire looks errily similar to that of Nazi Germany. Also, FBI agents were pushed to ignore information implicating Hunter, the Biden family in corrupt activities in Ukraine and the election in Brazil is in danger of a Bolsonaro coup.Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor in Economics and Politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss the economy. Unions may be on the rise in the US as workers fight against low wages and no sparse benefits. Also, Europe discusses the emerging energy crisis and US politicians threaten Apple over using Chinese chips.Netfa Freeman, host of Voices With Vision on WPFW 89.3 FM. Pan-Africanist and internationalist organizer, joins us to discuss the Global South. The Cuban government is criticizing the Biden administration for continuing the brutal sanctions that have lasted for decades. Also, the FBI is harassing Puerto Rican activists and the Pentagon is working to continue the military domination of Africa.Steve Poikonen, national organizer for Action4Assange and Niko House, political activist, independent journalist, and podcaster, joins us to discuss this week's stories. Incompentent ultra hawk Liz Truss takes power in the UK. Also, Gazprom is shutting down Nordstream 1, Nazi collaborator descendent Chyrstia Freeland is rumored to be in line to take over as the head of NATO, and the presidents spokesperson is taking heat for election denying.Jim Kavanagh, writer at thepolemicist.net and CounterPunch, and Dr. Colin Campbell, DC senior news correspondent, join us to discuss this week's stories. Peace groups are pushing back against Biden's massive Ukraine spending package, Israel refuses to act on Shireen Abu Akleh's killing, and Senator Elizabeth Warren introduces a bill to kill right to work laws in 27 states.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik ukraine cuba Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Wilmer Leon https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg Wilmer Leon https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Wilmer Leon https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg fbi, ukraine, propaganda, facebook, cuba, , radio, radio sputnik, donald trump Black Magic sat patiently through the first three-quarters before making a charge down the stretch to win the $75,000 Ohio Sires Stakes fourth leg for two-year-old colt trotters at Eldorado Scioto Downs on Friday, Sept. 9. Nine freshman trotting colts went to the gate with A Real Legend the 4-5 favourite. Off the gate, Jet Hill shot to the lead, but Rumble Strips roared past to take the lead at the quarter in :27.4. A Real Legend, with Don Irvine Jr., did not wait and immediately took over the lead, covering the half in :55.2 and three-quarters in 1:24.1. Black Magic and Chris Lems sat fourth, six lengths back, as the field moved up the backstretch. Around the final turn, Lems looked for racing room but had to wait for the top of the stretch before it opened up. He guided Black Magic to the middle of the racetrack, where the son of Full Count dug in and set his sights on the leaders. Black Magic blew past A Real Legend and caught Jet Hill and Rumble Strips at the wire to win by a head in a track record 1:55.1. Jet Hill finished second with Rumble Strips third. Trained by Steve Cross, Black Magic earned his second win in the Sires Stakes and sixth in eight starts. He has now earned $179,850 for the ownership group of Richard Gutnick, Thomas Pontone and Joseph Lozito Jr. Sires Stakes action continues Saturday at Eldorado Scioto Downs when the two-year-old colt pacers take the track. First race post time is 3:15 p.m. (With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association) Pretender and Fashion Schooner were the winners in the first edition $275,000 finals of the New Jersey Classic for A level New Jersey-sired trotters on Friday night (Sept. 9) at The Meadowlands. In the split for three-year-old colts and geldings, Pretender (pictured above) pulled off a surprise, taking down 1-9 favourite and Beal winner Temporal Hanover in a lifetime-best 1:51.3 for driver Andy McCarthy and trainer Nancy Takter. Hes not a very big horse, said Takter. But he has a very big heart. Only four got behind the gate, but there was plenty of action early nonetheless, as 2021 Peter Haughton Memorial winner King Of The North moved quickly to the top while Pretender settled into the two-hole as Temporal Hanover sat third and Periculum fourth. KOTN hit the quarter in :26.3 before backing the half down to :56.1. Just before the three-quarter mark, McCarthy moved Pretender off the rail to challenge the leader as Temporal Hanover followed that live tow. Pretender, a colt by Muscle Hill out of Maven, then sprinted his final quarter in :26.3 to easily hold off Temporal Hanover by three-quarters of a length. King Of The North was third. I thought it was going to work out that way, said Takter. I thought Mark [MacDonald, driving King Of The North] would be aggressive. It was just a matter of Pretender out-sprinting the horse who made the front. Andy [McCarthy] drove him perfectly. Pretender will head to Canada for the [Sept. 24] Canadian Trotting Classic and, assuming he stays well, then the [Oct. 9] Kentucky Futurity and the [Oct. 29] Breeders Crown. Hes been racing super all year and hopefully he can add to that and get some more accolades. As the 9-2 second choice in the betting, Pretender returned $11.40 to win while raising his lifetime earnings past the $500,000 plateau. Fashion Schooner continued her divisional dominance, taking the NJC division for sophomore trotting fillies in 1:50.2, just a fifth of a second off her Hambletonian Oaks-winning lifetime best. The New Jersey Sire Stakes champion upped her seasonal record to seven wins from just 10 starts. Trainer Jim Campbells magical 2022 continued as the daughter of Walner-Broadway Schooner upped her lifetime bankroll to $620,962. After choosing to sit fourth to the quarter, driver Tim Tetrick, who Tuesday pushed his lifetime earnings past the $250 million USD mark, moved Fashion Schooner to the top with a quick burst of speed and reached the half in :56. With her, I try to have a clear path, said Tetrick. Once I get her started, she kind of has a mind of her own and wants to get to where she wants to be. Fashion Schooner turned into the stretch two lengths to the good and appeared on the way to an easy score, but despite closing in :26.4, had to withstand a blistering final sixteenth by second-place finisher and Hambo elimination winner Jiggy Jog S, who came up a neck short. Raised By Lindy was third. That horse of Akes is a really good mare, said Tetrick of Jiggy Jog S. But we got the jump on them a little bit. My mare raced great and we got to the wire first. She kept digging, its just that the other horse raced really well. My horse has been pretty impressive all year long. Its just a matter of whether she can keep her mind straight. Jim and the connections have done a great job with her. Fashion Schooner paid $2.40 as the 1-5 public choice. ITS CAMPBELLS WORLD: Winning the NJC wasnt enough for Campbell. His Next Level Stuff went wire-to-wire in the fifth and final $40,000 leg of the Miss Versatility for open mare trotters, hitting the wire in a lifetime-best 1:50.4 to give the trainer two winners on the card. Finishing second, 1-1/2 lengths back, was 1-5 favourite Bella Bellini, who never threatened after going a three-hole trip. The $100,000 (est.) Miss Versatility final takes place at the Delaware (OH) Fairgrounds on Little Brown Jug Day (Sept. 22). DOUBLE CARRYOVER: For a second consecutive program, there were no winning tickets sold in the 20-cent Pick-6, setting up something players truly love, a double carryover. Saturdays Pick-6 carryover is $21,218.79 and none of that money is subject to the already low 15 per cent takeout. The last time there was a double carryover in the Pick-6 (on April 30), there was $100,000 in new money poured into the pot. The Pick-6 begins with race eight and free past performances for every race of every Meadowlands card are available by going to playmeadowlands.com. Those with five correct on Friday collected $815.58. A LITTLE MORE: Its special that I got to $250 million, said Tetrick. I love driving horses and, fortunately, all of my dreams have come true. Tetrick, Andy McCarthy, Todd McCarthy and Brian Sears all had driving doubles. Melander, like Campbell, trained a pair to victory lane. All-source handle totalled $2,297,168. Racing resumes Saturday at 6:20 p.m. (The Meadowlands) Brandon Campbell stole the show on Friday night (Sept. 9) at Century Downs with half a dozen wins including a pair of Alberta Sires Stakes (ABSS). The first round of Sires Stakes for two-year-old pacers, which was postponed after last Saturday's cancellation, was comprised of three Starlet divisions for fillies and three Rising Star divisions for colts and geldings. Each division was worth approximately $17,000. With Campbell driving his third straight winner to open the Friday program, 1-4 favourite G Ts Skyla ($2.70) was the fastest of the Starlet fillies as she romped to a 10-3/4-length victory in 1:57.4 at first asking. G Ts Skyla (pictured above) took control off the gate and cruised through fractions of :29.2, :59.3 and 1:28.4 before leaving her rivals in the dust. Nonversation (Phil Giesbrecht) and Cenalta Token (Mike Hennessy) were the best of the rest. Scott McGinn, 27, celebrated his first training win and shares ownership of the homebred Mystician filly, who is the first foal out of 2013 Alberta Super Final champion G Ts Selene, with Gerald, Marjorie and Terry McGinn, all of Stony Plain, Alta. Campbell doubled up in ABSS action when he drove his own trainee Promise Kept ($5.40) to a 1:58.1 Starlet score. The Custard The Dragon-Make Three Wishes miss converted a pocket trip into a 4-3/4-length victory over Dear John Im Gone (Kelly Hoerdt) and pacesetter Beach Myst (Tyler Redwood), who had led through splits of :28.3, :59.2 and 1:28.4. Promise Kept, the ASHA Filly Stakes runner-up, is now two-for-three in her career. The $27,000 ASHA Yearling Sale purchase is campaigned by Calgary, Alta.-based owners Jodi Loftus, George Rogers and Raymond Henry. The other filly division was won by Missionized ($14.80) for the father-son, trainer-driver team of Rod and Mike Hennessy. Missionized followed the favoured ASHA Filly Stakes champion, Cora Cora Cora (Jamie Gray), through fractions of :27.4, :57.2 and 1:28.2 before taking over in deep stretch. She prevailed in 1:59 flat by three-quarters of a length, with Waitinonawoman (Nathan Sobey) up for second over Cora Cora Cora. The JK Royal Flush-KG Mist filly, who is now two-for-four, competes as a homebred for her Falun, Alta. trainer and co-owner Lorne Duffield of Edmonton, Alta. Mike Hennessy also doubled up in the freshman stakes, with Lukes Proclamation ($6.60) winning his Rising Star division in 1:57.4 for trainer Douglas Stout and owner Derek Stout of Camrose, Alta. Lukes Proclamation survived an overland trip and wore down pacesetter Imyourhuckleberry (Kelly Hoerdt) after panels of :29.4, 1:00.2 and 1:29. He prevailed by half a length over Imyourhuckleberry, with 1-2 favourite Virtual Horizon (Campbell) making it a three-across finish closing off cover. Lukes Proclamation set a 1:57.1 two-year-old track record at The Track On 2 in his career debut on July 31 and is now two-for-three in his career. The Captive Audience-Shark Gone Bad gelding, who was a $17,000 yearling from the ASHA Sale, is a half-brother to ABSS graduate and Preferred star Shark Week ($142,110) -- trained by Hennessy's father. Stephen Crump's homebred colt Tin Can Timmy ($5.30) was the fastest Rising Star division winner in 1:56.4. David Kelly guided him through fractions of :29.1, :59.2 and 1:27.4 before holding off the pylon-skimming Over The Horizon (Sobey) by a head and 6-5 favourite Ponder No Longer (Giesbrecht) by a half-length. Kelly Crump trains the BJS Bequia-Free Tunes colt, who took a new lifetime mark and now has two wins and two seconds from four career starts. Driven by Phil Giesbrecht, The Dickens ($10.80) scored a maiden-breaking 1:57.1 victory in the final Rising Star division, besting the front-stepping Reach Out by half a length. Reach Out (Sobey) re-took command after the :28.1 opening quarter and reeled off middle splits of :58 and 1:27.2 before The Dickens, who improved to second down the backstretch, launched from the pocket in the lane and caught him at the wire. After winning his first two starts, favourite Pop N Like Pez (Redwood) finished third, 5-1/2 lengths behind. Donna Sarin trains the Custard The Dragon-Show Some Leg colt, who won his fourth start, for owner/breeder 8113564 Canada Ltd. of Sherwood Park, Alta. The two-year-olds will meet again for the second leg of ABSS on Oct. 1 before the top performers face off in the Challenge Of Champions Super Finals on Oct. 15. Campbell's six wins included Willzy ($4.80) and Metaki ($3.10) from his own stable as well as Havinfuninthesun ($8.20) for trainer Kelly Hoerdt and Oriental Express ($3.90) for Brinsley Brooking Lutz. His 161 driving victories so far in 2022 have landed him on the Top 10 leaderboard in Canada. An accident occurred during Friday's 11th race towards the backfield coming off the final turn involving Iris Seelster. Driver Nathan Sobey was unseated at the top of the stretch during the incident but was quickly up on his feet while maintaining ahold of Iris Seelster. To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Century Downs. Photo: The Canadian Press Governor General Mary Simon looks on as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signs documents during an accession ceremony at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, Saturday. UPDATE: 9:30 a.m. King Charles III was proclaimed Canada's head of state on Saturday at a ceremony that included heraldic trumpeting, a 21-gun salute and a moment of remembrance for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived at Rideau Hall at about 10 a.m. local time with his youngest son Hadrien and laid flowers at a makeshift memorial for the queen, who died Thursday. He and members of the federal cabinet and Privy Council met prior to the ceremony as part of the protocol needed to formally proclaim the new sovereign. The Prime Minister asked Gov. Gen. Mary Simon for permission to proceed, and after she said yes both signed the order-in-council and the proclamation for the accession. The solemn moment unfolded at the same table used by Queen Elizabeth II during her first official visit to Canada in October 1957, and was followed by a round of applause from those gathered in the Rideau Hall ballroom. Dr. Samy Khalid, the chief herald of Canada, led a procession outside moments later. After a fanfare played on heraldic trumpets, he read the proclamation of the accession in both official languages. As he spoke, an artillery salute was fired by members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces. "We (the Governor General and the Privy Council) proclaim that His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George is now by the death of our late sovereign, Charles III, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and his other realms and territories, King, head of the commonwealth, defender of the faith to whom we acknowledge faith and allegiance," said Khalid. "Long live the King," he concluded, with those gathered repeating the phrase. The Canadian flag was raised to mark the accession of the new sovereign, but was immediately lowered to half-mast as mourning for the queen continues. The accession ceremony at Rideau Hall comes as the federal government prepares a series of events to commemorate the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. Protocol calls for 10 days of mourning following the Queen's death, but the rules around the actual funeral are not as rigid. British officials announced on Saturday that the queen's state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Sept. 19. UPDATE: 8 a.m. King Charles III has been proclaimed Canada's new head of state at an accession ceremony attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Gov. Gen. Mary Simon in Ottawa. Trudeau and members of the federal cabinet and Privy Council met prior to the ceremony today as part of the protocol needed to formally proclaim the new sovereign. The Prime Minister then signed the order-in-council and the proclamation for the accession in the presence of the Governor General at the same table used by Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II, during her first official visit to Canada in October 1957. The accession ceremony at Rideau Hall comes as the federal government prepares a series of events to commemorate the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday. Officials are waiting for public confirmation of when her state funeral will be held in London before announcing the date of Canada's national commemoration ceremony for the Queen. Protocol calls for 10 days of mourning following the Queen's death, but the rules around the actual funeral are not as rigid. ORIGINAL: 6:55 a.m. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will join Gov. Gen. Mary Simon at Rideau Hall this morning as King Charles III is proclaimed Canada's new head of state at an accession ceremony. Trudeau and members of the federal cabinet and Privy Council will meet prior to the ceremony as part of the protocol needed to formally proclaim the new sovereign. The accession ceremony comes as the federal government prepares a series of events to commemorate the legacy of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Officials are waiting for public confirmation of when her state funeral will be held in London before announcing the date of Canada's national commemoration ceremony for the Queen. The Heritage Department says the national ceremony will start with a memorial parade composed of Canadian Armed Forces members and RCMP officers along with a 96-gun salute _ one for each year of her life _ and a CF-18 flypast. That will be followed by a service at the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Ottawa, which will be attended by government officials and other dignitaries and nationally televised for all Canadians. Protocol calls for 10 days of mourning following the Queen's death, but the rules around the actual funeral are not as rigid. An Alexandria man has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $15,557 for damage caused while metal detecting on the Chancellorsville battlefield, according to Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. An investigation conducted by park rangers under the authority of the federal Archaeological Resources Protection Act revealed evidence indicating the man was responsible for illegal excavation and damage to an archeological resource while metal detecting on National Park Service property, the park said in a statement. On March 16, 2021, an off-duty Virginia State Police senior trooper observed a white male digging on the battlefield and reported it to park officials. Rangers responded and found a person matching the description. Park officials discovered multiple unauthorized excavation sites along with damage to archaeological resources within the boundary of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, adjacent to the Chancellorsville History Trail. The National Park Service reminds the public that Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Parks four battlefields are protected by federal laws and regulations. Archeological resources on public lands administered by the National Park Service are an irreplaceable part of the nations heritage, according to Hilary Grabowska, an interpretive park ranger at Chatham Manor, the parks headquarters in Stafford County. Enacted in 1979, ARPA makes it a violation of federal law to excavate, remove, damage, or otherwise alter or deface, or attempt to do so, any archeological resource located on public lands. Penalties for persons convicted of felony violations may include up to two years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000, the park said. Fought in Spotsylvania County from April 30 to May 6, 1863, the Battle of Chancellorsville is considered Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lees greatest military victory in spite of heavy casualties his army sustained there, according to the American Battlefield Trust. It was the last battle for Confederate Lt. Gen. Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson, who was mortally wounded there by friendly fire. Jacksons amputated left arm was buried, and remains, in its own grave in the cemetery at Ellwood Manor in Orange County, part of the national military park. Metal detecting is banned in all national parks. The town of Culpeper recently banned digging in its parks, but still allows surface-level metal detecting. Schools will have the opportunity to support students post-secondary aspirations thanks to grant funding from EducationQuest. Schools across the state, including a couple in the Panhandle, received grant funding for the next four years. Gering High School students will have more exposure and resources in their post-secondary education thanks to a $40,000 college access grant through the EducationQuest Foundation. The grant will be given in $10,000 installments over the next four years to help students with college applications, scholarships, dual-credit opportunities and even college visits. EducationQuest College Access Grant recipients Bellevue West High School Callaway High School Cozad High School Crawford Public Schools Elba High School Fremont High School Gering High School Kearney High School Keya Paha County High School Lawrence-Nelson Public Schools Lewiston Consolidated Schools Lincoln Northwest High School Lincoln Southwest High School Logan View Public Schools Nebraska City High School Northwest High School (Grand Island) Omaha Bryan High School Omaha North High School Pawnee City Public Schools Plattsmouth High School Sidney High School Scottsbluff High School Southern High School Wood River Rural High School The whole idea is to develop and support college access activities, Gering counselor Rick Marez told the Star-Herald. The goal is increase the number of students attending post-secondary education, whether that be a trade (school) or a college. The district learned GHS was awarded the grant in July. Twenty-three Nebraska High Schools also received college access grant funding, totaling $200,000. Some of the limitations students have had were their lack of experience or lack of knowledge of opportunities, Marez said. While the grant comes with some limitations and requirements of how a percentage of the money is used, it will help all high school students. Fellow GHS guidance counselors Amy Dunn and Ashley De Los Santos are attending an EducationQuest training to learn about the percentage of the funds earmarked for transportation, food, supplies and campus visits. As a staff what we will do is work with EducationQuest and promote activities, Marez said. Were still learning what we can pay for but we can provide some books, calculators and things that we would invest in and keep on campus for students who need them down the road. Its a positive thing because there are kids who are ready to take some dual-credit courses or on campus but they just dont have the means. If we can provide a book or some transportation, I think thats going to be beneficial. A financial aid night is set for Monday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. in the Gering High School auditorium. This is really targeted for that full, comprehensive look at financial aid, what to expect as senior parents just navigating that whole scholarship, loan, FAFSA, work-study stuff, GPS community engagement director Jennifer Sibal said. Our partners at EducationQuest will be there that night, in addition to our school counselors. The college access funds will allow the school to offer snacks during the event as well. A lot of those things are in the evening, so we dont want families to feel like they have to give up one thing over another. If we can provide a meal as well as some education, then that would be great. Other events planned later this fall are FAFSA day is Oct. 12 and Apply to College Day on Oct. 26 at GHS. Details about those events will be shared with families as the date approaches. The grant can also support the cost of transportation for college visits and more dual-credit opportunities. The ability to offer students access to college campuses, outside of school-related functions will increase students exposure to post-secondary education institutions with the goal of opening a door for educational and career opportunities. Over the years, when weve gone to different conferences or activities and a student steps on to a college campus for the first time, theyre just blown away, Marez recalled. They have no idea what a campus looks like or that people are regular people. The more exposure they have, the better off they are. Seniors will have priority access to campus visits, but if juniors are interested they may be able to attend based on grant allocation restrictions. A benefit of this opportunity is allowing students to go on a campus visit with their friends. The campus visits will mainly focus on the Nebraska colleges and universities, although there are discussions about neighboring states campuses. I think the more kids we can get exposed the better, Marez said. I think thats the whole idea of the grant is to create those opportunities. The grant is another way GHS staff hopes to support students in navigating their path after graduation. We want kids to understand that its no expense to them. If we have a campus visit scheduled, we dont want them to feel like theyre not going to have a meal or transportation. We want to provide that to make the best decision they can for themselves. Students are encouraged to visit with their counselor for more information about the resources available to them. For us as a district, the more we can expose kids the better off theyre going to be and the better decisions they can make, Marez said. Sidney High School also received a $30,000 grant, which they plan to use toward the cost of campus visits. The school will receive $7,500 over the next four years. Tess Plummer, an associate principal at Sidney High School and senior school counselor, told the Star-Herald they plan to focus efforts on in-state high education institutions. Our main goal is for campus visits for our students and that includes trades, two-year and four-year (colleges and universities) within the state of Nebraska all to increase the amount of time our kids have on campus visits, Plummer said. Staying nearby will also reduce the cost for overnight stays, allowing the school to give more students the opportunity to visit college campuses. The school also hopes to schedule stops at two colleges during each trip. Kearney and then maybe a stop at Mid-Plains and then maybe another trip could be Chadron and then stop at Scottsbluffs WNCC (Western Nebraska Community College), she said. For the first year, the school will open the opportunity up to juniors and seniors, but the goal is to target juniors. Students will receive more information about this opportunity soon. We will be getting all of that stuff organized here soon and then well either be reaching out to students based off of their interests and also putting it out there for any student who is interested to contact us at the guidance office, Plummer said. Plummer encourages families to have conversations about the future and what that looks like for college and career readiness. Families can use school staff as a resource. Scottsbluff High School was also one of the 24 schools in the state awarded funds. A total of $200,000 in grant funding was awarded, according to a press release from EducationQuest. Music can have a profound impact on a persons life, especially for children when they are encouraged to develop their musical skills at a young age. With the research to support the benefit of music on childrens vocabulary, relationship skills and skills for success, the creator of a program that teachers children to learn the violin and other stringed instruments continues to expand the programs reach. Spring Sprouts program creator Ruth Meints continues to offer programming across Nebraska and the country. String Sprouts is a revolutionary program providing five years of affordable lessons for violin, viola, cello and bass to children ages 3-6 in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area, according to the website. For children in the Scottsbluff-area, the String Sprouts program offers free lessons for violin, with the instrument and materials provided at no cost to families. Classes are held at the Carpenter Center, located at 116 Terry Blvd. in Gering. Meints, who grew up in Scottsbluff, said it was important to provide this opportunity to her hometown in addition to the metropolitan cities in eastern Nebraska. There is research about children taking stringed instruments or any kind of music lesson during the age frame of three to five, which is what this program enrolls, and if you do that, it will impact permanently positive changes in your brain that lend to reading readiness and vocabulary development, Meints told the Star-Herald. These kinds of academic outcomes can affect your whole time in school. Meints noted how rural areas do not have as many opportunities when compared to larger communities. Being a rural area, Scottsbluff and the surrounding area is considered underserved because there arent any opportunities, she said. Thats really cool because every family out there can do the program at no cost to the family and we provide the instrument for all five years. You really cant beat that. Meints also said they contracted with an outside agency to do a robust study on the program related to youths vocabulary growth. The hope was to find that music played a highly significant impact on vocabulary, which is represented by a score of at least 0.4. We ended up getting 1.6, which is four times a normal amount of impact on vocabulary alone, she said. Its staggering, so we are digging into that as they suggested. If we get a large enough cohort, then thats amazing results for a program like that. The University of Nebraska Medical Centers Munroe-Meyer Institute evaluated the program and the results showed a strong correlation between music skills and phonological (language) awareness, working memory, vocabulary and math. This years program will begin on Monday, Sept. 12 and concludes on May 26, 2023. Spots are still available. Families can visit tinyurl.com/SproutsSB to learn more about the program and to register. Children age five are prioritized for entrance into the program, based upon availability. However, if a child doesnt get into the program, they will be on the list and prioritized for the next year. Caregivers and families are asked to stay with the child during the lessons as part of the program is geared toward them. There is a parent and caregiver education portion that helps you learn about their childs learning style (and) whats their motivation style, Meints told the Star-Herald. The caregiver education offers a portion of class for them to learn how to play and learn teaching help. Every eight weeks there is a Sprouting Up program where kids perform in a recital and receive an award. Research into the caregiver and child relationship throughout the program found that conflict declined and feeling of closeness increased. Ashley Hillman is the program teacher. Hillman also teaches orchestra at Scottsbluff High School and Bluffs Middle School as well as an adjunct string teacher for Western Nebraska Community College. Ashley is an absolute force of nature, Meints said. She has a fantastic school program and she heads up our Sprouts program out there and when kids get into elementary school, they are going to get the academic benefits of that. The goal is for youth to have self-efficacy as a skilled musician and give them the opportunity to transition to playing cello or bass. Parents get as much out of it as the kids get out of it, Meints said. All they have to do is be willing to practice five to 10 minutes a day with their kid. Thats all they need in order to be successful at the beginning. Numerous Scotts Bluff and Morrill county residents packed into the Minatare High School Gymnasium Thursday to learn more about proposed concepts which would convert a stretch of Highway 26 from a two-lane highway into a four-lane expressway. The open house was organized by the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT). The project in question, Minatare US-385, involves renovating and expanding a stretch of highway 18.19 miles long. The project is part of the long-awaited Heartland Expressway. This would extend along Highway 26 from just east of Minatare to the connection with Highway 385 in Morrill County. This section is next on the docket, NDOT District 5 Engineer Doug Hoevet said, and this evenings meeting was set up to identify the two primary options, north route and south route, and to examine the different options that we had. The roadway would be almost identical to the current highway, with 12-foot lanes and a 54-foot culvert between the eastbound and westbound lanes. The new lanes would be built in a two plus two design, either due north or due south of the existing two-lane route. What that allows us to do is leverage the infrastructure that already exists, being the grade, the culverts and the surfacing, Hoevet said. In many places hes visited for similar open houses, Hoevet said he has found that people were very engaged and provided plenty of feedback. Minatare proved no exception. Its nice because theyre honest and frank discussions theres a high level of engagement and thats very nice to see, he said. The open house format, without any formal presentations, allowed residents to walk between infographic posters and maps. They asked questions at their leisure to NDOT representatives and those from engineering firm Alfred Benesch and Co., which performed impact studies for the two potential routes. Hoevet said the impact on stakeholders such as residential properties, irrigation districts and natural areas needs to be carefully considered. Another public meeting is scheduled in approximately one year. If everything goes to plan, construction will begin in 2025. Hoevet said the highway would provide a sense of continuity between the four-way lanes to the east, heading north to Alliance, and to the west between Minatare and Scottsbluff. I think it also reinforces that priority that the department has made to the expressway system since the late 1980s, he added. The dozens of different residents who came to provide feedback all had different ideas about which route, if any, the construction should follow. Morrill County resident Rick Sinks said he saw signs for the open house driving along the road and wanted to see what it was about. He said he didnt think additional lanes needed to be built. All theyre doing is trying to divert traffic through here, into Scottsbluff, instead of through the little towns to help them survive the best course of action, in my opinion, is leave the highway as it is and put some big turning lanes in to get over and pull off so people go around you, Sinks said. Other local residents at the open house included husband and wife Tom and Kathy Schwartz, who live in Minatare. Tom Schwartz said he remembered, from more than 60 years ago, when the highway was originally built. His family had to relocate two houses and about half a dozen buildings. The family property lies north of the highway, so if that option is selected theyd just have to move a single fence. Compared to what some people are facing, thats kind of minor, Kathy Schwartz said. Because of this, the couple said they didnt have a strong preference for one construction route over another. Overall, residents said the open house provided them with plenty of useful information about the project. Its interesting to see all the information they have positive things to say about the impact to Minatare, which is great, Cheryl Spencer, the mayor of Minatare said. Im hoping it can somehow help the truck stop. Maybe the truck stop can get started up again. Spencer was referring to the former truck stop just north of Minatare at Harrys Curve, a potentially historic site along the route. Other notable landmarks include a sod house in Morrill County and three canals. According to posters at the event, the northern route would cost an estimated $76.7 million to construct. It would require 26 relocations, including 13 houses; impact 15,000 feet of irrigation conveyance and 3,400 linear feet of streams; and impact 220 acres of farmland and 15 acres of wetlands. The southern option would cost an estimated $81.4 million and require 49 relocations including 19 houses. It would impact 18,000 linear feet of irrigation conveyance and 3,000 linear feet of streams as well as 230 acres of farmland and 12 acres of wetlands. Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home announced the availability of a book of condolences for the members of the community to express their sympathies and well-wishes to the family of Queen Elizabeth II and the British Commonwealth. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday at the age of 96. Queen Elizabeth was an iconic leader and the face of the United Kingdom for the past 70 years and it is important that we provide the community with an avenue to share their thoughts, sympathies and well-wishes, said Will Troutman, general manager at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home. Availability The Book of Condolences will be available to the public beginning on Monday at 9 a.m. at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home, located at 705 Davie Ave. in Statesville, until 4:30 p.m. It will be available Monday through Friday until the mourning period for the Queen ends, seven days following her funeral rites. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's kids, 3-year-old son Archie Harrison and 15-month-old Lilibet Diana, are able to use royal titles after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, E! News reported. Prince William and Kate Middleton may not be the only ones in the royal family inheriting new titles following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Though Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave up their respective His and Her Highness titles when they stepped back from their royal duties in 2020, their children3-year-old son Archie Harrison and 15-month-old Lilibet Dianaare officially entitled to be called prince and princess now that their grandfather, King Charles III, ascended the throne as the Queen's heir and their father moved up in the line of succession. Guidelines set forth by Harry's great-great-grandfather King George V back in 1917 permitted royal titles to be given to children of the sovereign's sons (a.k.a. their grandchildren descended from males). When the Queen was in power, Harry's children were her great-grandchildren. Now that King Charles has taken the throne, Harry's kids are officially grandchildren to the monarch and therefore qualify. The 1917 rule additionally reserved royal titles to children of the sovereign and the eldest son of the sovereign's eldest son (which would have meant Prince William's son Prince George, even before the Queen's death). What about Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis? All of William's children have actually had their titles all along, because of a new guideline passed 10 years ago. In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II changed the rule so that any children of the Prince of Wales' eldest son (meaning William's kids, before her death) would receive royal titles, allowing his younger kids with Kate to be called Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis while Her Majesty was still alive. Though Archie and Lili are now able to use royal titles, whether they'd want to use it is another story. After all, it's been rumored that Harry and Meghan opted not to give Archie the title of Earl of Dumbartoneven though he is entitledwhen he was born because they worry he'll be bullied for it. And when the couple spoke with Oprah Winfrey in a tell-all special last year, Meghan said that some people in the palace weren't thrilled with the idea of Archie receiving a prince title when the line of succession moved. "They were saying they didn't want him to be a prince...which would be different from protocol, and that he wasn't going to receive security," Meghan said, adding that there were also "concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he's born" while she was pregnant with Archie. When asked if she would like Archie to have a royal title, Meghan replied, "If it meant he was going to be safe, then, of course." Following the Queen's death, Harry is now fifth in line to the throne, while Archie and Lili are sixth and seventh, respectively. Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Wildfire smoke prompted the Washington State Department of Transportation to close sections of highway near the south side of Mount Rainier National Park on Friday afternoon. U.S. 12 from Skate Creek Road in Packwood to the top of White Pass will be closed in both directions. Crews are also closing the full length of State Route 123 between U.S. 12 and State Route 410. People are asked to avoid the area. Local traffic is allowed because of the potential need for evacuations in the area, according to WSDOT. The Forest Service requested the closures Friday, as smoke from the Goat Rocks fire burning about seven miles northeast of Packwood is making visibility difficult. The fire in the northeast corner of Gifford Pinchot National Forest had burned 150 acres as of Friday afternoon. Lightning sparked the blaze on Aug. 9, and fire activity picked up this month during hot, dry, windy weather. At about 1 p.m. Friday, Lewis County Emergency Management issued evacuation orders for Goat Rock, High Valley and Timberline. Evacuees can go to White Pass School at 516 Silverbrook Road in Randle. The Packwood area was at a level two status, asked to be ready to evacuate a at moments notice. Area residents can follow the Lewis County Emergency Managements Facebook page for evacuation updates. Photo: The Canadian Press Queen Elizabeth II "I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service. Queen Elizabeth II, who uttered those words in a speech on her 21st birthday in 1947, had a long one. In her 96 years of life, the Queen sat on the throne for 70 years, becoming the second longest reigning monarch in history after "the Sun King" Louis XIV. During those many decades the Royal Family was not short of scandals, and it was in her reign that the British empire unravelled as many countries declared their independence and abolished their ties with monarchy. Through the years, the Queen had a strong influence on the world, mainly owing to the strong presence she had in the Commonwealth and her warm, approachable persona. With her death, is there a future for monarchy in Canada? The Queen was instrumental in maintaining the strength of the monarchy "The Queen had allowed for a lot of Canadians to feel connected to that monarchy," Simon Fraser University history professor Nicolas Kenny said. Kenny said she maintained a high profile in Commonwealth countries, which allowed people to feel a connection to the Crown. "Without her charisma to sustain them, it will be interesting to see what will happen to the future of monarchy." Yet as the world mourns the Queen's death, debates are being reignited about the relevance of monarchy in the world. Last September, Barbados exited the commonwealth and parted ways with the Crown, and Australia is following suit. A report by Angus Reid Institute in April showed the waning popularity for the Royal Family. A majority of the population was in favor of severing ties with the monarchy, and less than 29% were enthusiastic to see the heir, King Charles, to take over. This could result in a shift in the landscape of Canadian politics in the years to come, according to Kenny. Canada's future with monarchy and Commonwealth Kenny noted that Canada has a long historical narrative that ties Canadian identity, particularly English Canadian identity, to British imperialism. Globally, though it was a slow and gradual process, the separation from monarchy was building up for a long time, as countries became politically independent. Despite talk of Canada exiting the Commonwealth , in the midst of the ascension of a new King, Kenny mentions that it is important to keep in mind that constitutionally, Canada's political system is a parliamentary one. "Existing the Commonwealth has significant implications for how our democracy works, how our governments are appointed, how our laws are passed," he said. "Although the King now might be a titular figurehead, due to the political connection to monarchy, it would raise a whole lot of questions like, 'What do we replace that with?'" In the absence of serious conversations about to replace a system that has governed Canada throughout its history, Kenny said it is hard to speculate how things would play out, keeping in mind the political and practical questions. "I think there's been maybe an unwillingness to confront the fact that this reality was coming. It's here before us now. I'm not sure the country is particularly prepared for this discussion," he said. "Replacing the monarchy would require essentially writing a new constitution. And that's a very contentious issue in Canada." Discussions about decolonization, effects of colonialism on Indigenous people historically and the presently are helping to frame the way we perceive monarchy in the country. Whether the Canadian government parts ways with the new King or just lays the road for the future, there is going to be a significant change in Canadian politics, whether or not the country is ready for it, he said. Fourteen US companies including Amazon.com Inc. and Visa Inc. each pledged to provide at least 500,000 digital training and education opportunities for women and girls in the Indo-Pacific region as part of a Biden administration initiative. Fourteen US companies including Amazon. com Inc. and Visa Inc. each pledged to provide at least 500,000 digital training and education opportunities for women and girls in the Indo-Pacific region as part of a Biden administration initiative. The program, undertaken within the broader 14-nation Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, is focused on Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The IPEF Upskilling Initiative, which will provide 7 million training opportunities in total over the next decade, was unveiled Thursday by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai as they host a two-day meeting of the Asian nations in Los Angeles. The plan is designed to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, while advancing competitiveness in the region, they said. Other companies involved in the initiative are American Tower Corp.; Apple Inc.; Cisco Systems Inc.; Dell Technologies Inc.; public-relations firm Edelman; Google, which is part of Alphabet Inc.; HP Inc.; International Business Machines Corp.; Mastercard Inc.; Microsoft Corp. ; PayPal Holdings Inc.; Salesforce Inc.; and Visa Inc. The initiative -- undertaken with The Asia Foundation, a nonprofit development organization -- is focused on the emerging economies and middle-income countries in IPEF, which also includes rich countries such as Japan, South Korean, Australia and Singapore. I have heard loudly and clearly from the region, particularly in the developing countries, We need concrete benefits, tangible economic benefits,' Raimondo said at the launch of the initiative on Thursday. I hear that and I promise you the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework will deliver tangible economic benefits to your countries. The commerce chief added that she is hopeful more companies will join the initiative, and that it will expand beyond 14 countries. The contribution of this initiative has the potential to be immeasurably valuable and have a lasting impact, Fijian Trade Minister Faiyaz Koya said at the event The plan will bolster US private-sector engagement in the fast-growing region in ways that pay long-term dividends for the companies and workers in both the US and its partner countries, Commerce and USTR said in statement announcing the strategy. The departments declined to disclose the value of the investments. It also will support the region's work to strengthen economic resilience, equity, inclusion and sustainability to help expand the middle class, as well as export opportunities for US goods and services and regional trade and investment, the agencies said. Finally, by facilitating training in areas such as data, cloud and cyber-security work, the approach will allow IPEF countries to promote cross-border data flows and online privacy, as well as combat disinformation, corruption and cyber-theft, according to the Biden administration. A new SharkBot malware has returned to Google Play Store in the form of fake antivirus apps and and cleaner apps. Delete them now. Dangerous SharkBot malware has returned to the Google Play Store in the form of fake antivirus apps and cleaner apps. The malware is reportedly stealing users' banking data. These dangerous apps includes Mister Phone Cleaner and Kylhavy Mobile Security and the bad news is these apps already have over 60,000 installations. According to NCC Group's Fox-IT, the malware is designed to target users in Spain, Australia, Poland, Germany, the US, and Austria. They said that these apps don't even need Accessibility permissions to automatically perform the installation of the dropper Sharkbot malware, instead, they just ask the victim to install the malware as a fake update for the antivirus apps. Fox-IT's Alberto Segura said: "This new version asks the victim to install the malware as a fake update for the antivirus to stay protected against threats. We have found two SharkbotDopper apps active in Google Play Store, with 10K and 50K installs each of them. The malware can reportedly steal logging keystrokes, intercept SMS messages and carry out fraudulent fund transfers using the Automated Transfer System (ATS). Fox-IT's Threat Intelligence team detected a new Sharkbot sample with version 2.25 on August 22, 2022. The new Sharkbot version has a new feature that steals session cookies from the victims that logs into their bank account. Though Google has banned these apps, anyone who has already downloaded, must delete them immediately. Also, check your bank account for any strange transactions. What is SharkBot Malware? SharkBot is a banking trojan first discovered in 2018. The malicious app was targeting crypto apps, with a specific focus on exchanges and trading services. The malware is capable of stealing the victim's login information, allowing the hackers to use their account for malicious activities. SharkBot has since evolved and uses advanced techniques to bypass detection making it more dangerous than before. Penang has become the first state in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia to have 5G network coverage following its launch in the state yesterday. During the launching ceremony in George Town, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that 151 sites have been identified to launch the 5G spectrum and will be part of the first phase of the 5G implementation plan by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). According to Bernama, from the 151 sites, 58 new 5G telecommunication structures will be built and the remaining 93 structures are upgrades from existing communication structures. Previously, Penang was selected as one of six states in Malaysia for the implementation of the 5G demonstration projects (5GDP) which began back in 2020. Chow further elaborated that under phase 2 of the 5G implementation in Penang, a total of 235 5G standard communication structures will be built in the Seberang Perai area. Moreover, another 77 5G communication structures will be built in the Northeast region of Penang. The Chief Minister also announced that a total of 7 telecommunication companies have been selected to implement 19 "use cases" in Penang with an estimated cost of RM23.2 million. These include 5 "verticals", which are agriculture, education, smart state, manufacturing industry and tourism. So, what do you guys think of the expansion rate of the 5G network by DNB? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for the latest in the tech world, be it in Malaysia or beyond! Hundreds of Brazos County community members showed their concern about sexual assault by gathering for the fourth annual Evening Under the Stars Gala through the Sexual Assault Resource Center at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center in College Station. The Sexual Assault Resource Center is a private, nonprofit organization that serves survivors of sexual violence across the Brazos Valley, according to SARCs Executive Director Lindsey LeBlanc. This gathering is where we really bring the community together by having a great and fun evening to celebrate what we have accomplished this year and set the sights for next year, she said. We all know about sexual assault, but we want to go further in our work and we want to talk about education prevention and set our sights for 2023 on education and prevention to ultimately end sexual violence. Cases of sexual assault are rising in Brazos County and across the Brazos Valley, LeBlanc said, and holding informational fundraisers helps them spread the word and receive the funds they need to continue to provide services for survivors. As the evening began, LeBlanc said they were hoping to raise $160,000 through their silent and live auction and raffle. All of the funds raised tonight will go to SARC. We are a program-heavy organization with everything we do, she said. I answer the hotline. I go out on accompaniment serving sites and work with survivors directly, so we have all of our staff directly in that, and we are all working towards that goal of ending sexual assault. Karla Castillo, SARC board member and KBTX anchor, gave the opening comments and said SARC supports survivors through advocacy, counseling and crisis intervention. Sexual violence is not a thing that happens once where you seek treatment and it is solved. It may take decades, it may take days or weeks to find that healing, she said. Our goal is for SARC to be there when that person needs us. Because whether you know it or not, we all know someone who has been impacted by sexual assault. One of the attendees, Ashley Walker, a volunteer advocate with SARC and a senior at Texas A&M, said she helps with the 24-hour hotline and accompanies survivors at the hospital after a sexual assault. This organization cannot run, and these survivors cannot get help, unless there are people willing to donate money and support the cause, she said. If somebody is brave enough to go to the hospital after their sexual assault, having somebody their advocating for you, speaking up for you, is what we are here to do. As students, there are a lot of young girls and men living in this town, and they dont have a solid support system. Walker said the biggest thing that people are unaware of is the multitude of resources available for survivors. SARC has crime victim compensation to help them get relief for the payment of their sexual assault exam, or even legal aid that SARC can help set up with protective orders and things like that, she said. We let them know that everything is in their control because especially in a sexual assault their control was taken in that situation. We let them know they have a complete option of how this process is going to go and we can be an advocate for them, and we [give] people a place to go heal after the incident. Walker said she is proud to be a volunteer with SARC because she helps remind people they are not alone. Pam Smits, SARC board president, said SARC served 472 survivors last year and a candle was placed at every seat to represent each of those survivors. Later in the evening, attendees were asked to light a candle to represent the survivors. Caroline Adams, volunteer manager with SARC, said it was amazing to see SARC double its attendance from 2021 because it showed community engagement. I grew up here in College Station and I have been at SARC for eight years and this amount of support is amazing and wonderful to see because it allows us to serve more people, Adams said. To donate or find out more about SARC, visit sarcbv.org. The SARC 24/7 hotline is 979-731-1000. Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw said he would resign if his troopers had any culpability in the delayed police response to the Uvalde school shooting in May. McCraw made the remark after being confronted by a CNN reporter in Brownsville, where he was attending a legislative hearing. The impromptu interview featured McCraws first extensive public remarks about the shooting at Robb Elementary School since June, when he testified for hours at a Texas Senate hearing in Austin and largely blamed local police for the botched response. After initially being driven back by gunfire from the shooter, police waited more than an hour to reengage, contrary to active-shooter training. Of the nearly 400 officers who responded, 91 were from the state police. A team of U.S. Border Patrol agents and local officers, which did not include any state troopers, ultimately entered the classroom containing the shooter and killed him. An investigation by The Texas Tribune and ProPublica found that McCraw and DPS have largely avoided scrutiny over their response to the shooting, in part because the agency has controlled which records get released and has shaped a narrative that casts local police as incompetent. Hours before the story published, and after declining to answer questions from the news organizations for three months, DPS announced it would formally investigate five troopers for their conduct during the shooting and said two of them were suspended without pay. Police tactics experts questioned why DPS did not take a lead role in the shooting response as it had during previous critical events, including the 1991 Lubys massacre in Killeen, 2013 fertilizer plant explosion in West and 2018 shooting at Santa Fe High School. They said state troopers missed opportunities to wrest control away from the Uvalde school district police chief, the incident commander, when it became clear he was not acting decisively. McCraw said during his Senate testimony he did not think it was feasible for troopers to have assumed command. On Friday, the DPS leader told CNN that the agency is committed to holding itself accountable. McCraw disputed the contents of minutes from a state police captains meeting in mid-August, published Thursday by KXAN-TV, which state that no one is going to lose their jobs for their conduct during the shooting. Quite the contrary, all leaders in Region 3 did what they were supposed to do and have stepped up to meet the moment, the minutes quote McCraw as saying. McCraw told CNN his fired comment was solely about Region 3 director Victor Escalon. McCraw said he reviewed Escalons actions that day and determined them to be appropriate. For more than two months, however, DPS has declined to answer questions about how Escalon and McCraw responded to the shooting and communicated with each other on May 24. And Democratic State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, one of the most vocal critics of how the state police handled the Uvalde shooting, called on McCraw to step down. Just a few days ago, when the inspector general investigation of DPS Troopers was made public, families had a glimmer of hope that there would at least be some accountability, if delayed, Gutierrez said in a statement. Now, we find out that it may all be a sham. Planned and executed by Governor Greg Abbotts DPS Director Steve McCraw. It is time for Director McCraw to resign. "Night at the Museum 3" closes out director Shawn Levy's effects-driven, family-friendly trilogy with three separate farewells. The most bittersweet parting involves the late Robin Williams. It's both touching and difficult to see Williams, looking game but wan, portray Teddy Roosevelt one last time, as Teddy and his fellow Museum of Natural History dwellers (from Attila the Hun to the T-Rex nicknamed Rexy) travel to London's British Museum in order to give the movie somewhere to go, something to do, new institutions to disrupt. WASHINGTON, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a public health emergency in response to Texas continuing to bus migrants to the nations capital. Bowser, who has been locked in a public feud with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over his policy, announced the city would spend an initial $10 million to create an office to help coordinate the arrival of migrants, offering them support when they arrive. It will help us tailor our needs for migrants to provide reception services, respite services, meals, transportation, urgent medical needs, transportation to connect people to resettlement services and the like, Bowser said at a news conference announcing the move Thursday. The voluntary busing policy, part of the governors Operation Lone Star initiative to address the large number of migrants arriving at the Texas-Mexico border, began as a way of antagonizing the Biden administration over its border policies. The first buses arrived in D.C. in April, and since then Abbott has sent over 7,900 migrants to the capital. He also has sent migrants to New York City and Chicago. Arizona also has bused migrants to D.C. Leaders of those cities have complained that the busing is overwhelming their city services, particularly because Texas is not coordinating with them or giving them advance notice of when buses will arrive. Advocates and aid workers who support migrants along the border, meanwhile, have said that Abbott is actually providing people a useful service by offering them free and safe transportation to their final destinations. Bowser said the city will seek reimbursement from the federal government for its new migrant program. Abbott has criticized city mayors for seeking federal help. His office unleashed a searing criticism of Bowser and the Biden administration after the announcement, labeling the mayor an absolute hypocrite. The true emergency is on our nations southern border not in our nations capital where small Texas border towns are overrun and overwhelmed by hundreds of migrants every single day as the Biden Administration dumps them in their communities, Abbotts press secretary Renae Eze said in a statement to The Texas Tribune. Instead of fearmongering and complaining about a few thousand migrants in her sanctuary city, Mayor Bowser should call on President Biden to do his job and secure the border something the President continues failing to do. Bowsers new initiative will seek to bridge what experts have said is a dangerous gap in coordination in Abbotts program. Theres no actual thought about how can we have a coordinated response about how to deal with migrants coming to our borders thats in line with federal policy or work with other cities and federal agencies to ensure that our process is humane, said Edna Yang, co-executive director of American Getaways, a Texas immigrant advocacy group. The U.S. Treasury Department on Friday announced sanctions against Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) and its Minister of Intelligence, Esmaeil Khatib, for engaging in cyber-enabled activities against the nation and its allies. "Since at least 2007, the MOIS and its cyber actor proxies have conducted malicious cyber operations targeting a range of government and private-sector organizations around the world and across various critical infrastructure sectors," the Treasury said. The agency also accused Iranian state-sponsored actors of staging disruptive attacks aimed at Albanian government computer systems in mid-July 2022, an incident that forced the latter to temporarily suspend its online services. The development comes months nearly nine months after the U.S. Cyber Command characterized the advanced persistent threat (APT) known as MuddyWater as a subordinate element within MOIS. It also comes almost two years following the Treasury's sanctions against another Iranian APT group dubbed APT39 (aka Chafer or Radio Serpens). Friday's sanctions effectively prohibit U.S. businesses and citizens from engaging in transactions with MOIS and Khatib, and non-U.S. citizens that engage in transactions with the designated entities may themselves be exposed to sanctions. Coinciding with the economic blockade, the Albanian government said the cyberattack on the digital infrastructure was "orchestrated and sponsored by the Islamic Republic of Iran through the engagement of four groups that enacted the aggression." Microsoft, which investigated the attacks, said the adversaries worked in tandem to carry out distinct phases of the attacks, with each cluster responsible for a different aspect of the operation - DEV-0842 deployed the ransomware and wiper malware DEV-0861 gained initial access and exfiltrated data DEV-0166 (aka IntrudingDivisor) exfiltrated data, and DEV-0133 (aka Lyceum or Siamese Kitten) probed victim infrastructure The tech giant's threat intelligence teams also attributed the groups involved in gaining initial access and exfiltrating data to the Iranian MOIS-linked hacking collective codenamed Europium, which is also known as APT34, Cobalt Gypsy, Helix Kitten, or OilRig. "The attackers responsible for the intrusion and exfiltration of data used tools previously used by other known Iranian attackers," it said in a technical deepdive. "The attackers responsible for the intrusion and exfiltration of data targeted other sectors and countries that are consistent with Iranian interests." "The Iranian sponsored attempt at destruction had less than a 10% total impact on the customer environment," the company noted, adding the post-exploitation actions involved the use of web shells for persistence, unknown executables for reconnaissance, credential harvesting techniques, and defense evasion methods to turn off security products. Microsoft's findings dovetail with previous analysis from Google's Mandiant, which called the politically motivated activity a "geographic expansion of Iranian disruptive cyber operations." Initial access to the network of an Albanian government victim is said to have occurred as early as May 2021 via successful exploitation of a SharePoint remote code execution flaw (CVE-2019-0604), followed by exfiltration of email from the compromised network between October 2021 and January 2022. A second, parallel wave of email harvesting was observed between November 2021 and May 2022, likely through a tool called Jason. On top of that, the intrusions entailed the deployment of a ransomware strain called ROADSWEEP and the distribution of a wiper malware referred to as ZeroCleare. Microsoft characterized the destructive campaign as a "form of direct and proportional retaliation" for a string of cyberattacks on Iran, including one staged by an Iranian hacktivist group that's affiliated to Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) in the first week of July 2022. The MEK, also known as the People's Mujahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI), is an Iranian dissident group largely based in Albania that seeks to overthrow the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and install its own government. "Some of the Albanian organizations targeted in the destructive attack were the equivalent organizations and government agencies in Iran that experienced prior cyberattacks with MEK-related messaging," the Windows maker said. Iran's Foreign Ministry, however, has rejected accusations that the country was behind the digital offensive on Albania, calling them "baseless" and that it's "part of responsible international efforts to deal with the threat of cyberattacks." It further condemned the sanctions and called the act based on "false and unproven" accusations, stating it "will use all its capabilities within the framework of international law to uphold the Iranians' rights and defend itself against these sinister conspiracies." The Ministry also accused the U.S. of "giving full support to a terrorist sect", referring to MEK. Hall County is being awarded $43,203 to partly provide for a newly-created juvenile diversion alternative initiative coordinator position. The position is expected to cost roughly $75,000 per year total. Hall County Board of Commissioners approved creating the new position in June. The award is significant, said Commissioner Karen Bredthauer. It is the first time the Office of Violence Prevention has awarded grant funds outside of Omaha or Lincoln, she said. The position is needed. District Judges Arthur Wetzel and Alfred Corey have 560 juvenile cases per year, and in one day heard 93 juvenile cases, where most juvenile court judges have about 250 per year, explained Bredthauer. Bredthauer was appointed to the OVP board by Gov. Pete Ricketts in August 2021. She brought the OVP grant opportunity to the attention of County Attorney Marty Klein and the grant was completed by Diversion Director Randy See. The OVP grant was approved by the Nebraska Crime Commission. The priority for funding is given to projects that appear to have the greatest benefit to the state and have goals to reduce street and gang violence, homicides and injuries by firearms, said Bredthauer. The JDAI program looks for alternatives for detaining juveniles. The program is beneficial, Hall County Attorney Marty Klein told Commissioners in June. Theres significant research out there that tells us that juveniles, when taken out of their home, have a worse outcome than when they are able to be maintained in their home, he said. Its almost as bad or worst when juveniles are taken out of their school setting. In the short-term, the coordinator will develop relationships that will, in the long-term, have better outcomes for juveniles, said Klein. The juvenile court system aims to help such youths achieve better outcomes so they can learn from the mistakes they make, be rehabilitated, and become productive members of society, said Klein. I believe that translates to less pressure on our system, less detention costs, and an overall benefit to Hall County both for the juveniles and every part of the system that these juveniles would otherwise be touching if they were involved in the court system, he said. Klein told Commissioners on Aug. 30 that the countys juvenile cases are not only growing in number, but becoming more complex. This is time-consuming for an office that is currently short-staffed. I believe this is a need based on the amount of work my folks are doing, he told the board. Bredthauer told The Independent she plans to pursue full funding for the position with OVPs upcoming grant cycle in March. If we can continue to get this from the Legislature, we can fund other projects in Hall County, she said, but only if we can get people to write the grants. Migrants are led from one bus to another bus after arriving from Texas at Union Station in Chicago on Sept. 9, 2022. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) Nearly 100 more migrants arrived from Texas on Friday in buses at Union Station, making it the fourth round of asylum-seekers sent to Chicago by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in less than two weeks as a way to criticize the nations immigration policies. The group of mostly men with a handful of women and children from Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela arrived about 4:15 p.m. and disembarked from the two buses before lining up to board two CTA buses that had been waiting hours for them. Advertisement The migrants carried only small possessions in clear plastic bags as they made their way from bus to bus. Some smiled and waved. Others rushed to the buses, where Erendira Rendon, vice president of immigrant justice at The Resurrection Project, welcomed them and told them in Spanish where they were being taken and the options they have. Mayor Lori Lightfoots office said the group was being taken to a religious organization for intake. Advertisement After Elvin Antonio Gomez stepped off the bus, he took out a piece of paper and showed it to police and other people standing outside Union Station asking in Spanish if they could help him to go to the location written on it. Un amigo mio me va arecibir ahi, he said, eager to continue his journey. My friend is waiting for me there. A young migrant traveling from Texas to Union Station in Chicago waves as his family waits to heads to temporary housing on Sept. 9, 2022. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) That same friend had gotten a plane ticket to northern Wisconsin, for Gomez and for another man who was also coming from Nicaragua, Gomez said. Rendon later told the Tribune that the two men were transported to the airport after arriving at church where the group was welcomed. Fridays busloads are the fourth arrival of migrants from Texas in 10 days. The first group arrived at Union Station on Aug. 31 in two buses carrying approximately 75 people seeking asylum. Another bus of migrants arrived in Chicago over the holiday weekend with more than 50 people looking for new beginnings. And more than 150 asylum-seekers arrived in three more buses on Wednesday afternoon. The migrants have been transported to Chicago from Texas as part of Abbotts plans to send the migrants to sanctuary cities, including Washington and New York City, in response to President Joe Bidens immigration policies. On Friday, U.S. Reps. Jesus Chuy Garcia, of Chicago, and Adriano Espaillat, of New York, and Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District of Columbias nonvoting House delegate all Democrats representing the cities to which Abbot is sending the migrants sent a letter to the U.S. House requesting $50 million more in humanitarian assistance for the migrants. Playing politics with the lives of these immigrants is dehumanizing and cruel, but not unexpected from the xenophobic, fearmongering politics of Gov. Abbot, Garcia said in a statement. While Chicago remains committed to welcoming these new arrivals, we must ensure their food, shelter and other basic needs are covered. Advertisement Migrants traveling from Texas wait to depart on a second bus after arriving at Union Station in Chicago on Sept. 9, 2022. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) Garcia also criticized the flawed immigration system that has caused the crisis and said the arrival of these migrants at the border underscores the urgent need to address the root causes of migration and how U.S. policies have contributed to the problem. In the meantime, we must focus on assisting the women, men and children as they arrive in our cities. On Wednesday, 64 migrants were temporally placed in a hotel in southwest suburban Burr Ridge, according to a statement from Mayor Gary Grasso. Village officials and staff were not consulted or contacted about the decision to move the migrants from the Salvation Army Shield of Hope shelter to the village, the statement said. Grasso told the Tribune on Friday that he was blindsided by the migrants arrival. Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. > Im not a believer in sanctuary cities, I dont think my community is in favor of it, some might be but I think most arent, he said. At Union Station on Friday, Yenilsa Santos said that she and her 28-year-old son had arrived in Chicago from Venezuela. They were hoping to go to New York where family can host them. But there was no other option, she said, now we have to find a way to get there. Advertisement Yorge Medina got off one of the buses and took a picture to send to his family. They told me that this way theyll know where to come to find me and take me home, he said as he sent the photos. Though he was able to tell them that he was arriving Friday, he couldnt tell them where or what time. He finally found a message with the address of his family in Des Plaines and learned that it would take them about an hour to get downtown. Either way, Medina, who emigrated from Cuba, said he was glad to be a step closer to his new home. Chicago Tribunes Zareen Syed contributed. This years Husker Harvest Days will feature more than 70 new exhibitors. In other words, well over 10% will be brand new, said Matt Jungmann. So theres going to be a lot of new stuff, and with some mergers and acquisitions and things theres been a lot change on the exhibit field. So some of your old friends are in new places and (there will be) new friends all over the show site, said Jungmann, who is director of the show. The thing that makes the show fresh is the work that the exhibitors do. Theyre bringing in their latest and greatest and newest products and displaying them, and getting them in front of their customers. So thats what keeps the show fresh is the work that the exhibitors do, Jungmann said. Attendees will see autonomous machines operating in a couple different spots around the show site. Sprayer drones will also be part of the cool stuff, he said. Husker Harvest Days, the worlds largest totally irrigated working farm show, runs Tuesday through Thursday. Organizers hope that 90,000 people will turn out over the three days. Thats kind of the target, Jungmann said. Last years turnout was a little bit light. I think that there was still some COVID hangover in terms of attendance, Jungmann said. But the coronavirus is getting to be in the rearview mirror and we would anticipate a great crowd and nobody staying home because of COVID, unless obviously theyre sick and should stay home. But I think that folks are ready to get out and be together one last team-building trip for the farm before we all climb into combines and harvest the crop, Jungmann said. The company that puts on Husker Harvest Days also presents the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, every year. That outdoor farm event this year ran Aug. 30 to Sept. 1. The Farm Progress Show was fantastic this year, Jungmann said. We had a huge crowd and it was really good, which gives me a lot of hope that were on our way to a real good Husker Harvest Days, too, he said. Jungmann lives on a farm in western Illinois. When the Farm Progress Show wraps up every year, he heads straight to Grand Island to get ready for Husker Harvest Days. Hes optimistic about this years event. Were going to have great weather and (Im) looking forward to a great show, he said. The field demonstrations are looking really, really good, he said. The crop has come along. The moisture is just right for harvesting and its in perfect condition to harvest. Patrons will find a building dedicated to startup companies that are at the forefront of agricultures future technology, says a news release. The roads and entry points around Husker Harvest Days were improved this year, with a soybean-based dust control system, made possible by the Nebraska Soybean Board. The application, which covers the entirety of the show perimeter, will increase visibility, improve safety and showcase the diversity of soybeans for practical use, says the news release. Jungmann encourages people to visit www.HuskerHarvestDays.com to prepare for the event. People can download an app that shows information on their phones. Biofuels, trade, environmental and livestock regulations and the 2023 farm bill were among the top issues discussed by U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Hoffman Estates, and Republican nominee Kathy Salvi of Mundelein during an Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable candidate forum. Speaking to an audience assembled at Schuler Farms in rural Lexington, Duckworth said lessons learned and votes cast during her first term would largely guide her approach to future ag-related legislation, while Salvi, who hasnt before held political office, said she would look mostly to members of the ag industry for direction on proposed bills if elected. An immediate test of either strategy will come with the drafting of the 2023 farm bill. Duckworth said her priorities for the legislation include protecting and improving farm safety net programs, federal crop insurance, disaster assistance and export market developments. Salvi, meanwhile, said she couldnt be the voice for Illinois farmers in drafting the farm bill without listening to you and (your) concerns. She added she would vie for a position on the Senate Ag Committee and be a little more proactive on ag policy that will help serve Illinois agriculture. Asked about livestock vaccination and disease prevention programs covered by the farm bill, Duckworth said she would support continued funding for those efforts to allow livestock producers to manage their herds in the best way possible, in the healthiest way possible, so that we dont see an economic devastation. Salvi did not take a clear position on the question, instead pointing to an audience member and saying Youre going to guide me and advise me on that. On their approach to environmental regulations, Salvi and Duckworth mostly aligned, with both candidates explaining theyd push for policies that dont unnecessarily burden farmers. To expand the definition of a field that can be EPA-regulated to that particular farm parcel it puts a vise over that farmers ability to run their business, Salvi said of the Biden administrations proposed expanded definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). Duckworth said shell work with ag groups on WOTUS, advocate for a pragmatic approach and bring a moderate voice to negotiations over a definition. I sort of see myself in there and saying: Whoa, lets be real here, youre talking about something as if its a river or a creek but its actually just like a dry area most of the year and occasionally when it rains theres water there, Duckworth said. So lets not treat that like it is like everything else. The Senate candidates also found common ground on trade reform, with both saying theyd push to eliminate import tariffs on fertilizers. Duckworth went a step further, explaining the U.S. needs to be more aggressive on trade, especially with China, and in emerging Asian markets like Taiwan. On energy policies and the role of biofuels, Duckworth and Salvi both agreed the marketplace should influence where investments go, but they split over how to get there. The newcomer said she supports a comprehensive, all-of-the-above energy policy that expands coal, natural gas and nuclear energy while also growing private investments in biofuels and other renewable technologies. The incumbent, who described herself as agnostic to a carbon-neutral future, said government funds and other incentives should be used to expand renewable energy sources like solar and wind alongside traditional forms of energy. Duckworth also said shed push for a permanent waiver for year-round sale of E15, support a long-term extension of the blenders credit on biodiesel and advocate for new markets for biofuels, like the aviation industry. Without giving specifics, Salvi said there have been too many quick fixes around biofuel policies. She later clarified that position with reporters, telling them biofuels are essential to the Illinois agribusiness community and I am a strong supporter of biofuels. Asked about private property rights around renewable energy projects, such as wind farms and carbon sequestration pipelines, Salvi said, We need to act responsibly to protect some of our best farmland. Duckworth echoed that position. We absolutely have to respect landowner rights, she said. Asked by FarmWeek how CO2 pipelines fit into that model, Duckworth said she supports the technology, but we have to work our way through that, and maybe theres something I can do at the federal level to help bring incentives and federal resources to the mix. Illinois candidates for governor pledged support for farmers and agriculture but offered different views on the states fiscal outlook recently on a McLean County farm. In separate appearances, Republican candidate Sen. Darren Bailey and Democratic candidate Gov. J.B. Pritzker shared their platforms with the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable and answered questions from the audience. Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. served as moderator during the Aug. 24 event at Schuler Farms near Lexington. As for Illinois finances, Pritzker touted steps taken during his administration. My job coming in was paying off the bill backlog and making sure were reducing the structural deficit in the state and then go to work paying off the rest of the debt in the state, Pritzker said. We now have literally eliminated the bill backlog in the state. An additional $500 million was added to this fiscal years state pension payment and the state has received six credit upgrades, the governor added. Bailey focused on the state employee pension debt. We can deal with this, but we have to start working on it, the senator said, adding Illinois also has large debt in its unemployment fund. If elected governor, Bailey said he would appoint new agency directors who are business minded and develop their own budgets, zero-based budgets. Considering the current state budget, there is massive amounts of waste. ... We will have to use that waste to pay down the pension debt, Bailey said. The candidates also squared off on their energy plans. Outside the hosts machine shed, wind turbines sprouted in surrounding fields. Bailey shared concerns about sky-rocketing energy costs and said several counties in his legislative district recently experienced three-hour brownouts. He criticized Pritzkers climate policies, adding the energy bill leads to a lot of problems and the state needs to continue to ease into solar and wind energy. The governor blamed high electricity prices on MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) the independent, nonprofit organization that manages generation and transmission of high-voltage electricity in parts of Illinois and 14 other states. MISO has fallen down on the job, Pritzker said. Thats why Illinois had to pick up the pace in solar and wind and make sure that were producing more energy, not less. That is what the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act does. It helps us produce more energy. But state targets for electric vehicles does not mean the end of biofuels, Pritzker said. Its part of a longer trend that will keep biofuels growing in Illinois for the next decade and more. The governor said he backs year-round sales of biofuels, E10 and E15 and has written the federal government supporting year-round sales. Although Bailey and Pritzker disagreed on several points, both candidates took similar positions on perennial Illinois ag-related questions about the future of the Livestock Management Facility Act and the state sales tax incentive on fertilizer, seed, pesticides and machinery-related expenses. They favor no changes for statewide livestock siting regulations or on the 6.25% sales tax incentive. Surrounded by cornfields, each candidate reached out to the farmer audience. We need the grit of a farmer in the governors office, Bailey said. Together we can restore Illinois. We can fix these problems, but we must work together. Im not going to pretend to be a farmer, Pritzker said. But before I was a governor, I was a businessman and Im familiar with the ins and outs of running a business. ... Im proud to be your advocate. When Thomas Boone took over as governor of South Carolina in 1761, the locals hoped he would prove sympathetic to their call for increased legislative power. Boone was related to the Colleton family of Carolina, so the colonists thought he might be sympathetic to their viewpoint. But Boone had strict orders from the Board of Trade to review the Election Act of 1721 and restrict the power of the Commons House of Assembly. When Christopher Gadsden was elected to fill a vacancy for St. Pauls Parish, Boone seized the opportunity to assert his power. Christopher Gadsden was the son of a customs collector who became one of the colonys most successful merchants. He first served in the Commons House in 1757 and was known as a staunch protector of colonists rights. During the Cherokee War, he attacked the British commander, James Grant, for seizing control of local troops. Gadsden felt that the troops should be led by the colonial Colonel, Thomas Middleton. Gadsden continued to guard the legislatures powers in issues such as raising a militia, electing their own members and spending. To Boone, Gadsden was a rabble-rouser and the Governor decided to use the 1762 election to deny him a seat in the Commons House. Although it was clear that the voters of St. Pauls elected Gadsden, the wardens did not technically follow the stated procedure, so Boone refused to administer the oath of office. He then dissolved the assembly, stating that it had violated the Election Act. He called for an election of new delegates to the assembly. This was viewed as a challenge by locals, who returned all but ten of the original delegates. Gadsden was among those chosen to return to the Commons House. The House held an investigation into the Gadsden election and passed a resolution stating they would perform no other business until the Governor apologized and publicly acknowledged his mistake. Boone refused and from September of 1762 through 1763, there was no action by the Commons House. Boone returned to London in May 1764 and was criticized by the Board of Trade for acting with more Zeal than prudence. Walter Edgar notes that, while the episode over Gadsdens election was not a prelude to the Revolution, it did provide experience in resisting imperial authority. It also emphasized Gadsdens role as a defender of colonial rights. Boone never returned to South Carolina. But the leaders of the South Carolina legislature at the time included Henry Laurens, William Drayton, Thomas Lynch, Charles Pinckney and John Rutledge. Like Gadsden, they would not forget Boones misuse of power. He is listed by Walter Edgar as one of the four governors of South Carolina who, through mishandling a variety of issues, helped create the climate that would lead to revolution." An Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office deputys actions led to saving a womans life before her car erupted into flames a week ago. Cpl. Sheron Knight said, Im just thankful that I was able to catch on to something and be able to help save somebody from something that could've turned so catastrophic. I'm glad that shes safe and sound and has the ability to walk away with no harm. Just doing my job and being alert and aware of my surroundings. Were proud of Cpl. Knights actions on that day, said Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell. This could have been a totally different and tragic outcome had he not been there and recognized this motorist was in serious trouble, he added. Just one day prior to the 26-year-olds heroic deed, he was promoted and pinned as corporal. Prior to joining the OCSO in 2019, Knight served in the United States Marines from 2015 until 2019 at Camp Lejeune, N.C. It was at 8:41 a.m. on Sept. 1 when Knight saw a 2006 Ford Taurus SE going about 35 mph in a 55-mph zone on Old State Road near Target Road near Holly Hill. Knight smelled a strong odor of smoke coming from the bottom of the car, he wrote in his report and noticed the smoke started to get thicker. When Knight attempted to pass the Taurus so he could tell the driver to pull over for safety, he noticed its undercarriage sparking and a small flame consistently burning, the report states. In the opposite lane, he activated his blue lights and told the driver to pull over because her car was catching fire. Both Knight and the woman driving the Taurus pulled to the roadside and he told her to get out of the car. As soon as she stepped out, the vehicle began to be clouded with heavy smoke and became engulfed in flames, Knight wrote in his report. The driver wasnt physically injured in the ordeal. Knight radioed dispatch to call for the Holly Hill Fire Department and the S.C. Highway Patrol. He also blocked both lanes of traffic for safety while firefighters and a trooper were on the way to the scene. Firefighters with the HHFD extinguished the flames and the driver called for a wrecker to tow her car, which was a complete loss. The Quarter Century Club at South Carolina State University has established a scholarship fund for university students in good standing with financial need. The club recently awarded its second scholarship, a $2,500 award to DeSharah Carmella Israel, who majors in early childhood education at S.C. State. The Quarter Century Club is composed of S.C. State employees who have worked at the university 25 years or more. Pinky Carter, director of S.C. States Brooks Health Center, said the club asked members to give a minimum of $25 per year to fund the scholarship via the S.C. State Foundation. Anyone can donate to the fund. Students do not have to apply for the scholarship those who meet the criteria are automatically entered into pool, and the winner is drawn at random, giving the students a nice surprise. For Israel, it was both a surprise and a relief. My first question was why me? Israel said. Thats a blessing to be one of those chosen. That was a big surprise. It definitely helped out a lot, so I was very thankful. Israel is one of S.C. States most involved students. She is executive secretary of the Student Government Association, a student orientation leader, a member of Delta Sigma Theta, a community assistant at the University Village student residence complex and an ROTC cadet. For the latter, she plans to earn her commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. To donate to the Quarter Century Club effort or any of S.C. States scholarship funds, contact Angelia Jackson at 803-536-7190 or ajackson@scsu.edu. You may also visit S.C. States home page at www.scsu.edu and click Give to SC State at the top of the page. Russia mulls retaliatory response to Ukraine's visa regime: Deputy FM Xinhua) 09:17, September 10, 2022 File photo taken on April 16, 2021 shows the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia in Moscow. (Xinhua/Evgeny Sinitsyn) MOSCOW, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said Friday that Moscow is currently considering retaliatory measures in response to Kiev's decision to impose a visa regime for Russian citizens. "We are currently discussing this issue within various departments ... we will take into account a wide range of aspects, including humanitarian ones," Rudenko was cited by local media as saying. "We do not want to complicate the lives of those Ukrainian citizens, who wish to leave the country and go to Russia. Obtaining visas would become difficult for them," he said. Rudenko said that a final decision has not yet been made, and that the response would not have to be symmetrical. In an earlier statement on Tuesday, Rudenko said Ukrainian citizens could still enter Russia without a visa until Jan. 1, 2023. On July 1, Ukraine introduced a visa regime for Russian citizens following a decision by its government. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in June that the country had decided to end visa-free travel for Russian citizens due to the "unprecedented threats to the national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Ukraine. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Bianji) Migrants are led from one bus to another bus after arriving from Texas at Union Station in Chicago on Sept. 9, 2022. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso called the events of Wednesday when dozens of migrant families were transported from a shelter in Chicago to a hotel in the western suburb, abysmal government coordination. Until today, no one has officially contacted me. They were in Texas and now all of a sudden theyre in Burr Ridge? Grasso said over a phone call with Pioneer Press Friday afternoon. Our beef is not with these people, they want to come to America for a better life my God, my grandparents did the same thing. Thats not what Im upset about. Advertisement Burr Ridge, with a population of about 11,000, has five hotels, including Hampton Inn & Suites, where 64 migrants from Venezuela will be temporarily housed for 30 days. Grasso said in a statement Thursday that village officials were not consulted beforehand. Migrants from Venezuela relax outside the Hampton Inn & Suites in suburban Burr Ridge on Sept. 8, 2022. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) Over the last week, hundreds of individuals and families were bused to Chicago from Texas as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts plan to send asylum-seekers to sanctuary cities. The first group of migrants arrived at Chicagos Union Station on Aug. 31 in two buses carrying dozens each. Advertisement Another bus of migrants arrived in Chicago last weekend with more than 50 people looking for housing, employment, and a better future. More than 150 asylum-seekers arrived in three more buses on Wednesday afternoon, of which 64 refugees were taken to Hampton Inn from a shelter in Humboldt Park. Our laws are based on due process, on notice on a right to speak up before something happens to you. We were completely blindsided and the idea that neither the city nor the state thought to call the mayor or the administrator of our village to me is almost intentional to just do this to us, Grasso said on Friday. According to village officials, the families are expected to stay in Burr Ridge over the next few weeks but ultimately no more than 30 days from when they first arrived, and staff members from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) are staying close to assist with finding housing and employment. Some of the refugees have families in the area while others are being assisted by private agencies. Earlier this year, Burr Ridge hosted asylum-seeking refugees from Afghanistan who have now found permanent housing and employment, according to Grasso. Those families also stayed at Hampton Inn & Suites, he said. Being a place for refugees to come sounds like immigration its not the hotel business, Grasso said, sharing that he has been in touch with hotel staff. We would likely not let you open a hotel if you tell us that youre going to be housing refugees as your primary source of business. Its not typical for a hotel to notify the mayor if large groups of people book rooms, but agencies who coordinate the accommodations should be expected to reach out, he said. Were not told that somebody is having a wedding, but were generally told when a major event is happening in our village, Grasso said. I didnt know if we were going to need more police, I didnt know if the restaurants needed more staffing I didnt know the scale of this. Israel Velasquez, 13, gives a kiss to his little sister, Ana Isabel, 3 months, as the family relaxes with other migrants from Venezuela outside the Hampton Inn & Suites in suburban Burr Ridge on Sept. 8, 2022. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) Grasso said he spoke to representatives from IDHS on Friday, but even they couldnt tell him whose calling the shots, and why Burr Ridge. Advertisement You mean to tell me there are no hotels with empty rooms in the city of Chicago? Grasso said. But Ill tell you one thing, Im sure theyre a heck of a lot safer in Burr Ridge than they would be in Chicago. Grasso said the competency of village leadership was called to question when he had to admit he knew no more about the matter than his constituents. In a news release Thursday, Grasso listed several things he wanted residents to be aware of, including that refugees received health screening at the border and those who required isolation were taken to a public health shelter outside of Burr Ridge. Village officials also mentioned that the federal government, which handles all immigration matters, granted legal refugee status to these migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and those housed in Burr Ridge are legally permitted to be in the United States. Grasso said the plan is for village officials to work with IDHS to help the families find employment, something he said could have been done proactively, had he known. There are people here that want to offer some of these migrants jobs; we have restaurants that need cleaning people, bus boys and women local groceries have reached out and asked if they can make offers, Grasso explained. If this had been better coordinated we probably could have started finding them jobs or help the kids go to school. We wouldnt have objected to that. Advertisement While on the phone, Grasso said he was staring at 10 emails from residents who still had questions and concerns. Im not a believer in sanctuary cities, I dont think my community is in favor of it, some might be but I think most arent, he said. Hampton Inn & Suites management could not be reached for comment. Converse County elected officials bristled this week at environmental groups allegations that the federal government mismanaged a proposal to drill 5,000 oil and gas wells. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) greenlit the Converse County Oil and Gas Project and granted it exemptions from a handful of wildlife protection measures in late 2020, weeks before President Joe Biden took office. At the time, the project had already been in the works for more than six years. County Commissioner Jim Willox said that in the years leading up to that approval, the public, the industry, conservation groups, state and federal agencies, and the commissioners were actively engaged in these discussions. Willox said he came away satisfied with the agreement the various parties reached. While he did have concerns at first about air, water and wildlife, he said, all of them were addressed, and I believe addressed appropriately. Since then, much of the infrastructure like roads and electrical lines has already been built, and wells have already been drilled, according to county officials. They expect development to continue, at a fairly steady pace, for years to come. We have a lot of activity, but we dont have excessive activity, Willox said. And for Wyomings top oil-producing county, where jobs and revenue fluctuate with the price of oil, he said, the project is expected to bring ongoing work and a rare source of stability. The county hopes one of the projects wildlife exemptions lifting seasonal restrictions on construction and instead allowing development to continue year-round will also help to alleviate the ups and downs of work in the oil and gas industry. And the county and the state rely on oil and gas projects like this one moving forward, according to Rep. Aaron Clausen, R-Douglas. That revenue covers Wyomings expenses. Most of our tax structure, our jobs in Converse and Campbell County, I mean, theyre all energy-related, and theyre intertwined, he said. Energy is just how we run the state of Wyoming. Anytime you mess with that, it has pretty big consequences. But on Wednesday, Advocates for the West filed suit over the anticipated environmental impacts which it argued the projects wildlife exemptions would exacerbate on behalf of Western Watersheds Project and Powder River Basin Resource Council. The groups believe the BLMs approval hinges on inadequate environmental review and knowingly puts Wyomings air, water and vulnerable species, including sage grouse, at risk. This unprecedented level of development will create significant negative impacts in our county that have not been well addressed during previous booms, Maria Katherman, a Powder River Basin Resource Council board member who lives in Converse County, said in a written statement included in the environmental groups Thursday announcement. According to state and county leaders, however, the project is too economically valuable to lose and the environmental impacts will be worth it. You cannot do development without some impact, Willox said. What you have to do when youre developing anything is find that responsible, appropriate approach between providing, in this case, the energy that the county, the state and the world needs, and the respect and honor of our environment. And I believe we found that balance. The county is still assessing its options in response to the lawsuit, he said. Gov. Mark Gordon also vouched for the environmental considerations built into the project which he has long supported in a statement emailed to the Star-Tribune. All the stakeholders acted in good faith to provide input that resulted in a plan to allow oil and gas development while protecting our natural resources, including groundwater, hawks and eagles. That is what Wyoming folks do, work together to find solutions, Gordon said. Multiple Converse County lawmakers were also quick to denounce both the lawsuit and the organizations behind it. In a written statement shared early Friday, Sen. Brian Boner, R-Douglas, called the lawsuit an open assault on our economy, the fundamental rights of ranchers and important funding sources for our public schools. He added, This lawsuit demonstrates just how far these environmental extremists will go to achieve their misguided goals. Their assault on private property rights is an assault on our way of life and they will not stop until energy production is forever halted in Wyoming. Clausen, similarly, sees it as just another attack on our domestic oil production. He believes the state has pretty well proved that we can do responsible development. But he said legal challenges to oil and gas development have become a near constant for Converse County, where private and state-owned lands and minerals are entangled with federal resources. Were very fortunate to have such huge energy resources, he said. And that also makes you a target for environmental groups that want to shut these things down. ROCK SPRINGS The biker community made a young mans dream come true last week. Motorcyclists from all over joined together to give Rock Springs resident Vincent Johnson, an 18-year-old with cerebral palsy, a ride that he will never forget. For several years, it was Johnsons dream to go on a motorcycle ride. In order to make that dream happen, though, he needed to ride in a sidecar. His grandmother Susan Nay began reaching out, making calls and posting on Facebook in search of one so her grandson can fulfill his dream. In May, she got in touch with Jay Weisgerber, a man from Alliance, Nebraska, who just so happened to have a sidecar. Weisgerber was living in Rapid City, South Dakota, at the time and was ready to make the trip. Johnsons health was not good then, however, so the ride had to be postponed. Weisgerber created a Facebook page called Vincents Ride and began posting on the Sweetwater Classifieds page to recruit local bikers to join him in making Johnsons dream come true. On Saturday, Sept. 3, Weisgerber, along with his dog and girlfriend, traveled 405 miles to give Johnson a quick ride around town. I didnt even care if anybody else showed up. I was on a mission. I was dead set on giving this young man Vincent a ride, Weisgerber said. People who want to donate ask, Do you have a 501c3? and I say, No. This has nothing to do with money, he said. Ive had people offer me money, pay my way, offer to pay for my motel and I had three different people who I have never met offer to let me stay at their house last night with my dog and my girlfriend. Thats how these people are coming together. Ive been a biker my whole life and it doesnt surprise me a bit because thats the way the biker community is. Nearly 60 bikers and members of the Sweetwater County community showed up to Johnsons house on the morning of Sept. 3, gifting him with an autographed helmet and t-shirt that was donated by Flaming Gorge Harley Davidson. Motorcycle clubs such as Bad Lands Bandits and Fallen Saints Red Desert, as well as the American Legion Riders, joined in on the ride. When people think of the bikers in our community, people have a negative thought of what being a biker is. This is the turnout you can get on a three-day weekend. All the organizational stuff goes away when it comes to this because we have a purpose and a focus, said Grant Yaklich, vice director and chaplain of the American Legion Riders. The man who brought his sidecar here, Jay, he came here from Alliance, Nebraska. Hes a school bus driver and he has taken his three-day weekend to come to Rock Springs to do this for this young man because this is what his wish is. This is what his dream is. It doesnt matter who you ride with, what you ride or how you ride, this is about the community and this is a great representation of what the biker community in this area stand for. Upon the bikers arrival, Nay was nearly brought to tears by the love and support her grandson had received. I am just overwhelmed, said Nay after seeing the amount of people who showed up for her grandsons wish. I am very excited for Vincent and I think this is a fantastic thing these people are doing. He likes to try different things and hes been talking about this one for several years now. Im going to cry. When seeing the look on Johnsons face when the bikers showed up to his house, Rep. Marshall Burt of House District 39, who is also a member of the Fallen Saints Red Desert Motorcycle Club, said, This is what its all about. What a lot of people dont realize, as bikers, we might have a bad perception because we wear a lot of leather and we may look a little standoffish, but bikers, in their nature, are very charitable individuals and as a group, Burt said. There are a lot of events that happen throughout the year that bikers will show up to, donate a lot of their money. Being able to get together with fellow riders and enjoy the beautiful day to give back to the community is really what we focus on, he said. Thats our goal. We always want to give back to the community. FOUR swimmers are hoping to achieve what has so far been impossible, as they attempt the gr Placards in hand: Pupils attending Claxton Bay Junior Anglican Primary School display placards at the schools entrance on Thursday. Parents told the Express the school has been closed for three years due to deplorable conditions. The children are now currently being housed at the Marabellla South Secondary School. Photo: DEXTER PHILIP The classic cheese fondue course is explained, heated and served at Gejas Cafe in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago last month, a favorite delectable dining tradition for more than half a century at the landmark family owned restaurant. (Phil Potempa / Post-Tribune) When it celebrated my 52nd birthday last month, friends kidded me that I needed to find a place to dine that was older than you Phil! That narrowed down the choices. Advertisement The result of this cheerful challenge was an opportunity to mark my Aug. 13 occasion by dining in an iconic Chicago restaurant, and yet still being able to crow that I cooked my own birthday dinner. Gejas Cafe the now landmark, yet still hidden away do-it-yourself dining destination, at 340 W. Armitage in Chicago features more than 20 different types of fondue entree options as well as the signature cheese fondue and chocolate dessert fondue. It first opened in 1965 and then moved to its current Armitage location in 1971. Advertisement It had been years since Id dined at Gejas Cafe, but still remembered owner Jeff Lawler as the appetite ambassador for guiding guests through the course-by-course adventure. I asked Lawler to be a guest last month on my weekly WJOB radio show, which includes a studio TV camera aspect for streaming the broadcasts with the added advantage to see the studio landscape. For desk props to place in front of me during the interview, I asked my longtime editor and friend Crista Zivanovic if she owned a fondue pot, and she happily loaned me her entire fondue set, which was wedding gift and a testament, she explained, of the food fad popularity of fondue in the 1970s and 1980s. We see generations of diners, not just couples, but families who return again and again because of their love of fondue, said Lawler, who has roots from in Frankfort, Illinois. And many times, we have couples who had a first date at our restaurant and are still together, and now they celebrate anniversaries, or maybe they even got engaged here. Geja's Cafe in Chicago is known for its Swiss and Gruyere cheese fondue and chocolate fondue. Gejas has enjoyed national broadcast acclaim and was featured on the television show Unwrapped on Food Network with show host Marc Summers profiling the popular art of dip-able dining, while sharing the essential fon-dos and fon-donts. The interior design of Gejas features tables tucked away in a mysterious grotto setting of vines, live music, wine bottles and archways, adding to the ages-old ambiance in an establishment that enjoys the distinct reputation of being known as Chicagos most romantic restaurant. In June 2015, Gejas founder John Davis passed what he described as the Golden Fondue Fork to new owner Lawler, who really wasnt so new to the operation, since he had already been a managing partner and logged a two-decade history working at Gejas. With so many multi-generations who dine with us, a favorite compliment for me is when someone says, Wow, this place hasnt changed at all, despite a few tweaks here and there with our menu offerings, Lawler said. Advertisement The addition of grapes and broccoli florets for our cheese fondue course, included on the platter with the assorted bread cubes and apple slices, are very popular, and some returning guests dont even realize they are new. And though Lawler said hes stayed faithful to the original main course entree menu of prime beef cuts, lobster, scallops, chicken and shrimp, he has tried to add new offerings occasionally to test and tempt the taste buds of guests. We are known for all of our in-house made dipping sauces and one of the eight sauces we used to have was a curry sauce, but which seemed to be one of the least popular choices at the time, Lawler said. We took it off and replaced it with a sweet Thai chili sauce, and then found we had an uproar about it being taken away. So today, guests can still request the curry sauce and we are happy to bring it out to the table. Lawler also recalls when Gejas attempted a themed dining night called Wild Game Wednesdays. We featured venison, snake, elk, alligator, duck and other choices, and very few people, out of a hundred guests, would order anything other than their usual favorites. Advertisement Lawler said he is excited about the option of the at-home Gejas fondue experience with details at (773) 281-9101, or visit gejascafe.com. He said the restaurant has already posted the online information for Valentines Day 2023 packages and details about making reservations. On Aug. 13, 2005, I spent my birthday morning interviewing Ryan Seacrest, who was at Macys on State Street to promote his new clothing line. Seacrest asked me how I planned to spend the rest of my birthday (after completing my interview with him), and that year, I had made plans to dine at Gejas for a birthday lunch with friends. Seacrest asked if he could join, explaining: My birthday is Dec. 24 on Christmas Eve. and we have a Swiss family tradition to always do fondue too. Seacrests publicist quickly stepped in and nixed the idea. But thanks to Lawler, I now have the cheese course fondue recipe, so Ryan, myself and anyone else can whip-up a bubbling pot of rich deliciousness at home anytime. Columnist Philip Potempa has published four cookbooks and is the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. He can be reached at pmpotempa@comhs.org or mail your questions: From the Farm, PO Box 68, San Pierre, Ind. 46374. Gejas Classic Cheese Fondue Makes 6 servings Advertisement 12 ounces shredded Swiss Gruyere cheese 4 ounces shredded Emmentaler 12 ounces dry white wine 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon white pepper Advertisement Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday > 1 teaspoon Kirschwasser brandy cherry liqueur Directions: 1. Heat wine in double boiler. 2. Add spices to wine. 3. When wine is near boiling, add shredded cheese and stir until creamy and smooth. 4. Finish off with Kirschwasser brandy cherry liqueur. Advertisement 5. Accompany with fresh fruit such as grapes, apples and chunks of French bread. The two men killed along with Phillip The Boss Boodram during a shootout with police near Couva on Saturday afternoon, have been identified. Thursdays speech by Watson Duke is undoubtedly the start of his campaign for the next Tobag With housing costs going crazy everywhere, folks are taking a hard look at alternatives to a conventional home. Lets look at how tiny homes can become your house, home, castle or cabin. Question: What is considered a tiny home? Answer: Building codes in Arizona establish guidelines and rules regarding tiny homes. Any home under 400 square feet is considered a tiny home and is subject to some rules. Arizona doesnt allow a space to be occupied as a residence under 200 square feet. There are two types of tiny homes that are under codes. One is permanently attached to a foundation, and the other is constructed on a trailer for mobility. The rules for each are a little different in the various jurisdictions across our state, so, check with your local building department before you build. You are going to need a permit. Q: Are tiny homes a new trend? A: Whenever something out of the ordinary captures the attention of mainstream media, it gains the label of a new trend. Tiny homes have fit that label for a few years, though the reality is they have been around for centuries. In all fairness to the trend, the tiny home has added some real razzle-dazzle to the home design industry. Quite stylish for some time, the glamour factor is the new trend living large in a little space. Q: What kind of options do I have for a tiny house? A: There are two types of tiny homes. One is attached to a permanent foundation, and the other is on a trailer. The home can be stick-built on the foundation or prefabricated and attached. Both can work well. The custom-built (stick-built) will give you more say in how the design comes about. Many folks have used old storage containers as the basic structure for their tiny home. In Arizona, a tiny home built on a trailer is typically looked at in the same light as an RV. The mobility of this option often means you wont have to buy land, but like an RV, you can rent a space or a piece of ground for as long as you want to be at that location. The fundamental design components are pretty much the same for either option. Q: What do I need to consider when designing my tiny house? A: Designing for your stuff is very important. If you are contemplating moving from a 900-square-foot apartment or a 2,000-square-foot home, the word purge will play a large part in your transition. Most tiny home dwellers have little attachment to things. Before you even start designing your tiny home, you must take inventory of your stuff. Most of it will not make the move. Go through everything clothes, papers, toiletries, kitchen supplies everything. Place each item in one of these four categories: trash, recycle, donate and keep. After you have rid yourself of the trash, recycle and donate, go through the process again with the keep items. You may need to do this multiple times until you reach the number of items that can comfortably fit into your tiny home. Pro Tip: Once in your tiny home, practice the one thing in, one thing out rule. That means every time you bring something new into your home, one thing must leave. If its your first go at a tiny home, do your homework or hire a professional. There are several tiny home designers and contractors across the state. The limited space requires a great deal of planning because every inch counts. Be sure you hire a contractor licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Most components serve multiple functions. Kitchen counters can serve as a table with pull-outs and couches transformed into beds, for example. Because the space is small, adding large window areas, large sliding glass doors, or skylights can open it up. Connecting with nature with outdoor living spaces increases the living large concept. Also, think vertically. A taller space opens up the possibility of a sleeping loft. Going vertical also requires stairs, and they open up other nifty design opportunities. Use the area under the stairs for storage or a small bathroom. Dont think about a separate shower. The whole bathroom space is the shower space. Q: How much will I need to adjust my lifestyle to live in a tiny home? A: You will need to change a few things, for sure. When living in a tiny home, clutter is counter to efficient use of space, and it detracts from the feeling of having some elbow room. So, if you are a pile it kind-of person, this lifestyle may be challenging, as noted in the first step of the tiny home design process. Storage space is a coveted luxury. There are very few closets, if any. If there are, the clothes hang parallel to the opening, not perpendicular as in a standard closet, and are only six inches deep. The Museum of the City of New York had a micro apartment display a few years ago showing innovative ideas for small-space living. Space is certainly at a premium in the Big Apple. The concepts demonstrated can be incorporated into a tiny home in the Grand Canyon State. Watch the demo on YouTube at tinyurl.com/microliving. Also, search online for clever unfolding apartment ideas that work in a tiny home. Living in a tiny home requires a mindset many of us dont have. We love our things. Whether you are a 20-something just getting started, single, partnered up, or empty nesters significantly downsizing, a tiny home might be the way to go. But you really need to want it. It only took a few minutes in a Tucson park before the three young brothers went off running, exploring the vast stretches of grass, sprinting to distant playground equipment. After about 10 months of living in migrant shelters and rented rooms in Nogales, Sonora, dodging neighborhood mafiosos, the 4- to 8-year-old boys were free. It fulfilled Walter Jerezano, their father, to see that the sacrifices theyd made since fleeing violent attacks and threats in Honduras last year were not in vain. We resent it as adults, but the children do even more, he said in Spanish. They are in a stage of exploring, of moving, and in the places where we were, we were far from the natural conditions they should have. Now take a look at them for yourself where are they? he asked, looking around the park from our seat at a table. They have accumulated repression. At the first opportunity, they take it out, they explode. To my eyes, Jerezano, his wife Mabel Rapalo and their boys Walter, Axel and Brayan serve as an antidote to the border-related anger circulating in political campaigns. Theyre a vibrant family who could contribute to our society if given a chance. Their experiences also reveal key flaws in our asylum system, which we could try to fix to help relieve the pressure on Border Patrol agents operating between ports of entry and even to address labor shortages in parts of the country. I met the Jerezano Rapalo family by luck in February, when I went to the San Juan Bosco shelter in Nogales, Sonora, looking for Honduran migrants. An election had occurred in Honduras, ousting the old corrupt narco-regime, and I was seeking Hondurans perspectives. I happened upon Walter, Mabel and their kids. After I wrote that column, time passed, and I heard from Jerezano occasionally, in hard times and hopeful ones. After running out of money, Jerezano, who had operated machines in a textile factory in Honduras, ended up getting a security guard job and was able to rent a room in a house. Then, Aug. 21, I got an unexpected and exuberant voice message. Hello, my friend, my friend. Good afternoon, my dear Tim, the message went. I wanted to confirm to you, to let you know, man, to give you the good news that in the name of God, we are here inside, my brother, with asylum. We were blessed. I wanted to let you know that we are here in Tucson, Arizona. The next day, I went to the migrant shelter in Tucson where the family was temporarily staying. Told that we couldnt interview them there, Star photographer Rebecca Sasnett and I took the family to Rudy Garcia Park, across from Tucsons rodeo grounds, to talk and give the kids a chance to play. A few days later, they were off to their temporary new life in Alabama, where they have a relative. Policy increases disorder Plentiful video footage of migrant families crossing the border unimpeded and turning themselves in to Border Patrol agents has inspired criticism of the Biden administrations policies as creating an open border. But an odd thing about those videos is that many of the people crossing the border ask for asylum protection, something that under normal rules, they could do at a port of entry, not bothering Border Patrol agents, who work between ports. At a news conference Thursday, the National Border Patrol Council announced its endorsement of Republican Blake Masters in the U.S. Senate race against incumbent Mark Kelly, and a KOLD TV reporter asked a key question: Why not open the ports of entry to allow asylum seekers an orderly way to ask for asylum? The president of the agents union, Brandon Judd, answered this way: People can go to the ports of entry right now. They can claim asylum at the ports of entry. Thats a legal means to do it. Thats what we want people to do. He claimed migrants dont go because the cartels dont want them to. Migrants, CBP officials and advocates all say what Judd said is not true. Migrants cannot go to ports of entry and request asylum because of a policy that Judd and the agents union supports Title 42. Under that public-health measure, people walking up to the ports to request asylum are turned away. As a result, many give up and try to cross through the desert or mountains and request asylum upon meeting Border Patrol agents. Sitting at the park, Walter Jerezano acknowledged that he and his family considered more than once crossing the border between ports. It would be a lie to deny it, he said. But once we learned about asylum, the right we have to request it, and the legal possibilities to do things correctly, we understood that was the right thing. Following the rules People like the Jerezano-Rapalo family are making it through thanks to a CBP program that allows exemptions from Title 42 restrictions. Shelters such as the Kino Border Initiative and the Casa de la Misericordia in Nogales, Sonora work with lawyers from allied groups to select particularly vulnerable migrants and submit their cases as meriting exemption. Then Customs and Border Protection officials decide if they will let them into the United States to pursue an asylum claim. People with red flags like criminal records or previous deportations arent considered in the first place. The Arizona Justice for our Neighbors Project has helped 733 asylum seekers enter the United States this way this year, said Alba Jaramillo, co-executive director of the groups national organization. But the process leaves her uneasy. Its good weve been able to help, she said Friday. But it really shouldnt be us. Were almost playing God. Those they are able to help are a relative few, she said, and the rest are exposed to the dangers of the border cities where theyre stuck, or desert crossings. Title 42 is a deadly policy, she said, noting the large number of border-crossers who have died this year. Every day that policy in place is costing the lives of vulnerable asylum seekers. In the case of the Jerezano-Rapalo family, they filled out documentation and declarations, submitted them to Jaramillos group, and were accepted by CBP within a relatively short time. Crossing the border Aug. 18 didnt even involve a credible-fear interview. They were pre-screened. Work permits delayed This isnt the case with many of the people who have crossed the border between ports of entry and have been admitted to the country. More than a million have been admitted during the Biden years, many of them asylum-seekers, but some not, the New York Times reported this week. A million people also entered over two Trump years, the Times reported, citing data compiled by the Migration Policy Institute. These are huge numbers, but we cant expect to be able to stop migration altogether only manage it. We should want anyone seeking asylum to come through ports of entry, screened by officials with relevant knowledge, as happened with the Jerezano-Rapalo family. We shouldnt ask Border Patrol agents to make these calls on the fly in the middle of the night. But, more than we need more agents, we need more immigration staff to process these claims and accelerate decisions on asylum claims. If people are allowed in, they should be able to support themselves. As it stands, people admitted to pursue an asylum claim cant even apply for work authorization until 150 days have passed since their asylum application, and cant get permission for six months. The asylum process may last years, though the vast majority of applications fail. A bill introduced by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema this year would allow asylum-seekers to apply for a work permit immediately, but so far it has gotten nowhere. We have to survive with our families. Without working, I dont know how, Jerezano told me. We dont want to be a burden to the government. We dont want to be a burden to anyone else. We want to fend for ourselves, but for that, we need the opportunity. If we want to start solving our immigration problems, we could start with little tweaks like this. But we should move on to ensuring asylum-seekers go through the ports of entry as the Jerezano-Rapalo family did before arriving in cities like Tucson and get their claims heard faster. Driving back to the shelter, Jerezano said the whole experience felt surreal. Im amazed by how the world is so big and so small at the same time, by how life is so complicated and so simple at the same time, he said. I cant explain situations like this, including sitting right here with you. A Tucson towing firm accused by critics of seizing parked vehicles for no apparent reason and charging hundreds of dollars to return them is adding to the workload of the citys short-staffed police department, public records show. The Tucson Police Department has received more than 200 reports from the public since 2019 of assaults, threats and other problems at an industrial lot on 5255 E. Canada St., the home of A & B Towing, public records show. Many were from motorists who said they were stranded when the towing firm refused to return their vehicles because they couldnt pay. Complainants say A & B tow trucks cruise the city at night, often on Saturdays in the downtown area, searching for vehicles parked on private property even if there are no visible signs warning drivers not to park there. Some vehicle owners reported being towed for no reason from their assigned parking spots at apartment complexes. Tempers often flare when A & B employees demand $250 or more to release vehicles to owners who insist they shouldnt have been towed in the first place, records show. Most drivers end up paying because they dont realize they are not legally required to do so, said Capt. Mickey Petersen, commander of Tucson polices Operations Division South, which includes the A & B towing yard. A towing firm can try to collect by sending a bill, but cannot legally hold a vehicle hostage to force payment in such situations, he said. Our citizens are being preyed upon, Petersen said You go downtown to have dinner, come back and find your car gone and think its stolen. The average person has no idea they dont have to pay to get it back. A & B Towing operator Cecelia B. Perez, 60, was charged in December on suspicion of assault with intent to injure, a misdemeanor, after allegedly clashing with a Tucson man trying to get his towed vehicle back. City court records show the case is still active, with a pretrial conference scheduled for Monday, Sept. 12. Tucson police spokesman Officer Frank Magos said Perez and a car owner got into a scuffle. From the officers investigation, he determined that Perez made the first contact and charged Perez with assault. Perez could not be reached for comment for this story. She did not respond to detailed messages left on Aug. 31 and Sept. 8 with employees who answered the companys phone number. Perez is listed in state business registration records as the founder, manager, registered agent and and co-owner of a limited liability company that has owned the A & B towing yard property since 2015. Her signature appears on purchase records filed at the Pima County Recorders office. Some states have stringent laws aimed at protecting consumers from so-called predatory towing firms. Arizona law provides fewer legal protections than all five neighboring states California, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico according the nonprofit U.S. PIRG (Public Interest Research Group), which maintains a database of state towing laws nationwide. In Tucson, A & B Towing operates without local limits because the city, which has the legal power to set local towing and storage fees, has not done so, according to the citys public information office. Court case victory Many motorists let the matter drop once they leave the A & B towing yard. One Southern Arizona native decided to go to small claims court and recently won his case, public records show. The plaintiff, Robert Bracker, a 27-year-old filmmaker who grew up in Tubac about 50 miles south of Tucson, said the incident occurred in 2019 when he went downtown to meet friends on a Saturday night and parked in the lot of CSL Plasma at 135 S. Fourth Ave., a business that was closed at the time. CSL Plasma did not respond to requests for comment emailed twice last week to two addresses at the companys Florida headquarters. Bracker said he returned a few hours later to find his Toyota Corolla gone, and called police in a panic thinking it was stolen, which seemed like the only possibility since the lot was not posted with No Parking signs warning that vehicles would be towed. By the time police tracked down his car, A & B Towing was closed for the rest of the weekend. So on Monday, the company charged Bracker $60 for overnight storage on top of the $200 towing fee to retrieve his vehicle. Bracker said in an interview he decided to pay to get his car back quickly, then went back the next day and took the photographs that would win his case in court shots that showed no warning signs that vehicles would be towed visible in the CSL parking lot. It was clear to the court that no signage of No Parking was posted near the locations of where the car was parked or anywhere near the vicinity, the hearing officer wrote, awarding Bracker a $433 judgment to cover his towing and storage fees, Uber rides and court filing fees. Bracker said he gave a copy the judgment to A & B Towing in person three months ago and was told someone will get back to you. So far he hasnt seen a penny, he said. If a towing firm wont return a vehicle that was improperly towed without payment, TPD advises calling 911. Company officials can face a charge of vehicle theft if they dont return a vehicle at that point, said Magos, the police spokesman. Arizona lags in regulations Towing firms are less regulated in Arizona than in all five of the states that border it, according to the U.S. PIRG database. For example: Utah, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico ban tow truck drivers from cruising for vehicles parked on private property. Colorado and New Mexico require tow truck drivers to photograph the scene of an alleged parking violation before moving the vehicle. California, New Mexico and Nevada require towing firms to reimburse motorists whose vehicles are wrongfully towed. All neighboring states set maximum towing and storage fees at the state level. Arizona leaves it up to cities and towns, and some, like Tucson, have not adopted local measures. Arizona clearly is behind other neighboring states, said Teresa Murray, who tracks towing laws for U.S. PIRG and its local affiliate, Arizona PIRG. While Tucson has eschewed local regulations, Phoenix has capped towing fees at $105 and storage fees at $12 a day substantially less than what A & B charges in Tucson. Bracker, who won court judgment, said he hopes sharing his tale might move state or local lawmakers to reconsider. I might never get my money back but I dont regret it, he said of the case, recalling the desperation of other drivers he met at the towing yard who couldnt afford to pay. If nothing else, he hopes his story boosts public awareness of a drivers rights if they are towed without cause. What happened is insane, he said. When a company treats people like this there should be some kind of consequences. King Charles III, in first address, vows 'lifelong service' LONDON (AP) King Charles III says he feels profound sorrow over the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and vows to carry on her lifelong service to the nation. Charles is making his first address to the nation as monarch Friday. He became king on Thursday after the queens death. His speech was broadcast on television and streamed at St. Pauls Cathedral, where some 2,000 people were attending a service of remembrance for the queen. Mourners at the service included Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of her government. From Eisenhower to Biden, queen met every US president but 1 WASHINGTON (AP) She went horseback riding with Ronald Reagan. Yachting with Bill Clinton. And sipped tea with Joe Biden. Queen Elizabeth II, who died Thursday at age 96, had met every American president since Dwight Eisenhower, with the exception of Lyndon Johnson. Johnson did not visit Britain during his presidency. Biden was the 13th and final U.S. president to meet the woman whose reign spanned seven decades. Every living former U.S. president joined Biden in mourning her passing and sending condolences to her family. Biden said after his meeting with the queen last year that she reminded him of his mother. Ukraine claws back some territory; nuclear plant in peril KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukrainian forces are claiming new success in their counteroffensive against Russian forces in the east, taking control of a sizeable village and pushing toward an important transport junction. The United States top diplomat and the head of NATO noted the advances, but cautioned that the war is likely to drag on for months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended the military for its gains, saying that more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region have been reclaimed. The head of the U.N. atomic watchdog, meanwhile, says conditions at Ukraines Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant are increasingly precarious. He says a safety zone needs to be established immediately around the plant to prevent a nuclear accident. US, Trump team propose names for arbiter in Mar-a-Lago probe WASHINGTON (AP) The Justice Department and Donald Trumps legal team have proposed candidates to serve as an independent arbiter in the investigation into top-secret information found in an FBI search of the former presidents Florida home. Lawyers for Trump say the so-called special master should review all documents seized by the FBI, but the Justice Department says it does not believe the arbiter should be permitted to inspect classified records or to take into account potential claims of executive privilege. The Justice Department submitted the names of two retired judges, Barbara Jones and Thomas Griffith. The Trump team proposed one retired judge, Raymond Dearie, and prominent Florida lawyer Paul Huck Jr. Politics in air as Biden visits future Intel plant in Ohio NEW ALBANY, Ohio (AP) President Joe Biden tried to set politics aside at the Ohio groundbreaking of a new Intel computer chip facility. But a tough Senate contest in the state and a Democratic candidate seeking to distance himself from the White House reflected the challenge of translating Biden's policy wins into political gains. The president, who championed the legislation that helped lure Intel, went to Ohio just as voters in the state are starting to tune in to a closely contested Senate race between Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan and Republican author and venture capital executive JD Vance. Intel had delayed groundbreaking on the $20 billion plant until Congress passed the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act. Judge tosses Trump's Russia probe suit against Clinton, FBI WASHINGTON (AP) A federal judge in Florida has dismissed Donald Trumps lawsuit against 2016 Democratic rival Hillary Clinton and former top FBI officials, rejecting the former presidents claims that they and others acted in concert to concoct the Russia investigation that shadowed much of his administration. U.S. District Judge Donald Middlebrooks said in a sharply worded ruling on Thursday that Trumps lawsuit, filed in March, contained glaring structural deficiencies and that many of the characterizations of events are implausible. A lawyer for Trump said he would appeal the dismissal. Storm's fierce winds complicate California wildfire fight SAN DIEGO (AP) A tropical storm nearing Southern California has brought fierce mountain winds, high humidity, rain and the threat of flooding to a region already dealing with wildfires and an extraordinary heat wave. In a mix of bad and good, firefighters fear winds Friday could expand the massive Fairview Fire 70 miles north of San Diego, while forecasters say the system will finally end the state's long heat wave. Downgraded from hurricane status, Tropical Storm Kay is expected to continue north off Mexicos Baja California peninsula and veer west without making landfall in Southern California. Its moisture is expected surge farther north into the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada, where the dangerous Mosquito Fire is burning. Slain Las Vegas reporter spent career chasing corruption LAS VEGAS (AP) Investigative reporter Jeff German took on the powerful in four decades of writing about the Las Vegas underworld and government corruption. But police say it was one of his latest targets, a county administrator, who fatally stabbed German last weekend. The killing came months after German had written about bullying, favoritism and an inappropriate relationship within an obscure public office. Authorities said Thursday that DNA at the crime scene linked Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles to the killing. Police arrested him Wednesday after a brief standoff at his home. Telles was the focus of Germans reporting in the Las Vegas Review-Journal as he sought reelection. US counts millionth organ transplant while pushing for more The U.S. has reached a medical milestone counting 1 million organ transplants since the first success back in 1954. Advocates marked Friday's announcement with a new campaign to speed the next million by encouraging more donations. The news comes as the nation's transplant system is at a crossroads. More people than ever are getting new organs every year. But more than 100,000 others are awaiting their turn, and critics point to policies and errors that waste organs and cost lives. Changes are underway including steps to improve fair access to kidney transplants. Alcaraz tops Tiafoe in 5 to reach final | US Open updates NEW YORK (AP) Carlos Alcaraz has advanced to the U.S. Open final by beating Frances Tiafoe 6-7 (6), 6-3, 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-3. The 19-year-old from Spain will try to join 1990 champion Pete Sampras, who was also 19, as the only teenagers to win the U.S. Open in the professional era that began in 1968. The No. 3 seed will play No. 5 seed Casper Ruud of Norway on Sunday in the final. The winner of that match will move up to No. 1 in the rankings on Monday. Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan has stressed comprehensive and redoubled efforts to foster a contingent of high-caliber teachers in the run-up to China's 38th teachers' day, which falls on Saturday. Sun, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with representatives of outstanding teachers and normal school students in Beijing. She conveyed congratulations and greetings from the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to teachers and educators across the country. Sun noted the historic achievements made in nurturing educational talent since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012. She called on the vast number of teachers nationwide to promote the high-quality development of education and fulfill their duty to foster capable students who will contribute to and carry forward the mission of national rejuvenation. Sun urged teachers to cultivate themselves morally and professionally. She said they should live up to the expectations of the Party and the people and provide a suitable education for every child in the interest of their comprehensive development. Sun also called on Party committees and governments at all levels to prioritize cultivating high-caliber teachers, raise the quality of normal schools, and implement relevant policies to attract more teaching talents. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Republican candidate for Kansas attorney general resigned Friday from the board of directors of a nonprofit group that has been accused of defrauding people who believed they were donating to help build a wall on the U.S. southern border. Kris Kobach resigned from the board of directors and as general counsel of WeBuildTheWall, Inc., The Kansas City Star reported. Kobach, a former Kansas secretary of state, has built a national reputation by advocating tough immigration policies and questioning the integrity of elections. He was vice chairman of former President Donald Trump's commission on election fraud. The company and Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump ally, were indicted Thursday in New York on allegations of money laundering, conspiracy and fraud in connection with the fundraising campaign. Kobach, who has not been accused of wrongdoing in the case, said he doesnt believe he is in legal jeopardy. On Wednesday evening, before the indictment was unsealed, Kobach said he was still with the organization to help it legally shut down. His campaign said he resigned from the board after The Star asked about his continuing involvement. State Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Salina Republican and Kobachs campaign spokesman, said Friday that a nonprofit corporation could be shut down even if a case was proceeding against it. Bannon and the organization were accused of transferring hundreds of thousands of dollars to third-party entities and using them to funnel payments to two other people involved in the scheme. The organization and Bannon have pleaded not guilty. Photo by Kristina Alexanderson | Flickr/CC BY 2.0 Newly released documents in the Arizona Attorney Generals lawsuit against tech behemoth Google reveal more details about the companys response to reporting on its privacy policies and how Google users IP addresses are used to obtain exact location information. Attorney General Mark Brnovichs case, filed in 2020, is part of a larger investigation that has been going on since at least 2018, after an Associated Press article revealed certain Google applications store location data without asking, and that deleting the data is a time-intensive process. AP found that Google Maps, for example, creates a snapshot of where users are whenever they open the application, even when location history is turned off. The ongoing case has been fraught with battles over redactions and sealing of documents. Last year both Google and the attorney general agreed to a special discovery master, or SDM, an outside person who would oversee the discovery process and settle any disputes. During the discovery process under the SDM, the state has had 30 hours of witness depositions and over 200,000 pages of documents have been produced, according to the court ruling. The initial lawsuit filed by the attorney general included 270 exhibits, of which only a small portion have been made public. Some of those documents shed light on certain issues such as Googles own engineers being confused by their privacy settings and how Googles apps shared location information with other applications. The newly released documents are expert witness testimonies from both the state and Google which were under protective order and for attorneys eyes only. The documents contain excerpts from testimony by Google employees as well as internal emails discussing the location history and Web Application and Activity settings at the heart of the controversy in the AP article. The documents also detail a Google tool called IPGeo which, according to a 2009 presentation obtained by the attorney general, is designed to predict users locations from their IP addresses by improving ways of exploiting available data, and to provide this knowledge to all Google products. The attorney generals office also found a confidentiality notice attached to the presentation about the tool. You have no idea how incredibly confidential this one is, the notice said. My my, is this confidential. I kid you not. Imagine an article titled Google knows where you live, because it spies on you in the NYT. Youve been warned. One of the states experts, Jennifer King, a privacy and data policy fellow at Stanford University, said that the tool is used specifically by Google and tracks its users regardless of their settings. It also turns those who choose to opt-in to location reporting into reporters of those who chose to opt out. Users who report their location are essentially co-opted by Google to determine the location of nearby users who have not reported their location, King said. Further, despite the various settings, there is no opt-out and there is nothing users can do to prevent Google from doing this. Googles own employees also began to question how the company was characterizing location history settings while using this tool, according to internal emails. Former software engineer Blake Lemoine made headlines earlier this year when he said he believed that Googles AI LaMDA may be sentient. He was later fired by the company but he also expressed concerns about how the company portrayed location information to father of the internet and Google Chief Internet Evangelist Vint Cerf. [L]ocation information derived from IP addresses is an inescapable part of the internet so we dont need users permission to use it, Lemoine said in his email to Cerf. I believe that the level of accuracy of our IP Geo system is far beyond anything achievable based solely on the location information inherent in IP Addresses. I believe that we are deceiving users by telling them they can turn off location and then spending millions of dollars to infer their location through other means I feel like were lying to our users by giving them a permission setting that we find a way around. Cerf responded saying that Lemoine makes a good point that we appear to be tracking even when users have turned off what they think and what we imply are tracking mechanisms and that he was shocked that the company had created a timeline of date, hour, location, and route for 18 months of his movements which he only discovered when someone told him to look at the Google Maps Timeline. After the AP article dropped in 2018, Google employees also voiced their fear over the backlash, with one stating that some in the company were starting to freak out that this could be our Cambridge Analytica moment, referring to how 87 million peoples private data was harvested from Facebook by the British firm. In documents obtained by the attorney generals office and discussed by expert witness Colin Gray, an associate professor at Purdue University, one Google employee expressed her confusion and fear over the companys device location settings. So there is no way to give a third party app your location and not Google? This doesnt sound like something we would want on the front page of the NYT, Jen Chai, a product manager for Android said. Gray is an expert in what are called dark patterns, user interfaces that trick, coerce or manipulate a person into agreeing to their terms. The phrase has gained increased attention lately as the Federal Trade Commission has been investigating Amazon and its use of ambiguous language during sign up and cancellation. Internal documents obtained by Business Insider showed that employees knew they were deliberately confusing consumers. First, Google employs dark patterns through the use of confusing terminology that requires the user to intuit that location data is not only contained within Location History, Gray said in his report. Second, the use of opt-in by default for (Web and App Activity) automatically tracks users location data, possibly without their knowledge. Gray also added that even if every setting on an Android device were disabled Google would still collect a users location data through IPGeo and another tool whose name was redacted from the documents. Both of those tools operate independent of settings. Google shot back at the state and its experts citing that its privacy options have always been open and transparent, adding that Grays methodology lacked scientific rigor. I observe no confusing, indistinct, misleading, manipulative, or deceptive elements in the way these screens were organized, said Donna Hoffman, a professor of marketing at the George Washington School of Business. On the contrary, the screens offer users control over the choices they may wish to make as they navigate through numerous settings options. Hoffman contended that the Location History toggle is an opt-in account-level feature service, not a location master setting for the device and that information for users looking for more in-depth understanding of how their data could be used can find it in Googles privacy policy, adding that including information on specific tools would harm proprietary information. That level of disclosure may threaten the security of Google (and possibly other firms) intellectual property, and is certainly beyond the level of detail required by smartphone users to be aware of, and make informed decisions regarding location related settings on their smartphones, Hoffman said. Hoffman also contended that when consumers encounter an app that provides a high level of value they are increasingly willing to discount privacy. Hoffman also gave more detail on a meeting, referred to as an oh sh meeting, that took place after the AP story dropped. As for the so-called Oh sh meeting that Dr. Gray apparently attaches so much significance to, my understanding is that was a regularly scheduled weekly meeting about press events and other communications-related items that continue to date, Hoffman said. Such meetings are consistent with Googles customer-centric culture of innovation and constructive use of feedback. Your name came up today during our Monday morning Oh Sh meeting in relation to this story, said an email that went out to the entire Google communications team. Both comms and policy are looking for an update on where we are in terms of fixing location history fixes and having one single place to turn off instead of 3. The company also had a series of reports that tracked how the AP story was seen and shared across social media and noted that 100% of the coverage was negative. Privacy controls have long been built into our services and our teams work continuously to discuss and improve them, Jose Castaneda, Google spokesperson said in an emailed statement to the Arizona Mirror about the most recent document release. In the case of location information, weve heard feedback, and have worked hard to improve our privacy controls. As our experts showed, the Attorney General continues to mischaracterize our services and products. On Thursday, Judge Timothy Thomason ruled in favor of the state to allow Gray to be an expert witness after Google attempted to preclude his testimony and any references to dark patterns. In the ruling the court found that some of Googles arguments turned out to be disingenuous after the state reached out to a scholar Google quoted to question the use of dark patterns who replied that Google is misinterpreting his paper and endorsed the validity of dark patterns. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukrainian officials on Saturday claimed major gains in a counteroffensive against Russian forces in the country's northeast, saying Ukrainian troops had cut off vital supplies to front-line hotspot. The reports followed several days of apparent advances by Ukraine south of Kharkiv, the country's second-largest city, in what could become the biggest battlefield success for Ukrainian forces since they thwarted a Russian attempt to seize the capital of Kyiv at the start of the nearly seven-month war. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko suggested the Ukrainian troops had retaken Kupiansk, a town along the main supply route to Izyum, long a focus on the Russian front line and the site of heavy artillery and other fighting. Nikolenko tweeted a photo showing soldiers of the 92nd Separate Mechanized Battalion of Ukraine in front of what he said was a government building in Kupiansk, 73 kilometers (45 miles) north of Izyum. The Security Service of Ukraine, known as the SBU, hours later posted a message which it said showed its forces in Kupiansk, further suggesting it had been seized by Ukrainian troops. The Ukrainian military didn't immediately confirm entering the town, a railway hub which Russia seized in February, when its mayor surrendered to avoid civilian casualties. Later Saturday, videos on social media began to circulate also appearing to show Ukrainian forces on the rural outskirts of Izyum at a roadside checkpoint. A large statue bearing the city's name could be seen in the footage. Ukrainian forces did not acknowledge holding the city. Earlier Saturday, the British Defense Ministry told reporters it believed the Ukrainians had advanced as much as 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Kharkiv, and described Russian forces around Izyum as "increasingly isolated." "Russian forces were likely taken by surprise. The sector was only lightly held and Ukrainian units have captured or surrounded several towns," the British military said, adding that the loss of Kupiansk would greatly affect Russian supply lines in the area. More of the latest updates from Ukraine: ___ Photos: 6 months of war in Ukraine The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: In my early 20s, I traveled to my local Marine recruiting station to make my enlistment official. Along with a dozen other recruits, I raised my hand and swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. It is not an oath I took lightly and I was proud to make that commitment to my country, and accept the mortal obligations that came with it. Over the next four years, I served with young idealistic men and women who conducted themselves with integrity. I made lifelong friendships and drew inspiration from their stories. It was in the Corps that I also fell in love with public service, and I began a career to protect people against dangerous individuals who would do them harm. That short drive to the recruitment office would take me on a journey to work as a prosecutor in Denver, Maricopa County, and later in the Arizona Attorney Generals Office. It would also take me on to serve as Maricopa Countys top election official, and on a campaign to serve as Arizonas next secretary of state. Now, as I travel around Arizona, meeting with people in diners and coffee shops, I am struck by how often I hear the same thing we are dangerously close to losing our democracy. Since the Jan. 6 insurrection, Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, and the rest of the MAGA crowd have been executing a plan. They wish to control election outcomes by controlling the election offices. Theyve recruited and assembled a group of candidates who are willing to ignore legitimate election results if they dont like the outcome. They want to hand select the winners, voters be damned. My opponent in the secretary of state race is one such candidate. Hes traveled the country spreading conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, and has already promised to hand the 2024 election to Republicans falsifying the results if necessary. He is a liar, potentially violent, and represents an existential threat to American democracy. He has a long history of associating with violent separatists and extremists. He claimed to be a member of the Oath Keepers, one of the largest far-right anti-government paramilitary organizations. He helped organize the movement that led to the January 6th insurrection, and marched on the Capitol himself. He defended the white supremacists who held a violent rally in Charlottesville, and worked as coordinator for an organization that supported the armed occupation of a wildlife refuge in Oregon. He believes in baseless conspiracy theories like the one that says elected officials are involved in a secret pedophile network. He is working with a vigilante group of sheriffs from around the country to intimidate citizens at polling stations under the guise of preserving election integrity. It was also recently reported that he keeps a Treason Watch List and encouraged his social media followers to stockpile ammunition. How can we give someone like this the power to oversee our elections? I take the oath I first made 30 years ago seriously. Voting is the cornerstone of democracy. The office of Arizona Secretary of State might not come with a uniform, but it too is responsible for protecting our freedom. Lets join in common cause, defeat this danger and defend our elections. The fate of our democracy hangs in the balance. Correction: This guest opinion was corrected to reflect the accurate age Fontes enlisted in the Marines. The Star ran the guest opinion as it was submitted. The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer: Tom Horne, a bloviating blast from Arizonas past who believes voters are amnesiacs, hopes to win back the state superintendency of public instruction from Democrat Kathy Hoffman with a cynical campaign based on culture war claptrap, critical race theory blather and salacious suggestions of grooming so he can vigorously revive the dismantling of public education. Hoffman is a rational advocate for public education, defending it from Arizonas far right, which has, in legislative session after session, vandalized public education, vilified teachers unions, driven out exceptional public school educators with onerous regulations, micromanaged content with asinine curricula and most destructive of all, cut and slashed public educations financial throat year after year after year. Vouchers are key to their dream of privatizing public education. Vouchers rob you, Peter, the taxpaying public school parent, to pay for Pauls choice to abandon public education, send Precious to St. Pauls Academy for the Precocious and evade accountability. While Arizonas heroic public school teachers are left fundraising for pencils, public eds purse is being purloined by pickpockets like Uptown Jungle, an indoor playground fun park, in Peoria, that now accepts ESA funds for unlimited playtime memberships. Are you kidding me? While our exhausted public schools go begging we are subsidizing privately owned playtime palaces? No one knows how private schools spend your public tax dollars as they offer their clientele legal segregation by income, class, religion or color, neatly evading the greater burden of educating the challenging range of students our democracys public schools must accept. Ask the nattering howling critics, who happily spend whatever public expenditures are required to build missile systems designed to win any global competition, to spend whatever it takes to build a public school system that can produce academic winners in a global competition and what do the pikers say? Youre just throwing money at the problem. Well, I oppose throwing money at your vouchers. Do not expect me to foot the bill for your financial and civic abandonment of our democracys foundational melting pot, Americas cornerstone institution, our public education system. Horne will trumpet his culture war bombast because it is a way for the right to avoid talking in any meaningful fashion about genuine public education reform, because reform has never been the goal. Their eyes have always been on the prize of privatization. Unchained capitalism and freedom from regulation has given us the finest health care system in all the world. And slavery was employment relocation. And wokeness is the enemy of nap time. And we should ostracize, humiliate and persecute Arizonas tiny minority of transgender kids. And with no evidence critical race theory is taught in any K-12 school in Arizona, Horne promises to ban critical race theory. This minor detail doesnt matter to Horne, the cynical bully who led the ban against Mexican American Studies here in Tucson. His racist ban, born out of ignorance and racist paranoia, was ruled to be unconstitutional and, surprise, surprise, racist. Didnt matter. Perception won. Damage done. Base riled. Horne hopes to rile the base this November. The radical, howling, pro-Trump, pro-life, pro-guns-and-God-in-the-classroom base. The history-revising, book-banning base. The predator-witch-hunting-base. The howling anti-vaccine, anti-mask base. The organized Purple for Parents base backing this Novembers crop of howling school board candidates, promoting unhinged paranoia, peddling anti-public education lunacy and promising to root out the sinister predators lurking behind every locker and lectern. Hornes running mate, his would-be governor, Kari Lake, Arizonas Sarah Palin in Fox anchor pancake, wants a Trump-inspired patriotic program taught in our schools. Todays lesson: The January 6th insurrectionists were patriots brought to you by the letter Q for Q-Anon. What are the odds Horne and Lake would revive Rep. Michelle Udalls bill banning educators from teaching that lays blame based on race, ethnicity or sex in our states public schools? According to an Arizona Mirror account, Udall suggested teaching the Buffalo grocery store shooting, where a white supremacist killed Black citizens, should be taught without judgment on the basis of race. What lunacy! Duceys dimwits gave him his universal school voucher program and transgender-persecuting laws to sign. Imagine the public education wrecking balls theyd hand Horne and a Governor Lake? Hoffman, a former speech pathologist said, It can be disheartening for me to see the divisive language that really puts a wedge between our schools and families, They want to be leading our school system. Yet theyre attacking it, and have this very negative rhetoric of distrust around our public schools in a time when our schools need our support more than ever. The first time Joel Slaughter walked into the Crystal Ballroom, chunks of plaster were falling off the walls and the floor was carpeted with p Oklahoma is in an employment boom. More people are working in the state than at any other time in its history, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Labor Department. A record 1,824,912 people were employed in the state in July, or 97% of the labor force, according to preliminary DOL figures. So why are some employers still desperate for employees? The reasons can vary, experts say: lack of available child care, no high-speed internet access and even so-called long COVID are among reasons many Oklahomans are left out of the workforce. All of the factors affect the states labor force participation rate. Oklahoma ranks 35th in the country, tied with Hawaii, with 60.8% of its working-age population in the labor force as of July. The labor force is defined as the civilian, noninstitutionalized population age 16 and older who are classified as employed or looking for work. Oklahomas relatively low labor force participation rate has caught the attention of state leaders. Don Morris, executive director of Oklahoma Office of Workforce Development, said increasing the labor force participation rate is a top priority for the state. We are at a place in Oklahoma where commerce in Oklahoma has really grown and basically outpaced our population, Morris said. There are more people working in Oklahoma now than ever in history, and it is still not enough. Steady decline Marsha Harris is one of those sitting on the employment sidelines. The 62-year-old Tulsan retired from the U.S. Postal Service in March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was hitting here. In November, a COVID-19 infection hospitalized Harris for 25 days, 12 of which were in the intensive care unit. I was fortunate I didnt have to be on the ventilator, but I was in dire straits, Harris recalled. I didnt think I was going to make it out of the hospital. Harris said while some who retire may take on part-time jobs to supplement their income, that will not be the case for her. She developed what has become known as long-COVID, a condition that may not require hospitalization but can inflict long-term effects from the disease such as brain fog and difficulty breathing. Harris said she was forced to seek disability as a result of her long-COVID symptoms, which she said affects her long-term memory and ability to easily breathe. Im not on oxygen, but Im easily tired and easily winded, Harris said. It wasnt how I envisioned my retirement to be, but Im blessed to be here, so Im not looking at the negative. Harris is by no means alone. A U.S. Census Bureau survey conducted in late July and early August found 486,221 Oklahoma adults who previously had COVID reported experiencing COVID-19 symptoms that lasted three or more months. That works out to about 38.6% of those who contracted the disease. But Oklahomas relatively low workforce participation rate wasnt caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A state strategic plan first adopted in 2019 and revised in August called attention to the matter. The plan calls for Oklahoma to increase its labor force participation rate to 65% over the next four years, Morris said. Its a lofty goal considering the state hasnt seen a 65% labor force participation rate since 1986. Weve seen that number just steadily fall, Morris said. Reversing the trend may be difficult, he said, but its not unachievable. Oklahomas neighbor to the north, Kansas, reported a 66.4% labor participation rate in July. Most people out of the workforce can be lumped in a couple groups, Morris said. He said 61% of the state working-age population out of the workforce are retired. Another 20% are disabled in some way. It gets fuzzy after that, Morris said, referring to the remaining 19% of the population out of the workforce. A study by the Brookings Institution found long-COVID could account for as many as 15% of unfilled jobs. Help available For Tracy Smith, the decision to rejoin the workforce meant first returning to college. Smith previously worked in early childhood education while living in Florida, working her way up to the assistant director position at one facility. But after starting a family and moving to Coweta in 2003, she chose to care for her children full time. Smith, 49, is now ready to rejoin the workforce and hopes to launch a teaching career. She plans to graduate this December with a degree in English and social sciences. Im hoping in January to start working, she said, though her goal is to earn a masters degree and teach at the college level. Smith said she was unaware of any programs the state could have provided her to help her re-enter the workforce. Morris said Oklahoma Works, the states workforce initiative, can provide job seekers some financial assistance, including tuition help if certain conditions are met. Weve been known to pick up a months rent or some child care, Morris said. Morris concedes the state could do better at getting the word out as to what workforce development programs are available. He noted Kansas has an edge when it comes to making workforce services available, especially in isolated areas. Kansas, Morris said, utilizes mobile workforce units to provide services in hard-to-reach populations. With just 3% of the labor force out of work, Oklahoma is at or below pre-pandemic unemployment levels. So how realistic will it be to increase the labor force participation rate to 65%, considering its been since March 2010 when the state of Oklahoma had a 63% labor force participation rate? Shelley Zumwalt, executive director of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, said she believes its an achievable goal but noted some challenges. For instance, Zumwalt said the state has a lot of rural areas where access to affordable broadband internet is not available, effectively locking those residents out of telework employment opportunities. If you dont have broadband in your area, telework in any capacity is a non-starter, Zumwalt said. The state agency is working with the National Governors Association on a pilot program that utilizes a workforce innovation grant to teach skills to workers in rural areas where broadband internet was recently added or will be added thanks to recently approved federal funding. The workers will be trained to perform telework for an Oklahoma City company, she said. Telework in general is not something that has been accessible to rural citizens just because of connectivity, Zumwalt said. Really for Oklahoma we have seen some great gains workforce wise after the pandemic, but I think in order to continue that momentum and get to 65% we really got to find sustainable employment opportunities in the rural area, Zumwalt said. Statistically, if we dont find interventions that work in that area, we wont get there. I think its actually impossible for us to get to 65% with just Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Obstacles to employment Labor force participation rates vary by race, ethnicity and age group. In 2021, the state average population in the labor force was 60.7%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Among working-age men, 67.4% of the state population was in the workforce in 2021 while 54.5% of women were in the workforce. Oklahoma ranks 35th, tied with Michigan, in the percentage of white women in the workforce at 53.9%. Kansas is tops among neighboring states in the percentage of white women in the workforce at 61.3%. Nationally, the biggest decline in the labor force is among those 55 and older. In Oklahoma, the 65-and-older populations representation in the state labor force has shrunk in the past five years from 21.6% to 19.7%. Morris said other factors such as a high incarceration rate, poor health outcomes and even the Oklahomas low cost of living all work against the states efforts to increase the labor force participation rate. Its a beautiful thing to have a lower cost of living state, but at the same time, people come here and can retire more easily, Morris said. Oklahoma has consistently ranked among the highest incarceration rate for men and has been No. 1 among states in its female incarceration rate. As you incarcerate more people, we have a higher amount of felonies, so that does restrict people from work, Morris said. We talk to employers about the possibility that their rules around justice-involved individuals could be dated and maybe its worth taking another look, given the shortage that we are all in, whether or not some of those rules still have to be in place, Morris said. The labor participation rate can be also viewed as a measure of the health of a population, Morris said. In Oklahoma, the health of its people contributes to workforce issues, he said. Were top 10 in the top 10 morbidities, Morris said. So even if people arent disabled necessarily, were sick No. 1 in lung disease, No. 3 in heart disease. Theres a health aspect, theres the justice system aspect, its a lot bigger thing than we can drive through workforce training centers, he said. Morris said he hopes more people out of the workforce will check out one of the 30 Oklahoma Works American Job Centers scattered across the state. If people just walk in the door and say Im looking for a job or a better job, its exactly what we do. You will immediately have a career navigator. Someone whose job it is to get you a job and help you stay employed. Featured video: Every member of the Tulsa Fire Department will be receiving at least a 4% raise this year after the city of Tulsa and Tulsa Firefighters Local 176 came to an agreement on a new contract Friday. The 4% raise is immediate and across the board for everyone at the Fire Department, Local 176 President Matt Lay said, but some department staff could see as much as a 13% increase in pay. The Tulsa Fire Department is an all-hazard, full-spectrum response agency that runs between 65,000 to 70,000 calls a year now, and this was a very significant demonstration of the city rewarding that service in giving an equitable and fair increase to the firefighters that have given their lives to the citizens, Lay said. It is very meaningful, especially after a long and sometimes contentious process, to see a good outcome like this. As well as the base raise, there is also an accumulating longevity pay increase after three years to incentivize firefighters staying with the department. For example, Lay said, a 10-year seasoned firefighter could see a 9% raise this year, and a 20-year veteran of the department could see as much as a 13% increase. In a Facebook post Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum thanked Lay and Local 176 for their effort on the contract and called the raise the largest in city history. Today I was proud to join IAFF Local 176 in signing a contract that gives Tulsa firefighters the largest pay increase in city history, Bynum said in the post. We hope this will keep great firefighters on our team and attract the next generation to join us. Lay said that though this is cause for joy and a momentous achievement, the department still has room to grow. A couple of years ago, the Tulsa Fire Department was at the bottom in the regional market when it came to pay, compared to cities like Wichita, Oklahoma City, Dallas and others in regional states. Last years pay increase bumped Tulsa up a couple of spots, and how this raise will help those numbers is yet to be determined. Beyond the regional comparisons with large cities, the Tulsa Fire Department was 16th in the state in pay, but now it sits in the middle and can be more competitive, Lay said. We moved more toward the middle now and see that as a positive step, he said. Its definitely something we want to monitor and progress as we look at where we rank next year. Oklahomas children are hurting, and we arent doing enough to save them. A statewide survey of middle and high school students two years ago found that nearly 10% had made at least one suicide attempt, 17% had considered suicide, and 60% had experienced high or moderate psychological distress. That ought to alarm every Oklahoman. We cannot ignore youth mental health and expect progress in everything from school outcomes to economic prosperity. Brain health is the center of our childrens well-being. The Healthy Minds advocacy group has been rolling out reports examining each part of the mental health system since February. The latest looks at the level of inpatient and residential services the last step on the continuum of care. Youths entering inpatient care are struggling with severe symptoms, and many present as a safety risk, usually related to suicide. These are children who need acute care to return safely to their homes, schools and communities. Ideally, our state would have enough resources to prevent them from getting to this point. Were far from that goal. Oklahoma has been playing catch-up in a youth mental health crisis for years, and now were at epidemic stages. For children in crisis needing residential care, the state has 915 psychiatric beds available. About 60% of those beds are located in the Oklahoma City area, though about 36% of children ages 6-17 live there. Tulsa County is home to about 26% of the states youths but has only about 12% of the states juvenile psychiatric beds. Rural areas have about 37% of youths and 27% of the beds. Tulsas youth health care took a hit in 2018 with the loss of 116 beds, mostly from the closure of Shadow Mountain Hospital. The pandemic made this worse as children and youths in crisis go to emergency rooms but then arent able to find psychiatric beds. The state is using $115.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to build a 72-bed youth inpatient facility in Oklahoma City. That city would then have 68% of youth beds. Its a lopsided distribution the state needs to address. Families shouldnt have to travel across, or out of, the state to get their child life-saving health care. Brain disorders ought to be viewed the same as any other type of physical illness. The Healthy Minds report found that the best inpatient treatment involves the family, has a complete discharge plan and is located as close to the childs home as possible to anchor services in the community, cultures, and web of social relationships. Bolstering the care for the most sick patients makes sense, but the state cannot be reliant on this most expensive level. The state must build up more home- and community-based care, says Zach Stoycoff, executive director of Healthy Minds. He also advocated for a front door triage center similar to what Family & Childrens Services offers to adults, according to a story from Tim Stanley. We appreciate the work Healthy Minds invested in gathering data to present a comprehensive overview of youth brain health system gaps. Now its up to elected leaders and policy makers to take action. You are here: China A total of 88 people have been killed and 30 remain missing after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Luding County in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Monday, local authorities said Friday. The rescue headquarters said that among the deaths, 50 were killed in Luding County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and the other 38 were killed in Shimian County, Ya'an City as of Friday noon. Thirty people were still missing and more than 400 were injured, with 11 in critical condition and 38 in serious condition. The earthquake struck Luding County in Ganzi at 12:52 p.m. Monday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center. CAIRO -- African ministers meeting in Cairo two months ahead of the COP27 climate summit called on Friday for a sharp expansion of climate financing for their continent while pushing back against an abrupt move away from fossil fuels. Egypt, an oil and gas producer considered highly vulnerable to climate change, has positioned itself as a champion for African interests as it prepares to host the summit in Sharm el-Sheikh in November. A communique released after a three-day forum for finance, economy and environment ministers said Africa benefited from less than 5.5% of global climate financing despite having a low carbon footprint and suffering disproportionately from climate change. It urged rich countries to meet and expand climate pledges, and said poor countries should be able to develop economically while receiving more funds to adapt to the impact of climate change. The document stressed "the need to avoid approaches that encourage abrupt disinvestments from fossil fuels, as this will... threaten Africa's development". The role of gas in the transition to cleaner energy is set to be a key point of contention at COP27. Climate activists say it needs to be quickly phased out and replaced with renewables. Nigerian Finance Minister Zainab Ahmed told the Cairo forum that gas was a matter of survival for her country. "If we are not getting reasonably-priced finance to develop gas, we are denying the citizens in our countries the opportunities to attain basic development," she said. The communique also called for focusing on climate change in a review of multilateral development banks and international financial institutions. It suggested the creation of a sustainable sovereign debt hub that could reduce the cost of capital for developing states and support debt-for-nature swaps. Experts say there is private as well as public sector appetite for financing and investing in climate projects in Africa, but funding is hindered for reasons including risk perception, underdeveloped green finance markets, and local technical and policy constraints. States have seen their cost of borrowing rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. "This is keeping us up at night how to decrease the cost of borrowing," Egypt's Deputy Finance Minister Sherine El Sharkawy told the forum. Kevin Chika Urama, chief economist at the African Development Bank, said Africa faced a climate financing gap of about $108 billion each year. "Climate finance structure today is actually biased against climate-vulnerable countries. The more vulnerable you are the less climate finance you receive," he said. ISLAMABAD -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for "massive" international support for flood-ravaged Pakistan while visiting the country on Friday, while Islamabad put the cost of flood-related damage at $30 billion. Record monsoon rains and glacier melt in northern mountains have triggered floods that have swept away houses, roads, railway tracks, bridges, livestock and crops, and killed more about 1,400 people. Huge areas of the country are inundated and hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes. The government says the lives of nearly 33 million people have been disrupted. Both the government and Guterres have blamed the flooding on climate change. Volunteers gather relief handouts to distribute among flood victims, by Hilal Ahmar, a humanitarian non-profit organization, following rains and floods during the monsoon season in Nowshera, Pakistan September 9, 2022. Photo: Reuters "I call on the international community that Pakistan needs massive financial support, as according to initial estimates the losses are around $30 billion", Guterres told a joint news conference in the capital Islamabad, after meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on his two-day visit. Sharif said "Pakistan needs an infinite amount of funding" for its relief effort, adding the country "will remain in trouble as long as it doesn't receive sufficient international assistance". A man pulls his animals while others go to salvage their belongings amid rising flood water, following rains and floods during the monsoon season on the outskirts of Bhan Syedabad, Pakistan September 8, 2022. Photo: Reuters Pakistan expects to cut its GDP growth projection for the financial year 2022-2023 to 3% from 5% due to the losses, planning minister Ahsan Iqbal told an earlier news conference. The United Nations has launched an appeal for $160 million in aid to help Pakistan cope with the disaster. Residents use boats as they travel to their flooded villages, following rains and floods during the monsoon season on the outskirts of Sehwan, Pakistan September 8, 2022. Photo: Reuters As well as meeting Sharif and foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Guterres will tour affected areas during his visit. Bhutto-Zardari told a news conference after the meeting that Pakistan was waiting for the rescue and relief phase of the crisis to end before calling a donor conference to work on reconstruction. Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary General, walks with Pakistan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, upon his arrival at the Islamabad International Airport in Islamabad, Pakistan September 9, 2022. Press Information Department (PID)/Handout via Reuters "When we have a 100km lake that has developed in the middle of Pakistan, tell me how big of a drain can I build to manage this?" he said. "There is no man-made structure that can evacuate this water." Flood victim family take refuge with their belongings as floodwater rises, following rains and floods during the monsoon season in Sohbatpur, Pakistan September 4, 2022. Photo: Reuters In July and August, Pakistan recorded 391 mm (15.4 inches) of rainfall - nearly 190% more than the 30-year average. The southern province of Sindh has been overwhelmed, with 466% more rain than average. Guterres said the world needed to understand the impact of climate change on low-income countries. A man rows his boat as he passes through flooded market, following rains and floods during the monsoon season in Bajara village, at the banks of Manchar lake, in Sehwan, Pakistan September 6, 2022. Photo: Reuters "It is essential for the international community to realise this, especially the countries who have contributed more to climate change," he said. The World Health Organization has said more than 6.4 million people need humanitarian support in flooded areas. Men use a makeshift raft as they cross a flooded street in a residential area, following rains during the monsoon season in Hyderabad, Pakistan September 5, 2022. Photo: Reuters The cost of clearing up and rebuilding after the floods has added to concerns about whether the country can afford to keep paying its debts. Over the last three weeks its government bonds have fallen sharply, to almost half their face value in some cases, as international investors have begun to fear a default. Read what is in the news today: Politics -- Senior Vietnamese leaders extended condolences to the Royal Family, government, parliament, and people of the UK over the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Friday. Society -- Traffic police officers sanctioned more than 24,000 drivers for alcohol concentration violations in the past 15 days, of which nearly 7,900 violators had their drivers licenses revoked for 23 months - the highest penalty level, an official of the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public and Security said on Friday night. -- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a dispatch to chairpeople of 14 cities and provinces in the northern and north-central regions on Friday urging proactive responses to the consequences of the rainy and flooding situation that has battered those areas in the past few days. -- The Hanoi Department of Transport announced on Friday afternoon the continuation of the pilot segregation of cars and motorbikes on Nguyen Trai Street that has failed to make a difference over the past month. -- A top official of the Hanoi Department of Public Security announced on Friday afternoon the arrest of the owner of a five-story karaoke parlor in Cau Giay District, where a conflagration killed three firefighters last month. -- The Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue of northern Thai Binh Province carried out an effort on Friday to recover a cargo ship carrying 1,077 metric tons of diesel oil that had sunk in the sea waters off Thai Thuy District a day before. Education -- Ngai Phong Cho village kindergarten was inaugurated in northern Lao Cai Province on Friday, marking the operation of the first school built entirely from 115 metric tons of recycled plastic in Vietnam. -- Up to 407 kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students have skipped classes since September 5 to protest against the construction of a waste treatment plant in Hoa Phong Commune, My Hao Town, northern Hung Yen Province, local authorities said on Friday. Lifestyle -- As many as 500 Ho Chi Minh City children orphaned by the COVID-19 pandemic enjoyed a memorable Mid-Autumn Festival celebration held by Saigontourist Group at Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11 on Friday night. -- Merriam-Webster added 370 new words to its dictionary earlier this week, including the world-famous Vietnamese banh mi, according to The Washington Post. -- Investors announced on Friday a project to establish and put into operation the first-ever book street in Vietnams Mekong Delta region and the fifth of its kind across the country in Cao Lanh City of Dong Thap Province in late November. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Up to 407 kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students have skipped classes since September 5 as their parents protest against the construction of a waste treatment plant in the northern Vietnamese province of Hung Yen, local authorities said on Friday. Dao Trong Khang, chairman of Hoa Phong Commune in My Hao Town, said that the authorities, school management boards, and teachers are trying to convince parents to let their children return to schools. As far as we have been informed by the families in question, the parents have simultaneously made the children to stay home as a way to show their disagreement against the construction of the Hoa Phong waste treatment project in Hoa Dam Village, Hoa Phong Commune, Khang said. The chairman added that the local and provincial administrations have explained to residents several times about the eligibility of the project and the investors preparation for an environmental impact assessment but to no avail. Children play on a street instead of going to school as their parents protest against the construction of a waste treatment plant in Hoa Phong Commune, My Hao Town, Hung Yen Province, Vietnam in this photo taken on September 9, 2022. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre According to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspapers research, the Hoa Phong waste treatment project is meant to treat industrial waste only, with a designed capacity of 65,000 metric tons of industrial waste per year. It is expected to produce about 16 million solid bricks and 7,000 metric tons of aluminum and copper each year upon its operation. The commune- and provincial-level authorities have repeatedly held dialogues and listened to 150 local peoples concerns about the projects environmental issues and its impacts on daily life and production. The latest dialogue took place on August 31. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! LEGO Group will plant 50,000 trees in locations close to its new factory to be built in November this year in Vietnams southern Binh Duong Province, as one of many sustainability initiatives in the Southeast Asian country, the Danish conglomerate has said. The 50,000 trees are being planted to compensate for the approximately 25,000 trees that will be removed during the construction of the new factory, LEGO said on its website on September 6. With an aim to ensure the factory has a minimal impact on the environment, the group has begun the planting of 50,000 trees over a period of three years with support from the Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park Joint Venture Company Limited (VSIP), located in Binh Duong, just outside Ho Chi Minh City. The planting is part of many initiatives on the LEGO Groups long-term sustainability ambitions and investments in Vietnam. As we progress as planned on establishing our new factory in Vietnam, it is key for us to deliver on our ambition to operate the factory with a minimal impact on the environment, Preben Elnef, vice president and program lead for the LEGO in Vietnam said. Specifically, the group will invest in a solar farm to provide energy to operate the factory and explore many other initiatives that will make the new site a global lighthouse for sustainable operations, Elnef elaborated. At the same time, the LEGO Group wants to improve the quality of living in the urban areas near the factory and support a greater biodiversity in the long term. Planting in urban areas will help lower temperatures in cities, bring good effects on physical and mental health to local people, and contribute to mitigate short-lived climate pollutants, the group said. The group said it has planted 15,000 trees already and will grow further 35,000 trees supported by VSIP in 2023 and 2024 where the factory opens. We are excited to now have started the planting of 50,000 trees, as it marks the first of many activities on our sustainability journey in Vietnam, said Elnef. The strong support from the Vietnamese government when it comes to our environmental sustainability agenda is a key reason for locating our new factory in Vietnam, he commented, adding that he group look forward to their continued support during the construction phase. LEGO said the new factory is set to be the groups first carbon neutral run site in Binh Duong. In a statement issued in December 2021 on its website, LEGO said it will pour over US$1 billion into building its first-ever carbon-neutral plant at a 44-hectare site in the province, which will create up to 4,000 jobs over the next 15 years. Construction of the carbon-neutral factory, considered a green cornerstone in foreign investment flow into Vietnam, will begin in the second half of 2022 and production is due to start during 2024, the group said. LEGO Group is a world-leading company specializing in manufacturing safe and educational toys that help children develop intelligence and creativity in educational and life settings, Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Kim Hjlund Christensen told Tuoi Tre News in an interview published on May 1, 2022. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in Dak Lak Province, located in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, said on Thursday that they had handed over VND50 million (US$2,122) in cash and many personal documents to a Thai visitor after a Vietnamese couple had found them at a local supermarket and submitted them to police officers. Nguyen Huu Hung, a 55-year-old resident of Dak Song District, and his wife saw a wallet on the ground on the way to the Co.opmart supermarkets car parking lot in Tan An Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City after shopping there around noon on the same day. There were many banknotes and personal documents belonging to a Thai man in the wallet, according to Hung. The couple then submitted the wallet to the provincial police office. I was determined to find the owner and sought the assistance from police officers because I thought that the VND50 million amount could be that persons travel fund, and personal documents are important for everyone, especially when you are abroad, Hung said. It took the Dak Lak police officers only a few hours to track down the owner of the wallet, who is a Thai tourist traveling in Vietnam along with his wife. I thought I would never get my lost personal documents back, said the Thai man during the handover at the police station. I am very happy. Thank you, the people of Vietnam and the Dak Lak police department for helping us. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnamese transport firm Phuong Trang (FUTA) has completed all preparations for the inauguration of a new shuttle bus service carrying passengers between Tan Son Nhat International Airport and a bus station in the downtown District 1, according to general director Dao Viet Anh. Anh said on Saturday that the service, or bus route 109, will be put into operation on September 12 and is expected to help improve the crowded traffic situation at Tan Son Nhat. Passengers can use the service to travel from Tan Son Nhat to the Saigon Bus Station in District 1 and vice versa from 5:45 am to 11:40 pm every day. The buses will pick up and drop off passengers at the B17 to B20 pillars before the domestic terminal and at the area opposite the exit hall of the international terminal. From Tan Son Nhat, the buses take passengers through Truong Son Street, Tran Quoc Hoan Street, Hoang Van Thu Street, Nguyen Van Troi Street, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ham Nghi Street, and Le Lai Street before reaching the Saigon Bus Station. On the other way around, the itinerary includes the Saigon Bus Station, Pham Ngu Lao Street, Yersin Street, Tran Hung Dao Street, Ham Nghi Street, Pasteur Street, Vo Thi Sau Street, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Nguyen Van Troi Street, Phan Dinh Giot Street, Truong Son Street, and an overpass to the international terminal of Tan Son Nhat. The ticket price ranges from VND8,000 (US$0.34) to VND15,000 ($0.64) per passenger. Upon its inauguration, the bus route will become the third shuttle bus service connecting Tan Son Nhat with Ho Chi Minh City's downtown area. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! It was a joyful night on Friday for more than 200 visually-impaired students at Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind in Ho Chi Minh City when they sang along to music performances, received gifts, enjoyed mooncakes and participated in a lantern parade. Earlier, teachers at the special school in District 10 had worked hard to make the Mid-Autumn Festival memorable for their students. Students enjoy an event to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival held by Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on September 9, 2022. Video: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu), also known as the 'Childrens Festival,' is celebrated throughout many Asian countries. The festival takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. This year, it falls on Saturday. A group of students at Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind perform a song at an event to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at the school in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on September 9, 2022. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News According to principal Nguyen Thi Thanh Hue, it took the organizers a few days to prepare for the event. Several benefactors also came to donate gifts to the children during the past week. We hope to bring the children a meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival, help them integrate with the community and society, Hue said. We want to organize such extra-curricular activities for the children so that they are more confident and learn about their surroundings, she added. Students enjoy a music performance at an event to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival held by Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on September 9, 2022. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News A student answers a quiz at an event to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival held by Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on September 9, 2022. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News The school also worked with police in Ward 2 of District 10 in order to organize a small lantern parade for the children. Besides teachers of the school and the childrens parents, around 47 college students also volunteered to assist the parade through Nguyen Chi Thanh and Nguyen Duy Duong Streets. Children attend a lantern parade to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival held by Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on September 9, 2022. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News Children participate in a lantern parade to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival held by Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on September 9, 2022. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News Ive been studying at this school for a few months, and this is the first time I have ever joined a lantern parade and been gifted with lanterns and confessionaries. Im so happy, Vo Quoc Khanh, a first grader expressed. I love such occasions when I can receive gifts from the teachers and have a lot of fun, third grader Gia Han added. Students enjoy mooncakes at an event to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival held by Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on September 9, 2022. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News A teacher hands lanterns to students ahead of a lantern parade to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival held by Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on September 9, 2022. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News A student holds an electronic lantern before participating in a lantern parade to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival held by Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on September 9, 2022. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News A student listens to music from an electronic lantern before participating in a lantern parade to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival held by Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on September 9, 2022. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News Students have fun an event to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival held by Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on September 9, 2022. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News Children assisted by adults while participating in a lantern parade to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival held by Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on September 9, 2022. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News Fifth grader Lau Gia Tue is assisted to attend on wheelchair a lantern parade to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival held by Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on September 9, 2022. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News Students receive gitfs from donors after the parade. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Seven News sent a press release at 4:30am Friday morning. HM Queen Elizabeth II had died. Sunrise was on air with rolling coverage with David Koch and Natalie Barr. It followed a night of CNN International coverage and before that Seven News: The Latest with live crosses to the UK by Angela Cox until 12:30am when there were still concerns for her health. By 4:30am presenters were in black attire to reflect the sombre news, confirmed around 3:30am Australian time that the monarch had passed. Seven News boss Craig McPherson told The Guardian,Our long-term planning included prerecorded obituaries, right down to the finer details, like mourning dress for all our on-air talent and special breaking news graphics. Nine had late night updates on Thursday night and broke in with BBC News at 3:30am with the Today Show hosts Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon on air in blacks at 4:30am. ABC News also had late night live updates on Thursday, including beyond midnight. News Breakfast hosts, Michael Rowland and Lisa Millar were also in blacks for live coverage. Memorial packages had been prepared in advance. We had packages ready but as the news broke just before we came on air we actually didnt go to many packages. We just focused on live pictures from Balmoral Castle, live pictures of the people streaming to Buckingham Palace and live interviews. We wanted to give our viewers a flavour of the fast-moving events, Rowland said. 10s Sandra Sully also fronted an early morning 10 News First update, with Charlotte Goodlet covering rolling news from 5:30am then Sarah Harris from 7am. Already on the ground in London (or en route) are Angela Bishop, Tracy Grimshaw, Michael Rowland, David Koch, Natalie Barr, Leila McKinnon, Tracy Vo, Sandra Sully, Jennifer Keyte, Edwina Bartholomew, Charles Croucher, Chris Reason, Hugh Whitfeld, Ashlee Mullany, John Paul Gonzo and more. A funeral is now confirmed for 8pm AEST Monday September 19. Seven has also advised of further programming changes following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Sunday 11 September Updated: 6pm Seven News 7pm Farmer Wants A Wife 8:30pm Seven News Monday 12 September 7.00pm Home and Away 7.30pm Farmer Wants A Wife (Ep 4) 9.00pm The Young Elizabeth (Premiere) ITV documentary: From her birth to the resignation of her closest political confidante, Prime Minister Winston Churchill this is the story of the first three decades in the life of Elizabeth. From her early love of animals and the countryside to meeting her future husband when she was just 13, her time serving her country during World War Two to the crisis that brought her to the throne this documentary charts the early years of Elizabeth II a princess who never expected to be Queen. Tuesday 13 September 7.00pm Home and Away 7.30pm Farmer Wants A Wife (Ep 5) 9.00pm Age of Elizabeth (Premiere) ITV documentary: Queen Elizabeth is the longest reigning monarch in British history. Royal continuity marked by an understated resilience and service to her country. This documentary looks at just how radically that world changed in the Age of Elizabeth and how this quietly conservative woman with a profound sense of duty managed to become an international icon, staying relevant during decades of social, political, cultural and technological transformation. Wednesday 14 September 7.00pm Home and Away 7.30pm Farmer Wants A Wife (Ep 6) 9.00pm Queen and Country (Premiere) ITV documentary: The Queen may be the most travelled monarch in British history, having visited over a hundred different countries across seven decades. But this is the story of Elizabeths home her United Kingdom. In this documentary key locations are visited that have meant so much to Elizabeth II, you get to hear from people whose lives she crossed but whose love she shared for this part of her kingdom. From her childhood homes in London and Windsor to the solitude she found in Balmoral and Sandringhamwe will cross the country, combining rich archive with newly short sequences of some of the most famous and glorious locations in Britain. Updated. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Thursday welcomed that Canada's Fraser Institute once again ranked Hong Kong as the world's freest economy in the Economic Freedom of the World 2022 Annual Report. Hong Kong has gained the top rank since the inception of the report. In this year's report, among the five areas of assessment, Hong Kong continued to rank top in "Freedom to Trade Internationally" and "Regulation." A government spokesperson said that Hong Kong has been striving to improve the business environment and enhance market efficiency and support, thereby allowing the economy to display flexibility and resilience, and leverage the advantages of the free market. The HKSAR government's commitment to maintaining an efficient, free, open, and fair business environment is once again affirmed, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said that Hong Kong's distinctive status and edges include the rule of law and judicial independence, free flow of capital, a free trade and investment regime, a simple and low tax system, a favorable business environment, and an efficient and clean government. "The HKSAR government will continue to consolidate these strengths and provide a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and to strengthen their competitiveness, thereby enabling the economy to prosper," the spokesperson said. Looking forward, Hong Kong, under the principle of "one country, two systems", will leverage the motherland's strong support and connection with the world market, continue to play its unique role, create a strong impetus for growth, and actively integrate into the overall development of the country, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that Hong Kong will also dovetail with national strategies such as the country's 14th Five-Year Plan, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, seizing the opportunities ahead. Warring brothers Prince William and Prince Harry, and their wives Kate and Meghan, reunited on Saturday to view floral tributes to Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle. The two couples, all dressed in mourning black, put on a united front as they looked at the banks of flowers left since the queen's death on Thursday aged 96. It was William and Kate's first outing as the new Prince and Princess of Wales, a title once held by William and Harry's father and mother -- the new King Charles III and his first wife, princess Diana. The sight of the two couples together -- even if they separated to speak and shake hands with different sides of the cheering crowds -- will likely spark rumours of a reconciliation. An unnamed royal source was quoted by British media saying that William "invited the Duke and Duchess (of Sussex -- Harry and Meghan) to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier". Charles also offered what has been interpreted as a clear olive branch to Harry and Meghan, who quit royal life in early 2020 and moved to the United States. In his first speech as king on Friday, Charles, 73, spoke of his love for his second son and daughter-in-law. William, Harry, Kate and Meghan were once dubbed "the fab four", with hopes they could together secure the monarchy's appeal to younger generations. But relations between them reportedly soured soon after former British Army captain Harry's wedding to Meghan, a mixed-race American television actress, at Windsor in 2018. Harry, 37, the following year admitted publicly that he and his brother were "on different paths" in the clearest indication the rumours were true. - Extended stay - The two couples had last been seen together at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in 2020, just days before Harry and Meghan's bombshell announcement. From their sprawling Californian mansion they have made repeated public criticisms of life behind the palace walls, including claims of racism. That prompted William, 40, to angrily insist that "we are very much not a racist family". Story continues Harry also claimed that William, who is now heir to the throne after their grandmother's death, and their father were trapped by convention and duty. Relations between the brothers were visibly frosty when they reunited last year to unveil a statue to their mother at her former London home, Kensington Palace, on what would have been her 60th birthday. Diana was killed in a high-speed car crash in Paris in August 1997. The brothers, who as young boys provided the enduring image of her funeral, walking heads bowed behind her coffin, did not meet during the queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June. Harry and Meghan are staying at Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor estate, just a stone's throw from William and Kate's new home, Adelaide Cottage. British media said that despite their proximity the couples had no plans to meet -- until the queen's death on Thursday. Harry and Meghan were initially on a whistlestop tour, attending two charity events in Britain and another in Germany for the former's Invictus Games for disabled veterans. But they are now expected to stay for the queen's funeral at Westminster Abbey in London on September 19. phz/ar/lcm UNCW Military Affairs to Host Celebration at Veterans Hall on Sept. 15 Continuing a proud history of serving its military community, UNC Wilmingtons Office of Military Affairs will host a celebration ceremony at Veterans Hall on Thursday, Sept. 15 beginning at 3 p.m. at the Allied Health Quad on campus. The public is invited to attend the ceremony. The ceremony will honor several WWII veterans in attendance. Numerous dignitaries from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, military retirees and veterans from all campaigns from WWII to the present are expected to attend. Other guests will include students, members of the Student Veterans Organization, faculty, staff, UNCW Board of Trustees members and local officials. Guest speakers will include Lieutenant General USMC (ret) Walter Gaskin, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Brigadier General Andrew M. Niebel, Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations East; Dr. Aswani K. Volety, UNCW Chancellor; and Bill Kawczynski, UNCW Director of Military Affairs. Veterans Hall, a 145,000-square-foot facility, is currently the only building in the United States located on a university or college campus named in honor of all veterans past, present and future. Most buildings on campuses are named for individuals who attended the school, were employed there or were from the surrounding community. Its in our universitys DNA, since we started as a GI Bill school in 1947, to serve those who have served and their families, Kawczynski said. The Office of Military Affairs, located inside Veterans Hall, provides a variety of resources from dedicated faculty, staff and students to serve UNCW military-affiliated students and veterans from southeastern NC and beyond. More than 2,100 military-affiliated students are currently enrolled at UNCW (12% of total enrollment). The building, uniquely outfitted to educate the nations future health care practitioners and scientists, also houses the College of Health and Human Services and faculty and staff from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. We want to make sure the celebration is as memorable for all of our attendees as possible, Kawczynski said. In honor of the ceremony, there will be a flyover provided by the Bandit Flight Team (please be aware noise from the aircraft will be audible on campus and in the surrounding area). A live stream of the ceremony is also available: UNCW Office of Military Affairs Celebration 2:55 to 3:30 p.m. https://uncw.zoom.us/j/81230096318?pwd=eG55bDBDK3ZQSThEWk9lMlpPRldxdz09 Passcode: 931555 -- Krissy Vick #MILITARYAFFAIRS #FACILITIES #75YEARSOFUNCW Veterans Hall, a 145,000-square-foot facility, is currently the only building in the United States located on a university or college campus named in honor of all veterans past, present and future. If you look up at the sky this weekend, you might notice that the moon is becoming full. This weekend brings the middle of Elul the final month of the old year; the month that leads us to the Days of Awe. During this month, our mystics say, The King is in the Field. Heres the metaphor: imagine that God is a King who lives in a vast and distant palace. Unreachable! So far away! Probably guarded by armies of angels! Wed never get an audience with such a sovereign. But this month, the King is in the field. God leaves that palace and walks with us in the meadow. During Elul, God is right here with us, so close we could almost reach out and touch. The King is in the field means that God is completely accessible to us. If we open our hearts, we might feel Gods presence, ready to hear whatever we need to say. Of course, I believe that God is always accessible to us that we can pray whenever and wherever and however we need to, and we will be heard, even if we dont get an answer. But I love the idea that during this last month of the old year, God is extra available. We might even say, Whoa: God is in this place! Because every place can be a place of holiness, and justice, and love, a place where we connect with something beyond ourselves. Except were human and we keep forgetting. And then we remember again. Elul is when many of us start thinking about teshuvah again. Teshuvah literally means either answer, or turning around. Often its translated as repentance or return. Teshuvah can be a year-round practice: noticing our actions and our patterns, checking whether we messed up and need to make amends, doing inner work so we wont make the same mistakes again. We can do that all the time. Regardless, that work intensifies now, as the holidays approach. If teshuvah is an answer, whats the question? I think the question is very simple: who do we choose to be? The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, Day by day, what you choose, what you think, and what you do is who you become. He lived in the 5th century BCE, around the same time that the Torah was written down in its final form. He said we become what we choose, what we think, and what we do. My teacher Reb Zalman zl did say the mind is like tofu: it takes on the flavor of whatever you marinate it in. Our thoughts definitely can impact us. Then again, Judaism doesnt generally treat thoughts as sins. Were much more concerned with choices and actions and their impacts. This weeks Torah portion, Ki Tetzei, is full of mitzvot commandments. Some of them cry out to be reinterpreted, like the instructions for how to marry a captive in wartime. Others still ring clear. Here are four that jumped out at me this week: Dont abuse someone who works for you. (Deut. 24:14) Dont subvert the rights of the stranger or the orphan. (Deut. 24:17) Leave the gleanings of the fields for the poor, the stranger, the widow, the orphan -- in other words, those at most risk of harm. (Deut. 24:19) Always remember the story of our enslavement and then our liberation and let that ancestral memory fuel how we treat others. (Deut. 24:22) What would it look like to live up to these mitzvot? Not abusing our workers. Not subverting or abusing the rights of the vulnerable. Feeding the hungry. Remembering that the Jewish people has known hardship before, and therefore its on us to help those who are now in tight straits. Honestly, it sounds like a recipe for a pretty great society, if we can pull it off! Who do we choose to be? I hope we will choose to be people who do teshuvah: noticing our actions and our patterns, checking whether we messed up and need to make amends, doing inner work so we wont make the same mistakes again and then, from that place of inner transformation, doing what we can to bring repair. Shabbat shalom. This is the d'varling I gave at Kabbalat Shabbat services at Congregation Beth Israel of the Berkshires (cross-posted to the From the Rabbi blog.) HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh yesterday met with Bernd Lange, Chairman of the European Parliaments Committee on International Trade (INTA) during his visit to Viet Nam, emphasising that the EU is an important partner. Underlining that trade-investment cooperation is a key pillar in Viet Nam - EU relations, PM Chinh said that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) had been making positive contributions to two-way trade between the country and the EU. PM Chinh also expressed his satisfaction with the positive developments in the comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and EU, especially the cooperation frameworks in politics, economy - trade - investment, forestry, defence-security, and the regular dialogues in these sectors. The Vietnamese leader requested that the EU continue to create favourable conditions for Viet Nams exports to enter the region, and that the EU soon ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to further promote economic relations between the two sides. It was also suggested that the union soon remove the yellow card in fishing and continue to support Viet Nam in taking measures against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Regarding the environment and climate, the EU was asked to continue creating favourable conditions for the negotiation towards the establishment of the Just Energy Transition Partnership between Viet Nam and the Group of 7 (G7). Viet Nam also supported the strengthening of the ASEAN - EU strategic partnership. During the talks with PM Chinh, INTA Chairman Bernd Lange said that the European Parliament always supported the enhancement of Viet Nam - EU relations in all aspects, especially in the context where many EU policies aim at the Indo-Pacific region which includes Viet Nam. Lange also gave high regard to the countrys achievements in pandemic control and economic growth, and the commitments in the EVFTA. The INTA Chairman said that Viet Nam was an attractive investment environment in the turbulent global context, and agreed to promote the ratification of the EVIPA. Viet Nam also presented great cooperation potential in climate change adaptation, environment protection, green growth, and energy transition, said Lange. The EU was executing multiple strategies and initiatives in green transition such as Fit for 55 and Global Gateway, and the INTA Chairman believed that Viet Nam and the EU would see many successful collaboration projects in this field. Speaking about the energy transition partnership between Viet Nam and G7, Lange said that EU was actively working with the UK as coordinator to promote the establishment of this framework. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Ha Noi on Friday for Minister - Head of the Lao Prime Ministers Office Alounxai Sounnalath. Briefing the guest about Viet Nams socio-economic situation, PM Chinh affirmed that Viet Nam is ready to stand side by side with Laos to deal with socio-economic issues amid uncertain and complicated developments in the world. He expressed his delight that two-way trade topped US$950 million in the first eight months of this year, up 24 per cent from the same period last year. The Vietnamese Government provided VN733 billion ($31.1 million) in aid for the Lao counterpart in 2022 so far and the sum was disbursed for training and projects. Hailing the Lao PM's Office and the Vietnamese Government Office for regularly sharing experience, the PM suggested they effectively implement the Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation plan for the 2022-23 period; work closely together to step up the implementation of agreements reached during the Lao PMs visit to Viet Nam early this year; and prepare for high-level visits and remaining activities during the 2022 Viet Nam-Laos, Laos-Viet Nam Year of Solidarity and Friendship. PM Chinh asked the two sides to actively coordinate to address problems so as to accelerate the progress of cooperation projects; create all possible favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to invest in Laos and Lao enterprises to do business in Viet Nam, especially those in agriculture. He added that Viet Nam is considering the continued purchase of electricity from Laos's projects. Alounxai, for his part, informed the PM about the results of his earlier talks with the Vietnamese Government Office. The minister affirmed that Laos always treasures and wants to preserve, nurture and develop its great friendship and special solidarity with Viet Nam. He pledged to actively implement directions and agreements by the two countries senior leaders, thus contributing to fostering the special solidarity and friendship nurtured by generations of Party and State leaders and people of both nations. VNS HA NOI Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son came to the residence of UK Ambassador to Viet Nam to extend his condolences over the passing away of Queen Elizabeth II. Writing in the condolence book, Son stressed his respect for the Queen's fine sentiments towards Viet Nam and her support for fostering the cooperative ties between the two nations. He extended his deepest condolences to the Royal Family, government and people of the UK. "Also among the delegation were some of the most recent former Vietnamese Ambassadors to the UK and it was chance for us to hear their memories of Her Majesty The Queen," the UK Embassy in Ha Noi said in a Facebook post. The UK Embassy in Ha Noi and the UK Consulate General in HCM City have opened books of condolences for people to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. Earlier on September 9, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc sent a message of condolences to King Charles III, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh extended condolences to Prime Minister Elizabeth Truss, and National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue did the same to Speaker of the House of Lords John McFall and Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle. Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-serving monarch in British history, reigning for 70 years (1952-2022). She passed away on September 8 at the age of 96. VNS HA NOI President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has sent a letter to Vietnamese children at home and abroad, as well as foreign children in Viet Nam, expressing his best wishes to them on the occasion of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. The President said as socio-economic activities had been resumed, children now could enjoy a joyful festival with their families and friends. However, there were still many disadvantaged children who could not fully enjoy the festival, Phuc said, noting his belief that the group would stay optimistic and overcome difficulties. The leader praised the students with outstanding performance at national and international competitions as well as those who risked their lives to save others and expressed his hope that they will carry forward their achievements. He urged families, agencies and the entire society to take more pragmatic actions to take better care of children during the festival, especially orphans, underprivileged children and those living in remote, border and island areas. The children should continue to obey their grandparents, parents and teachers, and follow late President Ho Chi Minhs teachings, Phuc said. The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which falls on September 10 this year. Many activities are held for children during the festival, including decoration of fruit trays, lantern parades, lion dances, and gift giving. VNS HA NOI The Supreme People's Procuracy on Friday announced that it completed an indictment against former deputy health minister Cao Minh Quang and other officials over their alleged involvement in the embezzlement of more than US$3.8 million at Cuu Long Pharmaceutical Company in 2006. Quang and two other former officials former head of the ministrys Financial Planning Department Duong Huy Lieu and former head of Drug Administration of Viet Nam Nguyen Viet Hung are being prosecuted for lack of responsibility causing serious consequences'. Meanwhile, the former director general of Cuu Long Pharmaceutical Company Luong Van Hoa, the companys former deputy director general Nguyen Thanh Tong, and two officials of the company are being prosecuted for abusing positions and powers while performing official duties." According to the indictment, the company was established in 2004 with the States capital making up 51.7 per cent of its capital and was ordered by the Health Ministry to make Oseltamivir and ensure the supply of the medicine for the prevention of influenza A (H5N1) epidemic in 2005. Between February and April 2006, the company imported 520 kg of raw materials to make Oseltamivir worth US$9.1 million from a Singaporean Mambo Company. It paid Mambo Company $5.25 million and committed to paying the remaining $3.848 million within six months after receiving the raw medical material. Seeing a falling price of the raw material, Cuu Long Company asked the Singaporean supplier to discount over $3.8 million. However, the company managers did not report to the Health Ministry the price reduction. Hoa, former General Director, directed his subordinates to legalise reports and business documents to conceal and keep an amount of more than $3.8 million from the files. In addition, the defendants also legalised records reported falsely to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance with the aim of retaining more than $3.8 million. Regarding the Ministry of Health, the Procuracy said that the defendants at the ministry including the former deputy health minister Quang were tasked with signing contracts, monitoring the performance, making contract payments, and periodically inspecting and evaluating the sale and purchase of raw materials for drug production between Cuu Long Pharmaceutical and suppliers. However, the defendants were irresponsible, improperly performed, did not fully fulfil their assigned responsibilities and tasks, did not consider and evaluate the implementation of the control and negotiation of the purchase price of raw materials, and did not check financial reports and invoices. This resulted in the failure to discover that Cuu Long Pharmaceutical Company was entitled to a discount and retained the amount of US$ 3.848 million. In particular, former Deputy Minister Cao Minh Quang, as head of the steering committee to deal with issues related to Tamiflu and Oseltamivir drugs, signed a decision to establish an interdisciplinary inspection team to examine the purchasing, preserving, and use of medicine. However, when the delegation leader Nguyen Viet Hung, reported that Cuu Long Pharmaceutical Company had not paid the supplier $3,848 million, Quang did not direct any inspection for verifying. VNS NINH THUAN Farmers in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan are harvesting a bumper red onion crop and getting high prices for the bulbs. Pham Hai, who has 4,000 sq.m of land in Ninh Hai Districts Nhon Hai Commune, said the weather had been favourable, there were few diseases and irrigation was sufficient, and so the yield was high. Traders are buying the bulbs at a high price of VN35,000 (US$1.5) a kilogramme, according to the farmer. At this price, he earns VN20 million ($850) per 1,000 sq.m per crop of 45 days. Farmers are getting yields of 18 19 tonnes per hectare per crop this year. Le Thanh Tam, deputy chairman of the Nhon Hai Commune Peoples Committee, said: The commune has determined red onion is its key crop as it is suitable for growing in coastal areas. With encouragement from commune authorities, local red onion farmers had expanded cultivation area to nearly 100ha now, he said. The commune had established a co-operative to buy the bulbs to stabilise prices and ensure an outlet, he said. The commune also seeks partners in other provinces and cities to expand outlets for the red onion. Farmers in the province can grow five crops a year, harvesting seeds for cultivation and bulbs and leaves for consumption. In Ninh Thuan, growing red onion is a traditional occupation in Ninh Hai and Ninh Phuoc districts and Phan Rang Thap Cham City, where the soil and weather are suitable. It provides jobs to hundreds of people during harvest at wages of VN250,000 - 300,000 ($10 - 13) a day. The province has around 900ha under red onion, garlic and other bulbs, according to its Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Its red onion is large and delicious, and could be preserved for a long time, and so is popular across the country. Nguyen Thi Cuc, a red onion trader in Nhon Hais My Tuong 2 Hamlet, said: The demand for red onion bulbs is high now and the price is increasing day by day, and traders have to compete to buy. She buys two to three tonnes a day and sells them to HCM City and Lam ong Province. To further develop red onion farming, the department plans to collaborate with localities to instruct farmers in farming techniques and efficient irrigation. Farming models that meet Vietnamese good agricultural practices (VietGAP) standards will be expanded. The province plans to set up more co-operatives and co-operative groups to link red onion farmers. It will also develop linkages with companies to sell the bulbs on e-commerce platforms. VNS A shooting at a Mexia hotel early Thursday left one man dead and another man under arrest, but authorities declined to name either one. A shots fired call led Mexia Police to the scene of a killing at a hotel in the 1300 block of East Milam Street around 1 a.m. Thursday, Mexia City Manager Eric Garretty said Thursday. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased male gunshot victim and immediately secured the area as a crime scene, Garretty said in a statement Thursday. Police arrested a man on a charge stemming from the killing and charged him with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, a third-degree felony, Garretty said in a Friday statement. "The man who had been arrested in connection to this killing was released on bail at 11:00 a.m. Friday morning," Mexia City Manager Eric Garretty told the Tribune-Herald by phone Friday. "Law enforcement and the district attorney still say we can't release the name of the deceased or the man who was just released on bail." The Texas Public Information Act, Section 552.108(c) requires law enforcement and prosecutors to release basic information about an arrested person, an arrest and a crime, including the name of the person arrested. Law enforcement officials of several cooperating agencies have identified multiple individuals that have direct knowledge of the incident and these agencies are actively seeking them for questioning, the Thursday statement said. Police identified the deceased man discovered at the scene and Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home transported his remains to the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas for autopsy, according to Garretty's Friday statement. More information will be released in the ongoing investigation as developments require, Garretty said. As 2020 began, Midway Independent School District Superintendent George Kazanas was focusing on growth, ready to dive into a $148 million slate of projects voters approved with a record two-thirds approval just months before. The package would include building a new elementary school, renovating multiple campuses and undertaking a major rezoning project to accommodate the growing district. Then came March 2020, when a global pandemic suddenly thrust him and other school administrators into making urgent decisions about how to balance educating students with protecting them from a dangerous disease. Should we be face to face in class? Should we all be virtual? How do we do a hybrid of that? How do we work together through that? How do we keep ourselves safe still? Kazanas recalls of those discussions. We were then managing a myriad of issues. Fast forward to September 2022, and Kazanas is ready to retire, after crossing the finish line on the bond projects and seeing the COVID-19 pandemic gradually fade. Kazanas this week announced he would retire in January after more than a decade at the helm of McLennan Countys second-largest school district. He will take a job as a division director of field services for the Texas Association of School Boards. In an interview this week, Kazanas reflected on the eventful final years of his term, in which he saw Midway leaders, employees and students overcome the challenges of pandemic disruption and a fast-tracked construction campaign. Kazanas said the abrupt shift to remote learning in spring 2020 was a challenge, but the district had years of preparation thanks to the 1:1 iPad initiative Midway ISD began in 2013. The initiative ensured that every student had access to a digital device for educational purposes. Pete Rusek, Midway ISD school board president, said the district couldnt have pivoted as seamlessly as it did during the pandemic without the 1:1 initiative. He said not only was the pandemic unprecedented, but everything kept moving. Thanks to the 1:1 initiative, Rusek said the district lost nearly no time making the switch from in-person instruction. Kazanas said hes proud of the district for being able to provide the continuity of service to students as well as families that depend on it for more than just education. He said Midway went through several phases of pandemic response, starting with the protective phase of closing campuses in spring 2020. The second phase was managing the pandemic once everyone understood it was here to stay. The third phase also included decision-making in a time of political polarization and philosophical differences over what precautions the campus community should observe. Kazanas said he felt he needed to stick it out during all those phases. I by no means am telling you COVID is over, but I did not want to end my career in the middle or toward the end of that, Kazanas said. Kazanas said the choice to retire weighed heavily on his mind. He said he wanted to leave Midway with hope and optimism for the future, and he feels at peace with where he and the district stand. Its a very rewarding place to work here in Midway and in education overall, Kazanas said. I love my job so I want to be clear about that. I absolutely love education. Timing was a key factor in Kazanas choice to retire, and he said he wanted to end his career when he felt satisfied with the work hes done. He said he wanted to know, following the pandemic, the start of a new school year and district rezoning transitions, that Midway is in the best place possible to bring aboard its next superintendent. I want the next superintendent to be as successful or even more successful in this district because I would want to leave that type of legacy, Kazanas said. And I really felt it important to honor the rich history of Midway but also build upon that and make my own impact as an educational leader and keep expectations high where they need to be. Kazanas said the timing of the announcement is not only best for him and his career but also allows time for the school board to start identifying new candidates and for a new hire to get acquainted with the district. Rusek said although he is sad to see Kazanas go, any time anyone reaches a point to make a change he supports them. Wed still love him to stay and be a superintendent, but it was his decision, Rusek said. Hes ready to make a change. Kazanas, a West native, said he wasnt sure what his career path would be when he started college at Baylor University. He eventually discovered he loved math and business as well as being involved with people. He earned his bachelors degree in business administration and teaching certification during his undergraduate career and quickly pivoted into his first year of teaching. He accepted his first full-time job as a teacher in 1991 as a career and technical business teacher at West High School from 1991 to 1994. After his time at West he became assistant principal in China Spring ISD in 1994 before climbing to the superintendent position. His last stop before Midway was Wichita Falls ISD, where he was superintendent from 2009 to 2012. Kazanas said hes held almost every type of position in education, but the majority of his 32-year career has been spent as a superintendent. District growth Kazanas got his start as the eighth superintendent of Midway in 2012, making 2022-2023 his 11th school year at the helm. The average tenure for a superintendent in Texas is only about four years, a fact Rusek said should speak volumes about Kazanas stay. During Kazanas time Midway grew its student population by 20%, starting with 7,266 students and ending with 8,739. The 2019 bond election came only six years after the 2013 bond election that also took place on Kazanas watch. Despite the growth and renovation of the district in the last 10 years, the tax rate actually decreased under Kazanas from $1.32 to $1.23 per $100 valuation, though property values have risen dramatically. Kazanas said hes honored to be able to serve in his future role with the school board association and be a liaison between the association and districts across Texas. I really get to be that voice that helps the association understand the inner operations of school districts and be able to hopefully match up services when theyre needed, help districts in their operations, be a support, and also help support the employees of TASB so they better understand how schools operate as well, Kazanas said. Kazanas said his extensive experience working with many school board members and as a longtime school leader will help him make an impact in his future position. Ive been the CEO, if you will, and now I can step away from that, but I have that experience, Kazanas said. I can bring that experience because now, hopefully superintendents across the state in their school districts can see some connection with me in that role as well because Ive been in their shoes before. When it was built in 1964, a two-lane bridge was enough to carry rural traffic from Speegleville Road over the Middle Bosque River. Fifty-eight years later, that same bridge continues to serve a fast-growing edge of Waco, to the chagrin of Waco, McLennan County and the Texas Department of Transportation. The Waco City Council voted Tuesday to apply for about $15 million to replace the bridge with a four-lane version that can more efficiently move traffic in a growing area. Federal legislation targeting infrastructure shortcomings gives the city a funding pool to tap. But city public works director Amy Burlarley-Hyland said local entities must prove their case. Getting the money is not guaranteed. A new bridge would have four lanes, sidewalks and approaches. It would replace one the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers crafted when it built the new Lake Waco in the 1960s. And it could better accommodate extra traffic created by the recent conversion of River Valley Intermediate School to a middle school and interest shown by developers in multiple tracts of land, Burlarley-Hyland said. The version of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in June 2021 included funding specifically for the project. But it did not survive in the final version of the law approved in November, meaning that the project must compete with other infrastructure projects. If that application is approved, local entities much provide a 10% to 20% match. Burlarley-Hyland said Friday she understands the match will total 10%, with the city responsible for 9% and McLennan County the 1% balance. The bridge now crossing Speegleville Road is currently classified as functionally obsolete by the Texas Department of Transportation, which means that the bridge does not have the adequate lanes width or shoulder width to serve current traffic demands, an information packet with Tuesdays council agenda item states. Its always been on the city radar, said Burlarley-Hyland. The city has hired Waco-based Walker Partners for engineering work on the bridge, and is now moving forward with right-of-way acquisition and environmental studies. Technically speaking, the city of Waco owns the bridge and bears responsibility to solicit bids, award a contract and monitor construction, if federal money is forthcoming. Burlarley-Hyland said federal authorities have not informed her of the approval timeline. Walker Partners is familiar with the project. In 2016, the city engaged the firm to complete a study and report on conditions from the north end of the Middle Bosque River to U.S. Highway 84. It provided a preliminary cost estimate and schematics for building a new bridge parallel to the existing one. The county, meanwhile, designed and executed a construction project for its portion of Speegleville Road, said the councils information packet. Due to funding available at the time, the city did not move forward with its project, said the summary submitted to the council. The city this year asked Walker Partners to review and revise its 2016 schematic design. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Federal Highway Administration will allocate more than $27 billion through the Bridge Formula Program, which can pay for projects owned by state departments of transportation and local governments alike. There are more than 55,000 bridges in Texas, about 677 in McLennan County and 73 in Waco, according to the Texas Department of Transportation and Burlarley-Hyland. The city has identified several other bridges that may qualify for attention, and federal funding, including where New Road crosses the Union Pacific railroad tracks near the Walmart entrance. Another is the Herring Avenue bridge across the Brazos River near Cameron Park. McLennan County in recent years funded improvements to Speegleville Road from north of the bridge to State Highway 6. The project, completed in April, included widening the roadway, placing a new bridge over Hog Creek, installing curb and gutter in some areas, and improving ditches, said County Engineer Zane Dunnam in an email response to questions. Dunnam said the city of Waco improved Speegleville Road from U.S. Highway 84 to the Middle Bosque bridge. That work included retopping the roadway, installing traffic signals and upgrading utilities. Dunnam supplied a breakdown from Walker Partners showing that placing a new bridge across the Middle Bosque would cost $17.6 million, including $15.4 million to build and $2.2 million to prepare to build. Waco would be responsible for $15.7 million of that total, while the county would owe $1.8 million. Pro-Life Waco Pro-Life Wacos Second Sunday Ecumenical Luncheon will be held at noon Sunday at St. Marys Catholic Church, 1424 Columbus Ave. Scott Hord, who has trained and led a team that has been successful with sidewalk counseling at Planned Parenthood in Nashville, will be the speaker. For information, call John Pisciotta at 644-0407 or email prolifewaco@gmail.com. 9/11 blood drive Woodway First United Methodist Church, 21000 Woodway Drive, is hosting a blood drive to commemorate 9/11 at 9 a.m. Monday. The event also include free blood pressure screenings and two talks beginning at noon: What You Should Know About Your Medications and Its OK to Not Be OK, both by Vince Erickson with the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network. Contact Nancy Small at 254-316-8365 or nsmall7868@msn.com for more information. State of the City, County The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce presents the State of the City and County Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Baylor Club, 1001 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. It will feature presentations from Waco Mayor Dillon Meek and McLennan County Judge Scott Felton. Visit wacochamber.com to purchase tickets. Walking tour of VA grounds Join Waco Walks at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, for a narrated walk on the grounds of Doris Miller VA Medical Center, 4800 Memorial Drive. Participants will meet up in the Building 2 parking lot. When the veterans hospital opened in Waco in 1932, it was the states only veterans facility dedicated to treating mental illness brought on by the horrors of war. Today, 90 years later, the VA medical center is still serving veterans in Central Texas. The Waco Fire Department will hold its annual Sept. 11 observance at all Waco fire stations Sunday morning. Firefighters across the nation will never forget those who lost their lives that day 21 years ago," Waco Fire Chief Greg Summers said Friday. "As a department, we will reflect on that moment with short ceremonies. Times observed will correspond with the sequence of events of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, against the two towers of World Trade Center that stood in New York City; against the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.; and the crash of United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. The schedule is as follows: 7:40 a.m.: Preparations will begin as all stations will pull their machines outside, and firefighters will wear their class B uniform shirts. 7:46 a.m.: A general alarm will be sounded, and all firefighters will stand at attention to observe a moment of silence to remember when the first tower was struck. 8:03 a.m.: A general alarm will be sounded, and all firefighters will stand at attention to observe a moment of silence to remember when the second tower was struck. 9:37 a.m. Dispatch will announce over the radio that all firefighters will stand at attention to observe a moment of silence to remember when the Pentagon was struck. 10:03 a.m.: Dispatch will announce over the radio that all firefighters will stand at attention to observe a moment of silence to remember when the United Flight 93 airplane crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, with 40 people on board. WATERLOO The baton has been handed off for the leadership of My Waterloo Days. Main Street Waterloos Jessica Rucker transferred the event to Experience Waterloos Tavis Hall on Friday afternoon. Main Street Waterloo has run the festival since 2011, but Rucker said shes turning it over to broaden it outside of downtown Waterloo. The main events will remain in downtown surrounding Lincoln Park, off of Franklin Street. The event sports a new logo and a re-created version of the 1981 music video Youre My Waterloo. Hall said there are no announcements yet regarding the event other than the dates for 2023, which are June 7 to 11. This is an exciting time and an opportunity to further help promote and advance the Waterloo experience, he said. Main Street Waterloo will still help Experience Waterloo with the logistics. Hall said the organization is meeting with committee members for the vision of the event. The committee is made up of a swath of people, he said, including city employees, retirees and community members. To visit the festivals new page or watch the new music video, go to mywaterloodays.com. Routes may be detoured when crossing the Cedar River in Waterloo. Three bridges are set to be under construction next week. Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation in Ukraine (September 10, 2022) Russian Federation Armed Forces continue the special military operation. High-precision armament of Russian Aerospace Forces has neutralised the headquarters of 5th National Guard Brigade, the provisional bases of the units from 92nd Mechanised Brigade and Kraken nationalist group deployed near Balakleya and Chuguyev (Kharkov region), as well as the command post of 54th Mechanised Brigade deployed near Ray-Aleksandrovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The attack has resulted in the elimination of up to 300 Ukrainian servicemen and up to 15 units of military equipment. Operational-tactical and army aviation, missile troops and artillery continue launching attacks at the military facilities in Ukraine. 7 AFU command posts have been neutralised near Rozovka, Ocheretino, Vodyanoye, Novomikhaylovka and Ugledar (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Snigiryovka and Novonikolayevka (Nikolayev region), as well as 48 artillery units, 178 AFU manpower and military equipment concentration areas. 6 missile, artillery armament and munitions depots have been destroyed near Kurakhovo, Konstantinovka and Seversk (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Dnepr and Radushnoye (Dnepropetrovsk region), Gulyay Pole (Zaporozhye region). 1 radar for detecting and tracking air targets has been destroyed near Kaluga (Nikolayev region). Within the counter-battery warfare, 2 plattoons of rocket artillery and 5 plattoons of cannon artillery of the AFU have been neutralised near Georgiyevka, Krasnogorovka, Antonovka, Romanovka, Ocheretino, Novgorodskoye and Novosyolovka Pervaya (Donetsk Peoples Republic). 1 U.S.-manufactured 155-mm M-777 howitzer has been destroyed near Novosyolovka Pervaya (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Air defence means have shot down 13 unmanned aerial vehicles near Chkalovo and Belyayevka (Kherson region), Krasnoye (Kharkov region), Smeloye, Staromlynovka and Novoukrainskoye (Zaporozhye region), as well as near Novoandreyevka, Valeryanovka, Kirillovka and Panteleymonovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). 5 projectiles launched by HIMARS MRLS have been destroyed in air near Novaya Kakhovka (Kherson region). In total, 293 airplanes and 152 helicopters, 1,916 unmanned aerial vehicles, 374 air defence missile systems, 4,870 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 830 combat vehicles equipped with MRLS, 3,375 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 5,432 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. Russian troops that operate near Balakleya and Izyum to be redeployed for reinforcement at Donetsk direction in order to reach preestablished objectives of special military operation With this purpose, Izyum-Balakleya group of troops had been redeployed to the Donetsk Peoples Republic within 72 hours. Various deceptive and demonstrative manoeuvres had been carried out marking real action of the troops within the abovementioned operation. The enemy had been under powerful fire attacks with the involvement of aviation, missile troops and artillery for preventing any damage to Russian troops. Over 2,000 Ukrainian and foreign militants, as well as more than 100 units of armoured equipment and artillery have been eliminated within 72 hours. #MoD #Russia #Ukraine #report @mod_russia_en Top News Today Russian troops that operate near Balakleya and Izyum to be redeployed for reinforcement at Donetsk direction in order to reach preestablished objectives of special military operation. Servicemen of Izyum-Balakleya group of troops show their courage and bravery while conducting intense combats against AFU units. Footage of Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower systems and 2S-19 Msta-S artillery systems in combat action. High-precision armament of Russian Aerospace Forces has neutralised the headquarters of 5th National Guard Brigade, the provisional bases of the units from 92nd Mechanised Brigade and Kraken nationalist group deployed near Balakleya and Chuguyev (Kharkov region), as well as the command post of 54th Mechanised Brigade deployed near Ray-Aleksandrovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Russian Defence Ministry has published footage of Western MD Msta-B 152-mm howitzer crews destroying AFU armoured vehicles and fortified positions. #MoD #TopNews #Russia #Ukraine @mod_russia_en WtR Weather Alert ...Lingering Smoke Concerns, but Changes Are on the Way... * Smoke from the Mosquito wildfire will continue to produce unhealthy to hazardous air quality across the region this morning, but improving conditions are on the way. * Deeper southerly flow will push the smoke northward later today. Conditions may deteriorate in the Sierra Valley and from Truckee eastward to Highway 395 between Stead and Doyle this afternoon, with some eastward spread late in the day. Elsewhere, conditions should be better today, with significant air quality improvements Sunday into Monday for all areas. * An early season storm moves into the west coast this weekend, bringing much cooler temperatures, and chances for rain and high elevation snow Sunday through next Wednesday. The west side of the Sierra is favored for the highest liquid totals, with spillover into western Nevada limited until Monday or Tuesday. There are decent chances for wetting rains through much of the Sierra, northeast California, and northwest Nevada over the four-day period. * Higher passes such as Mt. Rose, Tioga, Sonora, and Ebbetts could see light slushy snow accumulations, but overall travel impacts will be minimal due to the recent warmth. * It will be rather chilly Sunday through Wednesday with temperatures 10-20 degrees below normal. It will drop into the 20s in colder Sierra valleys overnight, so be prepared if you are recreating in the back country. Western Nevada valleys will remain above freezing, so gardens are still safe from early season freezes. Since 1990 Ive been an admissions officer, working among teenagers, and I see a profound shift from those Stone Age days. Some of its obvious. The reliance on social media, the way theyre plugged in all the time. But a newer element is parental involvement and the propensity for students to reach back home, sometimes multiple times a day, in ways I dont recognize. Teens in Crisis: A Guide for Parents Help your kids navigate online threats, skyrocketing anxiety, sexual pressure Resources and Tips A degree of independence used to be the norm. You might call home once a week and reverse the charges. Now Im seeing three, four or five calls home every day, and who knows how many texts in between. Parents have become a day-to-day presence in undergraduate life in a way that wasnt true 10 years ago, and certainly not 20 or 30 years ago. This is part of a larger parenting dynamic thats twinned around a growing anxiety for success. My sister teaches high school in Connecticut, and she told a 10th-grade English class recently that she doesnt give everybody As. Sure enough, she had kids standing at her desk asking why they got a B+. She said, Youre in the honors English class, and you didnt use capital letters on proper nouns. Some teachers give As because parents get involved if they dont. But who does that help? All those As become harder to sort out for college admissions. I became a dean when I was 32 years old. Back then, I had a hard time looking parents in the face, but Im now the graybeard who can speak a little truth here, and I want to say to parents: Stop it! Let your children wander forward, trip when they trip, dust themselves off, and learn from that, and stop putting on your superperson cape and swinging into action to fight their fight. Its everything from writing the college applications to emailing us and calling us to try and steer the application through the process. When decisions come out, you wouldnt believe the calls and letters and emails we get from parents its rarely from the student themselves trying to play referee or advocate. The push to make things happen is worse today than ever. This isnt helping your children. Let your children wander forward, trip when they trip, dust themselves off, and learn from that. I had a really bad interaction pre-pandemic. It was the spring of 2019, and a sophomore in high school raised his hand at an admissions workshop and said, My mother tells me that college admission is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and that if I blow it, Im on a different path and wont be successful. All the other kids nodded as he said it. I said, How does that make you feel? He responded, It makes me feel nervous that Im going to fail and my parents will be disappointed. It was really poignant. I hadnt really heard a student express it quite so clearly. My Don Quixote dream is that we somehow get to a place where its enough for teenagers to be who they are, and maybe that starts with parents easing off. Like, We raised you well. You know how to take the training wheels off. Now, go. This adventure youre on may not be sunny every day. Youll have moments when youre frustrated or lonely or disappointed or get a B, God forbid. Were here for you. We love you. Lee Coffin is the Dean of Admissions for Dartmouth College More on AARP My child has asked to be referred to as they and them and says they consider themselves gender neutral. How do I explain this to their grandparents and others? Myeshia Price, senior research scientist at The Trevor Project, a suicide and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth Courtesy Myeshia Price Price: If your child has asked you to refer to them using they/them pronouns, you should ask their permission before sharing that information with grandparents or other family friends. While some young people may want to share their pronouns with everyone in their lives others may not. The most important thing is to listen to your child, affirm them in their identity and use the pronouns that they ask you to use. Research has found that transgender and nonbinary youth who reported having pronouns respected by everyone they lived with attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected. So respecting your childs pronouns, and urging others to do the same, isnt just the right thing to do it can be lifesaving. Laurence Steinberg, psychologist and expert on adolescence at Temple University Courtesy Axel Griesch Steinberg: Its taken everybody a long time to get used to using they as a pronoun. It goes against everything we learned in English class. And the older you are, the harder it is going to be to get used to this. You might say, This is their preference. It would be good if you would try to respect it. You could even gently add, Look, it took me as a parent a while to get used to this, and I still slip sometimes. It may take you a while too. But I would really appreciate it if you would try. If they ask ,Why? Shes a girl, isnt she? You can respond, Well, society is rethinking how we refer to people of different sexes and genders. This has become increasingly popular among children of their age and I think we should do our best to try to abide by it. Lucas Zulio, clinical psychologist at UCLA's Youth Stress and Mood Program Courtesy Lucas Zulio Zulio: Above all, you need to convey the sense that you, the parent, are the advocate that you have their back. If something goes off the rails when telling grandma, you are there to quickly check her by saying, Hey, can I have five minutes with you and me, just one-on-one? Explain to her why this is important not only to your child, but to you as a parent and that it is nonnegotiable. You might say, My job as a parent is to help my kid stay safe, valued and comfortable in this family, and this is getting in the way of that. How can we resolve that? 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But todays weed is stronger and there are other dangers. How do I warn them about this without sounding like a hypocrite? Steinberg: Arm them with the facts. Frequent and long-term use of recreational drugs including marijuana, alcohol and harder drugs, and nicotine particularly during adolescence affect the adolescent brain, more than the adult brain, impairing the development of the parts of the brain that are important for things like memory. Research says it that it needs to be frequent and long term so if they are using it regularly, its a problem. The brain is very plastic and still developing during adolescence and more easily affected by exposure to these substances than the adult brain is. Whats more, research shows that kids who use recreational substances regularly, before the age of 16, are 7 to 10 times more likely to develop an addiction later than people who use the exact same substances and the exact same amounts, but wait until they are 21. Cori Green, pediatrician and mental health expert at Weill Cornell Medicine Courtesy Cori Green Green: Remember that while many states allow the recreational use of marijuana for those 21 and older (19 at last count), recreational use by teens and children is illegal until youre 21. Initiate an open conversation and be honest. I was a silly teenager who didnt feel comfortable saying no and I was lucky I didnt get caught. Of course, some things are simply out of your control. When your kids are away from home, its up to them to make smart choices. Let them know that they can come to you with any questions. My 14-year-old daughters best friend says she is bisexual. I wouldnt let my daughter have a boy sleep in her bedroom. How should I handle sleepovers with her now? Price: There is no rule book for how parents should handle their childrens sleepovers with friends. These decisions depend on an individual familys values and how parents choose to communicate and enforce them. That said, assuming that your childs best friend, who recently came out as bisexual, is now romantically attracted to your child erases the context of their friendship and plays into harmful stereotypes that over sexualize young people who identify as bisexual. Young people of all sexual orientations can and do have meaningful friendships. Its important to understand that parents can play a powerful role in supporting LGBTQ youth whether their own LGBTQ children, or their childrens LGBTQ friends who we know are disproportionately at risk for attempting suicide. New research shows that when parents and caregivers take relatively simple supportive actions, such as being welcoming and kind to youths LGBTQ friends or partner(s), or talking respectfully about young peoples LGBTQ identities, they can significantly contribute to lower suicide risk among these LGBTQ youth. I think my 13-year-old son has been watching hard-core pornography. This is as far cry from the Playboy of my youth. Id like to talk to him about it, but where do I start? Diana Graber, the founder of Cyberwise, a website for adults who want to help young people use technology safely, and the author of Raising Humans in a Digital World Courtesy of Diana Graber Graber: This is such a charged topic for parents. We always tell them, dont freak out. Its not uncommon for kids to see pornography online because in just a few clicks anyone can go from provocative images to hard-core pornography, and kids are curious, so theyll look at it. Its a conversation all parents should have with their kids. One thing you can start with is how on all of the visual mediums they use TikTok, YouTube, Instagram there is a lot of sexual imagery. You might say, Gosh, I cant believe the stuff thats OK to put out there. What do you think about this? How do you feel seeing this? Do you think there should be any kind of gatekeeping? [You might discuss how] a lot of the pictures are doctored, so these perfect bodies theyre seeing arent even realistic. Talking about the things theyre already seeing could get the conversation started about [more graphic] sexual imagery, and whats appropriate to look at online. To bring it up out of the blue is tricky and embarrassing, but there are fantastic resources, particularly a site called Culture Reframed, which has a free program that teaches parents of kids ages 13 to 18 how to navigate this issue. In talking to teenagers about their virtual lives, youll frequently hear the phrase, Strict parents create sneaky kids. Kids face real dangers to their privacy online, so parents and grandparents have reason for concern. Stranger danger isn't something kids face only when they go outside today. It's something every child with a smartphone holds in the palm of their hand, 24/7. So what do parents need to know about online threats? And what should they do in a world where teens spend more time on the photo- and video-sharing apps Instagram and Tiktok, an app for sharing short videos in a vertical format, than they do with their families? With new apps and social networks cropping up all the time, how can a parent or grandparent keep up? The first step is for parents to understand the dangers. Cyberbullying in the form of subtle indirect references that mock but don't specifically name their target, called subtweets on the social media site Twitter, can lead to depression and, in tragic cases, suicide. Sharing too much personal information can lead to stalking or even put teens at risk of prosecution when using apps related to reproductive health in a post Roe v. Wade environment. And regulations are thin or nonexistent on sharing personal information for profit. Teens in Crisis: A Guide for Parents Help your kids navigate online threats, skyrocketing anxiety, sexual pressure Resources and Tips Teenagers' digital behavior may affect them later in life when getting into college, getting a loan or getting a job. The New York Times hired and then fired a columnist because of tweets, short messages on Twitter, that she had posted years in the past. But often applicants are rejected outright based on digital records they are completely unaware of. Data collection is legal, not well regulated In elementary and middle school, most children have had some education about online safety, thanks to the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act that became law in 2008. Kids are cognizant of the threat of hackers and scammers certainly more so than adults 50 and older. But things are more dangerous now because we have a surveillance economy of apps that collect information, says Jason Kelly, associate director of digital strategy at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). The nonprofit consumer advocacy group, founded in 1990, is based in San Francisco. Personal data, including birth dates, location history, religion and school information, can be collected legally and sold and shared with other companies, Kelly says. And that information is not really protected in any way. The solution for some concerned parents is to try to monitor their children's online lives to make sure they're not oversharing. But that can create a false sense of security. If you follow their social media accounts, such as Instagram, they'll know and may simply set up a false account, known as a Finsta, Kelly says. Social media is far more than Facebook Insisting that your kids become your Facebook friends also won't do. Teens today don't really use Facebook. As of July 2022, users 13 to 17 represented 4.4 percent of Facebooks total U.S. audience with more than a third age 45 or older, according to Warsaw-based NapoleonCat, a social media marketing tool. Earlier this year, more than two-thirds of 13- to 17-year-olds told Washington-based Pew Research Center pollsters that they never use Facebook. Even if your kids do allow you to friend them, they can prevent you from seeing their posts in the same way that you can filter what your Facebook friends see. And they may be more expert at managing their privacy settings than you are. Things are more dangerous now because we have a surveillance economy of apps that collect information. Jason Kelly, Electronic Frontier Foundation Some parents insist on having access to their children's smartphones so they can check their activity. However, the youngest generations unlike baby boomers, Generation X and even millennials grew up online. Generation Z, born from 1997 to 2012, according to Pew Research, is more sophisticated about using technology to thwart spot checks. One example: Decoy apps, disguised to look like other programs such as calculators, are commonly used to hide other apps, photos, texts and videos inside password-protected vaults, most often on the smartphone itself. Moreover, if youve installed monitoring software to prevent your teens from downloading a particular app or material inappropriate for their age, a decoy app can hide it from the software and your view but let your kids see the files any time they want. Stranger danger and privacy threats arent lurking around every corner. Gen Z users are also adept at leveraging the good of social networking and smartphone apps: Kids with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, find critical support systems on Instagram, sometimes in educating others and challenging assumptions or by just ranting about the daily frustrations of blood testing and insulin. Sometimes being on Insta, what users often call the app, means they can be in a place where no one knows about their condition because theyve created two profiles. Students whose study groups disbanded during the pandemic reconstructed them on Discord, an app originally created to bring social media to multiplayer gaming. The local groups continue and bigger national study groups are on the platform, helped because the apps strength is its ability to allow chat through audio, text and video, and share a computer screen. The free teleconferencing app Zoom became the platform for a new group, Teens Teach Technology, founded two months after coronavirus lockdowns began. Asmita Mittal, a high school sophomore at the time, started the original chapter on Long Island, New York. It has expanded to 18 states and seven countries in a little more than two years. High school volunteers teach classes on creating social media, Doordash and Netflix accounts in addition to showing older adults how to spot scam emails and calls. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal Its been four years since a landmark decision in the Yazzie-Martinez consolidated lawsuit found that New Mexico was violating the rights of at-risk students to a sufficient education. The state Legislature has made over $1 billion in investments since the ruling identified needs in the education of Indigenous students, English learners, those who are economically disadvantaged and those with disabilities, Legislative Education Study Committee Deputy Director John Sena said during a Thursday morning meeting. But while New Mexico has made some progress, its uncertain whether lawmakers investments have paid off. In part because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unclear whether New Mexico students and particularly those named in the lawsuit are any better off, he said. Pointing to several areas where the states made improvements, Education Secretary Kurt Steinhaus applauded how far New Mexico has come, but acknowledged theres still ground to cover. New Mexico has come a long way in serving those most underrepresented students, he said. We still have a long way to go. Assessment results released Sept. 1 for third through fifth graders showed that English learners, students with disabilities, Indigenous students and those who are economically disadvantaged all fell behind overall statewide results in math and language arts. Economically disadvantaged third through fifth graders came the closest to statewide averages for those grade levels, with over 26% proficiency in language arts and a little under 19% proficiency in math eight points behind in language arts, and over seven points behind in math. Across all grade levels, economically disadvantaged students represent almost 74% of New Mexico students. Education officials zeroed in on New Mexicos recent struggles with uptake in extended learning time and K-5 Plus programs. In July, analysts for the Legislative Finance Committee said the programs have seen lagging participation since 2021 and a collectively forgone $400 million in funding. As you know ELTP and K-5 Plus has not worked, Steinhaus said. It was a great idea. But Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, urged patience for the programs, and argued the state is on track with making the changes it needs to. When you offer new programs, you offer new ideas, you offer new training it just takes a long time, she said. K-5 Plus and extended learning were just fantastic before the pandemic, and you can almost say that about anything weve been doing. So I just think we should all take a big breath and realize that it is going to take us a while to make these changes. As it stands, the PEDs draft plan released for public feedback in May for action on the courts decision in the lawsuit doesnt pass muster in a few key areas, said Alisa Diehl, a New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty attorney working on the legal team representing the Yazzie plaintiffs in the lawsuit. First, she said, the plan doesnt include short- and long-term action steps that are aligned with the courts findings or that achieve the goals it laid out for the state. It also doesnt detail the changes that will be needed to meet those goals, like cost and budget analyses or estimated increases in staffing. Finally, she said, the plan fails to describe how the state will measure how well the actions its taking are preparing students for college or careers. Without clearly articulated goals of what the state is trying to achieve that are aligned with the findings in this case New Mexico will continue to fall short, she told the LESC, adding that without such goals, the state will continue to see a disconnect between appropriated funding and improved student outcomes. The PED is currently reworking the plan, Deputy Secretary Vickie Bannerman said, and aims to have its next draft done by the end of the month. The final version will be released in October or November. In the meantime, the department is also working on a question-and-answer document addressing some of the feedback it got on the first draft. Many of the responses focused on improving outcomes for Indigenous students, encouraging efforts to better consult with community members and calling for greater accountability for outcomes in the plan. There are a few areas where the states shown improvements, Steinhaus said. For example, Steinhaus said New Mexico has filled about 300 of its vacant teaching positions, which have been estimated by the PED to be as high as 1,000 at the end of last school year. He also pointed to pockets throughout the state in which students have improved, though he noted that hed picked out some of the most outstanding schools and that their growth wasnt necessarily seen in the rest of New Mexicos schools. But there are several areas New Mexico needs to focus on, he said, including improving attendance, graduating more students and boosting achievement in all subjects. A little over a third of tested New Mexico students overall are proficient in language arts, according to assessment results, and about a quarter are proficient in math. The PED intends to bring several legislative recommendations to lawmakers for math funding, Steinhaus said, acknowledging the states lower achievement in math than in language arts. Because of that gap, he said, the department has already launched a math-focused initiative. The PED has said it will assemble a 150-strong math tutoring corps, provide virtual professional development to teachers geared toward math instruction and introduce new math curricula focused on applying math concepts to careers. Melissa Candelaria, education director at the Center on Law and Poverty and another member of the Yazzie legal team, acknowledged the work the PED has done to develop its action plan. Still, she said its evident that theres still a way to go for New Mexico students. The student outcome data and proficiency rates need to be improved significantly, especially for the four student groups in the case, she said. None of us want to be in litigation forever but if the state doesnt come up with a solid plan to satisfy the courts order, it may ultimately have to intervene as it has done in the past. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal Test results for students in Albuquerque Public Schools the largest district in the state more or less mirrored those measured for students across New Mexico last school year. But there were a few key areas, including with some student groups identified in the Yazzie-Martinez consolidated lawsuit, where APS students lagged a bit behind. Across all grade levels tested, APS students overall were roughly 36% proficient in language arts, about two percentage points higher than New Mexico overall, according to state Public Education Department data. APS had the same overall proficiency level of 25% in math as the rest of the state. But while some student groups identified in the Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit in APS generally hovered around statewide averages, others fared noticeably worse. For example, the average test results for third through fifth grade Indigenous students and English learners in APS were generally in line with statewide averages for their respective groups in both cases slightly higher in language arts, and between two and three percentage points lower in math. APS students in the same grade levels with disabilities and who were economically disadvantaged, however, scored lower in both categories by margins of roughly two to four percentage points. Across all grade levels, those who were economically disadvantaged represent the better part of 69% of APS students, according to end-of-year data, and almost 74% of students statewide. A 2018 ruling in that case found that New Mexico was violating the rights of its students by failing to provide a uniform and sufficient education system to students with disabilities and those identified as Indigenous, economically disadvantaged and as English learners. Overall, Indigenous, Hispanic and Black students fared the worst of any demographic groups in both math and language arts in APS, and the same was true across the state in every grade level tested, according to PED and APS data. For example, APS Hispanic students were a little under 29% proficient in language arts, more or less on par with the statewide average for third through eighth graders, and were over 18% proficient in math, about three percentage points behind the statewide average. Statewide, 63% of students overall are Hispanic. In APS, that number was closer to 66% at the end of last year. While not the results that anybody wanted, Channell Segura, the new chief of schools for APS, said there was an upside to the data in that it provided a baseline that would help lay out a path forward for the district. I dont know that anyone was excited about the data, I dont think it was a surprise to anybody, she told the Journal in an interview. But I do believe that (in) Albuquerque Public Schools specifically we were very much excited to receive this data to be able to inform our decisions. In 2019 the last year that complete testing data was available 31% of APS students overall were proficient in reading and 20% were proficient in math. PED and APS officials last week stressed that comparisons between last school years test results based on the Measures of Student Success and Achievement assessments and those the state saw before the pandemic are not valid. In part, thats because the new ones are different tests. They also measure fewer grade levels, and some students take specialized tests. That said, the PED estimated when the new MSSA tests were originally announced in 2019 that there still would be some comparability with old data. Segura said APS is working to close the gap between those who lag behind and the rest of their cohort in several ways, to include restarting work to weave equity into grading in schools that are interested in doing so, looking into providing 24/7 high-dosage tutoring to students and generally improving accessibility to opportunities like AP courses. (Were) going through those things to identify how we break down those barriers that could exist in some of the schools, she said. In a Sept. 1 news release, APS highlighted several initiatives the district has already set in motion, including providing professional development to principals thats tailored to their communitys needs and significant raises for educators. A district spokeswoman said that will hopefully help attract a diverse crowd of teachers. That, in turn, will help students who have historically lagged behind, because students thrive when their teachers reflect the communities they teach in, state education officials have said. Statewide, Secretary of Education Kurt Steinhaus said last week, New Mexico is making gains in other, general areas that help improve student success, including by reducing the states number of teacher vacancies which the PED has estimated could be as high as 1,000 by 300. Another initiative both Steinhaus and Segura highlighted was the states ongoing efforts to train kindergarten and elementary school teachers in structured literacy described as learning to teach the science of reading. In APS, Segura said thatll take the form of LETRS training, which teaches the skills needed to master reading instruction and has been highly praised by state lawmakers. Our focus is that every student matters, Segura said. That is our commitment. We are really trying to drill down to meet the needs of every student and to intervene early, so that were working with families, were working with the students, and looking at the whole student. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal A woman and her boyfriend are charged in the fatal shooting of her ex-boyfriend last month at an apartment complex in Northeast Albuquerque. Derrik Bonner, 29, is charged with an open count of murder and aggravated burglary in the Aug. 7 death of 60-year-old David Salazar. Maria Acosta, 44, is charged with aggravated burglary and conspiracy in the incident. Rebecca Atkins, an Albuquerque police spokeswoman, said the SWAT team arrested Bonner on Friday following a brief standoff with police. An arrest warrant has been issued for Acosta. According to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court: Police responded to the shooting around 6:30 a.m. at the Copper Ridge apartments near Copper and Tramway. They found Salazar shot to death inside his apartment and a single shotgun casing on the floor. A woman who was with Salazar at the time told police she heard loud banging and the front door was kicked open. She said she hid in the closet but could see Acosta and two men, one of them with a shotgun, walk into the apartment. The woman told police Salazar wrestled with one of them when there was a loud gunshot and the three left. She said she believed the dispute was over Salazar still having Acostas belongings since the couple broke up. The woman told police Acostas new boyfriend drove a car with a broken front window that had plastic covering it. Surveillance video showed a woman and two men, including a Black man with purple-dyed dreadlocks, get out of a similar car at the apartment before the shooting. Another woman told police Acosta, her boyfriend Bonner, a Black man with purple-dyed dreadlocks, and another man had kicked in the door to her apartment earlier that night. She said Acosta was looking for her belongings and told her she was going to Salazars next. A detective searched the surrounding apartment complexes until he found a car matching the description of the one seen in the video. Police said a man fitting Bonners description was working on the car and the license plate matched to traffic citations given to Bonner in June. Law enforcement agencies throughout New Mexico are set to receive enough state funding to support the hiring of 317 officers as part of a bipartisan crime package passed by lawmakers this year. In a news conference Friday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat seeking reelection this fall, said the award of about $42 million to 29 departments will help pay for the officers salaries over the next three years. The goal, she said, is to provide enough money for robust recruitment in cities big and small, avoiding competition among agencies. What New Mexicans deserve is to be safe in their homes and in their communities statewide, Lujan Grisham said. Albuquerque and Las Cruces are set to receive the largest allocations almost $8.8 million to help pay for 67 officers in each city. Hobbs is next in line, with $5 million for 38 officers. Bernalillo County is getting enough for 18 deputies. The announcement comes as public safety is on voters minds approaching the Nov. 8 election. In a recent Journal Poll, 82% of likely voters described crime as a very serious problem facing the state. Mark Ronchetti, Lujan Grishams Republican opponent, has made tackling crime a centerpiece of his campaign, saying he would push for stiffer penalties and appoint tough-on-crime judges. Were at a crisis point, Ronchetti said during a campaign appearance Friday. We have to create safer streets. Lujan Grisham, in turn, has touted increased salaries for State Police officers and other measures to boost law enforcement funding. The recruitment money announced Friday is just one step toward enlarging police departments. Each agency must find qualified applicants to take the jobs. To that end, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina said he sees reason for optimism. The incoming cadet class for December, he said, is expected to have 67 people, much larger than the typical group of 37 to 50. This is funding we can put to use right now, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said. Cities and counties identified their needs in applications for the funding, which comes from the states $8.5 billion budget. The money will pay the officers full salary the first year, 50% the second and 25% the third year. Growing the number of police officers in New Mexico is a key part of the anti-crime strategy pursued in recent years by policy makers at the Capitol. The bipartisan crime legislation passed this year established a new state program to help law enforcement agencies recruit and retain officers. The main state budget bill included $50 million to support the effort. Lawmakers have heard expert testimony that increasing the police presence in a community reduces violent crime and that swift, certain punishment is a more effective deterrent to crime than longer prison sentences. But progress has been slow. The number of law enforcement officers working for city, county and state governments grew just 1.8% in a recent 10-year period, according to analysts for the Legislative Finance Committee. New Mexico, in fact, would need to add roughly 400 more officers to reach the national average per capita, LFC research said. Some New Mexico local government leaders have expressed frustration at the difficulties they face trying to fill, and retain, the ranks of law enforcement. Espanola Mayor John Ramon Vigil said this week at the opening of a new police substation that his northern New Mexico town currently has 24 officers out of 33 budgeted police positions. Part of the challenge in hiring new officers stems from Espanolas proximity to Santa Fe and Los Alamos National Laboratory, which has its own security force that pays officers at a higher salary level, Vigil said. Dan Boyd of the Journal Capitol Bureau contributed to this article. If a customer walks into a licensed New Mexico dispensary to buy an eighth (3.5 grams) of flower today, theyll see more than the products name. Theyll see a label that will show potency levels to let the customer know how much THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive component in cannabis is in the product. The label is also an indicator that the cannabis at these licensed dispensaries has also undergone a variety of different tests, including microbiological testing which includes the search for mold such as aspergillus, bacteria and fungi. Soon, the Cannabis Control Division will require that cannabis be tested for pesticides to further confirm that marijuana purchased by customers from licensed retailers in New Mexico is safe for consumption. And homogeneity testing will be implemented in the next couple years, ensuring potency levels across consumable cannabis products that sit on the shelves of the hundreds of dispensaries across the state. But as the industry continues to grow with more producers, manufacturers and retailers and as more people consume cannabis, industry leaders say New Mexicos testing labs and even new facilities that may be licensed in the future will need time and resources to adapt. That could include the addition of more testing facilities outside the Albuquerque metro area, and for labs to expand services to offer different types of testing. As the states regulatory framework evolves, In the future, as we learn more about how cannabis works on the human body, I think there will be opportunities for testing labs to enhance the services they offer, said Ben Lewinger, the executive director of the New Mexico Cannabis Chamber of Commerce. Where testing is at Barry Dungan, the president of the lab division for element6 Dynamics the parent company of Albuquerque-based Rio Grande Analytics, one of New Mexicos three primary cannabis testing labs manages a handful of employees that currently test most cannabis products sold across the state. The lab, which serves as Rio Grande Analytics home base, spans more than 5,000 square feet in Downtown Albuquerque. The lab has stayed consistently busy with the introduction of recreational cannabis, Dungan said, with businesses sending in testing samples regularly. The lab tests for potency levels, cleanliness indicators, and other relevant tests currently required by the state. That includes looking for salmonella and E. coli, but also for yeast and mold. Dungan and his team currently look for those organisms through plate testing. The plated organisms are incubated at different temperatures for one to two days before Dungan and his team can count the colonies on the plate, and conclude their findings. But Dungan and his team also test for residual solvents, such as methanol, that may have tainted a cannabis product during the manufacturing process, he said. They do that through a flame ionization detector, which heats up a sample to 85 degrees Celsius and seeks out indicators of contamination. Future requirements Cannabis testing continues to transform at a breakneck speed, and labs such as Dungans are shifting over from plating to a more efficient method of testing cannabis using polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, testing similar to what is used in COVID-19 testing. The new PCR testing is conducted by extracting the DNA out of cannabis samples to help identify specific genes and organisms that can help rule out false positives more precisely. But PCR testing allows Dungan and his team to also be more efficient with their time as it can test nearly 100 samples at one time, compared to plating each individual sample as they have done previously. Dungan said Rio Grande Analytics now tests about 400 samples per week, up from about 30 to 40 samples when only medical cannabis was legalized in the state. This will probably speed us up by 24 hours, but I dont see any lab being able to beat a 72-hour turnaround, Dungan said. And the reason is pesticide testing. Thats going to be the next bottleneck. The new testing requirement has led to Dungan and his team investing hundreds of thousands of dollars $380,000 to be exact in a new machine capable of testing for a large variety of different pesticides. As it stands, the states pesticide testing requirement will come in the near future after it had previously been delayed because of labs in the state not having the correct and capable machinery. Labs, when the new requirement goes into effect, will test for Abamectin typically used to control fire ants and Paclobutrazol, and 13 other pesticides. It is likely more will be added to the list as stakeholders in New Mexicos cannabis industry, including state officials, weigh the pros and cons of pesticides used in the growing of the states new cash crop. But pesticide testing is very new for the state and even for a well-established lab such as Rio Grande Analytics. Dungan and his team were trained in August in how to use the new machinery as soon as it was installed at the facility, and the lab, including other licensed labs, have kept in touch with state regulators on where they are at in the process of getting ready for the additional testing requirements. We still touch base periodically with the labs to see where they are in the process in terms of their capacity to test for (pesticides) and, you know, whether or not they have the equipment, said Robert Sachs, deputy director of policy for the Cannabis Control Division. Also included under new state testing requirements is homogeneity testing, which is expected to go live in 2024, Sachs said. Homogeneity testing is relatively new it is something Colorado only began doing recently and it focuses on ensuring potency levels across the board are consistent for a cannabis product such as a package of edibles. We wanted to make sure that the industry gets up and off the ground before we start implementing a new test that hasnt really been adopted industry-wide across the country (yet), he said. Whats the need? Dungan said the states burgeoning cannabis industry can likely support the addition of a couple more labs, particularly in southern New Mexico, to help ease some of the burden put on the three licensed labs and to address issues some cultivators and manufacturers are running into with border patrol checkpoints. When adult-use sales began, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials sent out a reminder about potential seizures if cannabis is discovered at one of southern New Mexicos checkpoints. U.S. Border Patrol agents will continue to take appropriate enforcement action against those who are encountered in possession of marijuana anywhere in the United States, a portion of the statement read. Rio Grande Analytics has already planned on addressing the lack of a lab in southern New Mexico by opening a satellite campus in Las Cruces, Dungan said. Theres a lot of room for growth, Dungan said. The main focus really is on Las Cruces right now. Other industry leaders also say the addition of a few more labs would be helpful. Why the state doesnt have its own lab, or labs, is a question some industry leaders and state officials have pondered. But the state has not yet decided to create a reference cannabis testing lab, instead using the Department of Healths lab in certain cases. What we have decided to do is work together with the Department of Health and their Scientific Laboratory Division. They do have a testing lab, Sachs said. And so if we need to test for particular samples (if) we hear of a mold complaint, for example we can then take that sample and send it to that lab. They also are conducting oversight of the (independent) testing labs themselves to make sure that all of the equipment is properly calibrated and just to make sure that essentially the results that theyre saying that theyre getting are as accurate as possible. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Ronchetti toured a machine shop in Albuquerque joined by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey as he pitched his tax plan to voters Friday and called for making New Mexico more business friendly. Ronchetti, a former television meteorologist, peered at complex drill presses and other equipment during a visit to Continental Machining, which makes parts for Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories, the Department of Defense and other customers. After the tour, he addressed about 20 employees as he described proposals to reduce income taxes, lower the gross receipts tax, issue annual rebates to residents and stop imposing property taxes on equipment used by small businesses measures his campaign estimates might cost the state about $2 billion. But with an oil boom filling state coffers, Ronchetti said, the state can afford to return more of its revenue to residents and businesses. The state of New Mexico has never been richer, he said. Some of this money has to go back in your pocket. Ducey, co-chairman of the Republican Governors Association, joined the tour and said New Mexico is one of the top races on our radar. Ronchetti is competing with Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham, who's seeking reelection to a second term, and Libertarian Karen Bedonie in the Nov. 8 election. The Democratic Party of New Mexico blasted Ronchetti for campaigning with Ducey, who signed a 15-week abortion ban earlier this year. Abortion restrictions, the party said, can discourage business recruitment. Abortion is a fundamental right, but it's also a business issue, Democratic Party spokesman Daniel Garcia said. We've already seen that Doug Ducey's extreme abortion ban has threatened Arizona's economy. Reshaping the tax code in New Mexico is an annual debate at the Roundhouse. The Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, ranked New Mexico 28th among states in its 2022 Business Tax Climate Index behind Arizona and other neighboring states. New Mexico is among the best for property and unemployment insurance taxes. But it's ranked particularly bad in sales taxes No. 41 because of the complexity of the gross receipts tax system, high tax rate and taxation on business-to-business transactions, analysts say. But officials with national tax groups said some recent changes might improve New Mexico's ranking. The state recently exempted some manufacturing supplies and costs from double taxation. Lujan Grisham this year signed legislation cutting the gross receipts tax rate by a quarter of a percentage point 0.25% half of which went into effect this year, the other half planned for next summer. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal A state district judge ruled Friday that the city of Rio Rancho violated the state Inspection of Public Records Act in denying requests for law enforcement records related to the initial police investigation of the December 2021 fatal shooting death of a 2-year-old boy at his familys home. Sandoval County District Judge James Noel found the records, which include a Rio Rancho police incident report and 911 recordings, were public under IPRA. Noel rejected the argument by the city that the records were confidential under the state Childrens Code. What were looking at is a fairly narrow request for public records, Noel said after a 90-minute hearing on the matter. Noel said he didnt believe the Legislature intended that the confidentiality provisions cited by Rio Rancho, which cover abuse and neglect proceedings and juvenile delinquency matters, extended to the law enforcement records created after the death of Lincoln Harmon, the son of a Santa Fe police officer. The boys death was eventually ruled accidental, after his 4-year-old brother told investigators he was reaching for his fathers gun on the counter and the weapon discharged. The judge on Friday required the police records be made available to the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper, which along with the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government filed suit in March seeking a ruling that the records sought werent confidential. Noel asked FOG attorney Charles Kip Purcell to compile the amount of attorneys fees and costs the city of Rio Rancho, as the unsuccessful party in the case, would be required to pay under the provisions of IPRA. Attorney Michael Heitz, who represented the city at Fridays hearing, said he didnt know whether his client planned to appeal. For months, the boys death was shrouded in mystery as numerous other news media outlets, including the Albuquerque Journal, were stymied in their attempts to obtain law enforcement records that have been historically made available by New Mexico law enforcement agencies. Rio Rancho City Attorney Greg Lauer at the time attacked the news media, with the city suggesting the records were being sought by the guerrilla media for use on the dark web. Lauer also maintained the Childrens Code prescribed for child victims a clear and unequivocal confidentiality which negates IPRAs general rule. But Noel on Friday found the interpretation of the law presented by the city could end up keeping the public in the dark about police investigations into childrens deaths. Noels ruling echoed an opinion by the state Attorney Generals Office in March that the requested records were public. That spurred Lauer to accuse Attorney General Hector Balderas of being unable or unwilling to defend the rights of children or families. Balderas, in turn, called Lauers response insulting and urged Rio Rancho officials to obey the law and produce the records. Balderas office in April ended up releasing a 53-page report into the death by Rio Rancho police. Balderas told the Journal that transparency laws protect children especially in light of these tragic circumstances. Balderas has asked an independent team to review the case, but a final conclusion hasnt yet been made public. Rio Rancho has continued to withhold such police records, but the city did release a statement earlier this year that, In the event that a court rules that the requested records and information are releasable to the general public, which includes media entities, the City will not only comply with the court order and rule of law, but also continue to work with legislators in order to update and modernize IPRA and other sections of New Mexico law. LONDON By early afternoon, the scent of thousands of lilies and roses floated in the air outside Buckingham Palace. But the pilgrims kept arriving, bearing still more bouquets and notes of endearment addressed to the only queen most have ever known. The scene outside the wrought iron gates was just as Nick French expected. But when he left a London hospital Friday, still shaky 10 days after surgery for prostate cancer, there was no question he would join them. Setting out on foot for an hour-long walk across the city, French searched through seven mostly sold-out florists shops until his arms were filled with blossoms of crimson and cream, pink and purple. I felt the need to come right down here, said the 50-year-old social services consultant from nearby Kent, standing behind a police barricade. True, Elizabeth II, born to royalty and bound by duty, had lived a life of palaces and pomp. But in the queens decades of steadfast stewardship, French said, an ordinary man had found an inspiration and kindred soul. Elizabeths life, brings me hope because the queen was always an incredibly charitable person, a decent person even in the face of great adversity, he said, And that gives me a role model to try and move on in my own life, post-cancer. A day after the longest reigning monarch in British history died at 96, Frenchs tribute echoed through the crowds that thronged to Buckingham and the memorial plaza over which the palace presides. Those in attendance were, of course, self-selected people who cared for the queen and had come to express their affection. But the pilgrimage was remarkable for more than just its size; it was striking, too, for how it underscored the multitude of roles visitors say the monarch occupied in the lives of those she could never know. You inspired generations of young women like me to serve the great nation that thrived under your leadership, read one note penned in purple marker, left at the gate. Farewell, my dearest, read another, attached to a bouquet of yellow roses. Thank you maam for being a beacon of hope and stability in troubled times. And yet another: We thank you for everything you stood for. For your sense of duty, your care, your compassion and of your love for us, your people. The outpouring of flowers and heartfelt notes in public places evoked, for those old enough to remember, another somber week in London 25 years ago the days after Princess Diana, the queens onetime daughter-in-law, was killed in a car crash in Paris. Then, a nation poured out its public grief in a way not entirely dissimilar. For David Hunt, a 67-year-old retiree from the British Library, the queen was a symbol of a bygone era and her death a reminder of just how much everything has changed since her reigns early days in his childhood. And Claire McDaniel, 48, said she came when she finished work in a skin-care shop because it felt like the right thing to do for a monarch who, for her, felt almost like a grandmother. During the pandemic she came on TV and said, `This is bad, but it will get better. We will see each other again and get together again. And I think, as a country, it was just what we needed, McDaniel said. Not far away, classmates Adam Al-Mufty and Oliver Hughes, both 16 and in school uniforms, said they had come to Buckingham Palace to observe a chapter of history. But there was something more. She represented all of us, Al-Mufty said, acknowledging the unlikeliness that a teenage student and a sovereign could relate to one another. She was very down to earth. French, who came to the palace after an MRI to check that recent surgery had removed all his cancer, said his fondness for Elizabeth began in childhood but grew stronger in recent years. After Frenchs father died in 2019, he said he found solace observing the queens grace and solidity at the funeral of her husband, Prince Philip. As she grew older and her own health faltered, her determination to enjoy the places and things she loved while maintaining her role as queen provided him inspiration, he said. When he arrived at Buckingham Palace on Friday, he arranged four small bunches of flowers into a generous bouquet held together with a hairband given to him by another admirer in the crowd. At the barricade, he handed them to a police officer, who promised to find a good spot at the base of the palace gates. It provided small solace. But in the weeks to come, the pain of losing Elizabeth will be difficult to hide, said McDaniel, the retail worker. After all, the queens face and name are everywhere on Britains money and postal stamps, on an air terminal at Heathrow and on Londons newest subway line. It will be hard, but well get through it, McDaniel said. Thats what we do. Were English. Well have a bit of tea and carry on. ___ Adam Geller is a national writer for The Associated Press, on assignment in London to cover the queens death. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/adgeller LONDON Queen Elizabeth II has been depicted on British banknotes and coins for decades. Her portrait also has been featured on currencies in dozens of other places around the world, in a reminder of the British empires colonial reach. So what happens next after her death this week? It will take time for the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries to swap out the monarchs on their money. Heres a look at what is next for the paper cash featuring the late queen: SWITCHING MONARCHS The queens portrait on British notes and coins is expected to be replaced by a likeness of the new King Charles III, but it wont be immediate. Current banknotes featuring the image of Her Majesty The Queen will continue to be legal tender, the Bank of England said. An announcement on existing paper money issued by the U.K.s central bank will be made after the official 10-day mourning period has ended, it said. The Royal Mint, which is the official maker of British coins, said all coins with her portrait remain legal tender and in circulation, with more information to come later. As we respect this period of respectful mourning, we continue to strike coins as usual, the Royal Mint said on its website. With 4.7 billion U.K. banknotes worth 82 billion pounds ($95 billion) in circulation and about 29 billion coins, British money bearing the queens image will likely be in circulation for years. Rather than all of the current coins and notes being handed in, the process will be a gradual one and many of the coins featuring portraits of Queen Elizabeth II will remain in circulation for many years to come, according to Coin Expert, a British coin research website. After Charles takes the crown at his coronation, a new portrait will need to be taken to use on redesigned notes and coins, the website said. Coins featuring him will show him facing to the left, replacing the queens rightward gaze in line with tradition dating to the 17th century. It dictates monarchs be shown in profile and in opposite direction to their predecessors. WHAT ABOUT OTHER COUNTRIES? Other nations currencies that feature the queen from Australian, Canadian and Belizean dollars also will be updated with the new monarch, but the process could take longer, because it is much easier to enforce a new design in the country where it originates, rather than in other countries where different jurisdiction may take place, the Coin Expert website said. The Bank of Canada said its current $20 banknote, made of synthetic polymer, is designed to circulate for years to come. There is no legislative requirement to change the design within a prescribed period when the Monarch changes, the Bank of Canada said. In general, when a new portrait subject is chosen for Canadian money, the process begins with drawing up a fresh design, and a new note is ready to be issued a few years later, the bank said. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand said it will issue all of its stock of coins depicting the queen before new ones go out with Charles image. The queen also is featured on the $20 bill, which is made infrequently and there is no plan to destroy stock or shorten the life of existing banknotes just because they show the Queen, the bank said. It will be several years before we need to introduce coins featuring King Charles the Third, and longer until stocks of $20 notes are exhausted, it added. THE QUEENS CURRENCY She first appeared on money when she was still a princess. That was in 1935, when Canadas $20 bill featured 8-year-old Princess Elizabeth, whose grandfather King George V was then the monarch, as part of a new series of notes. Canadian $20 bills were updated with a new portrait of the queen in 1954, a year after her coronation, and her portrait also started appearing on other currencies around the world, mainly British colonies and Commonwealth countries. British bills didnt get her image until 1960 seven years after her coronation. Thats when the Bank of England was granted permission to use her likeness on paper money, starting with the 1-pound note, though the formal and regal image was criticized for being too severe and unrealistic. She became the first monarch to be depicted on British banknotes. British coins, meanwhile, have featured kings and queens for more than 1,000 years. CURRENCIES OUTSIDE THE U.K. At one time, Queen Elizabeth II appeared on at least 33 different currencies, more than any other monarch, an achievement noted by Guinness World Records. Her image is still featured on money in places where she remains a beloved figure, such as Canada, and continue to incorporate the Union Jack into their flags, like Australia and New Zealand. Shes also found on notes and coins issued by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the monetary authority for a group of small nations including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Other places have long stopped putting her face on their currency. After Jamaica gained independence from Britain in 1962, its central bank replaced the queen on paper notes with portraits of national heroes such as Marcus Garvey. Notes in the Seychelles now feature local wildlife instead of the queen. Bermuda did a similar revamp, though the queen retains a minor position on bills. Trinidad and Tobago swapped in a coat of arms after it became a republic. Hong Kong dollars issued after Britain handed its colony back to Beijing in 1997 feature Chinese dragons and skyscrapers on the Asian financial centers skyline. ___ Follow AP coverage of Queen Elizabeth II at https://apnews.com/hub/queen-elizabeth-ii KYIV, Ukraine Russias Defense Ministry announced Saturday that it was pulling back troops from two areas in Ukraines eastern Kharkiv region where a Ukrainian counteroffensive has made significant advances in the past week. The news came after days of apparent advances by Ukraine south of Kharkiv, the countrys second-largest city, in what could become the biggest battlefield success for Ukrainian forces since they thwarted a Russian attempt to seize the capital, Kyiv, at the start of the nearly seven-month war. The Russian army in these days is demonstrating the best that it can do showing its back, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video released by his office Saturday night. And, of course, its a good decision for them to run. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said troops would be regrouped from the Balakliya and Izyum areas to the eastern Donetsk region. Izyum was a major base for Russian forces in the Kharkiv region, and earlier this week social media videos showed residents of Balakliya joyfully cheering as Ukrainian troops moved in. Konashenkov said the Russian move was being made in order to achieve the stated goals of the special military operation to liberate Donbas,' an eastern area home to two separatist regions that Russia has declared sovereign. The claim of a withdrawal to concentrate on Donetsk is similar to the justification Russia gave for pulling back its forces from the Kyiv region earlier this year when they failed to take the capital. Igor Girkin, a Russian who was an early leader of a Moscow-backed separatist uprising in Donetsk in 2014, sneered at the portrayal of the pullback being strategic. On the messaging app Telegram, he acidly called it the brilliant (clearly within the framework of the plan and even ahead of schedule) operation to transfer the cities of Izyum, Balakliya and Kupiansk to respected Ukrainian partners. Earlier Saturday, Ukrainian officials claimed major gains in the Kharkiv region, saying their troops had cut off vital supplies to Izyum. Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko also suggested troops had retaken Kupiansk, a town along the main supply route to Izyum, long a focus on the Russian front line and the site of heavy artillery and other fighting. Nikolenko tweeted a photo showing soldiers in front of what he said was a government building in Kupiansk, 73 kilometers (45 miles) north of Izyum. The Ukrainian Security Service posted a message hours later saying troops were in Kupiansk, further suggesting it had been seized. The military did not immediately confirm entering the town, a railway hub that Russia seized in February. Videos on social media appeared to show Ukrainian forces on the outskirts of Izyum at a roadside checkpoint. A large statue with the citys name could be seen in the images. Ukrainian forces did not acknowledge holding the city. Britains Defense Ministry said Saturday that it believed Ukrainian troops had advanced as much as 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Kharkiv, and described Russian forces around Izyum as increasingly isolated. Russian forces were likely taken by surprise. The sector was only lightly held and Ukrainian units have captured or surrounded several towns, the British military said, adding that the loss of Kupiansk would greatly affect Russian supply lines. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, likewise referenced sweeping Ukrainian gains, estimating that Kyiv has seized around 2,500 square kilometers (965 square miles) in its eastern breakthrough. The institute said it appeared that disorganized Russian forces (were) caught in the rapid Ukrainian advance, and cited social media images of apparent Russian prisoners seized around Izyum and surrounding towns. The same report said Ukrainian forces may collapse Russian positions around Izyum if they sever Russian ground lines of communication north and south of the town. Vladislav Sokolov, head of the Russian-appointed local administration, said on social media that authorities in Izyum had started evacuating residents to Russia. The fighting in eastern Ukraine comes amid an ongoing offensive around Kherson in the south. Analysts suggest Russia may have taken soldiers from the east to reinforce the latter area, offering the Ukrainians the opportunity to strike a weakened front line. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov told the television channel Ukraina that the Russians had no food or fuel for their troops in the area as Kyiv had cut off their supply lines. It will be like an avalanche, he said, predicting a Russian fallback. One line of defense will shake, and it will fall. The Ukrainian military was more circumspect, claiming to have taken more than 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) from pro-Kremlin forces this week. It said that in some areas, units of the Defense Forces have penetrated the enemys defenses to a depth of 50 kilometers, matching the British assessment, but did not disclose geographical details. Officials in Kyiv have for weeks been tight-lipped about plans for a counteroffensive, urging residents to refrain from sharing information on social media. However, Zelenskyy said Friday that troops had reclaimed more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region since the start of the counteroffensive. Elsewhere, Ukrainian emergency services reported that a 62-year-old woman was killed in a Russian missile strike in the Kharkiv region when her home was flattened overnight. The Ukrainian governor of Kharkiv, Oleh Syniehubov, accused Moscow of pummeling retaken settlements. He said via Telegram that five civilians were hospitalized in the Izyum district, while nine others suffered injuries elsewhere in the region. In the embattled Donbas, the Ukrainian governor said civilians were killed and wounded overnight by Russian shelling near the city of Bakhmut, a key target of the stalled Russian offensive. Pavlo Kyrylenko said on Telegram that two people died and two were injured in Bakhmut and the neighboring village of Yahidne. In the Russian-held city of Enerhodar, home to Europes largest nuclear power plant, electricity and water were restored after a four-day outage due to an explosion, the citys Ukrainian mayor, Dmytro Orlov, said. Enerhodar and its Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant have come under repeated shelling in recent weeks, which Russia and Ukraine accused each other of committing. The shelling has raised fears of a radiation leak at the plant, which has been cut off from outside power sources; the facility has been forced to rely on power from its only working reactor for systems cooling and other safety measures. Orlov said workers from the plant assisted in restoring Enerhodars power, but it was not clear if the electricity was coming from the plant or from a nearby thermal generating station. Also Saturday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock paid an unannounced visit to Kyiv and said Europe would not tire of helping Ukraine, despite Russian President Vladimir Putins efforts to raise the pressure by withholding energy supplies. Baerbock said Germany will assist Ukraine in finding and removing mines and other unexploded ordnance left by Russian troops in areas where they have been pushed back. Despite Ukraines gains, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the head of NATO warned Friday that the war would likely drag on for months. Blinken said the conflict was entering a critical period and urged Ukraines Western backers to keep up their support through what could be a difficult winter. ___ Kozlowska reported from London. Associated Press writer Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this report. ___ Follow all AP stories on the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. In an exclusive interview to ABP News iconic show Press Conference, Asaduddin Owaisi, President of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) & Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, said that for the benefit of the country he wants a Khichdi Sarkar (Coalition Government) in the year 2024. Main chahta hoon ki desh me Khichdi Sarkar bane, said Owaisi. Drawing an analogy with the 2004 UPA coalition Government, Owaisi said, From 2004 to 2014 the rate of growth was 9% but at present we are not even at 3-4%. The present Government under Modi and BJP would say that this is due to covid but the fact is that the low growth rate was already set in an year before the full impact of covid was noticed. So, there was a downtrend in the economy before covid and even before the Ukrainian war (Main khichdi Sarkar isliye chahta hoon ki 2004 se 2014 tak 9 phisadi ka vikaas dar humara tha lekin yahan par to 3-4 phisadi bhi nahi ho raha hai. To Modi aur BJP bolegi ki covid aa gaya lekin bhai covid se pehle bhi economy gir rahi thi. Ukraine se pehle bhi economy gir rahi thi). If we fight against Modi on a one-to-one basis then we will not gain. Therefore, we need to fight on all the 543 seats (read with our combined strength) that we have. The fight should only be on the basis of what has been done and what all couldnt be achieved. If we fight one to one with him he will get an opportunity to hide behind the Nehrus, Mughals and the system, said Owaisi on the question of how opposition should take on the present Government. He also felt that the opposition should not give an opportunity to digress the issues, and this helps his candidates to hide behind Modi. Questioning the effectiveness issues of Nationalism raised by the BJP Government Owaisi said, If their nationalism is so strong then how come China captured 1000 kms of the Indian territory (Humko unse puchna padega ki unka rashtravad itna takatwar hai to China ne kaise ek hazaar kilometre tak kabza kar liya). Responding to a question on why he is supporting Nitish Kumars Government while he has publicly opposed Nitish Kumar in the past, Owaisi said, For the benefit of the people of Bihar it was necessary to stop the BJP. However, Nitish has changed positions and political alignments from time to time. For instance, in 2002, despite being the Minister of Railways in BJP government during the Godhra riots, he was not interested in conducting an enquiry of the incident. Nitish kabhi yahan to kabhi wahan hote hain, said Owaisi. Questioning the intentions of both the U.P and the Central Government, Owaisi alleged that by conducting the surveys of Madarsas the U.P Government is introducing a mini-NRC (National Register of Citizens) in the state of UP. He said, Carrying out a survey of Madarsas is like having a mini-NRC (Madarson ka survey Chhota NRC hai). He further added that some of the Madarsas in U.P may not be officially registered with the state board but are, definitely, not illegal. Uttar Pradesh Government claims that the National Commission for Child Rights has asked for such a survey but conducting a survey does not come under their purview at all. This National Commission for Child Rights is being exploited only against the Christians and Muslims. It has become a safe haven to spread Hindutva ideology (Ye adda bana hua hai Hindutva ideology ke liye), Owaisi said, while accusing the misuse of state machinery by the Government. For the full interview watch Press Conference with Asaduddin Owaisi only on ABP News at 7.50 PM on September 9, 2022. Payments Council of India (PCI), the representative body of digital payment system participants in India welcomes the steps outlined to prevent operations of illegal loan apps, resulting from the meeting held on 8th September 2022. During the meeting, the Finance Minister expressed the concerns arising out of illegal loan apps offering loans and micro credits to vulnerable/ low income groups and exploiting these groups through various illicit practices. Vishwas Patel, PCI Chairman and Director, Infibeam Avenues, said The overall decision taken on illegal loan apps is highly commendable as this will save millions of innocent people falling prey to such unregistered, unregulated and illegal loan sharks as well as ensure that international fraudsters dont get access to Indian payments systems. We highly welcome the decision by our Honourable Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman that MeitY will ensure that only whitelisted loan apps are hosted by on the various App stores. Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia have announced their strategic partnership this week, significantly expanding the networks, lounges, and loyalty programmes beneficial for customers of both the airlines. Flights can now be booked on each airlines websites for travel effective 12 September 2022. The partnership creates a new gateway of travel between Australia, the Middle-East, Europe and Africa. Members of Privilege Club will be able to earn Avios and QPoints on flights which will be operated by Virgin Australia, and Velocity Frequent Flyer members can earn Velocity Points and Status Credits for flights operated by Qatar Airways. The partnership is expected to boost trade and tourism for Australia and Qatar. Dreaming of your next holiday? You can now earn double #Avios on flights with our new partner, Virgin Australia. Simply book and travel by 6 Dec 2022. Learn more at https://t.co/HFTdIjslDd#QatarAirways pic.twitter.com/sPzqYNF7Xr Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) September 8, 2022 Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, said: Unlike other airlines, we were determined to keep flying to and from Australia during COVID, get desperate people home and keep businesses connected to the world. Now, we have strengthened our presence even more in cooperation with our good friends at Virgin Australia. This partnership will also allow Qatar Airways Privilege Club members to earn and redeem Avios when flying on Virgin Australia. Passengers will benefit from the award-winning facilities of our hub at Hamad International Airport, recently voted the Worlds Best Airport for two consecutive years, to create a comfortable journey. It also opens up Australia to our passengers flying in on Qatar Airways flights, after such a long, difficult time.Jayne Hrdlicka, Group Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Australia, added: Today is an incredibly exciting day for Virgin Australia and our loyal Velocity Frequent Flyer members with Qatar Airways officially joining the Virgin Australia family. We are continuing to deliver on our promise to grow our international network, and from today, our guests will have direct access to over 150 destinations worldwide on the Qatar Airways network.The partnership will also allow Virgin Australia to show our famous hospitality and all the incredible scenery and unique experiences we have in Australia when Qatar Airways customers and Privilege Club members fly on our network. EU ministers back 5-bln-euro loan to Ukraine Xinhua) 12:12, September 10, 2022 PRAGUE, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Finance and economy ministers of the European Union (EU) member states discussed here on Friday ways to protect citizens from high energy prices and financial support for Ukraine. "The current situation on energy markets requires an immediate EU-wide solution," Czech Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura said in a statement after the first day of an informal meeting of the member states' ministers and central bank governors. "Personally, I consider it reasonable to cap prices at European level for electricity from sources other than gas, which generates huge profits -- and also to separate electricity prices from gas prices," he said. Stanjura said that his country is aiming to present a new set of measures next week, which it expects would work alongside any EU-level solution to be agreed by the member states. The ministers also discussed the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the European economies and agreed to support the swift adoption of additional financial assistance to Ukraine to the tune of 5 billion euros (5 billion U.S. dollars), according to the statement. "The new loan of 5 billion euros will be used for the day-to-day running of the state and to ensure the operation of the country's critical infrastructure, such as offices, schools and hospitals," Stanjura said, adding that he would also push for "a swift agreement on the provision of the remaining 3 billion euros." The EU has pledged 9 billion euros in assistance for Ukraine. In early August, Ukraine received 1 billion euros of the aid package in two tranches. The Czech Republic is currently holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second half of this year. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Bianji) Recent weeks have made it clear that Democrats dont know fascism, even when it is staring back at them. On fascism, the Father of Fascism, Benito Mussolini, wrote: The foundation of Fascism is the conception of the State, its character, its duty, and its aim. Fascism conceives of the State as an absolute, in comparison with which all individuals or groups are relative, only to be conceived of in their relation to the State. If ever the American government viewed its authority as absolute, if even individual Americans were under the notion that they were only to be conceived of in their relation to the State, it was shortly after COVID-19 entered the U.S. I submit to you that the COVID policiesshutdowns and lockdowns; stay home, stay safe; mandatory masking, social distancing, testing, and vaccines; and so onperpetuated by the American left and those like-minded were the greatest demonstration of fascism the United States has ever known. In the nearly 250-year history of the U.S., never before has the American government exercised such power over its citizenry as it did in the name of slowing the spread, following the science, and the like. And never before in the history of the U.S. has the exercise of government power been so misinformed and misguided, with such disastrous results. Of course, with elections looming, in an attempt to escape responsibility for their COVID tyranny, Democrats and their lackeys in the media want to blame the pandemic, and whenever possible, Donald Trump and the MAGA agenda. For example, last week, the American drive-by media widely reported on the dismal learning loss suffered by U.S. students due to the pandemic. The idea that the pandemic erased two decades of progress in math and reading was frequently parroted by said media. Tens of millions of American students suffered far more than learning loss from the late winter of 2020 until now, but almost none of this was due to the pandemic. Rather, it was all due to a widespread foolishand often downright evilreaction to the pandemic. When confronted with the national test results that revealed the scope of the learning loss suffered by U.S. students, turning reality on its head, the Biden administration pointed the finger at Trump and the GOP and said that re-opening schools was the work of Democrats in spite of Republicans. As Guy Benson at Townhall.com noted, this is a brazen lie. Indeed, one of the political reasons that schools remained closed in Democratic party areas and states for as long as they did is because President Trump called for them to be open, and because designated villains, like Gov. Ron DeSantis, were following the data and permitting in-person learning to resume. In an era of negative partisanship, kids were actively and needlessly hurtwith lasting deleterious impactbecause politically addicted adults didn't want [to] admit the 'wrong' sort of people were right about something. Just look at the metrics on states that opened schools first versus last. If [White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierres] pathetic spin were accurate, the red states would be the holdouts. We all know thats not true. Its the opposite of the truth. Conservative governors were assailed for killing children as they made the right call, as Democrat-funded teachers' unions blasted school re-openings as white supremacy, and other such insulting nonsense. They cannot run away from their policies, and they cannot run away from their words. While the schooland the many school-related activityshutdowns across the U.S. were tragic, the effects of foolish and unnecessary COVID policies on small American businesses were even worse. Learning loss can be recovered. Tens of thousands of small businesses destroyed due to the COVID lockdowns and shutdowns will never return. Barely six months into our COVID hysteriaas I noted in November of 2020it was clear that fascist government policies were devastating small businesses throughout the U.S. As I noted at the time, In spite of the science and the months of real-time data that proved it unnecessary, the left has persisted with shutting down businesses and churches. As a result of these state-enforced lockdowns, hundreds of thousands of small businesses in the U.S. have shut downmany of them permanently so. Data from late September show that between March 1 and August 31, a total of 163,735 businesses on Yelpwhich is especially representative of small businessesclosed. According to Yelp, about 60 percent of these businesses (nearly 98,000) will never reopen. The Yelp data reveal that small restaurants and retail stores have been hit particularly hard. It has made zero sense that Walmart, Target, Home Depotnone of whom were requiring masks as late as middle Julyand the like have been allowed to remain open, while your local diner, gun store, or gym was forced to close. By June of 2021, COVID shutdowns and lockdowns had destroyed nearly 40% of U.S. small businesses. As Pajamas Media reported at the time: While bureaucrats gave Walmart, Costco, Lowes, and other big-box stores essential status, allowing them to stay open during the COVID pandemic, 38.9% of Americas small businesses, the providers of most of the countrys jobs, were forced to close based on fear, hackneyed social-distancing rules, early ignorance about transmission, and an insatiable desire by governors to micromanage the affairs of men. Nothing says micromanaging the affairs of men like forcing men (and women, and children) to take medicine they dont want or dont need. Shortly after COVID-19 began to spread, the rush and the race for a vaccine was on. When the so-called vaccines were announced, government throughout the U.S. could hardly contain their desire to enact vaccine mandates. We were constantly told that the COVID vaccines would actually do what vaccines do: prevent one from getting what one is vaccinated against. In early 2021, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that the COVID vaccines provide a 94 to 95 percent efficacy in preventing clinically recognizable disease. In a July, 2021 townhall, Joe Biden himself said, Youre not going to get COVID if you have these vaccinations. Natural immunity was all but ignored, and these deceptions were repeated, or implied, ad nauseum. Those bent towards totalitarianism were eager to create vaccine mandates. These mandates had deadly results. Hospital staff shortages were created, all-cause mortality exploded among many groups, and once new COVID variants arose, the worlds most vaccinated countries showed shockingly high COVID infection rates. We were told that unless populations were sufficiently vaccinated, a pandemic of the unvaccinated would result. Instead, a pandemic of the vaccinated developed. The cost of the American lefts COVID fascism was not only measured in trillions of dollars lost, but countless sickness and death as well. Never forget the COVID fascists who for far too long plagued America. Most certainly remember them when it comes time to vote. If we dont hold them accountableand most importantly, remove them from powerI can almost guarantee you that they will do this again when the next crisis arrives. Trevor is the author of The Miracle and Magnificence of America, and the owner and operator of a website dedicated to the intersection of politics, science, faith, and reason: www.TrevorGrantThomas.com Image: Free image, Pixabay License, no attribution required Are recent reports of a same-sex Georgia couple charged with aggravated child molestation and sexual exploitation in any way related to reports of children coming down with monkeypox? How do children get monkeypox when monkeypox is fueled by sex between men? As monkeypox cases (6,000 or more to date) continue to grow across the country, there should be no confusion whether or not the rapidly spreading virus is a sexually transmitted disease. When children come down with monkeypox and monkeypox spreads through sexual contact, where are the police reports? The report of an obvious criminal assault and evidence of sex with minors demonstrate that someone within Georgias law enforcement structure was on the ball. But shouldnt children with monkeypox be sufficient compelling evidence for a law enforcement investigation? Monkeypox sores anywhere on a child are a clear indication that sex with minors has occurred -- but it is being effectively censored. Are they making evidence of children with monkeypox go away, like it never even happened? While some people who have gotten infected with monkeypox are sharing photos on social media, as they say, to help spread awareness about the symptoms, show what the rash can actually look like and educate others about the disease, you will not see children with monkeypox sores. You see, if you wait long enough, the monkeypox sores heal and the media can sanitize the sexual assault on a child. Colombo and Monk and Sam Spade could figure this one out. But not the New York Times, or the Washington Post, or the alphabet networks. When there are reports of children with monkeypox, the media choose not to investigate. However, The New Yorker knows, but now that there is a monkeypox epidemic with gay men in the equation, they are embarrassed of their previous reportage. Last year in their expose, The German Experiment That Placed Foster Children with Pedophiles, The New Yorker profiled a government experiment that placed neglected children in foster homes run by pedophiles. These children, according to the article, appeared to be in a homosexual relationship with their foster fathers. Now, how could something like that happen? Funny how pedophilia, a sexual disorder profiled in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM), hasnt received the same sexual activist treatment and remains between the covers of the DSM. For decades, members of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) were terrorized by sexual activists who claimed they were being unfairly stigmatized for simply being in the pages of the DSM. The APA eventually capitulated and changed the language in the DSM that the sexual activists considered offensive, and ultimately removed the words homosexuals, transvestites, and transgenders from the DSM while the sexual disorder pedophilia remained. Pedophilia is a different type of sexual disorder. The target of a pedophiles preoccupation is children. From an abnormal interest in children, such as being involved with child pornography, to the desire of having sex with children. Pedophiles acting out against children commit criminal child abuse. Sexual activists, particularly in blue states, are aggressively trying to legalize pedophilia. In the land of the increasingly woke, now its considered normal to have two men who identify themselves as daddies. With the governments imprimatur, child welfare services place children in the homes of gay men, a la the German Experiment. When necessary, the media quietly censors hospital reports or law enforcement investigations of sexual abuse at the hands of pedophiles. When there is no media mention of child abuse with pedophile involvement, it is like nothing ever happened. Infection of children with a sexually transmitted disease happens for reason. Real parents, moms and dads, protect their children from the range of viruses that impact children; only men who identify as parents assault children in their homes and when there is an infectious virus shared by gay men, infect these children with sexually transmitted diseases. This is evidence of pedophilia, and it is sanctioned by woke governments of woke states. Why does someone have two daddies? The left insists a question like that is not culturally sensitive and you could be destroyed for even asking such a question. Why Elliot has Two Daddies is a book that focuses more on Elliot than his two daddies, and how Elliot goes from being a sad little boy,to a happy one via the help of his new parents. Awww. As one reviewer posted, As long as a child is loved and cared for, this is all that really matters. Children showing up in emergency rooms with monkeypox sores is an unnecessary travesty, an uncalled-for injury, and an obvious crime. The dirty little secret The New Yorker found is exactly what the Germans found and the Georgia police found -- when children are placed in the homes of homosexual men by the government, those children are likely to be sexually abused. Isnt this an illegal and immoral scheme that uses the power of government to facilitate sex between minors and adults? Maybe there is a reason the FBI doesnt investigate these. First there was one, then two. Then there was a dog. Now America is up to nine children with monkeypox. And those are the ones we know about. What do the governors of red states say when their state agencies place children in the homes of acknowledged homosexuals and pedophiles? Do they think these children will be okay, that they are going to a caring home, or will these children get the gay men disease because daddy, the pedophile, has a state-provided child to abuse? Who is going to act, knowing that while Berlin authorities placed children with pedophiles for 30 years, turning children into government-sponsored sex-slaves and destroying the lives of countless children, American health and human services authorities across the country are doing the same thing? Who will be held accountable to those officials who placed the welfare of pedophiles, gay men identifying as parents, ignoring or dismissing their known rapacious predilections, over the welfare of innocent children? Woke culture is pure evil. When pedophiles atrocities are being ignored by the media, the police, and the FBI, and when pedophiles are being subsidized by state and federal governments in the name of progressivism, is the legalization of pedophilia far behind? Image: PDB-101.rcsb.org Correction: German experiement was in West Germany. not East. Leftists have long been obsessed with sexualizing children. Breaking down a child's boundaries is the best way to gain control over that child and absorb the child into the state. For the first decades of American leftism, leftists were coy about that policy. Now, though, leftists believe the wind is at their back. In schools, they're actively forcing transgenderism on kids, and, in at least one sex education book, there's an explicit suggestion that kids join mom and dad in bed. It isn't just a random throwaway line to say that leftists see sexualizing children as an important part of the agenda. Spiegel International wrote about what happened on the German left in the 1960s and 1970s: One of the goals of the German 1968 movement [a hard left political and social movement] was the sexual liberation of children. For some, this meant overcoming all sexual inhibitions, creating a climate in which even pedophilia was considered progressive. [snip] The educators' notes indicate that they placed a very strong emphasis on sex education. Almost every day, the students played games that involved taking off their clothes, reading porno magazines together and pantomiming intercourse. According to the records, a "sex exercise" was conducted on Dec. 11 and a "f------ hour" on Jan. 14. An entry made on Nov. 26 reads: "In general, by lying there we repeatedly provoked, openly or in a hidden way, sexual innuendoes, which were then expressed in pantomimes, which Kurt and Rita performed together on the low table (as a stage) in front of us." That was German leftism in the 1960s, and it's coming to America in 2022. Courage Is a Habit, an organization that helps parents fight wokism, alerted parents to Ana Leblanc's Sex Education for 812 year olds: Kids book for good parents. The book's cover is standard for the genre, showing somewhat primitively drawn kids of all races happily holding hands. It's page 47, which the tweet also includes, that's raised eyebrows. To help a parent get "started with educating your child about his/her sexuality," the book offers some helpful hints: Couples can deliberately leave the bedroom door open or ajar while expressing intimacy. Call upon your child to bring or take something away while you are expressing intimacy. Take your child into bed with you and allow him or her watch [sic] as you share intimacy. [snip] A couple should have no inhibition having their child watch as they share intimate embrace. *CHILDREN SHOULD WATCH THEIR PARENTS HAVE SEX This is what sex education means now. The next time you meet someone that says its just about safety/inclusion/empathy, show them this & watch them break their groomer spine trying to justify it. @libsoftiktok @MattWalshBlog pic.twitter.com/VAummIt2yZ Courage Is A Habit (@CourageHabit) September 8, 2022 The book was available on Amazon but has since been removed thanks to a flurry of one-star reviews from concerned readers. Before that happened, though, the independently published book was a #1 Best Seller in "Childrens Nonfiction on Sexuality & Pregnancy." There's no indication that any schools have put this book in classrooms or libraries, but at this point, it would be entirely consistent with what's taking place in schools across America. Teachers are relentlessly focusing on sexuality, especially their own: Why are they always teachers pic.twitter.com/cOKEro02FV Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 8, 2022 Tennessee middle school teacher was charged with sexual misconduct related charges after he allegedly masturbated in the classroom and exposed himself to minors pic.twitter.com/tV5wI8bS63 Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 11, 2022 Elementary teacher is excited to add books to classroom library about a toddler who becomes transgender and crossdresses pic.twitter.com/dRQvg2t3ZU Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 16, 2022 Non-binary teacher says she read book about pronouns and gender identity- and then two students, including a first grader, came out as trans. pic.twitter.com/7t0Wvjq7bv Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 19, 2022 Need I go on? In 1979, Peter Sellers starred in Being There (based on the Jerzy Kosinski novel), about a TV-watching simpleton who's forced to go out into the world and falls in with rich and powerful people in D.C. who mistake his banality for depth. The funniest scene in the movie came when Eve (Shirley MacLaine), an empty rich woman, believes that they are about to embark upon an affair. When she asks Chance what he likes, he replies, "I like to watch," meaning to watch TV. Eve misunderstands, brings depth to his emptiness, and embarks on some comedic self-love. Those words, "I like to watch," take on a whole new, very sinister meaning, once we understand what the left wants to do and is doing to our children, all of it meant to break the parent-child bonds and create, instead, state-child bonds. Ana Leblanc's book may be gone from Amazon, but the hardcore leftist ideas behind it are slowly being introduced into classrooms across America. Image: Cover of Sex Education for 8-12 year olds. Twitter screen grab. To be honest, I did not think that sending migrants to New York City or Washington, D.C. would change anything. Well, I was wrong and happy to admit it. Governor Greg Abbott's decision has exposed the hypocrisy of sanctuary city mayors and driven them mad. Let's check with Mayor Lightfoot of Chicago: A group of over 100 migrants from the southern border were moved to an Illinois suburb after being welcomed in Chicago an action that is reportedly frustrating local officials. The migrants are staying at a Hampton Inn in Burr Ridge and a Holiday Inn in Countryside, according to reporting by WGN-TV. An estimated 300 migrants have been bused from Texas to Chicago in the past two weeks. While Chicago is a sanctuary city and Cook County is a sanctuary county, the migrants at the Burr Ridge Hampton Inn are in DuPage County. The county's sanctuary status is unclear. However, Burr Ridge Republican Mayor Garry Grasso previously said he would work to secure the border and "defund sanctuary cities," according to WGN-TV. Now, Grasso said he is "frustrated" by the sudden influx of migrants. "I'm the mayor of the village, I should have been told. I'm as frustrated as Mayor Lightfoot was in her not being told," Mayor Gary Grasso said. "I'm frustrated but we're dealing with the situation and I'm going to keep my residents and my businesses apprised." We understand. Both Mayor Lightfoot and Grasso should call the mayor of Del Rio, Texas, for a little guidance. Last year, he had 10,000 Haitians across the river waiting to come in. The solution is rather simple. Chicago's Mayor Lightfoot and Illinois's invisible governor, J.B. Pritzker, should call on President Biden to get serious about the border. The buses will stop showing up in Chicago if the people stop crossing the border. In the meantime, Mayor Lightfoot is driving everyone to the suburbs including the fabled Chicago Bears, who are packing up and moving on. PS: Check out my videos and posts. Image: PxHere. Across America, an epidemic of violent crime is shattering Americans' security. Much of it has a racial slant, as Whites and Asians are deliberately targeted based on their race. In addition, drug cartels, sex-traffickers, and terrorists are routinely crossing our now-open southern border. These all might be appropriate matters for the Department of Justice and its police arm, the FBI, to address. Sadly, both agencies seem more concerned with targeting the Democrat party's political enemies. In fact, the raid on Mar-a-Lago was just the beginning. We got a sense of the DOJ's political slant when the FBI, rather than asking Roger Stone to report for arrest, staged a pre-dawn raid on his house after first notifying CNN. This happened in 2019, on Trump's watch, but it sure indicated an animus toward conservatives, especially Trump conservatives. By July 2021, CNN was boasting about the number of Trump associates (eleven) the DOJ had gone after. You can judge from the Michael Flynn witch hunt just how "honest" and "just" these attacks were. This past June, Peter Navarro was arrested and placed in leg irons for daring to do the same thing that Eric Holder successfully did: refuse to testify before Congress. And of course, there's the DOJ's fanatic determination to send to jail every granny who dared walk through the halls of Congress on January 6 without a permission slip. Democrats are allowed to do that kind of thing; Republicans are not. And we shouldn't ever forget the J6 prisoners held without charges or bail under terrible conditions in the D.C. gulag. Image by Andrea Widburg. Still, despite all the blatantly partisan government police attacks in which the FBI was engaging, the raid on Mar-a-Lago marked an escalation in the war against Trump and his supporters. Never in American history has a presidential administration used the DOJ and FBI as his private police force to handicap a potential political opponent. There was a distinct whiff of the KGB about this one. It turns out, though, that the escalation was just a warm-up. It turns out that the FBI managed to obtain 50 subpoenas and orchestrate as many as 35 raids across America last night, all against people who openly support Trump and his goal of Making America Great Again. I initially was going to hold off on reporting this because Steve Bannon was the only person talking about these raids, and I wanted more corroboration. That corroboration came when Tucker Carlson spoke with Harmeet Dhillon. She not only corroborated the report, but also established (to my satisfaction, as a lawyer) that the subpoenas were overly broad and, worse, explicitly sought constitutionally protected information: Tucker Carlson and Harmeet Dhillon @pnjaban discuss the motivation behind the numerous subpoenas and search warrants issued by the FBI to Trump allies over the past few days: I think the reason of this is to instill fear into Donald Trump supporters. pic.twitter.com/UqNP652IaL The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) September 10, 2022 Here's the transcript of Dhillon's statement about the subpoenas (hat tip: The Gateway Pundit): The subpoenas are intentionally broad. They're from the "Capitol Siege Section" of the United States Department of Justice DC Office. And they ask for broad categories of documents. They ask for all communications dated from a month before the election until two months after the election. And they ask for all communications regarding dozens of people. And the categories are alternate electors, fundraising around irregularities around the election, and also a rally that happened before the January 6 situation at the Capitol. The Save America Rally that happened. Basically, all of this activity if not all of it is protected by the First Amendment. And the United States Department of Justice is telling reporters about the search warrants and subpoenas before they're executed This is really outrageous abuse by the DOJ. King George III's agents used to use general warrants (i.e., broad, even open-ended search warrants), and that was one of the liberty-destroying wrongs against which the colonists rebelled. The Fourth Amendment specifically prohibits that kind of search warrant abuse. That's not stopping the DOJ and FBI, though, both of which are conducting the kind of political purge we associate with totalitarian dictatorships and tin-pot tyrannies. Yesterday, Vice President Kamala Harris was at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, when she said the following: Today, the business of our work is for the council to report on the work that has occurred since our last meeting across these areas. We will, today, also discuss the work yet ahead the work we must still do to continue to move forward. Kamala: "Today the business of our work is for the council to report on the work that has occurred since our last meeting across these areas." pic.twitter.com/4rYeIX9GWj Washington Free Beacon (@FreeBeacon) September 9, 2022 She also opined about visiting the moon: Kamala Harris weighs in on visiting the moon: "Think about it!" pic.twitter.com/p5TBJP2Q21 RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 9, 2022 Her cold-blooded assaults on the English language are no longer restricted to Planet Earth. She now has breached the realm of space. Kamala Harris to astronauts: "Everything you spoke of is about life, isn't it?" "That really is so exciting." pic.twitter.com/LOUC0Aon7g RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 9, 2022 It's been around a month since America's foremost word salad chef rustled up a hodgepodge, and everybody heaved a sigh of relief that she hasn't lost her touch. For those who have been away, here's a look at masterful wordsmithing from the past. Last month, Vice President Harris was at the Oakland Generation Fund Event when she rambled through explaining the concept of equity. Kamala Harris: "Equity as a concept says recognize that everyone has the same capacity, but in order for them to have equal opportunity to reach that capacity, well, we must pay attention to this issue of equity." pic.twitter.com/Z6l0Zd8Em1 TheBlaze (@theblaze) August 12, 2022 Earlier in July, at the American Rescue Plan Workforce Development Summit, she said the following about the importance of transportation: "You need to get to go and need to be able to get where you need to go to do the work and get home." KAMALA HARRIS: "Ya need to get to go and need to be able to get where you need to go to do the work." pic.twitter.com/ueNSjh9VI3 RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 13, 2022 Also in July, during a TV interview, Harris responded with abject incoherence when asked about the failure of Democrat presidents and Democrat-controlled Congresses to codify abortion rights during the 50 years that Roe v. Wade stood. I do believe that we should have rightly believed, but we certainly believe that certain issues are just settled. Certain issues are just settled. did past Dems fail by not codifying Roe v. Wade over the past five decades? Harris: I think that, to be very honest with you, I do believe that we should have rightly believed, but we certainly believe that certain issues are just settled. pic.twitter.com/4eF9M2Jvw6 Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) July 8, 2022 The last place for inarticulateness is a ceremony honoring the memories of the victims of a tragedy. But not for Harris. Her war on words continued following the July 4 parade shooting in Highland Park, Illinois. Vice President Kamala Harris just spoke at the scene of the Highland Park mass shooting. We have to take this stuff seriously, as seriously as you are because you have been forced to take this seriously, she said. pic.twitter.com/vpLSydpJM0 Jake Sheridan (@JakeSheridan_) July 6, 2022 On the Juneteenth holiday, she paused her war on words to wage war on facts. Harris claimed that the U.S. had "400 years of slavery," despite the fact that slavery lasted for 246 years, beginning in 1619 and ending in 1865 after the Civil War was won and the Thirteenth Amendment was passed. In May, Harris couldn't muster words to explain the importance of teamwork to an audience at the ASEAN Summit. Kamala: "We will work together, and continue to work together, to address these issuesand to work together as we continue to work, operating from the new norms, rules, and agreements, that we will convene to work together...We will work on this together"pic.twitter.com/wrklQopoMQ Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) May 15, 2022 Harris was on fire in March, serving not one or two, but three syllable soups. During a meeting with the Jamaican prime minister to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Jamaica, Harris delivered embarrassing gibberish: Kamala: "We will work together, and continue to work together, to address these issuesand to work together as we continue to work, operating from the new norms, rules, and agreements, that we will convene to work together...We will work on this together"pic.twitter.com/wrklQopoMQ Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) May 15, 2022 In Louisiana, Harris struggled to expound on the metaphysics of time. KAMALA HARRIS: "The significance of the passage of time, right? The significance of the passage of time. So when you think about it, there is great significance to the passage of time...there is such great significance to the passage of time." pic.twitter.com/jUsnyNiSpB RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 21, 2022 During a press conference alongside Polish president Andrzej Duda, Warsaw Harris merely giggled when asked about the U.S.'s commitment to Ukrainian refugees. In January, during an interview on NBC News, Harris blathered interminably in response to a series of questions about Biden's failing strategy to combat COVID-19. .@craigmelvin asks if its time to change admins strategy on Covid, Harris says: It is time for us to do what we have been doing. And that time is every day. Every day it is time for us to agree that there are things and tools that are available to us to slow this thing down pic.twitter.com/8I52Q43050 Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) January 13, 2022 Last October, Harris ruined a pre-recorded NASA video meant to promote scientific aptitude among young children. One can only wonder what the outtakes must have been. Shes not allowed to speak to adults anymore. pic.twitter.com/oURKkSjsnp Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) October 8, 2021 Last August, Kamala cackled incongruously in response to a question about Biden's catastrophic and unplanned withdrawal from Afghanistan. That caused a BBC correspondent to remark that Harris had made America appear like an "incompetent, uncaring and unreliable" ally. Last June, Harris jabbered irrelevantly when asked why she had not visited the U.S.-Mexico border despite being assigned the task of resolving the border crisis. THIS IS BAD: Holt: "WHY not visit the border?" Harris: "We are going to the border" *NERVOUS KACKLE* Holt: "DO YOU have any plans to go to the border?" Harris: "At some point..." *SHRUGS* Holt: "YOU haven't been to the border" Harris: "I haven't been to Europe!" *KACKLE* pic.twitter.com/VKz9zIaYj5 Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 8, 2021 It is important to remember that all these blunders occurred at scheduled appearances before friendly interviewers and audiences. Harris presumably has access to the best subject matter experts, so there is no excuse to be unprepared. For her public addresses, she could have read off a teleprompter or carried notes. But nothing seems to be working. More than her ineptitude, Kamala's word salads are a result of her apathy toward her job. There is another possibility. Perhaps she has an inflated opinion of herself and is unable to see her own faults. The result is an unwillingness to learn, bringing on gaffes galore. This would explain the constant exodus of her staff, including her speechwriters. Nobody wants the ignominy of having "speechwriter for Kamala Harris" on his resume. The question that some will have is, why did Biden's handlers choose incompetent and indolent Harris as a running mate? Biden's handlers understood that any individual of average talents would recognize Biden's rapidly declining cognitive abilities as an opportunity to capture the Oval Office using the 25th Amendment. Hence, the person they chose would have to be totally devoid of talent and initiative. Harris was the perfect candidate. Not only does she lack talent or the drive to rise to the top, but she also has skin pigment, which makes her the ideal "diversity" candidate that liberals fawn over. Harris was celebrated by all when Biden announced her as his running mate. To ensure an end to these blandishments, Biden's handlers assigned Kamala the task of resolving the border crisis, which is light-years away from her abilities. This was also a trap. If Harris even attempted or pretended to resolve the crisis, she would be attacked by her fellow Democrats, all of whom want open borders. Since she wasn't able to resolve the crisis, obviously, she was denounced by the right. Harris's constant verbal struggles, despite her functioning cognitive abilities and mental faculties, have made a man showing signs of dementia appear the brighter individual. Democrat mouthpieces that beg Biden not to seek re-election never forget mentioning Harris's unpopularity. They want to be absolutely clear that Harris isn't being considered for president. Were there even a moderately talented individual in Harris's place, they would be demanding Biden's immediate resignation. But the thought of Harris frightens them so much that they urge him to finish his term but not seek re-election. Harris has made Biden appear unimpeachable. This was always the purpose behind hiring Kamala Harris. The consequence of this cynical but astute ploy is that the nation has to suffer myriad disasters owing to the incompetence of Biden and Harris. The fact that neither can frame a coherent sentence blackens the darkness further. They have made a mockery of the highest office of the nation and the nation itself and have diminished the significance of the U.S. on the global stage. Image: RNC Research video screen shot via Twitter. Last month, Fortune reported good news: 1,000 companies had followed through on their divestiture of business in Russia. Combined with the West's government sanctions, these companies' courage to do the right thing is having "a crushing impact on Russia's wilting economy," according to Fortune. But a few companies haven't followed their conglomerate brothers and sisters. Each of them is putting short-term gain over long-term loss earning dollars now with Russia but losing the trust of dozens of other nations in the process. This short-sighted approach may cost no company more than Airbus. The world's largest aerospace company is primarily a government contractor, heavily reliant on good relations with businesses, government officials, and politicians around the world. This means keeping everyone happy not putting one country over the rest. Unfortunately, that's what Airbus has done: put Russian interests ahead of everyone else's. The company has spoken out against economic sanctions on titanium, a metal critical to airline manufacturing, on the basis that Russia could strangle European militaries by not selling titanium to Airbus and other European countries. Airbus's concern is legitimate. Everyone has felt the bite of supply chain disruptions, and airlines are already under intense pressure because of canceled flights. Hiking costs further and delaying even more flights would surely be unpleasant. But what would be even worse is empowering Russian aggression. There are other sources of titanium, but instead of shifting its supply chain to keep customers happy and be part of the solution to Russian aggression, Airbus is blunting the power of sanctions and empowering Russia. In the short term, Airbus benefits from this arrangement. Fortune notes that the titanium issue has negatively impacted Airbus's U.S. competitors, for example. However, in the long run, this commerce with Russia will come with a cost. The long-term loss of trust for Airbus's reputation because of their open hostility to sanctions may cost them dearly in future efforts to provide the West with aircraft. Because they are such a large company, their biggest customers tend to be governments like the United States, China, and European governments. It is in Airbus's issue to not make economic enemies of its employers. Airbus has not been shy about its opposition to sanctions, and it will not be able to rewrite history after the war is over. The Wall Street Journal reported in June that "Airbus, the world's largest commercial plane maker, is still importing hefty amounts of titanium from" Russia and continues to publicly oppose titanium sanctions. Airbus seems to think taxpayers, regulators, politicians, and everyone else will have short memories a flaw that will undermine its sales and profits just as its maneuvers undermine today's sanctions. Image via Public Domain Pictures. After a brief hiatus, Kamala Harris was back on Friday, spouting mindless inanities with deep conviction. Knowing she's a heartbeat (or dementia pill) away from the presidency is unnerving. However, knowing that the Democrats will find it hard not to put her on the ballot as their presidential candidate is strangely comforting. I'll get to Kamala's latest train-wreck statement in a second. Before I do, though, I realized what she reminds me of. (Well, she actually reminds me of a lot of things, usually intentionally badly written speeches for political comedies, but this is a very specific association.) There's a Star Trek: The Next Generation episode in which Data, the android, wants to learn small talk. Fortunately, the officers will be attending a cocktail party that some functionary famous for mindless chitchat will attend. The episode eventually bogs down into a rather silly hostage situation but, for me, remains one to cherish because of the wonderful scenes showing Data mastering the art of meaninglessness: Unfortunately for Kamala, she lacks the sense that Data brings to his banal words. He may be inane, but he's intelligible. And then there's this: Kamala Harris: Today, the business of our work is for the council to report on the work that has occurred since our last meeting across these areas. We will today also discuss the work yet ahead, the work we must still do. pic.twitter.com/KURJt9w4zF The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) September 9, 2022 I sometimes wonder if Kamala isn't trying to get in touch with her Black roots by using Martin Luther King, Jr.'s rhetorical tactic of repeating words and phrases with escalating power, something that had a huge emotional impact: I still get chills listening to that, but not so much when I listen to Kamala's flat, nasal delivery as she seems to get caught on a single word and is unable to free herself. So, no, she's no Martin Luther King, Jr. But she is one heartbeat or dementia pill away from the presidency... Image: Kamala Harris, queen of vapidity. Twitter screen grab. Since the story in Thomas Malory's 1485 Tales of King Arthur, some people have engaged in the quest for the Holy Grail, allegedly the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper. Their hope, in vain, is that possession of the Grail would bring coherence and purpose to the meaning of life. Different answers have been given through history to the questions of the purpose of human existence, and the meaningfulness of life. The crucial question can be raised, is there meaning in life and is it related to a significant goal or purpose? Consider a few answers for the human condition. Classical liberalism considered individual liberty to be the most important goal for living. Kantianism postulated a single moral obligation, the Categorical Imperative derived from the concept of duty. The English philosopher Jeremy Bentham, 1748-1832, regarded as the founder of modern utilitarianism, defined the principle that that it is the greatest happiness of the greatest number that is the measure of right and wrong, and that natural law and natural rights were "nonsense on stilts." He argued that nature has placed people under the governance of two sovereign masters, pleasure and pain. In the 20th century, intellectual speculation has focused on the concept that it is absurd that people should engage in a quest and should search for meaning of existence in a world where life has no meaning. This point of view was made this well known by Albert Camus, who discussed the absurdity of life and the inevitability of death, and thus one could not know the meaning of life. Committed to individual and moral freedom, he rejected the usefulness of scientific and metaphysical answers to the question of the meaning of existence. Yet if life may not have been created with predetermined purpose, people have sought to suggest a purpose or meaning. From the beginning of intellectual speculation with Plato and Aristotle to postmodernists, quantum mechanics and string theory, today, thinkers have given vastly different answers to the basic question of the meaning of life, whether there is there purpose in life, and is life significant? Sometimes, the answer has a hallucinatory character. The most popular painting in the Museum of Modern Art, NYC, "Starry Night," by Vincent van Gogh, illustrates the fascination with stars and death. He wrote of it, "as we take a train to travel on earth, we take death to reach a star." Today, science, biology, chemistry, physics, have joined philosophical speculation to try to understand the universe, our place in it, a journey of discovery of the universe and humanity. Advances in medicine and technology have liberated individuals and changed relationships, personal and social. The mantra now is that any speculation about the meaning of life conceived by individuals is related to a variety of factors: wealth, employment, health, education, security, religious and philosophical views, and life expectancy. Like the meaning of life, the view of quality of life, and the search for order, coherence, purpose, is similarly charged in multiple fashion with individual ideas, values, and norms; knowledge of empirical facts about oneself, degree of happiness, enjoyment in activities, and anxiety about death. Two factors are inherent in this view of quality. One is that people evaluate both the positive and negative aspects of their existence. The other is that though some ethical judgments are universal across cultures, others are culturally specific. As societies have developed with marked increase in longevity, the interest in quality of life has become more meaningful than any quest for the meaning or quantity of life itself. This has become significant for professional health care personnel, medical specialists and clinicians, all of whom are conscious of its importance in diagnosis. Advances in the medical field have helped keep people alive for a longer period. Noticeably, the medical profession now considers the quality of life of patients when deciding on whether to advocate life sustaining medical treatment for severely ill patients. Medical treatment now aims to increase the quality as well as the length of survival. What should be considered in evaluating the concept of quality of life, a complex phenomenon? One definition of the concept, by the World Health Organization, is that it is "an individual's perception of their position in the context of the culture in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns." More evidently, it is the ability to perform a normal activity and live a fulfilling life and have satisfaction in spite of suffering disease, injury, impediments. Yet, definition of quality is elusive, differing across cultures, regions, demographics, in relation to physical and mental health, work environment, social and economic status, sense of security, goals, expectations, ability to perform a normal social role. Two factors are relevant. One is that people have different expectations at different times, and they may vary about them in relation to the trajectory of any illness they suffer. Experiences change expectations. The other issue is that evaluations of quality vary in relation to social class, sex, and ethnic group, among other factors. Individuals are likely to assess quality by comparing expectations of health with experience. Concepts like quality, happiness or emotional well-being, and a subjective state of mind cannot be measured as can GDP in financial terms. They are multidimensional with emotional, physical, material, social, aspects. They can be seen in different realms, embracing subjective and objective facets, related to personal, community, national, and even global factors. Subjectively, it entails assessment of happiness, pleasure, fulfillment, satisfaction with life. Objectively, involved are social, economic, health factors: variation between individuals, and within an individual over time, psychological well-being, member of family, education, religious beliefs, goals in life, recreation, leisure time, and health care, and intangibles such as security of one's job, political stability, degree of individual freedom, and conditions of environment. The emphasis on quality does not resolve the issue of what makes life worth living, a subjective assessment. It does not lead to a quest for any Holy Grail, nor a search for the existence of any wisdom or dedication to some higher purpose. But it is increasingly meaningful today in practical terms for both incapacitated individuals and medical practitioners. Labor Day is now behind us, and few know how it came into being. It became a federal holiday in 1894. It was essentially a conciliatory gesture toward the American labor movement following the Pullman Strike. Responding to reverses following the 1893 economic depression, the Pullman Palace Car Company cut by 25% the workers' already low wages. However, it did not reduce rents and other charges in Pullman, Illinois, the company town where most lived. Many workers and their families faced starvation. A delegation of workers tried to present their grievances about low wages, poor living conditions, and 16-hour workdays to the company president, George Pullman. He refused to meet with them and, instead, ordered them fired. The delegation voted to strike and walked off the job on May 11, 1894. Image: Pullman strike cartoon, 1894, from the Chicago Labor newspaper. Many sympathized with them, as they were seen as common men and women tyrannized by an abusive employer and landlord. As Tennessee Ernie Ford sang, "St. Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go; I owe my soul to the company store." Because of the strike, both striking workers and the railroads lost millions of dollars. The Pullman strike is relevant today because it shows why unions are important to workers, even as it highlights how the union movement has changed in subsequent decades. Private-sector unions have declined as, ironically, the high wages unionized workers were able to obtain caused manufacturers to send jobs overseas. Another factor might be unionism's broadening focus from strictly labor issues to unrelated political issues that conflict with the values of many union members. As Father George E. Schultze wrote, "now open to their judgment and action are every political and social issue that the traditional 'bread and butter' unionism arguably left to the conscience and faith of individuals and their families." In my working career, I was twice a union member. The first time was mandatory, with the Teamsters, because I worked in a closed shop. The second was voluntary, with the American Federation of Teachers, after I suffered a serious injustice without their protection. Individual employees can seldom muster the power to protect themselves in crisis situations. Collective action remains effective in many instances. As to the latter union, Father Schultze notes, "Organized labor has amassed power in public education, government, and health care." Unions are not the only organizations broadening their focus to unrelated social and political issues. For example, the League of Women Voters, formed in 1920 to focus on issues common to all women of the day, now uses its name and reputation to advocate for purely leftist issues, alienating half the nation's women. The same can be seen in education, where school boards across the country have extended the concept of education far beyond basic education. Many now include in their curricula values that alienate many Americans. When unions are formed for a single purpose that unites people with diverse ideologies, political leanings, or religions (e.g., wages and working conditions), straying from that mission, they invariably suffer a decline in acceptability or membership overall. More perniciously, because this straying always leans left, when it's public-sector unions doing the straying, they invariably become partners with the Democrat party, powered by taxpayer dollars sent their way by the politicians they support. In the past, union officers and members strongly guarded the American labor movement against communism, which they saw as a threat to their working conditions. (See, e.g., the AFL-CIO under George Meany.) Nowadays, organizations such as the AFL-CIO and the SEIU openly embrace socialism. By taking hard-left positions on political and social issues, unions alienate workers who do not share those values. If they're in a "right to work" state, those workers abandon the unions. This is especially true in health care (abortion) and education (sexuality). (See, e.g., "The Catholic Church, American Labor Unions, and the New Left.") If unions wish to survive, they'd do well to return to their original strength focusing on wages and working conditions and leaving political and social issues to other organizations. After all, people must work and should be able to work safely without suffering management abuse. In those circumstances, unions do what they were always meant to do: benefit workers. Irish airline Aer Lingus has apologised to customers after it had to cancel 51 flights to and from Dublin Airport involving UK or European destinations. Footage on social media showed thousands of people queueing outside Terminal 2 on Saturday morning at the airport after digital systems failed. The airline said its systems had now been restored and flights on Sunday were scheduled to operate as normal. The airline said that customers affected by the disruption will be able to change their travel plans free of charge. A company statement said: Aer Lingus sincerely apologises to customers for the severe disruption caused today by the unavailability of key systems for check-in, boarding and our website. This system outage was caused by a break in connectivity in services from a UK network provider. The break in connectivity has now been restored and we are taking steps to bring all of our systems back online. Aer Lingus had to cancel 51 flights today, mainly to and from Dublin/European and UK destinations. The airline said it is operating all of its transatlantic services from Dublin, albeit with delays and reduced passenger numbers in some instances due to security restrictions applying as a result of the systems outage. It said transatlantic services from Shannon operated as normal and Aer Lingus Regional (operated by Emerald Airlines) services would operate with some delays. The statement said: Any customer impacted by todays disruptions will be able apply for a refund or change their travel plans, free of charge through Aerlingus.com, our call centres and our social media channels. As systems have now been restored we are contacting customers directly in order to re-accommodate them as efficiently as possible. We have made additional customer service agents available to deal with high call volumes please bear with us as we try to service all customer queries. We will also share information regarding customers rights. Aer Lingus advises customers that its operations for tomorrow are planned to operate as normal. Customers are advised to come to the airports at the normal time for their scheduled flight. The technical failure affected check-in, boarding and the company website. It led to the airline having to cancel most flights to and from Dublin Airport to Europe and the UK after 2pm. There were reports of long queues outside Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport (Niall Carson/PA) It also left the airline unable to communicate directly with customers, many of whom turned up at Dublin airport. In a tweet, Dublin Airport said impacted passengers should contact the airline directly about next steps. The airport also said that no other airlines are affected. Customers reported long queues at the airport on Saturday as Aer Lingus check in for earlier flights was being handled manually. Due to ongoing @AerLingus IT issues, the airline has confirmed the cancellation of all @AerLingus flights to the UK & Europe that were due to depart Dublin Airport after 2pm today (Saturday). Impacted passengers should contact @AerLingus regarding next steps. pic.twitter.com/XnZLgpCFpB Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) September 10, 2022 Lisa Webb from Which? said: Aer Lingus sudden cancellations of flights to and from the UK and Europe will cause thousands of passengers distress and anxiety when it comes to their travel plans. In events such as these, airlines should be offering the option of a refund or to reroute passengers on any reasonable route as quickly as possible, using other airlines where necessary. Aer Lingus must also give clear information to affected customers about their entitlement to compensation. Members of the Cabinet will have their first meeting with the King just days after Liz Truss formed her new Government. Senior ministers will attend the Accession Council at St Jamess Palace where Charles will be formally proclaimed sovereign. Later they will travel to Buckingham Palace for an audience with the monarch. Ms Truss, who was invited to form a Government by the late Queen on Tuesday, had her initial audience with the King on Friday. The Prime Minister curtsied as she was ushered in by a Palace aide for the first of what will be their regular weekly encounters. As she offered her condolences, the King shook her hand and thanked her, saying: You are very kind for coming I know how busy you are. He added: But its been so touching this afternoon when we arrived here, all those people come to give their condolences. Charles welcomes Liz Truss at Buckingham Palace (Yui Mok/PA) Ms Truss again repeated: Your Majesty, my very greatest sympathies. He replied: You are very kind. It was the moment I have been dreading, as I know a lot of people have. Well try to keep everything going. Come, come have a seat. Earlier, the Prime Minister had led tributes in the House of Commons to the Queen as she urged the country to support their new monarch. Those tributes will continue during rare Saturday sittings of both the Commons and the House of Lords. Proceedings in the lower chamber will begin at 1pm with a small number of senior MPs taking an oath of allegiance to the King, and are expect to continue to around 10pm. The brother of Chadwick Boseman has accepted a Disney Legend Award on his late brothers behalf, saying that he was an amazing person. Derrick Boseman took to the stage on the first day of the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, and spoke of how his brother honoured his family and friends. The Black Panther star died in 2020 following a private battle with cancer, though Marvel decided not to recast his role for the upcoming sequel. Boseman was given the posthumous honour, alongside other famous faces including Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Ellen Pompeo, Josh Gad and Jonathan Groff. Derrick Boseman is here to accept the Disney Legend award in honor of his brother, Chadwick Boseman. #D23Expo pic.twitter.com/hNaLmKZRdG Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) September 9, 2022 Bosemans brother was joined by the actors wife Simone, and their parents at the convention. When I heard that Disney wanted to honour Chad, the first word that came to mind for me was the word honour, he said in a short speech. As I think about my brother and this honour that is being bestowed upon him, first of all I wish that he was here to receive it. Him not being here has been a point of immense pain for my whole family. But as I think about him, I think about how he honoured our parents. How he honoured his family. How he honoured even his friends, and he made sure that his friends also had good careers. How he honoured all the contracts that he signed. He honoured them with his blood, his sweat, his tears as he played these roles and was taking chemo at the same time. Some of these roles had him doing things that were physical. Chad was an amazing person. Thank you for honouring my brother. Boseman concluded by paying tribute to his parents, telling his mother: To me, you and daddy are also legends. Because it takes a king and a queen to make a king. The three-day event was kicked off by Disney chief executive Bob Chapek on Friday. Disney treated fans to first looks at a spate of new live-action films on the opening day of the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California. Remakes of classic Disney films including The Little Mermaid and Snow White, as well as Lion King spinoff Mufasa: The Lion King, were shown at the convention on Friday. Out of the sea, wish I could be part of that world.Disneys The Little Mermaid is coming to theaters May 26, 2023. pic.twitter.com/2WGtf2wN3n Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) September 9, 2022 Stars of the films including Gal Gadot, Rachel Zegler and Halle Bailey took to the stage to introduce clips of their films. The corporations chief executive Bob Chapek kicked off the three-day event before panels commenced. D23 is expected to feature further announcements from the Marvel and Star Wars universes over the coming weekend. Also announced was the sequel to the 2015 animated film Inside Out, starring US comedian and actress Amy Poehler, who will reprise her role as the emotion Joy, and appeared at the convention to help introduce it. Oh JOY! Amy Poehler is back to star in Inside Out 2. Directed by Kelsey Mann, produced by Mark Nielsen, and written by Meg LeFauve, Disney and Pixars Inside Out 2 releases Summer 2024. pic.twitter.com/vNgJjd1Q2w Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) September 10, 2022 Directed by Kelsey Mann and written by Meg LeFauve, Inside Out 2 will be released in the summer of 2024. Gadot and Zegler appeared side by side to help introduce Snow White, parts of which have been filmed in London, which is also set for 2024. Disneys Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, releasing 2024. #D23Expo pic.twitter.com/uTSmbysJxT Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) September 9, 2022 Bailey, meanwhile, introduced a new teaser trailer for The Little Mermaid, which arrives in May 2023. The short clip shows her swimming through an underwater kingdom, while Bailey is heard to sing the films famous song Part Of Your World. Nothing stays enchanted forever.#Disenchanted, an Original movie, starts streaming November 24 on @DisneyPlus pic.twitter.com/XocHAEs5z5 Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) September 9, 2022 Also included in Fridays showcase were looks at original films Enchanted, Peter Pan And Wendy, Haunted Mansion, and the highly-anticipated Hocus Pocus 2, starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy. Earlier, famous faces including Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Ellen Pompeo, Josh Gad and Jonathan Groff were presented with Disney Legend Awards. The brother of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman also accepted the posthumous honour on his behalf. The Queen has died and Charles has addressed the nation for the first time as the new King. Plans for the aftermath of the Queens death, codenamed London Bridge, now incorporate Operation Unicorn, the contingency plans for her death in Scotland. Thursday September 8 would traditionally have been D-Day or D+0 in the plan but the announcement came late in the day at around 6.30pm meaning Friday was considered as D+0 to allow the complex arrangements to be put in place. Here is the day-by-day account of what is expected to happen next, leading up to the Queens funeral in around nine days. The funeral date, when confirmed, will be a public holiday in the form of a Day of National Mourning. D+1 Saturday September 10 The new King will be formally proclaimed as the new sovereign at an Accession Council in the State Apartments of St Jamess Palace at 10am in a ceremony that will be televised for the first time. First, the Privy Council gathers without the King to proclaim the new monarch and arrange business relating to the proclamation. Then Charles holds his first Privy Council, accompanied by Camilla the new Queen and William who are also privy counsellors, and makes his personal declaration and oath. The Garter King of Arms reads the first public proclamation of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II, at Friary Court, St Jamess Palace (PA) The first public proclamation of the new sovereign will be read at 11am in the open air from the Friary Court balcony at St Jamess Palace by the Garter King of Arms. Proclamations are made around the city and across the nation on Saturday and Sunday. Union flags go back up to full-mast at 1pm and remain there for around 24 hours to coincide with the proclamations before returning to half-mast. Charles will also hold audiences with Prime Minister Liz Truss and the Cabinet. D+2 Sunday September 11 The Queens coffin is expected to be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Proclamations will be read in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland devolved parliaments in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. D+3 Monday September 12 Procession expected along the Royal Mile to St Giles Cathedral. Service and the Vigil of the Princes by members of the royal family. The public may get the chance to file past the Queens coffin at a mini lying in state in St Giles. The House of Commons and the House of Lords are expected to come together in Westminster for a Motion of Condolence, which the King could attend. MPs will gather to pay tribute to the Queen (PA) After leaving England and visiting Scotland, Charles will at some stage travel to the other countries of the UK Wales and Northern Ireland known as Operation Spring Tide. D+4 Tuesday September 13 Coffin expected to be flown to London. Expected to be at rest at Buckingham Palace. A rehearsal for the procession of the coffin from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster takes place. D+5 Wednesday September 14 The Queens lying in state is expected to begin in Westminster Hall Operation Marquee following a ceremonial procession through London. It will last four full days. The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct a short service following the coffins arrival. Hundreds of thousands of people will file past the coffin on its catafalque and pay their respects, just as they did for the Queen Mothers lying in state in 2002. The management of the queues outside is Operation Feather. People file past the coffin of the Queen Mother as it lies in state in Westminster Hall (PA) During the Covid-19 crisis, plans included the possibility of the introduction of timed ticketing for those wanting to attend. Senior royals are also expected to pay their own moving tribute, standing guard at some stage around the coffin the tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes. D+6 Thursday September 15 Lying in state continues and a rehearsal is likely to take place for the state funeral procession. D+7 Friday September 16 Sunday September 18 Lying in state continues, ending on D+9. Heads of state begin to arrive for the funeral. D+10 Monday September 19 The Queens state funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in central London. Westminster Abbey in London (PA) The original plans are for the Queens coffin to process on a gun carriage to the abbey, pulled by naval ratings sailors using ropes rather than horses. Senior members of the family are expected to follow behind just like they did for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The military will line the streets and also join the procession. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000. Prince William, Earl Spencer, Prince Harry and the Prince of Wales walk behind Diana, Princess of Waless coffin (Adam Butler/PA) The service will be televised, and a national two minutes silence is expected to be held. The same day as the funeral, the Queens coffin will be taken to St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised committal service. Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family. The Queens committal service will take place at St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle in Berkshire (PA) The Queens final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Philips coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queens. The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to his Grannie the Queen following her death aged 96, saying it would be some time before her loss will truly feel real. William also said his children would have memories that will last their whole lives from their time spent with the Queen, adding he would honour her memory through supporting his father, the King. King Charles III announced William and Kate as the new Prince and Princess of Wales in his historic address to the nation on Friday evening. pic.twitter.com/BDm2ZR34Uz The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 10, 2022 He set his affairs in order in the television broadcast, saying he was proud to bestow the title of Prince of Wales on his eldest son and heir. In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, William said: On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute. So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign. I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queens wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives. She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real. The title means William is following in his fathers footsteps, and Kate has become the first person since Diana, Princess of Wales to use the title, which Diana held when she was married to Charles. Irish airline Aer Lingus has apologised to customers after a major technical failure meant it had to cancel flights to and from Dublin Airport involving UK or European destinations after 2pm. Footage on social media showed thousands of people queueing outside Terminal 2 at the airport after digital systems failed. The airline said that customers affected by the disruption will be able to change their travel plans free of charge. Aer Lingus also said it was endeavouring to operate some flights that were originally scheduled to depart before 2pm but added as we are relying on manual process for these flights, there remains a risk of cancellation. We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused in this period. We are working to resolve the connection issues as soon as possible. Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) September 10, 2022 An initial statement said: Due to a major incident with a network provider, our cloud-based systems enabling check-in, boarding and our website are currently unavailable. A UK network provider servicing the cloud-based system has experienced a major break in connectivity impacting both primary and secondary connectivity. At this time the provider has not been able to give Aer Lingus an estimate of the time when the break in connectivity will be restored. Unfortunately, this is causing severe disruption to Aer Lingus services today. There were reports of long queues at Terminal 2 of Dublin Airport on Saturday (Niall Carson/PA) Consequently, all flights originally scheduled to depart from Dublin Airport for European and United Kingdom destinations from 2pm onwards today have had to be cancelled. The airline later added that flights scheduled to depart to Dublin Airport from Europe from 2pm onwards today have also had to be cancelled, with the exception of flights from Portugal and Spain, which it said it planned to operate, albeit with delays. It said flights originally scheduled to depart to Dublin from the United Kingdom from 2pm onwards were cancelled and flights to and from the Aer Lingus bases in Cork, Shannon and Belfast are planned to operate, albeit with delays and risk of short-notice cancellations. It added that Aer Lingus regional flights (operated by Emerald Airlines) are currently planned to operate today, albeit with delays and risk of short-notice cancellations. The airline said it was unable to communicate directly with customers but asked them not to travel to Dublin airport. The airline said: We sincerely apologise to all customers impacted by todays disruption and cancellations. Any customer impacted by todays disruptions will be able to change their travel plans, free of charge either through our call centre or social media channels. We will advise customers when IT systems are restored and this change option is fully available to our customers. As soon as systems are restored our teams will work to re-accommodate those impacted as efficiently as possible, and share information regarding customers rights and the airlines obligations. We are working intensively with our system partners and their network partners to resolve the connection issues as soon as possible. Due to ongoing @AerLingus IT issues, the airline has confirmed the cancellation of all @AerLingus flights to the UK & Europe that were due to depart Dublin Airport after 2pm today (Saturday). Impacted passengers should contact @AerLingus regarding next steps. pic.twitter.com/XnZLgpCFpB Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) September 10, 2022 In a tweet, Dublin Airport said impacted passengers should contact the airline directly about next steps. The airport also said that no other airlines are affected. Customers reported long queues at the airport on Saturday as Aer Lingus check in for earlier flights was being handled manually. Lisa Webb from Which? said: Aer Lingus sudden cancellations of flights to and from the UK and Europe will cause thousands of passengers distress and anxiety when it comes to their travel plans. In events such as these, airlines should be offering the option of a refund or to reroute passengers on any reasonable route as quickly as possible, using other airlines where necessary. Aer Lingus must also give clear information to affected customers about their entitlement to compensation. Many of the papers have taken on black backgrounds to reflect the sombre national mood following the Queens death. The King is shown on every front page as he grieves the passing of his 96-year-old mother and embraces her responsibilities. The Daily Telegraph is one of a number of papers to feature Charles seated in his address to the nation next to a framed 2010 photograph of his mother, with the papers headline quoting him as saying To my darling Mama, thank you. The front-page news article describes the Kings tribute as deeply personal, while the papers editorial praises the stability afforded by the practice of royal succession. It writes: The coming weeks are also a glorious reminder that the country she led is as steadfast as she. Fortified and buttressed by an unrivalled sense of identity, anchored as no other nation by history, geography, time and the monarchy itself, Britons can take confidence in what elsewhere might have proved a moment of self-doubt. A country that can bid such an irreplaceable, inspirational and loved figure goodbye with neither tremor nor tantrum, fear nor enfeeblement, is a country that can face the future with confidence and pride. It is days like these, paradoxically, that remind the people of this great nation that we are fortunate indeed. The death has been mourned throughout the UK from London to Belfast (Mark Marlow/PA) The image of Charles sat at an antique polished desk in Buckingham Palaces Blue Drawing Room, one of the grand state rooms and where the Queen would sometimes film her Christmas broadcasts, also greets readers of the Daily Express, Daily Mirror, Daily Star and The Times. The Times opts for five simple words I pledge myself to you from the Kings speech for its front-page headline, while the Express uses the end of the speech which featured a Hamlet quote: May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. An explanation piece on page two says there is a deeper meaning to the Hamlet quote, which was included by Sir John Tavener in his Song For Athene which was played at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. Further inside the paper, a Scottish reverend shares his insight into the late Queens Christian faith and connection to Aberdeenshire. Sir, There were few places where the late Queens deep Christian faith was more evident than in Crathie Church, Aberdeenshire, where she attended worship every Sunday together with the local congregation while she was resident in Balmoral, reverend and professor Ian Bradley writes in a letter to The Times editor. I vividly recall while preaching there looking across at the royal pew and seeing her enthusiastically singing a Scots metrical psalm, which she clearly knew by heart. Like her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, she had a fondness for the simplicity and dignity of Presbyterian worship in the Church of Scotland. It is fitting as well as poignant that she should have died just across the River Dee from her beloved Crathie Kirk and that her coffin will rest for two days in St Giles Cathedral, the mother church of Scots Presbyterianism. The papers editorial also references Scotland, with the article saying the Queens affection for it was matched only by her defence of the Union. The King will soon be in Edinburgh to be given the keys to the city, and he will also visit Belfast and Cardiff ahead of the funeral. The Times editorial states: The Union was hugely important to the late Queen. Her son is right to signal so early in his reign that he recognises its importance too, and intends to honour his predecessors legacy and cherish every part of his United Kingdom. The Express runs a two-page leading article featuring a photo of Charles and Camilla walking past mourners outside Buckingham Palace, with the headline: A great Kings rule has begun The article says Charles should know that when he hears the cries of God Save the King! the crowds are doing much more than engaging in ritual they are cheering him on. Throughout this land, the Commonwealth and far beyond, people have every confidence that a great Kings rule has begun, it adds. The Daily Mail casts the public service of thanksgiving at St Pauls Cathedral as exquisite, soaring, poignant and so perfectly pitched along with a photo that stretches across the page to show the scale of the celebration. Will Charles continue to speak up for the environment? wonders The Guardians environment correspondent Fiona Harvey. His work on the Commonwealth will be key. Pakistan, the second most populous country in the Commonwealth, is suffering extreme floods. Many others are also vulnerable as temperatures rise, and the Commonwealth is seen as an important forum to tackle the climate crisis. The Sun repeats the Kings thank you to his darling Mama with a special purple-tinged edition, after what the Financial Times calls the day that Britain shook off its self-doubt. The Mirror, meanwhile, focuses on the Queens life of service as it calls on its readers to strive to keep alive the spirit of togetherness she fostered and act with the decency, humour and understanding she showed throughout her life. She would have taken heart from the warm welcome extended to King Charles III yesterday as he assumed the reins, the editorial adds. The King last night promised to renew the life-long service his mother had dedicated to the nation. He vowed to serve the country with loyalty, respect and love. We wish him well. King Charles III and his Queen Consort will hear condolences from the four home nations when the new monarch tours the UK in the run-up to the Queens state funeral. Charles will visit Edinburgh, Belfast and Wales in the coming days with Camilla, and the Prime Minister, to hear condolences from politicians and respond to their words of sympathy. On Sunday, after meeting Baroness Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, at Buckingham Palace, Charles will host High Commissioners and their spouses from countries where he is head of state at the royal residences Bow Room. The King will begin his visit to legislators at Londons Westminster Hall on Monday, where both Houses of Parliament will express their condolences to the new monarch and his wife and the King will give his reply. Charles will tour the four nations with Camilla (Victoria Jones/PA) Later that day, Charles and Camilla will fly to Edinburgh where the King will inspect the Guard of Honour at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, before attending the ceremony of the Keys on the forecourt. During the day, the King will join his other siblings the Duke of York, the Earl of Wessex, the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence walking behind the Queens coffin when it is moved from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral where it will lie for 24 hours so the public can pay their respects. Camilla and other members of the family will travel by car and all the royals will attend a service of thanksgiving for the life of the Queen. At the Palace, the King will hold audiences with the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, followed by an audience with Alison Johnstone, the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament. Words of sympathy will be expressed by the Scottish Parliament when Charles and Camilla attend to receive a motion of condolence, with the King replying. That evening, the monarch will hold a vigil at the Queens coffin with other members of the royal family. Belfast is the next stop with the royal couple flying to Ulster on Tuesday to visit Hillsborough Castle, where they will view an exhibition about the late Queens long association with Northern Ireland. The King will then meet the Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and party leaders and receive a message of condolence led by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, again making his reply. After a short reception at Hillsborough, the King and Queen Consort will travel to St Annes Cathedral for a service of prayer and reflection and before the event Charles will meet leaders from all the major faiths in Northern Ireland, and later the royal couple will return to London. In a tribute to his late mother, the King will lead Wednesdays procession behind the gun carriage carrying her coffin to Westminster Hall, where the lying in state will begin before her state funeral on September 19. The planned trip to Wales is scheduled for Friday, with details to be released at a later date. Gun salutes rang out from stations including the Tower of London and Hyde Park both home and abroad on Saturday to mark the accession of King Charles III. Sixty-two rounds were fired near Tower Bridge beside the River Thames by the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), and 41 rounds beside Park Lane by the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery (RHA). The HAC, in ceremonial dress, were seen driving in liveried Pinzgauer vehicles through the City of London past a thousands-strong crowd of watchers. They travelled with police escort to the Thames riverbank, where guns were positioned facing HMS Belfast. A 21-gun salute at Cardiff Castle, to mark the Proclamation of Accession of the King (Ben Birchall/PA) At the Tower of London, a royal salute comprises the traditional 21 rounds, another 21 rounds signifies the loyalty of the City of London to the Crown, and a final 20 rounds were fired as the tower is a royal palace and fortress. Shouts of Long live the King were heard as spectators lined up across Tower Bridge and along the Causeway inside the tower to watch the display. Salutes were also fired from Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Gibraltar, Colchester, York, Larkhill near Stonehenge, naval bases in Devonport and Portsmouth and a number of stations at sea. Among the Royal Navy ships available to fire rounds were HMS Montrose, in the United Arab Emirates, and HMS Lancaster, in Portugal. Gun salutes have taken place in all four nations of the United Kingdom and on board Royal Navy ships at sea, to pay respects to The Queen after 70 years of service to the country. pic.twitter.com/dSnDrGPbiY Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) September 10, 2022 Reservists from 206 Battery 105 Regiment Royal Artillery fired the salute at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down watched by Steve Baker, minister of state for Northern Ireland. The salutes were timed to coincide with the Principal Proclamation of the King, which was read by Garter King of Arms at 11am from the balcony above Friary Court, St James Palace. Coldstream Guards and the Kings Guard were present alongside eight state trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. The RHA is a British Army mounted ceremonial unit that fires royal salutes on royal anniversaries and state occasions, such as state visits and royal birthdays. The HAC dates its origins back to 1537, making it the oldest regiment in the British Army. It took over the role of firing gun salutes from the Tower of London in 1924. Crowds watched at the salute was fired in Cardiff (Ben Birchall/PA) Gun salutes are customarily fired, both on land and at sea, as a sign of respect or welcome. They are now used to mark special occasions on certain days of the year, many of them with royal associations. Gun salutes occur on royal anniversaries including Accession Day, the monarchs birthday, Coronation Day, the monarchs official birthday, the State Opening of Parliament, royal births and when a visiting head of state meets the monarch in London, Windsor or Edinburgh. The Ministry of Defence said there are historical records of salutes taking place as early as the 14th century when guns and ammunition began to be adopted widely. Major Matt Aldridge, who gave the order of fire at the Tower of London, said: Its been an immense privilege for the soldiers of the Honourable Artillery Company to have fired the salute today at the Tower of London. This historic moment marking the accession to the throne of our new King will be a huge source of pride in our service to the Crown for years to come. King Charles III has been formally declared the nations new monarch, after the death of his mother, the Queen. Here is a day-by-day account of what will happen next, leading up to and including the Queens funeral on Monday September 19. Sunday September 11 At 10am the Queens coffin will embark on a six-hour journey by road from Balmoral Castle via Aberdeen to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, arriving at 4pm. That morning the King will meet the Commonwealth Secretary General at Buckingham Palace and then host a reception for Realm High Commissioners. This will be attended by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. Monday September 12 The King and Camilla, the new Queen, will travel to Westminster Hall where both Houses of Parliament will meet to express their condolences at the death of the late Queen. They will then fly to Scotland, arriving at Edinburgh Airport at 12.45pm before travelling to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Queens coffin will be taken from the Palace of Holyroodhouse at 2.35pm in procession to St Giles Cathedral, where it will be carried inside at 2.55pm. St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh (Andrew Milligan/PA) The King and Queen, with members of the Royal Family, will follow the procession on foot before attending a service of reflection for the life of the Queen in the cathedral at 3pm. The Prime Minister will also attend the service. Afterwards the King will return to Holyrood to hold an audience with the First Minister of Scotland, followed by an audience with the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament. At 5.40pm the King and Queen will attend the Scottish Parliament to receive a Motion of Condolence. Joined by other members of the Royal Family, they will mount a vigil at 7.20pm at St Giles Cathedral and stay in Edinburgh overnight. Tuesday September 13 The King and Queen will fly to Belfast and travel to Hillsborough Castle to view an exhibition on the late Queens long association with Northern Ireland. The King will meet with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and party leaders. At 1.20pm, he will receive a message of condolence led by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Union flag flies at full mast at Hillsborough Castle, Belfast, after the Proclamation of Accession of King Charles III (Brian Lawless/PA) After a short reception at Hillsborough, the King and Queen will travel to St Annes Cathedral for a service of reflection, where they will be joined by the Prime Minister. Before the service, the King will meet leaders from all the major faiths in Northern Ireland. The King and Queen will then leave Belfast for London. At 5pm, the Queens coffin will travel by road from St Giles Cathedral in Scotland to Edinburgh Airport, where it will be flown to London, departing at 6pm. After arriving at RAF Northolt at 6.55pm, the coffin will be driven to Buckingham Palace. Its arrival at 8pm will be witnessed by the King and Queen, with other members of the Royal Family. Wednesday September 14 The King and Queen, with other members of the Royal Family, will lead a procession behind the late Queens coffin. It will leave Buckingham Palace, carried on a gun carriage to the Palace of Westminster, at 2.22pm and arrive at Westminster Hall at 3pm. The King meeting well-wishers as he returns to Clarence House from Buckingham Palace (Jonathan Brady/PA) After a short service the Queens lying in state will begin, lasting for four days and ending on the morning of the state funeral. The King and Queen will return to Buckingham Palace. Thursday September 15 Lying in state continues. Friday September 16 Lying in state continues. The King with Prime Minister Liz Truss (Yui Mok/PA) The King and Queen will visit Wales and the Prime Minister will join them in a service of reflection. Saturday September 17 Sunday September 18 Lying in state continues. Monday September 19 Lying in state ends at 6.30am. At 10.44am the Queens coffin will be taken in procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey in central London, where her state funeral will take place at 11am. The day has been declared a public holiday in the form of a Day of National Mourning. St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle in Berkshire (Steve Parsons/PA) After the service, the coffin will be taken in procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch. From Wellington Arch, the coffin will travel to Windsor. Once there, the hearse will travel in procession to St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle via the Long Walk, after which, a Committal Service will take place in St Georges Chapel. In Bermuda, where flags are being flown half-staff until further notice, they remembered Queen Elizabeth II with a 21-gun salute while dressed in British ceremonial uniforms. In the Cayman Islands, 96 rounds reverberated from Government House, one every 10 seconds, to match the queens age at the time of her death Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. And in The Bahamas, where they continue to pledge loyalty to her 49 years after ending nearly 200 years of British rule, the prime ministers title officially changed from Queens Counsel to Kings Counsel. As the United Kingdom entered a prolonged period of mourning Thursday over the passing of Queen Elizabeth and welcomed a new monarch, King Charles III, the death of Britains oldest and longest-serving monarch continued to reverberate both in and out of the realm. In the Caribbean, where Queen Elizabeth served as head of state for six British overseas territories and eight independent island nations Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines the death has brought change, fond memories and, for some, a renewed focus on the role of the monarchy in their independent nations. Most people didnt understand we were independent yet we have the queen as head of state, said Rosalea Hamilton, a Jamaica advocate for slavery reparations and cutting ties with the British monarchy. So an entire generation who has never lived under the colonial era is beginning to experience dictates about what the change means. Were being told about protocols we now have to follow to transition from a queen to a king; the mourning period; the way the mourning will take place. There are bells being tolled. All of this is new to Jamaica. And it is now raising more discussions about this transition. Hamilton said she understands loss, and she understands a nations grief. But she also understands the legacy of colonialism: British wealth was built on the backs of enslaved Africans. In Jamaica, sugar was known as white gold, and the island, like Barbados, was considered a jewel in Britains crown. It was a period in history, Hamilton said, in which the monarch and her family have benefited until today. In the Cayman Islands, a Royal Salute Honored the life of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Government House. Mixed feelings about the monarchs death and the transition it has evoked resonated across the Caribbean region Friday. Following confirmation by the Palace that Queen Elizabeth had died peacefully Thursday in the Scottish Highlands, celebrations were canceled and notes of condolences went out from leaders. Regardless of their sentiments about the monarchy or British colonialism, many leaders expressed sadness over the death and the end of an era. Offering condolences to the royal family and the people of the United Kingdom at the start of a press conference on Friday, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said the monarch was in an exclusive club. Her majestys reign can really reflect a commitment to duty beyond perhaps, very few others, Mottley said, adding that on her way to meet with journalists, she began reflecting on the changes that have taken place since 1952, when the queen ascended to the British throne. Her majesty really spanned a reign that went from empire to post-independence. Known as Little England, Barbados last year cut ties with the British monarch but nevertheless remained in the Commonwealth of Nations after transitioning last November from a parliamentary constitutional monarchy to a parliamentary republic with a ceremonial president as head of state. The moment came nearly 400 years after English settlers first set foot on the island in 1627. The ceremony was attended by Prince Charles, who upon his mothers death became king and head of the 56-member Commonwealth of Nations. In his first official speech as sovereign on Friday, the new king did not mention the debate the transition is stirring. Instead, he reflected on his mothers leadership as Britains oldest and longest serving monarch, and expressed his sorrow. Queen Elizabeths was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing, King Charles III said. In 1947, on her 21st birthday, she pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life, whether it be short or long, to the service of her peoples. That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life. In Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, British Governor Nigel Dakin on Friday, September 9, 2022 attend a 96 Gun Salute on observance of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Still, his ascension to the throne has become an occasion for reflection. As much as I would wish to do it, I cant do it without your consent, Bahamas Prime Minister Philip E. Davis told the Nassau Guardian on Friday when asked about following in the footsteps of Barbados. Davis was in Nassau signing the nations condolence book. I would have to have a referendum and the Bahamian people would have to say to me, Yes, he said. For others, the queens death has been an opportunity to remember her visits. In the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, islanders noted that the monarch had made four official visits there since coming into power. The island was the first stop on a six-month tour of the Commonwealth by the newly crowned queen after her coronation in 1953. She visited again in 1975, 1994 and in 2009, marking the 400th anniversary of English settlement in the island. The present-day view from The Regatta Village in South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands where the late Queen Elizabeth II and her late husband Prince Philip entered when they visited in 1966. Every year, islanders celebrate the visit with boat races, pageantry and dance. Other territories received only one visit during the queens 70-year reign, yet celebrate every year the date of the visit. Every May, the residents of South Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands, another British Overseas Territory, commemorate the queens 1966 visit with a festive regatta featuring pageantry, music and boat races at the very spot they welcomed the queen decades earlier. Emily Malcolm, a native of the island, was a girl when the queen and her husband, the late Prince Philip, arrived onboard the royal yacht for a one-day visit after an overnight trip to the British Virgin Islands. South Caicos, then known as the Big South, was the economic engine because of its salt-producing ponds, thriving fishing and sisal industry. We formed a line from the salt shed on the road almost to the end of the road of Caicos Fisheries, recalled Malcolm, 69, author of the book Unforgettable Memories of South Caicos. When she came onboard, there were three wharfs. She came to the middle and my father had built a step for her to step on. The queen was greeted by community leaders as well as the heads of the Baptist and Anglican faiths. She was handed a bouquet of flowers and given a conch shell. As she toured the small island, the monarch and her husband were introduced to other leaders from the neighboring Caicos islands and Providenciales, and introduced to the native arts and crafts, slippers and hats made of sisal. A donkey race was held for entertainment, Malcolm said. There were about five or so donkeys. Local fishermen also greeted the queen with the first catch of lobster, laying it at her feet during the visit. I was really shocked when I heard she had passed because over the years, she had been so strong, Malcolm said. When I think about her and all that she went through... she was a level-headed woman. You would never hear her make any remarks detrimental to anybody, or to any situation. That is the one thing I admired about her. Recalling the queens demeanor upon the passing of Princess Diana, Malcolm said: You didnt know if she was angry or upset, the way she conducted herself... You could see she thinks about people and their feelings. I really appreciated that about her. Malcolm said she knows that not everyone is fond of the British monarchy and some people think they take advantage of us, but I think she has been an icon for women and for the world to emulate when you watch her style of governance and exercise of power. A Florida woman was arrested on allegations that include lewd conduct with a student after a teenager alleged she rubbed against him at his prom when she was a teacher. Julie Kinsey Hoover was jailed based on an arrest warrant that alleges she was an authority figure who solicited or engaged in lewd conduct with a student and contributed to the delinquency of a minor who attended a private school in Perry, where she was employed, authorities said. Point of Grace Christian School in Perry, Fla. (Google Maps) Jail records indicate Hoover was booked and released Tuesday. Her case included zero bond, according to those records. News reports, including one published by NBC affiliate WFLA of Tampa, state that Hoover is 39. She did not immediately respond to requests for comment made by phone and direct message. Hoover was arrested Tuesday after an investigator spoke to an 18-year-old who said the suspect encouraged him to drink alcohol and rubbed her body against him lasciviously when he was a 17-year-old at the Point of Grace Christian school's prom April 8, the Taylor County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. "The former student informed the investigator that at the prom, Ms. Hoover pressured him to drink alcoholic beverages, and multiple times put the straw from an alcoholic drink in his mouth," the office said. The unidentified student said she approached him on the dance floor multiple times "and began twerking on him (rubbing her buttocks on him)," the office said. It made the boy uncomfortable, it said, and he left the floor each time. Sheriff's Investigator Brian Cruse was investigating allegations of misconduct against Hoover when the teenager was interviewed, according to the statement. Cruse interviewed two witnesses who corroborated the teenager's story, the sheriff's office said. Hoover spent a night in jail in June after she was arrested by the sheriff's department based on a separate allegation of being an authority figure engaging in lewd conduct with a student. The sheriff's office said the same investigator found that she solicited sex from a student via text messages. The school, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment, told local news outlets that Hoover is no longer employed at the small K-12 institution. A judge has ruled that prosecutors can tell a jury that a Caldwell police officer showed colleagues a video of him punching a handcuffed detainee. But the judge also ruled in the officers favor by throwing out evidence prosecutors wanted to include about a previous instance when the officer used force when detaining another person. Visiting Wyoming U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl ruled Friday on what evidence could be admitted in the upcoming trial of Joey Hoadley, a Caldwell officer for over 20 years. Hoadley faces four criminal charges. Prosecutors wanted to include evidence of five instances where Hoadley used force against people he was arresting in Caldwell and one instance where Hoadley showed fellow officers a video of him using force on someone he was arresting. Hoadley and his lawyer wanted to include the criminal history of one person Hoadley struck and evidence of Hoadleys character. Skavdahl said the jury could consider evidence from prosecutors that Hoadley showed colleagues the video of him punching the handcuffed detainee. The judge said the government is trying to prove that Hoadley intimidated a lower officer to prevent the officer from reporting anything negative about Hoadley, and the lower officer was present during the video. Hoadleys lawyer, Charles F. Peterson, did not want the evidence of the video admitted. Prosecutors case against Hoadley stems from an incident in 2017 when officers responded to a call from the home of a man identified only as B.H. Prosecutors said Hoadley punched B.H. while arresting him. Peterson said B.H. is lying. Peterson wanted to include B.H.s 2022 conviction for committing battery on his girlfriend in 2021. Skavdahl said the jury could consider that conviction but nothing more about the battery. Prosecutors wanted to include another incident where they allege Hoadley shoved and struck a person identified as K.W., but the judge ruled that the jury could not consider that. Skavadhl also ruled that neither Hoadley nor prosecutors could introduce evidence about the character of anyone involved. Hoadley faces one count of willfully depriving another person of rights under the color of law, one count of falsifying records in a federal investigation, one count of witness intimidation; and one court of record destruction. He is scheduled to stand trial starting Sept. 19 in the James A. McClure Federal Building. Ex-Caldwell cop allegedly bragged about punching detainee in the head to other officers Family claims police used excessive force against a man shot by officers last year U.S. Rep. Ted Budd agreed to debate his opponent, former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, as they duke it out to represent North Carolina in the U.S. Senate. Budd, a Republican, has been criticized in recent days by Beasleys campaign for running a quiet campaign heading into the November election and for turning down other debates. On Friday night, Beasleys campaign continued with that criticism after Budd declined a debate hosted by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters. Cheri remains ready to share her vision for North Carolina with voters and continues to demonstrate how she will fight for them in the U.S. Senate, said Travis Brimm, Beasleys campaign manager. Meanwhile, Congressman Budd is either too afraid to defend his disgraceful record or has so few ideas to offer that he is flat-out refusing to debate. This November, voters will remember that Congressman Budd felt so entitled to North Carolinas Senate seat that he didnt even attempt to earn their votes. But Jonathan Felts, Budds campaign adviser, said the congressman already had accepted a debate with different organizers when Beasleys team sent out Fridays statement. Felts shared emails to show that he sent notice Wednesday to Spectrum News 1s managing editor Dale McElrath to confirm Budd would debate Beasley on air on Oct. 5. On behalf of the Ted Budd for US Senate campaign, I am happy to accept your invitation for Ted Budd to participate in the Spectrum News Debate on Oct. 5, Felts wrote to McElrath, according to an email shared with The News & Observer. I would also note, unlike other candidates in this race, we have no objections to the Libertarian and Green Party nominees participating in the debate. The News & Observer asked Beasleys spokeswoman Dory MacMillan late Friday about whether her team knew about the agreement and the timing of the statement. She said the statement was directed at Budds refusal to participate in the debate with the largest audience. Here are the facts: Congressman Budd refused to debate in the primary and rejected an invitation to the NCABs marquee debate reaching the most North Carolinians, said Dory MacMillan, Beasleys spokeswoman. Cheri is ready and eager to debate North Carolinians deserve nothing less. Felts told The N&O that as debate planning got underway between the two campaigns, they realized Oct. 5 marks Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday and one of the faiths holiest days. The Budd team agreed to move the debate. As of Friday afternoon, discussions were taking place about whether to do so after sundown on Wednesday, Oct. 5, or hold it on Friday, Oct. 7. As you might imagine, and contrary to what some of the more simple-minded reporters covering this race might think, we have a busy schedule and have lined up lots of other campaign events in October that are firmly locked into place, Felts said. Were willing to cancel/postpone a statewide tour on Friday, Oct. 7 if that date can work for the debate. Runners in cities throughout the country gathered early Friday morning to honor and mourn the life of Eliza "Liza" Fletcher, a Memphis mother and teacher who was abducted while jogging and later found dead. Fletcher, a 34-year-old marathon runner, was reported missing by her husband the morning of Sept. 2 when she never came home from her regular 4 a.m. run, according to an affidavit. She was last seen while on her a 10-mile route in midtown Memphis around 4:20 a.m. sporting a pink top and purple shorts when she was approached by a man and forced into a car, police said. The violent abduction was captured on surveillance video. MORE: Women speak out about safety while running after death of Memphis jogger Her family pleaded for information on her whereabouts in the hours following her kidnapping. Her remains were found in a South Memphis residential neighborhood several miles from where she was abducted and identified Tuesday, police said. A suspect in the homicide, 38-year-old Cleotha Henderson, was arraigned on Wednesday on charges of first-degree murder, premeditated murder and first-degree perpetration of kidnapping. He has yet to enter a plea on the charges and is next scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 19. PHOTO: Thousands of runners, supporters and mourners attend a 4:20 a.m 'Let's Finish Liza's Run' event in honor of Eliza Fletcher, Sept. 9, 2022 in Memphis, Tenn. Fletcher, was kidnapped and murder while running last week. (Daily Memphian via AP)) Fletcher's murder prompted outrage and heartbreak from runners, many of whom took to the streets following her disappearance in pink tops and purple shorts to work out in her honor. On Friday, a week after what turned out to be her last run, thousands of people across the country set out to finish it. In her hometown of Memphis, hundreds held candles during an early-morning vigil for Fletcher. #Memphis is one of the greatest cities in America. The outpouring of love for #ElizaFletcher and our community this morning is another reason why. We will not recede into the shadows. Were going to let it shine. #FinishHerRunpic.twitter.com/76rfzIs82C Mayor Lee Harris (@MayorLeeHarris) September 9, 2022 "#Memphis is one of the greatest cities in America. The outpouring of love for #ElizaFletcher and our community this morning is another reason why," Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said on Twitter. "We will not recede into the shadows. Were going to let it shine." MORE: Runners to finish Memphis mother Eliza Fletcher's run following fatal kidnapping Several women have been killed during runs in recent years, highlighting the ongoing dangers that face- female runners. "You can go out at noon and suffer harassment or suffer violence. Women know that all too well, whether it's running or just in their daily life," Beth Meadows, the race director at Nashville Running Company, told ABC Nashville affiliate WKRN at the city's run on Friday. "That's another reason to why I think everyone across the country is running at this time of day, to say, you know, women should be safe at all hours." PHOTO: Runners head down the sidewalk past Fountain Square on Georgia Avenue during 'Finish Eliza's Run,' Sept. 9, 2022 in Chattanooga, Tenn. (Chattanooga Times Free Press via AP) Jenny Fogo organized a run in honor of Fletcher in Chattanooga, Tennessee. "Like so many women today, I feel that I am Liza I am a mom, and I a wife, a runner," she told ABC Chattanooga affiliate WTVC. "For her situation to end up the way it did is just horrifying and hard to wrap your head around." Runners also gathered in solidarity at the same time in cities including Tupelo, Mississippi; Charlotte, North Carolina; Huntsville, Alabama; Boston; and Philadelphia. PHOTO: Runners make their way down Main Street in Tupelo, Miss. as they hold their 'Liza's Lights' run early Friday morning, Spet. 9, 2022, in Tupelo Miss. (The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal via AP) "Shes a teacher, she was a mother, and she was doing a thing we all love doing," Scott Heigl-Yates told ABC Philadelphia station WPVI. The runs come as Fletcher's loved ones will soon gather to lay her to rest, with funeral services scheduled for Saturday morning. PHOTO: Thousands of runners, supporters and mourners attend a 4:20 a.m 'Let's Finish Liza's Run' event in honor of Eliza Fletcher, Sept. 9, 2022 in Memphis, Tenn. (Daily Memphian via AP) Fletcher's family said in a statement that they "heartbroken and devastated" by the loss of Fletcher, whom they described as a "joy to so many." "Now it's time to remember and celebrate how special she was and to support those who cared so much for her," the statement read. "We appreciate all the expressions of love and concern we have received. We are grateful beyond measure to local, state and federal law enforcement for their tireless efforts to find Liza and to bring justice to the person responsible for this horrible crime." Runners gather to honor life of murdered Memphis jogger Eliza Fletcher originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The founder of the Hawaii chapter of the Proud Boys along with a second MAGA loyalist each pleaded guilty Friday to a felony charge in connection to the violence of Jan. 6, 2021, the Justice Department said. Nicholas Ochs, 36, of Honolulu, and Nicholas DeCarlo, 32, of Fort Worth, Texas, entered their pleas in Washington, D.C. federal court to charges of obstruction of an official proceeding. Ochs is an elder with the Proud Boys, court papers state. The Anti-Defamation League calls the Proud Boys a right-wing extremist group with a violent agenda. During the Jan. 6 siege of the Capitol, Nicholas Ochs, left, and Nicholas DeCarlo pose in front of a door upon which the name of their right-wing online streaming outlet, Murder the Media, is scratched. During the Jan. 6 siege of the Capitol, Nicholas Ochs, left, and Nicholas DeCarlo pose in front of a door upon which the name of their right-wing online streaming outlet, Murder the Media, is scratched. Ochs traveled from Honolulu to a Virginia hotel on Jan. 5, where he met-up with DeCarlo, who had arrived from Texas to witness former president Donald Trumps next-day rally to challenge the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. After attending Trumps pep talk, the pair went to the Capitol and hurled smoke bombs at law enforcement officers protecting elected officials certifying President Bidens electoral victory. They then climbed the stairs to the Upper West Terrace, the Justice Department reports. At approximately 2:23 p.m., Ochs and DeCarlo illegally entered the Capitol through the Senate Wing Doors. They moved through the Crypt (where they filmed themselves smoking cigarettes), Capitol Visitors Center, East Foyer, Statuary Hall, and the Rotunda before exiting at 3 p.m. FILE - Insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump breach the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021. FILE - Insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump breach the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021. (John Minchillo/) Using a magic marker, DeCarlo wrote the words Murder the Media on a door in the Capitol, the feds said. He copped to vandalizing the doorway, which led to an office named for a pair of slain Capitol Hill police officers. Were all felons! DeCarlo reportedly declared on the Capitol grounds. Inside the building, he was heard calling out for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. When asked about his level of education, DeCarlo told D.C. federal Judge Beryl Howell hed finished high school, but soon after confessed hed quit the 11th grade, Law & Crime reports. Trumps Big Lie was plucked from countless smaller ones Ochs and DeCarlo were also accused of rummaging through a duffel bag belonging to a Capitol Police officer and made-off with a pair of handcuffs. After leaving the Capitol, prosecutors said Ochs was seen on video apologizing for not having recording live when insurgents made Congress flee. Ochs was arrested the day after the attack on the capitol in Hawaii. DeCarlo was apprehended in Texas fewer than three weeks later. Ochs and DeCarlo each face up to to 20 years behind bars when theyre sentenced on Dec. 9, though Law & Crime says their plea agreement will likely result in a sentence of roughly four years behind bars. They also agreed to pay $2,000 in restitution. The Capitol endured nearly $3 million in damage during the insurrection attempt. In the weeks leading up to Jan. 6, then-President Donald Trump falsely insisted the election had been stolen from him and boasted the rally to resist certification will be wild. The DOJs investigation of the assault on the Capitol remains open. More than 870 arrests have been made. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has spoken of his great honour at being one of five Northern Ireland members of the Accession Council which formally proclaimed the new king. Sir Jeffrey was joined on the council by former DUP leaders and Northern Ireland First Ministers Peter Robinson and Dame Arlene Foster, former DUP deputy leader and peer Lord Dodds, and the regions Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan. The council, made up of members of the Privy Council, met at St Jamess Palace in London on Saturday to formally proclaim the new sovereign, proceedings that were televised for the first time. (Left to right) Accession Council members, former DUP deputy leader Lord Dodds, former DUP leaders Peter Robinson and Dame Arlene Foster, with current DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, outside St Jamess Palace, London (Sir Jeffrey Donaldson/PA) Sir Jeffrey said: It was a great honour for my colleagues and I to participate in the Accession Council. We recognise this is a momentous and historic moment for the United Kingdom. In one sense we are all deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen and the members of the Privy Council gathered at St James Palace this morning, we were very mindful of the enormous contribution she has made as our head of state over many years. But the council was also looking to the future and proclaiming the new King Charles III as our head of state. He added: Whilst this may seem to be a formality, it is a very important act of the Privy Council in law and it gives effect to the reign of our new monarch. The proclamation will now be announced in each part of the United Kingdom and it is expected that the proclamation will be made at Hillsborough Castle tomorrow as well as in Edinburgh, Cardiff and London. Mohamed Belhocine, African Union commissioner for education, science, technology and innovation, speaks during an interview with Chinese media at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Sept. 6, 2022. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is facilitating the growing China-Africa cooperation in space science and technology, Mohamed Belhocine has said.(Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is facilitating the growing China-Africa cooperation in space science and technology, a senior African Union (AU) official has said. Speaking to Xinhua recently, Mohamed Belhocine, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, said FOCAC is helping realize Africa's aspiration in space science and technology. "With our friends in China, we have a framework of cooperation through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. It is in the framework of this forum that we are organizing meetings, which I hope will help the extension of knowledge about space science into our youth in different parts of Africa," the AU commissioner said. He said in addition to the thriving cooperation under the continental bloc of the African Union, China is also strengthening cooperation with independent African countries in the space arena. "Everybody is following the huge progress related to China's performance as far as space is concerned," Belhocine said, as he underscored China's recent successes in the space arena. Belhocine said the huge progress and the leaps that China is taking in space science will enable African countries to harness the space potential. "They (Chinese) also have their own space station, which is a huge achievement and of course, there is room for cooperation, there is room for sharing experience, there is room for accompanying the African continent to go its own steps in as far as space science is concerned," Belhocine said. Belhocine further emphasized that China's achievements in the space arena would be welcomed as positive progress in terms of benefiting the global community at large. "We wish that the whole of humanity will benefit from all this progress made by China and by other countries as well," he said. The AU commissioner's comments came after three Chinese astronauts talked from space with youths from eight African countries on Tuesday via video link, sharing their experience in the Shenzhou-14 mission to African space enthusiasts. Belhocine said the rare opportunity to talk with astronauts in orbit, which has reinvigorated African youths' space dreams, is an extension of broader China-Africa cooperation in space science and technology and future collaboration prospects. The taikonauts Chen Dong, Liu Yang and Cai Xuzhe are on a six-month stay in orbit. The main venue of the event, "Talk with Taikonauts," was held at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. "In the new space era, Africa is open for mutually beneficial cooperation, and it is ready for engagements on all kinds of win-win scenarios. I want to thank China for the deliberate engagements in space advancement in Africa," the commissioner said. Mohamed Belhocine, African Union commissioner for education, science, technology and innovation, speaks during an interview with Chinese media at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Sept. 6, 2022. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is facilitating the growing China-Africa cooperation in space science and technology, Mohamed Belhocine has said.(Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) Without foreign agents Russia would not be Russia, starting with the metropolitans sent by Constantinople to Christianise Kievan Rus'. Perhaps no country can truly be itself without influences from near and far. Among the many paradoxes of Russias history and character, one that is particularly striking at a time of catastrophes and conflicts with the rest of the universe, is its claim that it is fighting to defend its own specific identity, one that is unlike that of any other country in the world, while at the same time, pointing at the actions and traits of others in order to justifying its own, pretending that they are nobler and more credible. The main glaring contradiction is the charge of imperialism against the Americans and their European vassals, which is forcing Moscow to extend Greater Russia. This is a classic trope from Soviet times, then comforted by a clear ideological opposition; now, however, the comparison is decidedly a stretch, based on distinct moral, pseudo-religious and anthropological values, more grotesque than the tired rhetoric of the struggle of communism vs capitalism or the disputes in ancient Byzantium over the minutiae of Christian dogma. Next Tuesday, the State Duma, the lower house of the Russian Federal Assembly (parliament), will meet for its fall session, after its members were called back several times during the summer to vote on pre-packaged emergency anti-sanction measures. Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin is expected to table an omnibus bill that includes a wide range of penalties and measures against the "implementation of anti-Russian sanctions", a proposal first introduced in April. According to Volodin, Duma Members are studying the experience of Western countries" in such matters. The speaker will also propose to look at others to deal with media responsibility in connection with offences against the established order. In 2019, another Putin loyalist, Valentina Matveenko, speaker of the Federation Council, the upper house of Russias parliament, criticised Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov, for being obsessed with international assessments of the quality of education in Russia, and insisted that Russian schools live on intellect. Putin himself in December 2021, during his annual TV programme Direct Line with Vladimir Putin, spoke about the much-reviled law against "foreign agents", saying that we did not come up with this law; it was drafted by a state that everyone considers the beacon of democracy, namely the United States. Putin and others often refer especially to unspecified international ways to denigrate parliamentary democracy and show the superiority of authoritarian and illiberal democracy. In any case, democracy is more often than not disqualified by its various imitations, not only in Russia, which has never digested it in its history, but also in many other countries, both East and West, or because it was established under unstable circumstances such as the collapse of the Soviet empire or imposed as an unwanted gift or as a form of Western colonialism, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. Imperial Russia is living proof of how dubious importing foreign ideas can be, as evinced by Peter the Greats opening of Russia to the West in the 18th century, when he even got one of the Fathers of the Enlightenment, German philosopher Gottfried Leibniz, to explain the nature of the new institutions. Peter's ministers were styled Ober-prokuror (from the German Ober-Prokurator), i.e. chief procurator, and even Peters capital restored its quite un-Russian-sounding, German name of Sankt-Petersburg in lieu of the dreary Leningrad and the Russified Petrograd. Shortened by locals as Piter, and pronounced with a Dutch lilt that goes back to its early days, the city is very much Russian in the way the Russians have been able to successfully imitate other European capitals. In fact, even Moscows fortress, the Kremlin, was built by the Italian masters who built Milans Castello Sforzesco, which inspired the Bologna-born architect-engineer Aristotele Fioravanti, brought in by Grand Prince Ivan III, grandfather of Ivan the Terrible. Without such foreign agents Russia would not be Russia, starting with the metropolitans sent by Constantinople to Christianise Kievan Rus'. And perhaps no country can truly be itself without influences from near and far. Russias tsars constantly sent specialists, diplomats, and spies to the countries they considered most developed in order to take from them the best in technology, culture, art, as well as their social and economic ideas. As Peter himself said, "We will take the best from the West and then turn our back on it, a prophecy fulfilled over a century later, as a reaction to Napoleons invasion. The war in Ukraine and the anti-Western reaction follow precisely this pattern. After 30 years of imitating and assimilating the progress and good things from the historical enemy, Putin's Russia is now turning its back, imagining that it can do it alone. The mutual threats of recent days, gas price cap vs supply cut off, put the spotlight on this contradiction. While the Soviet system could at least boast about the special traits of a collectivist economy, however defective and ultimately historically defeated, what could be the true spirit of Putin's purity? Repression and propaganda notwithstanding, the impression one gets so far is that of a general economic slowdown and stagnant social life, the price paid for trying to impose ones views through war, a move that is not gaining Russia anything, even on the home front. Every country can achieve goals that can be useful to others. Just to name a few examples: Estonia is considered a world leader in the digitalisation of public services, the United Kingdom has reduced the number of smokers considerably, Singapore has one of the best health systems in the world, and Austria has been better than others in providing social housing. The best that Putin's Russia has been able to borrow is the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). In the United States, this law is applied to a limited group of people, first of all, to lobbyists and lawyers who represent the interests of foreign nationals and organisations; no one would think of suing for example, Noam Chomsky, a left-wing intellectual who is more often in agreement with Putin than with his compatriots. In Russia instead, any citizen can be sent to jail, turning a US law into an extreme imitation yet very Russian piece of legislation, certainly not in a positive way more like they did in Zimbabwe, Uganda and Ethiopia, which have had a law on "foreign agents" for decades. If anything, a country very close to Russia, which on this point has long been a model, is Nazarbayev's Kazakhstan. The country, which is undergoing major changes, has had for some time strict limits on any support, material or other, local associations can receive from abroad. Although the formal definition of foreign agent was never included in Kazakh legislation, all such groups or organisations have to file extremely detailed reports. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have followed Kazakhstans lead, and now, for better or worse, they are looking at the Russian example to avoid mistakes and catastrophes. The West would do well to pay close attention at Russia, not only to defend itself against its interference in its domestic politics and more or less explicit support for various sovereigntist parties and leaders. Bad parroting, aggrieved and proud resentment, and claims to superiority are not feelings found only in Moscow. In the late 1800s, Emperor Meiji of Japan (Mutsuhito) appointed his right-hand man, Minister Iwakura Tomomi, as head of a mission that went abroad for two years, to the United States, Great Britain, and other European countries, to study them. Iwakura modelled it on Peter the Greats 1698 Grand Embassy and even kept a portrait of the Russian tsar next to that of the Japanese emperor. But he was not interested only in learning foreign ways as such, but also in the ways foreigners assimilated foreign ways. by Shafique Khokhar Anwar Masih, 57, has been in prison for more than two years after he was accused by the police of defaming Muhammad following a family dispute. His family lives in hiding after receiving death threats. Activists and human rights lawyers are calling for fair judicial treatment in blasphemy cases. Lahore (AsiaNews) The ordeal of Anwar Masih continues. The 57-year-old Christian has been held in prison for more than two years for what his family and human rights advocates believe are false accusations of blasphemy. His latest attempt to get bail was turned down by a local court. The case arose after his daughter, Samreen Bibi, married a Muslim in 2017 and converted to Islam. Soon after, the defendant's wife, Kousar Parveen, also converted to Islam. To heal frictions created in the family by the situation, Kousar turned to the local police. Instead of mediating, law enforcement accused Anwar of mistreating his wife and daughter for their decision to convert. On 2 June 2020, he was arrested for allegedly defaming the Prophet Muhammad, a criminal offence in Pakistan. Imran Masih, one of Anwar's sons, told AsiaNews that his brothers and sisters have come under pressure to become Muslims to prove that their family is not against Islam, adding that he and his family have received death threats and that they have been forced to live in hiding. In fact, his family's Christian faith is strong, he explains, and that they are ready to offer their lives to remain faithful to God. Voice for Justice, an advocacy group, and human rights lawyers are calling on judicial authorities to discourage abuse of the blasphemy law and release those jailed on fabricated evidence. Cases like Anwar's, they argue, must be treated without discrimination. Taiwans population has increased in the past two months, but on an annual basis, the trend is negative. By 2025, one in five Taiwanese will be over 65 years old. South Korea continues to have the lowest fertility rate in the world. Japan too faces a demographic challenge. At its current rate of decline, China will have less than half of its current population by 2100. Taipei (AsiaNews) Taiwans population reached 23,194,554 in August, up by 4,490 compared to July, the second monthly increase, the Ministry of the Interior reported yesterday. The growth of the last two months reverses a trend that saw the overall population lose 257,283 people since August 2021. The islands population peaked in January 2020 at 23.6 million inhabitants. The country's demographers estimate that by 2025, one resident in five will be over 65. But in the western Pacific some countries are in worse condition. In 2021, for a second year in a row, South Korea had the lowest fertility rate in the world: 0.81 births per woman. This represents the sixth consecutive drop. Last year, Japan had its worst demographic decline since data became available, dropping by 628,205, an annual decrease of 3.5 per cent. In China, the number of retirees is expected to boom while 20 per cent of the population will be 60 and older in one third of the countrys provinces. According to the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, China will experience a demographic decline of 1.1 per cent per year, starting in 2021. At this rate, the Chinese population will fall to 587 million inhabitants by 2100, less than half of what it is today. TEHRAN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Saturday condemned the new U.S. sanctions against its intelligence ministry, which has been accused of launching an alleged cyber attack on Albania. "This new sanctions label, just like the previous illegal U.S. sanctions against the Intelligence Ministry, will never be able to create the slightest upset in the determination of the security servants of the Iranian people," Nasser Kanaani, spokesman of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said in a statement. The U.S. Treasury Department on Friday imposed sanctions on Iran's Intelligence Ministry and its Minister Esmail Khatib, citing alleged cyber attacks by Tehran on the Albanian government in July. On Wednesday, Albania severed diplomatic relations with Iran. The United States supported Albania's move and vowed to take action in response to the alleged attack on its NATO ally. Kanaani said that Washington is the "designer of this scenario" and Tirana is only a victim of Washington's scheme. He blamed the United States for, what he called, forcing Albania to host an Iranian "terrorist sect," referring to the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO). For years, America has provided the MKO with all-out support besides training and arming it in the field of cyberspace, said Kanaani, adding that this organization has "constantly served and still serves as a tool in the hands of America to carry out acts of terror, cyberattacks, and wage psychosocial war against the Iranian government and nation." Kanaani said the U.S. government's move to instrumentalize the MKO, which he said has the blood of over 17,000 Iranian civilians and statesmen on its hands, is "a clear example of organized support for terrorism" against Iran. Iran will use all its capacities within the framework of international law to realize the rights of the nation and defend itself against this sinister conspiracy, he added. Gordos built is not your average skoolie or bus conversion . It is not designed as a full-time living space, although it can be used as an off-grid house on wheels , too, if needed. It can also morph into a cargo truck, a camper, a utility vehicle, and so much more. In the exact words of the builder, the bus is a paradox whose most notable feature is flexibility.With this conversion being such a complex one, Gordo required around three years to complete his masterpiece. But the result is an amazing vehicle that comes with a crane, a plethora of electronics and tech features inside, a redesigned dashboard, and a sleeping area that can sleep up to four people.The original tank of the Blue Bird was kept but moved into a different location to make room for the flatbed. A second tank was also added on the other side of the bus, with each of the two having a capacity of 65 gallons (246 liters).The bus has a very utilitarian roof, with 400W of solar power on it, and serves as a very large storage area.Gordo changed the entire front of the vehicle, mounting four swiveling Toyota Sienna seats and redoing the dash, which now looks closer to a spaceship rather than a school bus . All the overhead panels and buttons are related to the electrical system and all the smart, tech features of the bus.Theres also a galley space in the vehicle with a worktop and a slide-out fridge underneath. The sleeping area of the bus, which Gordo calls the bed system, comes with bunk beds that can sleep up to four people. This area can also be used for storage.And because the spaceship-like school bus is used frequently to carry all sorts of heavy tools and items, the guy also built a crane to help him load them easier onto the vehicle.The rear cargo area of the bus can also serve as a deck or a back porch for when the vehicle is parked in a beautiful camp spot.Take a look at this crazy bus conversion in the video below. Meet turbotomas, a user on Blocket.se, Sweden's largest native buying and selling website, with a custom build we only wish was listed on a North American one. It's a very typical Volvo 740 with factory dark red paint on the outside and anything but ordinary under the hood. The engine in question? Well, it's not Swedish, but a BMW M62B44 V8 from the likes of the E39 5 Series and the E38 7 Series.It's made all the better by a single PSR 6862G Dual Ball Bearing Turbocharger with a Turbosmart 45 mm wastegate. On the other hand, the throttle body is derived from a GM LS7 engine of all things. This Frankenstein monster of an engine with parts from so many great cars chugs its fuel through 1200 mm Bosch injectors and is cooled by an all-aluminum radiator. All this pent-up brute force is fed through to a Lexus IS 220d manual transmission with a Tenaci twin-plate clutch.The whole system is made to fit snuggly using a custom adapter plate made from bits and pieces of a Lexus rear axle, in some properly interesting DIY wizardry. Such a random selection of admittedly quality parts might not make sense to some. But knowing this engine jets 750 horsepower to the wheels with an engine tune set at 1.8 bar (26.1 psi) of boost makes it more understandable. The suspension consists of brand new K-Sport coilovers all around with drilled and slotted disk brakes at all four corners.It's all running on the same wheels the car left the factory with 35 years ago. This 740 looks so plain-jane on the outside that the average Swede wouldn't even think twice about it if it was parked outside a cozy coffee shop in Malmo or Stockholm. This extends to the interior too. At least, what we can see of it in limited photographs. Volvo interiors in those days were praised more for their durability than they were for the prestige of the materials. So we're happy to say the cloth seats and the dashboard are in phenomenal shape for their age.The price for this little slice of German-Swedish magnificence : that'd be 159,900 Swedish Krona, or just a shy of over $15,000. If it were up to us, that car would be on the next boat to Los Angeles. Check back soon for more from V8 month here on autoevolution. When your aim is to create a bespoke cafe racer of Harley-Davidson lineage, the most obvious choice for a donor would be a Sportster. Some builders will opt to surprise us by straying off the beaten path, however, and we can probably all agree that an occasional breath of fresh air is more than welcome on the custom motorcycle scene!James Roper-Caldbeck is well aware of this fact, so he didnt just defy the status quo by picking a very unlikely candidate, but also chose to experiment with a genre hed never tackled before. Operating as Jamesville Motorcycles just outside the Danish capital of Copenhagen, the man is famed for his sublime bobber- and chopper-style projects. Cafe racers, on the other hand, were just about as far as you could get from James comfort zone.As he isnt the sort of guy who will turn down a challenge, the Dane eagerly accepted a clients unusual request for a caffeinated hog some time ago. The end result can be seen in this articles photo gallery, clearly drawing inspiration from Milwaukees only production cafe racer the short-lived XLCR of the late seventies.Searching for an appropriate donor, James came across an FX Super-Glide whose Shovelhead motor had been replaced with an 80-cubic-inch (1,311cc) S&S powerhouse. The said V-twin was conveniently mated to a five-speed gearbox, and it could produce around 40 percent more grunt than the stock Shovelhead produced by the Motor Co.Once the Super-Glide was delivered to his shop, Jamesvilles mastermind got rid of all its factory bodywork items except for the gas tank. Then, he kicked off the customization process by giving the Harley a much sportier rear-end geometry, which was no easy feat considering its slouched posture. For starters, the subframe got mildly reworked to accommodate a new set of handmade garments.These include a custom seat pan topped with red and black saddle upholstery, as well as a pointy tail section fabricated in-house. The latter was designed with superbike lines in mind, carrying a discreet license plate holder and the repurposed taillight of a Triumph at the rearmost tip. Sure enough, the Super-Glide's demeanor experienced a radical transformation following these mods, but James was just getting warmed up.Although youll often hear people telling you to stay away from motorcycle parts sold on eBay, the Danish expert decided to take a gamble with the front fairing now worn by his XL. Surprisingly, he was met with no headaches when it came to getting it installed, and the products quality was found to be pretty remarkable as well.Moving over to the chassis side of things, we find top-shelf Progressive Suspension componentry supporting the structure on both ends. The new arrangement also gives its bearer a more aggressive stance by lowering the front and raising the rear. When the suspension-related work had been completed, James turned his attention to the brakes.A premium pair of drilled rotors provide ample stopping power up north, and there are aftermarket calipers from Performance Machine at both poles. The S&S engine was left internally unaltered since it already offered plenty of power, but some adjustments did occur at the intake and exhaust. One is a mesh-covered air cleaner, while the other comes in the form of high-mounted pipework manufactured from scratch.The cockpit area features a single aftermarket dial and clip-on handlebars, which are complemented by tailor-made foot pegs lower down on the bike s flanks. Last but not least, the caffeine-infused XL received a monochromatic black and grey paint scheme, with the only touch of color being the red leather upholstery on the seat. Last year, for example, Google launched fuel-efficient routes in Google Maps as a way to help drivers reduce fuel consumption and the carbon footprint of their vehicles. Instead of looking for the fastest routes to a defined destination, Google Maps can search for the most fuel-efficient based on factors like the road incline and the average traveling speed.As announced earlier this week, this fuel-efficient navigation component is going live in more countries in Europe , but at the same time, Google Maps is also getting a new-generation navigation setting that further enhances this feature.More specifically, Google Maps will let users in Europe, the United States, and Canada select the engine type in their cars. The idea is as simple as it could be: once it knows what type of car youre driving, Google Maps can further optimize its route generation model, so at the end of the day, the suggestions you are getting can increase the fuel saving even more.Once you configure a new route, you can expand the route options menu in Google Maps to prefer fuel-efficient routes and select the engine type in the car. You are allowed to choose from four options, namely petrol, diesel, electric, and hybrid. Once you select one option, it becomes the default setting, and its saved for future navigation.The new feature is projected to go live in the said regions in the coming weeks, and needless to say, itll be live on both Android and iPhone.In the meantime, keep in mind that users can disable the fuel-efficient routes completely. This means they can stick with the default Google Maps routing system as well, and therefore configure the app to always look for the fastest route to a destination. SUV PHEV EV ICE HP kWh HVAC Mazdas newestis finally ready to hit the streets and reach its first customers. Heres what I found out about it and why it matters a lot to the Japanese automaker that this vehicle succeeds.The 2022 Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactivis now out and about, and I got to see what it can do. My time with it was shortened by a busy schedule, but things went pretty well overall and theres useful stuff I have to share. If youre a prospective buyer, then stick around. There are some things you should know!The CX-60 is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that wants to offer you a dynamic experience. Thats why its setup is rear-wheel-drive biased. The vehicle makes use of a 100kW electric motor to push you around inmode, but also has a gas engine under the hood to not give you any range anxiety. Charge it up or fill its tank, and youre always good to go. Thats the beauty of a PHEV, even if there are people out there who claim this is not the best of both EV andworlds, but the worst. I tend to have a positive mindset, so I side with those who like PHEVs. They provide a duality not many cars can replicate.Id want to compare the CX-60 to something like the BMW X5 xDrive45e or the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350e (not available in the U.S.), but it wouldnt be fair. Id add the Audi Q8 55 TFSI e here, but thats more of a coupe-ish SUV.Its not because Bimmer and Merc are known for having great, cool, powerful, and innovative plug-in hybrid vehicles. After all, Mazdas pushing in the same direction (and it might even succeed with the CX-80 in Europe and CX-90 in the U.S.!). I blame the specs (and the Germans PHEV-making experience). Although it looks big and feels like a large, spacious SUV, the CX-60 PHEV is just 37 mm longer (1.4 in) than an X3 30e. Moreover, its even 1 mm (0.03 in) narrower than the BMW.But heres what the Japanese-made CX-60 hides under its hood, underbody, and trunk. Then youll decide if it should be put to the test against the X5 xDrive45e or the GLE 350e.The recipe starts with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine capable of 188(191 PS) and 193 lb-ft (261 Nm) of torque. Then an electric motor that feeds itself from a 17.8-battery and puts out 172 HP (175 PS) and 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) of torque is added. When working together, the engine and the motor make a combined maximum output of 322 HP (327 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. All this turns the CX-60 PHEV into the most powerful production vehicle Mazda ever made. It can reach 62 mph (100 kph) in 5.8 seconds and keeps going until it hits the limiter at 124 mph (200 kph).The SUV measures 4,745 mm (186.8 in) in length, 1,890 mm (74,4 in) in width, 1,685 mm (66,3 in) in height, has a ground clearance of 175 mm (6.8 in, when equipped with 20 tires), and has a wheelbase of 2,870 mm (112.9 in).The most important thing that it can provide, besides plenty of power from both the engine and the motor, is the 39 mi (63 km) of pure EV driving. The value can vary because it depends on many factors such as the outside temperature and the drivers behavior, but after I drove it for approximately 62 miles (100 kilometers) the computer told me that 36 mi (58 kilometers) were done with zero emissions.This might help you to keep daily commuting entirely electric if you choose to charge at home or the office. Its also important to remember that you should charge your PHEV. Using the engine to replenish the battery is incredibly inefficient and it will only increase gas consumption. Its a good option to have for access in emission-restricted zones, but dont use it often. Let it be a backup.Besides looking good and impressive thanks to an updated and bold design, the CX-60 is also comfortable. The seats are supportive and the plethora of features available is enough to make anyone happy. There are ventilated seats, a huge panoramic sunroof, a nice Bose sound system, and high-quality screens together with physical buttons. Yes, Mazda got it right. Thecontrols are easily accessible and there are no touch buttons on the steering wheel either. Everything needs your input, and I got this feeling that its going to be easy to get accustomed to everything the driver might want to touch except the central 12.3-inch screen.The infotainment display is a touchscreen, but it doesnt behave like one. You can only tap on it when wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is enabled. In every other scenario, the wheel next to the gear shifter is what the driver or the passenger will use. The software is simple to use, and intuitive, and it worked without any delay for me.Now, Ive told you that Im somewhat of a PHEV fan. But leaving my tastes aside, the CX-60 PHEV drives really well. It responds fast to the drivers inputs, the acceleration pedal has enough weight to it, the braking power feels like its almost perfectly balanced, and the suspension keeps the car in check. It doesnt let the vehicle feel wobbly.Whats even better is that I never ever sat so well in a car this size. And the strange thing is that I felt like I was sitting centered like my head was right between my feet that were resting on the drivers door and the gear tunnel. And remember this is almost as big as an X3! Theres enough room for five people like me. Admittedly, I did fit in an MX-5 , so make sure youre not bigger than me.While the SUV can move quickly on demand, a thing that wasnt quite to my taste was the behavior of the gearbox when driving in EV mode. When it changed from second to third, the car felt like it gave me (and my passengers) a slight push forward. Fortunately, this wasnt the case when Normal or Sport was enabled the shifting was smooth or unnoticeably quick.Similarly, the electric motor noise can become disturbing on longer journeys if youre not listening to anything. It has a very high-pitched whine that its easily noticeable.Theres a thing that divides people. I talked with other journalists there and some of them said they found the steering to be a tad bit heavy. I didnt mind this. I can even say I liked having a bit of an accentuated feel when taking a corner. To me, it felt like the car wants to keep me involved in the driving process while not demanding greater input. It felt sporty but without compromising on comfort.Overall, I liked driving the CX-60 PHEV. Ive no major complaints. It felt like a good car, a spacious Japanese-made SUV that might need some small adjustments to make it even better. The visibility was good, the screens were bright enough, the built-in navigation worked fine, and the head-up display was useful even though theres no augmented reality implemented yet. I especially liked the blend of materials available on the Takumi trim version. It's almost exquisite to touch cold metal, quality leather, and soft fabrics in a Mazda.If youre based in the UK, the Mazda CX-60 PHEV starts from 48,050 ($55.353/55.543) in the top Takumi trim. There are some options like a different body color, some exterior accessories, the 1,000 panoramic sunroof, or the 1,100 driver assistance pack that you can add, but thats kind of it. Another expensive add-on would be the 1,131 semi-electric tow bar (or tow hitch if youre American) that enables the SUV to pull a maximum of 5,511 lb (2,500 kg) when the trailer is equipped with brakes. Otherwise, the weight limit is set at 1,653 lb (750 kg).This puts the CX-60 PHEV in a very sweet spot, considering the aforementioned, bigger, and more luxurious BMW and Mercedes-Benz SUVs start from 73,425 ($84,572/84,849) and 72,470 ($83,443/83,724) according to their current online configurator prices. The X3 xDrive30e that's also a PHEV has a starting price of 53,730($62,332/61,387) and it can easily go beyond that with some simple upgrades. Furthermore, these prices tell us that the Mazda CX-60 in the Takumi top trim is cheaper than the base X3 plug-in hybrid by a couple of thousand.Unfortunately, the CX-60 isnt coming to the U.S. Even though it would be a pretty good fit, the automakers strategy is a smart one and Americans dont have a reason to be sad about it. Mazda will give Europe and its home country the CX-60 and CX-80 as two-row and three-row SUVs respectively, while North America will get the CX-70 and CX-90. Japan and most of Europe are more crowded, the streets are narrower, and parking spaces arent that generous, while U.S. and Canada, for example, have enough room to accommodate bigger SUVs. Plus, in America, people tend to like their SUVs a little bit larger. Both the CX-70 and CX-90 will satisfy those needs.All in all, the CX-60 PHEV is a great step ahead. Its not perfect, but what car is? I, for one, cant wait to test drive it for a longer period and see how it behaves as a family-hauler daily driver. Plus, there is a 3.3-liter diesel-powered mild hybrid CX-60 incoming which Mazda thinks will match the upcoming harsher Euro 7 pollution standards! Cant wait to see how thats going to fit in Europe and which will be the most popular version with companies. The Vantage features revised camshaft profiles and Weber carburetors instead of the standard Sus. Originally rated at 325 horsepower and 290 pound-foot (393 Nm), the 4.0-liter engine developed by Polish engineer Tadeusz "Tadek" Marek is complemented by a five-speed manual.A grand total of 65 coupes were specified with the Vantage option, of which 17 were finished in left-hand drive. Chassis DB5/2217/L is one of those cars, a matching-numbers example that has been recently sold for $1.8 million by RM Sothebys at its auction event in Switzerland. At the time of cataloging, the odometer read 76,575 kilometers (47,581 miles).Completed on September 15, 1965, chassis number 2217/L left the factory with Silver Birch paintwork and Red Connolly leather upholstery. Built for export, the British GT was tastefully specified with a metric speedometer, chrome wire wheels, Fiamm horns, Marchal fog lamps, and a Motorola radio. Under the hood, you wont find the 45 DCOEs that youd expect of a Vantage. In their place, Aston Martin fitted SU HD9s.Delivered to a Portuguese dealership, the 2+2 grand tourer was originally purchased by Maria Emilia Reis Ferreira Barros in November 1965. Jose Manuel Homem de Macedo Nogueira became the second owner in June 1968, and not even a year later, Albert William Jauson purchased it.Remaining with Albert until his passing in the late 1980s, the four-wheeled icon was eventually sold by Mr. Jausons widow to a Dutch enthusiast in 1991. He commissioned a restoration the following year, which included a repaint in the original color. The fourth owner enjoyed it until September 2010, when the fifth owner acquired the DB5 Vantage with 76,566 kilometers (47,576 miles). The difference in mileage from 2010 to 2022 should raise a few eyebrows, but theres a good explanation for it.2217/L was promptly exported to Kuwait, where it remained in dry storage as part of a large collection. Presented with quite a few imperfections that need to be addressed by professionals, the DB5 Vantage was auctioned by RM Sothebys with a data sheet and letter from the Aston Martin Heritage Trust, a certificate from the British Motor Heritage Trust, an instruction book, the original jack, plus the spare wheel and tire. On Friday, September 9, King Charles III arrived for the first time in his new role at Buckingham Palace. He was to give his first speech and was accompanied by his wife, Queen Consort Camilla. Huge crowds had gathered at the palace to greet him.Both dressed in black, they arrived at the Palace in the back seat of a Rolls-Royce Phantom VI that has been in the family for over 40 years. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth owned two Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, among other cars from the brand. There was the Silver Jubilee Car, built by H.J.Mulliner, Park Ward and offered by the British Motor Industry for her 25th anniversary on the throne, and a 1986 model. They were the official state cars prior to her Bentley State Limousines , which she received in 2002 for her Golden Jubilee.The one King Charles arrived in was the Silver Jubilee Car, which was put in motion by the luxury carmakers 6.2-liter V8 engine, available between 1968 and 1978. When Her Majesty was traveling in this luxury vehicle, the hood ornament, the Spirit of Ecstasy, was replaced by a mascot of St George slaying the dragon.The car has been seen on official duty on several occasions in recent years. One, it was the car Kate Middleton, now Princess of Wales, traveled in on her way to Westminster Abbey to marry Prince William. It was also used by Princess Eugenie for her wedding . Another time the car was seen was when King Charles and Queen Consort, Camilla, were attacked in December 2010. King Charles recently used this car when he stood in for the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament.Rolls-Royce was one of the car manufacturers of choice for British royalty since the 1950s. They owned several models, including a rare 1960 Phantom V State Limousine, a 1985 "Centenary" Silver Spur Saloon used by Princess Diana, and a 1950 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV State Landaulette HVAC EV UAW LOCAL 1166 STELLANTIS KOKOMO CASTING MEMBERS ON STRIKE https://t.co/vESlrzVywl UAW (@UAW) September 10, 2022 The Kokomo casting plant's 35-acre facilities manufacture powertrains for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles. Should the cease-work endure for a prolonged period, production units across North America will soon feel the effects.The company's officials have canceled production this weekend, hoping to reach an agreement in the negotiations. Furthermore, Stellantis claims to be committed "to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. After bargaining in good faith for two days and presenting an offer we believed addressed the union's concerns, we are disappointed by the UAW's decision to walk out", declared spokesman Jodi Tinson.The statement did not impress the workers' representatives, who posted their complaints on the union's web page . According to this document, apart from theconcerns, there are several other aspects that Stellantis has consistently failed to straighten since 2019, blaming tight budget constraints."Stellantis claims it has no money to meet the basic needs of UAW Local 1166 members while, at the same time, it is making record profits and investing billions in a new battery plant across the street," says UAW Vice President and Director of the Stellantis Department Cindy Estrada. "This strike represents UAW Local 1166 members telling Stellantis enough is enough."Estrada points to the May 2022 agreement between Stellantis and Samsung to build a factory forbatteries in the same city of Kokomo. The $2.5 billion joint venture would provide 1,400 new jobs. This Indiana production unit will be the first of the two planned to open in North America the other one is scheduled for Windsor, Ontario.In August of this year, the Kokomo plant received a part of the $99 million investment in three North American production facilities for a new turbocharged engine. The 1.6-liter inline-four can equip either gas-powered or hybrid-electric powertrains. Over $14 million will go into the conversion of existing die-cast machines and cells for engine block fabrication at Kokomo Casting.In a letter to its members, UAW Local 1166 president David Willis alerted the workers about the strike. "We have been met with the same response over and over that there is "no money" for these items. At the same time Stellantis posted (...) $8 billion in profits. This committee is committed to securing a local agreement."The workers' representatives from the local branch of United Auto Workers instructed its members on how to proceed with operations shut down. The workers were advised to act as in any regular production interruption to ensure the factory would be operational upon return.The strike action marks an escalation in union activity across the USA, with employers short of workers. This situation only amplifies the union's voices demanding union representation, higher wages, and the overall bettering of working conditions. Nation-wide negotiations between the UAW and the Big Three of Detroit are set to kick off next summer. ADEN, Yemen, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Two Yemeni soldiers were killed on Saturday in a roadside bomb explosion in the country's southern oil-rich province of Shabwa, a military official told Xinhua. The incident took place when a roadside bomb went off near a patrol of Shabwa's defense troops of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Ataq, capital of Shabwa Province, the local military source said on condition of anonymity. The blast partially destroyed the military vehicle, killing two soldiers, and wounding five others aboard, the source said. The explosion comes hours after the STC's forces backed by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition launched a military operation against hideouts of the Yemen-based al-Qaida branch in the mountainous areas of Shabwa. The number of attacks carried out by militant groups against the pro-government southern troops surged in various areas of Yemen despite a recent truce brokered by the United Nations. The Yemen-based al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) network has been responsible for many high-profile attacks against the security forces in the country's southern provinces. The AQAP has exploited years of deadly conflict between the Yemeni government and Houthi militia to expand its presence in the war-ravaged Arab country. AMG The German tuner Brabus contributed further to expanding Gelandewagen's public allure by conceiving several projects that base on this formidable chassis, such as the all-mighty 800 Adventure XLP , the stunning V12 G-Wagen commission, or the supercar-slaying 900 Rocket model. All of these are master automotive engineering exercises that leverage in one way or another the performance, versatility, and appeal of the G-Class, either by building on its all-terrain capabilities or by honing in on its roadgoing manners while massively supplementing power output.But, surprisingly or not, the array of prospects developed by Brabus for the G-Class does not end here. There is one more genre they invested serious R&D in and is naturally suitable for the G. Of course, we are talking about armored vehicles. Going by the name of the Invicto Protection Program , it is represented by a series of three lines of concept, Pure, Luxury, and the Mission, based on the G-Class platform.First introduced a few years ago, in 2020, each variant in the Invicto Program offers cutting-edge grades of defense for its occupants. It utilizes innovative technologies and high-end production processes designed by Brabus, being VR6 Plus ERV protection standard compliant and certified. Basically, that is the same standard that applies to heads of state or other VIPs safeguarding vehicle protocols.The differentiating factor that makes Brabus' Invicto series stand out from other security vehicle offerings is their Shellter Cell ballistic concept. In other words, the German company steered away from the conventional vehicle armoring techniques implying individually welding armor-plated panels to the vehicle's body shell structure. Brabus engineers went on a different route, developing a "self-contained, self-supporting and bolted protection cell."The Shelter Cell is assembled into the body shell of the G-Class in a part-by-part manner, and then it gets fastened. The armor plating manufactured by Brabus uses hot-rolled steel, as well as other carefully chosen fabric and fiber structures, including ceramic and metal composite materials.The panels used are constructed to be precisely fitted, with no gaps between them, whatsoever. Brabus calls it "a zero-gap design," based on material overlapping and making use of so-called labyrinths, ultimately intended to provide maximum security under small arms fire or explosive attacks. A significant advantage of these clever engineering techniques is that the door openings remain unmodified from standard, meaning getting in and out of the vehicle is as comfortable as in any other G-Class.On the other hand, although achieving a high grade of protection for its occupants, the added heft from all these modifications is only 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg), which is a fair bit less when compared to conventional armored automobiles.Helping the Invicto lines of machines to cope with this added weight, the guys at Brabus redesigned the whole drivetrain to boost driving dynamics, durability, and resilience. Some of these modifications include replacing the entire wheel suspension from each axle with strengthened components and adding reinforcements to the side members frame areas and to the strut towers.The Invicto Luxury flavor is the most exclusive in the line-up, built upon the excellent platform of the G500 or G 63series. In this case, Brabus does its magic fiddling with the 4.0-liter twin-turbo eight-cylinder powerhouse, at most being able to fit their 800 performance package, giving the engine a peak output of 800 hp and 737 lb-ft (1000 Nm) of torque.Furthermore, the Invicto Luxury G-Class interior compartment comes finished with the most pleasing materials that Brabus' craftsmen are able to put in their cars, including fine leather and Alcantara that can be customized to suit the owner's preferences. Not least, the Invicto Luxury line can be equipped with the Widestar widebody kit, which can optionally include carbon fiber elements for a more aggressive appearance.The Pure flavor of the Invicto aims for a more understated look, being almost indistinguishable from the production car, as Brabus themselves put it, "it consequently offers protection in its purest form." The safety grade of the machine remains the same, while the bodywork and interior layout remain visually unchanged from a regular model.Conversely, the Mission is aimed toward an armed force use-case scenario, such as police, emergency services, special forces, and security guards. Distinguishing features include 20-inch off-road run-flat tires, a front winch, a front LED headlamp assembly, a rugged roof rack, a pair of remote-controlled rotating rear searchlights, and even an armored escape hatch fitted to the roof of the vehicle.The interior space is also designed for its occupants to be able to wear their protective vests and custom gear by offering custom bucket seats with a five-point seatbelt harness and door panels that are the MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) system used by the military forces to fasten their equipment. More importantly, the Mission line of Invicto vehicles also benefits from a comprehensive monitoring and navigation system, an infrared package with night-vision instruments, and can even offer a fresh air system with an NBC filter for the interior space.Of course, these tanks on wheels do not come cheap. But, for the right individuals, the level of protection that the Invicto series offers might be priceless. Talking numbers, the Pure variant has a starting cost of 488,495 ($484,250) while the Luxury and Mission configurations carry even more hefty sticker prices of 620,466 ($615,074) and 665,210 ($659,429), respectively. If paying Rolls Royce Cullinan money on a bullet-proof G-Class might just be your thing, consider that delivery might take around 6 to 12 months from your initial order. According to the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ( NCEI ), in 2021 there were no less than 58,733 fires, which burned through over 7.1 million acres of land. The numbers are not a record (in 2006, for instance, there were over 96,000 fires), but whats worrying is that these events tend to occur on wider surfaces and with increased intensity, and they also last longer.For a while now, the space agency has been helping through its Science Mission Directorate (SMD), providing space-based intel on wildfires, but as of last year, the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) announced its intention of giving a helping hand as well.ARMDs involvement comes at a time when technological advancements make possible ways of fighting fires that were not available before. And by technological advancements, we mean drones, and their associated systems.Having already proven their worth in combat in the Russia-Ukraine war, drones could soon be deployed on wildfire battlefields as well, with obvious advantages. Called Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in NASA speak, drones could prove pivotal in keeping under control the fires of the future.NASA is already knee-deep in drone research, through the many projects it runs in this field. Its know-how, but most importantly tech, could be deployed against wildfires with potentially great success. And NASA has already identified two systems that could easily be adapted for the task at hand.The first is the Resilient Autonomy project, run by the Armstrong Flight Research Center. Were talking about software systems initially designed to prevent air-to-ground collisions between piloted aircraft, and then expanded to include air collisions. For firefighting drone applications, Resilient Autonomy could be used to deliver precision-strike retardants using a network of aircraft, flying in the same space, at the same time, without being in danger of colliding with one another.Then, theres the Scalable Traffic Management for Emergency Response Operations. STEReO for short, its an emergency response operational concept that takes into account the many factors involved in large-scale operations of this kind, with three goals in mind: reduce response times, scale up the role of aircraft and provide operations that can adapt to rapidly changing conditions during a disaster.To see if the concept has merit, NASA and the U.S. Forest Service conducted the past few years simulated drone flight tests, in scenarios that used real data coming from firefighting aircraft.But the above are just software and operational concepts, and we all know NASA is about hardware too. The agency didnt overlook this aspect, and is also looking at ways to incorporate remote sensing, thermal imagery, heat-resistant hardware, and advanced communication systems into the firefighting drones of the future.The general idea is to one day have a piece of tech capable of going to where the fire is, and gathering information about it from vantage points otherwise inaccessible through conventional means. Fires should then be easier to map, fumes could be detected, and the effects of the fire on its surroundings better assessed.Some drones could potentially be equipped with hardware that would actively allow them to fight fires, not in the traditional sense of dropping fire retardant everywhere, but by targeting select locations that could have the greatest impact.On account of their size, maneuverability, and other capabilities, drones could be used in low-visibility, could be sent out faster, could stay in the air for as long as possible and, most importantly, theyll not risk anyones life in the process.Firefighting drones will not be able to do the job alone, of course, and boots on the grounds and piloted aircraft in the air will still be needed, but they could make life for those involved a lot easier, and a lot safer.Sadly, NASA did not say when we should expect a suitable solution from all the research taking place. The agency does seem serious about this though, and it even held a wildfire management workshop back in 2021. Its findings can be studied in the PDF attached below. So, it is a true end-of-the-rainbow treasure to have one survive to this day in perfect working order, like this particular machine auctioned by Bonham's auction house. The estimated price is between 75,000 and 100,000 ($87,000 to $116,000 at the time of this story).A history-making relic, this 1938-built Enigma encrypted messages for the German Army. The D-reflector is the exciting detail that sets this particular cipher machine apart from other Enigmas. Have a look at it in the photo gallery.This tiny device constituted a hardware upgrade that improved cipher security for the Nazi military, but it came too late to impact the war's course. However, it gave the Allied code-breaking teams sufficient headaches to determine Winston Churchill's order to destroy all remaining Enigma cipher apparatuses.Alan Turing and his team did a great job cracking the Enigma wide open, but the D-reflector would have rendered their efforts useless. However, this improvement of the Enigma came into service in January 1944.On top of that, only very few Enigmas got the D update. Thus, the shady war gear came in too little and too late to change anything. Dubbed "Uncle-D" by the operators, the D-reflector (the letter D is just a military chronological code, as it followed models C, B, and A) was rather intricate to operate, as it required a partial disassembly of the cipher machine.Its 13 pairs of connectors can be wired in specific orders, so the cipher is changed accordingly. Since the wiring operation was time-consuming, the cipher only changed every ten days.Miraculously, some of these Enigmas survived unscathed. We say "miraculously" because, as is the habit in any war, there is no cost too heavy to safeguard secrets. German officers had strict orders to carry out the total devastation of their secret-transmitting devices to prevent any potential capturer from breaking the cipher.The auctioned glow lamp-based, three-rotor Enigma, built by Heimsoeth&Rinke in 1938, is serial number A 8904 and features a standard QWERTZ keyboard of 26 keys with white on black backgrounds. The machine is encased in a stained oak box (11in x 6in x 13.5in, 28cm x 15.2cm x 34.5cm) with hinges on the front panel and a leather handle. Members of the Taliban government Kabul The Taliban's Finance Ministry in Afghanistan wants its employees to be more than number crunchers - it's requiring that everyone in its ranks must pass a test of faith to stay employed. According to media reports, a letter has been issued detailing orders for all employees to be given a test to gauge their knowledge of Islam. The letter, which bore Taliban stamps and insignias and was signed by officials, was delivered by the ministry's Directorate of Invitation and Guidance. It says all ministry employees are required to take the test, which appears to be based on a 10-page booklet that covers issues related to Islam. The booklet addresses 53 topics, ranging from asking to describe the five pillars of Islam to explaining the difference between a prophet and a messenger of God, to describing the signs that Judgment Day has arrived. During its first stint in power from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban also tested the religious knowledge of state employees who were not members of the hard-line group. But this is the first time the Taliban has quizzed public employees since it regained power in August 2021. ALSO READ: India warns of 'significant increase' in terror presence in Afghanistan In July, the Finance Ministry requested that female employees send a male relative to work in their stead, in keeping with the Taliban government's decision to bar most women from working in the public sector and government. Only women in the health and education sectors are permitted to work. LAGOS, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Chinese nationals living Nigeria on Friday night celebrated in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, the Mid-Autumn Festival with songs and dances, amid a copious flow of food and beverages. At a five-and-a-half-hour gala, which was held at the famous Oriental Hotel in Lagos, artists from the Huaxing Arts Troupe Nigeria, the Nigeria Dance Troupe, and artists from major tribes in Nigeria staged a variety of traditional music, dances and songs. An audience of about 500 people attended the gala, including Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Cui Jianchun, the Consul General of China in Lagos Chu Maoming, and some senior officials from Nigeria's ministry of information and culture, and ministry of science, technology and innovation. Speaking at the ceremony, Cui Jianchun said both countries had gone through many historical events and helped each other to bring peace, development and growth in all sectors, which brought significant benefits to the peoples of the two countries as well as world peace and progress. The envoy, who said China and Nigeria enjoy historical relations that are growing from strength to strength, also expressed support for Nigeria's efforts to maintain development and stability. Ni Mengxiao, Chairman of the Chinese Industrial and Commercial Enterprises Association and Huaxing Arts Troupe Nigeria, told Xinhua that the development of the bilateral ties between both countries has greatly contributed to the social and economic development of Nigeria. "China and Nigeria are good friends, partners, and brothers. A good relationship between the two nations has brought tons of benefits to our people and countries, and it contributes to peace and development regionally and globally," he said. Other speakers at the event, including the wife of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, stressed that they expect stronger cooperation and more progress in China-Nigeria relations. They said China has been critical in supporting Nigeria in building key infrastructure projects like railways, roads, hospitals, among others. The performance received strong support from viewers. Each of the performances drew hearty rounds of applause from the audience. The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals. Police have confirmed a dive team is searching for a missing person in Southeast Texas. Orange County Sheriffs Office Public Information Officer Holly Corley said the dive team was initiated at Boomtown RV Park for a barge worker, who has been missing since noon. Jon Elswick, STF / Associated Press This independent, unilateral declassification of highly sensitive classified information at the federal level has got to stop. Allowing just one person this approval may place this nation in great peril. The U.S. Constitution does not grant this authority to anyone. It doesn't even pass the test of common sense. Don't know where this authority comes from, but this is the type of power granted to an anarchist. It is time to remove this authorization. Without regard to any safeguards, proper procedure, counsel or expertise, one man declared himself the sole know-all of highly sensitive data. In the meantime, that same information is still highly restricted and classified at its point of origin. This is an extremely dangerous and reckless position in which to place the nation. ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP, HO / TNS Two letters from Trump supporters in the Enterprise last week illustrate the difficulty the rest of us have in finding a common reality for communication. James Phillips said he knows the truth but recommends we watch Newsmax. He says ex-president Donald Trump is very obviously the man who could put us back on track and also says he is seeing prophecy being fulfilled. If he is referring to Jan. 6, that was no supposed Biblical prophecy and no accident. It was Trumps encouragement of violence in an attempted coup. Phillips exhorts us to humble ourselves to heal our land while looking to a self-dealing narcissistic con-man to lead him. How can one embrace Trump and still follow the teachings of Christ? Candy Hartzogs letter began with an attack on Hillary Clinton (its always either Hillary Clinton or Nancy Pelosi) claiming a decades-long crime spree, but does not cite a single example even for her charges of treason and espionage. The rest of her letter is a litany of excuses for Trump and an attack on Democrats. Donald Trump didnt bring those boxes (of classified documents) to Mar-a-Lago. Others did. She ended with, My gosh, how did America get so stuck on stupid? I appreciate her realization that Republicans need some self-reflection to answer that, but I hope they also reflect on their efforts to overturn our American democracy and their zeal for autocracy. Also, let us not forget that 139 Republican representatives, including Randy Weber and Brian Babin, and eight Republican senators, including Ted Cruz, voted against certification of the 2020 election results even after the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. Warhammer 40K: Why Marines Are The Best Beginner Army 4 Minute Read Advertisement Space Marines are still the best Beginner army around. But why? Thats what were here to discuss today. Getting into Warhammer 40,000 can be daunting. There are a lot of armies to choose from and no one wants to waste time or money on a bad army. And chasing the meta for the current hotness can end up being a trap all on its own. Is that the reason new players seem to gravitate towards Space Marines as their beginner army? Its just one of many reasons why they are still the best option for beginning players. There are a lot of advantages to starting with Space Marines. First and foremost is that they are relatively easy to learn. Stat-wise, they are very straight forward across many of their units. The major exception is vehicles but most of the time youre hitting on 3s, wounding on 3s or 4s, and have a 3+ save. Obviously theres a ton of modifiers and auras, but you get the basic rules down pretty fast with Marines. They are also super easy to build. Assembly-wise, they arent the most complicated models out there and thats a good thing for new players. There arent a ton of fiddly bits to deal with as the standard Marine is really copy-paste across the board for assembly. That also means that painting them is really easy, too. Once you figure out a scheme that you can easily repeat its just a matter of time when it comes to painting them. Space Marine also have the biggest codex and the most options to build from. When you really break it down their codex feels like its 2 or 3 armies smooshed together in one book. Thats great for new players as they can always find either a new unit to check out or another unit to solve an issue they might have come across. Space Marines have answers in their codex for every situation. Sometimes that amount of choice can be overwhelming but its better than feeling like your book is too anemic in the options department. Advertisement Space Marines are also the army that is by far the easiest to get your hands on, too. Stores tend to stock them and GW tends to include something Space Marine related in most combos not to mention the after-market scene. Theres always someone selling off Marine stuff and its typically at a discount. In general Space Marines are easy to get, easy to build, easy to paint, easy to learn, and are a fairly forgiving army to play. Theres really not a lot of downsides for beginners to stumble into with them. Their only real issue is choice when it comes the army. And thats not a bad problem to have! Subscribe to our newsletter! Get Tabletop, RPG & Pop Culture news delivered directly to your inbox. By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Space Marines Choose Your Flavor Of Power Armour Space Marines also have another major advantage for new players: Space Marine Chapters. While you could just stick with vanilla Space Marines and use the core codex the entire time, theres also ALL the different Space Marine Chapters to choose from. Dark Angels, Blood Angels, Space Wolves, Deathwatch and all the many, many other chapters to choose from. The only Chapter that fits outside that box is the Grey Knights. Advertisement But even a Grey Knight army still benefits from many of the pros that generic Space Marines have. So you really cant go wrong with any of the Space Marine options. Oh hey, did you want to play the bad guys instead? Turns out theres almost as many choices for the Chaos Space Marines, too! The Chaos Space Marine codex is jam packed with options and, while there arent quite as many flavors, theres still a TON of specialized Chaos Space Marines to choose from. Thousands Sons, Death Guard, and the upcoming World Eaters codexes all offer their own spin on Chaos Marines. Space Marines are perfect for beginners because whatever play style you want to play they can support that. You can build into the army of your dreams with Space Marines because they are so broad. Thats why most players end up with a Space Marine army at some point in their 40k career. In fact, thats one more benefit when learning to play them everyone can help you with their rules! When it comes to getting started Space Marines are cheap, easy, and effective what more could you want in an army for a beginner? Theres a good reason Marines are so prevalent on the tabletop. Is there a better beginner army? Let us know in the comments! Advertisement Author: Adam Harrison Writer, Editor, Texas Native, and Austinite for 15+ years, Adam covers all things Tabletop Gaming. Which includes Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar, D&D, Board Games and everything else that involves dice, boards, cards and a table. A hobbyist, player, and collector of miniatures and games, Adam's current obsession are his Death Armies for Age of Sigmar, his Blood Angels and Tyranids for 40k, and his ever growing Arkham Horror: The Card Game Collection. Advertisement Read the Comments (0) People in the Deep South would like you to know that they are not so different from people in other parts of Thailand. They care about their family, their faith, and their culture. And they want to live a dignified life and live it in peace. The Deep South is a region along the Thai-Malaysia border comprising the provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala, and four districts of Songkhla province. It is distinguished by poverty, a separatist insurgency that has dragged on for decades, and the Melayu culture, of which Islam is a central part. Here, a dozen residents of the southern border region talk about their struggles and their aspirations. A BenarNews correspondent from Bangkok interviewed them from Aug. 29 until Sept. 2, while traveling through the Deep South. Nureta Mani The 23-year-old recently graduated from a vocational college, where she was studying Chinese. I would like to speak many languages, Nureta Mani says. She works at a co-operative in the Barahom community in Maung, a district of Pattani province. Her dream is to become a tour guide in southern Thailand. Mohammad Marangoa Mohammad Marangoa, 35, listens to music on his phone as he walks to the morning market near his house. He says he has mental health issues and so has not been able to find work. But music and morning walks help him. Provinces in the Deep South are among the poorest in the country, with poverty rates of 34 percent in both Pattani and Narathiwat, according to a 2019 World Bank report. The nationwide poverty rate is 6 percent. Samuni Meandi Every morning starting at dawn, Samuni Meandi, 27, works at a rubber plantation in insurgency-stricken Narathiwat province. But I barely make do with a living, she says, adding that her earnings are uncertain because of the up-and-down prices for rubber products. Buho Maming Buho Maming says she enjoys chewing beetle nut every morning. At 86, she does not follow the news about the insurgency. I am not in touch with all that, she answers, shaking her head gently when asked about recent coordinated attacks by suspected insurgents across the Deep South. She was more than 20 years old when BRN, the most powerful separatist group in the region, came into existence in the early 1960s. Prapat Chindanusan Prapat Chindanusan, a chief temple supervisor, advises visitors on how to pay homage to Chinese gods and goddesses at the Lim Ko Niew shrine in Pattani town. People of all faiths live in peace and harmony in Pattani. The differences are not the reasons for violent acts, the 63-year-old says. There is also a small Chinese-Thai population, which came to settle here hundreds of years ago, with its own culture. Yateng Waehama Yateng Waehama, 64, owns a small community food shop outside Pattani town. He says he has no interest in politics. Politics? Dont get me started, he says, and shakes his head. Asmawati Mabae Asmawati Mabae, 34, works at a local government administration office in Narathiwat. She says it is hard for young people in the Deep South to be secure about their future because of a lack of opportunities in the region, so many go to neighboring Malaysia in search of jobs. Youth unemployment is high in Thailands southern region compared to the north, though there are no government figures. Chamnan Sengtub First Lt. Chamnan Sengtub commands the 4305th Ranger Company in Koke Po, a district in Pattani. Our job is to protect people in this area. The insurgents are not from this neighborhood. We befriend the local residents and have a good understanding with them, he says. One of his men was killed in a 2020 roadside bombing. Since the insurgency re-ignited in 2004, more than 7,000 people have been killed and 13,500 others injured in violence across the region, according to Deep South Watch, a local think-tank. Hassan Tetae Hassan Tetae, 26, has been enrolled in Islamic studies at Ululumul Islamiyah Pondok, a school in Nong Chik district that teaches abut the Koran and Melayu culture. He started studying there at the age of 16 to learn the path of Allah. He says he wants to have a job, any general job would do in the near future. Koreyo Latae Koreyo Latae, 41, comes to pray at the historic Krue Se Mosque after selling chicken satay at the local market. The sales reduced by half since the violence last month. It was already bad since the COVID outbreak, she says. In mid-August 2022, insurgents targeted 17 spots in a coordinated attack in which one person was killed. No one claimed responsibility for the attack. Charif Sobhanalle Charif Sobhanalle, 27, a student at Prince of Songkla University, helped organize the Deep Salt Exhibition in Pattanis historic Chinatown to portray the other side of the province. The exhibition includes arts, cultural heritage, and sea salt, a local product that many farmers depend on for their income. Deep inside, there is beauty in all cultures and people, including Buddhists, Muslims and Chinese, he says. Ni-ae Tuwaegaji Ni-ae Tuwaegaji, 26, is a third-generation salt farmer. Salt farms in Pattani province are smaller in size than those in central Thailand, but the salt has a unique sweet taste due to the regions geography. Im afraid, one day salt farming here may disappear due to climate change and other issues, he says. Mariyam Ahmad, a BenarNews correspondent based in Pattani, contributed to this report. Photo taken on Sept. 10, 2022 shows ammunition discovered in Balkh province, Afghanistan. A weapon cache was discovered by police in Mazar-i-Sharif city of Afghanistan's Balkh province following a special operation, with a variety of arms and ammunition confiscated, provincial police spokesman Mohammad Asif Waziri said Saturday. (Photo by M Fardin Nawrozi/Xinhua) MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- A weapon cache was discovered by police in Mazar-i-Sharif city of Afghanistan's Balkh province following a special operation, with a variety of arms and ammunition confiscated, provincial police spokesman Mohammad Asif Waziri said Saturday. "The operation was launched today in Police District 5 and police discovered a rocket-propelled grenade, an 82 mm caliber gun, anti-aircraft gun, 54 stock hand grenades and hundreds of rounds of bullets," Waziri told reporters here. Police would continue to collect arms and ammunitions from anyone from non-security organizations to stabilize peace and security in the province, the official asserted. In similar operations a couple of weeks ago, police also collected 40 pieces of arms including several AK-47 rifles from some individuals in Balkh province. Photo taken on Sept. 10, 2022 shows weapons discovered in Balkh province, Afghanistan. A weapon cache was discovered by police in Mazar-i-Sharif city of Afghanistan's Balkh province following a special operation, with a variety of arms and ammunition confiscated, provincial police spokesman Mohammad Asif Waziri said Saturday. (Photo by M Fardin Nawrozi/Xinhua) If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Ethan Chorin is the author of the recently released book Benghazi! A New History of the Fiasco that Pushed America to the Brink. He was a U.S. diplomat posted to Libya 2004-2006 and a witness to the 2012 attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi.